HILLENBRAND INDUSTRIES INC
DEF 14A, 1999-03-05
MISCELLANEOUS FURNITURE & FIXTURES
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<PAGE>
                            SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
 
                  Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
            the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No.    )
 
    Filed by the Registrant /X/
    Filed by a party other than the Registrant / /
 
    Check the appropriate box:
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         14a-6(e)(2))
    /X/  Definitive Proxy Statement
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    / /  Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section 240.14a-11(c) or Section 
         240.14a-12
 
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     and 0-11

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<PAGE>

                             HILLENBRAND INDUSTRIES

                            NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING

                            TO BE HELD APRIL 13, 1999

         The annual meeting of shareholders of Hillenbrand Industries, Inc., 
an Indiana corporation, 700 State Route 46 East, Batesville, Indiana 
47006-8835, will be held at the Sherman House, 35 South Main Street, 
Batesville, Indiana 47006-0067, on Tuesday, April 13, 1999, at 10:00 o'clock 
a.m., local time (Eastern Standard Time), for the following purposes:

         (1)      To elect three members to the Board of Directors;

         (2)      To ratify the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as
                  independent auditors of Hillenbrand Industries, Inc.; and

         (3)      To transact such other business as may properly come before
                  the meeting and any adjournment of the meeting.

         The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on February 
12, 1999, as the record date for determining which shareholders are entitled 
to notice of and to vote at the meeting. 

                                   By Order of the Board of Directors

                                   Mark R. Lindenmeyer
                                   Secretary

March 5, 1999


<PAGE>



                                   CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          PAGE
                                                                          ----
<S>                                                                       <C>
VOTING...................................................................... 1

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS....................................................... 1

ABOUT THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS (INCLUDING DIRECTORS COMPENSATION)............. 6

RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF AUDITORS..................................... 7

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION...................................................... 8

COMPENSATION COMMITTEES' REPORT.............................................11

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION.................16

COMPANY STOCK PERFORMANCE...................................................16

RETIREMENT PLANS............................................................17

COST OF SOLICITATION........................................................18

SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS.......................................................18

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE..................................................18
</TABLE>


<PAGE>

                             HILLENBRAND INDUSTRIES

                                PROXY STATEMENT

         The enclosed proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors of 
Hillenbrand Industries, Inc. (the "Company"), 700 State Route 46 East, 
Batesville, Indiana 47006-8835 [telephone (812) 934-7000], for use at the 
annual meeting of its shareholders to be held at the Sherman House, 35 South 
Main Street, Batesville, Indiana 47006-0067, on April 13, 1999, at 10:00 
a.m., local time (Eastern Standard Time), and at any adjournments of the 
meeting, and was mailed initially to shareholders on or about March 5, 1999. 
All shares represented by these proxies will be voted at this meeting in 
accordance with instructions given by shareholders. Where no instructions are 
given the shares will be voted (1) in favor of the election of the Board of 
Directors' nominees for three directors; (2) in favor of the ratification of 
the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as independent auditors of the 
Company; and (3) in the discretion of the proxy holder upon such other 
business as may properly come before the meeting.

         The purpose of the annual meeting is to vote upon the matters set 
forth above. The Board of Directors is not aware of any other business which 
may come before the meeting. A shareholder executing and delivering the 
enclosed proxy may revoke it by giving a later proxy, notifying the Secretary 
of the Company in writing, or voting in person at the annual meeting.

                                     VOTING

         The close of business on February 12, 1999, has been fixed as the 
record date for determining which shareholders are entitled to notice of and 
to vote at the annual meeting. On February 12, 1999, there were 66,403,448 
shares of the Company's common stock issued and outstanding. Each share of 
common stock is entitled to one vote with respect to every matter submitted 
to a vote at the meeting. Votes cast by proxy or in person at the annual 
meeting will be tabulated by the election inspectors appointed for the 
meeting.

         VOTES NECESSARY TO ADOPT PROPOSALS. A plurality of the votes cast is 
required for the election of directors. Directors are elected by a plurality 
of the votes cast by shareholders entitled to vote at a meeting at which a 
quorum is present. The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the 
votes cast is required for the ratification of the appointment of the 
auditors.

         A majority of the shares issued and outstanding constitutes a 
quorum. Under Indiana law, once a share is represented for any purpose at a 
meeting it is deemed present for quorum purposes for the remainder of the 
meeting. Abstentions, broker non-votes, and instructions on a proxy to 
withhold authority to vote for one or more of the director nominees will 
result in fewer votes being cast with respect to a particular issue or 
nominee.

                              ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

         The Articles of Incorporation and the Code of By-laws of the Company 
provide that members of the Board of Directors shall be classified with 
respect to the terms which they shall serve by dividing them into three 
classes. Each class consists of three or four members. At the upcoming annual 
meeting, three members of the Board of Directors in Class III shall be 
elected for three year terms expiring at the 2002 annual meeting, or until 
their successors are duly elected and qualified. The four directors in Class 
I and three directors in Class II were each previously elected to three year 
terms expiring at the 2000 and 2001 annual meetings, respectively.


                                    -1-

<PAGE>

         The enclosed proxy, unless authority is withheld, will be voted in 
favor of electing as directors the nominees listed for the terms indicated. 
If any one or more of these nominees should be unable to serve, the enclosed 
proxy may be voted for a substitute nominee selected by the Board of 
Directors or the Board of Directors may amend the Code of By-laws of the 
Company to reduce the number of directors.

NOMINEES:

                                               CLASS III

To be elected to serve three year terms expiring at the 2002 annual meeting:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                SERVED AS        SHARES(1)
                                                                                   A         BENEFICIALLY OWNED     PERCENT OF
                                                                                DIRECTOR           AS OF           TOTAL SHARES
NAME                               AGE       PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION                 SINCE      FEBRUARY 12, 1999     OUTSTANDING
- ----                               ---       --------------------                 -----      -----------------     -----------
<S>                                <C>       <C>                                 <C>         <C>                   <C>
JOHN C. HANCOCK                     69       CONSULTANT                           1980           22,792(2)             (3)

GEORGE M. HILLENBRAND II            59       PERSONAL INVESTMENTS                 1986        4,847,785(4)(5)          7.3%

JOHN A. HILLENBRAND II              67       PERSONAL INVESTMENTS                 1981(6)     3,695,624(4)(7)          5.6%
</TABLE>

DIRECTORS:

                                              CLASS I

Serving three year terms expiring at the 2000 annual meeting:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                SERVED AS        SHARES(1)
                                                                                   A         BENEFICIALLY OWNED     PERCENT OF
                                                                                DIRECTOR           AS OF           TOTAL SHARES
NAME                               AGE       PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION                 SINCE      FEBRUARY 12, 1999     OUTSTANDING
- ----                               ---       --------------------                 -----      -----------------     -----------
<S>                                <C>       <C>                                  <C>         <C>                   <C>
PETER F. COFFARO                    70       CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF PABCO       1987           43,874                (3)
                                             FLUID POWER CO., OHIO VALLEY
                                             FLOORING, AND ANCHOR FLANGE
                                             COMPANY

EDWARD S. DAVIS                     67       PARTNER, HUGHES HUBBARD              1974           12,480(2)             (3)
                                             & REED LLP, ATTORNEYS

LEONARD GRANOFF                     72       PRESIDENT OF GRANOFF ASSOCIATES      1978           20,208                (3)

W AUGUST HILLENBRAND                58       PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE        1972        3,997,048(2)(4)          6.0%
                                             OFFICER OF THE COMPANY                                  (8)
</TABLE>


                                    -2-

<PAGE>

                                               CLASS II

Serving three year terms expiring at the 2001 annual meeting:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                SERVED AS        SHARES(1)
                                                                                    A       BENEFICIALLY OWNED      PERCENT OF
                                                                                DIRECTOR           AS OF           TOTAL SHARES
NAME                               AGE       PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION                 SINCE      FEBRUARY 12, 1999     OUTSTANDING
- ----                               ---       --------------------                 -----      -----------------     -----------
<S>                                <C>       <C>                                 <C>         <C>                   <C>
LAWRENCE R. BURTSCHY                62       CHAIRMAN OF L.R.                     1970        4,982,982(4)(9)          7.5%
                                             BURTSCHY & COMPANY

DANIEL A. HILLENBRAND               75       CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD                1969        1,853,869(4)(10)         2.8%
                                             OF THE COMPANY

RAY J. HILLENBRAND                  64       PERSONAL INVESTMENTS                 1970        1,960,761(4)(11)         3.0%
</TABLE>

STOCK OWNERSHIP OF OTHER NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                 SHARES(1)
                                                                                            BENEFICIALLY OWNED     PERCENT OF
                                                                                                   AS OF          TOTAL SHARES
NAME                              AGE       PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION                             FEBRUARY 12, 1999     OUTSTANDING
- ----                              ---       --------------------                             -----------------     -----------
<S>                               <C>       <C>                                             <C>                    <C>
TOM E. BREWER                      60       SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, FINANCE                      59,028(2)              (3)

ROBERT J. TENNISON                 52       VICE PRESIDENT,                                      6,759(2)              (3)
                                            CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

MARK R. LINDENMEYER                52       VICE PRESIDENT, GENERAL                             10,453(2)              (3)
                                            COUNSEL & SECRETARY

DONALD G. BARGER, JR.              56       VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF                             4,920(2)              (3)
                                            FINANCIAL OFFICER

                                                                                            

ALL DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY AS A GROUP,                             17,797,930(2)(5)(7)       26.8%   
CONSISTING OF 20 PERSONS.                                                                    (8)(9)(10)(11)
</TABLE>

 (1)     The Company's only class of equity securities outstanding is common
         stock without par value. The Company is not aware of any person, other
         than members of the Hillenbrand family as indicated herein,
         beneficially owning more than five percent (5%) of the Company's common
         stock. Includes the following shares that may be purchased pursuant to
         stock options that are exercisable within 60 days of February 12, 1999:
         John C. Hancock, 4,000 shares; George M. Hillenbrand II, 4,000 shares;
         John A. Hillenbrand II, 4,000 shares; Peter F. Coffaro, 4,000 shares;
         Edward S. Davis, 4,000 shares; Leonard Granoff, 4,000 shares; W August
         Hillenbrand, 40,000 shares; Lawrence R. Burtschy, 4,000 shares; Daniel
         A. Hillenbrand, 4,000 shares; Ray J. Hillenbrand, 4,000 shares; Tom E.
         Brewer, 13,668 shares; Robert J. Tennison, 4,001 shares; Mark R.
         Lindenmeyer, 5,334 shares; Donald G. Barger, Jr., 2,667 shares; and all
         directors and executive officers as a group, 122,175 shares.

(2)      Includes deferred fees and/or compensation in the form of deferred
         shares of common stock held on the books and records of the Company in
         the following amounts: Donald G. Barger, Jr., 1,250 shares; Tom 


                                    -3-

<PAGE>

         E. Brewer, 2,312 shares; Edward S. Davis, 4,480 shares; John C.
         Hancock, 5,792 shares; W August Hillenbrand, 155,814 shares; Mark R.
         Lindenmeyer, 1,479 shares; Robert J. Tennison, 1,808 shares; and other
         executive officers, 18,791 shares.

(3)      Ownership of less than one percent (1%) of the total shares
         outstanding.

(4)      John A. Hillenbrand II and Ray J. Hillenbrand are brothers. John A.,
         Ray J., W August and George M. Hillenbrand II are nephews of Daniel A.
         Hillenbrand. Lawrence R. Burtschy is a son-in-law of George C.
         Hillenbrand, deceased, brother of Daniel A. Hillenbrand.

(5)      Includes 3,814,920 shares owned of record by trusts, of which George M.
         Hillenbrand II is co-trustee, for the benefit of Mr. Hillenbrand and
         other members of his immediate family. Mr. Hillenbrand disclaims
         beneficial ownership of these shares.

(6)      John A. Hillenbrand II previously served as a Director of the Company
         from 1972 to 1979.

(7)      Includes 16,240 shares held of record by his wife, Joan L. Hillenbrand;
         596,951 shares held of record by trusts for the benefit of his children
         and grandchildren; and 2,473,392 shares held of record by a family
         partnership for the benefit of other members of his immediate family.
         Mr. Hillenbrand disclaims beneficial ownership of these shares.

(8)      Includes 2,286,842 shares owned of record by trusts, of which W August
         Hillenbrand is trustee or co-trustee; and 688,716 shares owned of
         record by a family partnership for the benefit of members of his
         family. Mr. Hillenbrand disclaims beneficial ownership of these shares
         except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein. Also includes
         217,174 shares owned of record and beneficially by his wife, Nancy K.
         Hillenbrand; 54,996 shares held of record by a charitable trust, of
         which Mr. Hillenbrand is a co-trustee; and 251,325 shares held by a
         limited partnership, of which Mr. Hillenbrand is a limited partner. Mr.
         Hillenbrand disclaims beneficial ownership of these shares.

(9)      Includes 3,814,920 shares owned of record by trusts, of which Lawrence
         R. Burtschy is co-trustee, for the benefit of certain members of the
         Daniel A. Hillenbrand and George C. Hillenbrand families; and 948,705
         shares owned of record and beneficially by his wife, Elisabeth H.
         Burtschy. Mr. Burtschy disclaims beneficial ownership of these shares.

(10)     Includes 10,400 shares held of record and beneficially owned by Daniel
         A. Hillenbrand's wife, Mary H. Hillenbrand. Mr. Hillenbrand disclaims
         beneficial ownership of these shares.

(11)     Includes 800,000 shares held of record by a trust, of which Ray J.
         Hillenbrand is trustee; 15,975 shares held of record by a charitable
         foundation, of which Mr. Hillenbrand is a trustee; and 991,501 shares
         held of record by family partnerships for the benefit of other members
         of his immediate family. Mr. Hillenbrand disclaims beneficial ownership
         of these shares.

         Daniel A. Hillenbrand has been Chairman of the Board since 1972. Mr.
Hillenbrand served as President of the Company from 1972 through October 20,
1981, and as Chief Executive Officer from 1972 through April 11, 1989. Mr.
Hillenbrand had been employed by the Company throughout his business career
until his retirement on April 30, 1989.


                                    -4-

<PAGE>


         W August Hillenbrand has been President of the Company since October 
21, 1981 and was elected Chief Executive Officer of the Company on April 11, 
1989. Mr. Hillenbrand has been employed by the Company throughout his 
business career. He is also a director of DPL Inc. of Dayton, Ohio and HON 
INDUSTRIES Inc. of Muscatine, Iowa.

         George M. Hillenbrand II has devoted his business career to the 
management of personal and family investments.

         John A. Hillenbrand II has managed personal and family investments 
since 1979. He is also a director of PSI Energy, Inc. of Plainfield, Indiana, 
Cinergy Corp. of Cincinnati, Ohio and National City Bank, Indiana of 
Indianapolis, Indiana. Mr. Hillenbrand was employed by and active in the 
management of the Company prior to his resignation as an officer in 1979. He 
is also chairman, vice chairman, or a director of several privately owned 
companies.

         Ray J. Hillenbrand has been engaged in the management of personal 
and family investments for much of his career. Mr. Hillenbrand was employed 
by and active in the management of the Company prior to his resignation as an 
officer in 1977.

         Mr. Burtschy is Chairman of L.R. Burtschy & Company, an investment 
management company, and has been so engaged since 1969. Mr. Burtschy is a 
director or partner of several privately owned companies and partnerships.

         Mr. Coffaro, a mechanical engineer, has devoted his career to the 
development of a number of manufacturing and distribution businesses. He is a 
director of several privately owned companies located in Cincinnati, Ohio.

         Mr. Davis, a partner in Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP, a New York law 
firm, has practiced law during his entire professional career. He is also a 
director of Cognitronics Corporation of Danbury, Connecticut.

         Mr. Granoff is President and director of Granoff Associates, a 
privately owned investment company in Providence, Rhode Island.

         Dr. Hancock, who holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, is a 
consultant. Until 1988, he was Executive Vice President for Corporate 
Development and Technology of United Telecommunications, Inc. (Sprint).

SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

         Under Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the 
Company's directors, its executive officers and any person holding more than 
ten percent of the Company's common stock are required to file with the 
Securities and Exchange Commission initial reports of ownership and reports 
of changes in ownership of common stock and other equity securities of the 
Company. The Company is required to report in this proxy statement any 
failure to file or late filing occurring during 1998. Based solely on reports 
and other information from reporting persons, the Company believes that all 
of these filing requirements were satisfied by its directors, executive 
officers and ten percent beneficial owners, except that one report involving 
one transaction was filed late by Robert J. Tennison, Vice President, 
Continuous Improvement.


                                    -5-

<PAGE>

                          ABOUT THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
                        (INCLUDING DIRECTOR COMPENSATION)

         The Board of Directors has the following standing committees: an 
Executive Committee, a Finance Committee, an Audit Committee, a Compensation 
Committee and a Performance Compensation Committee. The Company does not have 
a nominating committee. During 1998, the Board of Directors of the Company 
held five meetings.

         The Executive Committee of the Board of Directors consists of 
Messrs. Lawrence R. Burtschy, Daniel A. Hillenbrand (Chairman), George M. 
Hillenbrand II, John A. Hillenbrand II, Ray J. Hillenbrand and W August 
Hillenbrand. The Executive Committee advises the Chief Executive Officer on 
business decisions of significant impact and on the business in general. 
Subject to limitations provided by law or the Code of By-laws, the Executive 
Committee exercises the power and authority of the Board of Directors as may 
be necessary during the intervals between meetings of the Board. The 
Executive Committee met four times during 1998.

         The Finance Committee of the Board of Directors consists of Messrs. 
Lawrence R. Burtschy, Daniel A. Hillenbrand (Chairman), George M. Hillenbrand 
II, John A. Hillenbrand II, Ray J. Hillenbrand and W August Hillenbrand. The 
Finance Committee reviews financial policies and procedures of the Company. 
It also makes recommendations to the Board of Directors on dividend policy, 
issuance and sale or repurchase of Company securities, and the investment of 
Company funds, including pension and thrift plans. The Finance Committee also 
advises on proposed acquisitions and divestments. During 1998, the Finance 
Committee held four meetings.

         The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors consists of Messrs. 
Peter F. Coffaro, Edward S. Davis (Chairman) and Daniel A. Hillenbrand. The 
Audit Committee annually recommends to the Board of Directors of the Company 
independent accountants for appointment by the Board of Directors as auditors 
of the books, records and accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. The 
Audit Committee reviews the services to be performed by the independent 
accountants; makes a determination regarding the possible effect of the 
performance of such services on the independence of the principal independent 
accountants; receives and reviews the reports submitted by the principal 
independent accountants of the Company; and takes such action with respect to 
such reports as it deems appropriate. In addition, the Audit Committee 
determines the duties and responsibilities of the internal auditing staff; 
reviews the annual program for the internal audit of the operational 
procedures of the Company; receives and reviews reports submitted by the 
internal auditing staff; and takes such action as it deems appropriate to 
assure that the interests of the Company are adequately protected, including 
the maintenance of accounting controls and standards. During 1998, the Audit 
Committee held four meetings.

         The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors consists of 
Messrs. Peter F. Coffaro, Edward S. Davis (Chairman), John C. Hancock, Daniel 
A. Hillenbrand and W August Hillenbrand. The Compensation Committee annually 
reviews the performance contributions of the officers of the Company and 
makes recommendations to the Board of Directors for adjustments to the base 
salaries of those officers. The Compensation Committee also has general 
oversight responsibility for other compensation programs of the Company and 
reviews the structure, cost effectiveness, and competitive position of the 
Company's compensation programs. During 1998, the Compensation Committee held 
two meetings.


                                    -6-

<PAGE>


         The Performance Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors 
consists of Messrs. Peter F. Coffaro, Edward S. Davis, John C. Hancock and 
Daniel A. Hillenbrand (Chairman) and its Sub-Committee consists of Messrs. 
Peter F. Coffaro and John C. Hancock. The Performance Compensation Committee 
is responsible for the administration of the Company's Performance 
Compensation Plan and Senior Executive Compensation Program, except for those 
responsibilities designated to the Sub-Committee under those plans. The 
Performance Compensation Committee and/or its Sub-Committee selects 
participants, makes awards, establishes specific performance objectives, and 
assesses individual and subsidiary performance achievements against those 
previously established performance objectives. The Sub-Committee is 
responsible for administering the 1996 Stock Option Plan. The Performance 
Compensation Committee held two meetings in 1998.

         During the Company's fiscal year ended November 28, 1998, each 
Director who was not a salaried officer or employee of the Company received 
an annual fee of $20,000 and a fee of $3,000 for the January 19, 1998 and 
April 7, 1998 Board of Directors meetings attended and $3,500 for the July 7, 
1998, August 17, 1998 and October 6, 1998 Board of Directors meetings 
attended. Directors who are members of the Executive, Finance, Audit and 
Compensation Committees received $1,000 for each committee meeting attended 
during January and April of 1998 and $1,500 for each committee meeting 
attended during July and October of 1998. Directors were reimbursed for 
expenses incurred as a result of attendance at Board or committee meetings. 
Directors of the Company may defer receipt of directors' fees otherwise 
payable to them by the Company. On January 19, 1999, the Board of Directors 
amended the Company's 1996 Stock Option Plan to increase the number of 
non-qualified stock options granted to non-employee Directors each year from 
2,000 to 4,000. Non-employee Directors are also eligible to participate in 
the Company's group term life insurance program in which premiums are paid by 
the Company. Death benefits, which are age related, range from $45,000 to 
$150,000.

         Daniel A. Hillenbrand has entered into a Consulting Agreement with 
the Company under which he is to provide consulting and advisory services to 
the Company, including advice on acquisitions and capital expenditures, until 
May 31, 1999, for which he receives an annual consulting fee of $505,289, as 
well as certain insurance, pension, health care and other benefits which 
totaled $337,462 during 1998. Mr. Hillenbrand has unique knowledge and 
extensive experience in the industries served by the Company, in part because 
of his long-term relationship with the Company, and in addition he is 
well-recognized as an innovator and leader in these industries. Therefore, 
consulting services from other sources would not be comparable to the 
services provided by Mr. Hillenbrand. Mr. Hillenbrand retired from the 
Company on April 30, 1989, but continues to serve as Chairman of the Board.

         During the past year the Company purchased 20,000 shares of common 
stock from Ray Hillenbrand, 123,500 shares of stock from W August 
Hillenbrand, 9,100 shares of stock from a trust established by George C. 
Hillenbrand to facilitate the payment of the trust's federal and state taxes 
upon the death of Mr. Hillenbrand's widow, Margaret M. Hillenbrand, and 
15,000 shares of stock from John A. Hillenbrand II.

                 RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF AUDITORS

         Subject to shareholder ratification, the Board of Directors of the 
Company has appointed the firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, certified 
public accountants, as independent auditors to make an examination of the 
financial statements of the Company for its fiscal year ending November 27, 
1999. The appointment was made upon the recommendation of the Audit 
Committee, which is composed of members of the Board of Directors who are not 
officers or otherwise employees of the Company. A representative of 


                                    -7-

<PAGE>

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP will be present at the annual meeting with an 
opportunity to make a statement, if he so desires, and will respond to 
appropriate questions.

         THE BOARD OF  DIRECTORS  RECOMMENDS THAT THE SHAREHOLDERS VOTE FOR 
THE RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP AS 
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS OF THE COMPANY.

                         EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

         The following tabulation and notes set forth the compensation paid 
or accrued by the Company during the three fiscal years ended November 28, 
1998, November 29, 1997 and November 30, 1996 to the Chief Executive Officer 
and each of the other four most highly compensated executive officers.

                      SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- -------------
                                                                                               LONG-TERM
                                                   ANNUAL COMPENSATION                        COMPENSATION
                                                                                     -------------------------------
                                                                                         AWARDS         PAYOUTS
                                      --------------- -------------- --------------- -------------------------------

            NAME                                                         OTHER         SECURITIES
             AND                                                         ANNUAL        UNDERLYING         LTIP         ALL OTHER
          PRINCIPAL                       SALARY          BONUS       COMPENSATION      OPTIONS         PAYOUTS       COMPENSATION
          POSITION          YEAR            $               $            $(1)            #(2)             $(3)            $(4)
          --------          ----        ---------       --------        --------        -------        ----------      ---------
<S>                         <C>         <C>            <C>             <C>              <C>           <C>              <C>
- ------------------------------------- --------------- -------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- --------------
W AUGUST HILLENBRAND        1998         $790,288       $717,750        $214,542         60,000        $1,062,631       $373,960
PRESIDENT  AND CHIEF        1997         $732,032       $661,433        $142,270         30,000        $        0       $195,393
EXECUTIVE OFFICER           1996         $690,972       $623,633        $130,900          N/A          $        0       $160,155
- ------------------------------------- --------------- -------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- --------------
TOM E. BREWER               1998         $341,865       $206,100          (5)            25,000        $  280,705       $ 82,216
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT,      1997         $321,615       $193,800          (5)             8,000        $        0       $ 56,599
FINANCE                     1996         $304,308       $183,000          (5)             N/A          $        0       $ 48,305
- ------------------------------------- --------------- -------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- --------------
ROBERT J. TENNISON          1998         $228,327       $138,900          (5)             8,000        $   94,299       $ 13,289
VICE PRESIDENT,             1997         $209,423       $ 94,500          (5)             2,000           N/A           $  3,200
CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT      1996         $157,981       $ 69,111          (5)             N/A             N/A           $  3,000
- ------------------------------------- --------------- -------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- --------------
MARK R. LINDENMEYER         1998         $214,240       $129,150          (5)             8,000        $  179,522       $ 29,304
VICE PRESIDENT, GENERAL     1997         $204,423       $123,000          (5)             4,000        $        0       $ 16,746
COUNSEL & SECRETARY         1996         $194,423       $117,000          (5)             N/A          $        0       $ 25,475
- ------------------------------------- --------------- -------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- --------------
DONALD G.                   1998         $211,813       $127,088          (5)             8,000        $   65,195       $ 15,466
BARGER, JR. (6)             1997           N/A             N/A            N/A             N/A             N/A             N/A
VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF    1996           N/A             N/A            N/A             N/A             N/A             N/A
FINANCIAL OFFICER
- ------------------------------------- --------------- -------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- --------------
</TABLE>
(1)      Consists of the cost of perquisites, above market interest earned and
         other personal benefits provided by the Company. Included in the 1998
         amounts shown for W August Hillenbrand are $117,369 for above market
         interest earned and $66,834 for financial planning services reimbursed.

(2)      All options were granted pursuant to the Company's 1996 Stock Option
         Plan. The Company has not awarded stock appreciation rights.

(3)      The amounts appearing in this column are the values as of November 28,
         1998, November 29, 1997 and November 30, 1996 of the shares earned
         under the Senior Executive Compensation Program for 1996-1998,
         1995-1997 and 1994-1996 performance cycles, respectively.


                                    -8-

<PAGE>


(4)     All other compensation earned or allocated in 1998 is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   PENSION CONTRIBUTIONS
                                              --------------------------------          SPLIT DOLLAR LIFE
                                              SUPPLEMENTAL              401(k)         INSURANCE BENEFITS      TOTAL
                                              -------------             ------         ------------------      -----
<S>                                           <C>                       <C>             <C>                  <C>
W AUGUST HILLENBRAND                               $223,322             $3,200             $147,438         $ 373,960
TOM E. BREWER                                      $ 65,307             $3,200             $ 13,709         $  82,216
ROBERT J. TENNISON                                 NONE                 $3,200             $ 10,089         $  13,289
MARK R. LINDENMEYER                                $ 16,015             $3,200             $ 10,089         $  29,304
DONALD G. BARGER, JR.                              NONE                 $3,200             $ 12,266         $  15,466
</TABLE>

(5)      Amounts do not exceed disclosure thresholds established under SEC
         rules.

(6)      Donald G. Barger, Jr. has been employed and served as an executive
         officer of the Company since March 16, 1998.

                        OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR

         The following table sets forth certain information concerning stock
option grants to the named executive officers during the fiscal year ended
November 28, 1998.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 INDIVIDUAL GRANTS
                                     --------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         NUMBER OF     PERCENT OF TOTAL
                                        SECURITIES         OPTIONS          EXERCISE
                                        UNDERLYING        GRANTED TO         OR BASE
                                      OPTIONS GRANTED    EMPLOYEES IN         PRICE                            GRANT DATE
NAME                                        #(1)         FISCAL YEAR        ($/SHARE)     EXPIRATION DATE   PRESENT VALUE (2)
- ----                                  ---------------    -----------        ---------     ---------------   -----------------
<S>                                   <C>                <C>                <C>           <C>               <C>
W AUGUST HILLENBRAND                      60,000            12.47%          $52.1563          1/18/08           $839,754
TOM E. BREWER                             25,000             5.20%          $52.1563          1/18/08           $349,898
ROBERT J. TENNISON                         8,000             1.66%          $52.1563          1/18/08           $111,967
MARK R. LINDENMEYER                        8,000             1.66%          $52.1563          1/18/08           $111,967
DONALD G. BARGER, JR.                      8,000             1.66%          $59.2188          3/16/08           $127,128
</TABLE>

(1)      All options were granted pursuant to the Company's 1996 Stock Option
         Plan. The options were granted at an exercise price equal to the fair
         market value of the Company's Common Stock on the date of grant. The
         options were granted for terms of ten years, and vest one-third on each
         of the first three anniversaries of the date of grant. In the event of
         a change of control of the Company, the unvested portions of the
         options will be subject to limited accelerated vesting. No stock
         appreciation rights were granted to executive officers in fiscal 1998.

(2)      Option values were calculated on the basis of the Black-Scholes option
         pricing model. Options were assumed to be exercised 6.00 years after
         the date of grant. Other assumptions used for the valuations are a
         risk-free interest rate of 5.63%, stock price volatility of .1926 and
         annual dividend yield of 1.49%. The actual value of the options will
         depend on the market value of the Company's common stock on the dates
         the options are exercised.


                                    -9-

<PAGE>


                 AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
                        AND FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUES

         The following table sets forth certain information concerning option
exercises during fiscal year 1998 by the named executive officers and
unexercised options held by such officers as of November 28, 1998:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      NUMBER OF SECURITIES             VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
                                                                    UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED            IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS AT
                                SHARES                           OPTIONS AT FISCAL YEAR-END              FISCAL YEAR-END
                               ACQUIRED         VALUE           -------------------------------    -----------------------------
           NAME              ON EXERCISE      REALIZED          EXERCISABLE       UNEXERCISABLE    EXERCISABLE     UNEXERCISABLE
           ----              -----------      --------          -----------       -------------    -----------     -------------
<S>                          <C>              <C>               <C>               <C>              <C>              <C>
W AUGUST HILLENBRAND              0              $0               10,000                80,000      $136,250         $619,375
TOM E. BREWER                     0              $0                2,667                30,333      $ 36,338         $217,193
ROBERT J. TENNISON                0              $0                  667                 9,333      $  9,088         $ 64,412
MARK R. LINDENMEYER               0              $0                1,334                10,666      $ 18,176         $ 82,574
DONALD G. BARGER, JR.             0              $0                    0                 8,000      $      0         $      0
</TABLE>

                       LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLANS - AWARDS
                               IN LAST FISCAL YEAR

         The following table gives information regarding long term incentive
plan awards made during fiscal year 1998 to each of the named executive
officers.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      ESTIMATED FUTURE
                           NUMBER OF SHARES/     PEFORMANCE OR OTHER        PAYOUTS UNDER NON-STOCK PRICE-BASED PLANS
                                UNITS OR             PERIOD UNTIL        ----------------------------------------------
            NAME            OTHER RIGHTS (1)     MATURATION OR PAYOUT    THRESHOLD #          TARGET #        MAXIMUM #
            ----            ----------------     --------------------    -----------       -------------      ---------
<S>                         <C>                  <C>                     <C>               <C>                <C>
W AUGUST HILLENBRAND              9,260                1998/2000             1                9,260             18,520

TOM E. BREWER                     2,394                1998/2000             1                2,394              4,788

ROBERT J. TENNISON                1,613                1998/2000             1                1,613              3,226

MARK R. LINDENMEYER               1,500                1998/2000             1                1,500              3,000

DONALD G. BARGER, JR.             1,887                1998/2000             1                1,887              3,774
</TABLE>

 (1)     Performance share award based on participation in the Senior Executive
         Compensation Program. Payout of award is dependent on specified levels
         of shareholder value created during a three year period. The target
         amount will be earned if 100% of targeted shareholder value created is
         achieved. Incremental amounts above the threshold will be earned as
         incremental shareholder value is created and the maximum award is based
         on achievement of 200% of the targeted shareholder value created.

SPLIT DOLLAR LIFE INSURANCE PLAN

         In fiscal 1998, the Company instituted the Hillenbrand Industries 
Split Dollar Life Insurance Plan which covers key employees of the Company 
and provides split-dollar pre- and post-retirement coverage. Under this plan 
pre-retirement employee death benefits range from $600,000 to $5,000,000. At 
retirement the coverage is scheduled to be reduced by 50%. Each covered 
employee owns an individual policy and the premium is a shared responsibility 
between the employee and the Company. The Company pays the majority of the 
premiums subject to a collateral assignment agreement with the employee owner 
of the policy. The policy matures at age 65 or after the employee has been in 
the plan for 15 years, whichever is later. At policy maturity the Company's 
cash value share, which equals its cumulative premium payments on the policy, 
is transferred from the policy back to the Company. The remaining cash value 
is controlled by the employee owner of the policy.


                                    -10-

<PAGE>


                         COMPENSATION COMMITTEES' REPORT

         The Compensation Committee and the Performance Compensation 
Committee of the Board of Directors, under the direction of the Board of 
Directors, have prepared the following report for inclusion in this proxy 
statement. This report sets forth the compensation policies applicable to the 
Company's executive officers and the relationship of corporate performance to 
executive compensation. The functions of each Committee and of a 
sub-committee of one of them are divided in order to meet applicable legal 
requirements, but those committees are collectively referred to in this 
report as the Committee.

COMPENSATION PHILOSOPHY

         The Company's compensation programs reflect a long-standing and 
strongly held belief in the principle of performance oriented compensation. 
The values that are integral to the design and operation of the Company's 
compensation administration and plan designs include:

- -        creating long term shareholder value as the cornerstone of the
         Company's compensation philosophy

- -        linking compensation programs to the achievement of business strategies
         in each subsidiary

- -        having financial objectives at the subsidiary level that reflect the
         performance expectations of the Company for that entity

- -        emphasizing variable pay rather than fixed compensation

         Performance expectations reflect the Company's commitment to 
continuous improvement. When expectations are met or exceeded, variable 
compensation should be paid; to the extent expectations are not met, variable 
incentive compensation should not be paid.

         The compensation package for the senior executives of the Company is 
comprised of base salary, an annual cash incentive, a three-year performance 
opportunity, stock options, and benefits which are generally available in 
companies of similar size.

COMPENSATION ELEMENTS

1.     BASE SALARY

         At the senior executive level, base salaries are conservative when 
compared with companies of similar size and financial performance. Emphasis 
in the Company's compensation programs is placed on variable or "at risk" 
compensation rather than on base salary. The Committee reviews the base 
salaries of the executive officers on an annual basis. Adjustments to base 
salaries result from an assessment of the performance contributions of each 
executive in relationship to that executive's scope of responsibility. The 
Committee also examines the overall competitive position of the base salaries 
of its executive officers in relation to companies of similar size and 
financial performance. The Committee maintains an appropriate position for 
other compensation elements, i.e. short term incentive compensation, 
perquisite compensation, long term incentive compensation, and other benefit 
programs including life insurance and pension benefits. The Company rewards 
the creation of


                                    -11-

<PAGE>

sustainable long term shareholder value and as a result places greater 
emphasis on variable compensation than on base salary.

         Effective July 6, 1998 the Board of Directors acted on the 
recommendation of the Committee to increase the compensation of W August 
Hillenbrand by 9.87%. Prior to making the adjustment the Committee reviewed 
the year to date performance of each of the subsidiaries, the financial 
performance of the Company, and the performance contributions of Mr. 
Hillenbrand in relationship to performance objectives, such as management of 
cash flow and return on equity, and made an assessment of the degree to which 
he was contributing to the creation of long term shareholder value. The 
Committee also reviewed competitive compensation information provided by an 
independent consulting firm prior to recommending to the Board of Directors 
the adjustment to Mr. Hillenbrand's base salary. The Committee also utilized 
the services of an independent compensation consulting firm to provide 
marketplace competitive information regarding base salaries of executive 
officers. The base salaries of executive officers of the Company were 
compared with those of other diversified manufacturing firms, and with base 
salary practices of companies who have generated total shareholder returns 
similar to those of the Company. Other executive officers were granted 
adjustments to their base salaries at the same time based both upon their 
performance contributions, such as attainment of continuous improvement in 
their areas of responsibility and management of cash flow, during the 
preceding twelve months and marketplace comparisons. Adjustments to the base 
salaries of the other executive officers were recommended by the Committee 
and approved by the Board of Directors. Eligible executive officers may elect 
to defer all or a portion of their base salary to be paid at the end of the 
deferral period in cash with interest accrued at the prime rate. During the 
past year, the Committee approved an alternate return calculation for the 
Chief Executive Officer of the Company where he may elect for amounts 
deferred from base salary, perquisite compensation and incentive compensation 
to track the performance of a phantom investment in an equity mutual fund.

2.       PERQUISITES

         The senior executive officers are eligible for perquisite 
compensation under the Company's Senior Executive Compensation Program (the 
"Program"). The annual amount of a perquisite account is limited to 10% of 
each participant's base salary or such other limits as may be imposed on 
participants by the Committee (in the case of the Chief Executive Officer of 
the Company and certain other senior executives who are participants) and by 
the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (in the case of other 
participants). Perquisite compensation may be used to pay for supplemental 
health care, insurance benefits, financial planning assistance, club 
membership fees or Company common stock. All or a portion of perquisite 
compensation may be deferred to be paid in cash at the end of the deferral 
period.

3.       INCENTIVE COMPENSATION

         a.   SHORT TERM INCENTIVE COMPENSATION

         Under the terms of the Program, the Committee establishes specific 
financial and non-financial objectives for each subsidiary and for the 
Company overall. Each subsidiary is measured and rewarded based upon its 
performance contributions and the performance of its strategic business 
units. Short term financial performance objectives are established annually 
at levels which generally represent continuous improvement over prior years' 
results. Non-financial performance objectives are established to assure 
proper attention by each subsidiary to those non-financial factors which are 
necessary for long term shareholder value creation. Achievement of financial 
objectives determines how much short term incentive compensation is 
potentially available for distribution in each subsidiary; achievement of 
both the financial and non-financial objectives


                                    -12-

<PAGE>

determines how much incentive compensation will actually be paid. The 
Committee established financial and non-financial objectives to maintain the 
appropriate balance between the short and long term performance expectations 
of shareholders.

         The amount of short term incentive compensation is determined by 
first establishing a performance base ("Performance Base") and a target 
("Target") for each subsidiary. The Performance Base and Target for the 
Company's Chief Executive Officer and Vice Presidents are recommended by the 
Chief Executive Officer of the Company and approved by the Committee. The 
Performance Base and Target for each participant in the Program who is a 
chief executive officer of a subsidiary are approved by the Chief Executive 
Officer of the Company. The Performance Base and Target for other 
participants who are employees of the Company are established and approved by 
the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the Performance Base and 
Target for participants who are employees of subsidiaries of the Company are 
established by the chief executive officer of such subsidiary. The 
Performance Base and Target for the Chief Executive Officer of the Company 
are directly related to the return on shareholder equity of the Company or as 
otherwise determined by the Committee. Goals for other participants include 
both financial and non-financial measures and may reflect the accomplishment 
of tactical and strategic plans of each subsidiary.

         Short term incentive compensation opportunity is equal to 60% of 
base salary for the Chief Executive Officer of the Company; 50% of base 
salary in the case of a chief executive officer of a subsidiary; 40% of base 
salary for corporate or subsidiary senior executives; and 30% for all other 
executive participants. For the 1998 fiscal year, the plan provided for short 
term incentive compensation equal to 50% of the above scale upon attainment 
of the Performance Base, and achievement above Performance Base was paid up 
to 150% of the above scale according to a formula recommended by the Chief 
Executive Officer of the Company and approved by the Committee.

         Short term incentive compensation is calculated for each senior 
executive participant at the end of each fiscal year. Short term incentive 
compensation is payable in cash after forty days, but within seventy-five 
days, after the end of the fiscal year. All or a portion of short term 
incentive compensation may be deferred by the employee and invested either in 
cash or common stock to be paid at the end of the deferral period.

         Executive officers of the Company were awarded cash bonuses in 
January 1999 based upon the achievement of return on shareholder equity 
objectives established by the Committee at the beginning of the 1998 fiscal 
year.

         b.   LONG TERM INCENTIVE COMPENSATION

         Under the terms of the Program, the Committee reviews the business 
plans of each of the subsidiaries and the performance expectations of the 
Company overall at the commencement of each fiscal year. The performance 
history and expected performance contributions of each subsidiary provide the 
foundation for the Committee to establish performance objectives for long 
term compensation programs.

         The Committee annually recommends to the Board of Directors the 
establishment and administration of the Company's long term incentive 
compensation. The Committee designates participants in the long term 
component of the Program and establishes the shareholder value creation 
objectives for each subsidiary and for the Company for the three-year cycle 
of the Program. The Committee reviews a mathematically calculated analysis of 
a shareholder's risk-adjusted expectation for return on an investment in the 
Company's common stock. The Committee establishes specific performance 
objectives for each subsidiary and for the Company


                                    -13-

<PAGE>

based upon the shareholder value calculation. For the executive officers of 
the Company, the base for the three-year cycle is established by taking the 
prior year's net income and dividing it by the weighted average cost of 
capital for the Company. During the three-year cycle, the positive and 
negative cash flows are measured and adjusted to account for their time value 
to the Company. At the end of the three-year period, the Company's net income 
is again capitalized by dividing it by the Company's weighted average cost of 
capital. The result of these calculations is compared with the present value 
of the base year's capitalized net income to determine if shareholder value 
exceeded calculated shareholder expectations. The level of performance so 
determined represents the minimum level of performance which must be achieved 
for payment of long term incentive compensation. The Committee further 
establishes a maximum level of shareholder value creation for which incentive 
compensation will be paid. Performance above that level creates additional 
value for shareholders but does not result in additional payments to 
executive officers.

         The long term component of the Program affords executives the 
opportunity to become significant shareholders in the Company, thereby 
aligning the interests of shareholders and executives. At the commencement of 
each three-year cycle a performance opportunity for each participant is 
established. That opportunity is equal to 50% of base salary for the Chief 
Executive Officer of the Company; 45% of base salary in the case of a chief 
executive officer of a subsidiary; 30% of base salary for corporate or 
subsidiary senior executives; and 20% of base salary for all other executive 
participants. That opportunity is divided by the preceding year's average 
share price of the Company's common stock to determine the tentative award in 
shares of common stock. At the conclusion of the performance cycle the extent 
to which the financial performance of the Company exceeded the calculated 
expectations of shareholders is determined. To the extent that calculated 
shareholder expectations were exceeded, payouts are made under the Program, 
some of which may be required to be deferred. The range of award can be from 
0 to 200% of the opportunity established for each executive at the outset of 
the cycle.

         Long term performance share compensation is payable at the end of 
the three-year cycle (but not sooner than forty days after the end of the 
cycle) in the form of shares of common stock. Payment of long term 
performance compensation is contingent upon a participant's continued 
employment throughout the three-year period to which the compensation 
relates. All or a portion of long term performance compensation earned may be 
deferred by the employee. All earned compensation above the 100% target 
achievement at the end of each cycle must be deferred until the later of age 
62 or retirement and is subject to forfeiture in the event the employee 
voluntarily terminates employment within three years after the end of the 
cycle.

         During the 1996/1998 cycle the financial performance of the Company 
was above the performance targets for the Program's minimum payout; therefore 
executive officers of the Company were awarded shares of common stock in 
January 1999.

         c.   STOCK OPTION PLAN

         The 1996 Stock Option Plan provides for the opportunity to grant 
stock options to officers, other key employees and non-employee directors to 
help align those individuals' interests with those of shareholders, to 
motivate executives to make strategic long-term decisions, and to better 
enable the Company to attract and retain capable directors and executive 
personnel.

         The Committee utilized the services of an independent consulting 
compensation firm to provide marketplace competitive information as well as 
the practices of companies who have generated similar total shareholder 
returns.


                                    -14-

<PAGE>


         Stock option grants for non-employee directors of 4,000 shares are 
provided by the Plan and are to be granted as of the first day following each 
annual meeting of the Company's shareholders. The director options vest one 
year after the grant date. Officers and other key employees were granted 
stock options during the 1998 fiscal year. These options vest over a three 
year period. Officers and some key employees have been given shareholding 
guidelines to encourage them to become significant shareholders of the 
Company.

                                      * * *

         Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code limits tax deductibility 
of certain executive compensation in excess of $1 million per year unless 
certain requirements are met. The Program is designed to meet these 
requirements. The policy of the Committee related to these requirements is to 
maintain a compensation program which maximizes the creation of long term 
shareholder value. The Committee's intention is to comply with the 
requirements of Section 162(m) except in those limited cases where the 
Committee believes shareholder interests are best served by another approach.

         Respectfully submitted to the Company's shareholders by the 
Compensation Committee and the Performance Compensation Committee of the 
Board of Directors.

BY:  COMPENSATION COMMITTEE             BY:  PERFORMANCE COMPENSATION
                                             COMMITTEE

Peter F. Coffaro                        Peter F. Coffaro
Edward S. Davis (Chairman)              Edward S. Davis
John C. Hancock                         John C. Hancock
Daniel A. Hillenbrand                   Daniel A. Hillenbrand (Chairman)
W August Hillenbrand


                                    -15-

<PAGE>


         COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION

         Peter F. Coffaro, Edward S. Davis, John C. Hancock, Daniel A. 
Hillenbrand and W August Hillenbrand served on the Compensation Committee 
during 1998, and Peter F. Coffaro, Edward S. Davis, John C. Hancock and 
Daniel A. Hillenbrand served on the Performance Compensation Committee during 
1998.

         Daniel A. Hillenbrand, Chief Executive Officer of the Company until 
April 11, 1989, and currently Chairman of the Board of the Company, serves on 
both the Compensation Committee and the Performance Compensation Committee of 
the Company. W August Hillenbrand, President and Chief Executive Officer of 
the Company, serves on the Compensation Committee.

         Edward S. Davis, who is Chairman of the Compensation Committee and a 
member of the Performance Compensation Committee, is a partner in the law 
firm of Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP. The Company retains Hughes Hubbard & Reed 
LLP as legal counsel.

                            COMPANY STOCK PERFORMANCE

         The following graph compares the cumulative total return for common 
stock of the Company with the S & P 500 Index and S & P Manufacturing 
(Diversified Industrial) Index:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
           COMPARISON OF FIVE YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN
             AMONG HILLENBRAND INDUSTRIES, S&P 500 AND
            S&P MANUFACTURING (DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIALS)
                          BASE=NOVEMBER 1993

     Date          Hillenbrand           S&P 500          S&P Mfg
     <S>           <C>                   <C>              <C>
     1993            $100                 $100             $100
     1994             $73                 $101             $102
     1995             $82                 $138             $150
     1996             $94                 $177             $211
     1997            $115                 $227             $248
     1998            $148                 $281             $280
</TABLE>

         Assumes $100 invested in November 1993. Total return assumes that all
dividends are reinvested when received.


                                    -16-

<PAGE>

                                RETIREMENT PLANS

SAVINGS PLAN

         Under the Hillenbrand Industries, Inc., Savings Plan (the "Savings 
Plan"), officers of the Company and other employees may contribute through 
payroll deduction up to 15 percent of their base salary on a pre-tax basis, 
subject to certain maximum amounts established by the Internal Revenue 
Service, pursuant to Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code, into a 
choice of investment vehicles. The Company makes matching contributions of 40 
percent of the first five percent of pre-tax contributions (prior to January 
1, 1992, the Company contributed 25 percent of the first four percent of 
pre-tax contributions), subject to certain maximum amounts established by the 
Internal Revenue Service, and such amounts become fully vested after five 
years of service with the Company and its subsidiaries.

PENSION PLAN

         The Hillenbrand Industries, Inc. Pension Plan (the "Pension Plan") 
covers officers of the Company and other employees. Directors of the Company 
who are not employees of the Company or one of its subsidiaries are not 
eligible to participate in the Pension Plan. Contributions to the Pension 
Plan by the Company are made on an actuarial basis, and no specific 
contributions are determined or set aside for any individual.

         Employees, including officers of the Company, who retire under the 
Pension Plan receive fixed benefits calculated by means of a formula that 
takes into account the highest average annual base salary earned over five 
consecutive years and the employees' years of service. The following table 
shows approximate representative pension benefits based on a single life 
annuity calculation for the compensation and years of service indicated:
                                                           
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                 APPROXIMATE ANNUAL PENSION UPON RETIREMENT AT AGE 65

  HIGHEST AVERAGE BASE
 SALARY FOR ANY PERIOD OF     5 YEARS     10 YEARS    15 YEARS    20 YEARS    25 YEARS    30 YEARS     35 YEARS     40 YEARS 
   5 CONSECUTIVE YEARS      OF SERVICE   OF SERVICE  OF SERVICE  OF SERVICE  OF SERVICE  OF SERVICE   OF SERVICE   OF SERVICE
   -------------------      ----------   ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------   ----------   ----------
 <S>                        <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>        <C>         <C>          <C>          <C>
         $ 100,000            $  6,000    $ 12,000    $ 18,000     $ 24,000    $ 30,000    $ 36,000     $ 42,000    $ 48,000
         $ 200,000            $ 14,000    $ 28,000    $ 42,000     $ 56,000    $ 70,000    $ 84,000     $ 98,000    $112,000
         $ 300,000            $ 22,000    $ 44,000    $ 66,000     $ 88,000    $110,000    $132,000     $154,000    $176,000
         $ 400,000            $ 30,000    $ 60,000    $ 90,000     $120,000    $150,000    $180,000     $210,000    $240,000
         $ 500,000            $ 38,000    $ 76,000    $114,000     $152,000    $190,000    $228,000     $266,000    $304,000
         $ 600,000            $ 46,000    $ 92,000    $138,000     $184,000    $230,000    $276,000     $322,000    $368,000
         $ 700,000            $ 54,000    $108,000    $162,000     $216,000    $270,000    $324,000     $378,000    $432,000
         $ 800,000            $ 62,000    $124,000    $186,000     $248,000    $310,000    $372,000     $434,000    $496,000
         $ 900,000            $ 70,000    $140,000    $210,000     $280,000    $350,000    $420,000     $490,000    $560,000
        $1,000,000            $ 78,000    $156,000    $234,000     $312,000    $390,000    $468,000     $546,000    $624,000
</TABLE>

         The credited years of service under the Pension Plan and the 1998 
calendar year base salaries for the officers named in the table are as 
follows: W August Hillenbrand - 38 years, $826,731; Tom E. Brewer - 16 years, 
$356,384; Robert J. Tennison - 3 years, $239,769; Mark R. Lindenmeyer - 12 
years, $223,327; and Donald G. Barger, Jr. - 1 year, $242,308.


                                    -17-

<PAGE>


         The Internal Revenue Code limits the amount of benefits which may be 
paid under a qualified pension plan, such as the Company's Pension Plan. In 
order to be able to pay the full benefits which are earned as described in 
the paragraph and table above, the Company has established a non-qualified, 
unfunded pension plan for senior executives to pay the amounts which could 
not otherwise be paid because of the limitations established by the Internal 
Revenue Code. The Pension Plan is not subject to deductions for Social 
Security or other offset amounts.

                              COST OF SOLICITATION

         The entire cost of solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors 
will be borne by the Company. In addition to the use of the mails, proxies 
may be solicited by personal interview, facsimile, telephone and telegram by 
directors, officers and employees of the Company. The Company expects to 
reimburse brokers or other persons for their reasonable out-of-pocket 
expenses in forwarding proxy material to beneficial owners.

                              SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS

         Any proposal by a shareholder which is to be presented at the annual 
meeting to be held in 2000 must be received at the Company's principal 
executive offices in Batesville, Indiana, not later than January 4, 2000, in 
order to be included in the proxy statement and form of proxy relating to 
that meeting.

         Pursuant to the Code of By-laws of the Company, any proposal by a 
shareholder may not be presented at the annual meeting to be held in 2000 
unless it is delivered to or mailed and received by the Secretary at the 
Company's principal offices in Batesville, Indiana, not later than 100 days 
prior to the anniversary of the April 13, 1999 annual meeting. If the date of 
the annual meeting to be held in 2000 is more than 30 days after such 
anniversary date, such notice will also be timely if received by the 
Secretary by the later of 100 days prior to the forthcoming 2000 annual 
meeting date and the close of business 10 days following the date on which 
the Company first makes public disclosure of the 2000 annual meeting date.

                           INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

         Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in any of the 
Company's previous or future filings under the Securities Act of 1933, as 
amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that 
incorporates this proxy statement by reference, the Compensation Committees' 
Report and the line graph Comparison of Five Year Cumulative Total Return 
shall not be incorporated by reference into any such filings.

                                        Mark R. Lindenmeyer
                                        Secretary 

March 5, 1999


                                    -18-
<PAGE>

                          HILLENBRAND INDUSTRIES, INC.
       Proxy for Annual Meeting Of Shareholders To Be Held April 13, 1999
               PROXY SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The undersigned appoints Daniel A. Hillenbrand and W August Hillenbrand, or 
either of them, with full power of substitution, as proxies to vote all the 
shares of the undersigned at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of 
Hillenbrand Industries, Inc. (the "Company") to be held at the Sherman House, 
35 South Main Street, Batesville, Indiana 47006-0067, on April 13, 1999 at 
10:00 a.m., local time (Eastern Standard Time), and at any adjournments of 
the meeting, on the following matters:

         (1)     Election of director nominees John C. Hancock, George M.
                 Hillenbrand II and John A. Hillenbrand II to serve three year
                 terms as directors.

                 / / FOR ALL NOMINEES                / / WITHHOLD AUTHORITY

                 (except as marked to the contrary below)

                 (INSTRUCTION: To withhold authority for any individual
                 nominee, write that nominee's name on the line provided
                 below.)

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

         (2)     Ratification of the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
                 as independent auditors.

                 / / FOR                / / AGAINST             / / ABSTAIN

         (3)     In their discretion upon such other business as may properly
                 come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof.

          THIS PROXY MAY BE REVOKED AT ANY TIME BEFORE IT IS EXERCISED.

                  (continued and to be signed on reverse side)

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

THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED BY THE 
UNDERSIGNED SHAREHOLDER. IF NO DIRECTION IS GIVEN, THE SHARES WILL BE VOTED 
FOR ITEMS 1 AND 2. IF ANY DIRECTOR NOMINEE SHOULD BE UNABLE TO SERVE, THE 
SHARES WILL BE VOTED FOR A SUBSTITUTE NOMINEE SELECTED BY THE BOARD OF 
DIRECTORS. IF ANY OTHER BUSINESS COMES BEFORE THE MEETING, THE SHARES 
REPRESENTED BY THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED IN THE DISCRETION OF THE PROXY 
HOLDERS.

                                    -----------------------------
                                    Signature

                                    -----------------------------
                                    Signature if held jointly

                                    Please sign name and title exactly as shown
                                    on label on this proxy card.

                                    Dated:____________________, 1999

IMPORTANT: THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. 
PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THIS PROXY PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED 
ENVELOPE. WHEN SIGNING AS ATTORNEY, EXECUTOR, ADMINISTRATOR, TRUSTEE, 
PARTNER, OFFICER OR GUARDIAN, PLEASE GIVE YOUR FULL TITLE. IF SHARES ARE HELD 
JOINTLY, ALL HOLDERS MUST SIGN THE PROXY. NO POSTAGE IS REQUIRED IF MAILED IN 
THE UNITED STATES.


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