HELLER FINANCIAL INC
S-3, 1997-10-23
SHORT-TERM BUSINESS CREDIT INSTITUTIONS
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<PAGE>
 
   AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON OCTOBER 23, 1997
 
                                                     REGISTRATION NO. 333-
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
                               ----------------
 
                                   FORM S-3
                            REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                       UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
 
                               ----------------
 
                            HELLER FINANCIAL, INC.
            (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
 
                               ----------------
 
               DELAWARE                              36-1208070
       (STATE OF INCORPORATION)         (I.R.S. EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NO.)
 
        500 WEST MONROE STREET, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60661, (312) 441-7000
  (ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF
                   REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
 
                               ----------------
 
                             DEBRA H. SNIDER, ESQ.
                           EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT,
                         GENERAL COUNSEL AND SECRETARY
                            HELLER FINANCIAL, INC.
        500 WEST MONROE STREET, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60661, (312) 441-7000
(NAME, ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE,
                             OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
 
                                   COPY TO:
                            LAWRENCE D. LEVIN, ESQ.
                              MARK D. WOOD, ESQ.
                             KATTEN MUCHIN & ZAVIS
  525 WEST MONROE STREET, SUITE 1600, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60661, (312) 902-5200
 
                               ----------------
 
  APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: From time
to time after the effective date of this Registration Statement.
  If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered
pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the
following box: [_]
  If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or
interest reinvestment plans, check the following box: [X]
  If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and
list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective
registration statement for the same offering: [_]
  If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering: [_]
  If the delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule
434, please check the following box: [_]
 
                        CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         PROPOSED
                                          PROPOSED       MAXIMUM
 TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF     AMOUNT        MAXIMUM       AGGREGATE     AMOUNT OF
    SECURITIES TO BE         TO BE     OFFERING PRICE    OFFERING    REGISTRATION
       REGISTERED        REGISTERED(1)    PER UNIT       PRICE(1)        FEE
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                      <C>           <C>            <C>            <C>
Debt Securities.......
Warrants to Purchase
 Debt Securities......        (2)            (2)      $3,000,000,000   $909,091
Senior Preferred
 Stock, $.01 par value
 per share............
</TABLE>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) The maximum aggregate offering price of Debt Securities, Warrants to
    Purchase Debt Securities and Senior Preferred Stock registered hereunder
    shall not exceed $3,000,000,000.
(2) Not applicable pursuant to General Instruction II.D. of Form S-3 under the
    Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
 
                               ----------------
 
  THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT
SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS
REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH
SECTION 8(A) OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID
SECTION 8(A), MAY DETERMINE.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
 
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A         +
+REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE   +
+SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY  +
+OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT        +
+BECOMES EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR   +
+THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE      +
+SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE    +
+UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF  +
+ANY SUCH STATE.                                                               +
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
                 SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED OCTOBER 23, 1997
 
PROSPECTUS
 
                             HELLER FINANCIAL, INC.
 
                                DEBT SECURITIES
                      WARRANTS TO PURCHASE DEBT SECURITIES
                             SENIOR PREFERRED STOCK
 
                                  -----------
 
  Heller Financial, Inc. (the "Company") may from time to time offer unsecured
debt securities (the "Debt Securities") consisting of debentures, notes and/or
other evidences of unsecured indebtedness, in one or more series, or warrants
to purchase Debt Securities ("Warrants"), or shares of senior preferred stock,
$.01 par value per share (the "Senior Preferred Stock"), in one or more series
(the Debt Securities, Warrants and Senior Preferred Stock being hereinafter
collectively referred to as the "Securities"), or any combination of the
foregoing, at an aggregate initial offering price not to exceed $3,000,000,000,
or the equivalent thereof if any of the Securities are designated in a foreign
currency or foreign currency unit, at prices and on terms to be determined at
or prior to the time of sale. The Debt Securities and Warrants may be sold for
U.S. dollars, foreign currencies or foreign currency units, and the principal
of, and premium, if any, and interest, if any, on, the Debt Securities may be
payable in U.S. dollars, foreign currencies or foreign currency units.
 
  Specific terms of the Securities in respect of which this Prospectus is being
delivered will be set forth in an accompanying Prospectus Supplement (the
"Prospectus Supplement"), together with the terms of the offering of such
Securities, the initial price of such Securities and the net proceeds to the
Company from their sale. Without limitation, the Prospectus Supplement will set
forth the following: (i) in the case of Debt Securities, the specific
designation, ranking as senior, subordinated or junior subordinated debt,
aggregate principal amount, maturity, rate (or method of calculation) of any
interest and dates for payment thereof, currency or currencies or currency unit
or currency units for which the Debt Securities may be purchased, currency or
currencies or currency unit or currency units in which principal, premium, if
any, and interest, if any, is payable, authorized denominations, tax
consequences, any exchangeability, conversion, redemption, prepayment or
sinking fund provisions and additional covenants, conditions and events of
default, if any; (ii) in the case of Warrants, the designation and terms of the
Debt Securities purchasable upon exercise of the Warrants, the designation and
terms of any Debt Securities with which the Warrants are issued, the exercise
price, the duration and detachability from any related Debt Securities; and
(iii) in the case of Senior Preferred Stock, the designation, number of shares,
liquidation preference per share, dividend rate (or method of calculation
thereof), dates on which dividends, if any, shall be payable and from which
dividends shall accrue, voting rights, if any, any redemption or sinking fund
provisions, and any conversion or exchange rights.
 
  The Company has not yet determined whether any Securities offered hereby will
be listed on any exchange or over-the-counter market. If the Company decides to
seek listing of any such Securities, the Prospectus Supplement relating thereto
will disclose such exchange or market.
 
  The Securities may be offered directly to purchasers, to or through
underwriters, dealers or agents, as designated from time to time, or through a
combination of any such methods. If any underwriters, dealers or agents are
involved in the offering of the Securities, then the names of such
underwriters, dealers or agents and any applicable fee, commission or discount
arrangements with them will be set forth in the Prospectus Supplement. See
"Plan of Distribution." Except as otherwise provided in a Prospectus
Supplement, the net proceeds to the Company from any offering will be added to
the general funds of the Company. See "Use of Proceeds."
 
                                  -----------
 
THESE SECURITIES  HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED  OR DISAPPROVED BY  THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION  OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS  THE SECURITIES
 AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION  OR ANY  STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION  PASSED UPON THE
 ACCURACY OR  ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION  TO THE CONTRARY
  IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
                The date of this Prospectus is           , 1997.
LOGO
<PAGE>
 
  NO PERSON IS AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN OR INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN
THIS PROSPECTUS OR ANY PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH
INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN
AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY OR ANY UNDERWRITER. NEITHER THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT CONSTITUTES AN OFFER TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN
OFFER TO BUY ANY SECURITIES OTHER THAN THE REGISTERED SECURITIES TO WHICH IT
RELATES OR AN OFFER TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY SUCH
SECURITIES IN ANY JURISDICTION TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE
SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION IN SUCH JURISDICTION.
 
  In this Prospectus and any Prospectus Supplement references to "dollar" and
"$" are to United States dollars, and the term "United States" or "U.S." means
the United States of America, its states, its territories, its possessions and
all areas subject to its jurisdiction.
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
  The Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission") a registration statement on Form S-3 (herein, together with all
amendments and exhibits, referred to as the "Registration Statement") under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). This
Prospectus, which constitutes a part of the Registration Statement, does not
contain all of the information set forth in the Registration Statement,
certain parts of which are omitted as permitted by the rules and regulations
of the Commission. For further information, reference is hereby made to the
Registration Statement. Statements made in this Prospectus, or in the
documents incorporated by reference herein, as to the contents of any
contract, agreement or other document are not necessarily complete. With
respect to each such contract, agreement or other document filed as an exhibit
to the Registration Statement or otherwise filed with the Commission,
reference is made to the copy so filed, and each such statement shall be
deemed qualified in its entirety by such reference.
 
  The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance
therewith files reports and other information with the Commission. The
Registration Statement, as well as such reports and other information filed by
the Company with the Commission, can be inspected and copied at the public
reference facilities maintained by the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the regional offices of the Commission at 7
World Trade Center, Suite 1300, New York, New York 10048 and Citicorp Center,
500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661. Copies of such
material also can be obtained at prescribed rates from the Public Reference
Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549.
Certain securities of the Company are listed on the New York Stock Exchange,
and reports and other information concerning the Company may be inspected at
the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, 20 Broad Street, New York, New
York 10005. Copies of reports, proxy and information statements and other
information regarding registrants that file electronically (including the
Company) are available on the Commission's Web Site at http://www.sec.gov.
 
                INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
 
  The following documents heretofore filed by the Company with the Commission
pursuant to the Exchange Act are incorporated herein by reference:
 
    (1) The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
  December 31, 1996;
 
    (2) The Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the periods ended
  March 31, 1997 and June 30, 1997; and
 
    (3) The Company's Current Reports on Form 8-K dated January 27, 1997,
  April 3, 1997, April 22, 1997, July 24, 1997 and October 22, 1997.
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
  All documents filed by the Company pursuant to sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or
15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this Prospectus and prior to the
termination of any offering of the Securities shall be deemed to be
incorporated in this Prospectus by reference and to be a part hereof from the
date of filing of each such document. Any statement contained in a document
incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed
to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Prospectus to the extent that
a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed document which
also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein modifies or
supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded shall
not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of
this Prospectus.
 
  The Company will provide without charge to each person to whom a copy of this
Prospectus has been delivered, upon the written or oral request of such person,
a copy of any or all of the documents referred to above which have been
incorporated in this Prospectus by reference (other than exhibits to such
documents, unless such exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference into
the information that this Prospectus incorporates). Requests for such copies
should be directed to: Treasurer, Heller Financial, Inc., 500 West Monroe
Street, Chicago, Illinois 60661 (telephone (312) 441-7000).
 
                   SAFE HARBOR FOR FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
  This Prospectus contains, any Prospectus Supplement will contain, and the
documents incorporated by reference herein contain or will contain certain
"forward-looking statements" (as defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act)
that are based on the beliefs of the Company's management, as well as
assumptions made by, and information currently available to, the Company's
management. Wherever possible, the Company has identified these forward-looking
statements by using words such as "anticipates," "believes," "estimates,"
"expects" and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are subject
to risks and uncertainties which could cause the Company's actual results,
performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed in, or
implied by, these statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are
not limited to, the following: (1) the results of the Company's efforts to
implement its business strategy; (2) the effect of economic conditions and the
performance of borrowers; (3) actions of the Company's competitors and the
Company's ability to respond to such actions; (4) the cost of the Company's
capital, which depends in part on the Company's portfolio quality, ratings,
prospects and outlook; and (5) changes in governmental regulations, tax rates
and similar matters. The Company assumes no obligation to update publicly any
forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future
events or otherwise.
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
GENERAL
 
  The Company was incorporated in 1919 under the laws of the State of Delaware
and is engaged in various aspects of the commercial finance business. The
Company and its consolidated subsidiaries employ approximately 2,300 people.
The Company's executive offices are located at 500 West Monroe Street, Chicago,
Illinois 60661 (telephone: (312) 441-7000). Unless the context indicates
otherwise, references to the Company include Heller Financial, Inc. and its
consolidated subsidiaries.
 
  The Company is a diversified financial services company which provides a
broad array of commercial financial products and services primarily to middle-
market companies in the United States and internationally. The Company provides
its products and services through five product categories: (i) asset based
finance, (ii) cash flow lending, (iii) real estate finance, (iv) international
asset based finance and factoring and (v) specialized finance. The middle-
market segment served includes entities primarily in the manufacturing and
service sectors with annual sales in the range of $15 million to $200 million
and in the real estate sector with property values generally in the range of $5
million to $40 million.
 
  The Company's emphasis has been to grow the lower risk asset based finance
businesses, maintain significant franchises in corporate finance and real
estate finance and continue to grow its international asset based lending
businesses. The asset based businesses have developed to become the largest
product category in assets and revenues. Earnings quality has been strengthened
through the growth in the asset based businesses, which provide more consistent
revenue streams and produce lower and less volatile credit quality costs. The
Company manages asset quality through the use of disciplined underwriting
standards and aggressive account management techniques. The underwriting
standards and credit disciplines employed on the post-1990 corporate finance
and real estate finance portfolios have resulted in strong credit quality for
these portfolios. In addition, the Company continues to significantly reduce
its pre-1990 corporate finance and real estate finance portfolios. The Company
has maintained a conservative capital structure with substantial equity, low
leverage and moderate reliance for funding on the commercial paper market.
 
PRODUCT CATEGORIES
 
  The Company offers a wide range of financial products and services to its
customers through five product categories.
 
 Asset Based Finance
 
  Asset based financing is offered by six distinct product groups: Heller
Current Asset Management ("Current Asset Management"), Heller Business Credit
("Business Credit"), Heller Equipment Finance and Leasing ("Equipment Finance
and Leasing"), Heller Vendor Finance ("Vendor Finance"), Heller First Capital
("First Capital") and Heller Sales Finance ("Sales Finance").
 
  Current Asset Management provides working capital financing, receivables
management and credit protection to companies in a broad range of industries.
Current Asset Management is the fourth largest domestic factor in the United
States and is the Company's oldest business with over 50 years of operations.
The group offers factoring services to over 600 clients and 80,000 customers,
primarily in the apparel, textile, houseware, transportation and home
furnishings industries. In return for a commission, the group purchases the
client's accounts receivables and provides collection, credit protection and
management information services. Working capital is provided by advancing on a
formula basis a percentage of the purchase price of the client's factored
accounts receivables. Current Asset Management also provides advances against
inventory on a formula basis.
 
  Business Credit provides asset based working capital and term financing to
middle market companies for refinancings, recapitalizations, acquisitions,
seasonal borrowing, debtor-in-possession (DIP) and post-DIP
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
transactions through senior loans secured primarily by accounts receivable and
inventory. The group provides financing to manufacturers, retailers,
wholesalers, distributors, exporters and service firms. The group also serves
as co-lender or participant in transactions agented by other asset-based
lenders. Revolving credit facilities and term loans are generally cross-
collateralized. The Company protects its position against deterioration of a
borrower's performance by using established advance rates against eligible
collateral. Transaction sizes range from $5 million to $75 million, and the
group utilizes syndication capabilities to lower the average retained
transaction size to approximately $20 million in commitments and $10 million in
fundings.
 
  Equipment Finance and Leasing is comprised of four direct origination finance
divisions: Heller Commercial Equipment Finance ("Commercial Equipment
Finance"), Heller Aircraft Finance ("Aircraft Finance"), Heller Public Finance
("Public Finance") and Heller Industrial Equipment Finance ("Industrial
Equipment Finance"). Commercial Equipment Finance provides leasing and
financing programs to a diverse group of middle market companies collateralized
by equipment for expansion, replacement or modernization or to refinance
existing equipment obligations. Typically, the equipment is essential to the
operations of the borrower, and the amount financed is generally not a
substantial part of the borrower's capital structure. Commercial Equipment
Finance serves various markets, including transportation, supermarket,
manufacturing, energy, restaurant and food processing. Transaction sizes
generally range from $500,000 to $15 million, with terms ranging from three to
ten years and an average transaction size in 1996 of approximately $4 million.
Aircraft Finance offers financing for commercial aircraft and aircraft engines
through operating leases and senior and junior secured loans. Transaction sizes
range from $5 million to $40 million, with terms ranging from five to fifteen
years and an average transaction size in 1996 of approximately $13 million.
During 1996, the Company formed Public Finance to provide equipment and
project/facility financing to state and local governments and Industrial
Equipment Finance to provide collateral based equipment financing to smaller
middle market companies in the machine tool, construction, printing and
trucking industries. The targeted average transaction size is approximately $2
million for Public Finance and less than $1 million for Industrial Equipment
Finance.
 
  Vendor Finance provides customized equipment leasing and financing programs
to manufacturers and distributors of a wide variety of commercial, industrial
and technology based products. These services, offered through approximately 75
programs with manufacturers and vendors, are established to finance sales to
end users. Transactions under these programs generally have partial or in some
cases full recourse to the vendor. The group serves the financing needs of the
machining, graphic arts, information technology, energy management, healthcare,
communication and food processing markets. Transaction sizes range from $50,000
to approximately $3 million, with an average transaction size in 1996 of
approximately $150,000. The group also provides capital to independent finance
and leasing companies.
 
  First Capital provides long-term financing to independent small businesses
and franchises under the United States Small Business Administration ("SBA")
loan programs. First Capital is one of the largest participants in the SBA's
7(A) loan program under which up to 80% of each loan is guaranteed by the SBA.
The Company also makes loans under the SBA's 504 program. These loans are
senior to an accompanying SBA loan and have an average loan to collateral value
of 50%. First Capital's SBA 7(A) and 504 loans include financing for real
estate acquisition, refinancing or construction financing, equipment or
business acquisition, permanent working capital for expansion efforts and debt
consolidation. The guaranteed portions of the SBA 7(A) loans are sometimes sold
in the secondary market, with servicing rights retained by First Capital.
Transaction sizes generally range from $50,000 to $2 million, with an average
transaction size in 1996 of approximately $400,000.
 
  Sales Finance provides financing, primarily through senior lines and, to a
lesser extent, subordinated debt to originators of consumer receivables.
Financing is primarily provided for vacation ownership, home equity and
improvement, non-prime auto, security alarm monitoring contracts and municipal
tax liens. Sales Finance is a major capital source in the United States in the
vacation ownership industry. Transaction sizes generally range from $3 million
to $25 million, with an average transaction size in 1996 of approximately $7
million.
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
 Cash Flow Lending
 
  Heller Corporate Finance ("Corporate Finance") is a leading provider of
middle market financing based on the cash flows underlying a client's business.
This lending is generally provided through coordination with private equity
sponsors and includes the financing of corporate recapitalizations,
refinancings, expansions, acquisitions and buy-outs of publicly and privately
held entities in a wide variety of industries. Loans are provided on both a
term and revolving basis for periods of up to ten years and are typically
collateralized by senior liens on the borrower's stock or assets or both.
Transactions may also include some unsecured or subordinated financings or
modest non-voting equity investments. The group also serves as co-lender or
participant in transactions agented by other asset based lenders. Transaction
sizes range from $5 million to $50 million, and the group utilizes syndication
capabilities to lower the average retained transaction size to approximately
$16 million in commitments and $9 million in fundings for 1996. Corporate
Finance also invests in equity funds generally originated by equity sponsors.
 
 Real Estate Finance
 
  Heller Real Estate Financial Services ("Real Estate Finance") specializes in
providing financing products to real estate owners, investors and developers,
primarily for the acquisition, refinancing and renovation of commercial income-
producing properties in a wide range of property types and geographic areas.
The group is one of the nation's largest providers of loans secured by
manufactured housing communities and self-storage facility property types to be
sold in the capital markets through a commercial mortgage securitization. The
group also offers financing for discounted loan portfolio acquisitions, single
family housing developments, credit sale-leasebacks and to be built properties
with credit tenants. The group also holds investments in acquisition,
development and construction transactions, as well as certain available for
sale debt securities. Loans generally have terms ranging from one to five years
and are principally collateralized by first mortgages. Transaction sizes
generally range from $1 million to $15 million, with an average transaction
size in 1996 of approximately $3 million.
 
 International Asset Based Finance and Factoring
 
  Heller International Group, Inc. ("Heller International") offers financial
products through commercial finance subsidiaries and joint ventures in 18
countries in Europe, Asia/Pacific and Latin America. The joint ventures and
subsidiaries primarily provide factoring, asset based financing and receivables
management services, and also make loans for acquisition financing, leasing,
vendor finance and/or trade finance programs, primarily to small and mid-sized
businesses outside the United States. Heller International also makes modest
investments in international equity funds.
 
  On April 2, 1997, Heller International purchased the interest of its joint
venture partner in Factofrance Heller S.A. ("Factofrance") for $174 million. As
a result, Heller International increased its ownership interest in Factofrance
from 48.8% to 97.6%. Heller International has held an interest in Factofrance
for over 30 years, using the equity method of accounting for its previous
ownership position. Factofrance, founded in 1965, is the leading factoring
company in the French marketplace. Factofrance is headquartered in Paris and
has seven regional sales offices covering local markets.
 
 Specialized Finance
 
  Heller Project Finance, formerly known as Project Investment and Advisory
Division, consists of transactions in project finance offering financing to
independent power producers and industrial projects in the oil and gas, coal,
mining, paper and environmental industries. Financing is provided in the form
of senior and junior secured loans and equity investments. Transaction sizes
generally range from $5 million to $25 million, and terms range from seven to
15 years.
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
SYNDICATION, SECURITIZATION AND LOAN SALE ACTIVITIES
 
  A key element of the Company maintaining strong asset quality is its focus on
managing exposure to individual credits and industry concentrations. A major
part of the effort is syndicating loans or selling participations to control
the concentration of credit risk. The Company has established syndication
programs in most of its businesses, with receivable syndications and
participations totaling $453 million during 1996. In addition, Real Estate
Finance originates loans to manufactured housing communities, self storage
facilities and multi-tenant industrial property types, which may be sold as
whole loans or in the capital markets through a commercial mortgage
securitization. Other business groups also originate receivables which may be
sold as whole loans or through a securitization to take advantage of market
pricing and to reduce concentrations of credit risk. During 1996, the Company
had loan sales totaling $304 million. Through September 30, 1997, the Company
sold through securitization $268 million of loans and leases originated in its
Equipment Finance and Leasing and Vendor Finance businesses and $505 million of
mortgage loans originated in its Real Estate Finance business.
 
OWNERSHIP
 
  All of the outstanding Common Stock of the Company is owned by Heller
International Corporation (the "Parent"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Fuji
Bank, Limited ("Fuji Bank"), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. Fuji Bank also
directly owns 21% of the outstanding shares of Heller International, a
consolidated subsidiary of the Company engaged in international factoring and
asset based financing activities. Fuji Bank is one of the largest banks in the
world, with total deposits of approximately $311.4 billion at March 31, 1997.
For a discussion of the Keep Well Agreement between Fuji Bank and the Company,
see "Keep Well Agreement with Fuji Bank" below.
 
  The following table summarizes selected financial data obtained from Fuji
Bank's most recent available financial statements, as prepared in accordance
with accounting principles generally accepted in Japan, which differ from
generally accepted accounting principles in the United States.
 
                             THE FUJI BANK, LIMITED
                      (CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       YEAR ENDED MARCH 31,
                         --------------------------------------------------
                                   1997                     1996
                         ------------------------ -------------------------
                              YEN       DOLLARS*       YEN        DOLLARS*
                          (BILLIONS)   (MILLIONS)  (BILLIONS)    (MILLIONS)
                         ------------- ---------- -------------  ----------
<S>                      <C>           <C>        <C>            <C>
Total Assets............ (Yen)56,211.2 $452,950.5 (Yen)54,401.4  $511,531.8
Total Deposits..........      38,649.5  311,438.2      37,280.4   350,544.2
Total Liabilities.......      54,276.8  437,363.5      52,764.8   496,142.9
Total Stockholders'
 Equity.................       1,934.3   15,587.0       1,636.1    15,388.9
Net Income..............         109.0      878.7        (325.4)   (3,059.9)
</TABLE>
- --------
*Rates of Exchange: 3/31/97 (Yen) 124.10 = U.S. $1.00
                3/31/96 (Yen) 106.35 = U.S. $1.00
 
If the financial statements from which the numbers in the foregoing table were
taken had been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States, some of the amounts shown might have been
materially different. The Company currently understands that accounting
principles generally accepted in Japan differ from generally accepted
accounting principles in the United States in various areas including the
following: valuation of securities; accounting treatment of guarantees,
commitments, unearned income, deferred taxes, leases, depreciation, foreign
currency transactions and investments in subsidiaries, and creation and
maintenance of optional and required reserves.
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
KEEP WELL AGREEMENT WITH FUJI BANK
 
  The Company entered into a Keep Well Agreement (as amended from time to
time, the "Keep Well Agreement") with Fuji Bank on April 23, 1983 in order to
assist the Company in maintaining its credit rating. The Keep Well Agreement
was amended and supplemented on January 26, 1984, in connection with the
consummation of the purchase of the Company by Fuji Bank and has been amended
since that date from time to time. Most recently, on June 17, 1997, the Keep
Well Agreement was amended in connection with the Company's offering of its
Fixed Rate Noncumulative Perpetual Senior Preferred Stock, Series B, $.01 par
value ("Series B Preferred Stock"). The Keep Well Agreement shall not be
terminated prior to the date (the "Termination Date") which is the earlier of
(i) December 31, 2007 and (ii) the date on which the Company has received
written certifications from Moody's Investor Service, Inc. ("Moody's") and
Standard & Poor's Corporation ("S&P") that, upon termination of the Keep Well
Agreement, the ratings on the Company's senior unsecured indebtedness without
the support provided by the Keep Well Agreement will be no lower than such
ratings with the support of the Keep Well Agreement, but in no event shall the
Termination Date be earlier than December 31, 2002. In addition, the Keep Well
Agreement includes certain restrictions on termination relating to the
Company's 8 1/8% Cumulative Perpetual Senior Preferred Stock, Series A, $.01
par value ("Series A Preferred Stock"), the Series B Preferred Stock and any
fixed rate noncumulative perpetual Senior Preferred Stock issued in exchange
for the Series B Preferred Stock ("B Exchange Preferred Stock"), which
restrictions are discussed below.
 
  The Keep Well Agreement provides that Fuji Bank will maintain the Company's
net worth in an amount equal to $500 million. Accordingly, if the Company
should determine, at the close of any month, that its net worth is less than
$500 million, then Fuji Bank will purchase, or cause one of its subsidiaries
to purchase, shares of the Company's NW Preferred Stock, Class B, no par value
("NW Preferred Stock"), in an amount necessary to increase the Company's net
worth to $500 million. The NW Preferred Stock is a series of the Company's
preferred stock, no par value per share ("Junior Preferred Stock"), and,
accordingly, if and when issued will rank junior to the Series A Preferred
Stock, Series B Preferred Stock, any B Exchange Preferred Stock and any other
Senior Preferred Stock issued by the Company in the future (including any
Senior Preferred Stock offered hereby) as to payment of dividends, and in all
other respects. If and when the NW Preferred Stock is issued, dividends
thereon will be noncumulative and will be payable (if declared) quarterly at a
rate per annum equal to 1% over the three-month London Inter-bank Offered
Rate. Such dividends will not be paid during a default in the payment of
principal or interest on any of the outstanding indebtedness for money
borrowed by the Company. Subject to certain conditions, the NW Preferred Stock
will be redeemable, at the option of the holder, within a specified period of
time after the end of a calendar quarter in an aggregate amount not greater
than the excess of the net worth of the Company as of the end of such calendar
quarter over $500 million. See "Description of Existing Preferred Stock--NW
Preferred Stock."
 
  The Keep Well Agreement further provides that if the Company should lack
sufficient cash, other liquid assets or credit facilities to meet its payment
obligations on its commercial paper, then Fuji Bank will lend the Company up
to $500 million (the "Liquidity Commitment"), payable on demand, which the
Company may use only for the purpose of meeting such payment obligations. Any
such loan by Fuji Bank to the Company (a "Liquidity Advance") will bear
interest at a fluctuating interest rate per annum equal to the announced prime
commercial lending rate of Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York plus
0.25% per annum. Each Liquidity Advance will be repayable on demand at any
time after the business day following the 29th day after such Liquidity
Advance was made. No repayment of the Liquidity Advance will be made during a
period of default in the payment of the Company's senior indebtedness for
borrowed money.
 
  No Liquidity Advances or purchases of NW Preferred Stock have been made by
Fuji Bank under the Keep Well Agreement; other infusions of capital in the
Company have been made by the Parent, the last one of which occurred in 1992.
 
  Under the Keep Well Agreement, the Company has covenanted to maintain, and
Fuji Bank has undertaken to assure that the Company will maintain, unused
short-term lines of credit, asset sales facilities and committed
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
credit facilities in an amount approximately equal to 75% of the amount of its
commercial paper obligations from time to time outstanding. In addition, under
the Keep Well Agreement, neither Fuji Bank nor any of its subsidiaries can
sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of shares of Common Stock of the Company, or
permit the Company to issue shares of its Common Stock, except to Fuji Bank or
a Fuji Bank affiliate.
 
  Neither Fuji Bank nor the Company is permitted to terminate the Keep Well
Agreement for any reason prior to the Termination Date. After the Termination
Date, either Fuji Bank or the Company may terminate the Keep Well Agreement
upon 30 business days' prior written notice, except as set forth below. So long
as the Series A Preferred Stock is outstanding and held by third parties other
than Fuji Bank, the Keep Well Agreement may not be terminated by either party
unless the Company has received written certifications from Moody's and S&P
that upon such termination the Series A Preferred Stock will be rated by them
no lower than "a3" and "A-1," respectively. Additionally, so long as the Series
B Preferred Stock or B Exchange Preferred Stock is outstanding and held by
third parties other than Fuji Bank, the Keep Well Agreement may not be
terminated by either party unless the Company has received written
certifications from Moody's and S&P that upon such termination the Series B
Preferred Stock or B Exchange Preferred Stock, as the case may be (or both the
Series B Preferred Stock and B Exchange Preferred Stock if both are then
outstanding), will be rated no lower than "baa1" and "BBB" by Moody's and S&P,
respectively. For these purposes, the Series A Preferred Stock, Series B
Preferred Stock or B Exchange Preferred Stock will no longer be deemed
outstanding at such time as an effective notice of redemption of all of the
Series A Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock or B Exchange Preferred
Stock, as the case may be, shall have been given by the Company and funds
sufficient to effectuate such redemption shall have been deposited with the
party designated for such purpose in the notice. So long as the Series A
Preferred Stock is outstanding, if both Moody's and S&P shall discontinue
rating the Series A Preferred Stock, then Goldman, Sachs & Co., or its
successor, shall, within 30 days, select a nationally recognized substitute
rating agency and identify the comparable ratings from such agency. So long as
the Series A Preferred Stock is no longer outstanding but the Series B
Preferred Stock or B Exchange Preferred Stock is outstanding, if both Moody's
and S&P shall discontinue rating the Series B Preferred Stock or B Exchange
Preferred Stock, as the case may be, then Lehman Brothers Inc., or its
successor, shall, within 30 days, select a nationally recognized substitute
rating agency and identify the comparable ratings from such agency. Any
termination of the Keep Well Agreement by the Company must be consented to by
Fuji Bank. Any such termination will not relieve the Company of its obligations
in respect of any NW Preferred Stock outstanding on the date of termination or
the dividends thereon, any amounts owed in respect of Liquidity Advances on the
date of termination or the unpaid principal or interest on those Liquidity
Advances or Fuji Bank's fee relating to the Liquidity Commitment. Any such
termination will not adversely affect the Company's commercial paper
obligations outstanding on the date of termination. The Keep Well Agreement can
be modified or amended by a written agreement of Fuji Bank and the Company.
However, no such modification or amendment may change the prohibition against
termination before the Termination Date or the other restrictions on
termination or adversely affect the Company's then-outstanding commercial paper
obligations.
 
  Under the Keep Well Agreement, the Company's commercial paper obligations and
any other debt instruments are solely the obligations of the Company. The Keep
Well Agreement is not a guarantee by Fuji Bank of the payment of the Company's
commercial paper obligations, indebtedness, liabilities or obligations of any
kind.
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
  Except as otherwise provided in a Prospectus Supplement, the net proceeds
from the sale of the Securities will be added to the general funds of the
Company and will be available for the repayment of short-term borrowings and
for other corporate purposes. From time to time, the Company may engage in
additional public or private financings of a character and amount that the
Company may deem appropriate.
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
 
                            SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
  The following selected financial data of the Company and its consolidated
subsidiaries have been derived from information contained in, and should be
read in conjunction with, the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1996 and the Company's Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q for the six months ended June 30, 1997. The data presented below for, and
as of the end of, each of the years in the five-year period ended December 31,
1996 are derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of the
Company and its subsidiaries. The data presented below for, and as of the end
of, the six months ended June 30, 1997 and 1996 are derived from unaudited
financial statements and include, in the opinion of management, all
adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary to
present fairly the data for the periods.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              FOR THE SIX
                              MONTHS ENDED
                                JUNE 30,     FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                             -------------- ----------------------------------
                              1997    1996   1996   1995   1994   1993   1992
                             ------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
                                           (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S>                          <C>     <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>
Income Statement Data:
 Interest income............ $   446 $  400 $  807 $  851 $  702 $  620 $  634
 Interest expense...........     247    223    452    464    336    264    295
                             ------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
   Net interest income......     199    177    355    387    366    356    339
 Fees and other income......      79     37     79    148    117     88     52
 Factoring commissions......      43     26     55     50     55     50     49
 Income of international
  joint ventures............      19     20     44     35     21     23     26
                             ------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
   Operating revenues.......     340    260    533    620    557    517    466
 Operating expenses.........     152    119    247    216    195    174    169
 Provision for losses.......      56     49    103    223    188    210    252
                             ------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
   Income before income
    taxes, minority interest
    and change in accounting
    principle...............     132     92    183    181    174    133     45
 Income tax
  provision/(benefit).......      45     21     43     49     51     11     (5)
 Minority interest in
  income of Heller
  International Group,
  Inc.......................       4      2      7      7      5      5      3
                             ------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
   Income before change in
    accounting principle....      83     69    133    125    118    117     47
 Cumulative effect of a
  change in accounting
  principle for income
  taxes.....................     --     --     --     --     --     --      41
                             ------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
   Net income............... $    83 $   69 $  133 $  125 $  118 $  117 $   88
                             ======= ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ======
   Common dividends paid.... $    28 $   24 $   56 $   52 $   20 $  --  $  --
                             ======= ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ======
<CAPTION>
                                JUNE 30,               DECEMBER 31,
                             -------------- ----------------------------------
                              1997    1996   1996   1995   1994   1993   1992
                             ------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
                                           (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S>                          <C>     <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>
Balance Sheet Data:
 Receivables................ $10,109 $8,167 $8,529 $8,085 $7,616 $7,062 $7,465
 Allowance for losses of
  receivables...............     250    230    225    229    231    221    224
 Investments................     881    771    805    693    634    370    280
 Investment in
  international joint
  ventures..................     193    235    272    233    174    144    140
 Total assets............... $11,608 $9,475 $9,926 $9,638 $8,476 $7,913 $7,952
                             ======= ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ======
 Senior debt:
   Commercial paper and
    short-term borrowings... $ 3,826 $2,440 $2,745 $2,223 $2,451 $1,981 $2,422
   Notes and debentures.....   4,600  4,768  4,761  5,145  3,930  3,893  3,521
 Junior subordinated debt...     --     --     --     --     --      75    225
                             ------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
   Total debt............... $ 8,426 $7,208 $7,506 $7,368 $6,381 $5,949 $6,168
                             ======= ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ======
 Total liabilities.......... $ 9,907 $7,997 $8,402 $8,208 $7,107 $6,625 $6,777
 Preferred stock............     275    150    150    150    150    150    150
 Common equity..............   1,368  1,276  1,317  1,234  1,180  1,103    994
                             ------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
   Total stockholders'
    equity.................. $ 1,643 $1,426 $1,467 $1,384 $1,330 $1,253 $1,144
                             ======= ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ======
 Ratio of commercial paper
  and short-term borrowings
  to total debt.............     45%    34%    37%    30%    38%    33%    39%
                             ======= ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ======
 Ratio of debt (net of
  short-term investments)
  to total stockholders'
  equity....................    5.0x   4.8x   5.0x   5.0x   4.7x   4.7x   5.4x
                             ======= ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ======
</TABLE>
 
 
                                      10
<PAGE>
 
              RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES AND EARNINGS TO
             COMBINED FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS
 
  The following table sets forth the ratios of earnings to fixed charges and
earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends for the
Company and its consolidated subsidiaries for the periods indicated.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      FOR THE SIX
                                        MONTHS
                                      ENDED JUNE   FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER
                                          30,                  31,
                                      ----------- -----------------------------
                                      1997  1996  1996  1995  1994  1993  1992
                                      ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
<S>                                   <C>   <C>   <C>   <C>   <C>   <C>   <C>
Ratio of earnings to fixed
 charges(1).......................... 1.53x 1.41x 1.40x 1.38x 1.51x 1.49x 1.15x
Ratio of earnings to combined fixed
 charges and preferred stock
 dividends(2)........................ 1.48x 1.36x 1.35x 1.34x 1.44x 1.43x 1.14x
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) The ratio of earnings to fixed charges is calculated by dividing (i)
    income before income taxes, the minority interest in Heller International
    income and fixed charges by (ii) fixed charges. Fixed charges consist of
    interest on all indebtedness and one-third of annual rentals (approximate
    portion representing interest).
(2) The ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock
    dividends is calculated by dividing (i) income before income taxes, the
    minority interest in Heller International income and fixed charges by (ii)
    fixed charges plus preferred stock dividends.
 
                        DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
 
  The following description sets forth certain general terms and provisions of
the indentures under which the Debt Securities are to be issued. The
particular terms of each issue of Debt Securities (the "Offered Debt
Securities"), as well as any modifications or additions to such general terms
that may apply in the case of such Offered Debt Securities, will be described
in the Prospectus Supplement relating to such Offered Debt Securities and will
be set forth in a filing with the Commission. Accordingly, for a description
of the terms of a particular issue of Debt Securities, reference must be made
to both the Prospectus Supplement relating thereto and to the following
description.
 
  The Debt Securities will be unsecured general obligations of the Company,
and may be senior Debt Securities ("Senior Debt Securities"), subordinated
Debt Securities ("Subordinated Debt Securities") or junior subordinated Debt
Securities ("Junior Subordinated Debt Securities"). None of the Company's
outstanding Debt Securities are, and none of the Debt Securities will be,
guaranteed by Fuji Bank. The Senior Debt Securities will be issued under an
indenture dated as of September 1, 1995, as amended, between the Company and
State Street Bank and Trust Company ("State Street"), as successor to Shawmut
Bank Connecticut, National Association ("Shawmut"), as trustee (such
indenture, as at any time amended, being referred to herein as the "Senior
Indenture"); the Subordinated Debt Securities will be issued under an
indenture dated as of September 1, 1995, as amended, between the Company and
State Street, as successor to Shawmut, as trustee (such indenture, as at any
time amended, being referred to herein as the "Subordinated Indenture"); and
the Junior Subordinated Debt Securities will be issued under an indenture
dated as of September 1, 1995, as amended, between the Company and State
Street, as successor to Shawmut, as trustee (such indenture being referred to
as the "Junior Subordinated Indenture"). The Senior Indenture, the
Subordinated Indenture and the Junior Subordinated Indenture are sometimes
hereinafter referred to individually as an "Indenture" and collectively as the
"Indentures." The trustee under each Indenture (and any successor thereto
under each Indenture) is referred to herein as the "Trustee." The statements
under this caption relating to the Debt Securities and the Indentures are
summaries only and do not purport to be complete. All section references
appearing herein are to sections of the applicable Indenture or Indentures,
and capitalized terms not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to
them in the applicable Indenture or Indentures. Wherever particular provisions
of the Indentures are referred to, such provisions are incorporated by
reference as part of the statements made herein, and such statements are
qualified in their entirety by such reference. Copies of the Senior Indenture,
the Subordinated Indenture and the
 
                                      11
<PAGE>
 
Junior Subordinated Indenture have been filed with the Commission as exhibits
to the Registration Statement and are available from the offices of the
Commission as referred to under "Available Information."
 
  There is no requirement that future issues of debt securities of the Company
be issued under any of the Indentures, and the Company will be free to employ
other indentures or documentation containing provisions different from those
included in the Indentures or applicable to one or more issues of Offered Debt
Securities, in connection with future issues of such other debt securities.
 
PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO SENIOR, SUBORDINATED AND JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBT
SECURITIES
 
 General
 
  Each Indenture provides that the Debt Securities issued thereunder may be
issued without limit as to aggregate principal amount, in one or more series,
and may be denominated in any currency or currency unit, in each case as
established from time to time in, or pursuant to authority granted by, a
resolution of the Board of Directors of the Company or as established in one or
more indentures supplemental to such Indenture. (Section 3.01). Each Indenture
also provides that there may be more than one Trustee under such Indenture,
each with respect to one or more series of Debt Securities. The Trustee under
any Indenture may resign or be removed with respect to one or more series of
Debt Securities issued under such Indenture, and a successor Trustee may be
appointed to act with respect to such series. (Section 8.10). If two or more
persons are acting as Trustee with respect to different series of Debt
Securities issued under the same Indenture, each such Trustee shall be a
Trustee of a trust under such Indenture separate and apart from the trust
administered by any other such Trustee (Section 8.11), and any action described
herein to be taken by the "Trustee" may then be taken by each such Trustee with
respect to, and only with respect to, the one or more series of Debt Securities
for which it is Trustee under such Indenture.
 
  Reference is made to the Prospectus Supplement relating to the particular
series of Debt Securities offered hereby for the following terms of the Offered
Debt Securities: (i) the title of the Offered Debt Securities and whether such
Offered Debt Securities will be Senior Debt, Subordinated Debt or Junior
Subordinated Debt; (ii) any limit on the aggregate principal amount of the
Offered Debt Securities; (iii) the percentage of their principal amount for
which the Offered Debt Securities will be issued; (iv) the date or dates on
which the principal of (and premium, if any, on) the Offered Debt Securities
will be payable; (v) the rate or rates (which may be fixed or variable) per
annum, or the method by which such rate or rates shall be determined, at which
the Offered Debt Securities will bear interest, if any; (vi) if other than U.S.
Dollars, the currency or currencies or currency unit or units for which the
Offered Debt Securities may be purchased and the currency or currencies or
currency unit or units in which the principal of, and premium, if any, and
interest, if any, on, such Offered Debt Securities may be payable; (vii) the
date or dates from which any such interest will accrue, the date or dates on
which any such interest will be payable and the regular record dates for such
interest payments; (viii) the place or places where the principal of, and
premium, if any, and interest, if any, on, the Offered Debt Securities will be
payable; (ix) the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which
and the terms and conditions upon which the Offered Debt Securities may be
redeemed, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company, pursuant to any
sinking fund or otherwise, if the Company is to have such an option, and
whether any special terms and conditions of redemption shall apply if the
Offered Debt Securities are Registered Securities (as hereinafter defined) or
Unregistered Securities (as hereinafter defined); (x) the obligation, if any,
of the Company to redeem, repay or purchase the Offered Debt Securities
pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous provision or at the option of a
Holder thereof, and the period or periods within which, the price or prices at
which and the terms and conditions upon which the Offered Debt Securities will
be redeemed, repaid or purchased, in whole or in part, pursuant to such
obligation; (xi) the terms for conversion or exchange, if any; (xii) any Events
of Default with respect to the Offered Debt Securities in addition to those set
forth under "Events of Default, Notice and Waiver" below; (xiii) the securities
exchange or market, if any, on which the Offered Debt Securities will be
listed; and (xiv) any other terms of the Offered Debt Securities not
inconsistent with the provisions of the respective Indenture.
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
 
  The Company will comply with Rule 14e-1 promulgated under the Exchange Act,
and any other tender offer rules under the 1934 Act which may then be
applicable in connection with any obligation of the Company to purchase Offered
Debt Securities at the option of the Holders thereof. Any such obligation
applicable to an issue of Securities will be described in the Prospectus
Supplement relating thereto.
 
  The Debt Securities may be issued in fully registered form without coupons
("Fully Registered Securities"), or in a form registered as to principal only
with coupons ("Registered Securities") or in bearer form with or without
coupons ("Unregistered Securities"). The Debt Securities of a series may be
issued in whole or in part in the form of one or more global securities that
will be deposited with, or on behalf of, a depositary identified in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement. The specific depositary arrangement with
respect to a series of Offered Debt Securities or any part thereof will be
described in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. Unless otherwise specified
in the Prospectus Supplement, the Offered Debt Securities will be issued only
as Fully Registered Securities in denominations of $1,000 and any integral
multiple thereof and will be payable in U.S. dollars. (Section 3.02).
 
  An investment in Offered Debt Securities indexed, as to principal or interest
or both, to one or more values of currencies (including exchange rates between
currencies), commodities or interest rate indices entails significant risks
that are not associated with similar investments in a conventional fixed-rate
debt security. If the interest rate of such an Offered Debt Security is so
indexed, it may result in an interest rate that is less than that payable on a
conventional fixed-rate debt security issued at the same time, including the
possibility that no interest will be paid, and, if the principal amount of such
an Offered Debt Security is so indexed, the principal amount payable at
maturity may be less than the original purchase price of such Offered Debt
Security if allowed pursuant to the terms of such Offered Debt Security,
including the possibility that no principal will be paid. The secondary market
for such Offered Debt Securities will be affected by a number of factors,
independent of the creditworthiness of the Company and the value of the
applicable currency, commodity or interest rate index, including the volatility
of the applicable currency, commodity or interest rate index, the time
remaining to the maturity of such Offered Debt Securities, the amount
outstanding of such Offered Debt Securities and market interest rates. The
value of the applicable currency, commodity or interest rate index depends on a
number of interrelated factors, including economic, financial and political
events, over which the Company has no control. Additionally, if the formula
used to determine the principal amount or interest payable with respect to such
Offered Debt Securities contains a multiple or leverage factor, the effect of
any change in the applicable currency, commodity or interest rate index will be
increased. The historical experience of the relevant currencies, commodities or
interest rate indices should not be taken as an indication of future
performance of such currencies, commodities or interest rate indices during the
term of any Offered Debt Security. Accordingly, prospective investors should
consult their own financial and legal advisors as to the risks entailed by an
investment in such Offered Debt Securities and the suitability of such Offered
Debt Securities in light of their particular circumstances.
 
  One or more series of Offered Debt Securities may be sold at a discount
(which may be substantial) below their stated principal amount or bear no
interest or interest at a rate which at the time of issuance is below market
rates ("Original Issue Discount Securities"). Special federal income tax,
accounting and other considerations applicable thereto will be described in the
Prospectus Supplement relating to any such Offered Debt Securities.
 
  If any of the Offered Debt Securities are sold for any foreign currency or
foreign currency unit or if the principal of, and premium, if any, and
interest, if any, on, any series of Offered Debt Securities are payable in any
foreign currency or foreign currency unit, the restrictions, elections, tax
consequences, specific terms and other information with respect to such issue
of Offered Debt Securities and such foreign currency or currency unit will be
set forth in the Prospectus Supplement relating thereto.
 
  The Debt Securities will be unsecured obligations of the Company. None of the
Company's outstanding debt securities are, and none of the Debt Securities will
be, guaranteed by Fuji Bank.
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
 
Certain Definitions
 
  The following terms are defined in each Indenture. (Sections 1.01 and 12.07).
 
  The term "Consolidated Net Tangible Assets" is defined to mean the total of
all assets reflected on a consolidated balance sheet of the Company and its
consolidated Subsidiaries, prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles, at their net book values (after deducting related
depreciation, depletion, amortization and all other valuation reserves which,
in accordance with such principles, should be set aside in connection with the
business conducted), but excluding goodwill, unamortized debt discount and all
other like segregated intangible assets, and amounts on the asset side of such
balance sheet for capital stock of the Company, all as determined in accordance
with such principles, less the aggregate of the current liabilities of the
Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries reflected on such balance sheet, all
as determined in accordance with such principles. For purposes of this
definition, "current liabilities" include all indebtedness for money borrowed,
incurred, issued, assumed or guaranteed by the Company and its consolidated
Subsidiaries, credit balances of factoring clients and other payables and
accruals, in each case payable on demand or due within one year of the date of
determination of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets, all as reflected on such
consolidated balance sheet of the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries,
prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
  The term "Debt" is defined to mean all liabilities, whether issued or
assumed, in respect of money borrowed, whether or not evidenced by notes,
debentures or other like written obligations to pay money, and all guarantees
in respect of money borrowed by third persons, whether or not evidenced by
notes, debentures or other like written obligations of such third persons to
pay money.
 
  The term "Finance Business" is defined to mean the business of making loans,
extending credit, or providing financial accommodations to any person and such
activities as may be incidental thereto, including, but not limited to: the
purchase of obligations growing out of the sale or lease of all types of
consumer, commercial and industrial property; the making of loans to
individuals and business enterprises, including the extension of wholesale or
floor plan accommodations to permit distributors and dealers to carry
inventories for resale; factoring; leasing of tangible personal property to
others; mortgage brokerage and servicing; and other business of a similar
character to the extent that other companies similarly situated, within the
limits of sound trade practice, may have heretofore engaged or may hereafter
engage in such other business.
 
  The term "Junior Subordinated Debt" is defined to mean all Debt of the
Company which is by its terms made subordinate and junior to Senior Debt and
Subordinated Debt.
 
  The term "Lien" is defined to mean any mortgage, pledge, security interest or
lien.
 
  The term "Restricted Subsidiary" is defined to mean any Subsidiary of the
Company or of a Restricted Subsidiary (i) which is primarily engaged in the
Finance Business, (ii) which conducts such Finance Business primarily in the
United States and (iii) of which the Company and/or a Restricted Subsidiary
owns 51% or more of each class of its Voting Stock.
 
  The term "Senior Debt" is defined to mean all Debt of the Company which is
not by its terms made subordinate or junior in right of payment with respect to
the general assets of the Company to any other Debt of the Company.
 
  The term "Subordinated Debt" is defined to mean all Debt of the Company which
is by its terms made subordinate or junior in right of payment to any other
Debt of the Company, except Junior Subordinated Debt.
 
  The term "Subsidiary" is defined to mean any corporation of which more than
50% of the Voting Stock, other than directors' qualifying shares (if any),
shall at the time be owned by the Company and/or one or more Subsidiaries.
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
 
  The term "Voting Stock" is defined to mean stock of the class or classes
having general voting power under ordinary circumstances to elect at least a
majority of the board of directors, managers or trustees of such corporation
(irrespective of whether or not at the time stock of any other class or
classes shall have or might have voting power by reason of the happening of
any contingency).
 
 Certain Restrictions
 
  The Company agrees in each Indenture that it will not, and will not permit
any Restricted Subsidiary to, create, incur or assume any Lien on property of
any character of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary to secure
indebtedness for money borrowed, incurred, issued, assumed or guaranteed by
the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary ("indebtedness") unless: (i) the Lien
equally and ratably secures the Debt Securities and the indebtedness (subject,
in the case of Debt Securities constituting either Subordinated Debt or Junior
Subordinated Debt, to subordination of respective rights of payment as
provided in the Subordinated Indenture or the Junior Subordinated Indenture,
as the case may be); or (ii) the Lien is on property or shares of stock of a
corporation at the time the corporation becomes a Restricted Subsidiary or
merges into or consolidates with the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary; or
(iii) the Lien is on property at the time the Company or a Restricted
Subsidiary acquires the property; or (iv) the Lien secures indebtedness
incurred to finance all or part of the purchase price or cost of construction
of property of the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary; or (v) the Lien secures
indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary owing to the Company or another
Restricted Subsidiary; or (vi) the Lien is on property of a person at the time
the person transfers or leases all or substantially all of its assets to the
Company or a Restricted Subsidiary; or (vii) the Lien is in favor of a
government or governmental entity and is for taxes or assessments or secures
payments pursuant to a contract or statute; or (viii) the Lien arises out of a
judgment, decree or court order or the Lien arises in connection with other
proceedings or actions at law or in equity; or (ix) the Lien is on receivables
of the Company, or cash, deposited or otherwise subjected to a Lien as a basis
for the issuance of bankers' acceptances or letters of credit in connection
with any financing of customers' operations by the Company or any Restricted
Subsidiary; or (x) the Lien is on property (or any receivables arising in
connection with the lease thereof) acquired by the Company or a Restricted
Subsidiary through repossession, foreclosure or like proceeding and secures
indebtedness incurred at the time of such acquisition or at any time
thereafter to finance all or part of the cost of maintenance, improvement or
construction relating thereto; or (xi) the Lien is created in favor of the
Small Business Administration on property owned by a Restricted Subsidiary
which is organized as a small business investment company under Title 15, 681,
of the United States Code; or (xii) the Lien extends, renews or replaces in
whole or in part a Lien enumerated in clauses (i) through (xi) above; or
(xiii) the Lien secures indebtedness of the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary
and the sum of the following does not exceed 10% of Consolidated Net Tangible
Assets: (x) such indebtedness plus (y) other indebtedness of the Company and
its Restricted Subsidiaries secured by Liens on property of the Company and
its Restricted Subsidiaries, excluding indebtedness secured by a Lien existing
as of the date of the Indenture and excluding indebtedness secured by a Lien
permitted by one of clauses (i) through (xii) above. (Section 12.07).
 
  Each Indenture provides that the Company may omit in any particular instance
to comply with any part or the entirety of the foregoing restriction on Liens
if the Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the Offered Debt
Securities at the time Outstanding of each series that is affected thereby
shall either waive such compliance in such instance or generally waive
compliance. (Section 12.08).
 
  None of the Indentures limits the amount of Senior Debt, Subordinated Debt
or Junior Subordinated Debt that may be incurred by the Company. However,
under certain restrictive provisions of other indentures and agreements, the
Company has covenanted that it will not at any time permit the aggregate
principal amount of all Debt which is reflected on the consolidated balance
sheets of the Company to exceed 10 times consolidated stockholders' equity,
determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The
foregoing provisions are contained in certain indentures and agreements of
varying terms, the longest of which is currently scheduled to expire on May
15, 2002. None of the Indentures affects the Company's ability to terminate or
amend such provisions prior to such date.
 
                                      15
<PAGE>
 
 Mergers, Consolidations and Transfers of Assets
 
  Each Indenture provides that the Company will not consolidate with or merge
into any other corporation or convey, transfer or lease its properties and
assets substantially as an entirety to any person, unless (a) the corporation
formed by such consolidation or into which the Company is merged or the person
which shall have acquired by conveyance or transfer, or which leases such
properties and assets is a corporation, partnership, limited liability company
or trust organized and existing under the laws of any United States
jurisdiction, and shall assume payment of the principal of, and premium, if
any, and interest, if any, on, the Debt Securities and the performance or
observance of every covenant to be performed or observed by the Company under
the Indentures, (b) immediately thereafter, no Event of Default (or event
which, with notice or lapse of time, or both, would be such) shall have
occurred and be continuing and (c) certain other conditions have been met.
(Section 10.01). If any such transaction were to occur, then, provided that all
such conditions were satisfied, the Company would (except in the case of a
lease) be discharged from all of its obligations and covenants under the
Indenture and the Debt Securities. (Section 10.02).
 
 Payment and Transfer
 
  Principal of, and premium, if any, and interest, if any, on, Fully Registered
Securities is to be payable at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee under
the applicable Indenture or any other office maintained by the Company for such
purposes, provided that payment of interest, if any, on Fully Registered
Securities may be made at the option of the Company by check mailed to the
persons in whose names such Debt Securities are registered at the close of
business on the day or days specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
(Sections 3.08, 3.12). The principal of, and premium, if any, and interest, if
any, on, Offered Debt Securities in other forms will be payable in such manner
and at such place or places as may be designated by the Company and specified
in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. (Section 3.12).
 
  Fully Registered Securities may be transferred or exchanged at the Corporate
Trust Office of the Trustee under the applicable Indenture or at any other
office or agency maintained by the Company for such purposes, subject to the
limitations in the applicable Indenture, without the payment of any service
charge except for any tax or governmental charge incidental thereto. Provisions
with respect to the transfer and exchange of Offered Debt Securities in other
forms will be set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. (Section
3.05).
 
 Book Entry, Delivery and Form
 
  If the accompanying Prospectus Supplement so indicates, the Offered Debt
Securities will be represented by one or more certificates in registered,
global form (the "Global Securities"). The Global Security representing Offered
Debt Securities will be deposited with, or on behalf of, The Depository Trust
Company ("DTC") in New York, New York or other successor depositary appointed
by the Company (DTC or such other depositary is herein referred to as the
"Depositary") and registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee.
 
  DTC currently limits the maximum denomination of any single Global Security
to $200,000,000. Therefore, for purposes hereof, "Global Security" refers to
the Global Security or Global Securities representing the entire issue of
Offered Debt Securities.
 
  DTC has advised the Company and any underwriters, dealers or agents named in
the accompanying Prospectus Supplement as follows: DTC is a limited-purpose
trust company organized under the laws of the State of New York, a member of
the Federal Reserve System, a "clearing corporation" within the meaning of the
New York Uniform Commercial Code and a "clearing agency" registered pursuant to
the provisions of Section 17A of the Exchange Act. DTC was created to hold
securities of its participants (the "Participants") and to facilitate the
clearance and settlement of securities transactions among its Participants in
such securities through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of the
Participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities
certificates. The Participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks,
trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations. Access
to DTC's book-entry system is also available to other entities, such as banks,
brokers, dealers and trust companies, that clear through or maintain a
custodial relationship with a Participant, either directly or indirectly.
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
 
  Ownership of beneficial interests in Debt Securities represented by a Global
Security (each, a "Book-Entry Debt Security") will be limited to Participants
or persons that may hold interests through Participants. Upon deposit of a
Global Debt Security, the Depositary will credit, on its book-entry
registration and transfer system, the Participants' accounts with the
respective principal amounts of the Book-Entry Debt Securities represented by
such Global Debt Security beneficially owned by such Participants. The
accounts to be credited shall be designated by any dealers, underwriters or
agents participating in the distribution of such Book-Entry Debt Securities.
Ownership of Book-Entry Debt Securities will be shown on, and the transfer of
such ownership interests will be effected only through, records maintained by
the Depositary for the related Global Debt Security (with respect to interests
of Participants) and on the records of Participants (with respect to interests
of persons holding through Participants). The laws of some states may require
that certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of such
securities in definitive form. Such limits and such laws may impair the
ability to own, transfer or pledge beneficial interest in Book-Entry Debt
Securities.
 
  So long as the Depositary for a Global Debt Security, or its nominee, is the
registered owner of such Global Debt Security, the Depositary or such nominee,
as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or Holder of the Book-
Entry Debt Securities represented by such Global Debt Security for all
purposes under the Indenture. Except as set forth below, owners of beneficial
interests in Book-Entry Debt Securities will not be entitled to have such
securities registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to
receive physical delivery of a certificate in definitive form representing
such securities and will not be considered the owners or Holders thereof under
the Indenture for any purpose, including with respect to the giving of any
directions, approvals or instructions to the Trustee thereunder. As a result,
the ability of a person having a beneficial interest in Book-Entry Securities
represented by a Global Debt Security to pledge such interest to persons or
entities that do not participate in the Depositary's system, or to otherwise
take actions with respect to such interest, may be affected by the lack of a
physical certificate evidencing such interest. Accordingly, each person owning
Book-Entry Debt Securities must rely on the procedures of the Depositary for
the related Global Debt Security and, if such person is not a Participant, on
the procedures of the Participant through which such person owns its interest,
to exercise any rights of a Holder under the Indenture.
 
  The Company understands that, under existing industry practice, if a Company
requests any action of Holders or an owner of a beneficial interest in a
Global Debt Security desires to give any notice or take any action a Holder is
entitled to give or take under the Indenture, the Depositary will authorize
the Participants on whose behalf it holds a Global Debt Security to give such
notice or take such action, and Participants will authorize beneficial owners
owning through such Participants to give such notice or take such action or
will otherwise act upon the instructions of beneficial owners owning through
them. The Indentures provide that the Company, the Trustee and their
respective agents will treat as the Holders of a Debt Security the persons
specified in a written statement of the Depositary with respect to such Global
Debt Security for purposes of obtaining any consents or directions required to
be given by Holders of the Debt Securities pursuant to the Indentures.
 
  Payments of principal of, and premium, if any, and interest, if any, on,
Book-Entry Debt Securities will be made by the Company through the Trustee
under the applicable Indenture, or a paying agent (the "Paying Agent"), which
may also be the Trustee under the applicable Indenture, to the Depositary or
its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered Holder of the related
Global Debt Security. Under the terms of the Indentures, the Company and the
Trustee may treat the persons in whose names the Offered Debt Securities,
including the Global Debt Security, are registered as the owners thereof for
the purpose of receiving such payments and for any and all other purposes
whatsoever. Consequently, none of the Company, the Trustee or the Paying Agent
or any agent of the Trustee will have any responsibility or liability for any
aspect of the records relating to, or payments made on account of beneficial
ownership interests in, such Global Debt Security or for maintaining,
supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership
interests.
 
  The Company expects that the Depositary, upon receipt of any payment of
principal of, or premium or interest, if any, on, a Global Debt Security, will
immediately credit Participants' accounts with payments in
 
                                      17
<PAGE>
 
amounts proportionate to the respective amounts of Book-Entry Debt Securities
held by each such Participant as shown on the records of the Depositary. The
Company also expects that payments by Participants to owners of beneficial
interests in Book-Entry Debt Securities held through such Participants will be
governed by standing customer instructions and customary practices, as is now
the case with the securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form
or registered in "street name," and will be the responsibility of the
Participants.
 
  If the Depositary is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as
Depositary or ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act,
and a successor depositary registered as a clearing agency under the Exchange
Act is not appointed by the Company within 90 days, certificates representing
the Offered Debt Securities in definitive form will be issued to each person
that the Depositary identifies as the beneficial owner of the Book-Entry Debt
Securities represented by the Global Debt Security.
 
  Neither the Company nor the Trustee shall be liable for any delay by the
Depositary or any Participant or any person that may hold interests through a
Participant in identifying the beneficial owners of the Book-Entry Debt
Securities, and the Company and the Trustee may conclusively rely on, and shall
be protected in relying on, instructions from the Depositary for all purposes
(including with respect to the registration and delivery, and the respective
principal amounts, of the Book-Entry Debt Securities to be issued).
 
  The foregoing information in this section concerning the Depositary and the
Depositary's book-entry system has been obtained from sources that the Company
believes to be reliable. The Company takes no responsibility for the accuracy
of such information or the performance by the Depositary or its Participants of
their respective obligations as described hereunder or under the rules and
procedures governing their respective operations.
 
 Same-Day Settlement
 
  If the accompanying Prospectus Supplement so indicates, settlement for
Offered Debt Securities will be made by the underwriters, dealers or agents in
immediately available funds and all applicable payments of principal and
interest on Offered Debt Securities will be made by the Company in immediately
available funds. Secondary trading in long-term notes and debentures of
corporate issuers is generally settled in clearinghouse or next-day funds. In
contrast, Debt Securities subject to settlement in immediately available funds
will trade in the Depositary's Same-Day Funds Settlement System until maturity,
and secondary market trading activity in Offered Debt Securities will therefore
be required by the Depositary to settle in immediately available funds. No
assurance can be given as to the effect, if any, of settlement in immediately
available funds on trading activity in Offered Debt Securities.
 
 Events of Default, Notice and Waiver
 
  Except as may otherwise be set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement
with respect to any series of Offered Debt Securities, each Indenture provides
that the following events are Events of Default with respect to any series of
Offered Debt Securities issued thereunder: (a) default in the payment of the
principal of (or premium, if any, on) any Offered Debt Security of such series
at its maturity, upon redemption (if applicable) or otherwise; (b) default for
30 days in the payment of any installment of interest on any Offered Debt
Security of such series; (c) default for 60 days after written notice in the
performance of any other covenant in respect of the Offered Debt Securities of
such series contained in such Indenture or in such Offered Debt Securities; (d)
(i) an Event of Default with respect to any other series of Offered Debt
Securities issued pursuant to such Indenture, or (ii) a default under any bond,
debenture, note or other evidence of indebtedness for money borrowed, issued,
assumed or guaranteed by the Company having unpaid principal in excess of
$2,000,000 or under any mortgage, indenture or instrument under which there may
be issued or by which there may be secured or evidenced any such indebtedness
for money borrowed, whether such indebtedness now exists or shall hereafter be
created, which Event of Default or default, as the case may be, in either such
case, shall have resulted in such other series of Offered Debt Securities or
such indebtedness becoming or being declared due and payable prior to the date
on which it would otherwise have become due and payable, without such other
series of Offered Debt Securities or such indebtedness having been discharged
or such declaration of acceleration having been rescinded
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
 
or annulled within a period of 60 days after there shall have been given, by
registered or certified mail, to the Company by the Trustee, or to the Company
and the Trustee by the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount
of the outstanding Securities of such series, a written notice specifying such
Event of Default or default, as the case may be, and requiring the Company to
cause such indebtedness to be discharged or cause such acceleration to be
rescinded or annulled and stating that such notice is a "Notice of Default"
under the Indenture, unless at the end of such 60-day period and thereafter
the Event of Default or default is being contested in good faith by the
Company; (e) certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization, or
court appointment of a receiver, liquidator or trustee of the Company or its
property; and (f) any other Event of Default provided in, or pursuant to, the
applicable resolution of the Board of Directors of the Company, or established
in the supplemental indenture under which such series of Offered Debt
Securities is issued. (Section 7.01). No Event of Default with respect to a
particular series of Offered Debt Securities necessarily constitutes an Event
of Default with respect to any other series of Offered Debt Securities issued
under the same or another Indenture.
 
  Within 90 days after the occurrence of any default with respect to any
series of Debt Securities, the Trustee for such series must give the Holders
of such Debt Securities notice of all defaults of which it has knowledge and
that have not been cured or waived. Nevertheless, the Trustee may withhold
notice to the Holders of any series of Debt Securities of any default with
respect to such series (except a default in the payment of principal, premium
or interest) if and so long as it determines in good faith that the
withholding of such notice is in the best interest of such Holders. (Section
8.02).
 
  If an Event of Default with respect to any series of Debt Securities occurs
and is continuing, the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate
principal amount of the outstanding Debt Securities of such series may declare
the principal thereof and accrued but unpaid interest thereon (or, in the case
of a series of Original Issue Discount Securities, such portion of the
principal amount as may be specified in the Prospectus Supplement respecting
the offer and sale of such Debt Securities) to be due and payable immediately.
(Section 7.02).
 
  Each Indenture contains a provision entitling the Trustee to be indemnified
by the Holders of Offered Debt Securities issued thereunder before proceeding
to exercise any right or power under such Indenture at the request of any
Holders. (Section 8.03). Each Indenture provides that the Holders of a
majority in principal amount of the outstanding Debt Securities of any series
issued thereunder may, with certain exceptions, direct the time, method and
place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or
exercising any trust or power conferred upon the Trustee, with respect to the
Debt Securities of such series. (Section 7.12). The right of a Holder to
institute a proceeding with respect to the applicable Indenture is subject to
certain conditions precedent, including notice and indemnity to the applicable
Trustee, but each Holder has an absolute right to the receipt of principal,
premium, if any, and interest, if any, at the respective Stated Maturities of
the Debt Securities (or, in the case of a redemption, on the Redemption Date)
or to institute suit for the enforcement thereof. (Sections 7.07 and 7.08).
 
  The Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the outstanding
Debt Securities of any series may, on behalf of the Holders of all such Debt
Securities, waive any past default, except (a) a default in the payment of the
principal of, or premium, if any, or interest, if any, on, any Debt Security
of such series at maturity, upon redemption or otherwise, and (b) a default in
respect of any covenant or provision of the applicable Indenture that cannot
be amended or modified without the consent of the Holder of each of the
outstanding Debt Securities affected. (Section 7.13).
 
  Each Indenture requires the Company to furnish to the applicable Trustee
annual statements as to the fulfillment by the Company of its obligations
under such Indenture. (Section 12.05).
 
 Modification of the Indentures
 
  The Company and the applicable Trustee, with the consent of the Holders of a
majority in principal amount of each series of the Debt Securities at the time
outstanding under the Indenture that is affected thereby, may enter into
supplemental indentures for the purpose of amending or modifying, provisions
of such Indenture or any indenture supplemental thereto; provided, however,
that no such modification or amendment may, without the consent of the Holder
of each of the outstanding Debt Securities affected thereby: (i) modify the
terms of
 
                                      19
<PAGE>
 
payment of principal or interest; (ii) reduce the above-stated percentage of
Holders of outstanding Securities necessary to modify or amend such Indenture
or to waive compliance by the Company with any restrictive covenant; or (iii)
subordinate the indebtedness evidenced by the Debt Securities to any
indebtedness of the Company other than to subordinate Subordinated Debt to
Senior Debt or to subordinate Junior Subordinated Debt to Senior Debt and
Subordinated Debt. (Section 11.02).
 
 Satisfaction and Discharge
 
  Each Indenture provides that the Company shall be discharged from its
obligations under the Debt Securities of a series at any time prior to the
Stated Maturity or redemption thereof when (a) the Company has irrevocably
deposited with the Trustee, in trust, (i) sufficient funds in the currency or
currency unit in which the Debt Securities are denominated to pay the principal
of, and premium, if any, and interest, if any, to Stated Maturity (or
redemption) on, the Debt Securities of such series, or (ii) such amount of
direct obligations of, or obligations the principal of, and interest on, which
are fully guaranteed by, the government which issued the currency in which the
Debt Securities are denominated, and which are not subject to prepayment,
redemption or call, as will, together with the predetermined and certain income
to accrue thereon without consideration of any reinvestment thereof, be
sufficient to pay when due the principal of, and premium, if any, and interest,
if any, to Stated Maturity (or redemption) on, the Debt Securities of such
series, (b) the Company has paid all other sums payable with respect to the
Debt Securities of such series, (c) if the deposit occurs more than one year
prior to the Stated Maturity or redemption of the Debt Securities of such
series, the Company has delivered to the Trustee an opinion of recognized tax
counsel to the effect that such deposit and discharge will not result in
recognition by the Holders of the Debt Securities of such series of income,
gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes (other than income, gain or loss
which would have been recognized in like amount and at a like time absent such
deposit and discharge) and (d) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an
Opinion of Counsel as to certain other matters. Upon such discharge, the
Holders of the Debt Securities of such series shall no longer be entitled to
the benefits of the Indenture, except for the purposes of registration of
transfer and exchange of the Debt Securities of such series, and replacement of
lost, stolen or mutilated Debt Securities and shall look only to such deposited
funds or obligations for payment. (Sections 6.01 and 6.03). However, each
Indenture provides that, if the Trustee is unable to apply any money or
obligations deposited with the Trustee by reason of any legal proceeding or by
reason of any order or judgment of any court or governmental authority
enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting such application, or by reason
of the Trustee's inability to convert any such money or Government Obligations
into the currency or currency unit required to be paid with respect to the Debt
Securities of such series, the Company's obligations under the Indenture will
be reinstated until such time as the Trustee is permitted to apply all such
money and obligations in accordance with the provisions of such Indenture.
(Section 6.04).
 
 The Trustee
 
  State Street Bank and Trust Company will serve as Trustee under the Senior
Indenture, the Subordinated Indenture and the Junior Subordinated Indenture.
Each Indenture contains certain limitations on the right of the Trustee, as a
creditor of the Company, to obtain payment of claims in certain cases and to
realize on certain property received with respect to any such claims, as
security or otherwise. The Trustee is permitted to engage in other
transactions, except that, if it acquires any conflicting interest (as
defined), it must eliminate such conflict or resign. The Trustee is trustee
with respect to outstanding senior or subordinated unsecured debt securities of
the Company previously issued under the Indentures and may from time to time
perform certain other services for, including extending lines of credit to, the
Company in the ordinary course of business.
 
PROVISIONS APPLICABLE SOLELY TO THE SENIOR DEBT SECURITIES
 
  The Senior Debt Securities will be issued under the Senior Indenture. Each
series of Senior Debt Securities will constitute Senior Debt and will rank pari
passu with each other series of Senior Debt Securities. All Subordinated Debt
(including, but not limited to, all Subordinated Debt Securities) and all
Junior Subordinated Debt (including, but not limited to, all Junior
Subordinated Debt Securities) will be subordinated to the Senior Debt
Securities.
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
 
PROVISIONS APPLICABLE SOLELY TO THE SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES
 
  The Subordinated Debt Securities will be issued under the Subordinated
Indenture. Each series of Subordinated Debt Securities will constitute
Subordinated Debt and will rank pari passu with each other series of
Subordinated Debt Securities. All Junior Subordinated Debt (including, but not
limited to, all Junior Subordinated Debt Securities) will be subordinated to
the Subordinated Debt Securities, and the Subordinated Debt Securities will be
subordinated to all Senior Debt (including, but not limited to, all Senior Debt
Securities).
 
  In the event of any insolvency or bankruptcy proceedings, and any
receivership, liquidation, reorganization or other similar proceedings in
connection therewith, relative to the Company or to its property, or if any
Subordinated Debt Security is declared due and payable because of the
occurrence of an Event of Default, then, in either event, all principal of, and
premium, if any, and interest, if any, on, all Senior Debt will be paid in full
before any payment is made on such Subordinated Debt Security. (Section 14.01
of the Subordinated Indenture).
 
  If Subordinated Debt Securities are issued under the Subordinated Indenture,
the aggregate principal amount of Senior Debt outstanding as of a recent date
will be set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. The applicable
Prospectus Supplement will also set forth any limitation on the issuance by the
Company of any additional Senior Debt.
 
PROVISIONS APPLICABLE SOLELY TO THE JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES
 
  The Junior Debt Subordinated Securities will be issued under the Junior
Subordinated Indenture. Each series of Junior Subordinated Securities will rank
pari passu with each other series of Junior Debt Subordinated Securities. The
Junior Subordinated Debt Securities will be subordinated to all Senior Debt
(including, but not limited to, all Senior Debt Securities) and all
Subordinated Debt (including, but not limited to, all Subordinated Debt
Securities).
 
  In the event of any insolvency or bankruptcy proceedings, and any
receivership, liquidation, reorganization or other similar proceedings in
connection therewith, relative to the Company or to its property, or if any
Junior Subordinated Debt Security is declared due and payable because of the
occurrence of an Event of Default, then, in either event, all principal of, and
premium, if any, and interest, if any, on, all Senior Debt and all Subordinated
Debt will be paid in full before any payment is made on such Junior
Subordinated Debt Security. (Section 14.01 of the Junior Subordinated
Indenture).
 
  If Junior Subordinated Debt Securities are issued under the Junior
Subordinated Indenture, the aggregate principal amount of Senior Debt and
Subordinated Debt outstanding as of a recent date will be set forth in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement. The applicable Prospectus Supplement will
also set forth any limitation on the issuance by the Company of any additional
Senior Debt or Subordinated Debt.
 
  As of June 30, 1997, the aggregate principal amount of Senior Debt
outstanding was $8.4 billion, and there was no outstanding Subordinated Debt or
Junior Subordinated Debt.
 
                            DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS
 
  The following statements with respect to the Warrants are summaries of, and
subject to, the detailed provisions of a Warrant Agreement (the "Warrant
Agreement") to be entered into by the Company and a warrant agent to be
selected at the time of issue (the "Warrant Agent"), a form of which is filed
with the Commission as an exhibit to the Registration Statement.
 
GENERAL
 
  The Warrants, evidenced by Warrant certificates (the "Warrant Certificates"),
may be issued under the Warrant Agreement independently or together with any
Debt Securities offered by any Prospectus Supplement and may be attached to or
separate from such Debt Securities. If Warrants are offered, the Prospectus
Supplement
 
                                       21
<PAGE>
 
will describe the terms of the Warrants, including the following: (i) the
offering price, if any; (ii) the designation, aggregate principal amount and
terms of the Debt Securities purchasable upon exercise of the Warrants; (iii)
if applicable, the designation and terms of the Debt Securities with which the
Warrants are issued and the number of Warrants issued with each such Debt
Security; (iv) if applicable, the date on and after which the Warrants and the
related Debt Securities will be separately transferable; (v) the principal
amount of Debt Securities purchasable upon exercise of one Warrant and the
price at which such principal amount of Debt Securities may be purchased upon
such exercise; (vi) the date on which the right to exercise the Warrants shall
commence and the date on which such right shall expire; (vii) federal income
tax consequences; (viii) whether the Warrants represented by the Warrant
Certificates will be issued in registered or bearer form; and (ix) any other
terms of the Warrants.
 
  Warrant Certificates may be exchanged for new Warrant Certificates of
different denominations and may (if in registered form) be presented for
registration of transfer at the corporate trust office of the Warrant Agent or
any co-Warrant Agent, which will be listed in the Prospectus Supplement, or at
such other office as may be set forth therein. Warrant holders do not have any
of the rights of Holders of Debt Securities and are not entitled to payments of
principal of, and premium, if any, and interest, if any, on, such Debt
Securities.
 
EXERCISE OF WARRANTS
 
  Warrants may be exercised by surrendering the Warrant Certificate at the
corporate trust office of the Warrant Agent or at the corporate trust office of
the co-Warrant Agent, if any, with the form of election to purchase on the
reverse side of the Warrant Certificate properly completed and executed, and by
payment in full of the exercise price, as set forth in the Prospectus
Supplement. Upon the exercise of Warrants, the Warrant Agent or co-Warrant
Agent, if any, will, as soon as practicable, deliver the Debt Securities in
authorized denominations in accordance with the instructions of the exercising
Warrantholder and at the sole cost and risk of such Holder. If less than all of
the Warrants evidenced by the Warrant Certificate are exercised, a new Warrant
Certificate will be issued for the remaining amount of Warrants.
 
                          DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
 
GENERAL
 
  The following description of the capital stock of the Company is qualified in
its entirety by reference to the Company's Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation, as amended (the "Restated Certificate"), which is filed with the
Commission as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, and to the Certificates
of Designation, Preferences and Rights relating to the Series A Preferred Stock
and the Series B Preferred Stock, which have been filed with, and are available
from the offices of, the Commission as referred to under "Available
Information."
 
  The Restated Certificate authorizes the Company to issue 22,000,000 shares of
capital stock, of which 1,999,000 shares shall be designated preferred stock,
no par value per share ("Junior Preferred Stock"), 20,000,000 shares shall be
designated senior preferred stock, $.01 par value per share ("Senior Preferred
Stock" and, together with the Junior Preferred Stock, "Preferred Stock") and
1,000 shares shall be designated common stock, $.025 par value per share
("Common Stock"). As of October 1, 1997, there were 6,600,000 shares of
Preferred Stock authorized and issued or reserved for issuance as follows:
5,000,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock, a series of Senior Preferred
Stock, 1,500,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock, a series of Senior
Preferred Stock, and 100,000 shares of NW Preferred Stock, a series of Junior
Preferred Stock. As of October 1, 1997, 5,000,000 shares of Series A Preferred
Stock, 1,500,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock, no shares of NW Preferred
Stock and 105 shares of Common Stock were issued and outstanding. All
outstanding shares of Common Stock and Preferred Stock are fully paid and
nonassessable, and any Senior Preferred Stock offered hereby will, upon full
payment of the purchase price therefor, likewise be fully paid and
nonassessable.
 
  Under the Restated Certificate, the Board of Directors of the Company may
provide for the issuance of Senior or Junior Preferred Stock in one or more
series from time to time, and the rights, preferences, privileges
 
                                       22
<PAGE>
 
and restrictions, including dividend rights, voting rights, conversion rights,
terms of redemption and liquidation preferences, of the Senior Preferred Stock
or Junior Preferred Stock of each series will be fixed or designated by the
Board of Directors pursuant to a certificate of designation, preferences and
rights without any further vote or action by the Company's stockholders,
except as required pursuant to the terms of the Series A Preferred Stock and
Series B Preferred Stock (and any fixed rate noncumulative perpetual Senior
Preferred Stock issued in exchange therefor) as described below.
 
  The description of Senior Preferred Stock set forth below and the
description of the terms of a particular series of Senior Preferred Stock that
will be set forth in a Prospectus Supplement do not purport to be complete and
are qualified in their entirety by reference to the Restated Certificate and
the certificate of designation relating to such series, a form of which will
be filed with the Commission. The specific terms of a particular series of
Senior Preferred Stock offered hereby will be described in a Prospectus
Supplement relating to such series and will include the following:
 
    (i) the maximum number of shares to constitute the series and the
  distinctive designation thereof;
 
    (ii) the annual dividend rate, if any, on shares of the series, whether
  such rate is fixed or variable or both, the date or dates from which
  dividends will begin to accrue or accumulate and whether dividends will be
  cumulative;
 
    (iii) whether the shares of the series will be redeemable and, if so, the
  price at and the terms and conditions on which the shares of the series may
  be redeemed, including the time during which shares of the series may be
  redeemed and any accumulated dividends thereon that the holders of shares
  of the series shall be entitled to receive upon the redemption thereof;
 
    (iv) the liquidation preference, if any, applicable to shares of the
  series;
 
    (v) whether the shares of the series will be subject to operation of a
  retirement or sinking fund and, if so, the extent and manner in which any
  such fund shall be applied to the purchase or redemption of the shares of
  the series for retirement or for other corporate purposes, and the terms
  and provisions relating to the operation of such fund;
 
    (vi) the terms and conditions, if any, on which the shares of the series
  shall be convertible into, or exchangeable for, shares of any other class
  or classes of Senior Preferred Stock of the Company, or of any other series
  of the same class, including the price or prices or the rate or rates of
  conversion or exchange and the method, if any, of adjusting the same;
 
    (vii) the voting rights, if any, of the shares of the series; and
 
    (viii) any other preferences and relative, participating, optional or
  other special rights or qualifications, limitations or restrictions
  thereof.
 
EXISTING PREFERRED STOCK
 
 Series A Preferred Stock
 
  The Series A Preferred Stock has an annual dividend rate of 8.125%.
Dividends are cumulative and payable quarterly. The Company is prohibited from
declaring or paying cash dividends on Common Stock, Junior Preferred Stock or
other series of Senior Preferred Stock on parity with the Series A Preferred
Stock unless full cumulative dividends on all outstanding shares of Series A
Preferred Stock for all past dividend periods have been paid. The Series A
Preferred Stock is not redeemable prior to September 22, 2000. On or after
that date, the Series A Preferred Stock will be redeemable at the option of
the Company, in whole or in part, at a redemption price of $25 per share, plus
accrued and unpaid dividends. Except as required by law and as set forth
herein, the holders of Series A Preferred Stock have no voting rights. In case
the Company shall be in arrears in the payment of six consecutive quarterly
dividends on the outstanding Series A Preferred Stock, the holders of Series A
Preferred Stock, voting separately as a class and in addition to any voting
rights that holders of the Series A Preferred Stock shall have as required by
law, shall have the exclusive right to elect two additional directors beyond
the number to be elected by the stockholders at the next annual meeting of the
stockholders called for the election of directors, and at every subsequent
such meeting at which the terms of office of the directors so elected by the
Series A Preferred Stock expire, provided such arrearage exists on the date of
such
 
                                      23
<PAGE>
 
meeting or subsequent meetings, as the case may be. Any such elected directors
shall serve until the dividend default shall cease to exist. In addition,
without the vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding
shares of Series A Preferred Stock, the Company shall not (i) issue, from any
class or series of stock now existing or to be created in the future, any
shares of stock ranking senior to the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred
Stock as to the payment of dividends and upon liquidation or (ii) amend the
Restated Certificate or the Company's By-laws, as amended, if such amendment
would increase or decrease the aggregate number of authorized shares of Series
A Preferred Stock, increase or decrease the par value of the shares of Series
A Preferred Stock or alter or change the powers, preferences or special rights
of the Series A Preferred Stock so as to affect the holders of the Series A
Preferred Stock adversely. The Series A Preferred Stock carries a liquidation
preference of $25 per share, plus accrued and unpaid dividends. The Series A
Preferred Stock ranks senior with respect to payment of dividends and
liquidation preferences to the Common Stock and Junior Preferred Stock.
 
 Series B Preferred Stock
 
  On June 17, 1997 (the "Issuance Date"), the Company issued 1,500,000 shares
of Series B Preferred Stock at an offering price of $100.00 per share.
Dividends on the Series B Preferred Stock are noncumulative and, if declared,
will be payable at an annual rate of 6.687%. If one or more amendments to the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), are enacted that
reduce the percentage of the dividends received reduction (currently 70%) as
specified in Section 243(a)(1) of the Code or any successor provision, the
amount of each dividend payable (if declared) per share of the Series B
Preferred Stock shall be increased according to a formula set forth in the
Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights relating to the Series B
Preferred Stock. The Series B Preferred Stock is not redeemable prior to
August 15, 2007. On and after such date, the Series B Preferred Stock is
redeemable, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company, at $100.00 per
share, plus an amount equal to the sum of all accrued and unpaid dividends
(whether or not declared) for the then-current dividend period to the
Redemption Date (without accumulation of accrued and unpaid dividends for
prior dividend periods unless previously declared). The Series B Preferred
Stock is not entitled to the benefit of any sinking fund. Except as required
by law and as set forth herein, the holders of Series B Preferred Stock have
no voting rights. If dividends payable on any share or shares of the Series B
Preferred Stock or on any other class or series of Senior Preferred Stock for
which dividends are noncumulative ("Noncumulative Preferred Stock") ranking on
a parity with the Series B Preferred Stock and upon which like voting rights
have been conferred and are exercisable (excluding any class or series of
Noncumulative Preferred Stock entitled to elect additional directors by a
separate vote, "Voting Preferred Stock") have not been paid or declared and
set aside for payment for the equivalent of six full quarterly dividend
periods (whether or not consecutive), the number of directors of the Company
will be increased by two (without duplication of any increase made pursuant to
the terms of any other class or series of Voting Preferred Stock), and the
holders of the Series B Preferred Stock, voting as a single class with the
holders of the Voting Preferred Stock, will be entitled to elect such two
directors to fill such newly-created directorships. Such right of the holders
of the Series B Preferred Stock and the Voting Preferred Stock shall continue
until dividends on the Series B Preferred Stock and the Voting Preferred Stock
have been paid or declared and set apart for payment regularly for at least
one year (i.e., four consecutive full quarterly dividend periods). Any such
elected directors shall serve until the Company's next annual meeting of
stockholders and until their respective successors are elected and qualified
(notwithstanding that prior to the end of such term the dividend default shall
cease to exist). In addition, the affirmative vote or consent of the holders
of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding shares of the Series B Preferred Stock
will be required for any amendment, alteration or repeal of any provisions of
the Restated Certificate, of the Offered Preferred Certificate or of any other
certificate amendatory of or supplemental to the Restated Certificate which
would adversely affect the powers, preferences, privileges or rights of the
Series B Preferred Stock. The affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at
least 66 2/3% of the outstanding shares of the Series B Preferred Stock and
any other series of Noncumulative Preferred Stock ranking on a parity with the
Series B Preferred Stock either as to dividends or upon liquidation, voting as
a single class without regard to series, will be required to issue, authorize
or increase the authorized amount of, or issue or authorize any obligation or
security convertible into or evidencing a right to purchase, any additional
class or series of stock ranking prior to the Series B Preferred Stock as to
dividends or upon liquidation, or to reclassify any authorized stock of the
Company into such prior shares, but such vote will not be required for the
Company to take any such actions with respect to any stock ranking on a parity
with
 
                                      24
<PAGE>
 
or junior to the Series B Preferred Stock. The Series B Preferred Stock is
entitled to a liquidation preference of $100.00 per share, plus an amount
equal to the sum of all accrued and unpaid dividends (whether or not earned or
declared) for the then-current dividend period to the date of final
distribution (without accumulation of accrued and unpaid dividends for prior
dividend periods unless previously declared), that is senior to payments to
holders of the Common Stock, the Junior Preferred Stock or any other class or
series of stock of the Company ranking junior to the Series B Preferred Stock
and pari passu with payments to holders of each other series of Senior
Preferred Stock outstanding on the date of original issue of the Series B
Preferred Stock.
 
  The Series B Preferred Stock has not been registered under the Securities
Act or any applicable state securities law. Pursuant to a Registration Rights
Agreement (the "Registration Rights Agreement") between the Company and the
initial purchasers of the Series B Preferred Stock, the Company has agreed (i)
to use its reasonable best efforts to file, within 150 days after the Issuance
Date, a registration statement with respect to an offer to exchange (the
"Exchange Offer") shares of Series B Preferred Stock for shares of fixed rate
noncumulative perpetual Senior Preferred Stock of the Company with
substantially identical terms to the Series B Preferred Stock and (ii) to use
its reasonable best efforts to cause such registration statement to become
effective under the Securities Act within 180 days after the Issuance Date. In
the event that applicable law or interpretations of the staff of the
Commission do not permit the Company to effect the Exchange Offer, or in
certain other circumstances, the Company will use its reasonable best efforts
to cause to become effective a shelf registration statement with respect to
the resale of the Series B Preferred Stock and to keep such shelf registration
statement effective for up to two years after the Issuance Date.
 
 NW Preferred Stock
 
  The Company has authorized the issuance of 100,000 shares of NW Preferred
Stock pursuant to the Keep Well Agreement wherein, among other things, Fuji
Bank has agreed to purchase NW Preferred Stock in an amount required to
maintain the Company's net worth at $500 million. The Company's net worth was
approximately $1.5 billion at December 31, 1996. If and when issued, the NW
Preferred Stock will have an annual dividend rate equal to 1% per annum above
the three-month rate at which deposits in United States dollars are offered by
The Fuji Bank, Limited in London, England to prime banks in the London
interbank market. Dividends on the NW Preferred Stock will be noncumulative
and payable (if declared) quarterly, and the Company will be prohibited from
paying cash dividends on Common Stock unless full dividends for the then-
current dividend period (without accumulation of accrued and unpaid dividends
for prior dividend periods unless previously declared) on all outstanding
shares of NW Preferred Stock have been declared and paid or declared and a sum
sufficient set aside for such payment. Subject to certain conditions, NW
Preferred Stock will be redeemable at the option of the holder, in whole or in
part, within a specified period of time after the end of a calendar quarter in
an aggregate amount not greater than the excess of the net worth of the
Company as of the end of such calendar quarter over $500 million and at a
redemption price equal to the price paid to the Company upon the issuance
thereof, plus accrued and unpaid dividends for the then-current dividend
period (without accumulation of accrued and unpaid dividends for prior
dividend periods unless previously declared). Except as required by law, the
holders of NW Preferred Stock will have no voting rights. The NW Preferred
Stock will carry a liquidation preference equal to the price paid for each
share upon issuance thereof, plus accrued and unpaid dividends for the then-
current dividend period (without accumulation of accrued and unpaid dividends
for prior dividend periods unless previously declared). The NW Preferred Stock
will rank senior with respect to payment of dividends and liquidation
preference to the Common Stock and junior to the Senior Preferred Stock. No
purchases of NW Preferred Stock have been made by Fuji Bank under the Keep
Well Agreement.
 
COMMON STOCK
 
  All outstanding shares of the Common Stock are held by the Parent. Subject
to the rights of holders of the Senior Preferred Stock and Junior Senior
Preferred Stock, including any Senior Preferred Stock offered hereby, the
holders of outstanding shares of Common Stock are entitled to share ratably in
dividends declared out of assets legally available therefor at such time and
in such amounts as the Board of Directors of the Company may from time to time
lawfully determine. Each holder of Common Stock is entitled to one vote for
each share held.
 
                                      25
<PAGE>
 
All shares of Common Stock currently outstanding are fully paid and
nonassessable, not subject to redemption and assessment and without conversion,
preemptive or other rights to subscribe for or purchase any proportionate part
of any new or additional issues of any class or of securities convertible into
stock of any class.
 
                              PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
 
  The Company may offer the Securities directly to purchasers, to or through
underwriters, through dealers or agents or through a combination of any such
methods. Any such underwriter(s), dealer(s) or agent(s) involved in the offer
and sale of the Securities in respect of which this Prospectus is delivered
will be named in a Prospectus Supplement. The Prospectus Supplement with
respect to such Securities also will set forth the terms of the offering of
such Securities, including the purchase price of such Securities and the
proceeds to the Company from such sale, any underwriting discounts and other
items constituting underwriters' compensation, any initial public offering
price and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers
and any securities exchanges or markets on which such Securities may be listed.
 
  If underwriters are used in an offering of Securities, the Company will
execute an underwriting agreement with such underwriters, and the name of each
underwriter and the terms of the transaction, including any underwriting
discounts and other items constituting compensation of the underwriters and
dealers, if any, will be set forth in the Prospectus Supplement relating to
such offering, and, if an underwriting syndicate is used, the managing
underwriter or underwriters will be set forth on the cover of such Prospectus
Supplement. Such Securities will be acquired by the underwriters for their own
accounts and may be resold from time to time in one or more transactions, (i)
at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed, (ii) at market prices
prevailing at the time of sale, (iii) at prices relating to such prevailing
market price or (iv) at negotiated prices. Unless otherwise set forth in the
Prospectus Supplement, the obligations of the underwriters to purchase all of
the Securities offered will be subject to certain conditions precedent, and the
underwriters will be obligated to purchase all of the Securities offered if any
are purchased. Any initial public offering price and any discounts or
concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers may be changed from time to
time.
 
  If a dealer is used in an offering of Securities, the Company will sell such
Securities to the dealer, as principal. The dealer then may resell such
Securities to the public at varying prices to be determined by such dealer at
the time of resale. The name of the dealer and the terms of the transaction
will be set forth in the Prospectus Supplement relating thereto.
 
  If an agent is used in an offering of Securities, the agent will be named,
and the terms of the agency will be set forth, in the Prospectus Supplement
relating thereto. Unless otherwise indicated in such Prospectus Supplement, an
agent will act on a best efforts basis for the period of its appointment.
 
  Dealers and agents named in a Prospectus Supplement may be deemed to be
underwriters (within the meaning of the Securities Act) of the Securities
described therein. Underwriters, dealers and agents, under underwriting
agreements and other agreements which may be entered into with the Company, may
be entitled to indemnification by the Company against certain liabilities,
including liabilities under the Securities Act.
 
  Offers to purchase Securities may be solicited, and sales thereof may be
made, by the Company directly to institutional investors or others who may be
deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act with respect
to any resales thereof. The terms of any such offer will be set forth in the
Prospectus Supplement relating thereto.
 
  If so indicated in the Prospectus Supplement, the Company will authorize
underwriters, dealers or other agents of the Company to solicit offers by
certain institutional investors to purchase Securities from the Company
pursuant to contracts providing for payment and delivery at a future date.
Institutional investors with which such contracts may be made include
commercial and savings banks, insurance companies, pension funds, investment
companies, educational and charitable institutions and others, but in all cases
such purchasers must be approved
 
                                       26
<PAGE>
 
by the Company. The obligations of any purchaser under any such contract will
not be subject to any conditions except that (i) the purchase of the
Securities shall not at the time of delivery be prohibited under the laws of
any jurisdiction to which such purchaser is subject and (ii) if the Securities
also are being sold to underwriters, the Company shall have sold to such
underwriters the Securities not subject to delayed delivery. Underwriters and
other agents will not have any responsibility in respect of the validity or
performance of such contracts.
 
  The anticipated date of delivery of Securities will be set forth in the
Prospectus Supplement relating to each applicable offering.
 
  There can be no assurance that a secondary market will be created for the
Securities, or if it is created, that it will continue.
 
  Certain of the underwriters, dealers or agents and their associates may
engage in transactions with, serve as financial advisors to, and perform other
general financing and bank services for, the Company and its affiliates in the
ordinary course of business.
 
  To facilitate an offering of a series of Securities, certain persons
participating in the offering may engage in transactions that stabilize,
maintain or otherwise affect the price of the Securities. This may include
over-allotments or short sales of the Securities, which involves the sale by
persons participating in the offering of more Securities than have been sold
to them by the Company. In such circumstances, such persons would cover such
over-allotments or short positions by purchasing in the open market or by
exercising the over-allotment option granted to such persons. In addition,
such persons may stabilize or maintain the price of the Securities by bidding
for or purchasing Securities in the open market or by imposing penalty bids,
whereby selling concessions allowed to dealers participating in any such
offering may be reclaimed if Securities sold by them are repurchased in
connection with stabilization transactions. The effect of these transactions
may be to stabilize or maintain the market price of the Securities at a level
above that which might otherwise prevail in the open market. Such
transactions, if commencement, may be discontinued at any time.
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
  Certain legal matters in connection with the Securities offered hereby will
be passed upon for the Company by Mark J. Ohringer, Esq., Associate General
Counsel of the Company. Certain legal matters will be passed upon for any
agents or underwriters by Katten Muchin & Zavis, a partnership including
professional corporations, 525 West Monroe Street, Suite 1600, Chicago,
Illinois 60661-3693. Katten Muchin & Zavis from time to time acts as counsel
in certain matters for the Company and certain of its subsidiaries.
 
                        INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
  The financial statements and schedules incorporated in this Prospectus and
elsewhere in the Registration Statement by reference to the Company's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996 and the financial
statements for the five years ended December 31, 1996 from which the five-year
selected financial data included in this Prospectus have been derived, have
been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public accountants, as
indicated in their reports with respect thereto. These financial statements,
schedules and five-year selected financial data forming a part of this
Prospectus and Registration Statement have been included or incorporated by
reference, as the case may be, herein in reliance upon the authority of said
firm as experts in giving such reports. The interim financial statements for
the periods ended June 30, 1996 and June 30, 1997 have not been audited.
 
                                      27
<PAGE>
 
                       [LOGO OF HELLER FINANCIAL, INC.]

<PAGE>
 
                                    PART II
 
                  INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN THE PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 14. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION
 
  The expenses, other than underwriting discounts and commissions, payable by
the Company in connection with the issuance and distribution of the Securities
covered hereby are subject to future contingencies estimated to be as follows:
 
<TABLE>
      <S>                                                           <C>
      Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee.......... $  909,091*
      Printing and engraving expenses..............................    250,000
      Legal fees and expenses......................................     75,000
      Blue Sky fees and expenses...................................     30,000
      Accounting fees and expenses.................................     50,000
      Trustees' fees and expenses..................................     60,000
      Rating agency fees...........................................    800,000
      Miscellaneous expenses.......................................     25,909
                                                                    ----------
          Total.................................................... $2,200,000
                                                                    ==========
</TABLE>
- --------
   *Actual
 
ITEM 15. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
 
  The Registrant, a Delaware corporation, is empowered by Section 145 of the
Delaware General Corporation Law, subject to the procedures and limitations
stated therein, to indemnify any person against expenses (including attorneys'
fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably
incurred by him in the defense of any threatened, pending or completed action,
suit or proceeding in which such person is made a party by reason of his being
or having been a director or officer of the Registrant. The statute provides
that indemnification pursuant to its provisions is not exclusive of other
rights of indemnification to which a person may be entitled under any by-law,
agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors, or otherwise. In
effect, the By-Laws of the Registrant provide for indemnification by the
Registrant of its directors and officers to the full extent permitted by the
Delaware General Corporation Law. Also, as permitted by the Delaware General
Corporation Law, the Registrant's Restated Certificate of Incorporation
eliminates the personal liability of each director of the Registrant to the
Registrant or its stockholders for monetary damages arising out of or
resulting from any breach of his fiduciary duty as a director, except where
such director breached his duty of loyalty to the Registrant or its
stockholders, failed to act in good faith, engaged in intentional misconduct
or a knowing violation of the law, paid an unlawful dividend, approved an
unlawful stock purchase or redemption, or obtained an improper personal
benefit.
 
  Reference is made to the form of Underwriting Agreement Basic Provisions
filed as Exhibit 1.1 hereto and the form of Distribution Agreement filed as
Exhibit 1.2 hereto for a description of the indemnification arrangements in
connection with any offering through underwriters of the Securities registered
hereby. Similar indemnification provisions were contained in the underwriting
agreements executed in connection with prior offerings and sales of securities
by the Registrant.
 
ITEM 16. EXHIBITS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  EXHIBIT
  NUMBER
  -------
<S>        <C>
    ++1.1  Underwriting Agreement Basic Provisions dated October 16, 1997 for dollar
           denominated Securities to be distributed in the United States. An
           Underwriting Agreement relating to Securities to be distributed outside
           the United States or for Securities denominated in foreign currencies or
           foreign currency units will be filed as an Exhibit to a Current Report on
           Form 8-K and incorporated herein by reference.
</TABLE>
 
                                     II-1
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  EXHIBIT
  NUMBER
  -------
<S>         <C>
     *1.2   Form of Distribution Agreement.
    ++4.1   Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, as
            amended.
    **4.2   By-laws of the Company, as amended.
     *4.2   Heller Financial, Inc. Standard Multiple-Series Indenture Provisions dated
            February 5, 1987.
    ++4.3   Indenture dated as of September 1, 1995 between the Company and State
            Street Bank and Trust Company, as successor to Shawmut Bank Connecticut,
            National Association, as Trustee, with respect to the Senior Debt
            Securities. The form or forms of Senior Debt Securities with respect to
            each particular offering will be filed as an Exhibit to a Current Report
            on Form 8-K and incorporated herein by reference.
   ***4.4   First Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 13, 1995 between the
            Company and State Street Bank and Trust Company, as successor to Shawmut
            Bank Connecticut, National Association, as Trustee, with respect to the
            Senior Debt Securities.
    ++4.5   Indenture dated as of September 1, 1995 between the Company and State
            Street Bank and Trust Company, as successor to Shawmut Bank Connecticut,
            National Association, as Trustee, with respect to the Subordinated Debt
            Securities. The form or forms of Subordinated Debt Securities with respect
            to each particular offering will be filed as an Exhibit to a Current
            Report on Form 8-K and incorporated herein by reference.
   ***4.6   First Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 13, 1995 between the
            Company and State Street Bank and Trust Company, as successor to Shawmut
            Bank Connecticut, National Association, as Trustee, with respect to the
            Subordinated Debt Securities.
    ++4.7   Indenture dated as of September 1, 1995 between the Company and State
            Street Bank and Trust Company, as successor to Shawmut Bank Connecticut,
            National Association, as Trustee, with respect to the Junior Subordinated
            Debt Securities. The form or forms of Junior Subordinated Debt Securities
            with respect to each particular offering will be filed as an Exhibit to a
            Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated herein by reference.
   ***4.8   First Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 13, 1995 between the
            Company and State Street Bank and Trust Company, as successor to Shawmut
            Bank Connecticut, National Association, as Trustee, with respect to the
            Junior Subordinated Debt Securities.
  ****4.9   Form of Warrant Agreement to be entered into between the Company and the
            Warrant Agent (including form of Warrant Certificate).
      4.10  Form of Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights for Senior
            Preferred Stock. The form or forms will be filed as an Exhibit to a
            Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated herein by reference.
 *****4.11  Amended and Restated Keep Well Agreement between the Fuji Bank, Limited
            and the Company, as amended.
   ++ 5     Opinion of Mark J. Ohringer, Esq., Associate General Counsel of the
            Company, as to the validity of the Securities.
   ++12     Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
   ++23.1   Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP, independent auditors.
   ++23.2   Consent of Mark J. Ohringer, Esq. (contained in his opinion filed as
            Exhibit 5 hereto).
</TABLE>
 
 
                                      II-2
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  EXHIBIT
  NUMBER
  -------
<S>        <C>
   ++24    Powers of Attorney (included on the signature page hereto).
   ++25.1  Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility and Qualification under the Trust
           Indenture Act of 1939 of State Street Bank and Trust Company, under the
           Indenture for the Senior Debt Securities.
   ++25.2  Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility and Qualification under the Trust
           Indenture Act of 1939 of State Street Bank and Trust Company, under the
           Indenture for the Subordinated Debt Securities.
   ++25.3  Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility and Qualification under the Trust
           Indenture Act of 1939 of State Street Bank and Trust Company, under the
           Indenture for the Junior Subordinated Debt Securities.
</TABLE>
- --------
    ++Filed herewith.
    *Incorporated by reference to the Company's Registration Statement No. 33-
    11757 (filed February 5, 1987).
   **Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(ii) to the Company's Quarterly
    Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 1996 (File No. 1-6157,
    filed July 31, 1996).
  ***Incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K
    (File No. 1-6157, filed October 17, 1995).
 ****Incorporated by reference to the Company's Registration Statement No. 33-
    21310 (filed April 20, 1988).
*****Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 28(a) to the Company's Registration
    Statement No. 33-51692 (filed September 14, 1992), Exhibit 10 to the
    Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31,
    1995 (File No. 1-6157) and Exhibit 10 to the Company's Quarterly Report on
    Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 1997 (File No. 1-6157).
 
ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS
 
  The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:
 
  (1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a
post-effective amendment to the registration statement:
 
    (i) To include any prospectus required by section 10(a)(3) of the
  Securities Act of 1933;
 
    (ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the
  effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-
  effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate,
  represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the
  registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or
  decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of
  securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any
  deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range
  may be reflected in he form of prospectus filed with the Commission
  pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and
  price represent no more than 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate
  offering price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration Fee" table in
  the effective Registration Statement;
 
    (iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of
  distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any
  material change to such information in the registration statement;
 
provided, however, that paragraphs (1)(i) and (1)(ii) do not apply if the
information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those
paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed by the registrant pursuant
to section 13 or section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are
incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement.
 
                                     II-3
<PAGE>
 
  (2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities
Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new
registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the
offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona
fide offering thereof.
 
  (3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of
the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the
offering.
 
  (4) That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act
of 1933, each filing of the registrant's annual report pursuant to section
13(a) or section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that is
incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a
new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the
offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona
fide offering thereof.
 
  (5) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of
the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, the Registrant has been
advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such
indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of
1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for
indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the
Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling
person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or
proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in
connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in
the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling
precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether
such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the
Securities Act of 1933 and will be governed by the final adjudication of such
issue.
 
  (6) To file an application for the purpose of determining the eligibility of
the trustee under Subsection (a) of Section 310 of the Trust Indenture Act of
1939, as amended (the "Trust Indenture Act") in accordance with the rules and
regulations prescribed by the Commission under section 305(b)(2) of the Trust
Indenture Act.
 
                                      II-4
<PAGE>
 
                                  SIGNATURES
 
  PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, THE REGISTRANT
CERTIFIES THAT IT HAS REASONABLE GROUNDS TO BELIEVE THAT IT MEETS ALL OF THE
REQUIREMENTS FOR FILING ON FORM S-3 AND HAS DULY CAUSED THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT TO BE SIGNED ON ITS BEHALF BY THE UNDERSIGNED, THEREUNTO DULY
AUTHORIZED, IN THE CITY OF CHICAGO, STATE OF ILLINOIS, ON THE 22ND DAY OF
OCTOBER, 1997.
 
                                          Heller Financial, Inc.
 
                                                 /s/ Richard J. Almeida
                                          By: _________________________________
                                                    Richard J. Almeida
                                                Chairman and Chief Executive
                                                          Officer
 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
  EACH PERSON WHOSE SIGNATURE APPEARS BELOW HEREBY CONSTITUTES AND APPOINTS
DEBRA H. SNIDER, LAURALEE E. MARTIN AND MARK J. OHRINGER AND EACH OF THEM,
THEIR TRUE AND LAWFUL ATTORNEYS-IN-FACT AND AGENTS, WITH FULL POWER OF
SUBSTITUTION, TO SIGN ON HIS OR HER BEHALF, INDIVIDUALLY AND IN EACH CAPACITY
STATED BELOW, ALL AMENDMENTS AND POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENTS TO THIS
REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-3 (INCLUDING ANY REGISTRATION STATEMENT FILED
PURSUANT TO RULE 462(B) UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 AND ALL AMENDMENTS
THERETO) AND TO FILE THE SAME, WITH ALL EXHIBITS THERETO AND ANY OTHER
DOCUMENTS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH, WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, GRANTING UNTO SAID ATTORNEYS-IN-FACT AND
AGENTS FULL POWER AND AUTHORITY TO DO AND PERFORM EACH AND EVERY ACT AND THING
REQUISITE AND NECESSARY TO BE DONE IN AND ABOUT THE PREMISES, AS FULLY AND TO
ALL INTENTS AND PURPOSES AS EACH MIGHT OR COULD DO IN PERSON, THEREBY
RATIFYING AND CONFIRMING EACH ACT THAT SAID ATTORNEYS-IN-FACT AND AGENTS MAY
LAWFULLY DO OR CAUSE TO BE DONE BY VIRTUE THEREOF.
 
  PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, THIS
REGISTRATION STATEMENT HAS BEEN SIGNED BY THE FOLLOWING PERSONS IN THE
CAPACITIES INDICATED ON OCTOBER 22, 1997.
 
 
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                         <C>
        /s/ Richard J. Almeida              Chairman, Chief Executive Officer
___________________________________________   (Principal Executive Officer) and
            Richard J. Almeida                Director
 
          /s/ Atsushi Takano                Director
___________________________________________
              Atsushi Takano
 
         /s/ Yukihiko Chayama               Director
___________________________________________
             Yukihiko Chayama
 
          /s/ Kenichi Tomita                Director
___________________________________________
              Kenichi Tomita
 
          /s/ Tsutomu Hayano                Director
___________________________________________
              Tsutomu Hayano
 
            /s/ Mark Kessel                 Director
___________________________________________
                Mark Kessel
 
</TABLE>
 
 
                                     II-5
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                         <C>
          /s/ Masahiro Sawada               Director
___________________________________________
              Masahiro Sawada
 
         /s/ Michael J. Litwin              Director
___________________________________________
             Michael J. Litwin
 
        /s/ Dennis P. Lockhart              Director
___________________________________________
            Dennis P. Lockhart
 
        /s/ Lauralee E. Martin              Executive Vice President, Chief Financial
___________________________________________   Officer and Director (Principal Financial
            Lauralee E. Martin                Officer)
 
 
         /s/ Takeshi Takahashi              Director
___________________________________________
             Takeshi Takahashi
 
            /s/ Osamu Ogura                 Director
___________________________________________
                Osamu Ogura
 
          /s/ Hideo Nakajima                Director
___________________________________________
              Hideo Nakajima
 
         /s/ Kenichiro Tanaka               Director
___________________________________________
             Kenichiro Tanaka
 
         /s/ Lawrence G. Hund               Senior Vice President and Controller
___________________________________________   (Principal Accounting Officer)
             Lawrence G. Hund
 
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-6
<PAGE>
 
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  EXHIBIT
  NUMBER                                  EXHIBIT
  -------                                 -------
 <C>       <S>
  1.1      Underwriting Agreement Basic Provisions dated October 16, 1997 for
           dollar denominated Securities to be distributed in the United
           States. An Underwriting Agreement relating to Securities to be
           distributed outside the United States or for Securities denominated
           in foreign currencies or foreign currency units will be filed as an
           Exhibit to a Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated herein by
           reference.
  4.1      Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, as
           amended.
  4.3      Indenture dated as of September 1, 1995 between the Company and
           State Street Bank and Trust Company, as successor to Shawmut Bank
           Connecticut, National Association, as Trustee, with respect to the
           Senior Debt Securities. The form or forms of Senior Debt Securities
           with respect to each particular offering will be filed as an Exhibit
           to a Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated herein by
           reference.
  4.5      Indenture dated as of September 1, 1995 between the Company and
           State Street Bank and Trust Company, as successor to Shawmut Bank
           Connecticut, National Association, as Trustee, with respect to the
           Subordinated Debt Securities. The form or forms of Subordinated Debt
           Securities with respect to each particular offering will be filed as
           an Exhibit to a Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated herein
           by reference.
  4.7      Indenture dated as of September 1, 1995 between the Company and
           State Street Bank and Trust Company, as successor to Shawmut Bank
           Connecticut, National Association, as Trustee, with respect to the
           Junior Subordinated Debt Securities. The form or forms of Junior
           Subordinated Debt Securities with respect to each particular
           offering will be filed as an Exhibit to a Current Report on Form 8-K
           and incorporated herein by reference.
  5        Opinion of Mark J. Ohringer, Esq., Associate General Counsel of the
           Company, as to the validity of the Securities.
 12        Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
 23.1      Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP, independent auditors.
 23.2      Consent of Mark J. Ohringer, Esq. (contained in his opinion filed as
           Exhibit 5 hereto).
 24        Powers of Attorney (included on the signature page hereto).
 25.1      Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility and Qualification under the Trust
           Indenture Act of 1939 of State Street Bank and Trust Company, under
           the Indenture for the Senior Debt Securities.
 25.2      Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility and Qualification under the Trust
           Indenture Act of 1939 of State Street Bank and Trust Company, under
           the Indenture for the Subordinated Debt Securities.
 25.3      Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility and Qualification under the Trust
           Indenture Act of 1939 of State Street Bank and Trust Company, under
           the Indenture for the Junior Subordinated Debt Securities.
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

                                                                     EXHIBIT 1.1
 
                            HELLER FINANCIAL, INC.
                                Debt Securities
                                        

                    UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT BASIC PROVISIONS
                    ---------------------------------------
                                        
                                                            October 16, 1997


     Heller Financial, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), proposes to
issue and sell from time to time certain of its senior unsecured debt securities
(the "Senior Securities"), and/or subordinated unsecured debt securities (the
"Subordinated Securities") and/or junior subordinated unsecured debt securities
(the "Junior Securities") (the Senior Securities, Subordinated Securities and
Junior Securities are herein collectively called the "Securities") registered
under the registration statement referred to in Section l(a). The Senior
Securities will be issued under an indenture dated as of September 1, 1995
between the Company and Shawmut Bank Connecticut, National Association, as
Trustee, or pursuant to an indenture referred to in the next sentence (such
indentures, as at any time amended, being referred to herein individually as a
"Senior Indenture" or collectively as the "Senior Indentures"); the Subordinated
Securities will be issued under an indenture dated as of September 1, 1995
between the Company and Shawmut Bank Connecticut, National Association, as
Trustee, or pursuant to an indenture referred to in the next sentence (such
indentures, as at any time amended, being referred to herein individually as a
"Subordinated Indenture" or collectively as the "Subordinated Indentures"); and
the Junior Subordinated Securities will be issued under an indenture dated as of
September 1, 1995 between the Company and Shawmut Bank Connecticut, National
Association, as Trustee, or pursuant to an indenture referred to in the next
sentence (such indentures being referred to herein individually as a "Junior
Subordinated Indenture" or collectively as the "Junior Subordinated
Indentures"); each may be issued in one or more series, which series may have
varying designations, interest rates and payment dates, maturities, redemption
provisions, and other terms, with all such terms for any particular series being
determined at the time of sale. Each of the Senior Securities, the Subordinated
Securities and the Junior Subordinated Securities, respectively, may also be
issued under an indenture in the form of such indenture for each such class of
Securities, respectively, filed as an exhibit to the registration statement
referred to in Section 1(a), for which the related Trustee will be qualified in
accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission") on or about the time of their respective issuance.
The Senior Indentures, the Subordinated Indentures and the Junior Subordinated
Indentures are sometimes referred to herein individually as an "Indenture" and
collectively as the "Indentures." The securities will be issued and sold
pursuant to one or more pricing agreements (each a "Pricing Agreement" and
together the "Pricing Agreements") in the form of Annex I hereto, with such
additions and
<PAGE>
 
deletions as the parties thereto may determine, between the Company and the firm
or firms named in Schedule I to the Pricing Agreement.  With respect to any
particular Pricing Agreement, the firm or firms named in Schedule I thereto are
hereinafter referred to as the "Underwriters," the particular series of
Securities specified in Schedule II thereto as being issued and sold to the
Underwriters thereunder are hereinafter referred to as the "Designated
Securities, the Indenture under which the Designated Securities are to be issued
is hereinafter referred to as the "Designated Indenture" and the firm or firms
designated as representatives of the Underwriters are hereinafter referred to as
the "Representatives"; if the Underwriters include only the Representatives, use
of the latter term shall be deemed to refer to the Underwriters.  The basic
provisions set forth in this document (the "Basic Provisions) are intended to be
incorporated by reference in the Pricing Agreements and the sale of Designated
Securities to Underwriters pursuant to any particular Pricing Agreement shall be
subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein and therein.  Any such
Pricing Agreement, together with the Basic Provisions incorporated by reference
therein, is herein referred to as this "Agreement."  Capitalized terms defined
in any Pricing Agreement are used herein as therein defined.

     1.   Representations and Warranties of the Company. The Company represents
and warrants to, and agrees with, the Underwriters with respect to each offering
of Designated Securities that:

          (a)  A registration statement on Form S-3 (with the file number set
     forth in Schedule II to the Pricing Agreement), including a prospectus,
     relating to the Securities has been filed with the Commission and has
     become effective; the Company meets the requirements for the use of such
     form. A prospectus supplement (the "Prospectus Supplement") reflecting the
     terms of the Designated Securities, the terms of the offering thereof and
     the other matters set forth therein has been prepared and will be filed
     pursuant to Rule 424 under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Act"). The
     registration statement (including the material incorporated therein by
     reference, except for documents or portions thereof which are deemed, under
     Rule 412 of the rules and regulations under the Act, not to be incorporated
     into such registration statement and including all exhibits thereto other
     than the Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility and Qualification under the
     Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the "Trust Indenture Act"), for
     each Trustee under the Indentures, as amended at the time of any Pricing
     Agreement, is hereinafter referred to, with respect to the transaction
     contemplated by such Pricing Agreement, as the "Registration Statement",
     and each prospectus then forming a part thereof (including the material
     incorporated therein by reference), as supplemented by the Prospectus
     Supplement, is hereinafter referred to as the "Prospectus". Any reference
     to any amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement or Prospectus
     shall be deemed to refer to and include the filing of any document with the
     Commission deemed

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
     to be incorporated by reference therein after the effective date of the
     Registration Statement.

          (b)  On the effective date of the registration statement relating to
     the Securities (including the material incorporated therein by reference),
     the registration statement conformed in all material respects with the
     requirements of the Act, the Trust Indenture Act and the applicable rules
     and regulations of the Commission thereunder and did not include any untrue
     statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to
     be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not
     misleading, and each of the Indentures conformed in all material respects
     with the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act and the rules and
     regulations of the Commission thereunder; on the date of each Pricing
     Agreement and at the Time of Delivery (as hereinafter defined), the
     Registration Statement and the Prospectus will conform in all material
     respects with the requirements of the Act, the Trust Indenture Act and the
     rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder and neither of such
     documents will include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
     state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make
     the statements therein not misleading and the Designated Indenture will
     conform in all material respects with the requirements of the Trust
     Indenture Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder;
     provided, however, that the Company makes no representations or warranties
     as to the information contained in or omitted from the Registration
     Statement or the Prospectus in reliance upon and in conformity with
     information furnished in writing to the Company by or on behalf of any
     Underwriter, directly or through the Representatives, specifically for use
     in connection with the preparation thereof.

          (c)  The accountants who have certified or shall certify the audited
     financial statements of the Company included or incorporated by reference
     in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus are, to the best of the
     Company's knowledge, independent accountants as required by the Act and the
     Rules and Regulations.

          (d)  The financial statements included or incorporated by reference in
     the Registration Statement and the Prospectus present fairly the financial
     position, results of operations and changes in financial position of the
     corporations to which they relate, as of the respective dates of, or for
     the respective periods indicated, all in conformity with generally accepted
     accounting principles applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods
     involved.

          (e)  Subsequent to the respective dates as of which information is
     given in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, except as

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
     contemplated or set forth in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus,
     (i) there has not been any material adverse change in the financial
     condition, earnings, business or properties of the Company and its
     subsidiaries taken as a whole, whether or not arising from transactions in
     the ordinary course of business, (ii) neither the Company nor any of its
     subsidiaries have entered into any transaction not in the ordinary course
     of business material to the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole
     and (iii) neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries have incurred any
     liabilities or obligations, direct or contingent, not in the ordinary
     course of business which are material in relation to the Company and its
     subsidiaries taken as a whole.

          (f)  The Designated Indenture has been duly authorized, executed and
     delivered by the Company and has been duly qualified under the Trust
     Indenture Act and constitutes the valid and legally binding obligations of
     the Company subject, as to enforcement, to bankruptcy, insolvency,
     reorganization and other laws of general applicability affecting creditors
     rights and to general equity principles; the Designated Securities conform
     to the description thereof contained in the Prospectus and are duly and
     validly authorized, and, when validly authenticated, issued and delivered
     in accordance with the Designated Indenture and sold to the Underwriters,
     will be validly issued and outstanding obligations of the Company entitled
     to the benefits of the Designated Indenture; and at the Time of Delivery
     the Designated Securities will rank pari passu with all other series of
     Securities issued under the Designated Indenture.

          (g)  The Company and each of its subsidiaries (other than subsidiaries
     which, considered in the aggregate as a single subsidiary, would not
     constitute a "significant subsidiary" as defined in Rule 1-02(v) of
     Regulation S-X promulgated by the Commission) have been duly incorporated
     and are validly existing as corporations in good standing under the laws of
     the respective jurisdictions of their incorporations; each of the Company
     and such subsidiaries is duly licensed and duly qualified to do business as
     a foreign corporation and is in good standing in all the jurisdictions in
     which it owns or leases substantial property or in which the conduct of its
     business requires such qualification, except where the failure to be so
     qualified, considering all such cases in the aggregate, does not involve a
     material risk to the business, properties, financial position or results of
     operations of the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole; and each
     of the Company and such subsidiaries has full power and authority to own
     its properties and conduct its business as described in the Prospectus; all
     the outstanding shares of capital stock of each such subsidiary have been
     duly and validly authorized and issued and are fully paid and nonassessable
     and are owned by the Company either directly or through wholly owned
     subsidiaries free and clear of any perfected security interest and any
     other security interests, claims, liens or encumbrances.

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
          (h)  Neither the issuance or sale of the Designated Securities by the
     Company, nor the consummation by the Company of any other of the
     transactions herein contemplated, nor the fulfillment by the Company of the
     terms hereof, will materially conflict with, result in a material breach of
     or constitute a material default under any statute, the Company's charter
     or by-laws or the terms of any indenture or other agreement or instrument
     to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party or is bound, or,
     to the best of the knowledge of the Company, any order or regulation
     applicable to the Company or any of its subsidiaries of any court,
     regulatory body, administrative agency or governmental body having
     jurisdiction over the Company or any of its subsidiaries.

          (i)  Except for litigation referred to in the Registration Statement
     or in the Prospectus and litigation which, if determined adversely to the
     Company or its subsidiaries, would not have a material adverse effect upon
     the financial condition or the earnings of the Company and its subsidiaries
     (taken as a whole), the Company knows of no legal or governmental
     proceedings pending to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a
     party or of which any property of the Company or any of its subsidiaries is
     the subject; and, to the best of the Company's knowledge, no such
     proceedings are threatened or contemplated by governmental authorities or
     threatened by others.

          (j)  Neither the Company nor any of the Company's subsidiaries is in
     default in the payment of principal of or interest on any indebtedness or
     in the performance of any covenant, term or condition contained in any
     instrument evidencing any such indebtedness or under which it was created;
     and at the Time of Delivery, there shall not exist any Event of Default as
     defined in the Designated Indenture or any condition, event or act, which,
     with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute such an Event of
     Default.

          (k)  The documents incorporated by reference in the Registration
     Statement or Prospectus, when they became effective or were filed with the
     Commission, as the case may be, under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
     (the "Exchange Act"), conformed, and any documents so filed and
     incorporated by reference after the date of the Pricing Agreement relating
     to the Designated Securities will, when they are filed with the Commission,
     conform, in all material respects to the requirements of the Exchange Act
     and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder.

                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
     2.  Purchase and Offering.

          (a)  Particular sales of Designated Securities may be made from time
     to time to the Underwriters of such Securities.  These Basic Provisions,
     standing alone, shall not be construed as an obligation of the Company to
     sell any of the Securities or as an obligation of any Underwriters to
     purchase the Securities.  Such obligations shall come into existence only
     upon execution, by the Company and the Representatives named therein, of
     the Pricing Agreement with respect to the Designated Securities specified
     therein.  Each Pricing Agreement shall specify the firms which will be
     Underwriters and their Representatives (if any), the principal amount of
     the Designated Securities to be purchased by each Underwriter, the purchase
     price to be paid by the Underwriters, the initial public offering price,
     the terms of the Designated Securities not already specified in the
     Designated Indenture, including, but not limited to, interest rate (if
     any), maturity, redemption provisions and sinking fund requirements (if
     any) and whether any of the Designated Securities may be sold pursuant to
     Delayed Delivery Contracts ("Delayed Delivery Contracts").  Each Pricing
     Agreement shall also specify the date, time and manner of delivery and
     payment for the Designated Securities.  A Pricing Agreement shall be in the
     form of an executed writing (which may be in counterparts), and may be
     evidenced by an exchange of facsimile transmissions.  The obligations of
     the Underwriters to purchase the Designated Securities pursuant to any
     Pricing Agreement shall be several and not joint.

          (b)  Upon the execution of the Pricing Agreement applicable to any
     Designated Securities and authorization by the Representatives of the
     release of such Designated Securities, the several Underwriters propose to
     offer such Designated Securities for sale upon the terms and conditions set
     forth in the Prospectus Supplement relating to such Designated Securities.

          (c)  Designated Securities to be purchased by each Underwriter
     pursuant to the Pricing Agreement relating thereto, in definitive form or
     in book-entry form as specified in the Pricing Agreement, and in such
     authorized denominations and registered in such names as the
     Representatives may request upon at least forty-eight hours' prior notice
     to the Company, shall be delivered by or on behalf of the Company to the
     Representatives for the account of such Underwriter, against payment by
     such Underwriter or on its behalf of the purchase price therefor by
     certified or official bank check or checks payable to the order of the
     Company or by wire transfer, as specified in the Pricing Agreement, in the
     funds specified in such Pricing Agreement, all at the place and time and
     date specified in such Pricing Agreement with respect to Designated
     Securities not being sold pursuant to Delayed Delivery Contracts, or at
     such other place and time and date as the Representatives and the Company
     may agree upon in writing,

                                      -6-
<PAGE>
 
     such time and date being herein called the "Time of Delivery" for such
     Designated Securities.  The Company agrees to have the Designated
     Securities available for inspection, checking and packaging by the
     Representatives in New York, New York, not later than noon on the business
     day prior to the Time of Delivery for such Designated Securities.

     3.  Covenants of the Company.  In connection with each offering of
Designated Securities, the Company covenants and agrees with the Underwriters:

          (a)  To cause the Prospectus Supplement to be filed pursuant to Rule
     424 under the Act and notify the Representatives promptly of such filing;
     to prepare and file with the Commission, after the date of the Pricing
     Agreement relating to such Securities and prior to the Time of Delivery for
     such Securities, promptly upon the request of the Representatives, any
     amendments or supplements to the Registration Statement or the Prospectus
     which, in the reasonable opinion of the Representatives, may be necessary
     or advisable in connection with the distribution of such Securities by the
     Underwriters; to make no further amendment or any supplement to the
     Registration Statement or the Prospectus after the date of the Pricing
     Agreement relating to such Securities and prior to the Time of Delivery for
     such Securities which shall be reasonably disapproved by the
     Representatives for such Securities promptly after reasonable notice
     thereof; to advise the Representatives promptly of any amendment or
     supplement to the Registration Statement or the Prospectus after such Time
     of Delivery and furnish the Representatives with copies thereof and to file
     promptly all reports and any definitive proxy or information statements
     required to be filed by the Company with the Commission pursuant to Section
     13(a) or (c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act for so long as the delivery
     of a prospectus is required in connection with the offering or sale of such
     Securities, and during such same period to advise the Representatives,
     promptly after it receives notice thereof, (i) of the time when any
     amendment to the Registration Statement has become effective or any
     supplement to the Prospectus or any amended Prospectus has been filed, (ii)
     of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order or of any order
     preventing or suspending the use of any Prospectus, (iii) of the suspension
     of the qualification of such Securities for offering or sale in any
     jurisdiction, (iv) of the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for
     any such purpose, or (v) of any request by the Commission for the amending
     or supplementing of the Registration Statement or the Prospectus or for
     additional information; and in the event of the issuance of any such stop
     order or of any such order preventing or suspending the use of any
     Prospectus or suspending any such qualification, to use promptly its best
     efforts to obtain its withdrawal.

          (b)  Promptly from time to time to take such action as the
     Representatives may reasonably request to qualify such Securities for

                                      -7-
<PAGE>
 
     offering and sale under the securities laws of such jurisdictions as the
     Representatives may request and to comply with such laws so as to permit
     the continuance of sales and dealings therein in such jurisdictions for as
     long as may be necessary to complete the distribution of such Securities,
     provided that in connection therewith the Company shall not be required to
     qualify as a foreign corporation or to file a general consent to service of
     process in any jurisdiction.  The Company will also arrange for the
     determination of the eligibility for investment for the Designated
     Securities under the laws of such jurisdictions as the Representatives may
     reasonably request.

          (c)  To furnish the Underwriters with copies of the Prospectus in such
     quantities as the Representatives may from time to time reasonably request,
     and, if the delivery of a prospectus is required at any time prior to the
     expiration of nine months after the date of the Pricing Agreement in
     connection with the offering or sale of such Securities and if at such time
     any event shall have occurred as a result of which the Prospectus as then
     amended or supplemented would include an untrue statement of a material
     fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the
     statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were
     made when such Prospectus is delivered, not misleading, or, if for any
     other reason it shall be necessary during such same period to amend or
     supplement the Prospectus or to file under the Exchange Act any document
     incorporated by reference in the Prospectus in order to comply with the Act
     or the Trust Indenture Act, to notify the Representatives and upon their
     request to file such document and to prepare and furnish without charge to
     each Underwriter and to any dealer in securities as many copies as the
     Representatives may from time to time reasonably request of an amended
     Prospectus or a supplement to the Prospectus which will correct such
     statement or omission or effect such compliance.

          (d)  To make generally available to its security holders as soon as
     practicable, but in any event not later than eighteen months after the date
     of each Pricing Agreement, an earnings statement of the Company and its
     consolidated subsidiaries (which need not be audited) complying with
     Section 11(a) of the Act and covering a period of at least twelve
     consecutive months beginning after the date of such Pricing Agreement.

          (e)  During the period beginning from the date of the Pricing
     Agreement for such Securities and continuing to and including the earlier
     of (i) the termination of trading restrictions on such Securities of which
     termination the Representatives agree to give the Company prompt notice
     confirmed in writing, and (ii) the Time of Delivery for such Securities,
     not to offer, sell, publicly announce any intention to offer or sell,
     contract to sell or otherwise dispose of any debt securities of the Company
     (except under prior contractual commitments or pursuant to arrangements
     with banks or deposit

                                      -8-
<PAGE>
 
     taking institutions) denominated in U.S. dollars which mature more than one
     year after such Time of Delivery, without the prior consent of the
     Representatives, except pursuant to arrangements of which the
     Representatives have been advised by the Company prior to the time of
     execution of such Pricing Agreement, which advice is confirmed in writing
     to the Representatives by the end of the business day following the date of
     such Pricing Agreement.

          (f)  To pay all expenses incident to the performance of the Company's
     obligations under this Agreement, including the expenses of printing all
     documents relating to the offering, and to reimburse the Underwriters for
     any expenses (including fees and disbursements of counsel) incurred by them
     in connection with the matters referred to in Section 3(b) hereof and the
     preparation of memoranda relating thereto, for any filing fee of the
     National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. or of the New York Stock
     Exchange relating to the Designated Securities and for any fees charged by
     investment rating agencies for rating of the Designated Securities.

     4.  Conditions.  The obligations of the Underwriters of any Designated
Securities hereunder shall be subject, in the discretion of the Representatives,
to the accuracy of the representations and warranties on the part of the Company
herein, to the performance by the Company of its obligations hereunder and to
the following additional conditions:

          (a)  No stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration
     Statement shall have been issued and no proceeding for that purpose shall
     have been initiated or, to the knowledge of the Company or any Underwriter,
     threatened by the Commission, and any request of the Commission for
     additional information (to be included in the Registration Statement or the
     Prospectus or otherwise) shall have been complied with or otherwise
     satisfied.

          (b)  Counsel for the Underwriters, McDermott, Will & Emery, shall have
     furnished to the Representatives an opinion, dated the Time of Delivery of
     such Designated Securities, with respect to such matters as the
     Representatives may reasonably request, and such counsel shall have
     received such papers and information as they may reasonably request to
     enable them to pass upon such matters.  In rendering their opinion, such
     counsel may rely on certificates of the Trustee under the Designated
     Indenture as to the execution and authentication of the Designated
     Securities.

          (c)  The General Counsel of the Company, or other counsel satisfactory
     to the Representatives in their reasonable judgment shall have

                                      -9-
<PAGE>
 
     furnished to the Representatives an opinion, dated the Time of Delivery of
     such Designated Securities, on the matters set forth in Exhibit A hereto.

          (d)  The independent accountants of the Company who have certified the
     consolidated financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries
     included or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement shall
     have furnished to the Representatives:

               (i)  At or prior to the time of execution of the Pricing
          Agreement relating to the Designated Securities, a letter, dated the
          date of delivery thereof, to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto,
          except for paragraph (3)(c) thereof, with respect to the Registration
          Statement and the Prospectus at the time the Registration Statement
          became effective.

               (ii) At the Time of Delivery, a letter dated the Time of Delivery
          to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, with respect to the
          Registration Statement and the Prospectus at the time of the Pricing
          Agreement relating to the Designated Securities and as to such other
          matters as the Representatives and the Company may have agreed upon at
          or prior to the execution of the Pricing Agreement, which letter may
          refer to the letter delivered pursuant to subsection (i) above and
          reconfirm the matters set forth therein.

          (e)  Since the respective dates as of which information is given in
     the Prospectus there shall not have been any material change, on a
     consolidated basis, in the capital stock, short-term debt or long-term debt
     of the Company and its subsidiaries, or any material adverse change, or any
     development involving a prospective material adverse change, in the
     financing condition, earnings, business or properties of the Company and
     its subsidiaries taken as a whole, otherwise than as set forth or
     contemplated in the Prospectus, the effect of which, when viewed in
     relation to the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole, is so
     material and adverse as to make it impracticable or inadvisable, in the
     reasonable judgment of the Representatives, to proceed with the public
     offering or the delivery of the Designated Securities on the terms and in
     the manner contemplated in the Prospectus.

          (f)  Subsequent to the date of the Pricing Agreement relating to the
     Designated Securities, no downgrading shall have occurred in the rating
     accorded to any of the Company's debt securities by Moody's Investors
     Service, Inc., Standard & Poor's Corporation or Duff & Phelps, Inc. and no
     such rating agency shall have announced publicly that it has placed any of
     such debt securities on what is commonly termed a "watch list" for possible
     downgrading.

                                      -10-
<PAGE>
 
          (g)  Subsequent to the date of the Pricing Agreement relating to the
     Designated Securities, there shall not have occurred any of the following:
     (i) a suspension or material limitation in trading in securities generally
     on the New York Stock Exchange; (ii) a general moratorium on commercial
     banking activities in New York declared by either Federal or New York State
     authorities; or (iii) the outbreak or escalation of hostilities involving
     the United States or the declaration by the United States of a national
     emergency or war, the effect of which (in any such case described in clause
     (i), (ii) or (iii) hereof), in the reasonable judgment of the
     Representatives, makes it impracticable or inadvisable to proceed with the
     public offering or the delivery of the Designated Securities on the terms
     and in the manner contemplated in the Prospectus.

          (h)  The Company shall have furnished or caused to be furnished to the
     Representatives at the Time of Delivery for the Designated Securities a
     certificate, signed by the Chairman of the Board, the President or any Vice
     President, and by the principal financial or accounting officer, dated the
     Time of Delivery, to the effect that, to the best of their knowledge based
     upon reasonable investigation:

               (i)  The representations and warranties of the Company in this
          Agreement are true and correct, as if made at and as of the Time of
          Delivery, and the Company has complied in all material respects with
          all obligations on its part to be performed at or prior to the Time of
          Delivery;

               (ii)  No stop order suspending the effectiveness of the
          Registration Statement has been issued, and no proceeding for that
          purpose has been instituted or, to the knowledge of the Company, is
          threatened by the Commission; and

               (iii)  Since the date of the Pricing Agreement relating to the
          Designated Securities, there has occurred no event required to be set
          forth in an amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement or
          the Prospectus which has not been so set forth, and there has been no
          document required to be filed under the Exchange Act and the rules and
          regulations thereunder that upon such filing would be deemed to be
          incorporated by reference in the Prospectus that has not been so
          filed.

          (i)  The Company shall have furnished to the Representatives such
     further certificates and documents as they shall have reasonably requested.

                                      -11-
<PAGE>
 
All such opinions, certificates, letters and other documents will be in
compliance with the provisions hereof only if they are reasonably satisfactory
in form and substance to the Representatives. The Company will furnish the
Representatives with such conformed copies of such opinions, certificates,
letters and other documents as they shall reasonably request.

  5.  Indemnification and Contribution.
      -------------------------------- 

          (a)  The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each
     Underwriter and each person who controls any Underwriter within the meaning
     of either the Act or the Exchange Act against any and all losses, claims,
     damages or liabilities, joint or several, to which they or any of them may
     become subject under the Act, the Exchange Act or other Federal or state
     statutory law or regulation, at common law or otherwise, insofar as such
     losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof)
     arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue
     statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, the
     Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto (or contained in the
     Registration Statement after it first became effective but prior to the
     Pricing Agreement or in any prospectus forming a part thereof during such
     period), or arise out of or are based upon the omission or alleged omission
     to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary
     to make the statements therein not misleading, or as incurred, to the
     extent of the aggregate amount paid in settlement of any litigation, or any
     investigation or proceeding by any governmental agency or body, commenced
     or threatened, or of any claim whatsoever based upon any such untrue
     statement or omission, or any such alleged untrue statement or omission,
     provided that any such settlement is effected with the written consent of
     the Company, and agrees to reimburse each such indemnified party for any
     legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by then in connection with
     investigating or defending any such loss, claim, damage, liability or
     action; provided, however, that (i) the Company will not be liable in any
     such case to the extent that any such loss, claim, damage or liability
     arises out of or is based upon any such untrue statement or alleged untrue
     statement or omission or alleged omission made therein in reliance upon and
     in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by or on
     behalf of any Underwriter through the Representatives specifically for use
     in connection with the preparation thereof, and (ii) such indemnity with
     respect to any prospectus forming a part of the Registration Statement
     prior to the Pricing Agreement (the "Preliminary Prospectus") shall not
     inure to the benefit of any Underwriter (or any person controlling such
     Underwriter) from whom the person asserting any such loss, claim, damage or
     liability purchased the Designated Securities which are the subject thereof
     if the Company shall have sustained the burden of proving that such person
     did not receive a copy of the Prospectus (or the Prospectus as amended or
     supplemented) excluding documents incorporated therein by

                                      -12-
<PAGE>
 
     reference (and the Company shall have fulfilled its obligation pursuant to
     Section 3(c) above)  at or prior to the confirmation of the sale of such
     Designated Securities to such person in any case where such delivery is
     required by the Act and the untrue statement or omission of a material fact
     contained in the Preliminary Prospectus was corrected in the Prospectus (or
     the Prospectus as amended or supplemented).  This indemnity agreement will
     be in addition to any liability which the Company may otherwise have.

          (b)  Each Underwriter severally agrees (i) to indemnify and hold
     harmless the Company, each of its directors, each of its officers who signs
     the Registration Statement, and each person who controls the Company within
     the meaning of either the Act or the Exchange Act, to the same extent as
     the foregoing indemnity from the Company to each Underwriter, but only with
     reference to written information relating to such Underwriter furnished to
     the Company by or on behalf of such Underwriter through the Representatives
     specifically for use in the preparation of the documents referred to in the
     foregoing indemnity and (ii) to reimburse each such indemnified party for
     any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by them in connection with
     investigating or defending any loss, claim, damage, liability or action on
     which a claim for indemnity is validly made pursuant to this sentence. 
     This indemnity agreement will be in addition to any liability which any
     Underwriter may otherwise have.  The Company acknowledges that the
     statements set forth in the last paragraph of the cover page and under the
     heading "Underwriting" or "Plan of Distribution" in the Preliminary
     Prospectus or the Prospectus constitute the only information furnished in
     writing by or on behalf of the several Underwriters for inclusion in the
     documents referred to in the foregoing indemnity, and you, as the
     Representatives, confirm that such statements are correct.

          (c)  Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party under this Section
     5 of notice of the commencement of any action, such indemnified party will,
     if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against the indemnifying party
     under this Section 5, notify the indemnifying party in writing of the
     commencement thereof; but the omission so to notify the indemnifying party
     will not relieve it from any liability which it may have to any indemnified
     party otherwise than under this Section 5.  In case any such action is
     brought against any indemnified party, and it notifies the indemnifying
     party of the commencement thereof, the indemnifying party will be entitled
     to participate therein, and to the extent that it may elect by written
     notice delivered to the indemnified party promptly after receiving the
     aforesaid notice from such indemnified party, to assume the defense
     thereof, with counsel satisfactory to such indemnified party; provided,
     however, that if the defendants in any such action include both the
     indemnified party and the indemnifying party and the indemnified party
     shall have reasonably concluded that there may be legal defenses available
     to it and/or other

                                      -13-
<PAGE>
 
     indemnified parties which are different from or additional to those
     available to the indemnifying party, the indemnified party or parties shall
     have the right to select separate counsel to assert such legal defenses and
     to otherwise participate in the defense of such action on behalf of such
     indemnified party or parties.  Upon receipt of notice from the indemnifying
     party to such indemnified party of its election so to assume the defense of
     such action and approval by the indemnified party of counsel, the
     indemnifying party will not be liable to such indemnified party under this
     Section 5 for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by such
     indemnified party in connection with the defense thereof unless (i) the
     indemnified party shall have employed separate counsel in connection with
     the assertion of legal defenses in accordance with the proviso to the next
     preceding sentence (it being understood, however, that the indemnifying
     party shall not be liable for the expenses of more than one separate
     counsel, other than local counsel, approved by the Representatives in the
     case of paragraph (a) of this Section 5, representing the indemnified
     parties under such paragraph (a) who are parties to such action), (ii) the
     indemnifying party shall not have employed counsel satisfactory to the
     indemnified party to represent the indemnified party within a reasonable
     time after notice of commencement of the action or (iii) the indemnifying
     party has authorized the employment of counsel for the indemnified party at
     the expense of the indemnifying party; and except that, if clause (i) or
     (iii) is applicable, such liability shall be only in respect of the counsel
     referred to in such clause (i) or (iii).

          (d)  If the indemnification provided for in this Section 5 is
     unavailable to or insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party under
     subsection (a) or (b) above in respect of any losses, claims, damages or
     liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) referred to therein, then each
     indemnifying party shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such
     indemnified party as a result of such losses, claims, damages or
     liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) in such proportion as is
     appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Company on the
     one hand and the Underwriters on the other from the offering of the
     Designated Securities to which such loss, claim, damage or liability (or
     action in respect thereof) relates.  If, however, the allocation provided
     by the immediately preceding sentence in not permitted by applicable law,
     then each indemnifying party shall contribute to such amount paid or
     payable by such indemnified party in such proportion as is appropriate to
     reflect not only such relative benefits but also the relative fault of the
     Company on the one hand and the Underwriters on the other in connection
     with the statements or omissions which resulted in such losses, claims,
     damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof), as well as any
     other relevant equitable considerations.  The relative benefits received by
     the Company on the one hand and the Underwriters on the other shall be
     deemed to be in the same proportion as the total net proceeds form the sale
     of Designated Securities (before deducting expenses) received by the

                                      -14-
<PAGE>
 
     Company bear to the total discounts received by the Underwriters in respect
     thereof.  The relative fault shall be determined by reference to, among
     other things, whether the indemnified party failed to give the notice
     required under subsection (c) above, including the consequences of such
     failure, and whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material
     fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact required
     to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein
     not misleading relates to information supplied by the Company on the one
     hand or by the Underwriters, directly or through the Representatives, on
     the other and the relative intent, knowledge, access to information and
     opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission, of the
     Company on the one hand or the Underwriters, directly or through the
     Representatives, on the other.  The Company and the Underwriters agree that
     it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this
     subsection (d) were determined by pro rata allocation or by any other
     method of allocation which does not take account of the equitable
     considerations referred to above in this subsection (d).  The amount paid
     or payable by an indemnified party as a result of the losses, claims,
     damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) referred to above in
     this subsection (d) shall be deemed to include any legal or other expenses
     reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in connection with
     investigating or defending any such action or claim (which shall be limited
     as provided in subsection (c) above if the indemnifying party has assumed
     the defense of any such action in accordance with the provisions thereof).
     Notwithstanding the provisions of this subsection (d), no Underwriter shall
     be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the
     total price at which the Designated Securities purchased by or through it
     were sold exceeds the amount of any damages which such Underwriter has
     otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue
     statement or omission or alleged omission.  No person guilty of fraudulent
     misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Act) shall be
     entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such
     fraudulent misrepresentation.  The obligations of the Underwriters in this
     subsection (d) to contribute are several in proportion to their respective
     underwriting obligations and not joint.  For purposes of this Section 5,
     each person who controls an Underwriter within the meaning of the Act shall
     have the same rights to contribution as such Underwriter, and each person
     who controls the Company within the meaning of either the Act or the
     Exchange Act, each officer of the Company who shall have signed the
     Registration Statement or any amendment thereto and each director of the
     Company shall have the same rights to contribution as the Company.  Any
     party entitled to contribution will, promptly after receipt of notice of
     commencement of any action, suit or proceeding against such party in
     respect of which a claim for contribution may be made against another party
     or parties under this subsection (d), notify such party or parties from
     whom contribution may be sought, but the omission to so notify such party
     or parties shall not relieve

                                      -15-
<PAGE>
 
     the party or parties from whom contribution may be sought from any other
     obligation it or they may have hereunder or otherwise than under subsection
     (d).

          (e)  No indemnifying party shall, without the prior written consent of
     the indemnified parties, settle or compromise or consent to the entry of
     any judgment with respect to any litigation, or any investigation or
     proceeding by any governmental agency or body, commenced or threatened, or
     any claim whatsoever in respect of which indemnification or contribution
     could be sought under this Section 5 (whether or not the indemnified
     parties are actual or potential parties thereto), unless such settlement,
     compromise or consent (i) includes an unconditional release of each
     indemnified party from all liability arising out of such litigation,
     investigation, proceeding or claim and (ii) does not include a statement as
     to or an admission of fault, culpability or a failure to act by or on
     behalf of any indemnified party.

     6.  Default of Underwriters.

          (a)  If any Underwriter shall default in its obligation to purchase
     the Designated Securities which it has agreed to purchase under the Pricing
     Agreement relating to such Designated Securities, the Representatives may
     in their discretion arrange for themselves or another party or other
     parties to purchase such Designated Securities on the terms contained
     herein.  If within thirty-six hours after such default by any Underwriter
     the Representatives shall not have arranged for the purchase of such
     Designated Securities then the Company shall be entitled to a further
     period of thirty-six hours to provide another party or such other parties
     as shall be satisfactory to the Representatives to purchase such Designated
     Securities on such terms. In the event that, within the respective
     prescribed periods the Representatives notify the Company that they have so
     arranged for the purchase of such Designated Securities, or the Company
     shall have notified the Representatives that it has so arranged for the
     purchase of such Designated Securities the Representatives or the Company
     shall have the right to postpone the Time of Delivery for such Designated
     Securities for a period of not more than seven days in order to effect
     whatever changes may thereby be made necessary in the Registration
     Statement or the Prospectus, or in any other documents or arrangements, and
     the Company agrees to file promptly any amendments or supplements to the
     Registration Statement or the Prospectus which in the opinion of the
     Representatives may thereby be made necessary.  The term "Underwriter" as
     used in this Agreement shall include any person substituted under this
     Section 6 with like effect as if such person had originally been a party to
     the Pricing Agreement with respect to such Designated Securities.

                                      -16-
<PAGE>
 
          (b)  If, after giving effect to any arrangements for the purchase of
     the Designated Securities of a defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters by
     the Representatives or the company as provided in subsection (a) above, the
     aggregate principal amount of such Designated Securities which remains
     unpurchased does not exceed one-eleventh of the aggregate principal amount
     of the Designated Securities, then the Company shall have the right to
     require each non-defaulting Underwriter to purchase the principal amount of
     Designated Securities which such Underwriter agreed to purchase under the
     Pricing Agreement relating to such Designated securities, and, in addition,
     to require each non-defaulting Underwriter to purchase its pro rata share
     (based on the principal amount of Designated Securities which such
     Underwriter agreed to purchase under such Pricing Agreement) of the
     Designated Securities of such defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters for
     which such arrangements have not been made; but nothing herein shall
     relieve a defaulting Underwriter from liability for its default.

          (c)  If, after giving effect to any arrangements for the purchase of
     the Designated Securities of a defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters by
     the Representatives or the Company as provided in subsection (a) above, the
     aggregate principal amount of Designated Securities which remains
     unpurchased exceeds one-eleventh of the aggregate principal amount of the
     Designated Securities, or if the Company shall not exercise the right
     described in subsection (b) above to require non-defaulting Underwriters to
     purchase Designated Securities of a defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters,
     then the Pricing Agreement relating to such Designated Securities shall
     thereupon terminate, without liability on the part of any non-defaulting
     Underwriters or the Company, except for the expenses to be borne by the
     Company and the Underwriters as provided in Section 3(f) hereof and the
     indemnity and contribution agreements in Section 5 hereof; but nothing
     herein shall relieve a defaulting Underwriter from liability for its
     default.

     7.  Survival of Indemnities, Representations, etc.  The respective
indemnities, agreements, representations, warranties, covenants and other
statements of the Company, as set forth in this Agreement or made by or on
behalf of it pursuant to this Agreement, and the agreements of the several
Underwriters contained in Section 5 hereof, shall remain in full force and
effect, regardless of any investigation (or any statement as to the results
thereof) made by or on behalf of any Underwriter or any controlling person of
any Underwriter, or the Company, or any officer or director or controlling
person of the Company, and shall survive delivery of and payment for the
Securities.

     8.  Reimbursement of Underwriters' Expenses.  If any Pricing Agreement
shall be terminated pursuant to Section 6 hereof or if the Designated Securities
are not delivered by or on behalf of the Company because of any of the events
referred to in Section 4(h) hereof, then the Company shall not then be under any
liability to

                                      -17-
<PAGE>
 
any Underwriter with respect to Designated Securities covered by such Pricing
Agreement except as provided in Section 3(f) and Section 5 hereof; but, if for
any other reason Designated securities are not delivered by or on behalf of the
Company as provided herein, the company will reimburse the Underwriters through
the Representatives for all out-of-pocket expenses approved in writing by the
Representatives, including fees and disbursements of counsel, reasonably
incurred by the Underwriters in making preparations for the purchase, sale and
delivery of such Designated Securities, but the Company shall then be under no
further liability to any Underwriter with respect to such Designated Securities
except as provided in Section 3 (f) and Section 5 hereof.

     9.  Representatives; Notices.  In all dealings hereunder, the
Representatives of the Underwriters of Designated Securities shall act on behalf
of each of such Underwriters, and the parties hereto shall be entitled to act
and rely upon any statement, request, notice, waiver or agreement on behalf of
any Underwriter made or given by such Representative.

     All statements, requests, notices and agreements hereunder shall be in
writing or by telegram if promptly confirmed in writing and if to the
Underwriters shall be sufficient in all respects, if delivered or sent by
registered mail to the address of the Representatives as set forth in the
Pricing Agreement; and if to the Company shall be sufficient in all respects if
delivered or sent by registered mail to the address of the Company set forth in
the Registration Statement: Attention: Secretary; provided, however, that any
notice to an Underwriter pursuant to Section 5(c) hereof shall be delivered or
sent by registered mail to such Underwriter at its address furnished to the
Company in writing for the purpose of communications hereunder.  Any party to
this Agreement may change such address for notices by sending to the other
parties written notice of a new address for such purpose.

     10.  Binding Effect; Successors.  This Agreement shall be binding upon, and
inure solely to the benefits of, the Underwriters, the Company and, to the
extent provided in Section 5 and Section 7 hereof, the officers and directors of
the Company and each person who controls the Company or any Underwriter, and
their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns, and
no other person shall acquire or have any right under or by virtue of this
Agreement or any such Pricing Agreement.  No purchaser of any of the Securities
from any Underwriter shall be deemed a successor or assign by reason merely of
such purchase.

     11.  Applicable Law.  These Basic Provisions and each Pricing Agreement
shall be construed in accordance with the law of the State of New York.

     12.  Counterparts.  Each Pricing Agreement may be executed by any one or
more of the parties hereto and thereto in any number of counterparts, each of
which

                                      -18-
<PAGE>
 
shall be deemed to be an original, but all such respective counterparts shall
together constitute one and the same instrument.


                                      -19-
<PAGE>
 
                                                                       Exhibit A

                      Matters to be Covered by Opinion of
                                Company Counsel

     (i)  The Company has been duly incorporated and is validly existing as a
corporation in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware, with
corporate power and authority under the laws of such State to own its properties
and conduct its business as described in the Prospectus; is duly qualified to do
business as a foreign corporation in good standing in each state or other
jurisdiction in which, in the opinion of such counsel, such qualification is
required, or if in any jurisdiction the Company is not so qualified, the failure
to so qualify does not, considering all such cases in the aggregate, involve a
material risk to the business, properties, financial position or results of
operations of the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole; all of the
issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of each subsidiary of the
Company, other than those which considered in the aggregate as a single
subsidiary, would not constitute a significant subsidiary (as defined in Rule
1-02(v) of Regulation S-X promulgated by the Commission), are owned by the
Company, free and clear of all claims, liens, encumbrances and security
interests; each of such subsidiaries of the Company has been duly incorporated
and is validly existing as a corporation in good standing under the laws of the
jurisdiction of its incorporation and is qualified to do business and is in good
standing in each state or other Jurisdiction in which, in the opinion of such
counsel, such qualification is required, or if in any jurisdiction any such
subsidiary is not so qualified, the failure to so qualify does not, considering
all such cases in the aggregate, involve a material risk to the business,
properties, financial position or results of operations of the Company and its
subsidiaries, taken as a whole;

     (ii)  The Pricing Agreement with respect to the Designated Securities and
any Delayed Delivery Contracts have been duly authorized, executed and delivered
by the Company;

     (iii)  The Designated Securities have been duly authorized, executed,
authenticated and delivered, constitute valid and legally binding obligations of
the Company in accordance with their terms and are entitled to the benefits
provided by the Designated Indenture, subject, as to enforcement of the
Designated Securities, to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization and other laws
of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors' rights and to
general equity principles; and the Designated Securities and the Designated
Indenture conform to the descriptions thereof contained in the Prospectus;

     (iv)  The Designated Indenture has been duly authorized, executed and
delivered by the Company; has been duly qualified under the Trust Indenture Act;
and constitutes a valid and binding agreement of the Company enforceable in
accordance with its terms, subject, as to enforcement, to bankruptcy,
insolvency,


<PAGE>
 
reorganization and other laws of general applicability relating to or affecting
creditors' rights and to general equity principles;

     (v)  The Registration Statement has become effective under the Act and, to
the best knowledge of such counsel, no stop order suspending the effectiveness
of the Registration Statement has been issued and no proceedings for that
purpose have been instituted or are pending or contemplated under the Act; the
Registration Statement and the Prospectus and any amendment or supplement
thereto (other than the financial statements and other financial data therein,
as to which such counsel need express no opinion) comply as to form in all
material respects with the requirements of the Act, the Trust Indenture Act and
the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder; such counsel does not
believe that the Registration Statement or the Prospectus, as of the time of the
Prospectus Supplement and the time of delivery contains any untrue statement of
a material fact or omits to state a material fact required to be stated therein
or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, other than financial
statements and other financial data therein, as to which such counsel need
express no opinion;

     (vi)  The documents incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement
and the Prospectus (other than the financial statements and other financial data
therein, as to which such counsel need express no opinion), when they were filed
with the Commission, complied as to form in all material respects with the
requirements of the Exchange Act and the applicable rules and regulations of the
Commission thereunder;

     (vii)  The issuance of the Designated Securities in accordance with the
Designated Indenture and the sale thereof in accordance with this Agreement will
not, and at the date of such opinion the sale of any thereof covered by Delayed
Delivery Contracts would not, result in any violation of any of the provisions
of the Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation or By-laws or of any
indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement, lease financing agreement or
other similar agreement or instrument known to such counsel by which the
Company, or any of its subsidiaries, is bound;

     (viii)  No consent, approval or authorization from any regulatory board,
agency or instrumentality having jurisdiction over the Company (other than
registration under the Act, qualification under state securities or Blue Sky
laws and, if applicable, qualification under the Trust Indenture Act) is
necessary to authorize the issuance and sale of the Designated Securities; and

     (ix)    To the best knowledge of such counsel, there is no pending or
threatened action, suit or proceeding before any court or governmental agency,
authority or body or any arbitrator involving the Company or any of its
subsidiaries, of a character required to be disclosed in the Registration
Statement which is not adequately disclosed in the Prospectus, and there is no
contract or other document

                                      A-2
<PAGE>
 
of a character required to be described in the Registration Statement or
Prospectus, or to be filed as an exhibit, which is not described or filed as
required, and the statements included or incorporated in the Prospectus
describing any legal proceedings or material contracts or agreements relating to
the Company fairly summarize such matters.

                                      A-3
<PAGE>
 
                                                                       Exhibit B

                      Matters to be Covered by Letters of
                    Independent Accountants to the Company
                                        
     (1)  They are independent accountants within the meaning of the Act and the
Exchange Act and the respective applicable published rules and regulations of
the Commission thereunder.

     (2)  In their opinion, the audited financial statements and financial
statement schedules of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries included or
incorporated in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus and reported on by
them comply as to form in all material respects with the applicable accounting
requirements of the Act and the Exchange Act and the related published rules and
regulations of the Commission thereunder;

     (3)  On the basis of a reading of the amounts included or incorporated in
the Registration Statement and the Final Prospectus in response to Item 301 of
Regulation S-K and of the latest unaudited financial statements made available
by the Company and its subsidiaries; their limited review in accordance with
standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
of the unaudited interim financial information; carrying out certain specified
procedures (but not an examination in accordance with generally accepted
auditing standards) which would not necessarily reveal matters of significance
with respect to the comments set forth in such letter; a reading of the minutes
(or drafts thereof where approved minutes were not available) of the meetings of
the stockholders, directors and executive committees of the Company; and
inquiries of certain officials of the Company who have responsibility for
financial and accounting matters of the Company and its subsidiaries as to
transactions and events subsequent to the date of the most recent audited
financial statements incorporated in the Registration Statement and the
Prospectus, nothing came to their attention which caused them to believe that:

          (a)  The amounts in the "Selected Financial Data" included or
     incorporated in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, do not agree
     with the corresponding amounts in the audited or the unaudited financial
     statements from which such amounts were derived, except that, with respect
     to the amounts representing the ratio of earnings to fixed charges for each
     period presented, such amounts are not accurately derived from worksheets
     prepared by the Company;

          (b)  Any unaudited financial statements of the Company and its
     subsidiaries included or incorporated in the Registration Statement and the
     Prospectus do not comply as to form in all material respects with
     applicable accounting requirements and with the published rules and
     regulations of the


<PAGE>
 
     Commission with respect to financial statements included or incorporated in
     quarterly reports on Form 10-Q under the Exchange Act; or such unaudited
     financial statements are not in conformity with generally accepted
     accounting principles applied on a basis substantially consistent with that
     of the audited financial statements included or incorporated in the
     Registration Statement and the Prospectus; or

          (c)  With respect to the period subsequent to the date of the most
     recent financial statements included or incorporated in the Registration
     Statement and the Prospectus, there was, at a specified date not more than
     five business days prior to the date of the letter, any change in the
     capital stock or any increase in the total short-term or total long-term
     debt of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries or there were, as of
     the month-end date prior to the date of the letter for which financial
     statements of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries are available,
     any decreases in its consolidated total assets or its stockholders' equity,
     in each case as compared with the amounts shown on the most recent
     consolidated balance sheet included or incorporated in the Registration
     Statement and the Prospectus, or for the period from the date of the most
     recent financial statements included or incorporated in the Registration
     Statement and the Final Prospectus to such month-end date there were any
     decreases, as compared with the corresponding period in the preceding year,
     in total revenue or income before income taxes or in the total income of
     the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries, except in all instances for
     changes or decreases set forth in such letter, in which case the letter
     shall be accompanied by an explanation by the Company as to the
     significance thereof unless said explanation is not deemed necessary by the
     Representatives; or

          (d)  The amounts included in any unaudited "capsule" information
     included or incorporated in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus
     do not agree with the amounts set forth in the unaudited financial
     statements for the same periods or were not determined on a basis
     substantially consistent with that of the corresponding amounts in the
     audited financial statements included or incorporated in the Registration
     Statement and the Prospectus, and

     (4)  They have performed certain other specified procedures as a result of
which they determined that certain information of an accounting, financial or
statistical nature (which is limited to accounting, financial or statistical
information derived from the general accounting records of the Company) set
forth or incorporated in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, and in
Exhibit 12 to the Registration Statement, including the information included or
incorporated in Items 1 and 7 of the Company's annual report on Form 10-K,
incorporated therein, or in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations" included or incorporated in any of the
Company's quarterly reports on

                                      B-2
<PAGE>

Form 10-Q incorporated therein, agrees with the accounting records of the
Company and its subsidiaries, excluding any questions of legal interpretation.

     Reference to the Registration Statement and the Prospectus are to such
documents as amended and supplemented at the date of the letter.

                                      B-3
<PAGE>
 
                                                                         ANNEX I


                               PRICING AGREEMENT

[Manager]
[Co-Manager, if any]
 As Representatives of the several
 Underwriters named in Schedule I hereto,
[Street Address]
New York, New York

                                                         _______________, 199___


Dear Sirs:

     Heller Financial, Inc. (the "Company") proposes, subject to the terms and
conditions stated herein, to issue and sell to the Underwriters named in
Schedule I hereto (the "Underwriters") the Securities specified in Schedule II
hereto (the "Designated Securities"). Each of the provisions of the Underwriting
Agreement Basic Provisions dated September 8, 1995 (the "Basic Provisions"),
copies of which have previously been supplied to you, is incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety, and shall be deemed to be a part of this Agreement to
the same extent as if such provisions had been set forth in full herein; and
each of the representations and warranties set forth therein shall be deemed to
have been made at and as of the date of this Pricing Agreement. Each reference
to the Representatives herein and in the provisions of the Basic Provisions so
incorporated by reference shall be deemed to refer to you. Capitalized terms
used herein, unless otherwise defined herein, have the meanings provided in the
Basic Provisions.

     The Company has delivered to you for each of the Underwriters copies of the
Registration Statement and the Prospectus, including the documents incorporated
therein by reference. The Prospectus Supplement relating to the Designated
Securities, in the form heretofore delivered to you, is now proposed to be
filed, or mailed for filing, with the Commission.

     Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein and in the Basic
Provisions, the Company agrees to issue and sell to each of the Underwriters,
and each of the Underwriters agrees, severally and not jointly, to purchase from
the Company, at the purchase price to the Underwriters set forth in Schedule II
hereto, the principal amount of Designated Securities set forth opposite the
name of such Underwriter in Schedule I hereto.

     [The Company authorizes the Underwriters to solicit offers to purchase
Designated Securities from the Company pursuant to Delayed Delivery Contracts

<PAGE>
 
substantially in the form of Schedule III hereto but with such changes therein
as the Company may approve. The Underwriters will endeavor to make such
arrangements and, as compensation therefor, the Company will pay to the
Representatives, for the account of the Underwriters, at the Time of Delivery a
commission in the amount set forth in Schedule II hereto. Delayed Delivery
Contracts are to be with purchasers of the types approved by the Company and set
forth in the Prospectus and subject to other conditions therein set forth.
Except as the Company may otherwise agree, each Delayed Delivery Contract must
be for the minimum principal amount set forth in Schedule II hereto and the
aggregate principal amount of all Delayed Delivery Contracts may not exceed the
amount set forth in such Schedule II. The Underwriters will not have any
responsibility in respect of the validity or performance of any Delayed Delivery
Contracts.]

      [If the Company executes and delivers Delayed Delivery Contracts, the
Securities subject to such contracts shall be deducted from the Designated
Securities to be purchased by the several Underwriters and the aggregate
principal amount of Designated Securities to be purchased by each Underwriter
shall be reduced pro rata in proportion to the principal amount of Designated
Securities set forth opposite each Underwriter's name in Schedule I hereto,
except to the extent that the Representatives determine that such reduction
shall be otherwise and so advise the Company in writing; provided, however, that
the total principal amount of Designated Securities to be purchased by all
Underwriters shall be the total principal amount of Designated Securities set
forth in Schedule I hereto less the principal amount of Designated Securities
covered by Delayed Delivery Contracts.  The Company will advise you not later
than 10:00 A.M., New York City time, on the third full business day preceding
the Time of Delivery (or at such later time as you may otherwise agree) of the
sales of Designated Securities pursuant to Delayed Delivery Contracts which have
been so approved.]

                                 *     *     *

                                   ANNEX I-2
<PAGE>
 
     If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding, please sign and
return to us two counterparts hereof, and upon acceptance hereof by you, on
behalf of each of the Underwriters, this letter and such acceptance hereof,
including the Basic Provisions incorporated herein by reference, shall
constitute a binding agreement between each of the Underwriters and the Company.
It is understood that your acceptance of this letter on behalf of each of the
Underwriters is or will be pursuant to the authority set forth in a form of
Agreement among Underwriters.

                                       Very truly yours,


                                       HELLER FINANCIAL, INC.

                                       By:
                                          ------------------------------------
                                       Name:
                                            ----------------------------------
                                       Title:
                                             ---------------------------------

                                      
                                       
Accepted as of the date hereof:

- ------------------------------------ 
[Manager]



- ------------------------------------   
[Co-Manager, if any]

On behalf of each of the Underwriters


                                   ANNEX I-3
<PAGE>
 
                                   SCHEDULE I


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              Principal Amount of Designated
                                                              Securities to be Purchased
Underwriter                                                   -----------------------------------
<S>                                                           <C> 
[Manager]..................................................   $______________
[Co-Manager, if any].......................................
[Names of other Underwriters]..............................
                                      Total                   $______________
</TABLE>
<PAGE>


                                  SCHEDULE II
                                        
Registration Statement No.:

Title of Designated Securities:

  [__%] [Floating Rate] [Zero Coupon] [Senior] [Subordinated] [Junior
  Subordinated] [Notes] [Debentures] due
_________________________________________________________________________

Aggregate Principal Amount:

  $____________________________
   
Denominations:

  [$1,000] [$5,000] [$______________ ]
                     
Price to Public:

  ___% of the principal amount of the Designated Securities, plus accrued
  interest from _______________ to the Time of Delivery [and accrued
  amortization, if any, from _______________ to the Time of Delivery]

Price to Underwriters:

  ___% of the principal amount of the Designated Securities, plus accrued
  interest from _______________ to the Time of Delivery [and accrued
  amortization, if any, from _______________ to the Time of Delivery]

Indenture:

  [Senior Indenture] [Subordinated Indenture] [Junior Subordinated Indenture]

Maturity:

  _______________, 19___

Interest Rate:

  [___]% [Zero Coupon] [Method of determination]

Interest Payment Dates:


<PAGE>
 
  [Months and dates]

Interest Payment Record Dates:

  [Months and dates]

Redemption Provisions:

  [No redemption provisions)

  [The Designated Securities may be redeemed in whole or in part at the option
  of the Company, in the amount of $_____ or an integral multiple thereof, [on
  or after ____________ at the following redemption prices (expressed in
  percentages of principal amount). If redeemed during the 12-month period
  beginning _______________,

  Year      Redemption Price
  ----      ----------------



  and thereafter at 100% of their principal amount, together in each case with
  accrued interest to the redemption date.] [on any interest payment date
  falling on or after _________, at the election of the Company, at a redemption
  price equal to the principal amount thereof, plus accrued interest to the date
  of redemption.]

  [Other possible redemption provisions, such as mandatory redemption upon
  occurrence of certain events or redemption for changes in tax law.]


Sinking Fund Provisions:

  [No sinking Fund provisions]

  [The Securities are entitled to the benefit of a sinking Fund to retire $_____
  principal amount of Securities on _____ in each of the years _____ through
  _____ at 100% of their principal amount plus accrued interest] [, together
  with [cumulative] [non-cumulative] redemptions at the option of the Company to
  retire an additional $__________ principal amount of Securities in the years
  _____ through _____ at 100% of their principal amount plus accrued interest.]


                                     II-2
<PAGE>
 
Time of Delivery:

 
_______________________________________

Closing Location:

 
_______________________________________

Funds in which Underwriters to make Payment:


Delayed Delivery:

     Underwriters' commission shall be ___% of the principal amount of
     Designated Securities for which Delayed Delivery Contracts have been
     entered into and the check given in payment of such commission shall be
     drawn to the order of:

     Maximum aggregate principal amount of Designated Securities to be offered
     and sold pursuant to Delayed Delivery Contracts: $______________

     Minimum principal amount of each Delayed Delivery Contract:
     $_________________

[Other Terms]*:




__________________________
/*/  A description of particular tax, accounting or other unusual features of
           the Securities should be set forth, or referenced to an attached and
           accompanying description, if necessary to the issuer's understanding
           of the transaction contemplated. Such a description might
           appropriately be in the form in which such features will be described
           in the Prospectus Supplement for the offering.


                                     II-3
<PAGE>
 
                                  SCHEDULE III
                                        
                           Delayed Delivery Contract
                                        
HELLER FINANCIAL, INC.
c/o

                                       _______________, 199__

Attention:

Dear Sirs:

     The undersigned hereby agrees to purchase from Heller Financial, Inc.
(hereinafter called the "Company"), and the Company agrees to sell to the
undersigned,

                                       $

principal amount of the Company's [Title of Designated Securities] (hereinafter
called the "Designated Securities"), offered by the Company's Prospectus dated
__________, 199__ [as amended or supplemented], receipt of a copy of which is
hereby acknowledged, at a purchase price of ___% of the principal amount
thereof, plus accrued interest from the date from which interest accrues as set
forth below, and on the further terms and conditions set forth in this contract.

     [The undersigned will purchase the Designated Securities from the Company
on __________, 199__ (the "Delivery Date") and interest on the Designated
Securities so purchased will accrue from __________, 199__.]

     [The undersigned will purchase the Designated Securities from the Company
on the delivery date or dates and in the principal amount or amounts set forth
below:


Principal Date From which
Delivery Date Amount Interest Accrues

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  Principal               Date From which
     Delivery Date                 Amount                 Interest Accrues
     -------------               -----------              ----------------
<S>                     <C>                               <C>
     , 199              $                                  , 199
     , 199              $                                  , 199
</TABLE>

Each such date on which Designated Securities are to be purchased hereunder is
hereinafter referred to as a "Delivery Date".]
<PAGE>
 
     Payment for the Designated Securities which the undersigned has agreed to
purchase on [the] [each] Delivery Date shall be made to the Company or its order
by certified or official bank check in ______________ funds at the office of
_______________, _______________, _______________, or by wire transfer to a bank
account specified by the Company, on [the] [such] Delivery Date upon delivery to
the undersigned of the Designated Securities then to be purchased by the
undersigned in definitive, fully registered form and in such denominations and
registered in such names as the undersigned may designate by written or
telegraphic communication addressed to the Company not less than five business
days prior to [the] [such] Delivery Date.

     The obligation of the undersigned to take delivery of and make payment for
Designated Securities on [the] (each] Delivery Date shall be subject to the
conditions that (a) the purchase of Designated Securities to be made by the
undersigned shall not on [the] [such] Delivery Date is prohibited under the laws
of the jurisdiction to which the undersigned is subject and (b) the Company, on
or before __________, 199__, shall have sold to the several Underwriters,
pursuant to the Pricing Agreement dated __________, 199__, with the Company, an
aggregate principal amount of Designated Securities equal to $_______, minus the
aggregate principal amount of Designated Securities to be covered by this
contract and other contracts similar to this contract.  The obligation of the
undersigned to take delivery of and make payment for Designated Securities shall
not be affected by the failure of any purchaser to take delivery of and make
payment for Designated Securities pursuant to other contracts similar to this
contract.

     Promptly after completion of the sale to the Underwriters, the Company will
mail or deliver to the undersigned at its address set forth below notice to such
effect, accompanied by a copy of the opinion or opinions of the General Counsel
of the Company delivered to the Underwriters in connection therewith.

     The undersigned represents and warrants that, as of the date of this
contract, the undersigned is not prohibited form purchasing the Designated
Securities hereby agreed to be purchased by its under the laws of the
jurisdiction to which the undersigned is subject.

     This contract will inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties
hereto and their respective successors, but will not be assignable by either
party hereto without the written consent of the other.

     This contract may be executed by either of-the parties hereto in any number
of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all such
counterparts shall together constitute one and the same instrument.

     It is understood that the acceptance by the Company of any Delayed Delivery
Contract (including this contract) is in the Company's sole discretion and that,

                                     III-2
<PAGE>
 
without limiting the foregoing, acceptances of such contracts need not be on a
firstcome, first-served basis.  If this contract is acceptable to the Company,
it is requested that the Company sign the form of acceptance below and mail or
deliver one of the counterparts hereof to the undersigned as its address set
forth below.  This will become a binding contract between the Company and the
undersigned when such counterpart is so sailed or delivered by the Company.


                                       Yours very truly,

                                       [Name of Purchaser]



                                       By:
                                          ------------------------------
                                       Name:
                                       Title:
                                       Address:



Accepted, ________________, 199__

HELLER FINANCIAL, INC.



By:________________________________
Name:
Title:

                                     III-3

<PAGE>

                                                                     Exhibit 4.1
 
                            HELLER FINANCIAL, INC.
                           (a Delaware corporation)
                                        
                                   RESTATED
                         CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
                                  As Amended

                                        
This Restated Certificate of Incorporation (hereinafter sometimes referred to as
"Certificate" or "Restated Certificate of Incorporation") of HELLER FINANCIAL,
INC. (the "Company") was duly adopted by written Unanimous Consents of the Board
of Directors and the stockholder of the Company, both dated August 28, 1992 in
accordance with Sections 245, 242, 141(f) and 228 of the General Corporation Law
of the State of Delaware.

1. The name under which this Company was incorporated on November 20, 1919, was
HELLER-MARKS & COMPANY.

2. This Restated Certificate of Incorporation restates and integrates and
further amends the Certificate of Incorporation of the Company by:

   (a) amending Article Fourth, paragraph one, deleting 2,000,000, and
   inserting, in lieu thereof, 22,000,000, and inserting to provide for the
   creation of the class of preferred stock designated as "Senior Preferred
   Stock";

   (b) amending Article Fourth, subdivision (b)3.A., deleting $350,000,000, and
   inserting, in lieu thereof, $500,000,000; and

   (c) Amending Article Seventh to provide for the rights of the holders of a
   series of Senior Preferred Stock to elect additional directors.

3. The text of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation as amended or
supplemented heretofore is further amended hereby to read as herein set forth in
full:


                            HELLER FINANCIAL, INC.
                           (a Delaware corporation)

                                   RESTATED
                         CERTIFICATE of INCORPORATION
             

   FIRST: The name of the Company is HELLER FINANCIAL, INC.

   SECOND: The location of its registered office in the State of Delaware is to
be 1209 Orange Street, in the City of Wilmington, County of New Castle. The name
of its agent therein and in charge thereof, and upon whom legal process against
this Company may be 
<PAGE>
 
served, is THE CORPORATION TRUST COMPANY, 1209 Orange Street, in said City of
Wilmington.


   THIRD: The nature of the business and the objects and purposes for which, and
for any of which, this Company is formed are to do any or all of the things
herein set forth as fully and to the same extent as natural persons might or
could do and in any part of the world, viz:

   (a) To buy, sell and generally deal in commercial paper, securities, shares
   of stock, bonds, debentures, and evidences of indebtedness of all kinds,
   whether secured or unsecured, including bills and accounts receivable, and to
   loan money on the security thereof, or otherwise, and to make in commercial
   paper, securities, shares of stock, bonds, debentures, and evidences of
   indebtedness of all kinds, whether secured or unsecured, including bills and
   accounts receivable, and to loan money on the security thereof, or otherwise,
   and to make advances upon consignments of merchandise and commodities, and to
   hypothecate such merchandise and commodities as security, and with power to
   transact all of the commercial and financial transactions pertaining to any
   of the businesses herein provided for.

   (b) To organize, incorporate, reorganize, finance, or assist financially or
   otherwise companies, corporations, syndicates, partnerships and associations
   of all kinds, and individuals, and to endorse, underwrite and subscribe for
   the bonds, stocks, securities, debentures, notes or undertakings of any
   company, corporation, syndicate, partnership, association or individual, and
   to make any guarantee in connection therewith, or otherwise, for the payment
   of money, and for the performance of any obligation or undertaking and to do
   any and all things necessary or convenient to carry any such purposes into
   effect.

   (c) To investigate, develop, consummate, undertake, and carry on any
   enterprise, business, transaction or operation, commonly carried on or
   undertaken by capitalists, financiers, trust companies, contracts,
   syndicates, merchants, importers, exporters, commission men or agents, and to
   acquire the good will, rights and property, and undertake the whole or any
   part of the assets and liabilities of any person, firm, association or
   corporation, and to pay for the same in cash, stock, bonds, or notes, or
   otherwise, and generally, as principal or agent, to institute, enter into,
   carry on, assist, promote, and participate in financial, commercial,
   mercantile, and other business, works, contracts, undertakings and
   operations.

   (d) To manufacture, buy, sell, warehouse, store and deal in goods, wares,
   merchandise, commodities and property of any and every kind, and also to
   advance money to any person, firm or corporation on the security of any such
   property, or on the security of commercial paper or notes given evidence of
   any deferred payments for any property sold by this Company or by any person,
   firm, association or corporation.

   (e) To insure any of the property or interest aforesaid, and the persons,
   firms or corporations owning, using or operating the same, against loss of
   fire, theft, collision or damage, or any risk or liability whatever.

                                       2         
<PAGE>
 
   (f) To engage in and carry on the business of general commission merchants,
   and purchasing and selling agents: to manufacture, buy, hold, own, produce,
   sell and otherwise dispose of, either as principal or agent, and upon
   commission or consignment or otherwise, goods, wares, merchandise,
   commodities, and personal property of all kinds.

   (g) To hold in trust, issue on commission, make advances upon, or sell,
   lease, license, transfer, organize, reorganize, incorporate, or dispose of
   any of the undertakings or resulting investments aforesaid, or the stock or
   securities thereof; to act as agent, trustee, or depositary for any of the
   above or like purposes, or any purpose herein mentioned, and to act as fiscal
   agent of any person, firm, association or corporation.

   (h) To obtain the grant of, purchase, lease, or otherwise acquire any
   concessions, rights, options, patents, privileges, franchises, licenses,
   lands, properties, undertakings, or businesses, or any right, option, or
   contract in relation thereto, and to perform, carry out and fulfill the terms
   and conditions thereof, and to carry the same into effect, and develop,
   maintain, lease, sell, transfer, dispose of, and otherwise deal with the
   same.

   (i) To subscribe for, or cause to be subscribed for, buy, own, hold,
   purchase, receive or otherwise acquire, and to sell, negotiate, guarantee,
   assign, deal in, exchange, transfer, mortgage, pledge, or otherwise dispose
   of, shares of the capital stock, scrip, bonds, coupons, mortgages,
   debentures, debenture stock, securities, notes and evidences of indebtedness,
   issued or created by other corporations, joint stock companies or
   associations, whether public, private or municipal, or any corporate body,
   and while owner thereof to possess and to exercise in respect thereof, all
   the rights, powers and privileges of ownership, including the right to vote
   thereon; to guarantee the payment of dividends on any shares of the capital
   of any of the corporations, joint stock companies or associations in which
   this Company has or may have an interest and to become surety in respect of,
   endorse or otherwise guarantee the payment of the principal or interest of
   any scrip, bonds, coupons, mortgages, debentures, securities, notes, or
   evidences of indebtedness issued or created by any such corporations, joint
   stock companies or associations; to become surety for or guarantee the
   carrying out and performance of any and all contracts, leases and other
   obligations of every kind of any such corporation, joint stock company, or
   association, any of whose shares, bonds, securities or evidences of
   indebtedness are held by or for this Company, and to do any acts or things
   designed to protect, preserve, improve or enhance the value of any such
   shares, bonds, securities or evidences of indebtedness.

   (j) To purchase, apply for, obtain, or otherwise acquire, any and all letters
   patent, licenses, patent rights, patented processes and similar rights
   granted by the United States or any other government or country, or any
   interest therein, or any inventions which may seem capable of being used for
   or in connection with any of the objects or purposes of this Company, and to
   use, exercise, develop, sell, lease, grant licenses in respect to, or other
   interests in the same, and otherwise turn the same to account, and to carry
   on any business, manufacturing or otherwise, which may be deemed to directly
   or indirectly effectuate these objects or any of them.

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
   (k)  To secure, acquire, apply for, register, hold, own or otherwise dispose
   of any and all copyrights, trademarks, trade names and other trade rights.

   (l)  To organize, or cause to be organized, under the laws of the State of
   Delaware, or of any other state, territory or country, or the District of
   Columbia, a corporation or corporations for the purpose of accomplishing any
   of the objects for which this Company is organized, or for any other purpose
   or purposes, and to dissolve, wind up, liquidate, merge or consolidate any
   such corporation or corporations.

   (m)  To borrow money for the purposes of this Company, and to issue bonds,
   debentures, notes, and other obligations, and to secure the sale by pledge or
   mortgage of the whole, or any part of the property of this Company, either
   real or personal, or to issue bonds, notes, debentures, or other obligations,
   without any such security.

   (n)  To issue shares of stock, preferred stock, debentures, debenture stock,
   bonds, notes, and other obligations for cash, or property, or in exchange for
   the stock, bonds, notes or securities of any person, firm or corporation.

   (o)  To enter into, make, perform and carry out contracts of every kind for
   any lawful purpose, without limit as to amount, with any person, firm,
   association or corporation.

   (p)  To draw, make, accept, endorse, discount, execute and issue promissory
   notes, bills of exchange, warrants and other negotiable or transferable
   instruments.

   (q)  To purchase and acquire shares of the capital stock, bonds, and other
   obligations of this Company, from time to time, to such extent, and in such
   manner and upon such terms as its Board of Directors shall determine, and
   from time to time to accept, any such shares, bonds and obligations as
   security for, or in payment on account, or in satisfaction of, any claim or
   demand of this Company, and to reissue the same from time to time.

   (r)  To have one or more offices to carry on any or all of its operations and
   business, and, without restriction or limit as to amount, to purchase, lease,
   or otherwise acquire, hold, and own, and to mortgage, sell, convey, lease, or
   otherwise dispose of real and personal property of every class and
   description, in any of the states or territories of the United States and in
   the District of Columbia and in any and all foreign countries, subject to the
   laws of such state, district, territory or country.

   (s)  To do any and all things herein set forth, and in addition such other
   acts as are incident or conducive to the attainment of the purposes of this
   Company, or any of them, to the same extent as natural persons lawfully might
   or could do in any part of the world, insofar as such acts are not
   inconsistent with the provisions of the laws of the State of Delaware.
               
   The foregoing clauses shall be construed both as objects and powers, and it
   is hereby expressly provided that the foregoing enumeration of specific
   powers shall not be held to limit or restrict in any manner the powers of
   this Company, and are in furtherance 

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
   of, and in addition to, and not in limitation of the general powers conferred
   by the laws of the State of Delaware.

   It is the intention that the purposes and powers specified in this Article
   Third hereof shall, except as otherwise expressly provided, in no wise be
   limited or restricted by reference to or interference from the terms of any
   other clause or paragraph of this Certificate, and that each of the purposes
   and powers specified in this Article Third hereof, shall be regarded as
   independent purposes and powers.

   FOURTH: The total number of shares of stock which the Company shall have
authority to issue is 22,000,000, of which 1,999,000 shares, no par value, are
to be of a class designated "Preferred Stock", and 20,000,000 shares, of the par
value of $0.01 each, are to be of a class designated "Senior Preferred Stock"
and 1,000 shares, of the par value of $0.25 each, are to be of a class
designated "Common Stock."

   (a) Subject to the provisions of any applicable law, or of the By-laws of the
   Company as from time to time amended, with respect to the closing of the
   transfer books or the fixing of a record date for the determination of
   stockholders entitled to vote and except as otherwise provided by law, by
   this Restated Certificate of Incorporation or by the resolution or
   resolutions providing for the issuance of any series of Preferred Stock or
   Senior Preferred Stock, the holders of outstanding shares of Common Stock
   shall exclusively possess voting power for the election of directors and for
   all other purposes, each holder of record of shares of Common Stock being
   entitled to one vote for each share of Common Stock standing in his name on
   the books of the Company. Except as otherwise provided by the resolution or
   resolutions providing for the issue of any series of Preferred Stock or
   Senior Preferred Stock, the holders of Common Stock shall be entitled, to the
   exclusion of the holders of Preferred Stock and the Senior Preferred Stock of
   any and all series, to receive such dividends as from time to time may be
   declared by the Board of Directors. In the event of any liquidation,
   dissolution or winding up of the Company, whether voluntary or involuntary,
   after payment shall have been made to the holders of Preferred Stock and
   Senior Preferred Stock of any and all series of the full amount for which
   they shall be entitled pursuant to the resolution or resolutions providing
   for the issue of any series of Preferred Stock or Senior Preferred Stock, the
   holders of Common Stock shall be entitled, to the exclusion of the holders of
   Preferred Stock and Senior Preferred Stock of any and all series, to share,
   ratably according to the number of shares of Common Stock held by them, in
   all remaining assets of the Company available for distribution to its
   stockholders.

   The Preferred Stock and the Senior Preferred Stock may be issued from time to
   time in one or more series of any number of shares, provided that (i) the
   aggregate number of shares of Preferred Stock issued and not canceled of any
   and all such series shall not exceed the total number of shares of Preferred
   Stock authorized, and (ii) the aggregate number of shares of Senior Preferred
   Stock issued and not canceled of any and all such series shall not exceed the
   total number of shares of Senior Preferred Stock authorized. Authority is
   hereby expressly granted to the Board of Directors from time to time to issue
   the Preferred Stock or Senior Preferred Stock as Preferred Stock or Senior
   Preferred Stock, respectively, of any series and, in connection with the
   creation of each such series, to fix by the resolution or resolutions
   providing for the issue of shares 

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
   thereof, the number of shares of such series, and the voting powers, full or
   limited, or no voting powers, and such distinctive designations, preferences
   and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and the
   qualifications, limitations or restrictions of such series (including,
   without limitation, the authority to make such shares convertible into, or
   exchangeable for, shares of the same or any other class or classes of stock
   of Heller International Corporation, its parent), to the full extent now or
   hereafter permitted by the laws of the State of Delaware.

   Subject to the provisions of this Restated Certificate of Incorporation and
   except as otherwise provided by law, the shares of stock of the Company,
   regardless of class, may be issued for such consideration and for such
   corporate purposes as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine.

   No holder of stock of the Company shall have any preemptive rights with
   respect to stock of the Company.

   (b) The Board of Directors pursuant to the authority expressly vested in this
   Article Fourth, and pursuant to the provisions of the General Corporation Law
   of the State of Delaware has by resolution fixed the voting powers,
   designation, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other
   special rights, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof
   of the following series of Preferred Stock:

       NW Preferred Stock, Class B

       1. Designation.  The designation of the series of Preferred Stock created
       by this Resolution shall be "NW Preferred Stock, Class B (No Par Value)",
       the first series of said stock when issued to be designated as "Series
       A", and each subsequent series when issued thereafter to be lettered
       consecutively (all such series hereinafter called the "NW Preferred
       Stock").  The NW Preferred Stock, Class B shall consist of 100,000
       shares.  Except as hereinafter set forth, all such series when issued are
       to be governed by the same voting powers, designation, preferences and
       relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and the
       qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof as each of the other
       series of Preferred Stock.

       2. Dividends.  The holders of shares of the NW Preferred Stock shall be
       entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors,
       dividends in cash in an amount determined at a rate equal to one percent
       per annum above the rate of interest at which deposits in United States
       dollars are offered by the principal office of The Fuji Bank, Limited in
       London, England, to prime banks in the London interbank market for a
       period equal to three months (or, in the case of the initial issuance of
       a series of NW Preferred Stock, for a period equal to the period
       commencing on the date of issuance of such series and ending on the date
       of the calendar quarter during which such issuance occurred), which
       dividend amount shall be established on the second business day preceding
       the first day of each calendar quarter (or in the case of the initial
       issuance of a series of NW Preferred Stock, on the second business day
       preceding the date of issuance of such series), payable quarterly on
       March 31, June 30, September 30, and 

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
       December 31 in each year, commencing on the first such date following the
       initial issuance of any series of NW Preferred Stock (each of such
       quarterly periods (or, in the case of the initial issuance of a series of
       NW Preferred Stock, such shorter period) ending on the last day of such
       months, being hereinafter called a `dividend period'). The rights of
       holders of the NW Preferred Stock shall be noncumulative. Accordingly, if
       the Board of Directors fails to declare a dividend on the NW Preferred
       Stock payable on a dividend payment date, then holders of NW Preferred
       Stock will have no right to receive a dividend in respect of the dividend
       period ending on such dividend payment date, and the Company will have no
       obligation to pay dividends accrued for such period, whether or not
       dividends on the NW Preferred Stock are declared payable on any future
       dividend payment date. The amount of dividends payable for any period
       shorter than a full quarterly dividend period will be calculated on the
       basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months. All dividends
       declared upon the shares of the NW Preferred Stock and any other
       preferred stock ranking on a parity as to dividends with the NW Preferred
       Stock shall be declared pro rata, so that the amounts of dividends
       declared per share on the NW Preferred Stock and such other preferred
       stock shall in all cases bear to each other the same rate that Accrued
       Dividends per share on the shares of the NW Preferred Stock and such
       other preferred stock bear to each other. No full dividends shall be
       declared or paid or set apart for payment of the preferred stock of any
       series ranking, as to dividends, on a parity with or junior to the NW
       Preferred Stock for any period unless dividends have been or
       contemporaneously are declared and paid or declared and a sum sufficient
       for the payment thereof set apart for such payment on the NW Preferred
       Stock for the then-current dividend period (without accumulation of
       accrued and unpaid dividends for prior dividend periods unless previously
       declared). When dividends are not paid in full, as aforesaid, upon the
       shares of NW Preferred Stock and any other preferred stock ranking on a
       parity as to dividends with the NW Preferred Stock, all dividends
       declared upon shares of NW Preferred Stock and any other class of series
       of preferred stock ranking on a parity as to dividends with the NW
       Preferred Stock shall be declared pro rata so that the amount of
       dividends declared per share on the NW Preferred Stock and such other
       preferred stock shall in all cases bear to each other the same ratio that
       dividends per share on the shares of NW Preferred Stock for the then-
       current dividend period (without accumulation of accrued and unpaid
       dividends for prior dividend periods unless previously declared) and such
       other preferred stock bear to each other. Holders of shares of NW
       Preferred Stock shall not be entitled to any dividend, whether payable in
       cash, property or stock, in excess of full dividends for the then-current
       dividend period (without accumulation of accrued and unpaid dividends for
       prior dividend periods unless previously declared), as herein provided,
       on the NW Preferred Stock. Holders of shares of the NW Preferred Stock
       shall not be entitled to any dividends, whether payable in case, property
       or stock, and no dividends shall be paid on any shares of NW Preferred
       Stock during the existence of a default in the payment of principal of or
       interest on any outstanding indebtedness of the Company for money
       borrowed.

       3. Rights of Redemption. The shares of the NW Preferred Stock shall be
       subject to redemption as follows:

                                       7       
<PAGE>
 
           A.  Mandatory Redemption.  Each share of each series of NW Preferred
           Stock shall be redeemable no less than 30 and no more than 45 days
           following the end of a calendar quarter upon five business days'
           prior written notice to the Company from the holder, (the date on
           which any such redemption shall occur being referred to herein as the
           'Redemption Date'), in whole or in part, in an aggregate amount in
           such calendar quarter not exceeding the excess of the Net Worth of
           the Company, as defined herein, at the end of such quarter over
           $500,000,000, at a redemption price equal to the price paid to the
           Company upon the issuance thereof, plus Accrued Dividends in respect
           thereof, provided that the Company shall be obligated to effect any
           such redemption only to the extent that its doing so will not (i)
           result in a breach of or default under any agreement for or
           instrument evidencing indebtedness of, or guaranteed by, the Company
           and (ii) conflict with the provisions set forth under Paragraph 2
           hereof restricting the payment of dividends on any shares of NW
           Preferred Stock during the existence of a default in the payment of
           principal of or interest on any outstanding indebtedness of the
           Company for money borrowed.

           Unless provision has been made for payment in full of Accrued
           Dividends on all preferred stock, no sum shall be set aside for the
           redemption of any Preferred Stock nor shall any Preferred Stock be
           purchased or otherwise acquired by the Company.

           B.  Sinking Fund, Etc. Shares of the NW Preferred Stock are not
           subject or entitled to the benefit of a sinking fund.

           C.  Effect of Redemption.  After a Redemption Date in respect of any
           shares of NW Preferred Stock, shares redeemed on such Redemption Date
           shall not be deemed to be outstanding and shall not be transferable
           on the books of the Company except to the Company.

           D.  Receipt of Redemption Price.  At any time on or after a
           Redemption Date in respect of any shares of NW Preferred Stock, the
           respective holders of record of shares of NW Preferred Stock to be
           redeemed shall be entitled to receive the redemption price upon
           actual delivery to the Company of certificates for the shares to be
           redeemed.

           E.  Return of Deposits, Etc.  Any moneys deposited with the transfer
           agent, or other redemption agent, for the redemption of any shares of
           NW Preferred Stock which shall not be claimed after five years from
           the Redemption Date shall be repaid to the Company by such agent on
           demand, and the holder of any such shares of NW Preferred Stock shall
           thereafter look only to the Company for any payment to which such
           holder may be entitled. Any interest accrued on money so deposited
           shall belong to the Company and shall be paid to it from time to time
           on demand.

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
           F. Redemption by Deposit. If on or before the Redemption Date in
           respect of any shares of NW Preferred Stock, funds necessary for such
           redemption shall have been deposited by the Company, in trust for the
           pro rata benefit of the holders of the shares called for redemption
           on such Redemption Date, with a bank or trust company in good
           standing organized under the laws of the United States of America,
           doing business in the City of Chicago or in the Borough of Manhattan,
           in the City of New York, having a capital, surplus and undivided
           profits aggregating at least $10,000,000 according to its last
           published statement of condition, then, notwithstanding that any
           certificate for shares to be redeemed shall not have been surrendered
           for cancellation, from and after such Redemption Date, all shares to
           be redeemed shall no longer be deemed to be outstanding and all
           rights with respect to such shares shall forthwith cease and
           terminate, except only the right of the holders thereof to receive
           the redemption price for such shares, without interest, and the right
           to exercise on or before the close of business on the Redemption
           Date, privileges of exchange or conversion, if any, not theretofore
           expiring. Any interest accrued on such funds shall be paid to the
           Company from time to time.

       4.  Rights on Liquidation, Dissolution or Winding Up.

           A. In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation,
           dissolution or winding up of the Company, the holders of shares of
           the NW Preferred Stock then outstanding shall be entitled to be paid
           out of the assets of the Company available for distribution to its
           stockholders, before any payment shall be made to the holders of any
           class of capital stock of the Company ranking junior upon liquidation
           to the NW Preferred Stock, an amount equal to the price paid for each
           such share upon the issuance thereof plus an amount equal to all
           Accrued Dividends thereon to and including the date of payment.

           B. In the event the assets of the Company available for distribution
           to the holders of shares of NW Preferred Stock upon any involuntary
           or voluntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company
           shall be insufficient to pay in full all amounts to which such
           holders are entitled pursuant to subparagraph A of this paragraph 4,
           no such distribution shall be made on account of any shares of any
           other class or series of preferred stock ranking on a parity with the
           shares of NW Preferred Stock upon liquidation unless proportionate
           distributive amounts shall be paid on account of the shares of NW
           Preferred Stock, ratably, in proportion to the full distributive
           amounts to which the holders of all such parity shares are
           respectively entitled upon such liquidation, dissolution or winding
           up.

       5.  Voting. The shares of the NW Preferred Stock shall not have any
       voting powers, either general or special, except as required by
       applicable law.

       6.  Definitions.

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
           A. The term 'business day' shall mean a day on which dealings are
           carried on in the London interbank market and banks are open in
           London, and banks are not required or authorized to dose in New York
           City or in Chicago, it being understood, however, that for purposes
           of paragraph 2 of this Resolution, the term 'business day' shall not
           include reference to Chicago.

           B. The term `Accrued Dividends' shall mean the aggregate amount of
           dividends that have been declared but have not been paid in respect
           of shares of the NW Preferred Stock.

           C. Intentionally Omitted.

           D. Intentionally Omitted.

           E. The term 'Net Worth' in respect of any period shall mean the
           stockholders' equity of the Company, including preferred stock,
           common stock and earned surplus and all other items listed under the
           heading "Stockholders' Equity" on the balance sheet of the Company,
           as determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting
           principles, consistently applied, and shown on the balance sheet of
           the Company as at the close of such period; provided, that Net Worth
           shall be increased by the aggregate amount of the accrued and unpaid
           dividends on all shares of NW Preferred Stock outstanding on the last
           day of the period in respect of which Net Worth is being determined,
           and by the aggregate amount of the liquidation preference of all such
           shares of NW Preferred Stock to the extent not otherwise included in
           Net Worth pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this definition.

           F. The term "Preferred Stock" shall mean any preferred stock created
           and issued under the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the
           Company as in effect on the date of this Resolution, including the NW
           Preferred Stock, whether or not issued. The term "preferred stock"
           shall mean shares of any class of stock (including Preferred Stock)
           if the holders of such class shall be entitled to the receipt of
           dividends or of amounts distributable upon liquidation, dissolution
           or winding up, in preference or priority to the holders of shares of
           Common Stock.

           G. For the purposes of this Resolution any stock of any class or
           classes of the Company shall be deemed to rank:

           (1) prior to shares of the NW Preferred Stock, either as to dividends
           or upon liquidation, if the holders of such class or classes shall be
           entitled to the receipt of dividends or of amounts distributable upon
           liquidation, dissolution or winding up, as the case may be, in
           preference or priority to the holders of shares of the NW Preferred
           Stock;

                                      10
<PAGE>
 
           (2) on a parity with shares of the NW Preferred Stock, either as to
           dividends or upon liquidation, whether or not the dividend rates,
           dividend payment dates, or redemption or liquidation prices per share
           thereof be different from those of the NW Preferred Stock, if the
           holders of such stock shall be entitled to the receipt of dividends
           or of amounts distributable upon liquidation, dissolution or winding
           up, as the case may be, in proportion to their respective dividend
           rates or liquidation prices, without preference or priority of one
           over the other as between the holders of such stock and the holders
           of shares of NW Preferred Stock; and

           (3) junior to shares of the NW Preferred Stock, either as to
           dividends or upon liquidation, if such class shall be common stock of
           the Company or if the holders of the NW Preferred Stock shall be
           entitled to the receipt of dividends or of amounts distributable upon
           liquidation, dissolution or winding up, as the case may be, in
           preference or priority to the holders of shares of such class or
           classes.

   FIFTH: The existence of this Company is to be perpetual.
   
   SIXTH: The private property of the stockholders shall not be subject to the
payment of corporate debts to any extent whatever.

   SEVENTH: Except as otherwise provided for or fixed pursuant to the provisions
of Article Fourth of this Restated Certificate of Incorporation relating to the
rights of the holders of a series of the Senior Preferred Stock to elect
additional directors, the number of directors of this Company shall be fixed and
may be altered from time to time as may be provided in the By-laws. In case of
any increase in the number of directors, the additional directors may be elected
by the directors, or by the stockholders, at an annual or special meeting.

   EIGHTH: In furtherance, and not in limitation of the powers conferred by
statute, the Board of Directors are expressly authorized:

   (a) To fix, determine and vary from time to time the amount to be maintained
   as surplus and the amount or amounts to be set apart as working capital.

   (b) To make, alter, amend or repeal By-laws for this Company without any
   action on the part of the stockholders. The By-laws made by the directors may
   be altered or repealed by the stockholders.

   (c) To designate two or more directors to constitute an executive committee,
   which committee shall have and exercise (except when the Board of Directors
   shall be in session) such powers and rights of the full Board of Directors in
   the management of the business and affairs of this Company as may be lawfully
   delegated, and shall have power to authorize the seal of this Company to be
   affixed to all papers which may require it.

                                      11
<PAGE>
 
   (d) If the By-laws of this Company shall so provide, the stockholders and
   directors shall have power to hold their meetings either within or without
   the State of Delaware, and to have one or more offices outside of the State
   of Delaware, and to keep the books and records except the original or
   duplicate stock ledger, of this Company outside the State of Delaware, and at
   such place or places as may from time to time be designated by the Board of
   Directors.

   (e) To authorize and cause to be executed mortgages and liens without limit
   as to amount, upon the real and personal property of this Company.

   (f) From time to time to determine whether and to what extent, and at what
   time and place and under what conditions and regulations the accounts and
   books of this Company, or any of them, shall be open to the inspection of the
   stockholders; and no stockholder shall have any right to inspect any account
   or book or document of this Company except as conferred by statute or the By-
   laws or as authorized by a resolution of the directors or stockholders.


   (g) To sell, assign, transfer, convey and otherwise dispose of a part of the
   property, assets and effects of this Company, less than the whole or
   substantially the whole thereof, on such terms and conditions as they shall
   deem advisable, without the assent of the stockholders in writing or
   otherwise; and also to sell, assign, transfer, convey and otherwise dispose
   of the whole, or substantially the whole, of the property, assets, effects,
   franchises, and good will of this Company on such terms and conditions as
   they shall deem advisable but only with the assent in writing, or pursuant to
   the vote, of the holders of not less than two-thirds in interest of all the
   stockholders of this Company but in any event not less than the amount
   required by law.

   (h) All of the powers of this Company, insofar as the same lawfully may be
   vested by this Certificate in the directors, are hereby conferred upon the
   said directors of this Company.

   NINTH: This Company may in its By-laws fix the number (not less than the
number required by law or in this Certificate) of shares, the holders of which
must consent to, or which must be voted in favor of, any specific act or acts by
this Company, or its Board of Directors, and during the period for which such
number remains so fixed, such specified act or acts shall not and may not be
performed or carried out by this Company, or its Board of Directors without the
consent or affirmative vote of the holders of at least the number of shares so
fixed.

   TENTH: In the absence of fraud, no contract or transaction between this
Company and any other corporation shall be affected by the fact that the
directors of this Company are interested in or are directors or officers of such
other corporation, and any director individually may be a party to, or may be
interested in any such contract or transaction of this Company; and no such
contract or transaction of this Company with any person or persons, firm or
association, shall be affected by the fact that any director of this Company is
a party to, or interested in such contract or transaction, or in any way
connected with such person or persons, firm or association, provided that the
interest in any such contract or transaction of any such director shall be fully
disclosed, and that such contract or other

                                      12
<PAGE>
 
transaction shall be authorized or ratified by the vote of a sufficient number
of the directors of this Company not so interested; and each and every person
who may become a director in this Company is hereby relieved from any liability
that might otherwise exist from thus contracting with this Company for the
benefit of himself or any firm, association, or corporation in which he may be
in anyway interested.

   ELEVENTH: This Company may in its Bylaws make any other provisions or
requirements for the management or conduct of the business of this Company,
provided the same be not inconsistent with the provisions of this Certificate,
or contrary to the laws of the State of Delaware, or the United States.

   TWELFTH: Except where other notice is specifically required by statute
written notice only of any stockholder's meeting, given as provided in the By-
laws shall be sufficient without publication or other form of notice.

   THIRTEENTH: Any officer elected or appointed by the Board of Directors, or by
the Executive Committee, or by the stockholders, or any member of the Executive
Committee, or of any other standing committee, or any director of this Company
may be removed at any time, with or without cause, in such manner as shall be
provided in the By-laws of this Company.

   FOURTEENTH: No director of this Company shall be personally liable to the
Company or to its stockholders for monetary damages arising out of or resulting
from any breach of his fiduciary duty as a director; provided, however, that
this Article Fourteenth shall not apply in any case where such liability arises
out of or results from: (a) the breach by such director of his duty of loyalty
to the Company or to its stockholders; (b) any act or omission of such director
not in good faith or which involves intentional misconduct or a knowing
violation of the law; (c) any transaction from which such director derives an
improper personal benefit; or (d) any payment of a dividend or any purchase or
redemption of the capital stock of the Company in violation of the provisions of
Section 174 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware. This
Article Fourteenth shall be effective as of, and shall apply to any act,
omission or transaction of any director of this Company occurring on or after,
July 1, 1986.

   FIFTEENTH:  This Company reserves the right to amend, alter, change or repeal
any provision contained in this Restated Certificate of Incorporation in the
manner now or hereafter prescribed by statute and all rights conferred on
officers, directors and stockholders herein are granted subject to this
reservation.

4. This Restated Certificate of Incorporation was adopted by the written Consent
of the sole stockholder of the Company dated August 28, 1992, in accordance with
the applicable provisions of Section 228, 242, 243 and 245 of the General
Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.



                                      13

<PAGE>
 
                                                                     EXHIBIT 4.3


        ===============================================================



                             HELLER FINANCIAL, INC.


                                      AND


                SHAWMUT BANK CONNECTICUT, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

                                    Trustee


                                    ________


                                   INDENTURE


                                   _________



                         Dated as of September 1, 1995



                                   _________



                               Senior Securities

        ===============================================================
<PAGE>
 
     INDENTURE dated as of September 1, 1995 between HELLER FINANCIAL, INC., a
Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and SHAWMUT BANK CONNECTICUT, NATIONAL
ASSOCIATION (the "Trustee").

                             PRELIMINARY STATEMENTS

     A.  The Company is authorized to borrow money for its corporate purposes
and to issue non-convertible debentures, notes and other debt obligations
therefor; and for its corporate purposes, the Company has determined to make and
issue its non-convertible debentures, notes and other debt obligations to be
issued in one or more series (the "Securities"), as hereinafter provided, up to
such principal amount or amounts as may from time to time be authorized by or
pursuant to the authority granted in one or more resolutions of the Board of
Directors.

     B.  All things necessary to make this Indenture a valid agreement of the
Company, in accordance with its terms, have been done.

     In consideration of the above statements, and other good and valuable
consideration the receipt and adequacy of which is hereby acknowledged, the
parties agree that all the Securities are to be executed, authenticated and
delivered subject to the further covenants and conditions hereinafter set forth;
and the Company, for itself and its successors, does hereby covenant and agree
to and with the Trustee and its successors in such trust, for the benefit of
those who shall hold the Securities, or any of them, as follows:

                              TERMS AND CONDITIONS

     1.  Incorporation by Reference.

     Articles I through XIII of the Heller Financial, Inc. Standard Multiple-
Series Indenture Provisions, dated and filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on February 5, 1987 (the "Standard Provisions"), are hereby
incorporated herein by reference with the same force and effect as though fully
set forth herein.  To the extent that the terms set forth in Sections 2 and 3 of
this Indenture are inconsistent with the terms of the Standard Provisions, the
terms set forth in Section 2 herein shall apply.

     2.  Amendments to the Standard Provisions

         A.  The Standard Provisions as incorporated herein are hereby amended
as follows:
<PAGE>
 
         B.  Section 1.01 is amended to add new defined terms thereto or to
amend existing defined terms, and all definitions set forth below, to the extent
they are inconsistent with the meanings ascribed to them in the Standard
Provisions, control, as though they were fully set forth in the Standard
Provisions, in the appropriate alphabetical sequence, as follows:

     "Conversion Event" means the cessation of (i) a Foreign Currency to be used
     both by the government of the country which issued such currency and for
     the settlement of transactions by public institutions of or within the
     international banking community, (ii) the ECU to be used both within the
     European Monetary System and for the settlement of transactions by public
     institutions of or within the European Communities, (iii) any currency unit
     other than the ECU to be used for the purposes for which it was
     established, or (iv) the availability of a currency due to the imposition
     of exchange controls or other circumstances beyond the Company's control.

     "Depositary" means, unless otherwise specified by the Company pursuant to
     either Section 2.03 or 3.01, with respect to Securities of any series
     issuable or issued as a Global Security, The Depository Trust Company, New
     York, New York, or any successor thereto registered under the Securities
     and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or other applicable statute or
     regulation.

     "Exchange Rate Agent" means the New York banking corporation, if any, from
     time to time selected by the Company for purposes of Section 3.12, which,
     initially, shall be The Fuji Bank and Trust Company.

     "Global Security" means with respect to any series of Securities issued
     hereunder, a Security which is executed by the Company and authenticated
     and delivered by the Trustee to the Depositary or pursuant to the
     Depositary's instruction, all in accordance with this Indenture and an
     indenture supplemental hereto, if any, or Board Resolution and pursuant to
     a Company Order, which shall be registered in the name of the Depositary or
     its nominee and which shall represent, and shall be denominated in an
     amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of, all of the Outstanding
     Securities of such series or any portion thereof, in either case having the
     same terms, including, without limitation, the same issue date, date or
     dates on which principal is due, and interest rate or method of determining
     interest.

     "Market Exchange Rate" means (i) for any conversion involving a currency
     unit on the one hand and Dollars or any Foreign Currency on the other, the
     exchange rate between the relevant currency unit and Dollars or such
     Foreign Currency calculated by the method specified pursuant to Section
     3.01 for the Securities of the relevant series, (ii) for any conversion of
     Dollars into

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
     any Foreign Currency, the noon (New York City time) buying rate for
     such Foreign Currency for cable transfers quoted in New York City as
     certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and
     (iii) for any conversion of one Foreign Currency into Dollars or another
     Foreign Currency, the highest firm bid quotation for Dollars received by
     the Exchange Rate Agent at approximately 11:00 a.m. New York City time, on
     the second Business Day preceding the applicable payment date (or if no
     such rate is quoted on such date, the last date on which such rate was
     quoted), from three recognized foreign exchange dealers in The City of New
     York selected by the Exchange Rate Agent and approved by the Company (one
     of which may be the Exchange Rate Agent) In the event of the unavailability
     of any of the exchange rates provided for in the foregoing clauses (i),
     (ii), and (iii), payments shall be made in the Foreign Currency which is to
     be converted, unless such Foreign Currency is unavailable due to the
     imposition of exchange controls or to other circumstances beyond the
     Company's control, in which case payment shall be made in Dollars on the
     basis of the most recently available Market Exchange Rate or as otherwise
     indicated in a pricing supplement to a prospectus describing the
     Securities.  Unless otherwise specified by the Exchange Rate Agent, if any,
     or if there shall not be an Exchange Rate Agent, then by the Trustee, if
     there is more than one market for dealing in any currency or currency unit
     by reason of foreign exchange regulations or otherwise, the market to be
     used in respect of such currency or currency unit shall be that upon which
     a nonresident issuer of securities designated in such currency or currency
     unit would purchase such currency or currency unit in order to make
     Payments in respect of such securities.

         C.  Section 1.01 is amended to delete the term "Currency
Determination Agent" and all references to the term Currency Determination Agent
in the Indenture shall be replaced with references to the Exchange Rate Agent,
and all sections with such references are hereby amended and restated as though
fully set forth herein.

         D.  Section 2.01 is amended to add the words "or forms" after the
word "form" in the first sentence of such Section.

         E.  Article Two is amended to add a new Section 2.03, which reads
in its entirety as follows:

         Section 2.03  Securities Issuable in the Form of a Global
     Security. (a) If the Company shall establish pursuant to Section 3.01 that
     the Securities of a particular series are to be issued in whole or in part
     in the form of one or more Global Securities, then the Company shall
     execute and the Trustee shall, in accordance with Section 3.03 and the
     Company Order delivered to

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
     the Trustee thereunder, authenticate and deliver, such Global Security or
     Securities, which (i) shall represent, and shall be denominated in an
     amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of, the Outstanding
     Securities of such series to be represented by such Global Security or
     Securities, (ii) shall be registered in the name of the Depositary for such
     Global Security or Securities or its nominee, (iii) shall be delivered by
     the Trustee to the Depositary or pursuant to the Depositary's instruction
     and (iv) shall bear a legend substantially to the following effect: "Unless
     and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for the individual Securities
     represented hereby, this Global Security may not be transferred except as a
     whole by the Depositary to a nominee of the Depositary or by a nominee of
     the Depositary to the Depositary or another nominee of the Depositary or by
     the Depositary or any such nominee to a successor Depositary or a nominee
     of such successor Depositary.

         (b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 2.03 or
     of Section 3.05, subject to the provisions of paragraph (c) below, unless
     the terms of a Global Security expressly permit such Global Security to be
     exchanged in whole or in part for individual securities, a Global Security
     may be transferred, in whole but not in part and in the manner provided in
     Section 3.05, only to a nominee of the Depositary for such Global Security,
     or to the Depositary, or a successor Depositary for such Global Security
     selected or approved by the Company, or to a nominee of such successor
     Depositary.

         (c) (i) If at any time the Depositary for a Global Security
     notifies the Company that it is unwilling or unable to continue as
     Depositary for such Global Security or if at any time the Depositary for
     the Securities for such series shall no longer be eligible or in good
     standing under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or other
     applicable statute or regulation, the Company shall appoint a Depositary
     with respect to such Global Security.  If a successor Depositary for such
     Global Security is not appointed by the Company within 90 days after the
     Company receives such notice or becomes aware of such ineligibility, the
     Company will execute, and the Trustee, upon receipt of a Company Order for
     the authentication and delivery of individual Securities of such series in
     exchange for such Global Security, will authenticate and deliver individual
     Securities of such series of like tenor and terms in definitive form in an
     aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of the Global
     Security in exchange for such Global Security.

         (ii) The Company may at any time and in its sole discretion
     determine that the Securities of any series issued or issuable in the form
     of one or more Global Securities shall no longer be represented by such
     Global Security or Securities. In such event the Company will execute, and
     the Trustee, upon receipt of a Company Order for the authentication and
     delivery
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
     of individual Securities of such series in exchange in whole or in
     part for such Global Security, will authenticate and deliver individual
     Securities of such series of like tenor and terms in definitive form in an
     aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of such Global
     Security or Securities representing such series in exchange for such Global
     Security or Securities.

         (iii)  If specified by the Company pursuant to Section 3.01 with
     respect to Securities issued or issuable in the form of a Global Security,
     the Depositary for such Global Security may surrender such Global Security
     in exchange in whole or in part for individual securities or such series of
     like tenor and terms in definitive form on such terms as are acceptable to
     the Company and such Depositary.  Thereupon the Company shall execute, and
     the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, without service charge, (l) to
     each Person specified by such Depositary a new Security or Securities of
     the same series of like tenor and terms and of any authorized denomination
     as requested by such Person in aggregate principal amount equal to and in
     exchange for such Person's beneficial interest in the Global Security; and
     (2) to such Depositary a new Global Security of like tenor and terms and in
     an authorized denomination equal to the difference, if any, between the
     principal amount of the surrendered Global Security and the aggregate
     principal amount of Securities delivered to Holders thereof.

         (iv) In any exchange provided for in any of the preceding three
     paragraphs, the Company will execute and the Trustee will authenticate and
     deliver individual Securities in definitive registered form in authorized
     denominations.  Upon the exchange of a Global Security for individual
     Securities, such Global Security shall be canceled by the Trustee.
     Securities issued in exchange for a Global Security pursuant to this
     Section shall be registered in such names and in such authorized
     denominations as the Depositary for such Global Security, pursuant to
     instructions from its direct or indirect participants or otherwise, shall
     instruct the Trustee.  The Trustee shall deliver such Securities to the
     persons in whose names such Securities are so registered.

         F.  Section 3.01 is amended to (i) add Section 2.03 to the sections
referred to in the parenthetical exception to paragraph (b) of Section 3.01,
(ii) redesignate paragraphs (q), (r), (s), (t), (u) and (v) as paragraphs (r),
(s), (t), (u), (v) and (w), respectively, and (iii) add new paragraph (q) as
follows:

         (q) whether the Securities of the series shall be issued in whole
     or in part in the form of a Global Security or Securities; the terms and
     conditions, if any, upon which such Global Security or Securities may be
     exchanged in whole or in part for other individual Securities; and the
     Depositary for such Global Security or Securities; and

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
         G.  The second paragraph following paragraph (d) (vi) of Section
3.03 is amended and restated to read as follows:

         If all the Securities of any one series are not to be issued at one
     time (i) the Trustee shall be entitled to assume that, at the time of the
     issuance of such Securities, the terms of such Securities do not violate
     any applicable law or agreement then binding on the Company, and (ii) it
     shall not be necessary to deliver a Board Resolution, an executed
     supplemental indenture, if any, an Officer's Certificate or an Opinion of
     Counsel at the time of issuance of each Security, but such Board
     Resolution, supplemental indenture, if any, Officer's Certificate and
     Opinion of Counsel shall be delivered at or prior to the time of issuance
     of the first Security of such series and the Trustee may conclusively rely
     on such documents as to the matters covered thereby until revoked by
     superseding comparable documents delivered to it.

         H.  The first sentence of Section 3.05 is amended and restated to
read as follows:

         Subject to Section 2.03, Securities of any series may be exchanged
     for a like aggregate principal amount of Securities of the same series of
     other authorized denominations of a like Stated Maturity and with like
     terms and provisions.

         I.  The following paragraph is added at the end of Section 3.05:

         None of the Company, the Trustee, any Paying Agent or the
     Securities Registrar will have any responsibility or liability for any
     aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial
     ownership interests of a Global Security or for maintaining, supervising or
     reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests.

         J.  Paragraphs (a) and (b) of Section 3.12 are amended and restated
to read as follows:

     (a) With respect to Registered Securities of any series not permitting
the election provided for in paragraph (b) below or the Holders of which have
not made the election provided for in paragraph (b) below, the following payment
provision will apply:

         (1) Except as provided in paragraph (e) below, payment of the principal
     of (and premium, if any) on any Registered Security will be made at the
     Place of Payment by delivery of a check of checks in Dollars, unless any
     Holder has elected to receive payment in any Foreign Currency, in which
     case, payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) on any Registered

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
     Security will be made at the Place of Payment by delivery of a check or
     checks in the currency or currency unit in which the Security is payable on
     the payment date against surrender of such Registered Security, and any
     interest on any Fully Registered Security will be paid at the Place of
     Payment by bailing a check or checks in the currency or currency unit in
     which such interest is payable to the Person entitled thereto at the
     address of such Person appearing on the Securities Register.

         (2) Payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and (with-respect
     to Fully Registered Securities only) interest on such Security may also,
     subject to applicable laws and regulations, be made at such other place or
     places as may be designated by the Company by any appropriate method and in
     such other manner as may be agreed by the Company and any Holder.

     (b) It may be provided pursuant to Section 3.01 with respect to the
Registered Securities of any series that Holders shall have the option, subject
to paragraphs (e) and (f) below, to receive payments of principal of (and
premium, if any) and (with respect to Fully Registered Securities only)
interest, if any, on such Security in any of the currencies or currency units
which may be designated for such election by delivering to the Paying Agent a
written election, to be in form and substance satisfactory to the Paying Agent
on or prior to the applicable record date or at least 15 calendar days prior to
maturity, as the case may be.  If a Holder so elects to receive such payments in
any such currency or currency unit, such election will remain in effect for such
Holder until changed by such Holder by delivery of a written notice to the
Paying Agent but the Paying Agent must receive written notice of any change on
or prior to the applicable record date or at least 15 calendar days prior to
maturity, as the case may be, to be effective for the payment to be made on such
payment date and no such change or election may be made with respect to payments
to be made on any Security of such series with respect to which notice of
redemption has been given by the Company pursuant to Article IV).  Any Holder of
any such Security who shall not have delivered any such election to the Paying
Agent not later than the close of business on the applicable Election Date will
be paid the amount due on the applicable payment date in the relevant currency
or currency unit as provided in paragraph (a) of this Section 3.12.  Payment of
principal of (and premium, if any) and (with respect to Fully Registered
Securities only) interest, if any, on such Security shall be made at the Place
of Payment by mailing at such location a check, in the applicable currency or
currency unit to the Person entitled thereto at the address of such Person
appearing on the Securities Register.  Payment of the principal of, premium, if
any, and (with respect to Fully Registered Securities only) interest, if any, on
such Security may also, subject to applicable laws and regulations, be made at
such other place or places as may be designated by the Company by any
appropriate method.

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
         K.  Paragraph (d) of Section 3.12 is amended and restated to read as
follows:

         (d) Not later than the fourth Business Day after the Election Date for
each payment date, the Paying Agent will deliver to the Company a written notice
specifying, in the currency or currency unit in which each series of the
Securities are payable, the respective aggregate amounts of principal of (and
premium, if any) and interest, if any, on the Securities to be made on such
payment date, specifying the amounts so payable in respect of Fully Registered
Securities, Registered Securities with Coupons and Unregistered Securities and
in respect of the Registered Securities as to which the Holders of Securities
denominated in any currency or currency unit shall have elected to be paid in
another currency or currency unit as provided in paragraph (b) above.  If the
election referred to in paragraph (b) above has been provided for pursuant to
Section 3.01 and if at least one Holder has made such election, then, on the
second Business day preceding each payment date the Company will deliver to the
Paying Agent an Exchange Rate Officer's Certificate in respect of the Dollar,
Foreign Currency or currency unit payments to be made on such payment date.  The
Dollar, Foreign Currency or currency unit amount receivable by Holders of
Registered Securities who have elected payment in a currency or currency unit as
provided in paragraph (b) above shall be determined by the Company on the basis
of the applicable Market Exchange Rate in effect on the second Business Day (the
"Valuation Date") immediately preceding each payment date.

         L.  Paragraph (g) of Section 3.12 is amended and restated to read
as follows:

         (g) The "Dollar Equivalent of the Foreign Currency" shall be
determined by the Exchange Rate Agent, if any, or, if there shall not be an
Exchange Rate Agent, then by the Trustee, on the basis of the most recently
available Market Exchange Rate, or as otherwise indicated in a pricing
supplement to a prospectus describing the Securities.

         M.  The first sentence of Section 8.14 is amended and restated to
read as follows:

     The Trustee may appoint an Authenticating Agent for each series of
Securities, which shall be acceptable to the Company, to act on behalf of such
Trustee, and subject to its direction in the authentication and delivery of the
Securities of such series issued upon original issuance, exchange, registration
of transfer or partial redemption thereof or pursuant to Section 3.06.

         N.  Section 3.10 is amended and restated to read as follows:

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
     All Securities surrendered for the purpose of payment, redemption,
repayment, purchase, exchange or registration of transfer or for credit against
any sinking fund shall, if surrendered to the Company or any Paying Agent or any
Securities Registrar, be surrendered to the Securities Registrar and promptly
canceled by it, or, if surrendered to the Securities Registrar, shall be
promptly canceled by it, and no Securities or Coupons shall be issued in lieu
thereof except as expressly permitted by this Indenture.  The Securities
Registrar shall destroy canceled Securities and Coupons in accordance with a
Company Order and deliver a certificate of such destruction to the Company
unless, by a Company Order, the Company directs that such canceled Securities
and Coupons be returned to the Company.

     3.  Additional Provision.

     The following provision, which constitutes part of this Indenture, is
numbered to conform with the format of the Standard Provisions:

     Section 8.15.    Other Matters Concerning the Trustee.

     At the date of this Indenture, the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee is
located at 777 Main St., Hartford, CT 06115.

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, HELLER FINANCIAL, INC. has caused this Indenture
to be signed in its corporate name by its authorized officer, and its corporate
seal to be affixed hereto, and the same to be attested by the signature of its
Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, and SHAWMUT BANK CONNECTICUT, NATIONAL
ASSOCIATION, in evidence of its acceptance of the trust hereby created, has
caused this Indenture to be signed in its corporate name by one of its
Authorized Officers, and its corporate seal to be affixed hereto, and the same
to be attested by one of its Assistant Secretaries, as of the day and year first
above written.


                                               HELLER FINANCIAL, INC.

                                               By:  /s/  Anthony O'B. Beirne
                                                  -----------------------------
                                               Title:    SVP & Treasurer
                                                     --------------------------


[SEAL]


Attest:

/s/  David M. Sherbin
- -----------------------


                                               SHAWMUT BANK CONNECTICUT,
                                               NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

                                               By:  /s/  Mark A. Forgetta
                                                  -----------------------------
                                               Title:    Vice President
                                                     --------------------------

[SEAL]


Attest:

  /s/
- -----------------------

                                      10
<PAGE>
 
STATE OF ILLINOIS  )
                   ) ss:
COUNTY OF COOK     )


     On the 1st day of September, 1995, before me personally came Anthony O'B.
Beirne to me known, who, being by me duly sworn, did depose and say that he is
an authorized officer of HELLER FINANCIAL, INC., one of the corporations
described in and which executed the above instrument; that he knows the seal of
such corporation; that the seal affixed to such instrument is such corporate
seal; that it was so affixed by authority of the Board of Directors of such
corporation; and that he signed his name thereto by like authority.


                                   /s/  Mary L. Riedesel
                                   -----------------------------

"OFFICIAL SEAL"
Mary L. Riedesel
Notary Public, State of Illinois
My Commission Expires 6/17/96



STATE OF  Connecticut   )
       -----------------) ss:
COUNTY OF Hartford      )
        ----------------

     On the ___ day of _______, 1995 before me personally came Mark A.
Forgetta to me known, who, being by me duly sworn, did depose and say that he is
an Authorized Officer of SHAWMUT BANK CONNECTICUT, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, one of
the corporations described in and which executed the above instrument; that he
knows the seal of such corporation; that the seal affixed to such instrument is
such corporate seal; that it was so affixed by authority of the Board of
Directors of such corporation; and that he signed his name thereto by like
authority.


                                   /s/  Karen R. Felt
                                   -----------------------------

                                   KAREN R. FELT
                                   Notary Public
                                   My Commission Expires 02/28/99
[SEAL]

                                      11

<PAGE>
 
                                                                     EXHIBIT 4.5



        ===============================================================



                             HELLER FINANCIAL, INC.


                                      AND


                SHAWMUT BANK CONNECTICUT, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

                                    Trustee


                                   _________


                                   INDENTURE


                                   _________


                         Dated as of September 1, 1995


                                   _________



                            Subordinated Securities

        ===============================================================
<PAGE>
 
     INDENTURE dated as of September 1, 1995 between HELLER FINANCIAL, INC., a
Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and SHAWMUT BANK CONNECTICUT, NATIONAL
ASSOCIATION (the "Trustee").

                             PRELIMINARY STATEMENTS

     A.  The Company is authorized to borrow money for its corporate purposes
and to issue non-convertible debentures, notes and other debt obligations
therefor; and for its corporate purposes, the Company has determined to make and
issue its non-convertible debentures, notes and other debt obligations to be
issued in one or more series (the "Securities"), as hereinafter provided, up to
such principal amount or amounts as may from time to time be authorized by or
pursuant to the authority granted in one or more resolutions of the Board of
Directors.

     B.  All things necessary to make this Indenture a valid agreement of the
Company, in accordance with its terms, have been done.

     In consideration of the above statements, and other good and valuable
consideration the receipt and adequacy of which is hereby acknowledged, the
parties agree that all the Securities are to be executed, authenticated and
delivered subject to the further covenants and conditions hereinafter set forth;
and the Company, for itself and its successors, does hereby covenant and agree
to and with the Trustee and its successors in such trust, for the benefit of
those who shall hold the Securities, or any of them, as follows:

                              TERMS AND CONDITIONS

     1.  Incorporation by Reference.

     Articles I through XIII of the Heller Financial, Inc. Standard Multiple-
Series Indenture Provisions, dated and filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on February 5, 1987 (the "Standard Provisions"), are hereby
incorporated herein by reference with the same force and effect as though fully
set forth herein.  To the extent that the terms set forth in Sections 2 and 3 of
this Indenture are inconsistent with the terms of the Standard Provisions, the
terms set forth in Section 2 shall apply.

     2.  Amendments to the Standard Provisions.
 
         A.  The Standard Provisions as incorporated herein are hereby amended
as follows:
<PAGE>
 
         B.  Section 1.01 is amended to add new defined terms thereto or to
amend existing defined terms, and all definitions set forth below, to the extent
they are inconsistent with the meanings ascribed to them in the Standard
Provisions, control, as though they were fully set forth in the Standard
Provisions, in the appropriate alphabetical sequence, as follows:

     "Conversion Event" means the cessation of (i) a Foreign Currency to be used
     both by the government of the country which issued such currency and for
     the settlement of transactions by public institutions of or within the
     international banking community, (ii) the ECU to be used both within the
     European Monetary System and for the settlement of transactions by public
     institutions of or within the European Communities, (iii) any currency unit
     other than the ECU to be used for the purposes for which it was
     established, or (iv) the availability of a currency due to the imposition
     of exchange controls or other circumstances beyond the Company's control.

     "Depositary" means, unless otherwise specified by the Company pursuant to
     either Section 2.03 or 3.01, with respect to Securities of any series
     issuable or issued as a Global Security, The Depository Trust Company, New
     York, New York, or any successor thereto registered under the Securities
     and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or other applicable statute or
     regulation.

     "Exchange Rate Agent" means the New York banking corporation, if any, from
     time to time selected by the Company for purposes of Section 3.12, which,
     initially, shall be The Fuji Bank and Trust Company.

     "Global Security" means with respect to any series of Securities issued
     hereunder, a Security which is executed by the Company and authenticated
     and delivered by the Trustee to the Depositary or pursuant to the
     Depositary's instruction, all in accordance with this Indenture and an
     indenture supplemental hereto, if any, or Board Resolution and pursuant to
     a Company Order, which shall be registered in the name of the Depositary or
     its nominee and which shall represent, and shall be denominated in an
     amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of, all of the Outstanding
     Securities of such series or any portion thereof, in either case having the
     same terms, including, without limitation, the same issue date, date or
     dates on which principal is due, and interest rate or method of determining
     interest.

     "Market Exchange Rate" means (i) for any conversion involving a currency
     unit on the one hand and Dollars or any Foreign Currency on the other, the
     exchange rate between the relevant currency unit and Dollars or such
     Foreign Currency calculated by the method specified pursuant to Section
     3.01 for the Securities of the relevant series, (ii) for any conversion of
     Dollars into

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
     any Foreign Currency, the noon (New York City time) buying rate for
     such Foreign Currency for cable transfers quoted in New York City as
     certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and
     (iii) for any conversion of one Foreign Currency into Dollars or another
     Foreign Currency, the highest firm bid quotation for Dollars received by
     the Exchange Rate Agent at approximately 11:00 a.m. New York City time, on
     the second Business Day preceding the applicable payment date (or if no
     such rate is quoted on such date, the last date on which such rate was
     quoted), from three recognized foreign exchange dealers in The City of New
     York selected by the Exchange Rate Agent and approved by the Company (one
     of which may be the Exchange Rate Agent) In the event of the unavailability
     of any of the exchange rates provided for in the foregoing clauses (i),
     (ii), and (iii), payments shall be made in the Foreign Currency which is to
     be converted, unless such Foreign Currency is unavailable due to the
     imposition of exchange controls or to other circumstances beyond the
     Company's control, in which case payment shall be made in Dollars on the
     basis of the most recently available Market Exchange Rate or as otherwise
     indicated in a pricing supplement to a prospectus describing the
     Securities.  Unless otherwise specified by the Exchange Rate Agent, if any,
     or if there shall not be an Exchange Rate Agent, then by the Trustee, if
     there is more than one market for dealing in any currency or currency unit
     by reason of foreign exchange regulations or otherwise, the market to be
     used in respect of such currency or currency unit shall be that upon which
     a nonresident issuer of securities designated in such currency or currency
     unit would purchase such currency or currency unit in order to make
     Payments in respect of such securities.

         C.  Section 1.01 is amended to delete the term "Currency Determination
Agent" and all references to the term Currency Determination Agent in the
Indenture shall be replaced with references to the Exchange Rate Agent, and all
sections with such references are hereby amended and restated as though fully
set forth herein.

         D.  Section 2.01 is amended to add the words "or forms" after the word
"form" in the first sentence of such Section.

         E.  Article Two is amended to add a new Section 2.03, which reads
in its entirety as follows:

         Section 2.03 Securities Issuable in the Form of a Global Security. (a)
     If the Company shall establish pursuant to Section 3.01 that the Securities
     of a particular series are to be issued in whole or in part in the form of
     one or more Global Securities, then the Company shall execute and the
     Trustee shall, in accordance with Section 3.03 and the Company Order
     delivered to

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
     the Trustee thereunder, authenticate and deliver, such Global Security or
     Securities, which (i) shall represent, and shall be denominated in an
     amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of, the Outstanding
     Securities of such series to be represented by such Global Security or
     Securities, (ii) shall be registered in the name of the Depositary for such
     Global Security or Securities or its nominee, (iii) shall be delivered by
     the Trustee to the Depositary or pursuant to the Depositary's instruction
     and (iv) shall bear a legend substantially to the following effect: "Unless
     and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for the individual Securities
     represented hereby, this Global Security may not be transferred except as a
     whole by the Depositary to a nominee of the Depositary or by a nominee of
     the Depositary to the Depositary or another nominee of the Depositary or by
     the Depositary or any such nominee to a successor Depositary or a nominee
     of such successor Depositary.

         (b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 2.03 or
     of Section 3.05, subject to the provisions of paragraph (c) below, unless
     the terms of a Global Security expressly permit such Global Security to be
     exchanged in whole or in part for individual securities, a Global Security
     may be transferred, in whole but not in part and in the manner provided in
     Section 3.05, only to a nominee of the Depositary for such Global Security,
     or to the Depositary, or a successor Depositary for such Global Security
     selected or approved by the Company, or to a nominee of such successor
     Depositary.

         (c) (i) If at any time the Depositary for a Global Security
     notifies the Company that it is unwilling or unable to continue as
     Depositary for such Global Security or if at any time the Depositary for
     the Securities for such series shall no longer be eligible or in good
     standing under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or other
     applicable statute or regulation, the Company shall appoint a Depositary
     with respect to such Global Security.  If a successor Depositary for such
     Global Security is not appointed by the Company within 90 days after the
     Company receives such notice or becomes aware of such ineligibility, the
     Company will execute, and the Trustee, upon receipt of a Company Order for
     the authentication and delivery of individual Securities of such series in
     exchange for such Global Security, will authenticate and deliver individual
     Securities of such series of like tenor and terms in definitive form in an
     aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of the Global
     Security in exchange for such Global Security.

         (ii) The Company may at any time and in its sole discretion
     determine that the Securities of any series issued or issuable in the form
     of one or more Global Securities shall no longer be represented by such
     Global Security or Securities. In such event the Company will execute, and
     the Trustee, upon receipt of a Company Order for the authentication and
     delivery
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
     of individual Securities of such series in exchange in whole or in
     part for such Global Security, will authenticate and deliver individual
     Securities of such series of like tenor and terms in definitive form in an
     aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of such Global
     Security or Securities representing such series in exchange for such Global
     Security or Securities.

         (iii)  If specified by the Company pursuant to Section 3.01 with
     respect to Securities issued or issuable in the form of a Global Security,
     the Depositary for such Global Security may surrender such Global Security
     in exchange in whole or in part for individual securities or such series of
     like tenor and terms in definitive form on such terms as are acceptable to
     the Company and such Depositary.  Thereupon the Company shall execute, and
     the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, without service charge, (l) to
     each Person specified by such Depositary a new Security or Securities of
     the same series of like tenor and terms and of any authorized denomination
     as requested by such Person in aggregate principal amount equal to and in
     exchange for such Person's beneficial interest in the Global Security; and
     (2) to such Depositary a new Global Security of like tenor and terms and in
     an authorized denomination equal to the difference, if any, between the
     principal amount of the surrendered Global Security and the aggregate
     principal amount of Securities delivered to Holders thereof.

         (iv) In any exchange provided for in any of the preceding three
     paragraphs, the Company will execute and the Trustee will authenticate and
     deliver individual Securities in definitive registered form in authorized
     denominations.  Upon the exchange of a Global Security for individual
     Securities, such Global Security shall be canceled by the Trustee.
     Securities issued in exchange for a Global Security pursuant to this
     Section shall be registered in such names and in such authorized
     denominations as the Depositary for such Global Security, pursuant to
     instructions from its direct or indirect participants or otherwise, shall
     instruct the Trustee.  The Trustee shall deliver such Securities to the
     persons in whose names such Securities are so registered.

         F.  Section 3.01 is amended to (i) add Section 2.03 to the sections
referred to in the parenthetical exception to paragraph (b) of Section 3.01,
(ii) redesignate paragraphs (q), (r), (s), (t), (u) and (v) as paragraphs (r),
(s), (t), (u), (v) and (w), respectively, and (iii) add new paragraph (q) as
follows:

         (q) whether the Securities of the series shall be issued in whole
     or in part in the form of a Global Security or Securities; the terms and
     conditions, if any, upon which such Global Security or Securities may be
     exchanged in whole or in part for other individual Securities; and the
     Depositary for such Global Security or Securities; and
  
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
         G.  The second paragraph following paragraph (d) (vi) of Section
3.03 is amended and restated to read as follows:

         If all the Securities of any one series are not to be issued at one
     time (i) the Trustee shall be entitled to assume that, at the time of the
     issuance of such Securities, the terms of such Securities do not violate
     any applicable law or agreement then binding on the Company, and (ii) it
     shall not be necessary to deliver a Board Resolution, an executed
     supplemental indenture, if any, an Officer's Certificate or an Opinion of
     Counsel at the time of issuance of each Security, but such Board
     Resolution, supplemental indenture, if any, Officer's Certificate and
     Opinion of Counsel shall be delivered at or prior to the time of issuance
     of the first Security of such series and the Trustee may conclusively rely
     on such documents as to the matters covered thereby until revoked by
     superseding comparable documents delivered to it.

         H.  The first sentence of Section 3.05 is amended and restated to
read as follows:

         Subject to Section 2.03, Securities of any series may be exchanged
     for a like aggregate principal amount of Securities of the same series of
     other authorized denominations of a like Stated Maturity and with like
     terms and provisions.

         I.  The following paragraph is added at the end of Section 3.05:

         None of the Company, the Trustee, any Paying Agent or the
     Securities Registrar will have any responsibility or liability for any
     aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial
     ownership interests of a Global Security or for maintaining, supervising or
     reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests.

         J.  Paragraphs (a) and (b) of Section 3.12 are amended and restated
to read as follows:

     (a) With respect to Registered Securities of any series not permitting
the election provided for in paragraph (b) below or the Holders of which have
not made the election provided for in paragraph (b) below, the following payment
provision will apply:

         (1) Except as provided in paragraph (e) below, payment of the principal
     of (and premium, if any) on any Registered Security will be made at the
     Place of Payment by delivery of a check of checks in Dollars, unless any
     Holder has elected to receive payment in any Foreign Currency, in which
     case, payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) on any Registered
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
     Security will be made at the Place of Payment by delivery of a check or
     checks in the currency or currency unit in which the Security is payable on
     the payment date against surrender of such Registered Security, and any
     interest on any Fully Registered Security will be paid at the Place of
     Payment by bailing a check or checks in the currency or currency unit in
     which such interest is payable to the Person entitled thereto at the
     address of such Person appearing on the Securities Register.

         (2) Payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and (with-respect
     to Fully Registered Securities only) interest on such Security may also,
     subject to applicable laws and regulations, be made at such other place or
     places as may be designated by the Company by any appropriate method and in
     such other manner as may be agreed by the Company and any Holder.

     (b) It may be provided pursuant to Section 3.01 with respect to the
Registered Securities of any series that Holders shall have the option, subject
to paragraphs (e) and (f) below, to receive payments of principal of (and
premium, if any) and (with respect to Fully Registered Securities only)
interest, if any, on such Security in any of the currencies or currency units
which may be designated for such election by delivering to the Paying Agent a
written election, to be in form and substance satisfactory to the Paying Agent
on or prior to the applicable record date or at least 15 calendar days prior to
maturity, as the case may be.  If a Holder so elects to receive such payments in
any such currency or currency unit, such election will remain in effect for such
Holder until changed by such Holder by delivery of a written notice to the
Paying Agent but the Paying Agent must receive written notice of any change on
or prior to the applicable record date or at least 15 calendar days prior to
maturity, as the case may be, to be effective for the payment to be made on such
payment date and no such change or election may be made with respect to payments
to be made on any Security of such series with respect to which notice of
redemption has been given by the Company pursuant to Article IV).  Any Holder of
any such Security who shall not have delivered any such election to the Paying
Agent not later than the close of business on the applicable Election Date will
be paid the amount due on the applicable payment date in the relevant currency
or currency unit as provided in paragraph (a) of this Section 3.12.  Payment of
principal of (and premium, if any) and (with respect to Fully Registered
Securities only) interest, if any, on such Security shall be made at the Place
of Payment by mailing at such location a check, in the applicable currency or
currency unit to the Person entitled thereto at the address of such Person
appearing on the Securities Register.  Payment of the principal of, premium, if
any, and (with respect to Fully Registered Securities only) interest, if any, on
such Security may also, subject to applicable laws and regulations, be made at
such other place or places as may be designated by the Company by any
appropriate method.

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
         K.  Paragraph (d) of Section 3.12 is amended and restated to read as
follows:

         (d) Not later than the fourth Business Day after the Election Date for
each payment date, the Paying Agent will deliver to the Company a written notice
specifying, in the currency or currency unit in which each series of the
Securities are payable, the respective aggregate amounts of principal of (and
premium, if any) and interest, if any, on the Securities to be made on such
payment date, specifying the amounts so payable in respect of Fully Registered
Securities, Registered Securities with Coupons and Unregistered Securities and
in respect of the Registered Securities as to which the Holders of Securities
denominated in any currency or currency unit shall have elected to be paid in
another currency or currency unit as provided in paragraph (b) above.  If the
election referred to in paragraph (b) above has been provided for pursuant to
Section 3.01 and if at least one Holder has made such election, then, on the
second Business day preceding each payment date the Company will deliver to the
Paying Agent an Exchange Rate Officer's Certificate in respect of the Dollar,
Foreign Currency or currency unit payments to be made on such payment date.  The
Dollar, Foreign Currency or currency unit amount receivable by Holders of
Registered Securities who have elected payment in a currency or currency unit as
provided in paragraph (b) above shall be determined by the Company on the basis
of the applicable Market Exchange Rate in effect on the second Business Day (the
"Valuation Date") immediately preceding each payment date.

         L.  Paragraph (g) of Section 3.12 is amended and restated to read
as follows:

         (g) The "Dollar Equivalent of the Foreign Currency" shall be
determined by the Exchange Rate Agent, if any, or, if there shall not be an
Exchange Rate Agent, then by the Trustee, on the basis of the most recently
available Market Exchange Rate, or as otherwise indicated in a pricing
supplement to a prospectus describing the Securities.

         M.  The first sentence of Section 8.14 is amended and restated to
read as follows:

     The Trustee may appoint an Authenticating Agent for each series of
Securities, which shall be acceptable to the Company, to act on behalf of such
Trustee, and subject to its direction in the authentication and delivery of the
Securities of such series issued upon original issuance, exchange, registration
of transfer or partial redemption thereof or pursuant to Section 3.06.

         N.  Section 3.10 is amended and restated to read as follows:

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
     All Securities surrendered for the purpose of payment, redemption,
repayment, purchase, exchange or registration of transfer or for credit against
any sinking fund shall, if surrendered to the Company or any Paying Agent or any
Securities Registrar, be surrendered to the Securities Registrar and promptly
canceled by it, or, if surrendered to the Securities Registrar, shall be
promptly canceled by it, and no Securities or Coupons shall be issued in lieu
thereof except as expressly permitted by this Indenture.  The Securities
Registrar shall destroy canceled Securities and Coupons in accordance with a
Company Order and deliver a certificate of such destruction to the Company
unless, by a Company Order, the Company directs that such canceled Securities
and Coupons be returned to the Company.

     3.  Additional Provisions.

     The following provisions, which constitute part of this Indenture, are
numbered to conform with the format of the Standard Provisions:

     a.  Section 8.15. Other Matters Concerning the Trustee.

     At the date of this Indenture, the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee is
located at 777 Main St., Hartford, CT 06115.

     b.  ARTICLE XIV.  Subordination of Securities.

     Section 14.01  Securities Subordinated to Senior Debt.

     Anything in this Indenture or in the Securities to the contrary
notwithstanding, the indebtedness evidenced by the Securities shall be
subordinate and junior in right of payment to the extent and in the manner
hereinafter set forth, to all Senior Debt at any time outstanding: (i) in the
event of any insolvency or bankruptcy proceedings, and any receivership,
liquidation, reorganization or other similar proceedings in connection
therewith, relative to the Company or to its creditors, as such, or to its
property, and in the event of any proceedings for voluntary liquidation,
dissolution or other winding up of the Company, whether or not involving
insolvency or bankruptcy, then the holders of Senior Debt shall be entitled to
receive payment in full of all principal of, premium, if any, and interest, if
any, on all Senior Debt before the Holders of Securities are entitled to receive
any payment on account of principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, upon
the Securities, and to that end (but subject to the power of a court of
competent jurisdiction to make other equitable provisions reflecting the rights
conferred in this Article XIV and in the Securities upon the Senior Debt and the
holders thereof with respect to the Securities and the Holders thereof by a
lawful plan of reorganization under applicable bankruptcy law) the holders of
Senior Debt shall be entitled to receive for application in payment thereof any
payment or distribution of any kind

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
or character, whether in cash or property or securities, which may be payable or
deliverable in any such proceedings in respect of the Securities, except
securities which are subordinate and junior to the payment of all Senior Debt
then outstanding; and (ii) if any Security is declared due and payable before
its expressed maturity because of the occurrence of an Event of Default
hereunder (under circumstances when the provisions of the foregoing clause (i)
shall not be applicable), any Holder of the Securities shall be entitled to
payment only after there shall first have been paid in full, on the Senior Debt
outstanding at the time the Securities first so become due and payable because
of such Event of Default, all principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any,
becoming due and payable, by acceleration or otherwise, on such Senior Debt
within one year after such Securities so become due and payable. No present or
future holder of Senior Debt shall be prejudiced in his right to enforce
subordination of the Securities by any act or failure to act on the part of the
Company. The provisions of this paragraph are solely for the purpose of defining
the relative rights of the holders of Senior Debt on the one hand, and the
Holders of the Securities on the other hand, and nothing herein shall impair, as
between the Company and the Holder of any Security, the obligation of the
Company, which is unconditional and absolute, to pay to the Holder thereof the
principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, thereon in accordance with its
terms, nor shall anything herein prevent the Trustee or the Holder of a Security
from exercising all remedies otherwise permitted by applicable law or hereunder
upon default hereunder, subject to the rights, if any, under this paragraph, of
holders of Senior Debt to receive cash, property or securities otherwise payable
or deliverable to Holders of the Securities.

     The Company agrees, for the benefit of the holders of Senior Debt, that if
any Security becomes due and payable before its expressed maturity because of
the occurrence of a default hereunder (a) the Company will give prompt notice in
writing of such happening to the holders of record of Senior Debt and (b) all
Senior Debt shall forthwith become immediately due and payable upon demand made
prior to the curing of any such default, regardless of the expressed maturity
thereof.

     Section 14.02. Securities May be Paid Prior to Dissolution, etc.

     Nothing contained in this Article XIV or elsewhere in this Indenture, or in
any of the Securities, shall prevent (a) the Company, at any time except under
the conditions described in Section 14.01 or during the pendency of any
dissolution or winding up or total or partial liquidation or reorganization
proceedings therein referred to, from making payments at any time of principal
of, premium, if any, or interest, if any, on Securities or from depositing with
the Trustee or any Paying Agent moneys for such payments, or (b) the application
by the Trustee or any Paying Agent of any moneys deposited with it under this
Indenture to the payment of or on account of the principal of, premium, if any,
or interest, if any, on the Securities to the Holders of the Securities entitled
thereto if such payment would

                                      10
<PAGE>
 
not have been prohibited by the provisions of Section 14.01 on the date such
moneys were so deposited.

     Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 14.01 or any other provision of
this Indenture, the Trustee and any Paying Agent shall not be charged with
knowledge of the existence of any Senior Debt or of any facts which would
prohibit the making of any payment of moneys to or by the Trustee or such Paying
Agent, unless and until the Trustee or such Paying Agent shall have received
written notice thereof from the Company or from a holder of such Senior Debt;
and, prior to the receipt of any such written notice, the Trustee shall be
entitled in all respects to assume that no such facts exist. However, if prior
to one business day before the date upon which by the terms hereof any such
moneys may become payable for any purpose (including, without limitation, the
payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest, if any, on any
Security) the Trustee or such Paying Agent shall not have received with respect
to such moneys the notice provided for in this Section 14.02, then, anything
herein contained to the contrary notwithstanding, the Trustee and such Paying
Agent shall have full power and authority to receive such moneys and apply the
same to the purpose for which they were received, and shall not be affected by
any notice to the contrary which may be received after such date.

     Section 14.03. Rights of the Holders of Senior Debt Not to be Impaired.

     Neither the Trustee nor any Paying Agent shall be deemed to owe any
fiduciary duty to the holders of Senior Debt, and neither shall be liable to any
such holders if it shall mistakenly pay over or distribute to or on behalf of
Holders of the Securities or the Company moneys or assets to which any holders
of Senior Debt shall be entitled by virtue of this Article XIV.

     The Trustee shall be entitled to all the rights set forth in this Article
XIV with respect to any Senior Debt which may at any time be held by it, to the
same extent as any other holder of Senior Debt, and nothing in Section 8.13, or
elsewhere in this Indenture, shall deprive the Trustee of any of its rights as
such holder.

     Any distributions to be made by the Trustee to the holders of Senior Debt
in accordance with this Article XIV may be made to any Trustee or other
representatives of such Holder.

     Section 14.04. Authorization to Trustee to Take Action to Effectuate
Subordination.

     Each Holder of a Security by his acceptance thereof authorizes and directs
the Trustee in his behalf to take such action as may be necessary or appropriate
to effectuate the subordination as provided in this Article XIV and appoints the
Trustee his attorney in fact for any and all such purposes.

                                       11
<PAGE>
 
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, HELLER FINANCIAL, INC. has caused this Indenture to be
signed in its corporate name by its authorized officer, and its corporate seal
to be affixed hereto, and the same to be attested by the signature of its
Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, and SHAWMUT BANK CONNECTICUT, NATIONAL
ASSOCIATION, in evidence of its acceptance of the trust hereby created, has
caused this Indenture to be signed in its corporate name by one of its
Authorized Officers, and its corporate seal to be affixed hereto, and the same
to be attested by one of its Assistant Secretaries, as of the day and year first
above written.



                                       HELLER FINANCIAL, INC.

                                       By:    /s/  Anthony O'B. Beirne
                                          --------------------------------
                                       Title:    SVP & Treasurer
                                             -----------------------------

[SEAL]


Attest:

/s/  David M. Sherbin
- --------------------------



                                       SHAWMUT BANK CONNECTICUT,
                                       NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

                                       By:    /s/  Mark A. Forgetta
                                          --------------------------------
                                       Title:    Vice President
                                             -----------------------------

[SEAL]


Attest:

    /s/
- --------------------------

                                       12
<PAGE>
 
STATE OF ILLINOIS  )
                   ) ss:
COUNTY OF COOK     )


     On the 1st day of September, 1995, before me personally came Anthony O'B.
Beirne to me known, who, being by me duly sworn, did depose and say that he is
an authorized officer of HELLER FINANCIAL, INC., one of the corporations
described in and which executed the above instrument; that he knows the seal of
such corporation; that the seal affixed to such instrument is such corporate
seal; that it was so affixed by authority of the Board of Directors of such
corporation; and that he signed his name thereto by like authority.


                                       /s/  Mary L. Riedesel
                                       --------------------------- 

"OFFICIAL SEAL"
Mary L. Riedesel
Notary Public, State of Illinois
My Commission Expires 6/17/96



STATE OF     Connecticut    )
        --------------------
                            ) ss:
COUNTY OF     Hartford      )
         -------------------


     On the    day of       , 1995, before me personally came Mark A.
Forgetta to me known, who, being by me duly sworn, did depose and say that he is
an Authorized Officer of SHAWMUT BANK CONNECTICUT, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, one of
the corporations described in and which executed the above instrument; that he
knows the seal of such corporation; that the seal affixed to such instrument is
such corporate seal; that it was so affixed by authority of the Board of
Directors of such corporation; and that he signed his name thereto by like
authority.


                                       /s/  Karen R. Felt
                                       --------------------------- 
                                       KAREN R. FELT
                                       Notary Public
                                       My Commission Expires 02/28/99
[SEAL]

                                      13

<PAGE>
 

                                                                     EXHIBIT 4.7


================================================================================


                            HELLER FINANCIAL, INC.


                                      AND


                SHAWMUT BANK CONNECTICUT, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

                                    Trustee

                                   ---------



                                   INDENTURE



                                   ---------


                         Dated as of September 1, 1995


                                   ---------


                        Junior Subordinated Securities


================================================================================
<PAGE>
 

     INDENTURE dated as of September 1, 1995 between HELLER FINANCIAL, INC., a
Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and SHAWMUT BANK CONNECTICUT, NATIONAL
ASSOCIATION (the "Trustee").

                            PRELIMINARY STATEMENTS

     A.  The Company is authorized to borrow money for its corporate purposes
and to issue non-convertible debentures, notes and other debt obligations
therefor; and for its corporate purposes, the Company has determined to make and
issue its non-convertible debentures, notes and other debt obligations to be
issued in one or more series (the "Securities"), as hereinafter provided, up to
such principal amount or amounts as may from time to time be authorized by or
pursuant to the authority granted in one or more resolutions of the Board of
Directors.

     B.  All things necessary to make this Indenture a valid agreement of the
Company, in accordance with its terms, have been done.

     In consideration of the above statements, and other good and valuable
consideration the receipt and adequacy of which is hereby acknowledged, the
parties agree that all the Securities are to be executed, authenticated and
delivered subject to the further covenants and conditions hereinafter set forth;
and the Company, for itself and its successors, does hereby covenant and agree
to and with the Trustee and its successors in such trust, for the benefit of
those who shall hold the Securities, or any of them, as follows:

                             TERMS AND CONDITIONS

     1.  Incorporation by Reference.

     Articles I through XIII of the Heller Financial, Inc. Standard Multiple-
Series Indenture Provisions, dated and filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on February 5, 1987 (the "Standard Provisions"), are hereby
incorporated herein by reference with the same force and effect as though fully
set forth herein. To the extent that the terms set forth in Sections 2 and 3 of
this Indenture are inconsistent with the terms of the Standard Provisions, the
terms set forth in Section 2 shall apply.

     2.  Amendments to the Standard Provisions.

         A. The Standard Provisions as incorporated herein are hereby amended as
follows:
<PAGE>
 

         B. Section 1.01 is amended to add new defined terms thereto or to amend
existing defined terms, and all definitions set forth below, to the extent they
are inconsistent with the meanings ascribed to them in the Standard Provisions,
control, as though they were fully set forth in the Standard Provisions, in the
appropriate alphabetical sequence, as follows:

     "Conversion Event" means the cessation of (i) a Foreign Currency to be used
     both by the government of the country which issued such currency and for
     the settlement of transactions by public institutions of or within the
     international banking community, (ii) the ECU to be used both within the
     European Monetary System and for the settlement of transactions by public
     institutions of or within the European Communities, (iii) any currency unit
     other than the ECU to be used for the purposes for which it was
     established, or (iv) the availability of a currency due to the imposition
     of exchange controls or other circumstances beyond the Company's control.

     "Depositary" means, unless otherwise specified by the Company pursuant to
     either Section 2.03 or 3.01, with respect to Securities of any series
     issuable or issued as a Global Security, The Depository Trust Company, New
     York, New York, or any successor thereto registered under the Securities
     and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or other applicable statute or
     regulation.

     "Exchange Rate Agent" means the New York banking corporation, if any, from
     time to time selected by the Company for purposes of Section 3.12, which,
     initially, shall be The Fuji Bank and Trust Company.

     "Global Security" means with respect to any series of Securities issued
     hereunder, a Security which is executed by the Company and authenticated
     and delivered by the Trustee to the Depositary or pursuant to the
     Depositary's instruction, all in accordance with this Indenture and an
     indenture supplemental hereto, if any, or Board Resolution and pursuant to
     a Company Order, which shall be registered in the name of the Depositary or
     its nominee and which shall represent, and shall be denominated in an
     amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of, all of the Outstanding
     Securities of such series or any portion thereof, in either case having the
     same terms, including, without limitation, the same issue date, date or
     dates on which principal is due, and interest rate or method of determining
     interest.

     "Market Exchange Rate" means (i) for any conversion involving a currency
     unit on the one hand and Dollars or any Foreign Currency on the other, the
     exchange rate between the relevant currency unit and Dollars or such
     Foreign Currency calculated by the method specified pursuant to Section
     3.01 for the Securities of the relevant series, (ii) for any conversion of
     Dollars into

                                       2
<PAGE>
 

     any Foreign Currency, the noon (New York City time) buying rate for such
     Foreign Currency for cable transfers quoted in New York City as certified
     for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and (iii) for
     any conversion of one Foreign Currency into Dollars or another Foreign
     Currency, the highest firm bid quotation for Dollars received by the
     Exchange Rate Agent at approximately 11:00 a.m. New York City time, on the
     second Business Day preceding the applicable payment date (or if no such
     rate is quoted on such date, the last date on which such rate was quoted),
     from three recognized foreign exchange dealers in The City of New York
     selected by the Exchange Rate Agent and approved by the Company (one of
     which may be the Exchange Rate Agent) In the event of the unavailability of
     any of the exchange rates provided for in the foregoing clauses (i), (ii),
     and (iii), payments shall be made in the Foreign Currency which is to be
     converted, unless such Foreign Currency is unavailable due to the
     imposition of exchange controls or to other circumstances beyond the
     Company's control, in which case payment shall be made in Dollars on the
     basis of the most recently available Market Exchange Rate or as otherwise
     indicated in a pricing supplement to a prospectus describing the
     Securities. Unless otherwise specified by the Exchange Rate Agent, if any,
     or if there shall not be an Exchange Rate Agent, then by the Trustee, if
     there is more than one market for dealing in any currency or currency unit
     by reason of foreign exchange regulations or otherwise, the market to be
     used in respect of such currency or currency unit shall be that upon which
     a nonresident issuer of securities designated in such currency or currency
     unit would purchase such currency or currency unit in order to make
     Payments in respect of such securities.

         C. Section 1.01 is amended to delete the term "Currency Determination
Agent" and all references to the term Currency Determination Agent in the
Indenture shall be replaced with references to the Exchange Rate Agent, and all
sections with such references are hereby amended and restated as though fully
set forth herein.

         D. Section 2.01 is amended to add the words "or forms" after the word
"form" in the first sentence of such Section.

         E. Article Two is amended to add a new Section 2.03, which reads in its
entirety as follows:

         Section 2.03 Securities Issuable in the Form of a Global Security. (a)
     If the Company shall establish pursuant to Section 3.01 that the Securities
     of a particular series are to be issued in whole or in part in the form of
     one or more Global Securities, then the Company shall execute and the
     Trustee shall, in accordance with Section 3.03 and the Company Order
     delivered to

                                       3
<PAGE>
 

     the Trustee thereunder, authenticate and deliver, such Global Security or
     Securities, which (i) shall represent, and shall be denominated in an
     amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of, the Outstanding
     Securities of such series to be represented by such Global Security or
     Securities, (ii) shall be registered in the name of the Depositary for such
     Global Security or Securities or its nominee, (iii) shall be delivered by
     the Trustee to the Depositary or pursuant to the Depositary's instruction
     and (iv) shall bear a legend substantially to the following effect: "Unless
     and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for the individual Securities
     represented hereby, this Global Security may not be transferred except as a
     whole by the Depositary to a nominee of the Depositary or by a nominee of
     the Depositary to the Depositary or another nominee of the Depositary or by
     the Depositary or any such nominee to a successor Depositary or a nominee
     of such successor Depositary.

         (b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 2.03 or of
     Section 3.05, subject to the provisions of paragraph (c) below, unless the
     terms of a Global Security expressly permit such Global Security to be
     exchanged in whole or in part for individual securities, a Global Security
     may be transferred, in whole but not in part and in the manner provided in
     Section 3.05, only to a nominee of the Depositary for such Global Security,
     or to the Depositary, or a successor Depositary for such Global Security
     selected or approved by the Company, or to a nominee of such successor
     Depositary.

         (c)  (i) If at any time the Depositary for a Global Security notifies
     the Company that it is unwilling or unable to continue as Depositary for
     such Global Security or if at any time the Depositary for the Securities
     for such series shall no longer be eligible or in good standing under the
     Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or other applicable statute or
     regulation, the Company shall appoint a Depositary with respect to such
     Global Security. If a successor Depositary for such Global Security is not
     appointed by the Company within 90 days after the Company receives such
     notice or becomes aware of such ineligibility, the Company will execute,
     and the Trustee, upon receipt of a Company Order for the authentication and
     delivery of individual Securities of such series in exchange for such
     Global Security, will authenticate and deliver individual Securities of
     such series of like tenor and terms in definitive form in an aggregate
     principal amount equal to the principal amount of the Global Security in
     exchange for such Global Security.

         (ii) The Company may at any time and in its sole discretion determine
     that the Securities of any series issued or issuable in the form of one or
     more Global Securities shall no longer be represented by such Global
     Security or Securities. In such event the Company will execute, and the
     Trustee, upon receipt of a Company Order for the authentication and
     delivery

                                       4
<PAGE>
 

     of individual Securities of such series in exchange in whole or in part for
     such Global Security, will authenticate and deliver individual Securities
     of such series of like tenor and terms in definitive form in an aggregate
     principal amount equal to the principal amount of such Global Security or
     Securities representing such series in exchange for such Global Security or
     Securities.

         (iii) If specified by the Company pursuant to Section 3.01 with respect
     to Securities issued or issuable in the form of a Global Security, the
     Depositary for such Global Security may surrender such Global Security in
     exchange in whole or in part for individual securities or such series of
     like tenor and terms in definitive form on such terms as are acceptable to
     the Company and such Depositary. Thereupon the Company shall execute, and
     the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, without service charge, (l) to
     each Person specified by such Depositary a new Security or Securities of
     the same series of like tenor and terms and of any authorized denomination
     as requested by such Person in aggregate principal amount equal to and in
     exchange for such Person's beneficial interest in the Global Security; and
     (2) to such Depositary a new Global Security of like tenor and terms and in
     an authorized denomination equal to the difference, if any, between the
     principal amount of the surrendered Global Security and the aggregate
     principal amount of Securities delivered to Holders thereof.

         (iv) In any exchange provided for in any of the preceding three
     paragraphs, the Company will execute and the Trustee will authenticate and
     deliver individual Securities in definitive registered form in authorized
     denominations. Upon the exchange of a Global Security for individual
     Securities, such Global Security shall be canceled by the Trustee.
     Securities issued in exchange for a Global Security pursuant to this
     Section shall be registered in such names and in such authorized
     denominations as the Depositary for such Global Security, pursuant to
     instructions from its direct or indirect participants or otherwise, shall
     instruct the Trustee. The Trustee shall deliver such Securities to the
     persons in whose names such Securities are so registered.

         F. Section 3.01 is amended to (i) add Section 2.03 to the sections
referred to in the parenthetical exception to paragraph (b) of Section 3.01,
(ii) redesignate paragraphs (q), (r), (s), (t), (u) and (v) as paragraphs (r),
(s), (t), (u), (v) and (w), respectively, and (iii) add new paragraph (q) as
follows:

         (q) whether the Securities of the series shall be issued in whole or in
     part in the form of a Global Security or Securities; the terms and
     conditions, if any, upon which such Global Security or Securities may be
     exchanged in whole or in part for other individual Securities; and the
     Depositary for such Global Security or Securities; and

                                       5
<PAGE>
 

         G. The second paragraph following paragraph (d) (vi) of Section 3.03 is
amended and restated to read as follows:

         If all the Securities of any one series are not to be issued at one
     time (i) the Trustee shall be entitled to assume that, at the time of the
     issuance of such Securities, the terms of such Securities do not violate
     any applicable law or agreement then binding on the Company, and (ii) it
     shall not be necessary to deliver a Board Resolution, an executed
     supplemental indenture, if any, an Officer's Certificate or an Opinion of
     Counsel at the time of issuance of each Security, but such Board
     Resolution, supplemental indenture, if any, Officer's Certificate and
     Opinion of Counsel shall be delivered at or prior to the time of issuance
     of the first Security of such series and the Trustee may conclusively rely
     on such documents as to the matters covered thereby until revoked by
     superseding comparable documents delivered to it.

         H. The first sentence of Section 3.05 is amended and restated to read
as follows:

         Subject to Section 2.03, Securities of any series may be exchanged for
     a like aggregate principal amount of Securities of the same series of other
     authorized denominations of a like Stated Maturity and with like terms and
     provisions.

         I. The following paragraph is added at the end of Section 3.05:

         None of the Company, the Trustee, any Paying Agent or the Securities
     Registrar will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the
     records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership
     interests of a Global Security or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing
     any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests.

         J. Paragraphs (a) and (b) of Section 3.12 are amended and restated to
read as follows:

     (a) With respect to Registered Securities of any series not permitting the
election provided for in paragraph (b) below or the Holders of which have not
made the election provided for in paragraph (b) below, the following payment
provision will apply:

         (1) Except as provided in paragraph (e) below, payment of the principal
     of (and premium, if any) on any Registered Security will be made at the
     Place of Payment by delivery of a check of checks in Dollars, unless any
     Holder has elected to receive payment in any Foreign Currency, in which
     case, payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) on any Registered

                                       6
<PAGE>
 

     Security will be made at the Place of Payment by delivery of a check or
     checks in the currency or currency unit in which the Security is payable on
     the payment date against surrender of such Registered Security, and any
     interest on any Fully Registered Security will be paid at the Place of
     Payment by bailing a check or checks in the currency or currency unit in
     which such interest is payable to the Person entitled thereto at the
     address of such Person appearing on the Securities Register.

         (2) Payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and (with-respect
     to Fully Registered Securities only) interest on such Security may also,
     subject to applicable laws and regulations, be made at such other place or
     places as may be designated by the Company by any appropriate method and in
     such other manner as may be agreed by the Company and any Holder.

     (b) It may be provided pursuant to Section 3.01 with respect to the
Registered Securities of any series that Holders shall have the option, subject
to paragraphs (e) and (f) below, to receive payments of principal of (and
premium, if any) and (with respect to Fully Registered Securities only)
interest, if any, on such Security in any of the currencies or currency units
which may be designated for such election by delivering to the Paying Agent a
written election, to be in form and substance satisfactory to the Paying Agent
on or prior to the applicable record date or at least 15 calendar days prior to
maturity, as the case may be. If a Holder so elects to receive such payments in
any such currency or currency unit, such election will remain in effect for such
Holder until changed by such Holder by delivery of a written notice to the
Paying Agent but the Paying Agent must receive written notice of any change on
or prior to the applicable record date or at least 15 calendar days prior to
maturity, as the case may be, to be effective for the payment to be made on such
payment date and no such change or election may be made with respect to payments
to be made on any Security of such series with respect to which notice of
redemption has been given by the Company pursuant to Article IV). Any Holder of
any such Security who shall not have delivered any such election to the Paying
Agent not later than the close of business on the applicable Election Date will
be paid the amount due on the applicable payment date in the relevant currency
or currency unit as provided in paragraph (a) of this Section 3.12. Payment of
principal of (and premium, if any) and (with respect to Fully Registered
Securities only) interest, if any, on such Security shall be made at the Place
of Payment by mailing at such location a check, in the applicable currency or
currency unit to the Person entitled thereto at the address of such Person
appearing on the Securities Register. Payment of the principal of, premium, if
any, and (with respect to Fully Registered Securities only) interest, if any, on
such Security may also, subject to applicable laws and regulations, be made at
such other place or places as may be designated by the Company by any
appropriate method.

                                       7
<PAGE>
 

         K. Paragraph (d) of Section 3.12 is amended and restated to read as
follows:

         (d) Not later than the fourth Business Day after the Election Date for
each payment date, the Paying Agent will deliver to the Company a written notice
specifying, in the currency or currency unit in which each series of the
Securities are payable, the respective aggregate amounts of principal of (and
premium, if any) and interest, if any, on the Securities to be made on such
payment date, specifying the amounts so payable in respect of Fully Registered
Securities, Registered Securities with Coupons and Unregistered Securities and
in respect of the Registered Securities as to which the Holders of Securities
denominated in any currency or currency unit shall have elected to be paid in
another currency or currency unit as provided in paragraph (b) above. If the
election referred to in paragraph (b) above has been provided for pursuant to
Section 3.01 and if at least one Holder has made such election, then, on the
second Business day preceding each payment date the Company will deliver to the
Paying Agent an Exchange Rate Officer's Certificate in respect of the Dollar,
Foreign Currency or currency unit payments to be made on such payment date. The
Dollar, Foreign Currency or currency unit amount receivable by Holders of
Registered Securities who have elected payment in a currency or currency unit as
provided in paragraph (b) above shall be determined by the Company on the basis
of the applicable Market Exchange Rate in effect on the second Business Day (the
"Valuation Date") immediately preceding each payment date.

         L. Paragraph (g) of Section 3.12 is amended and restated to read as
follows:

         (g) The "Dollar Equivalent of the Foreign Currency" shall be determined
by the Exchange Rate Agent, if any, or, if there shall not be an Exchange Rate
Agent, then by the Trustee, on the basis of the most recently available Market
Exchange Rate, or as otherwise indicated in a pricing supplement to a prospectus
describing the Securities.

         M. The first sentence of Section 8.14 is amended and restated to read
as follows:

     The Trustee may appoint an Authenticating Agent for each series of
Securities, which shall be acceptable to the Company, to act on behalf of such
Trustee, and subject to its direction in the authentication and delivery of the
Securities of such series issued upon original issuance, exchange, registration
of transfer or partial redemption thereof or pursuant to Section 3.06.

                                       8
<PAGE>
 

         N. Section 3.10 is amended and restated to read as follows:

     All Securities surrendered for the purpose of payment, redemption,
repayment, purchase, exchange or registration of transfer or for credit against
any sinking fund shall, if surrendered to the Company or any Paying Agent or any
Securities Registrar, be surrendered to the Securities Registrar and promptly
canceled by it, or, if surrendered to the Securities Registrar, shall be
promptly canceled by it, and no Securities or Coupons shall be issued in lieu
thereof except as expressly permitted by this Indenture. The Securities
Registrar shall destroy canceled Securities and Coupons in accordance with a
Company Order and deliver a certificate of such destruction to the Company
unless, by a Company Order, the Company directs that such canceled Securities
and Coupons be returned to the Company.

     3. Additional Provisions.

     The following provisions, which constitute part of this Indenture, are
numbered to conform with the format of the Standard Provisions:

     a. Section 8.15. Other Matters Concerning the Trustee.

     At the date of this Indenture, the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee is
located at 777 Main St., Hartford, CT 06115.

     b. ARTICLE XIV. Subordination of Securities.

     Section 14.01 Securities Subordinated to Senior Debt and Subordinated Debt.

     Anything in this Indenture or in the Securities to the contrary
notwithstanding, the indebtedness evidenced by the Securities shall be
subordinate and junior in right of payment to the extent and in the manner
hereinafter set forth, to all Senior Debt and all Subordinated Debt at any time
outstanding: (i) in the event of any insolvency or bankruptcy proceedings, and
any receivership, liquidation, reorganization or other similar proceedings in
connection therewith, relative to the Company or to its creditors, as such, or
to its property, and in the event of any proceedings for voluntary liquidation,
dissolution or other winding up of the Company, whether or not involving
insolvency or bankruptcy, then the holders of Senior Debt and Subordinated Debt
shall be entitled to receive payment in full of all principal of, premium, if
any, and interest, if any, on all Senior Debt and Subordinated Debt before the
Holders of Securities are entitled to receive any payment on account of
principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, upon the Securities, and to
that end (but subject to the power of a court of competent jurisdiction to make
other equitable provisions reflecting the rights conferred in this

                                       9
<PAGE>

 
Article XIV and in the Securities upon the Senior Debt and Subordinated Debt and
the holders thereof with respect to the Securities and the Holders thereof by a
lawful plan of reorganization under applicable bankruptcy law) the holders of
Senior Debt and Subordinated Debt shall be entitled to receive for application
in payment thereof any payment or distribution of any kind or character, whether
in cash or property or securities, which may be payable or deliverable in any
such proceedings in respect of the Securities, except securities which are
subordinate and junior to the payment of all Senior Debt and Subordinated Debt
then outstanding; and (ii) if any Security is declared due and payable before
its expressed maturity because of the occurrence of an Event of Default
hereunder (under circumstances when the provisions of the foregoing clause (i)
shall not be applicable), any Holder of the Securities shall be entitled to
payment only after there shall first have been paid in full, on the Senior Debt
and Subordinated Debt outstanding at the time the Securities first so become due
and payable because of such Event of Default, all principal, premium, if any,
and interest, if any, becoming due and payable, by acceleration or otherwise, on
such Senior Debt and Subordinated Debt within one year after such Securities so
become due and payable. No present or future holder of Senior Debt or
Subordinated Debt shall be prejudiced in his right to enforce subordination of
the Securities by any act or failure to act on the part of the Company. The
provisions of this paragraph are solely for the purpose of defining the relative
rights of the holders of Senior Debt and Subordinated Debt on the one hand, and
the Holders of the Securities on the other hand, and nothing herein shall
impair, as between the Company and the Holder of any Security, the obligation of
the Company, which is unconditional and absolute, to pay to the Holder thereof
the principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, thereon in accordance with
its terms, nor shall anything herein prevent the Trustee or the Holder of a
Security from exercising all remedies otherwise permitted by applicable law or
hereunder upon default hereunder, subject to the rights, if any, under this
paragraph, of holders of Senior Debt and Subordinated Debt to receive cash,
property or securities otherwise payable or deliverable to Holders of the
Securities.

     The Company agrees, for the benefit of the holders of Senior Debt and
Subordinated Debt, that if any Security becomes due and payable before its
expressed maturity because of the occurrence of a default hereunder (a) the
Company will give prompt notice in writing of such happening to the holders of
record of Senior Debt and Subordinated Debt and (b) all Senior Debt and
subordinated Debt shall forthwith become immediately due and payable upon demand
made prior to the curing of any such default, regardless of the expressed
maturity thereof.

     Section 14.02. Securities May be Paid Prior to Dissolution, etc.

     Nothing contained in this Article XIV or elsewhere in this Indenture, or in
any of the Securities, shall prevent (a) the Company, at any time except under
the

                                      10
<PAGE>
 

conditions described in Section 14.01 or during the pendency of any dissolution
or winding up or total or partial liquidation or reorganization proceedings
therein referred to, from making payments at any time of principal of, premium,
if any, or interest, if any, on Securities or from depositing with the Trustee
or any Paying Agent moneys for such payments, or (b) the application by the
Trustee or any Paying Agent of any moneys deposited with it under this Indenture
to the payment of or on account of the principal of, premium, if any, or
interest, if any, on the Securities to the Holders of the Securities entitled
thereto if such payment would not have been prohibited by the provisions of
Section 14.01 on the date such moneys were so deposited.

     Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 14.01 or any other provision of
this Indenture, the Trustee and any Paying Agent shall not be charged with
knowledge of the existence of any Senior Debt or Subordinated Debt or of any
facts which would prohibit the making of any payment of moneys to or by the
Trustee or such Paying Agent, unless and until the Trustee or such Paying Agent
shall have received written notice thereof from the Company or from a holder of
such Senior Debt or Subordinated Debt; and, prior to the receipt of any such
written notice, the Trustee shall be entitled in all respects to assume that no
such facts exist. However, if prior to one business day before the date upon
which by the terms hereof any such moneys may become payable for any purpose
(including, without limitation, the payment of the principal of, premium, if
any, or interest, if any, on any Security) the Trustee or such Paying Agent
shall not have received with respect to such moneys the notice provided for in
this Section 14.02, then, anything herein contained to the contrary
notwithstanding, the Trustee and such Paying Agent shall have full power and
authority to receive such moneys and apply the same to the purpose for which
they were received, and shall not be affected by any notice to the contrary
which may be received after such date.

     Section 14.03. Rights of the Holders of Senior Debt and Subordinated Debt
Not to be Impaired.

     Neither the Trustee nor any Paying Agent shall be deemed to owe any
fiduciary duty to the holders of Senior Debt or Subordinated Debt, and neither
shall be liable to any such holders if it shall mistakenly pay over or
distribute to or on behalf of Holders of the Securities or the Company moneys or
assets to which any holders of Senior Debt and Subordinated Debt shall be
entitled by virtue of this Article XIV.

     The Trustee shall be entitled to all the rights set forth in this Article
XIV with respect to any Senior Debt which may at any time be held by it, to the
same extent as any other holder of Senior Debt and Subordinated Debt, and
nothing in Section 8.13, or elsewhere in this Indenture, shall deprive the
Trustee of any of its rights as such holder.

                                      11
<PAGE>
 

     Any distributions to be made by the Trustee to the holders of Senior Debt
in accordance with this Article XIV may be made to any Trustee or other
representatives of such Holder.

     Section 14.04. Authorization to Trustee to Take Action to Effectuate
Subordination.

     Each Holder of a Security by his acceptance thereof authorizes and directs
the Trustee in his behalf to take such action as may be necessary or appropriate
to effectuate the subordination as provided in this Article XIV and appoints the
Trustee his attorney in fact for any and all such purposes.

                           [SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]


                                      12
<PAGE>
 

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, HELLER FINANCIAL, INC. has caused this Indenture to be
signed in its corporate name by its authorized officer, and its corporate seal
to be affixed hereto, and the same to be attested by the signature of its
Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, and SHAWMUT BANK CONNECTICUT, NATIONAL
ASSOCIATION, in evidence of its acceptance of the trust hereby created, has
caused this Indenture to be signed in its corporate name by one of its
Authorized Officers, and its corporate seal to be affixed hereto, and the same
to be attested by one of its Assistant Secretaries, as of the day and year first
above written.


                                       HELLER FINANCIAL, INC.
                               
                                       By: /s/ Anthony O'B. Beirne
                                           ---------------------------
                                       Title: SVP & Treasurer
                                              ------------------------

[SEAL]


Attest:

/s/ David M. Sherbin
- ------------------------



                                       SHAWMUT BANK CONNECTICUT,
                                       NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
                                  
                                       By: /s/ Mark A. Forgetta
                                           ---------------------------
                                       Title: Vice President
                                              ------------------------

[SEAL]


Attest:

/s/ 
- ------------------------


                                      13
<PAGE>
 

STATE OF ILLINOIS  )
                   ) ss:
COUNTY OF COOK     )


     On the 1st day of September, 1995, before me personally came Anthony O'B.
Beirne to me known, who, being by me duly sworn, did depose and say that he is
an authorized officer of HELLER FINANCIAL, INC., one of the corporations
described in and which executed the above instrument; that he knows the seal of
such corporation; that the seal affixed to such instrument is such corporate
seal; that it was so affixed by authority of the Board of Directors of such
corporation; and that he signed his name thereto by like authority.


                                       /s/  Mary L. Riedesel
                                       -------------------------------

"OFFICIAL SEAL"
Mary L. Riedesel
Notary Public, State of Illinois
My Commission Expires 6/17/96



STATE OF  Connecticut )
                      ) ss:
COUNTY OF Hartford    )


     On the ___ day of _______, 1995 before me personally came Mark A. Forgetta
to me known, who, being by me duly sworn, did depose and say that he is an
Authorized Officer of SHAWMUT BANK CONNECTICUT, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, one of the
corporations described in and which executed the above instrument; that he knows
the seal of such corporation; that the seal affixed to such instrument is such
corporate seal; that it was so affixed by authority of the Board of Directors of
such corporation; and that he signed his name thereto by like authority.


                                       /s/  Karen R. Felt
                                       -------------------------------

                                       KAREN R. FELT 
                                       Notary Public
                                       My Commission Expires 02/28/99
[SEAL]


                                      14

<PAGE>
 
                                                                       Exhibit 5
                               October 22, 1997

Heller Financial, Inc.
500 West Monroe Street
Chicago, Illinois 60661

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     I have acted as counsel for Heller Financial, Inc., a Delaware corporation
(the "Company"), in connection with the preparation and filing of a registration
statement on Form S-3 (the "Registration Statement") to be filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") under the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act").  The Registration Statement relates
to the registration of up to $3,000,000,000 aggregate initial offering price of
an indeterminate amount of the following: (1) debt securities ("Debt
Securities") consisting of debentures, notes and/or other evidences of
indebtedness, in one or more series, which are to be issued pursuant to one or
more indentures (each, as may be supplemented from time to time, an
"Indenture"), in each case between the Company and State Street Bank and Trust
Company, as trustee (the "Trustee"), which are filed as exhibits to the
Registration Statement, (2) shares of the Company's senior preferred stock, par
value $.01 per share ("Preferred Stock"), in one or more series, and (3)
warrants to purchase Debt Securities (the "Warrants"), which are to be issued
under a warrant agreement (the "Warrant Agreement") to be entered into between
the Company and a warrant agent to be selected by the Company at the time of
issuance (the "Warrant Agent"), the form of which is filed as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement.  The Debt Securities may be senior, subordinated or
junior subordinated and are issuable from time to time pursuant to the
Indentures.  The Debt Securities, Preferred Stock and Warrants (collectively,
the "Securities") may be issued from time to time, pursuant to Rule 415 under
the Securities Act.  Specific terms pertaining to the Securities offered by the
Company will be determined at or prior to the time of issuance and will be set
forth in one or more supplements to the prospectus (each, a "Prospectus
Supplement") constituting part of the Registration Statement.

     I am familiar with the corporate proceedings of the Company to date with
respect to the proposed issuance and sale of the Securities, and I have examined
such corporate records of the Company and such other documents and certificates
as I have deemed necessary as a basis for the opinions hereinafter expressed,
<PAGE>
 
including (i) the Registration Statement, (ii) the Amended and Restated
Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, of the Company, (iii) the By-Laws of
the Company, (iv) the Indentures, (v) the form of the Warrant Agreement and (vi)
the Form T-1 Statements of Eligibility with respect to the Trustee under the
Indentures.  In connection with this opinion, I have assumed the accuracy and
completeness of all documents and records I have reviewed, the genuineness of
all signatures, the authenticity of the documents submitted to me as originals
and the conformity to authentic original documents of all documents submitted to
me as certified, conformed or reproduced copies.

     Based on the foregoing, I am of the opinion that:

     1.   Upon (i) execution and delivery by the Company and the Trustee of a 
supplement to the applicable Indenture (if required), (ii) the adoption by the
Company's Board of Directors or a duly authorized committee thereof of
resolutions authorizing the terms, issuance and delivery of the Debt Securities
as contemplated by the applicable Indenture, (iii) the filing of a Prospectus
Supplement describing the terms of the Debt Securities, as contemplated by the
applicable Indenture, with the Commission pursuant to the Securities Act and the
rules and regulations thereunder and (iv) the execution by the Company,
authentication by the Trustee and delivery by the Company of the Debt
Securities, upon receipt of lawful consideration therefor as determined by the
Company's Board of Directors or a duly authorized committee thereof, in the
manner contemplated by the Registration Statement, any applicable underwriting
or pricing agreement and any applicable Prospectus Supplement, the Debt
Securities will be legally issued and binding obligations of the Company under
the terms of the applicable Indenture.

     2.   Upon (i) adoption by the Company's Board of Directors of the terms of 
the Preferred Stock, including, without limitation, the designation, number of
shares, dividend rate, any conversion or exchange rights, any redemption or
sinking fund provisions and liquidation preference thereof, (ii) the Company's
execution and filing with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware of a
Certificate of Designation (containing such terms as have been approved by the
Company's Board of Directors or a duly authorized committee thereof) and its
effectiveness in accordance with the Delaware General Corporation Law, (iii) the
adoption by the Company's Board of Directors or a duly authorized committee
thereof of resolutions authorizing the issuance of the Preferred Stock, (iv) the
filing by the Company of a Prospectus Supplement describing the terms of the
Preferred Stock, as contemplated by the applicable Certificate of Designation,
with the Commission pursuant to the Securities Act and the rules and regulations
thereunder and (v) the issuance and delivery by the Company of the Preferred
Stock, upon receipt of lawful consideration therefor as determined by the
Company's Board of Directors or a duly authorized committee thereof (or pursuant
to conversion or exchange of Debt Securities or another class or series of
Preferred Stock), in the manner

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
contemplated by the Registration Statement, any applicable underwriting or
pricing agreement and any applicable Prospectus Supplement, the Preferred Stock
will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

     3.   Upon (i) the adoption by the Company's Board of Directors or a duly 
authorized committee thereof of resolutions authorizing the issuance of the
Warrants, (ii) the execution and delivery of the Warrant Agreement by the
Company, (iii) the filing by the Company of a Prospectus Supplement describing
the terms of the Warrants, as contemplated by the Warrant Agreement, with the
Commission pursuant to the Securities Act and the rules and regulations
thereunder and (iv) the execution by the Company, countersignature by the
Warrant Agent and delivery by the Company of the Warrants, upon receipt of
lawful consideration therefor as determined by the Company's Board of Directors
or a duly authorized committee thereof, in the manner contemplated by the
Registration Statement, the Warrant Agreement, any applicable underwriting or
pricing agreement and any applicable Prospectus Supplement, the Warrants will be
legally issued and binding obligations of the Company.

     The foregoing opinions are subject to (1) all bankruptcy, insolvency or
other laws affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights generally and general
equitable principles and (2) limitations under federal or state securities laws,
or the public policy underlying such laws, with respect to rights to indemnity
or contribution.

     I hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement and to the use of my name in the Registration Statement
and the Prospectus related thereto.

                                     Very truly yours,

                                     /s/ Mark J. Ohringer
                                     Mark J. Ohringer
                                     Associate General Counsel

                                       3

<PAGE>


EXHIBIT (12)

                    HELLER FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                                        
                        COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS
            TO COMBINED FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS

                             (dollars in millions)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION> 
                                                                                                                     


                                                                             For the Six
                                                                             Months Ended
                                                                               June 30,      For the Year Ended December 31,
                                                                             ------------    -------------------------------
                                                                             1997    1996    1996  1995   1994   1993   1992
                                                                             ----    ----    ----  ----   ----   ----   ----
                                                                             (unaudited)
<S>                                                                          <C>     <C>     <C>   <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>
Net income before income taxes and minority interest in
 income of Heller International Group, Inc................................   $132    $ 92    $183   $181   $174   $133  $ 45
                                                                             ----    ----    ----   ----   ----   ----  ----

Add-Fixed charges Interest and debt expense...............................    247     223     452    464    336    264   295
One-third of rentals......................................................      4       3       7      7      6      5     5
                                                                             ----    ----    ----   ----   ----   ----  ----
     Total fixed charges..................................................    251     226     459    471    342    269   300
                                                                             ----    ----    ----   ----   ----   ----  ----
Net income, as adjusted...................................................   $383    $318    $642   $652   $516   $402  $345
                                                                             ----    ----    ----   ----   ----   ----  ----
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges........................................   1.53x   1.41x   1.40x  1.38x  1.51x  1.49x 1.15x
                                                                             ====    ====    ====   ====   ====   ====  ====
Preferred stock dividends on a pre-tax basis..............................      8       8      16     17     17     12     3
     Total combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends...........   $259    $234    $475   $488   $359   $281  $303
                                                                             ----    ----    ----   ----   ----   ----  ----
Ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred
  stock dividends.........................................................   1.48x   1.36x   1.35x  1.34x  1.44x  1.43x 1.14x
                                                                             ====    ====    ====   ====   ====   ====  ====
</TABLE>

     For purposes of computing the ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges
and preferred stock dividends, "earnings" includes income before income taxes,
the minority interest in Heller International Group, Inc. income and fixed
charges.  "Combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends" includes
interest on all indebtedness, one third of annual rentals (approximate portion
representing interest) and preferred stock dividends on a pre-tax basis.

<PAGE>

                   [ARTHUR ANDERSEN'S LETTERHEAD GOES HERE]

                                                                    Exhibit 23.1


                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
                                        
As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference in this registration statement of our report dated January 24, 1997
(except with the matter discussed in Note 18, as to which the date is 
February 5, 1997) included in Heller Financial, Inc.'s Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 1996 and to all references to our firm included in this
registration statement.



/s/ Arthur Andersen LLP

Chicago, Illinois
October 22, 1997


<PAGE>

                                                                    Exhibit 25.1
 
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            Washington, D.C.  20549


                                   FORM T-1
                                   ________

                      STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY UNDER THE
                       TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939 OF A
                   CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE

               Check if an Application to Determine Eligibility
                 of a Trustee Pursuant to Section 305(b)(2) __


                      STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
              (Exact name of trustee as specified in its charter)


         Massachusetts                                            04-1867445
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or                              (I.R.S. Employer
organization if not a U.S. national bank)                    Identification No.)


225 Franklin Street, Boston, Massachusetts                           02110
 (Address of principal executive offices)                         (Zip Code)

      John R. Towers, Esq.  Executive Vice President and General Counsel
               225 Franklin Street, Boston, Massachusetts  02110
                                (617) 654-3253
           (Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)

                             _____________________


                            HELLER FINANCIAL, INC.
              (Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter)


           Delaware                                          36-1208070
(State or other jurisdiction of                           (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)                           Identification No.)


                            500 West Monroe Street
                              Chicago, IL  60661
             (Address of principal executive offices)  (Zip Code)


                             ____________________

                 Heller Financial, Inc. Senior Debt Securities
                        (Title of indenture securities)
         
<PAGE>
 
                                    GENERAL

Item 1.  General Information.

         Furnish the following information as to the trustee:

         (a)  Name and address of each examining or supervisory authority to
              which it is subject.

                 Department of Banking and Insurance of The Commonwealth of
                 Massachusetts, 100 Cambridge Street, Boston, Massachusetts.

                 Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Washington,
                 D.C., Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Washington, D.C.

         (b)  Whether it is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.

                Trustee is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.

Item 2.  Affiliations with Obligor.

         If the Obligor is an affiliate of the trustee, describe each such
         affiliation.

                The obligor is not an affiliate of the trustee or of its parent,
                State Street Boston Corporation.

                (See note on page 2.)

Item 3. through Item 15.  Not applicable.

Item 16.  List of Exhibits.

          List below all exhibits filed as part of this statement of
          eligibility.

          1.  A copy of the articles of association of the trustee as now in
              effect.

                A copy of the Articles of Association of the trustee, as now in
                effect, is on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission
                as Exhibit 1 to Amendment No. 1 to the Statement of Eligibility
                and Qualification of Trustee (Form T-1) filed with the
                Registration Statement of Morse Shoe, Inc. (File No. 22-17940)
                and is incorporated herein by reference thereto.

          2.  A copy of the certificate of authority of the trustee to commence
              business, if not contained in the articles of association.

                A copy of a Statement from the Commissioner of Banks of
                Massachusetts that no certificate of authority for the trustee
                to commence business was necessary or issued is on file with the
                Securities and Exchange Commission as Exhibit 2 to Amendment No.
                1 to the Statement of Eligibility and Qualification of Trustee
                (Form T-1) filed with the Registration Statement of Morse Shoe,
                Inc. (File No. 22-17940) and is incorporated herein by reference
                thereto.

          3.  A copy of the authorization of the trustee to exercise corporate
              trust powers, if such authorization is not contained in the
              documents specified in paragraph (1) or (2), above.

                A copy of the authorization of the trustee to exercise corporate
                trust powers is on file with the Securities and Exchange
                Commission as Exhibit 3 to Amendment No. 1 to the Statement of
                Eligibility and Qualification of Trustee (Form T-1) filed with
                the Registration Statement of Morse Shoe, Inc. (File No. 22-
                17940) and is incorporated herein by reference thereto.

          4.  A copy of the existing by-laws of the trustee, or instruments
              corresponding thereto.

                A copy of the by-laws of the trustee, as now in effect, is on
                file with the Securities and Exchange Commission as Exhibit 4 to
                the Statement of Eligibility and Qualification of Trustee (Form
                T-1) filed with the Registration Statement of Eastern Edison
                Company (File No. 33-37823) and is incorporated herein by
                reference thereto.

                                       1
<PAGE>
 
          5.   A copy of each indenture referred to in Item 4. if the obligor is
               in default.

                   Not applicable.

          6.   The consents of United States institutional trustees required by
               Section 321(b) of the Act.

                   The consent of the trustee required by Section 321(b) of the
                   Act is annexed hereto as Exhibit 6 and made a part hereof.

          7.   A copy of the latest report of condition of the trustee published
               pursuant to law or the requirements of its supervising or
               examining authority.

                   A copy of the latest report of condition of the trustee
                   published pursuant to law or the requirements of its
                   supervising or examining authority is annexed hereto as
                   Exhibit 7 and made a part hereof.


                                     NOTES

          In answering any item of this Statement of Eligibility  which relates
to matters peculiarly within the knowledge of the obligor or any underwriter for
the obligor, the trustee has relied upon information furnished to it by the
obligor and the underwriters, and the trustee disclaims responsibility for the
accuracy or completeness of such information.

          The answer furnished to Item 2. of this statement will be amended, if
necessary, to reflect any facts which differ from those stated and which would
have been required to be stated if known at the date hereof.



                                   SIGNATURE

          Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as
amended, the trustee, State Street Bank and Trust Company, a corporation
organized and existing under the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, has
duly caused this statement of eligibility to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in the City of Boston and The
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, on the 16th day of October, 1997.


                                      STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY


                             By: /s/ Mark A. Forgetta
                                ---------------------------------
                                     Mark A. Forgetta
                                     Vice President


                                       2
<PAGE>
 
                                   EXHIBIT 6


                            CONSENT OF THE TRUSTEE

          Pursuant to the requirements of Section 321(b) of the Trust Indenture
Act of 1939, as amended, in connection with the proposed issuance by Heller
Financial, Inc. of its Heller Financial, Inc. Senior Debt Securities, we hereby
consent that reports of examination by Federal, State, Territorial or District
authorities may be furnished by such authorities to the Securities and Exchange
Commission upon request therefor.


                               STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY


                               By:  /S/ Mark A. Forgetta
                                    --------------------
                                        Mark A. Forgetta
                                        Vice President   

Dated:  October 16, 1997

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
                                   EXHIBIT 7

Consolidated Report of Condition of State Street Bank and Trust Company,
Massachusetts and foreign and domestic subsidiaries, a state banking institution
organized and operating under the banking laws of this commonwealth and a member
of the Federal Reserve System, at the close of business June 30, 1997, published
in accordance with a call made by the Federal Reserve Bank of this District
pursuant to the provisions of the Federal Reserve Act and in accordance with a
call made by the Commissioner of Banks under General Laws, Chapter 172, Section
22(a).

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                Thousands of     
ASSETS                                                                          Dollars           
<S>                                                                             <C>

Cash and balances due from depository institutions:
          Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coin..................   1,842,337
          Interest-bearing balances...........................................   8,771,397
Securities....................................................................  10,596,119
Federal funds sold and securities purchased
          under agreements to resell in domestic offices
          of the bank and its Edge subsidiary.................................   5,953,036
Loans and lease financing receivables:
          Loans and leases, net of unearned income ............  5,769,090
          Allowance for loan and lease losses ......................74,031
          Allocated transfer risk reserve............................. 0
          Loans and leases, net of unearned income and allowances.............   5,695,059
Assets held in trading accounts...............................................     916,608
Premises and fixed assets.....................................................     374,999
Other real estate owned.......................................................         755
Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries....................................      28,992
Customers' liability to this bank on acceptances outstanding..................      99,209
Intangible assets.............................................................     229,412
Other assets..................................................................   1,589,526
                                                                                ----------
 
Total assets..................................................................  36,097,449
                                                                                ==========
LIABILITIES
 
Deposits:
          In domestic offices.................................................  11,082,135
               Noninterest-bearing..............................8,932,019
               Interest-bearing.................................2,150,116
          In foreign offices and Edge subsidiary..............................  13,811,677
               Noninterest-bearing................................112,281
               Interest-bearing................................13,699,396
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under
          agreements to repurchase in domestic offices of
          the bank and of its Edge subsidiary.................................   6,785,263
Demand notes issued to the U.S. Treasury and Trading Liabilities..............     755,676
Other borrowed money..........................................................     716,013
Subordinated notes and debentures.............................................         0
Bank's liability on acceptances executed and outstanding......................      99,605
Other liabilities.............................................................     841,566
 
Total liabilities.............................................................  34,091,935
                                                                                ----------
EQUITY CAPITAL
Perpetual preferred stock and related Surplus.................................         0
Common stock..................................................................      29,931
Surplus.......................................................................     437,183
Undivided profits and capital reserves/Net unrealized holding gains (losses)..   1,542,695
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments...........................      (4,295)
Total equity capital..........................................................   2,005,514
                                                                                ----------
 
Total liabilities and equity capital..........................................  36,097,449
</TABLE>

                                       4

<PAGE>
 
I, Rex S. Schuette, Senior Vice President and Comptroller of the above named
bank do hereby declare that this Report of Condition has been prepared in
conformance with the instructions issued by the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System and is true to the best of my knowledge and belief.


                                        Rex S. Schuette


We, the undersigned directors, attest to the correctness of this Report of
Condition and declare that it has been examined by us and to the best of our
knowledge and belief has been prepared in conformance with the instructions
issued by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and is true and
correct.

                                        David A. Spina
                                        Marshall N. Carter
                                        Truman S. Casner


                                       5

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 25.2

 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            Washington, D.C.  20549


                                    FORM T-1
                                   _________

                       STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY UNDER THE
                        TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939 OF A
                    CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE

                Check if an Application to Determine Eligibility
                 of a Trustee Pursuant to Section 305(b)(2)__


                      STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
              (Exact name of trustee as specified in its charter)


              Massachusetts                                 04-1867445
    (Jurisdiction of incorporation or                    (I.R.S. Employer
organization if not a U.S. national bank)               Identification No.)


225 Franklin Street, Boston, Massachusetts                   02110
(Address of principal executive offices)                  (Zip Code)

       John R. Towers, Esq.  Executive Vice President and General Counsel
               225 Franklin Street, Boston, Massachusetts  02110
                                 (617) 654-3253
           (Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)

                             _____________________


                             HELLER FINANCIAL, INC.
              (Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter)


           Delaware                                            36-1208070
(State or other jurisdiction of                            (I.R.S. Employer
 incorporation or organization)                           Identification No.)


                           500 West Monroe Street
                               Chicago, IL                 60661
              (Address of principal executive offices)  (Zip Code)


                              ____________________

              Heller Financial, Inc. Subordinated Debt Securities
                        (Title of indenture securities)

<PAGE>
 

                                    GENERAL

Item 1.   General Information.

          Furnish the following information as to the trustee:

          (a)  Name and address of each examining or supervisory authority to
               which it is subject.

                   Department of Banking and Insurance of The Commonwealth of
                   Massachusetts, 100 Cambridge Street, Boston, Massachusetts.

                   Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Washington,
                   D.C., Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Washington, D.C.

          (b)  Whether it is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.

                   Trustee is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.

Item 2.   Affiliations with Obligor.

          If the Obligor is an affiliate of the trustee, describe each such
          affiliation.

                   The obligor is not an affiliate of the trustee or of its
                   parent, State Street Boston Corporation.

                   (See note on page 2.)

Item 3. through Item 15.  Not applicable.

Item 16.  List of Exhibits.

          List below all exhibits filed as part of this statement of
          eligibility.

          1. A copy of the articles of association of the trustee as now in
          effect.

                   A copy of the Articles of Association of the trustee, as now
                   in effect, is on file with the Securities and Exchange
                   Commission as Exhibit 1 to Amendment No. 1 to the Statement
                   of Eligibility and Qualification of Trustee (Form T-1) filed
                   with the Registration Statement of Morse Shoe, Inc. (File No.
                   22-17940) and is incorporated herein by reference thereto.

          2. A copy of the certificate of authority of the trustee to commence
          business, if not contained in the articles of association.

                   A copy of a Statement from the Commissioner of Banks of
                   Massachusetts that no certificate of authority for the
                   trustee to commence business was necessary or issued is on
                   file with the Securities and Exchange Commission as Exhibit 2
                   to Amendment No. 1 to the Statement of Eligibility and
                   Qualification of Trustee (Form T-1) filed with the
                   Registration Statement of Morse Shoe, Inc. (File No. 22-
                   17940) and is incorporated herein by reference thereto.

          3. A copy of the authorization of the trustee to exercise corporate
          trust powers, if such authorization is not contained in the documents
          specified in paragraph (1) or (2), above.

                   A copy of the authorization of the trustee to exercise
                   corporate trust powers is on file with the Securities and
                   Exchange Commission as Exhibit 3 to Amendment No. 1 to the
                   Statement of Eligibility and Qualification of Trustee (Form
                   T-1) filed with the Registration Statement of Morse Shoe, 
                   Inc. (File No. 22-17940) and is incorporated herein by
                   reference thereto.

          4. A copy of the existing by-laws of the trustee, or instruments
          corresponding thereto.

                    A copy of the by-laws of the trustee, as now in effect, is
                    on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission as
                    Exhibit 4 to the Statement of Eligibility and Qualification
                    of Trustee (Form T-1) filed with the Registration Statement
                    of Eastern Edison Company (File No. 33-37823) and is
                    incorporated herein by reference thereto.

                                       1
<PAGE>
 
          5.   A copy of each indenture referred to in Item 4. if the obligor is
               in default.

                    Not applicable.

          6.   The consents of United States institutional trustees required by
               Section 321(b) of the Act.

                    The consent of the trustee required by Section 321(b) of the
                    Act is annexed hereto as Exhibit 6 and made a part hereof.

          7.   A copy of the latest report of condition of the trustee published
          pursuant to law or the requirements of its supervising or
          examining authority.

                    A copy of the latest report of condition of the trustee
                    published pursuant to law or the requirements of its
                    supervising or examining authority is annexed hereto as
                    Exhibit 7 and made a part hereof.


                                     NOTES

          In answering any item of this Statement of Eligibility which relates
to matters peculiarly within the knowledge of the obligor or any underwriter for
the obligor, the trustee has relied upon information furnished to it by the
obligor and the underwriters, and the trustee disclaims responsibility for the
accuracy or completeness of such information.

          The answer furnished to Item 2. of this statement will be amended, if
necessary, to reflect any facts which differ from those stated and which would
have been required to be stated if known at the date hereof.



                                   SIGNATURE

          Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as
amended, the trustee, State Street Bank and Trust Company, a corporation
organized and existing under the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, has
duly caused this statement of eligibility to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in the City of Boston and The
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, on the 16th day of October, 1997.

                                  STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY


                                  By: /S/ Mark A. Forgetta
                                      ---------------------------------------
                                          Mark A. Forgetta 
                                          Vice President

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
                                   EXHIBIT 6


                            CONSENT OF THE TRUSTEE

          Pursuant to the requirements of Section 321(b) of the Trust Indenture
Act of 1939, as amended, in connection with the proposed issuance by Heller
Financial, Inc. of its Heller Financial, Inc. Subordinated Debt Securities, we
hereby consent that reports of examination by Federal, State, Territorial or
District authorities may be furnished by such authorities to the Securities and
Exchange Commission upon request therefor.

                                         STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY


                                         By:  /S/ Mark A. Forgetta
                                              -----------------------------
                                                  Mark A. Forgetta
                                                  Vice President

Dated:  October 16, 1997

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
                                   EXHIBIT 7

Consolidated Report of Condition of State Street Bank and Trust Company,
Massachusetts and foreign and domestic subsidiaries, a state banking institution
organized and operating under the banking laws of this commonwealth and a member
of the Federal Reserve System, at the close of business June 30, 1997, published
in accordance with a call made by the Federal Reserve Bank of this District
pursuant to the provisions of the Federal Reserve Act and in accordance with a
call made by the Commissioner of Banks under General Laws, Chapter 172, Section
22(a).

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   Thousands of
ASSETS                                                             Dollars
<S>                                                                <C>
Cash and balances due from depository institutions:
  Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coin...............   1,842,337
  Interest-bearing balances........................................   8,771,397
Securities.........................................................  10,596,119
Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to 
  resell in domestic offices of the bank and its Edge subsidiary...   5,953,036
Loans and lease financing receivables:
  Loans and leases, net of unearned income ............   5,769,090
  Allowance for loan and lease losses .................      74,031
  Allocated transfer risk reserve......................           0
  Loans and leases, net of unearned income and allowances..........   5,695,059
Assets held in trading accounts....................................     916,608
Premises and fixed assets..........................................     374,999
Other real estate owned............................................         755
Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries.........................      28,992
Customers' liability to this bank on acceptances outstanding.......      99,209
Intangible assets..................................................     229,412
Other assets.......................................................   1,589,526
                                                                     ----------
 
Total assets.......................................................  36,097,449
                                                                     ==========
LIABILITIES
 
Deposits:
  In domestic offices..............................................  11,082,135
    Noninterest-bearing................................   8,932,019
    Interest-bearing...................................   2,150,116
  In foreign offices and Edge subsidiary...........................  13,811,677
    Noninterest-bearing................................     112,281
    Interest-bearing...................................  13,699,396
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to 
  repurchase in domestic offices of the bank and of its Edge 
  subsidiary.......................................................   6,785,263
Demand notes issued to the U.S. Treasury and Trading Liabilities...     755,676
Other borrowed money...............................................     716,013
Subordinated notes and debentures..................................           0
Bank's liability on acceptances executed and outstanding...........      99,605
Other liabilities..................................................     841,566
 
Total liabilities..................................................  34,091,935
                                                                     ----------
EQUITY CAPITAL
Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus......................           0
Common stock.......................................................      29,931
Surplus............................................................     437,183
Undivided profits and capital reserves/Net unrealized holding 
  gains (losses)...................................................   1,542,695
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments................      (4,295)
Total equity capital...............................................   2,005,514
                                                                     ----------
 
Total liabilities and equity capital...............................  36,097,449
</TABLE>

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
I, Rex S. Schuette, Senior Vice President and Comptroller of the above named
bank do hereby declare that this Report of Condition has been prepared in
conformance with the instructions issued by the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System and is true to the best of my knowledge and belief.


                                       Rex S. Schuette


We, the undersigned directors, attest to the correctness of this Report of
Condition and declare that it has been examined by us and to the best of our
knowledge and belief has been prepared in conformance with the instructions
issued by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and is true and
correct.

                                       David A. Spina
                                       Marshall N. Carter
                                       Truman S. Casner

                                       5

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 25.3
 
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            Washington, D.C.  20549


                                   FORM T-1

                                  ----------

                      STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY UNDER THE
                       TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939 OF A
                   CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE

               Check if an Application to Determine Eligibility
                 of a Trustee Pursuant to Section 305(b)(2) 
                                                           ---


                      STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
              (Exact name of trustee as specified in its charter)


              Massachusetts                                      04-1867445    
    (Jurisdiction of incorporation or                         (I.R.S. Employer
organization if not a U.S. national bank)                    Identification No.)


           225 Franklin Street, Boston, Massachusetts          02110
            (Address of principal executive offices)     (Zip Code)

       John R. Towers, Esq. Executive Vice President and General Counsel
               225 Franklin Street, Boston, Massachusetts  02110
                                (617) 654-3253
           (Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)

                             ---------------------

                            HELLER FINANCIAL, INC.
              (Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter)


           Delaware                                              36-1208070
(State or other jurisdiction of                               (I.R.S. Employer
 incorporation or organization)                              Identification No.)


                            500 West Monroe Street
                              Chicago, IL  60661
              (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

                              --------------------

          Heller Financial, Inc. Junior Debt Subordinated Securities
                        (Title of indenture securities)


<PAGE>
 
                                    GENERAL

Item 1.  General Information.

     Furnish the following information as to the trustee:

     (a)  Name and address of each examining or supervisory authority to which
          it is subject.

               Department of Banking and Insurance of The Commonwealth of
               Massachusetts, 100 Cambridge Street, Boston, Massachusetts.

               Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Washington,
               D.C., Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Washington, D.C.

     (b)  Whether it is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.

               Trustee is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.

Item 2.   Affiliations with Obligor.

          If the Obligor is an affiliate of the trustee, describe each such
          affiliation.

               The obligor is not an affiliate of the trustee or of its parent,
               State Street Boston Corporation.

               (See note on page 2.)

Item 3. through Item 15.  Not applicable.

Item 16.  List of Exhibits.

          List below all exhibits filed as part of this statement of
          eligibility.

          1.  A copy of the articles of association of the trustee as now in
              effect.

               A copy of the Articles of Association of the trustee, as now in
               effect, is on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission as
               Exhibit 1 to Amendment No. 1 to the Statement of Eligibility and
               Qualification of Trustee (Form T-1) filed with the Registration
               Statement of Morse Shoe, Inc. (File No. 22-17940) and is
               incorporated herein by reference thereto.

          2.  A copy of the certificate of authority of the trustee to commence
              business, if not contained in the articles of association.

               A copy of a Statement from the Commissioner of Banks of
               Massachusetts that no certificate of authority for the trustee to
               commence business was necessary or issued is on file with the
               Securities and Exchange Commission as Exhibit 2 to Amendment No.
               1 to the Statement of Eligibility and Qualification of Trustee
               (Form T-1) filed with the Registration Statement of Morse Shoe,
               Inc. (File No. 22-17940) and is incorporated herein by reference
               thereto.

          3.  A copy of the authorization of the trustee to exercise corporate
              trust powers, if such authorization is not contained in the
              documents specified in paragraph (1) or (2), above.

               A copy of the authorization of the trustee to exercise corporate
               trust powers is on file with the Securities and Exchange
               Commission as Exhibit 3 to Amendment No. 1 to the Statement of
               Eligibility and Qualification of Trustee (Form T-1) filed with
               the Registration Statement of Morse Shoe, Inc. (File No. 22-
               17940) and is incorporated herein by reference thereto.

          4.  A copy of the existing by-laws of the trustee, or instruments
              corresponding thereto.

               A copy of the by-laws of the trustee, as now in effect, is on
               file with the Securities and Exchange Commission as Exhibit 4 to
               the Statement of Eligibility and Qualification of Trustee 
               (Form T-1) filed with the Registration Statement of Eastern
               Edison Company (File No. 33-37823) and is incorporated herein by
               reference thereto.

                                       1
<PAGE>
 
          5.   A copy of each indenture referred to in Item 4. if the obligor is
               in default.

                    Not applicable.

          6.   The consents of United States institutional trustees required by
               Section 321(b) of the Act.

                    The consent of the trustee required by Section 321(b) of the
                    Act is annexed hereto as Exhibit 6 and made a part hereof.

          7.   A copy of the latest report of condition of the trustee published
               pursuant to law or the requirements of its supervising or
               examining authority.

                    A copy of the latest report of condition of the trustee
                    published pursuant to law or the requirements of its
                    supervising or examining authority is annexed hereto as
                    Exhibit 7 and made a part hereof.


                                     NOTES

          In answering any item of this Statement of Eligibility  which relates
to matters peculiarly within the knowledge of the obligor or any underwriter for
the obligor, the trustee has relied upon information furnished to it by the
obligor and the underwriters, and the trustee disclaims responsibility for the
accuracy or completeness of such information.

          The answer furnished to Item 2. of this statement will be amended, if
necessary, to reflect any facts which differ from those stated and which would
have been required to be stated if known at the date hereof.



                                   SIGNATURE

          Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as
amended, the trustee, State Street Bank and Trust Company, a corporation
organized and existing under the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, has
duly caused this statement of eligibility to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in the City of Boston and The
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, on the 16th day of October, 1997.

                                STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY


                                By:  /S/ Mark A. Forgetta
                                     ------------------------------
                                         Mark A. Forgetta
                                         Vice President

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
                                   EXHIBIT 6


                             CONSENT OF THE TRUSTEE

          Pursuant to the requirements of Section 321(b) of the Trust Indenture
Act of 1939, as amended, in connection with the proposed issuance by Heller
Financial, Inc. of its Heller Financial, Inc. Junior Debt Subordinated
Securities, we hereby consent that reports of examination by Federal, State,
Territorial or District authorities may be furnished by such authorities to the
Securities and Exchange Commission upon request therefor.

                                         STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY


                                         By:  /S/ Mark A. Forgetta
                                              ------------------------------
                                                  Mark A. Forgetta
                                                  Vice President

Dated:  October 16, 1997

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
                                   EXHIBIT 7

Consolidated Report of Condition of State Street Bank and Trust Company,
Massachusetts and foreign and domestic subsidiaries, a state banking institution
organized and operating under the banking laws of this commonwealth and a member
of the Federal Reserve System, at the close of business June 30, 1997, published
in accordance with a call made by the Federal Reserve Bank of this District
pursuant to the provisions of the Federal Reserve Act and in accordance with a
call made by the Commissioner of Banks under General Laws, Chapter 172, Section
22(a).
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                                               Thousands of
ASSETS                                                                         Dollars
<S>                                                                            <C>
Cash and balances due from depository institutions:
          Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coin..................   1,842,337
          Interest-bearing balances...........................................   8,771,397
Securities....................................................................  10,596,119
Federal funds sold and securities purchased
          under agreements to resell in domestic offices
          of the bank and its Edge subsidiary.................................   5,953,036
Loans and lease financing receivables:
          Loans and leases, net of unearned income ............  5,769,090
          Allowance for loan and lease losses ....................74,031
          Allocated transfer risk reserve............................0
          Loans and leases, net of unearned income and allowances.............   5,695,059
Assets held in trading accounts...............................................     916,608
Premises and fixed assets.....................................................     374,999
Other real estate owned.......................................................         755
Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries....................................      28,992
Customers' liability to this bank on acceptances outstanding..................      99,209
Intangible assets.............................................................     229,412
Other assets..................................................................   1,589,526
                                                                                ----------
 
Total assets..................................................................  36,097,449
                                                                                ==========
LIABILITIES
 
Deposits:
          In domestic offices.................................................  11,082,135
               Noninterest-bearing..............................8,932,019
               Interest-bearing.................................2,150,116
          In foreign offices and Edge subsidiary..............................  13,811,677
               Noninterest-bearing................................112,281
               Interest-bearing................................13,699,396
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under
          agreements to repurchase in domestic offices of
          the bank and of its Edge subsidiary.................................   6,785,263
Demand notes issued to the U.S. Treasury and Trading Liabilities..............     755,676
Other borrowed money..........................................................     716,013
Subordinated notes and debentures.............................................           0
Bank's liability on acceptances executed and outstanding......................      99,605
Other liabilities.............................................................     841,566
 
Total liabilities.............................................................  34,091,935
                                                                                ----------
EQUITY CAPITAL
Perpetual preferred stock and related
surplus.......................................................................           0
Common stock..................................................................      29,931
Surplus.......................................................................     437,183
Undivided profits and capital reserves/Net unrealized holding gains (losses)..   1,542,695
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments...........................      (4,295)
Total equity capital..........................................................   2,005,514
                                                                                ----------
 
Total liabilities and equity capital..........................................  36,097,449
</TABLE>

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
I, Rex S. Schuette, Senior Vice President and Comptroller of the above named
bank do hereby declare that this Report of Condition has been prepared in
conformance with the instructions issued by the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System and is true to the best of my knowledge and belief.


                                             Rex S. Schuette


We, the undersigned directors, attest to the correctness of this Report of
Condition and declare that it has been examined by us and to the best of our
knowledge and belief has been prepared in conformance with the instructions
issued by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and is true and
correct.

                                             David A. Spina
                                             Marshall N. Carter
                                             Truman S. Casner

                                       5


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