LIMITED INC
10-K, 1996-05-02
WOMEN'S CLOTHING STORES
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<PAGE>
 
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            Washington, D. C.  20549
                                  ___________

                                   FORM 10-K

(Mark One)
[X]  ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
     ACT OF 1934 [FEE REQUIRED]
For the fiscal year ended February 3, 1996
                          ----------------
                                       OR

[  ]  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
      EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [NO FEE REQUIRED]
For the transition period from ______________ to ______________

                         Commission file number 1-8344
                                                ------

                               THE LIMITED, INC.
                         -----------------------------
            (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

             Delaware                                    31-1029810
- --------------------------------------            ------------------------
   (State or other jurisdiction of           (I.R.S.Employer Identification No.)
    incorporation or organization)
 
Three Limited Parkway, P.O. Box 16000, Columbus, Ohio        43216
- -----------------------------------------------------      ----------
     (Address of principal executive offices)              (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code (614) 479-7000
                                                   --------------

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
     Title of each class              Name of each exchange on which registered
     -------------------              -----------------------------------------
     Common Stock, $.50 Par Value     The New York Stock Exchange
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:  None.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months and (2) has been subject to the filing requirements for
the past 90 days.  Yes    X      No
                      ---------    ---------         

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. ___

Aggregate market value of the registrant's Common Stock held by non-affiliates
of the registrant as of March 18, 1996: $5,448,463,287.
                 
Number of shares outstanding of the registrant's Common Stock as of March 18,
1996: 270,731,095.

                      DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:

Portions of the registrant's annual report to shareholders for the fiscal year
ended February 3, 1996 are incorporated by reference into Part I and Part II,
and portions of the registrant's proxy statement for the Annual Meeting of
Shareholders scheduled for May 20, 1996 are incorporated by reference into Part
III.
<PAGE>
 
                                     PART I

ITEM 1.  BUSINESS.

General.

The Limited, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company", which term sometimes
includes Intimate Brands, Inc.), is principally engaged in the purchase,
distribution and sale of women's apparel, lingerie, men's apparel, personal care
products, children's apparel and a wide variety of sporting goods. The Company
operates an integrated distribution system which supports the Company's retail
activities. These activities are conducted under various trade names through the
retail stores and catalogue divisions of the Company. Merchandise is targeted to
appeal to customers in specialty markets who have distinctive consumer
characteristics. The Company's women's apparel divisions offer regular and
special-sized fashion apparel at various price levels, including shirts,
blouses, sweaters, pants, skirts, coats and dresses. In addition, the Company
offers lingerie and accessories, men's apparel, fragrances, bed, bath, personal
care products, specialty gift items, children's apparel and a wide variety of
sporting goods.

Description of Operations.

General.
- ------- 

As of February 3, 1996, the Company operated the following divisions: (1)
Intimate Brands, Inc. ("IBI") (a corporation in which the Company holds an 83%
interest) which consists of three lingerie divisions including two retail
divisions and one catalogue division (Victoria's Secret Catalogue) and two
personal care divisions, (2) five women's apparel retail divisions, (3) the
Emerging divisions which consist of two men's apparel divisions, one children's
apparel division and one sporting goods division.  The following chart reflects
the retail divisions and the number of stores in operation in each division at
February 3, 1996 and January 28, 1995.

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

    RETAIL DIVISIONS                NUMBER OF STORES
    ----------------                ----------------
                                 February        January
                                  3, 1996        28, 1995
                                 --------        --------
<S>                              <C>             <C>
Women's
- -------

  Express                           737             716
  Lerner New York                   835             846
  Lane Bryant                       828             812
  Limited Stores                    689             709
  Henri Bendel                        4               4
                                 --------        --------
  Total Women's                   3,093           3,087

Emerging
- --------
  Structure                         518             466
  Abercrombie & Fitch Co.           100              67
  The Limited Too                   288             210
  Galyan's Trading Co.                6               -
                                 --------        --------
  Total Emerging                    912             743

Intimate Brands, Inc.
- ---------------------
  Victoria's Secret Stores          671             601
  Cacique                           120             114
  Bath & Body Works                 498             318
  Penhaligon's                        4               4
                                 --------        --------
  Total Intimate Brands, Inc.     1,293           1,037
                                 --------        --------
Total                             5,298           4,867
                                 ========        ========

</TABLE>

The following table shows the changes in the number of retail stores operated by
the Company for the past five fiscal years:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
 
        Fiscal   Beginning
         Year     of Year   Acquired  Opened  Closed   End of Year
         ----     -------   --------  ------  ------   -----------
        <S>      <C>        <C>       <C>     <C>      <C>
         1991      3,760        -       484    (50)        4,194
         1992      4,194        -       323    (92)        4,425
         1993      4,425        -       322   (124)        4,623
         1994      4,623        -       358   (114)        4,867
         1995      4,867        6       504    (79)        5,298
 
</TABLE>

The Company also operates Mast Industries, Inc., a contract manufacturer and
apparel importer, and Gryphon Development, Inc. ("Gryphon") which is a
subsidiary of IBI.  Gryphon creates, develops and contract manufactures most of
the bath and personal care products sold by the Company.

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
During fiscal year 1995, the Company purchased merchandise from approximately
5,300 suppliers and factories located throughout the world.  Approximately 55%
of the Company's merchandise is purchased in foreign markets and a portion of
merchandise purchased in the domestic market is manufactured overseas.  Company
records, however, do not track between foreign and domestic sources for
merchandise purchased domestically.  No more than 5% of goods purchased
originated from any single manufacturer.

Most of the merchandise and related materials for the Company's stores is
shipped to the Company's distribution centers in the Columbus, Ohio area, where
the merchandise is received and inspected.  The Company uses common and contract
carriers to distribute merchandise and related materials to its stores. The
Company's divisions generally have independent distribution capabilities and no
division receives priority over any other division.  There are no distribution
channels between the divisions.

The Company's policy is to maintain sufficient quantities of inventory on hand
in its retail stores and distribution centers so that it can offer customers a
full selection of current merchandise.  The Company emphasizes rapid turnover
and takes markdowns where required to keep merchandise fresh and current with
fashion trends.

The Company views the retail apparel market as having two principal selling
seasons, Spring and Fall. As is generally the case in the apparel industry, the
Company experiences its peak sales activity during the Fall season.  This
seasonal sales pattern results in increased inventory and accounts receivable
during the Fall and Christmas selling periods.  During fiscal year 1995, the
highest inventory level approximated $1.436 billion at the November 1995 month-
end and the lowest inventory level approximated $943 million at the February
1995 month-end.

Merchandise sales are paid for in cash or by personal check, credit cards issued
by third parties or credit cards issued by the Company's credit card processing
venture, World Financial Network National Bank ("WFNNB"), for customers of
Express, Lerner New York, Lane Bryant, Limited, Henri Bendel, Victoria's Secret
Stores, Victoria's Secret Catalogue, Structure and Abercrombie & Fitch.  WFNNB
was a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company prior to January 1996, when a 60%
interest was sold to a New York investment firm, resulting in the formation of a
joint venture which will focus on providing private-label and bank card 
transaction processing and database management services to retailers, including
the Company's private-label credit card operations. Further information 
regarding this transaction is contained in Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements included in The Limited, Inc., 1995 Annual Report to 
Shareholders, portions of which are annexed hereto as Exhibit 13 (the "1995 
Annual Report") and is incorporated herein by reference.

The Company offers its customers a liberal return policy stated as "No Sale is
Ever Final."  The Company believes that certain of its competitors offer similar
credit card and service policies.

The following is a brief description of each of the Company's operating
divisions, including their respective target markets.


                                       4
<PAGE>
 
Women's
- -------

Express - Everyday European street fashion, as it is happening, 22-40 year old
women.

Lerner New York - Fashionable sportwear for the value-minded customer.

Lane Bryant - Fashionable sportwear, ready-to-wear, lingerie, accessories and
hosiery for the larger-sized (14 - 28) customer.

Limited - Classic American clothing for women, aged 25-45, who are sophisticated
versus trendy and who want clothing that's high-quality and versatile.

Henri Bendel - Fashion apparel, cosmetics, accessories and gifts for
professional women, aged 30-plus, from higher-income households.

Emerging
- --------

Structure - European-inspired sportswear and ready-to-wear, with a distinctive
American casual interpretation for 18-40 year old men.

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. - Natural American-style sportwear-casual, classic,
spirited-for young-minded men and women, aged 15-30.

Limited Too - American casual fashion for girls to age 14.

Galyan's - The "coolest" destination in sports retailing for sports enthusiasts
and wanna-be's of all ages and both genders.

Additional information about the Company's business, including its revenues and
profits for the last three years, plus selling square footage and other
information about each of the Company's operating divisions, is set forth under
the caption "Management's Discussion and Analysis"  of the 1995 Annual Report
and is incorporated herein by reference.

Intimate Brands, Inc.
- ---------------------

Victoria's Secret Stores - Most successful brand of elegant intimate apparel,
foundations and related products for women aged 15 and above.

Cacique - Beautiful, high-quality, French-inspired lingerie for sophisticated
women, age 25-plus.

Victoria's Secret Catalogue - The premier catalogue of women's intimate apparel
and clothing presented in an aspirational lifestyle setting for women aged 18
and over.

Bath & Body Works - Healthy, natural, good-for-you personal care products and
gifts of superior efficacy and value from America's heartland for men and women
of all ages.

Penhaligon's - Highly desirable, world-class purveyor of classic scents and fine
English gifts for sophisticated, well-traveled men and women.

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
Competition.

The sale of apparel, personal care products and sporting goods through retail
stores is a highly competitive business with numerous competitors, including
individual and chain fashion specialty stores and department stores. Design,
price, service, selection and quality are the principal competitive factors in
retail store sales. The Company's catalogue division competes with numerous
national and regional catalogue merchandisers in catalogue sales. Design, price,
quality and catalogue presentation are the principal competitive factors in
catalogue sales.

The Company is unable to estimate the number of competitors or its relative
competitive position due to the large number of companies selling apparel and
personal care products at retail, both through stores and catalogues.

Associate Relations.

On February 3, 1996, the Company employed approximately 104,000 associates,
74,500 of whom were part-time.  In addition, temporary associates are hired
during peak periods, such as the Christmas season.

ITEM 2.   PROPERTIES.

The Company's business is principally conducted from office, distribution and
shipping facilities located in the Columbus, Ohio area.  Additional facilities
are located in New York City, New York, Indianapolis, Indiana, Andover,
Massachusetts, Kettering, Ohio, and London, England.

The distribution and shipping facilities owned by the Company consist of seven
buildings located in Columbus, Ohio, comprising approximately 5.2 million square
feet.

Substantially all of the retail stores operated by the Company are located in
leased facilities, primarily in shopping centers throughout the continental
United States.  The leases expire at various dates principally between 1996 and
2016 and generally do not have renewal options.

Typically, when space is leased for a retail store in a shopping center, all
improvements, including interior walls, floors, ceilings, fixtures and
decorations, are supplied by the tenant.  In certain cases, the landlord of the
property may provide a construction allowance to defray a portion of the cost of
improvements.  The cost of improvements varies widely, depending on the size and
location of the store.  Rental terms for new locations usually include a fixed
minimum rent plus a percentage of sales in excess of a specified amount. Certain
operating costs such as common area maintenance, utilities, insurance, and taxes
are typically paid by tenants.

ITEM 3.   LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

Not applicable.

ITEM 4.   SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.

Not applicable.

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
SUPPLEMENTAL ITEM.  EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT.

Set forth below is certain information regarding the executive officers of the
Company as of February 3, 1996.

Leslie H. Wexner, 58, has been Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company
for more than five years and its President and Chief Executive Officer since he
founded the Company in 1963.

Kenneth B. Gilman, 49, has been Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer of the
Company since June 1993.  Mr. Gilman was the Executive Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer of the Company for more than five years prior thereto.

Michael Weiss, 54, has been Vice Chairman of the Company since June 1993.  Mr.
Weiss was the Chief Executive Officer of the Company's Express division  for
more than five years prior thereto.

Bella Wexner, over 65 years of age, has been the Secretary of the Company for
more than five years.

Martin Trust, 61, has been President of Mast Industries, Inc., a wholly-owned
subsidiary of the Company, for more than five years.

Arnold F. Kanarick, 55, has been Executive Vice President and Director of Human
Resources since October 1992.  Mr. Kanarick was Vice President, Human Resources
of Analog Devices, a manufacturer of semiconductors, from 1985 to 1992.

Wade H. Buff, 61, has been Vice President, Internal Audit of the Company for
more than five years.

Alfred S. Dietzel, 64, has been Vice President, Financial and Public Relations
of the Company for more than five years.

Samuel P. Fried, 44, has been Vice President and General Counsel of the Company
since November 1991. Mr. Fried was Vice President and General Counsel of Exide
Corporation, a manufacturer of automotive and industrial batteries, from
February 1987 to October 1991.

William K. Gerber, 41, has been Vice President, Finance of the Company since
August 1993.  Mr. Gerber was Vice President and Corporate Controller of the
Company for more than five years prior thereto.

Patrick C. Hectorne, 43, has been Treasurer of the Company since August 1993.
Mr. Hectorne was Assistant Treasurer of the Company for more than five years
prior thereto.

Charles W. Hinson, 59, has been President, Store Planning of the Company for
more than five years.

Kent A. Kleeberger, 44, has been Corporate Controller of the Company Since July
1995.  Mr. Kleeberger was Vice President and Controller at Victoria's Secret
Catalogue from February 1993 to June 1995 and Director of Accounting Operations
at Victoria's's Secret Catalogue from August 1991 to January 1993 and Director
of Financial Reporting at The Limited, Inc. prior thereto.

Jack Listanowsky, 48, has been Vice President and Chief Sourcing and Production
Officer of the Company since March 1995.  Mr. Listanowsky was Executive Vice
President, Manufacturing and Operations for Liz Claiborne, Inc. for more than
five years prior thereto.

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
Timothy B. Lyons, 49, has been Vice President, Taxes of the Company for more
than five years.

Edward G. Razek, 47, has been Vice President and Director of Marketing of the
Company since November 1993.  Mr. Razek was the Executive Vice President of
Marketing for Limited Stores for more than five years prior thereto.

Jon Ricker, 46, has been Vice President and Chief Information Officer of the
Company since February 1996.  Mr. Ricker was Vice President and Chief
Information Officer for Bell South from mid-1993 and Vice President, Corporate 
Systems Development for Federal Express from 1990 to mid-1993.

Bruce A. Soll, 38, has been Vice President of the Company since October 1991.
Mr. Soll was Counselor/Director of Policy Planning for the U.S. Department of
Commerce from February 1989 to September 1991.

All of the above officers serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors of the
Company.

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART II

ITEM 5.   MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER
          MATTERS.

Information regarding markets in which the Company's common stock was traded
during fiscal years 1995 and 1994, approximate number of holders of common
stock, and quarterly cash dividend per share information of the Company's common
stock for the fiscal years 1995 and 1994 is set forth under the caption "Market
Price and Dividend Information" of the 1995 Annual Report and is incorporated
herein by reference.

ITEM 6.   SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.

Selected financial data is set forth under the caption "Financial Summary" on
pages 40 and 41 of the 1995 Annual Report and is incorporated herein by
reference.

ITEM 7.   MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
          RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of
operations is set forth under the caption "Management's Discussion and Analysis"
of the 1995 Annual Report and is incorporated herein by reference.


ITEM 8.   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.

The Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company and subsidiaries, the Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements and the Report of Independent Accountants
are set forth in the 1995 Annual Report and are incorporated herein by
reference.

ITEM 9.   CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
          FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.

Not applicable.

                                    PART III

ITEM 10.  DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT.

Information regarding directors of the Company is set forth under the captions
"ELECTION OF DIRECTORS - Nominees and Directors", "- Business Experience", 
"-Information Concerning the Board of Directors" and "- Security Ownership of
Directors and Management"  on pages 1 through 6 of the Company's proxy statement
for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held May 20, 1996 (the "Proxy
Statement") and is incorporated herein by reference.  Information regarding
executive officers is set forth herein under the caption "SUPPLEMENTAL ITEM.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT" in Part I.

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 11.  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.

Information regarding executive compensation is set forth under the caption
"EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION" on pages 8 through 11 of the Proxy Statement and is
incorporated herein by reference.  Such incorporation by reference shall not be
deemed to specifically incorporate by reference the information referred to in
Item 402(a)(8) of Regulation S-K.

ITEM 12.  SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT.

Information regarding the security ownership of certain beneficial owners and
management is set forth under the captions "ELECTION OF DIRECTORS - Security
Ownership of Directors and Management" on pages 4 through 6 of the Proxy
Statement and "PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF VOTING SECURITIES" on page 17 of the Proxy
Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 13.  CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.

Information regarding certain relationships and related transactions is set
forth under the captions "ELECTION OF DIRECTORS - Business Experience" on pages
2 and 3 of the Proxy Statement and "ELECTION OF DIRECTORS - Certain 
Relationships and Related Transactions" on pages 6 and 7 of the Proxy Statement
and is incorporated herein by reference.

                                    PART IV

ITEM 14.  EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON  FORM 8-K.

     (a)(1)   List of Financial Statements.
              ---------------------------- 

The following consolidated financial statements of The Limited, Inc. and
Subsidiaries and the related notes are filed as a part of this report pursuant
to ITEM 8:

     Consolidated Statements of Income for the fiscal years ended February 3,
        1996, January 28, 1995, and  January 29, 1994.
 
     Consolidated Balance Sheets as of February 3, 1996 and January 28, 1995.

     Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the fiscal years ended
        February 3, 1996, January 28, 1995 and January 29, 1994.

     Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the fiscal years ended February
       3, 1996, January 28, 1995 and January 29,1994.

     Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

     Report of Independent Accountants.

                                       10
<PAGE>
 
     (a)(2)   List of Financial Statement Schedules.
              ------------------------------------- 

The following consolidated financial statement schedule of The Limited, Inc. and
subsidiaries is filed as part of this report pursuant to ITEM 14(d):

     II.  Valuation and Qualifying Accounts.

All other schedules are omitted because the required information is either
presented in the financial statements or notes thereto, or is not applicable,
required or material.  Columns omitted from the schedule have been omitted
because the information is not applicable.

     (a)(3)   List of Exhibits
              ----------------

     3.  Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws.

         3.1.  Certificate of Incorporation of the Company incorporated by
               reference to Exhibit 3.4 to the Company's Annual Report on Form
               10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 1988.

         3.2.  Restated Bylaws of the Company incorporated by reference to
               Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
               fiscal year ended February 2, 1991 (the "1990 Form 10-K").

     4.  Instruments Defining the Rights of Security Holders.

         4.1.  Copy of the form of Global Security representing the Company's
               7 1/2% Debentures due 2023, incorporated by reference to
               Exhibit 1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated
               March 4, 1993.
               
         4.2.  Conformed copy of the Indenture dated as of March 15, 1988
               between the Company and The Bank of New York, incorporated by
               reference to Exhibit 4.1(a) to the Company's Current Report on
               Form 8-K dated March 21, 1989.

         4.3.  Copy of the form of Global Security representing the Company's 
               8 7/8% Notes due August 15, 1999, incorporated by reference to
               Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated
               August 14, 1989.

         4.4.  Copy of the form of Global Security representing the Company's 
               9 1/8% Notes due February 1, 2001, incorporated by reference to
               Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated
               February 6, 1991.

         4.5.  Copy of the form of Global Security representing the Company's
               7.80% Notes due May 15, 2002, incorporated by reference to the
               Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 27, 1992.

         4.6.  Proposed form of Debt Warrant Agreement for Warrants attached to
               Debt Securities, with proposed form of Debt Warrant Certificate
               incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company's
               Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File no. 33-53366) originally
               filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
               "Commission") on October 16, 1992, as amended by Amendment No. 1
               thereto, filed with the Commission on February 23, 1993 (the
               "1993 Form S-3").

                                       11
<PAGE>
 
         4.7.  Proposed form of Debt Warrant Agreement for Warrants not attached
               to Debt Securities, with proposed form of Debt Warrant
               Certificate incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the 1993
               Form S-3.

         4.8.  Credit Agreement dated as of December 15, 1995 among the
               Company, Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York and the banks 
               listed therein.

     10. Material Contracts.

        10.1.  The Restated 1981 Stock Option Plan of The Limited, Inc.,
               incorporated by reference to Exhibit 28(b) to the Company's
               Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 33-18533) (the "Form
               S-8").

        10.2.  The 1987 Stock Option Plan of The Limited, Inc., incorporated by
               reference to Exhibit 28(a) to the Form S-8.

        10.3.  Officers' Benefits Plan incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4
               to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
               ended January 28, 1989 (the "1988 Form 10-K").

        10.4.  The Limited Deferred Compensation Plan incorporated by reference
               to Exhibit 10.4 to the 1990 Form 10-K.

        10.5.  Form of Indemnification Agreement between the Company and the
               directors and officers of the Company, incorporated by reference
               to Exhibit A to the Company's definitive proxy statement dated
               April 18, 1988 for the Company's 1988 Annual Meeting of
               Shareholders held May 23, 1988.

        10.6.  Schedule of directors and officers who became parties to
               Indemnification Agreements effective May 23, 1988, incorporated
               by reference to Exhibit 19.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on
               Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 29, 1988.

        10.7   Supplemental schedule of officer who became a party to an
               Indemnification Agreement effective May 23, 1988 incorporated by
               reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the 1988 Form 10-K.

        10.8.  Supplemental schedule of directors and officers who became
               parties to Indemnification Agreements incorporated by reference
               to Exhibit 19.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
               for the quarter ended August 1, 1992.

        10.9.  Supplemental schedule of officer who became party to an
               Indemnification Agreement effective November 16, 1992
               incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Company's Annual
               Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 30, 1993.

                                       12
<PAGE>
 
         10.10 Supplemental schedule of officer who became party to an
               Indemnification Agreement effective June 3, 1993, incorporated by
               reference to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
               quarter ended July 31, 1993.

         10.11 The 1993 Stock Option and Performance Incentive Plan of the
               Company, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 to the Company's
               Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 33-49871).

         10.12 Supplemental schedule of director who became party to an
               Indemnification Agreement effective January 27, 1995 incorporated
               by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the 1994 Form 10-K.

         10.13 Supplemental schedule of officer who became party to an
               Indemnification Agreement effective March 20, 1995 incorporated
               by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the 1994 Form 10-K.

         10.14 Form of Offer to Purchase dated February 1, 1996 incorporated by
               reference to the Company's Tender Offer Statement on Schedule
               13E-4 filed February 1, 1996.

         10.15 Contingent Stock Redemption Agreement dated as of January 26,
               1996 among the Company, Leslie H. Wexner and The Wexner
               Children's Trust incorporated by reference to the Company's
               Tender Offer Statement on Schedule 13E-4 filed February 1, 1996.

         10.16 Supplemental schedule of officer who became party to an
               Indemnification Agreement effective March 7, 1996.

         10.17 Supplemental schedule of officer who became party to an
               Indemnification Agreement effective February 1, 1996.

                                       13
<PAGE>
 
     11.  Statement re Computation of Per Share Earnings.

     12.  Statement re Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.

     13.  Excerpts from the 1995 Annual Report to Shareholders including
          "Financial Summary", "Management's Discussion and Analysis" and
          "Financial Statements and Notes" on pages 40 - 61.

     21.  Subsidiaries of the Registrant.

     23.  Consent of Independent Accountants.

     24.  Powers of Attorney.

     27.  Financial Data Schedule.

     99.  Annual Report of The Limited, Inc. Savings and Retirement Plan.

     (b)  Reports on Form 8-K.
          ------------------- 

          No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the fourth quarter of fiscal
          year 1995.

     (c)  Exhibits.
          -------- 

          The exhibits to this report are listed in section (a)(3) of Item 14
          above.

     (d)  Financial Statement Schedule
          ----------------------------

          The financial statement schedule filed with this report is listed in
          section (a)(2) of Item 14 above.

 

                                       14
<PAGE>
 
                                   SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or l5(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Date:  May 1, 1996

                                    THE LIMITED, INC.
                                    (registrant)


                                    By /s/ KENNETH B. GILMAN
                                      ------------------------------------
                                      Kenneth B. Gilman,
                                      Vice Chairman and
                                      Chief Financial Officer


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report
has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and
in the capacities indicated on May 1, 1996:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

     Signature                      Title
     ---------                      -----
<S>                                 <C> 
/s/ LESLIE H. WEXNER*               Chairman of the Board of Directors,
- -----------------------             President and Chief Executive Officer
Leslie H. Wexner                    

/s/ KENNETH B. GILMAN                                                           
- -----------------------             Director, Vice Chairman,
Kenneth B. Gilman                   Chief Financial Officer and
                                    Principal Accounting Officer


/s/ MICHAEL A. WEISS*               Director and Vice Chairman
- ------------------------                                    
Michael A. Weiss

/s/ BELLA WEXNER*
- ------------------------            Director
Bella Wexner

/s/ MARTIN TRUST*                   Director
- ------------------------              
Martin Trust

/s/ EUGENE M. FREEDMAN*             Director
- -----------------------                     
Eugene M. Freedman

</TABLE> 

                                       15
<PAGE>
  
<TABLE> 

<S>                                 <C> 
/s/ E. GORDON GEE*                  Director
- --------------------------               
E. Gordon Gee

/s/ THOMAS G. HOPKINS*              Director
- --------------------------                    
Thomas G. Hopkins

/s/ DAVID T. KOLLAT*                Director
- --------------------------                
David T. Kollat

/s/ CLAUDINE MALONE*                Director
- --------------------------                    
Claudine Malone

/s/ DONALD B. SHACKELFORD*          Director
- --------------------------                  
Donald B. Shackelford

/s/ ALLAN R. TESSLER*               Director
- --------------------------               
Allan R. Tessler

/s/ RAYMOND ZIMMERMAN*              Director
- --------------------------                     
Raymond Zimmerman

</TABLE> 

*The undersigned, by signing his name hereto, does hereby sign this report on
behalf of each of the above-indicated directors of the registrant pursuant to
powers of attorney executed by such directors.



By /s/ KENNETH B. GILMAN
  ----------------------------
  Kenneth B. Gilman
  Attorney-in-fact

                                       16
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                            Washington, D.C.  20549


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



                                   FORM 10-K

                ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF

                      THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934


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



                               THE LIMITED, INC.
             (exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


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


                         FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

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



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

                                       17
<PAGE>
 
                       REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


To the Board of Directors
and Shareholders of
The Limited, Inc.

We have audited the consolidated financial statements
of The Limited, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of February 3, 1996 and
January 28, 1995, and for each of the three fiscal years in the
period ended February 3, 1996, which financial statements are
included on pages 49 through 61 of the 1995 Annual Report to
Shareholders of The Limited, Inc. and incorporated by reference
herein.  We have also audited the financial statement schedule
for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended February
3, 1996, listed in Item 14(a)(2) of this Form 10-K.  These
financial statements and financial statement schedule are the
responsibility of the Company's management.  Our responsibility
is to express an opinion on these financial statements and
financial statement schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally
accepted auditing standards.  Those standards require that we
plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about
whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements.  An audit also includes assessing the accounting
principles used and significant estimates made by management, as
well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our
opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to
above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated
financial position of The Limited, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of
February 3, 1996 and January 28, 1995, and the consolidated
results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the
three fiscal years in the period ended February 3, 1996 in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.  In
addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule for
each of the three fiscal years in the period ended February 3,
1996 referred to above, when considered in relation to the basic
financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all
material respects, the information required to be included
therein.


                                    COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.

Columbus, Ohio
February 26, 1996, except for paragraph 11
in Note 1 and Note 9, as to which the date is
March 18, 1996.



                                       18
<PAGE>
 
                                                                     Schedule II
                                                                     -----------

                       THE LIMITED, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                       VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
                  FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED FEBRUARY 3, 1996,
                     JANUARY 28, 1995 AND JANUARY 29, 1994
                                  ( THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
 
 
                                                      Balance at      Charged to                                   Balance
                                                     Beginning of      Costs and                     Sale of        End of
                                                      Fiscal Year      Expenses       Deductions      WFNNB       Fiscal Year
                                                     ------------     ----------      ----------     -------      -----------
<S>                                                  <C>              <C>             <C>            <C>          <C> 
ALLOWANCE FOR UNCOLLECTIBLE ACCOUNTS

Fiscal year ended February 3, 1996                      $44,946         91,424       (90,134)(A)     (46,236)(B)   $    -
                                                     ============     ==========      =======        ========     ===========
Fiscal year ended January 28, 1995                      $34,897         72,725       (62,676)(A)                   $44,946
                                                     ============     ==========      =======        ========     ===========
Fiscal year ended January 29, 1994                      $24,973         50,803       (40,879)(A)                  $34,897
                                                     ============     ==========      =======        ========     =========== 
</TABLE> 

(A) - Write-offs, net of recoveries
(B) - The Company sold a 60% interest in WFNNB in 1995;
      therefore, it is no longer a consolidated subsidiary of
      the Company.  See Note 2 to the Consolidated
      Financial Statements for further information.

                                       19
<PAGE>
 
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
                                 -------------

                                        
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 


Exhibit No.              Document
- -----------             ----------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                     <C>   
   4.8                  Credit Agreement dated as of December 15, 1995 among the Company,
                        Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York and the banks 
                        listed therein.

  10.16                 Supplemental schedule of officer who became party to an
                        Indemnification Agreement effective March 7, 1996.

  10.17                 Supplemental schedule of officer who became party to an
                        Indemnification Agreement effective February 1, 1996.

  11                    Statement re Computation of
                        Per Share Earnings.

  12                    Statement re Computation of Ratio of
                        Earnings to Fixed Charges.

  13                    Excerpts from the 1995 Annual Report to Shareholders including
                        "Financial Summary", "Management's Discussion and Analysis" and
                        "Financial Statements and Notes" on pages 40 - 61.

  21                    Subsidiaries of the Registrant.

  23                    Consent of Independent Accountants.

  24                    Powers of Attorney.

  27                    Financial Data Schedule.

  99                    Annual Report of The Limited, Inc. Savings and
                        Retirement Plan.

</TABLE>

<PAGE>
                               The Limited, Inc.                     EXHIBIT 4.8
                   $1,000,000,000 Revolving Credit Facility

                              CLOSING DOCUMENTS

1.  Credit Agreement

2.  Assistant Secretary's Certificate

3.  Certificate of Good Standing

4.  Certificate of Incorporation and Amendments thereto

5.  Officer's Certificate

6.  Opinion of Samuel P. Fried, Esq.

7.  Opinion of Davis Polk & Wardwell

8.  Opinion of Cravath, Swaine & Moore
<PAGE>
 
                                                                  CONFORMED COPY



                                CREDIT AGREEMENT
                                     AMONG
                               THE LIMITED, INC.,
           THE BANKS LISTED ON THE SIGNATURE PAGES OF THIS AGREEMENT,
                   MORGAN GUARANTY TRUST COMPANY OF NEW YORK,
                                   as AGENT,

                                 CITIBANK, N.A.
                                      and
                       DEUTSCHE BANK AG, NEW YORK BRANCH
                               as MANAGING AGENTS

                                      AND

                                 CHEMICAL BANK,
                      THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO,
               THE HONG KONG & SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION LTD.,
                                      and
                               NATIONSBANK, N.A.
                                  as CO-AGENTS
<PAGE>

                       CREDIT AGREEMENT
                       TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SECTION                                                  PAGE
- -------------------------------------------------------  ----
<S>                                                      <C>

1.  DEFINITIONS
    1.1.  Capitalized Terms.............................    1
    1.2.  Accounting Terms and Determinations...........   14
    1.3.  Types of Borrowings...........................   14

2.  BORROWINGS
    2.1.  Commitments to Make Syndicated Loans..........   15
    2.2.  Notice of Syndicated Borrowings...............   16
    2.3.  Money Market Borrowings.......................   17
    2.4.  Notice to Banks; Funding of Loans.............   21
    2.5.  Notes.........................................   22
    2.6.  Maturity of Loans.............................   23
    2.7.  Interest Rates................................   23
    2.8.  Facility Fees.................................   27
    2.9.  Termination or Reduction of Commitments;
            Replacement of a Certificate Bank...........   28
    2.10. Optional Prepayments..........................   30
    2.11. General Provisions as to Payments.............   30
    2.12. Funding Losses................................   31
    2.13. Computation of Interest and Fees..............   32
    2.14. Interest after Maturity.......................   32
    2.15. Basis for Determining Interest Rate
            Inadequate or Unfair........................   33
    2.16. Illegality....................................   33
    2.17. Increased Cost and Reduced Return.............   34
    2.18. Base Rate Loans Substituted for Affected
            Fixed Rate Loans............................   36

</TABLE>
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SECTION                                                  PAGE
- -------------------------------------------------------  ----
<S>                                                      <C>
 
3.  CONDITIONS TO BORROWINGS
    3.1  Notice of Borrowing...........................    37
    3.2  Representations...............................    37
 
4.  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
    4.1  Corporate Existence and Power.................    37
    4.2  Corporate and Governmental Authorization;
           No Contravention............................    38
    4.3.  Binding Effect...............................    38
    4.4.  Financial Information........................    38
    4.5.  Litigation...................................    38
    4.6.  Subsidiaries.................................    39
    4.7.  Not an Investment Company....................    39
    4.8.  ERISA........................................    39
    4.9.  Taxes........................................    39
 
5.  COVENANTS
    5.1.  Information..................................    40
    5.2.  Maintenance of Properties....................    42
    5.3.  Maintenance of Insurance.....................    42
    5.4.  Preservation of Corporate Existence..........    42
    5.5.  Inspection of Property, Books and Records....    43
    5.6.  Limitations on the Company...................    43
    5.7.  Restrictions on Liens upon Stock of
            Consolidated Subsidiaries..................    44
    5.8.  Compliance with Laws.........................    44
    5.9.  Consolidated Subsidiary Debt 
            Limitations...............................     44
</TABLE>

                                      ii
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SECTION                                                  PAGE  
- -------------------------------------------------------  ----
<S>                                                      <C>
    5.10. Consolidations, Mergers and Sales of
            Assets.....................................    45
 
6.  EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES
    6.1.  Events of Default............................    46
    6.2.  Remedies.....................................    49
    6.3.  Notice of Default............................    50
 
7.  THE AGENT
    7.1.  Appointment and Authorization................    50
    7.2.  Agent and Affiliates.........................    50
    7.3.  Action by Agent..............................    50
    7.4.  Consultation with Experts....................    50
    7.5.  Liability of Agent...........................    50
    7.6.  Indemnification..............................    51
    7.7.  Credit Decision..............................    51
    7.8.  Successor Agent..............................    51
    7.9.  Agent's Fee..................................    52
 
8.  MISCELLANEOUS
    8.1.  Notice.......................................    52
    8.2.  No Waivers...................................    53
    8.3.  Expenses; Documentary Taxes..................    53
    8.4.  Sharing of Set-Offs..........................    53
    8.5.  Amendments and Waivers.......................    54
    8.6.  Successors and Assigns.......................    54
    8.7.  Collateral...................................    56
    8.8.  New York Law.................................    56

</TABLE>

                                     iii
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

SECTION                                                  PAGE
- -------------------------------------------------------  ----
<S>                                                      <C>

    8.9.  Counterparts; Integration.....................   56
    8.10. Indemnity by Company..........................   56
 
9.  EFFECTIVENESS
    9.1.  Conditions...................................    57
    9.2.  Termination of Agreements....................    58
</TABLE>

EXHIBITS

EXHIBIT A      Note

EXHIBIT B      Form of Quote Request

EXHIBIT C      Form of Invitation for Quotes

EXHIBIT D      Form of Quote

EXHIBIT E      Opinion of Counsel for the Company

EXHIBIT F      Opinion Of Cravath, Swaine & Moore,
                 Special Counsel For The Agent

EXHIBIT G      Assignment and Assumption Agreement

EXHIBIT H      Form of Notice of Request to Extend

                                      iv
<PAGE>
 
                                CREDIT AGREEMENT
                                ----------------

         THIS CREDIT AGREEMENT dated as of December 15, 1995 among THE LIMITED,
INC., a Delaware corporation, the BANKS listed on the signature pages of this
Agreement and MORGAN GUARANTY TRUST COMPANY OF NEW YORK, as Agent for the Banks
hereunder (in such capacity, the "Agent").  The parties hereto, intending to be
legally bound, hereby agree as follows:

                                   SECTION I

                                  DEFINITIONS

         1.1.  Capitalized Terms.  For the purpose of this Agreement, the
               ------------------                                        
following capitalized terms shall have the following meanings:

         "Absolute Rate Auction" means a solicitation of Quotes setting forth
Money Market Absolute Rates pursuant to Section 2.3.

         "Adequate Company Rating" means, at any time at which the Company Does
not have either a Highest Company Rating or a High Company Rating, either (a)
there exists a Company Rating by Standard & Poor's which is equal to or higher
than BBB- but less than BBB+ or (b) there exists a Company Rating by Moody's
which is equal to or higher than Baa3 but less than Baal.  For purposes of this
definition, the Company shall be deemed not to have an Adequate Company Rating
if no Company Rating exists or if each Company Rating which would otherwise
qualify as an Adequate Company Rating has been stated by the relevant rating
agency to be under review for possible downgrading as a result of a specific or
proposed action by the Company.

         "Adjusted CD Base Rate" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.7.2(b).

         "Administrative Questionnaire" means, with respect to each Bank, an
administrative questionnaire in the form prepared by the Agent and submitted to
the Agent (with a copy to the Company) duly completed by such Bank.

         "Agent" has the meaning set forth in the preamble.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                            2

         "Agreement" means this Credit Agreement as the same may hereafter be
amended from time to time.

         "Assessment Rate" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.7.2(b).

         "Banks" means the (a) banks listed on the signature pages of this
Agreement, (b) any additional banks which become Banks hereunder pursuant to
Section 2.9.3 and (c) their respective successors and assigns; "Bank" means
any one of them.

         "Base Rate" means, for any day, a rate per annum equal to the higher of
(a) the Prime Rate for such day and (b) the sum of 1/2 of 1% plus the Federal
Funds Rate for such day.

         "Base Rate Loan" means a loan to be made by a Bank pursuant to Section
2.1 as a Base Rate Loan in accordance with the applicable Notice of Syndicated
Borrowing or pursuant to Section 2.25, 2.16 or 2.18.

         "Borrowing" has the meaning set forth in Section 1.3.

         "Capital" means, at any time of determination, the sum of Consolidated
Debt plus Consolidated Tangible Net Worth.

         "CD Base Rate" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.7.2(b).

         "CD Loan" means any loan to be made by a Bank pursuant to Section 2.1
as a CD Loan in accordance with the applicable Notice of Syndicated Borrowing.

         "CD Margin" means (i) during any period that the Company has a Highest
Company Rating, .30 of 1% per annum, (ii) during any period that the Company has
or is deemed to have a High Company Rating, .375 of 1% per annum, (iii) during
any period that the Company has or is deemed to have an Adequate Company Rating,
 .475 of 1% per annum, and (iv) during any period that the Company has or is
deemed to have neither a Highest Company Rating nor a High Company Rating nor an
Adequate Company Rating, .625 of 1% per annum; provided, that from the Effective
                                               --------                         
Date until such time that the Company Rating ceases to be under the review by
Standard & Poor's or Moody's ongoing as of the Effective
<PAGE>
 
                                                                           3


Date, the CD Margin shall be deemed to be .475 of 1% per annum.

         "CD Rate" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.7.2(b).

         "CD Reference Banks" means Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York,
Deutsche Bank AG, New York and/or Cayman Islands Branches, and National City
Bank Columbus and each such other bank as may be appointed pursuant to Section
8.6.6.

         "Certificate Bank" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.9.3(a).

         "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or any
successor statute.

         "Commitment" means (a) with respect to each Bank listed on the
signature pages of this Agreement, the amount set forth opposite the name of
such Bank on the signature pages as its Commitment, or (b) for any additional
Bank, the amount which such additional Bank shall commit to lend the Company as
its Commitment pursuant to Section 2.9.3(b), in each case as such Commitment may
be reduced by the Company from time to time pursuant to Section 2.9.1 or changed
pursuant to Section 8.6.3.

         "Company" means The Limited, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its
successors.

         "Company Rating" means, at any time, a then current rating, whether
preliminary or final, published (or confirmed in writing to the Agent) by
Standard & Poor's or Moody's, relating to unsecured long-term senior Debt of the
Company which is then outstanding or with respect to which the Company has a
registration statement on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

         "Consolidated Current Assets" means all assets of the Company and
Consolidated Subsidiaries of a type which would be classified as current assets
of a corporation conducting a business the same as or similar to that of the
Company or Consolidated Subsidiaries, determined on a consolidated basis.

         "Consolidated Current Liabilities" means all liabilities of the Company
and Consolidated Subsidiaries of 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                           4


a type which would be classified as current liabilities of a corporation
conducting a business the same as or similar to that of the Company or
Consolidated Subsidiaries, determined on a consolidated basis.

         "Consolidated Debt" means, at any date of determination, the sum of (a)
the total Debt of the Company and Consolidated Subsidiaries at such date, (b) an
amount equal to six times the minimum rent commitments (less related sublease
income) of the Company and Consolidated Subsidiaries for the then current Fiscal
Year, as reflected in the footnotes to the most recent audited financial
statements of the Company and (c) an amount equal to six times the minimum rent
commitments (less related sublease income) of any Person other than the Company
or a Consolidated Subsidiary to the extent directly or indirectly guaranteed,
endorsed or assumed by the Company or any Consolidated Subsidiary or in respect
of which the Company or any Consolidated Subsidiary is contingently or otherwise
liable.

         "Consolidated Subsidiary" means any Subsidiary (other than an
Unrestricted Subsidiary), the accounts of which are or are required to be
consolidated with those of the Company in the Company's periodic reports filed
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

         "Consolidated Tangible Net Worth" means, at any date of determination
(a) the aggregate amount of all common stock, preferred stock (except preferred
stock having sinking fund payments or other similar payments (but not dividends)
which are due prior to the Termination Date), additional paid-in capital and
retained earnings (or deficit) less (b) the aggregate amount of (i) all
goodwill, licenses, patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade names, service marks,
experimental or organizational expenses and other similar intangibles and
unamortized debt discount and expense to the extent any of the foregoing arise
on or after January 31, 1988 and (ii) all investments, loans and advances by the
Company or any Consolidated Subsidiary in or to any Unrestricted Subsidiary, all
determined with respect to the Company and its Consolidated Subsidiaries on a
consolidated basis.

         "Debt" means, at any date, without duplication, (a) all obligations of
the Company and Consolidated Subsidiaries for borrowed money, (b) all
obligations of the Company and Consolidated Subsidiaries evidenced by bonds,
<PAGE>
 
                                                                           5

debentures, notes or other similar instruments, (c) all obligations of the
Company and Consolidated Subsidiaries to pay the deferred purchase price of
property (other than inventory) or services, except accruals and trade accounts
payable arising in the ordinary course of business, (d) all obligations of the
Company and Consolidated Subsidiaries as lessee under capital leases, (e) all
obligations of others of the kind described in subparagraphs (a), (b), (c) or
(d) hereof secured by a Lien on any asset of the Company or any Consolidated
Subsidiary, whether or not such obligation is assumed by the Company or any
Consolidated Subsidiary, and (f) all obligations of others of the kind described
in subparagraphs (a), (b), (c) or (d) hereof to the extent directly or
indirectly guaranteed, endorsed or assumed by the Company or any Consolidated
Subsidiary or in respect of which the Company or any Consolidated Subsidiary is
contingently or otherwise liable, including, without limitation, any such
obligation in effect guaranteed through any agreement, contingent or otherwise,
to purchase such obligation, or to advance or supply funds for the payment or
purchase of such obligation, or to purchase property or services, or to pay for
property or services irrespective of whether or not such property is delivered
or such services are rendered, primarily for the purpose of enabling the debtor
or seller to make payment of such obligation, or to assure the owner of such
obligation against loss, or to supply funds to or in any other manner invest in
the debtor for any of such purposes; provided that Debt shall not include any
obligations of the Company to a Consolidated Subsidiary or of a Consolidated
Subsidiary to the Company or another Consolidated Subsidiary.

         "Default" means any condition or event which constitutes an Event of
Default or which would become Event of Default with the giving of notice or
lapse of time or both (unless cured or waived).

         "Domestic Business Day" means any day except a Saturday, Sunday or
other day on which commercial banks in New York City are authorized by law to
close.

         "Domestic Lending Office" means, as to each Bank, its office located at
its address set forth in its Administrative Questionnaire (or identified therein
as its Domestic Lending Office) or such other office as such Bank may hereafter
designate as its Domestic Lending Office by notice to the Company and the Agent.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                           6


         "Domestic Loans" means CD Loans or Base Rate Loans or both.

         "Domestic Reserve Percentage" has the meaning set forth in Section
2.7.2(b).

         "Effective Date" means the date this Agreement becomes effective in
accordance with Section 9.

         "ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended from time to time.

         "ERISA Group" means all members of a controlled group of corporations
and all trades or businesses (whether or not incorporated) under common control
which, together with the Company, are treated as a single employer under Section
414 of the Code.

         "Euro-Dollar Business Day" means any Domestic Business Day on which
commercial banks are open for international business (including dealings in
dollar deposits) in London.

         "Euro-Dollar Lending Office" means, as to each Bank, its office, branch
or affiliate located at its address set forth in its Administrative
Questionnaire (or identified therein as its Euro-Dollar Lending Office) or such
other office, branch or affiliate of such Bank as it may hereafter designate as
its Euro-Dollar Lending Office by notice to the Company and the Agent.

         "Euro-Dollar Loan" means a loan to be made by a Bank pursuant to
Section 2.1 as a Euro-Dollar Loan in accordance with the applicable Notice of
Syndicated Borrowing.

         "Euro-Dollar Margin" means (i) during any period that the Company has a
Highest Company Rating, .175 of 1% per annum, (ii) during any period that the
Company has or is deemed to have a High Company Rating, .25 of 1% per annum,
(iii) during any period that the Company has or is deemed to have an Adequate
Company Rating, .35 of 1% per annum, and (iv) during any period that the Company
has or is deemed to have neither a Highest Company Rating nor a High Company
Rating nor an Adequate Company Rating, .50 of 1% per annum; provided, that from
the Effective Date until such time that the Company Rating ceases to be under
the review by Standard & Poor's or Moody's ongoing as of the Effective
<PAGE>
 
                                                                           7


Date, the Euro-Dollar Margin shall be deemed to be .35 of 1% per annum.

         "Euro-Dollar Reference Banks" means the principal London offices of
Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, Deutsche Bank AG, New York and/or
Cayman Islands Branches, and National City Bank, Columbus and each such other
bank as may be appointed pursuant to Section 8.6.6.

         "Euro-Dollar Reserve Percentage" has the meaning set forth in Section
2.7.4(c).

         "Event of Default" means any of the events specified in Section 6.1.,
provided that all requirements for the giving of notice and for the lapse of
- --------                                                                    
time have been satisfied in connection with such event.

         "Existing Credit Agreement" means the Credit Agreement dated as of
August 30, 1990, as amended, among the Company, the banks listed therein and
Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, as agent for such banks.

         "Extension Date" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1.3.

         "Federal Funds Rate" means, for any day, the rate per annum (rounded
upward, if necessary, to the nearest 1/100th of 1%) equal to the weighted
average of the rates on overnight federal funds transactions with members of the
Federal Reserve System arranged by federal funds brokers on such day, as
published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on the Domestic Business Day
next succeeding such day, provided that (i) if such day is not a Domestic
Business Day, the Federal Funds Rate for such day shall be such rate on such
transactions on the next preceding Domestic Business Day as so published on the
next succeeding Domestic Business Day, and (ii) if no such rate is so published
on such next succeeding Domestic Business Day, the Federal Funds Rate for such
day shall be the average rate quoted to Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New
York on such day on such transactions as determined by the Agent.

         "Fiscal Year" means the fiscal year of the Company which shall commence
on the Sunday following the Saturday on or nearest (whether following or
preceding) January 31 of one calendar year and end on the Saturday on or nearest
(whether following or preceding) January 31 of the following calendar year.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                           8

         "Fixed Rate Loans" means CD Loans, Euro-Dollar Loans or Money Market
Loans (excluding Money Market LIBOR Loans bearing interest at the Prime Rate
pursuant to Section 2.15) or any combination of the foregoing.

         "High Company Rating" means at any time at which the Company does not
have a Highest Company Rating, either (a) there exists a Company Rating by
Standard & Poor's which is equal to BBB+ or (b) there exists a Company Rating by
Moody's which is equal to Baal.  For purposes of this definition, the Company
shall be deemed not to have a High Company Rating (x) if each Company Rating
which would otherwise qualify as a High Company Rating has been stated by the
relevant rating agency to be under review for possible downgrading as a result
of a specific or proposed action by the Company, in which case the Company shall
be deemed to have an Adequate Company Rating, or (y) if no Company Rating
exists.

         "Highest Company Rating" means at any time, either (a) there exists a
Company Rating by Standard & Poor's which is equal to or higher than A- or (b)
there exists a Company Rating by Moody's which is equal to or higher than A3.
For purposes of this definition, the Company shall be deemed not to have a
Highest Company Rating (x) if each Company Rating which would otherwise qualify
as a Highest Company Rating has been stated by the relevant rating agency to be
under review for possible downgrading as a result of a specific or proposed
action by the Company, in which case the Company shall be deemed to have a High
Company Rating, or (y) if no Company Rating exists.

         "Interest Period" means the period, commencing on the date of each
Borrowing, for which such Borrowing is to be made, as the Company may elect in
the applicable Notice of Borrowing, as the same may be extended or shortened
pursuant to Section 2.6.

         "Invitation for Quotes" means an invitation substantially in the form
of Exhibit C sent by the Agent to the Banks pursuant to Section 2.3.3.

         "Lending Office" means, as to any Bank, its Domestic Lending Office or
its Euro-Dollar Lending Office or its Money Market Lending Office, as the
context may require.

         "LIBOR Auction" means a solicitation of Quotes for Money Market LIBOR
Loans pursuant to Section 2.3.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                           9

         "Lien" means, with respect to any asset, any mortgage, lien, pledge,
charge, security interest or encumbrance of any kind in respect of such asset.

         "Loans" means Syndicated Loans or Money Market Loans or any combination
of the foregoing; "Loan" means any one of such Loans.

         "London Interbank Offered Rate" means, with respect to any Interest
Period, the average (rounded upward, if necessary, to the next higher 1/16th of
1%) of the respective rates per annum at which deposits in dollars are offered
to each of the Euro-Dollar Reference Banks in the London interbank market at
approximately 11:00 A.M. (London time) two Euro-Dollar Business Days before the
first day of the applicable Interest Period for a period of time comparable to
such Interest Period and in an amount approximately equal to (a) in connection
with a related Euro-Dollar Borrowing, the principal amount of such Euro-Dollar
Reference Bank's portion of the related Euro-Dollar Borrowing or (b) in
connection with a related Money Market LIBOR Borrowing, the principal amount of
the related Money Market LIBOR Borrowing.

         "Margin Stock" means securities which are "margin stock" as defined in
Regulation U.

         "Material Plan" has the meaning set forth in Section 6.1.6.

         "Minority Interest Disposition" means a sale, transfer or other
distribution by the Company or any of the Subsidiaries (including without
limitation, the issuer thereof) of up to 20% of the equity interests in any
Subsidiary of the Company.

         "Money Market Absolute Rate" means the rate of interest per annum
(rounded to the nearest 1/10,000th of 1%) for any Money Market Absolute Rate
Loan.

         "Money Market Absolute Rate Loan" means a loan to be made by a Bank
pursuant to an Absolute Rate Auction.

         "Money Market Lending Office" means, as to each Bank, its Domestic
Lending Office or such other office, branch or affiliate of such Bank as it may
hereafter designate as its Money Market Lending Office by notice to the Company
and the Agent.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                           10

         "Money Market LIBOR Loan" means a loan to be made by a Bank pursuant to
a LIBOR Auction (including such a Loan bearing interest at the Prime Rate
pursuant to Section 2.15).

         "Money Market Loan" means a Money Market LIBOR Loan or a Money Market
Absolute Rate Loan.

         "Money Market Margin" means, in respect of any Money Market LIBOR Loan,
the margin above or below the applicable London Interbank offered Rate,
expressed as a percentage (rounded to the nearest 1/10,000th of 1%).

         "Moody's" means Moody's Investors Service, Inc.

         "Notes" means promissory notes of the Company, substantially in the
form of Exhibit A; "Note" means any one of such Notes.

         "Notice of Borrowing" means a Notice of Syndicated Borrowing or a
Notice of Money Market Borrowing.

         "Notice of Money Market Borrowing" has the meaning set forth in Section
2.3.6.

         "Notice of Syndicated Borrowing" has the meaning set forth in Section
2.2.

         "PBGC" means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation or any entity
succeeding to any or all of its functions under ERISA.

         "Person" means any individual, corporation, partnership, association,
trust, limited liability company or other entity or organization, including a
government or political subdivision or an agency or instrumentality thereof.

         "Plan" means, at any time, an employee pension benefit plan which is
covered by Title IV of ERISA or subject to funding standards under Section 412
of the Code and (a) is maintained by a member of the ERISA Group for employees
of a member of the ERISA Group, (b) has at any time within the preceding five
years been maintained, or contributed to, by any Person which was at such time a
member of the ERISA Group for employees of any Person which was at such time a
member of the ERISA Group, or (c) is maintained pursuant to a collective
bargaining agreement or
<PAGE>
 
                                                                           11

any other arrangement under which more than one employer makes contributions and
to which a member of the ERISA Group is then making or accruing an obligation to
make contributions or has within the preceding five plan years made
contributions.

         "Prime Rate" means the rate of interest publicly announced by Morgan
Guaranty Trust Company of New York in New York City from time to time as its
Prime Rate.

         "Quote" means an offer by a Bank to make a Money Market Loan in
accordance with Section 2.3.

         "Quote Request" means a request substantially in the form of Exhibit B
from the Company to the Banks to provide Quotes pursuant to Section 2.3.

         "Reference Banks" means the CD Reference Banks or the Euro-Dollar
Reference Banks, as the context may require; "Reference Bank" means any one of
such Reference Banks.

         "Refunding Borrowing" means a Borrowing which, after application of the
proceeds thereof, results in no net increase in the aggregate outstanding
principal amount of the Syndicated Loans made by any Bank.

         "Regulation U" means Regulation U of the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System, as in effect from time to time.

         "Required Banks" means, at any time of determination, Banks having at
least 60% of the aggregate amount of the Commitments or, if all of the
Commitments shall have been terminated, holding Notes evidencing at least 60% of
the aggregate unpaid principal amount of the Loans.

         "Second Extension Date" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1.3.

         "Standard & Poor's" means Standard & Poor's Ratings Services, a
division of McGraw-Hill, Inc.

         "Subsidiary" means any corporation or other entity of which outstanding
stock having ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the Board of Directors
of such corporation (irrespective of whether or not at the time stock of any
other class or classes of such corporation
<PAGE>
 
                                                                           12

shall have or might have voting power by reason of the happening of any
contingency and irrespective of any contractual limitation of the right or power
of the holder of such stock to vote for directors) is at the time directly or
indirectly owned by the Company or by one or more Subsidiaries, or by the
Company and one or more Subsidiaries together.

         "Syndicated Loan" means a Domestic Loan or a Euro-Dollar Loan made by a
Bank pursuant to Section 2.1.

         "Termination Date" means the date determined pursuant to Section 2.1.3
(or if such day is not a Euro-Dollar Business Day, the next preceding Euro-
Dollar Business Day).

         "Unfunded Liabilities" means, with respect to any Plan at any time, the
amount (if any) by which (a) the present value of all benefits under such Plan
exceeds (b) the fair market value of all Plan assets allocable to such benefits,
all determined as of the then most recent valuation date for such Plan, but only
(i) to the extent that such excess represents a potential liability of a member
of the ERISA Group to the PBGC or any other Person under Title IV of ERISA, or
(ii) with respect to a Plan which is a Multiemployer Plan as described in
Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA, to the extent of the Unfunded Liabilities of such
Plan allocable to any member of the ERISA Group under Section 4211 of ERISA.

         "Unrestricted Subsidiary" means any Subsidiary designated as an
Unrestricted Subsidiary in a written notice sent at any time after the date of
this Agreement by the Company to the Agent which is engaged (a) primarily in the
business of making or discounting loans, making advances, extending credit or
providing financial accommodation to, or purchasing the obligations of, other;
(b) primarily in the business of insuring property against loss and subject to
regulation as an insurance company by any governmental agency; (c) exclusively
in the business of owning or leasing, and operating, aircraft and/or trucks; (d)
primarily in the ownership, management, leasing or operation of real estate,
other than parcels of real estate with respect to which 51% or more of the
rentable space is used by the Company or a Consolidated Subsidiary in the normal
course of business; or (e) primarily as a carrier transporting goods in both
intrastate and interstate commerce, provided that (i) the Company may by notice
                                    --------                                   
to the
<PAGE>
 
                                                                           13

Agent change the designation of any Subsidiary described in subparagraphs (a)
through (e) above, but may do so only once during the term of this Agreement,
(ii) the designation of a Subsidiary as an Unrestricted Subsidiary more than 30
days after the creation or acquisition of such Subsidiary where such Subsidiary
was not specifically so designated within such 30 days shall be deemed to be the
only permitted change in designation, and (iii) immediately after the Company
designates any Subsidiary whether now owned or hereafter acquired or created as
an Unrestricted Subsidiary or changes the designation of a Subsidiary from an
Unrestricted Subsidiary to a Consolidated Subsidiary, the Company and all
Consolidated Subsidiaries would be in compliance with all of the provisions of
this Agreement.

         "Unused Commitment" means, at any date of determination, the excess of
(a) the then aggregate amount of the Commitments under this Agreement over (b)
the sum of the principal amount of all Loans then outstanding plus the principal
amount of commercial paper issued by the Company and outstanding on the date of
determination.

         "Value" means, when used in Section 6.1.5 with respect to investments
in and advances to a Consolidated Subsidiary, the book value thereof immediately
before the relevant event or events referred to in Section 6.1.5 occurred with
respect to such Consolidated Subsidiary.

         "WFN" means World Financial Network National Bank, a national banking
association, and its successors.

         "WFN Companies" means WFN and its Subsidiaries.

         "WFN Companies' Tangible Assets" means all assets of the WFN Companies,
determined on a consolidated basis, except (i) all goodwill, licenses, patents,
trademarks, copyrights, trade names, service marks, experimental or
organizational expenses and other similar intangibles and unamortized debt
discount and expense and (ii) all investments, loans and advances in or to any
Unrestricted Subsidiary.

         "WFN Credit Agreement" means the Credit Agreement dated as of December
4, 1992, as amended, among WFN, the Company, the banks listed therein and Morgan
Guaranty Trust Company of New York, as agent for such banks.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                           14


         "WFN Transactions" means (i) the sale by WFN of all or substantially
all of its receivables pursuant to a receivables securitization program and
(ii) the sale of the operations of WFN to a joint venture to be owned, directly
or indirectly, approximately 60% by Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe and 40% by
the Company.

         1.2.  Accounting Terms and Determinations.  Unless otherwise specified
               -----------------------------------                             
herein, all accounting terms used herein shall be interpreted, all accounting
determinations hereunder shall be made and all financial statements required to
be delivered hereunder shall be prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles as in effect from time to time, applied on a basis
consistent (except for changes concurred in by the Company's independent public
accountants) with the most recent audited consolidated financial statements of
the Company and its Consolidated Subsidiaries delivered to the Banks; provided
                                                                      --------
that, if the Company notifies the Agent that the Company, wishes to amend any
covenant in Section 5 to eliminate the effect of any change in generally
accepted accounting principles on the operation of such covenant (or if the
Agent notifies the Company that the Required Banks wish to amend Section 5 for
such purpose), then the Company's compliance with such covenant shall be
determined on the basis of generally accepted accounting principles in effect
immediately before the relevant change in generally accepted accounting
principles became effective, until either such notice is withdrawn or such
covenant is amended in a manner satisfactory to the Company and the Required
Banks.

         1.3.  Types of Borrowings.  The term "Borrowing" denotes the
               -------------------                                   
aggregation of Loans of one or more Banks to be made to the Company pursuant to
Section 2 on a single date and for a single Interest Period.  Borrowings are
classified for purposes of this Agreement either by reference to the pricing of
Loans comprising such Borrowing (e.g., a "Euro-Dollar Borrowing" is a Borrowing
                                 ----                                          
comprised of Euro-Dollar Loans) or by reference to the provisions of Section 2
under which participation in such Borrowing is determined (e.g., a "Syndicated
                                                           ----               
Borrowing" is a Borrowing under Section 2.1 in which all Banks participate in
proportion to their Commitments, while a "Money Market Borrowing" is a Borrowing
under Section 2.3 in which the Bank participants are determined by an auction
process in accordance with such provisions).
<PAGE>
 
                                                                           15


                                  SECTION 2

                                  BORROWINGS

          2.1.  Commitments to Make Syndicated Loans.
                ------------------------------------ 

          2.1.1.  During the period from and including the Effective Date to but
excluding the Termination Date, each Bank severally agrees, on the terms and
conditions set forth in this Agreement, to make one or more Syndicated Loans to
the Company from time to time; provided that (a) the aggregate principal amount
                               --------                                        
of Syndicated Loans by such Bank at any one time outstanding shall not exceed
the amount of such Bank's Commitment and (b) immediately after each Syndicated
Borrowing (and any concurrent repayment of Loans) the aggregate outstanding
principal amount of all Loans shall not exceed the aggregate amount of the
Commitments.  Within the foregoing limits, the Company may borrow under this
Section 2.1.1., repay or, to the extent permitted by Section 2.10, prepay Loans
in whole or in part and reborrow, on a revolving basis, at any time prior to the
Termination Date.

          2.1.2.  Each Syndicated Borrowing shall be in an aggregate principal
amount of $20,000,000 or any larger multiple of $1,000,000 (except that any such
Borrowing may be in the aggregate amount available in accordance with Section
3.2(c)) and shall be made from the several Banks ratably in proportion to their
respective Commitments.  Amounts required to be repaid pursuant to Section 2.16
shall not be reborrowed except as provided therein.

          2.1.3.  For the purposes of this Agreement, the "Termination Date"
shall be December 14, 2000; provided, however, that on December 14, 1997 (the
                            --------                                         
"Extension Date"), the Termination Date may be extended an additional two years
(i.e., from December 14, 2000 to December 14, 2002) if at least 60 days before
 ----                                                                         
the Extension Date, the Company has given written notice to the Agent requesting
the extension of the Termination Date, unless at least 30 days before the
Extension Date, the Agent (after having delivered a notice substantially in the
form of Exhibit H hereto to each Bank (which notice shall be effective upon
delivery to the Agent of written confirmation (including by bank wire, telex,
telecopy or similar writing) of receipt by such Bank) and received a written
request from any Bank that the Termination Date not be extended) delivers
written notice to the Company that the Termination Date is not to be so
<PAGE>
 
                                                                           16


extended; provided further, however, that if the Termination Date has been
extended to December 14, 2002 pursuant to the foregoing proviso, on December 14,
1999 (the "Second Extension Date"), the Termination Date as so extended may be
extended an additional two years (i.e., from December 14, 2002 to December 14,
                                  ----                                        
2004) if at least 60 days before the Second Extension Date, the Company has
given written notice to the Agent requesting the extension of the Termination
Date, unless at least 30 days before the Second Extension Date, the Agent (after
having delivered a notice substantially in the form of Exhibit H hereto to each
Bank (which notice shall be effective upon delivery to the Agent of written
confirmation (including by bank wire, telex, telecopy or similar writing) of
receipt by such Bank) and received a written request from any Bank that the
Termination Date not be extended) delivers written notice to the Company that
the Termination Date is not to be so extended.  The Company shall have the
right, within any such thirty-day period, to replace any Bank which has
requested that the Termination Date not be extended in the same manner as the
Company may replace a Certificate Bank pursuant to Section 2.9.3, and in the
event the Company so replaces each Bank making such request, the Termination
Date shall then be extended as provided in the preceding sentence.  Upon receipt
of any notice from the Company pursuant to this Section 2.1.3, the Agent shall
notify each Bank thereof within three Domestic Business Days.

          2.2.  Notice of Syndicated Borrowings.  The Company shall give the
                -------------------------------                             
Agent notice (a "Notice of Syndicated Borrowing") not later than 10:00 A.M. (New
York City time) on (a) the date of each Base Rate Borrowing, (b) the Domestic
Business Day before the date of each CD Borrowing and (c) the third Euro-Dollar
Business Day before the date of each Euro-Dollar Borrowing, specifying:

          2.2.1.  The date of such Borrowing, which shall be a Domestic Business
Day in the case of a Domestic Borrowing or a Euro-Dollar Business Day in the
case of a Euro-Dollar Borrowing;

                              2.2.2.  The aggregate amount of such Borrowing;

                              2.2.3.  Whether the Loans comprising such
Borrowing are to be CD Loans, Base Rate Loans or Euro-Dollar Loans; and
<PAGE>
 
                                                                           17


          2.2.4.  The duration of the Interest Period applicable to such
Borrowing, which, subject to Section 2.6, (a) with respect to any Base
Borrowing, shall be for a period commencing on the date of such Borrowing and
ending 30 days thereafter, (b) with respect to any CD Borrowing, shall be for a
period commencing on the date of such Borrowing and ending 30, 60, 90 or 180
days thereafter (at the option of the Company) and (c) with respect to any Euro-
Dollar Borrowing, shall be for a period commencing on the date of such Borrowing
and ending one, two, three or six months thereafter (at the option of the
Company); provided any such Interest Period for a Euro-Dollar Borrowing which
          --------                                                           
begins on the last Euro-Dollar Business Day of a calendar month, or on a day for
which there is no numerically corresponding day in the calendar month at the end
of such Interest Period, shall end on the last Euro-Dollar Business Day of a
calendar month.

          2.3.  Money Market Borrowings.
                ----------------------- 

          2.3.1.  In addition to Syndicated Loans, if the Company has either a
Highest Company Rating, a High Company Rating or an Adequate Company Rating on
the date that the Company transmits to the Agent a Quote Request, the Company
may, pursuant to the provisions of this Section 2.3, request the Banks to
provide Quotes for Money Market Loans to the Company.  The Banks may, but shall
have no obligation to, provide such Quotes and the Company may, but shall have
no obligation to, accept any such Quotes in the manner set forth in this Section
2.3.

          2.3.2.  When the Company wishes to request Quotes for Money Market
Loans, the Company shall transmit to the Agent by telecopy a Quote Request
substantially in the form of Exhibit B so as to be received no later than 10:00
A.M. (New York City time) on (a) the fifth Euro-Dollar Business Day prior to the
proposed date of the Borrowing, in the case of a LIBOR Auction or (b) the
Domestic Business Day next preceding the proposed date of the Borrowing, in the
case of an Absolute Rate Auction, specifying:

          (i)  the proposed date of the Borrowing, which shall be a Euro-Dollar
     Business Day in the case of a LIBOR Auction or a Domestic Business Day in
     the case of an Absolute Rate Auction;
<PAGE>
 
                                                                           18


          (ii)  the aggregate amount of such Borrowing, which shall be
     $20,000,000 or any larger multiple of $1,000,000;

          (iii)  whether the Quotes requested are to set forth a Money Market
     Margin or a Money Market Absolute Rate; and

          (iv)  the duration of the Interest Period applicable thereto, which
     (y) in the case of a LIBOR Auction, shall (subject to Section 2.6) be for a
     period commencing on the date of such Borrowing and ending such whole
     number of months thereafter as the Company may elect in such Quote Request;
                                                                                
     provided any such Interest Period which begins on the last Euro-Dollar
     --------                                                              
     Business Day of a calendar month, or on a day for which there is no
     numerically corresponding day in the calendar month at the end of such
     Interest Period, shall end on the last Euro-Dollar Business Day of a
     calendar month and (z) in the case of any Absolute Rate Auction, shall
     (subject to Section 2.6) be for the period commencing on the date of such
     Borrowing and ending such number of days thereafter (not less than 30 days)
     as the Company may elect in such Quote Request.

The Company may request Quotes for more than one Interest Period in a single
Quote Request.  The Company shall not make any Quote Request (except a Quote
Request which is made within three Euro-Dollar Business Days after any Loan has
been repaid pursuant to Section 2.15, 2.16 or 2.17) within three Euro-Dollar
Business Days after any other Quote Request.

          2.3.3.  Promptly upon receipt of a Quote Request, the Agent shall send
to the Banks by telex or telecopy an Invitation for Quotes substantially in the
form of Exhibit C, which shall constitute an invitation by the Company to each
Bank to submit Quotes in response to the related Quote Request.

          2.3.4.  (a)  Each Bank may submit a Quote containing an offer or
offers to make Money Market Loans in response to any Invitation for Quotes sent
pursuant to Section 2.3.3.  Each Quote must comply with the requirements of this
Section 2.3.4 and must be submitted to the Agent by telex or telecopy or by
telephone promptly confirmed by telex or telecopy so as to be received no later
than (i) 2:00 P.M. (New York City time) on the fourth Euro-Dollar
<PAGE>
 
                                                                           19


Business Day prior to the proposed date of the Borrowing, in the case of a
LIBOR Auction or (ii) 9:00 A.M. (New York City time) on the proposed date of
the Borrowing, in the case of an Absolute Rate Auction; provided that Quotes
                                                        -------- 
submitted by the Agent (or any affiliate of the Agent) in the capacity of a
Bank may be submitted, and may only be submitted, if the Agent or such
affiliate notifies the Company of the terms of the offer or offers contained
therein not later than (y) 1:00 P.M. (New York City time) on the fourth
Euro-Dollar Business Day prior to the proposed date of the Borrowing, in the
case of a LIBOR Auction or (z) 8:45 A.M. (New York City time) on the proposed
date of the Borrowing, in the case of an Absolute Rate Auction.

          (b)  Each Quote shall be in substantially the form of Exhibit D and
shall in any case specify:  (i) the proposed date of the Borrowing (as specified
in the related Invitation for Quotes); (ii) the principal amount of the Money
Market Loan for which each such offer is being made, which principal amount (x)
may be greater than or less than the Commitment of the quoting Bank, (y) must be
$1,000,000 or any larger multiple thereof and (z) may not exceed the principal
amount of Money Market Loans specified in the related Invitation for Quotes;
(iii) in the case of (A) a LIBOR Auction, the Money Market Margin offered for
each such Money Market LIBOR Loan, and (B) an Absolute Rate Auction, the Money
Market Absolute Rate offered for each such Money Market Absolute Rate Loan; and
(iv) the identity of the quoting Bank.  No Quote shall contain qualifying,
conditional or similar language or propose terms other than, or in addition to,
those set forth in the applicable Invitation for Quotes.

          (c)  The Agent shall disregard any Quote, and shall not communicate
any Quote pursuant to Section 2.3.5, if the Quote does not meet the requirements
of Section 2.3.4(b) or arrives after the time specified in Section 2.3.4(a).
The Agent shall disregard any subsequent Quote received from any Bank unless
such subsequent Quote is submitted solely to correct a manifest error in the
original Quote.

          (d)  Subject to the provisions of Sections 3 and 6, any Quote made in
accordance with the provisions of this Section 2.3.4 shall be irrevocable except
with the written consent of the Agent given on the instructions of the Company.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                           20


          2.3.5.  The Agent shall notify the Company not later than (y) 4:00
P.M. (New York City time) on the fourth Euro-Dollar Business Day prior to the
proposed date of Borrowing, in the case of a LIBOR Auction or (z) 9:15 A.M. (New
York City time) on the proposed date of Borrowing, in the case of an Absolute
Rate Auction of:  (a) the aggregate principal amount of Money Market Loans for
which Quotes have been timely received for each Interest Period specified in the
related Quote Request and (b) the respective principal amounts and Money Market
Margins or Money Market Absolute Rates, as the case may be, offered by each Bank
for each Interest Period specified in the related Quote Request and the name of
the Bank making each Quote.

          2.3.6.  Not later than 10:00 A.M. (New York City time) on (y) the
third Euro-Dollar Business Day prior to the proposed date of the Borrowing, in
the case of a LIBOR Auction or (z) the proposed date of the Borrowing, in the
case of an Absolute Rate Auction, the Company shall give the Agent notice of
acceptance or non-acceptance by the Company of the Quotes specified pursuant to
Section 2.3.5.  In the case of acceptance, the Company shall specify in such
notice (a "Notice of Money Market Borrowing"), for each Interest Period, the
aggregate principal amount of Quotes that are accepted, provided that:
                                                        --------      

          (a)  the aggregate principal amount of each Money Market Borrowing may
not exceed the applicable amount set forth in the related Quote Request;

          (b)  the aggregate principal amount of each Money Market Borrowing
must be $20,000,000 or any larger multiple of $1,000,000; and

          (c)  Quotes may only be accepted on the basis of ascending Money
Market Margins or Money Market Absolute Rates, as the case may be.

          2.3.7.  If Quotes are made by two or more Banks with the same Money
Market Margins or Money Market Absolute Rates, as the case may be, for a greater
aggregate principal amount than the amount in respect of which such Quotes are
accepted for the related Interest Period, the principal amount of Money Market
Loans in respect of which such Quotes are accepted shall be allocated by the
Agent among such Banks as nearly as possible (in multiples of $1,000,000, as the
Agent may deem appropriate) in proportion to the principal amounts of such
Quotes.  Any such
<PAGE>
 
                                                                           21

allocations by the Agent shall be conclusive in the absence of manifest error.

          2.4.  Notice to Banks; Funding of Loans.
                --------------------------------- 

          2.4.1.  Upon receipt of a Notice of Borrowing, the Agent shall
promptly notify (a) the Company of its receipt of such Notice of Borrowing, and
(b) each Bank of the contents thereof and of such Bank's share (if any) of such
Borrowing, and, subject to Section 2.15, any such Notice of Borrowing shall
thereafter be irrevocable by the Company.  In no event shall any Bank's
obligation to participate ratably in any Syndicated Borrowing be discharged or
modified by the fact that, on the date of such Syndicated Borrowing, one or more
Money Market Loans made by such Bank are then outstanding.

          2.4.2.  No later than 12:00 Noon (New York City time) on the date of
each Borrowing, each Bank participating therein shall (except as provided in
Section 2.4.3) make available to the Agent its share of such Borrowing, in
federal or other funds immediately available in New York City.  Unless the Agent
determines that any applicable condition specified in Section 3 has not been
satisfied, the Agent shall transmit to the Company, or to its order, no later
than 1:00 P.M. (New York City time) on the date of each Borrowing the proceeds
so received from the Banks in federal or other funds immediately available in
New York City.

          2.4.3.  If any Bank makes a new Loan on a day on which the Company is
to repay all or any part of an outstanding Loan from such Bank, such Bank shall
apply the proceeds of its new Loan to make such repayment and only an amount
equal to the difference (if any) between the amount being borrowed and the
amount being repaid shall be made available by such Bank to the Agent, as
provided in Section 2.4.2, or remitted by the Company to the Agent, as provided
in Section 2.11, as the case may be.

          2.4.4.  Unless the Agent shall have received notice from a Bank prior
to 11:00 A.M. (New York City time) on the date of any Borrowing that such Bank
will not make available to the Agent such Bank's share of such Borrowing, the
Agent may assume that such Bank has made such share available to the Agent on
the date of such Borrowing in accordance with Sections 2.4.2 and 2.4.3 and the
Agent may, in reliance upon such assumption, make available to the
<PAGE>
 
                                                                           22

Company on such date a corresponding amount.  If and to the extent that such
Bank shall not have so made such share available to the Agent, (a) such Bank
shall be liable to the Company for its failure to make such share available, and
(b) such Bank and the Company severally agree to repay to the Agent forthwith on
demand such corresponding amount together with interest thereon, for each day
from the date such amount is made available to the Company until the date such
amount is repaid to the Agent, at the Federal Funds Rate.  If such Bank shall
repay to the Agent such corresponding amount, such amount so repaid shall
constitute such Bank's Loan included in such Borrowing for purposes of this
Agreement.

          2.5.  Notes.
                ----- 

          2.5.1.  The Loans of each Bank shall be evidenced by a single Note
payable to the order of such Bank for the account of its Lending Office.

          2.5.2.  Each Bank may, by notice to the Company and the Agent (to be
given at least two Domestic Business Days before the first Borrowing) request
that its Loans of a particular type be evidenced by a separate Note.  Each such
Note shall be in substantially the form of Exhibit A, with appropriate
modifications to reflect the fact that such Note evidences solely Loans of the
relevant type.  Thereafter, each reference in this Agreement to the "Note" of
such Bank shall be deemed to refer to and include any or all of such Notes, as
the context may require.

          2.5.3.  Upon receipt of each Bank's Note pursuant to Section 9.1.5,
the Agent shall deliver such Note to such Bank.  Each Bank shall record, and
prior to any transfer of any Note of such Bank shall endorse on the schedule
forming a part of such Note, appropriate notations to evidence the date, amount
and maturity of each Loan made by such Bank under such Note and the date and
amount of each payment of principal made by the Company with respect thereto;
provided that the failure of any Bank to make any such recordation or
- --------                                                             
endorsement shall not affect the obligations of the Company under this Agreement
or the relevant Note.  Each Bank is hereby irrevocably authorized by the Company
to so endorse its Note and to attach to and make a part of any Note a
continuation of any such schedule as and when required.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                           23


          2.6.  Maturity of Loans.
                ----------------- 

          2.6.1.  Each Loan shall mature, and the principal thereof shall be due
and payable, on the last day of the Interest Period applicable to such Loan;
                                                                            
provided, however, that any Interest Period which would otherwise end after the
- --------  -------                                                              
Termination Date shall end on the Termination Date.

          2.6.2.  Subject to Section 2.6.1, if any payments due under any of the
Notes or under this Agreement shall be stated to be due (a) with respect to a
Euro-Dollar Borrowing or Money Market LIBOR Borrowing, on a day other than a
Euro-Dollar Business Day, then such payment shall be due and payable on (and the
related Interest Period shall, if necessary, end on) the next succeeding Euro-
Dollar Business Day; provided, however, in the event that the day on which such
                     --------  -------                                         
payment in respect of a Euro-Dollar Borrowing or Money Market LIBOR Borrowing is
due is not a Euro-Dollar Business Day but a day of the month after which no
further Euro-Dollar Business Day occurs in such month, then the due date thereof
shall be the next preceding Euro-Dollar Business Day, or (b) with respect to any
other Borrowing or any other compensation or other amount hereunder, on a day
other than a Euro-Dollar Business Day, then such payment shall be due and
payable on (and the related Interest Period shall, if necessary, be extended to)
the next succeeding Euro-Dollar Business Day.  Any such extensions or reductions
of time shall, in each case, be considered in computing interest in connection
with any such payment of principal or interest.

          2.7.  Interest Rates.
                -------------- 

          2.7.1.  Subject to the provisions of Section 2.9.3(e), each Base Rate
Loan shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount, for each day from
the date such Loan is made until it becomes due, at a rate per annum equal to
the applicable Base Rate for such day.  Interest payable at the Base Rate for
each Interest Period shall be paid by the Company on the last day of such
Interest Period.  The Agent shall give prompt notice to the Company of each
change in the Base Rate and the effective date thereof.

          2.7.2.  (a)  Subject to the provisions of Section 2.9.3(e), each CD
Loan shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount, for the Interest
Period applicable thereto, at a rate per annum equal to the applicable CD Rate.
Interest payable on any CD Loan shall 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                           24

be paid by the Company on the last day of the Interest Period relating to such
CD Loan, except when such Interest Period is longer than 90 days, in which case
interest shall be paid on the 90th day of such Interest Period and on the last
day thereof.

          (b)  As used herein, the "CD Rate" applicable to any CD Loan for any
Interest Period means a rate per annum equal to the sum of the CD Margin plus
the applicable Adjusted CD Base Rate.

          The "Adjusted CD Base Rate" applicable to any Interest Period means a
rate per annum determined pursuant to the following formula:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                           [  CDBR  ]*
ACDBR          =         [-----------]  + AR
<S>            <C>      <C>
                        [ 1.00 - DRP    ]
ACDBR          =        Adjusted CD Base Rate
CDBR           =        CD Base Rate
DRP            =        Domestic Reserve Percentage
AR             =        Assessment Rate
</TABLE>
_________
* The amount in brackets being rounded upwards, if necessary,
 to the next higher 1/100th of 1%.

The "CD Base Rate" applicable to any Interest Period is the rate of interest
determined by the Agent to be the arithmetic average of the prevailing rates per
annum bid at 10:00 A.M. (New York City time) (or as soon thereafter as
practicable) on the first day of such Interest Period by two or more New York
certificate of deposit dealers of recognized standing for the purchase at face
value from each CD Reference Bank of its certificates of deposit in an amount
comparable to the principal amount of such CD Reference Bank's portion of the CD
Borrowing to which such Interest Period applies and having a maturity comparable
to such Interest Period.  "Domestic Reserve Percentage" means for any day that
percentage (expressed as a decimal) which is in effect on such day, as
prescribed by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (or any
successor) for determining the maximum reserve requirement (including without
limitation any basic, supplemental or emergency reserves) for a member bank of
the Federal Reserve System in New York City with deposits exceeding five billion
dollars in respect of new non-personal time deposits in dollars in
<PAGE>
 
                                                                           25

New York City having a maturity comparable to the related Interest Period and in
an amount of $100,000 or more.  The CD Rate shall be adjusted automatically on
and as of the effective date of any change in the Domestic Reserve Percentage.
"Assessment Rate" means for any day the annual assessment rate in effect on such
day which is payable by a member of the Bank Insurance Fund classified as
adequately capitalized and within supervisory subgroup "A" (or a comparable
successor assessment risk classification) within the meaning of 12 C.F.R.
Section 327.4(a) (or any successor provision) to the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation (or any successor) for such Corporation's (or such successor's)
insuring time deposits at offices of such institution in the United States.  The
CD Rate shall be adjusted automatically on the effective date of any change in
the Assessment Rate.

          2.7.3.  Subject to the provisions of Section 2.9.3(e), each Euro-
Dollar Loan shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount, for the
Interest Period applicable thereto, at a rate per annum equal to the sum of the
Euro-Dollar Margin plus the applicable London Interbank Offered Rate.  Interest
payable on any Euro-Dollar Loan shall be paid by the Company on the last day of
the Interest Period relating to such Euro-Dollar Loan, except when such Interest
Period is longer than three months, in which case interest shall be payable on
the last day of the third month of such Interest Period and on the last day
thereof.

          2.7.4.  (a)  For so long as any Bank maintains reserves against "Euro
currency liabilities" (or any other category of liabilities which includes
deposits by reference to which the interest rate on Euro-Dollar Loans is
determined or any category of extensions of credit or other assets which
includes loans by a non-United States office of any Bank to United States
residents), and as a result the cost to such Bank (or its Euro-Dollar Lending
Office) of making or maintaining its Euro-Dollar Loans is increased, then such
Bank may require the Company to pay, contemporaneously with each payment of
interest on any Euro-Dollar Loan (but not on any Money Market LIBOR Loan or any
Euro-Dollar Loan bearing interest determined on the basis of the Base Rate
pursuant to Section 2.14.2(z)) of such Bank, additional interest on such Euro-
Dollar Loan for the Interest Period of such Euro-Dollar Loan at a rate per annum
up to but not exceeding the excess of (i)(A) the applicable London Interbank
Offered Rate (or, if applicable, the base rate determined pursuant to Section
2.14.2(y)) divided by
<PAGE>
 
                                                                           26

(B) one minus the Euro-Dollar Reserve Percentage over (ii) the rate specified
in the preceding clause (i)(A).

          (b)  Any Bank wishing to require payment of such additional interest
(x) shall so notify the Company and the Agent, in which case such additional
interest on the Euro-Dollar Loans of such Bank shall be payable to such Bank at
the place indicated in such notice with respect to each Interest Period
commencing at least three Euro-Dollar Business Days after the giving of such
notice and (y) shall furnish to the Company at least five Euro-Dollar Business
Days prior to each date on which interest is payable on the Euro-Dollar Loans an
officer's certificate setting forth the amount to which such Bank is then
entitled under this Section (which shall be consistent with such Bank's good
faith estimate of the level at which the related reserves are maintained by it).
Each such certificate shall be accompanied by such information as the Company
may reasonably request as to the computation set forth therein.

          (c)  As used herein, "Euro-Dollar Reserve Percentage" means for any
day that percentage (expressed as a decimal) which is in effect on such day, as
prescribed by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (or any
successor) for determining the maximum reserve requirement for a member bank of
the Federal Reserve System in New York City with deposits exceeding five billion
dollars in respect of "Eurocurrency liabilities" (or in respect of any other
category of liabilities which includes deposits by reference to which the
interest rate on Euro-Dollar Loans is determined or any category of extensions
of credit or other assets which includes loans by a non-United States office of
any Bank to United States residents).

          2.7.5.  Subject to Sections 2.15 and 2.9.3(e), each Money Market LIBOR
Loan shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount, for the Interest
Period applicable thereto, at a rate per annum equal to the sum of the London
Interbank Offered Rate plus (or minus) the Money Market Margin quoted by the
Bank making such Loan in accordance with Section 2.3.  Subject to Section
2.9.3(e), each Money Market Absolute Rate Loan shall bear interest on the
outstanding principal amount, for the Interest Period applicable thereto, at a
rate per annum equal to the Money Market Absolute Rate quoted by the Bank making
such Loan in accordance with Section 2.3.  Interest payable on any Money Market
Loan shall be paid by the Company on the last day of the Interest Period
relating to such Money Market Loan,
<PAGE>
 
                                                                           27

except when such Interest Period is longer than three months, in which case
interest shall be paid at intervals of three months after the first day of such
Interest Period and on the last day thereof.

          2.7.6.  Pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.7, the
Agent shall calculate each interest rate applicable to each of the Loans made
under this Agreement.  The Agent shall give prompt notice to the Company by
telecopy and to the participating Banks by telex or telecopy of each interest
rate so determined, and its determination thereof shall be conclusive in the
absence of manifest error.

          2.7.7.  Each Reference Bank agrees to use its best efforts to furnish
quotations to the Agent as contemplated by this Section 2.7.  If any Reference
Bank does not furnish a timely quotation, the Agent shall calculate the relevant
interest rate on the basis of the quotation or quotations furnished by the
remaining Reference Bank or Banks or, if none of such quotations is available on
a timely basis, the provisions of Section 2.15 shall apply.

          2.8.  Facility Fees.  (a)  The Company shall pay a facility fee to the
                -------------                                                   
Agent, for the accounts of the Banks ratably in proportion to their Commitments,
in an amount determined pursuant to Section 2.8(b).  Such facility fee shall be
calculated for each day, shall accrue from and including the Effective Date to
but excluding the day on which no Bank has any Commitment hereunder and on which
no amount payable under any Note remains unpaid, and shall be payable quarterly
in arrears on each March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 prior to the
Termination Date and on the Termination Date (or on demand, if payable for any
day on or after the Termination Date) upon receipt of a statement from the Agent
calculating the amount thereof.

          (b)  The facility fee payable pursuant to Section 2.8(a) shall be
calculated on the aggregate amount of the Commitments, regardless of usage, or
if the Commitments have terminated but any Syndicated Loan remains unpaid, on
the aggregate principal amount of Syndicated Loans outstanding (i) for each day
when the Company has a Highest Company Rating, at the rate of .10 of 1% per
annum, (ii) for each day when the Company has or is deemed to have a High
Company Rating, at the rate of .125 of 2% per annum, (iii) for each day when the
Company has or is deemed to have an Adequate Company Rating, at the rate of .15
of 1% per
<PAGE>
 
                                                                           28

annum, and (iv) for each day when the Company has or is deemed to have neither a
Highest Company Rating nor a High Company Rating nor an Adequate Company Rating,
at the rate of .25 of 1% per annum; provided, that from the Effective Date until
                                    --------                                    
such time that the Company Rating ceases to be under the review by Standard &
Poor's or Moody's ongoing as of the Effective Date, the facility fee shall be
calculated at the rate of .15 of l% per annum.

          2.9.  Termination or Reduction of Commitments; Replacement of a
                ---------------------------------------------------------
 Certificate Bank.
- ------------------

          2.9.1.  The Company may, upon at least three Domestic Business Days'
notice to the Agent, (a) terminate the Commitments at any time, if no Loans are
outstanding at such time, or (b) ratably reduce from time to time by an
aggregate amount of $25,000,000 or any larger multiple of $1,000,000, the
aggregate amount of the Commitments in excess of the aggregate outstanding
principal amount of the Loans.  If the Commitments are terminated in their
entirety, all fees accrued under Section 2.8 shall be payable on the effective
date of such termination.  Upon receipt of any notice pursuant to this Section
2.9.1, the Agent shall promptly notify each Bank of the contents thereof.

          2.9.2.  The Commitments shall terminate on the Termination Date and
any Loans then outstanding (together with accrued interest thereon) shall be due
and payable on such date.

          2.9.3.  (a)  Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement or
the Notes, the Company, at any time after any Bank has delivered a notice or
certificate pursuant to Section 2.7.4(b), 2.16 or 2.17.3 (in any case, a
"Certificate Bank"), shall have the right to replace the Certificate Bank in
accordance with this Section 2.9.3.

          (b)  The Company, in exercising its right to replace the Certificate
Bank, shall (i) reduce the Commitment of such Bank to zero and (ii) (A) agree
with one or more Banks to increase the respective Commitment of such Bank by an
aggregate amount not in excess of the Commitment of the Certificate Bank, in
full substitution of the Certificate Bank, or (B) add one or more additional
banks as signatories to this Agreement for Commitments not in excess of the
Commitment of the Certificate Bank, in full substitution of the Certificate
Bank, or (C) any combination
<PAGE>
 
                                                                           29

of increases in Commitments pursuant to (A) above and additional new banks
pursuant to (B) above, so long as the aggregate sum of the increases in
Commitments plus the additional Commitments of the additional banks equals the
Commitment of the Certificate Bank and such increases in Commitments and
additional Commitments shall become effective concurrently with the reduction of
the Commitment of the Certificate Bank.  Any new bank becoming a signatory to
this Agreement shall, without further action, be considered a Bank for all
purposes of this Agreement at the time of execution of a counterpart of this
Agreement.

          (c)  The Company shall have the right to select any additional bank or
banks to become signatories to this Agreement pursuant to Section 2.9.3(b)
above, subject to the consent of the Agent, which consent shall not be
unreasonably withheld.

          (d)  A Certificate Bank may be replaced within 30 days after the date
such Certificate Bank has delivered a certificate or notice pursuant to Section
2.7.4(b), 2.16 or 2.17.3 or at any time thereafter during the period that such
Certificate Bank is accruing charges pursuant to Section 2.7.4, 2.16 or 2.1.7,
provided that notice of such replacement is given by the Company to the Agent
- --------                                                                     
and such Certificate Bank at least three Domestic Business Days prior to such
replacement and the Company complies with the provisions of Section 2.12.

          (e)  Each Bank or additional bank which replaces a Certificate Bank
pursuant to this Section 2.9.3 shall acquire all (or if more than one Bank or
bank is replacing a Certificate Bank pursuant to this Section 2.9.3, all of such
Banks or banks shall in the aggregate severally acquire all) of the then
outstanding Loans of the Certificate Bank under such terms with respect to the
amounts to be paid as interest thereon as may be agreed to by the Company, such
Certificate Bank and such Bank(s) or bank(s).  The Company shall promptly give
notice of such terms to the Agent so that the Agent may send notices to the
Company and distribute payments of interest to the Banks in accordance
therewith.

          (f)  After a Certificate Bank is replaced pursuant to this Section
2.9.3, it shall have no further rights or obligations hereunder (and shall no
longer be a "Bank" for purposes hereof), provided that a replaced Certificate
                                         --------                            
Bank shall retain its rights and obligations as
<PAGE>
 
                                                                           30

a Bank hereunder with respect to the period before it was so replaced (except to
the extent that it shall have assigned or otherwise transferred such rights to
another Bank or additional bank).

          2.10.  Optional Prepayments.
                 ---------------------

          2.10.1.  The Company shall have the right to make prepayments at any
time of the principal amount of any Syndicated Borrowing and any Money Market
Borrowing bearing interest at the Prime Rate pursuant to Section 2.15, provided
                                                                       --------
(a) notice of such prepayment is given by the Company to the Agent not later
than 3:00 P.M. (New York City time) on the Domestic Business Day before the date
of such prepayment, (b) the date of such prepayment is a Euro-Dollar Business
Day or, in the case of a CD Borrowing or Base Rate Borrowing, a Domestic
Business Day and (c) each prepayment is in an amount of $20,000,000 or a larger
multiple of $1,000,000 (unless the then outstanding balance of such Borrowing is
to be prepaid in full, in which event the prepayment may be in the amount of
such Borrowing).  Each such prepayment shall be applied to prepay ratably the
Loans of the several Banks included in the Borrowing being prepaid.  Any such
prepayment shall be made without premium or penalty but together with interest
accrued, if any, on the amount prepaid to the date of prepayment provided,
however, that upon prepayment of any Fixed Rate Borrowing (except a Money Market
Borrowing bearing interest at the Prime Rate pursuant to Section 2.15), other
than at the end of the Interest Period applicable thereto, the Company will pay
such amount or amounts, if any, as are required to be paid pursuant to Section
2.12.

          2.10.2.  The Company may not prepay all or any portion of the
principal amount of any Money Market Loan (except a Money Market Loan bearing
interest at the Prime Rate) prior to the maturity thereof.

          2.10.3.  Upon receipt of any prepayment pursuant to this Section 2.10,
the Agent shall promptly notify each Bank thereof and of such Bank's ratable
share (if any) of such prepayment.

          2.11.  General Provisions as to Payments.
                 ----------------------------------

          2.11.1.  The Company shall make each payment of principal of and
interest on the Loans and of additional compensation hereunder, on the date when
due, in federal or
<PAGE>
 
                                                                           31

other funds immediately available in New York City, to the Agent, and the
Company agrees to instruct its bank which will be transmitting such funds with
respect to such payments not later than 10:00 A.M. (New York City time) on the
date when due.  The Agent will promptly distribute to each Bank its ratable
share (if any) of each such payment received by the Agent for the account of the
Banks.  If the date for any payment of principal is extended by operation of law
or otherwise, interest thereon shall be payable for such extended time.

          2.11.2.  Any Bank may from time to time, by notice to the Company and
the Agent, designate (a) separate Domestic Lending Offices for its Base Rate
Loans, on the one hand, and its CD Loans, on the other hand or (b) separate
Money Market Lending Offices for its Money Market LIBOR Loans, on the one hand,
and its Money Market Absolute Rate Loans, on the other hand; in any such case
all references in this Agreement to the Domestic Lending Office or Money Market
Lending Office of such Bank shall be deemed to refer to either or both of such
designated offices, as the context may require.

          2.11.3.  Unless the Agent shall have received notice from the Company
prior to the date on which any payment is due to the Banks hereunder that the
Company will not make such payment in full, the Agent may assume that the
Company has made such payment in full to the Agent on such date and the Agent
may, in reliance upon such assumption, cause to be distributed to each Bank on
such due date an amount equal to the amount then due such Bank.  If and to the
extent that the Company shall not have so made such payment, each Bank shall
repay to the Agent forthwith on demand such amount distributed to such Bank
together with interest thereon, for each day from the date such amount is
distributed to such Bank until the date such Bank repays such amount to the
Agent, at the Federal Funds Rate.

          2.12.  Funding Losses.  If the Company (a) makes any payment of
                 --------------                                          
principal (except a payment required by Section 2.16) with respect to any Fixed
Rate Loan (except a Money Market Loan bearing interest at the Prime Rate
pursuant to Section 2.15) on any day other than (i) the last day of the Interest
Period applicable to such Fixed Rate Loan or (ii) the end of an applicable
period fixed pursuant to Section 2.14, or (b) fails to borrow any Fixed Rate
Loan after notice has been given to any Bank in accordance with Section 2.4.1,
the Company shall reimburse each Bank for any
<PAGE>
 
                                                                           32

resulting loss, premium or penalty which, in the reasonable judgment of such
Bank, such Bank (or an existing or prospective participant in a related Loan)
incurred, including (without limitation) any loss incurred in obtaining,
liquidating or employing deposits from third parties, but excluding loss of
margin for the period after any such payment.  The Company shall not be required
to pay any such reimbursement except upon demand therefor following receipt of a
certificate from any such Bank as to the amount of such loss, premium or
penalty, which certificate shall be conclusive in the absence of manifest error.

          2.13.  Computation of Interest and Fees.  Interest based on the Prime
                 --------------------------------                              
Rate hereunder shall be computed on the basis of a year of 365 days (or 366 days
in a leap year) and paid for the actual number of days elapsed (including the
first day but excluding the last day).  All other interest and fees shall be
computed on the basis of a year of 360 days and paid for the actual number of
days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day).

          2.14.  Interest after Maturity.  Any overdue principal of, and, to
                 -----------------------
the extent permitted by law, overdue interest on:

          2.14.1.  any Base Rate Loan, CD Loan or Money Market Loan shall bear
interest, payable on demand, for each day until paid at, a rate per annum equal
to the sum of l% plus the Base Rate for such day; and

          2.14.2.  any Euro-Dollar Loan shall bear interest, payable on demand,
for each day from and including the date payment thereof was due to but
excluding the date of actual payment, either (y) at a rate per annum equal to
the sum of 2% plus the Euro-Dollar Margin plus the average (rounded upward, if
necessary, to the next higher 1/16th of 1%) of the respective rates per annum at
which one day (or, if such overdue payment remains unpaid more than three Euro-
Dollar Business Days, then for such other period of time not longer than three
months as the Agent may elect) deposits in dollars in an amount approximately
equal to the Euro-Dollar Reference Bank's respective portion of such overdue
payment are offered to each of the Euro-Dollar Reference Banks in the London
interbank market for the applicable period determined as provided above or, (z)
if the circumstances described in Section 2.15(a) or (b) shall exist, at a rate
per annum equal to the sum of 1% plus the Base Rate for such day.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                           33


          2.15.  Basis for Determining Interest Rate Inadequate or Unfair.  If
                 --------------------------------------------------------     
on or prior to the first day of any Interest Period for any Fixed Rate Borrowing
(other than a Money Market Absolute Rate Borrowing):

          (a)  the Agent is advised by each of the Reference Banks that deposits
     in dollars (in the applicable amounts) are not being offered to such
     Reference Bank in the relevant market for such Interest Period, or

          (b)  in the case of a Syndicated Borrowing, Banks having 50% or more
     of the aggregate amount of the Commitments advise the Agent that the
     Adjusted CD Rate or the London Interbank Offered Rate, as the case, may be,
     as determined by the Agent will not adequately and fairly reflect the cost
     to such Banks of funding their CD Loans or Euro-Dollar Loans, as the case
     may for such Interest Period,

the Agent shall forthwith give notice thereof, but not later than 10:00 A.M.
(New York City time) on the date of such Borrowing, to the Company and the
Banks, whereupon until the Agent notifies the Company that the circumstances
giving rise to such suspension no longer exist, the obligations of the Banks to
make CD Loans or Euro-Dollar Loans, as the case may be, shall be suspended.
Unless the Company notifies the Agent by 12:00 Noon (New York City time) on the
date of any Fixed Rate Borrowing for which a Notice of Borrowing has previously
been given that it elects not to borrow on such date, (i) if such Fixed Rate
Borrowing is a Syndicated Borrowing, such Borrowing shall instead be made as a
Base Rate Borrowing and (ii) if such Fixed Rate Borrowing is a Money Market
LIBOR Borrowing, the Money Market LIBOR Loans comprising such Borrowing shall
bear interest for each day from and including the first day to but excluding the
last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto at the Prime Rate for such
day.

          2.16.  Illegality.  If, after the date of this Agreement, the adoption
                 ----------                                                     
of any applicable law, rule or regulation, or any change in any applicable law,
rule or regulation, or any change in the interpretation or administration
thereof by any governmental authority, central bank or comparable agency charged
with the interpretation or administration thereof, or compliance by any Bank (or
its Euro-Dollar Lending Office) with any request or directive (whether or not
having the force of law) of any such authority, central bank or comparable
<PAGE>
 
                                                                           34

agency shall make it unlawful or impossible for any Bank (or its Euro-Dollar
Lending Office) to make, maintain or fund its Euro-Dollar Loans and such Bank
shall so notify the Agent and the Company, the Agent shall forthwith give notice
thereof to the other Banks, whereupon until such Bank notifies the Company and
the Agent that the circumstances giving rise to such suspension no longer exist,
the obligation of such Bank to make Euro-Dollar Loans shall be suspended.
Before giving notice to the Agent pursuant to this Section, such Bank shall
designate a different Euro-Dollar Lending Office if such designation will avoid
the need for giving such notice and will not, in the judgment of such Bank, be
otherwise disadvantageous to such Bank.  If such Bank shall determine that it
may not lawfully continue to maintain and fund any of its outstanding Euro-
Dollar Loans to maturity and shall so specify in such notice, the Company shall
immediately prepay in full such Loans, together with accrued interest thereon.
Concurrently with prepaying each such Euro-Dollar Loan, the Company shall borrow
a Base Rate Loan in an equal principal amount from such Bank (on which interest
and principal shall be payable contemporaneously with the related Euro-Dollar
Loans of the other Banks), and such Bank shall make such a Base Rate Loan.

          2.17.  Increased Cost and Reduced Return.
                 --------------------------------- 

          2.17.1.  If, on or after (a) the date hereof, in the case of any
Syndicated Loan or any obligation to make Syndicated Loans or (b) the date of
the related Quote, in the case of any Money Market Loan, the adoption of any
applicable law, rule or regulation, or any change in any applicable law, rule or
regulation, or any change in the interpretation or administration thereof by any
governmental authority, central bank or comparable agency charged with the
interpretation or administration thereof, or compliance by any Bank (or its
Lending Office) with any request or directive (whether or not having the force
of law) of any such authority, central bank or comparable agency:

          (i)  shall subject any Bank (or its Lending Office) to any tax, duty
     or other charge with respect to its Fixed Rate Loans, its Notes or its
     obligation to make Fixed Rate Loans, or shall change the basis of taxation
     of payments to any Bank (or its Lending Office) of the principal of or
     interest on its Fixed Rate Loans or any other amounts due under this
     Agreement in respect of its Fixed Rate Loans or its obligation to make 
     Fixed Rate 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                           35

     Loans (except for changes in the rate of tax on the overall net income of
     such Bank or its Lending Office imposed by the jurisdiction in which such
     Bank's executive office or Lending Office is located); or

          (ii)  shall impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve, special
     deposit or similar requirement (including, without limitation, any such
     requirement imposed by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve
     System, but excluding (A) with respect to any CD Loan any such requirement
     included in an applicable Domestic Reserve Percentage and (B) with respect
     to any Euro-Dollar Loan any such requirement with respect to which such
     Bank is entitled to compensation under Section 2.7.4 during the relevant
     Interest Period) against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or
     credit extended by, any Bank (or its Lending Office) or shall impose on any
     Bank (or its Lending Office) or on the United States market for
     certificates of deposit or the London interbank market any other condition
     affecting its Rate Loans, its Notes or its obligation to make Fixed Rate
     Loans;

and the result of any of the foregoing is to increase the cost to such Bank (or
its Lending Office) of making or maintaining any Fixed Rate Loan, or to reduce
the amount of any sum received or receivable by such Bank (or its Lending
Office) under this Agreement or under its Notes with respect thereto, by an
amount determined by such Bank to be material, then, within 15 days after demand
by such Bank (with a copy to the Agent), the Company shall pay to such Bank such
additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Bank for such increased
cost or reduction.

          2.17.2.  If any Bank shall determine that, on or after the date
hereof, the adoption of any applicable law, rule or regulation regarding
capital adequacy, or any change in any existing or future law, rule or
regulation, or any change in the interpretation or administration thereof by
any governmental authority, central bank or comparable agency charged with the
interpretation or administration thereof, or any request or directive regarding
capital adequacy (whether or not having the force of law) of any such
authority, central bank or comparable agency, has or would have the effect of
reducing the rate of return on such Bank's capital as a consequence of its
obligations under this Agreement to a level below that which such Bank could
have achieved but for such adoption, change or compliance
<PAGE>
 
                                                                           36


(taking into consideration such Bank's policies with respect to capital
adequacy) by an amount determined by such Bank to be material, then from time
to time, and following receipt by the Agent and the Company of a certificate
from such Bank pursuant to Section 2.17.3, the Agent shall adjust the amount of
the facility fee payable pursuant to Section 2.8 for the account of such Bank
to include such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Bank for
any such reduction.

          2.17.3.  Each Bank will promptly notify the Company and the Agent of
any event of which it has knowledge, occurring on or after the date of this
Agreement, which will entitle such Bank to compensation pursuant to this Section
2.17 and will designate a different Lending Office if such designation will
avoid the need for, or reduce the amount of, such compensation and will not, in
the judgment of such Bank, be otherwise disadvantageous to such Bank.  A
certificate of any Bank claiming compensation under this Section 2.17 and
setting forth the calculation for the additional amount or amounts to be paid to
such Bank under this Section 2.17 shall be conclusive in the absence of manifest
error.  In determining any such amount, such Bank shall make its calculations
(which shall be set forth in the certificate) reasonably and in good faith using
any reasonable averaging and attribution methods (which shall be set forth in
the certificate).

          2.18.  Base Rate Loans Substituted for Affected Fixed Rate Loans.  If
                 ---------------------------------------------------------     
either (a) the obligation of any Bank to make Euro-Dollar Loans has been
suspended pursuant to Section 2.16 or (b) any Bank has demanded compensation
pursuant to Section 2.17.1 and the Company shall, by at least five Euro-Dollar
Business Days' prior notice to such Bank through the Agent, have elected that
the provisions of this Section 2.18 shall apply to such Bank, then, unless and
until such Bank notifies the Company and the Agent that the circumstances giving
rise to such suspension or demand for compensation no longer apply:

          2.18.1.  All Loans which would otherwise be made by such Bank as CD
Loans or Euro-Dollar Loans, as the case may be, shall be made instead as Base
Rate Loans (on which interest and principal shall be payable contemporaneously
with the related Fixed Rate Loans of the other Banks); and
<PAGE>
 
                                                                           37


          2.18.2.  After each of the CD Loans or Euro-Dollar Loans of such Bank,
as the case may be, has been repaid, all payments of principal which would
otherwise be applied to repay such Fixed Rate Loans shall be applied to repay
its Base Rate Loans instead.


                                   SECTION 3

                            CONDITIONS TO BORROWINGS

          The obligation of any Bank to make a Loan on the occasion of any
Borrowing is subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions:

          3.1.  Notice of Borrowing.  The Agent shall have received a Notice of
                -------------------                                            
Borrowing as required by Section 2.2 or 2.3, as the case may be.

          3.2.  Representations.  The fact that:  (a) immediately after such
                ---------------                                             
Borrowing, (i) in the case of a Refunding Borrowing, no Event of Default shall
have occurred and be continuing or (ii) in the case of any other Borrowing, no
Default shall have occurred and be continuing; (b) the representations and
warranties of the Company contained in this Agreement (except, in the case of a
Refunding Borrowing, the representations and warranties set forth in Section
4.5, 4.6, 4.8 and 4.9) shall be true on and as of the date of such Borrowing;
and (c) immediately after such Borrowing, the aggregate outstanding principal
amount of the Loans will not exceed the aggregate amount of the Commitments.
Each Borrowing hereunder shall be deemed to be a representation and warranty by
the Company, to the best of its knowledge, on the date of such Borrowing as to
the facts specified in this Section 3.2.


                                   SECTION 4

                         REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

          The Company represents and warrants that:

          4.1.  Corporate Existence and Power.  The Company is a corporation
                -----------------------------                               
duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the
State of Delaware and has all corporate power and authority required to carry on
its business as now conducted.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                           38


          4.2.  Corporate and Governmental Authorization; No Contravention.  The
                ----------------------------------------------------------      
execution, delivery and performance by the Company of this Agreement and the
Notes are within the Company's corporate power, have been duly authorized by all
necessary corporate action, require no action by or in respect of, or filing
with, any governmental body, agency or official (other than the filing of
reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission) and do not contravene, or
constitute a default under, any provision of applicable law or regulation or of
the certificate of incorporation or bylaws of the Company or of any agreement,
judgment, injunction, order, decree or other instrument binding upon the
Company.

          4.3.  Binding Effect.  This Agreement constitutes a valid and binding
                --------------                                                 
agreement of the Company and the Notes, when executed and delivered in
accordance with this Agreement, will constitute valid and binding obligations of
the Company.

          4.4.  Financial Information.
                --------------------- 

          4.4.1.  The consolidated balance sheet of the Company and Subsidiaries
as of January 28, 1995 and the related consolidated statements of income,
shareholders' equity and cash flows for the Fiscal Year then ended, reported on
by Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P. and set forth in the Company's Annual Report on Form
10-K for the Fiscal Year then ended, a copy of which has been delivered to each
of the Banks, fairly present, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles, the consolidated financial position of the Company and Subsidiaries
as of such date and their consolidated results of operations and cash flows for
such Fiscal Year.

          4.4.2.  From January 28, 1995 to the Effective Date, there has been no
material adverse change in the business, financial position or results of
operations of the Company and Consolidated Subsidiaries, considered as a whole.

          4.5.  Litigation.  There is no action, suit or proceeding pending
                ----------                                                 
against, or to the knowledge of the Company threatened against or affecting, the
Company or any Consolidated Subsidiaries before any court or arbitrator or any
governmental body, agency or official in which there is, in the good faith
judgment of the Company (which shall be conclusive), a reasonable possibility of
an adverse decision
<PAGE>
 
                                                                           39

which could materially adversely affect the business, consolidated financial
position or consolidated results of operations of the Company and Consolidated
Subsidiaries considered as a whole or which in any manner draws into question
the validity or enforceability of this Agreement or the Notes.

          4.6.  Subsidiaries.  Each of the Company's corporate Consolidated
                ------------                                               
Subsidiaries is a corporation duly incorporated, validly existing and in good
standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation, and has all
corporate power and authority required to carry on its business as now conducted
except to the extent that the failure of any such Consolidated Subsidiary to be
so incorporated, existing or in good standing or to have such power and
authority is not reasonably expected by the Company to have a material adverse
effect on the business, financial position or results of operations of the
Company and Consolidated Subsidiaries considered as a whole.

          4.7.  Not an Investment Company.  The Company is not an "investment
                -------------------------                                    
company" within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

          4.8.  ERISA.  Each member of the ERISA Group (a) has fulfilled its
                -----                                                       
material obligations under the minimum funding standards of ERISA and the Code
with respect to each Plan, (b) is in compliance in all material respects with
the presently applicable provisions of ERISA and the Code, and (c) has not
incurred any material liability to the PBGC or a Plan under Title IV of ERISA
other than a liability to PBGC for premiums under Section 4007 of ERISA;
                                                                        
provided, that this sentence shall not apply to (a) any member of the ERISA
- --------                                                                   
Group described in Section 414(m) of the Code (other than the Company or a
Subsidiary) or any Plan maintained by such a member or (b) any Plan referred to
in clause (c) of the definition of "Plan" in Section 1.1 (a "Multiemployer
Plan").  The Company and its Subsidiaries have made all material payments to
Multiemployer Plans which they have been required to make under the related
collective bargaining agreement or applicable law.

          4.9.  Taxes.  The Company and Subsidiaries have filed all United
                -----                                                     
States federal income tax returns and all other material tax returns which, in
the opinion of the Company, are required to be filed by them and have paid all
taxes due pursuant to such returns or pursuant to any assessment received by the
Company or any Subsidiary, except
<PAGE>
 
                                                                           40

for assessments which are being contested in good faith by appropriate
proceedings.  The charges, accruals and reserves on the books of the Company and
Subsidiaries in respect of taxes or other governmental charges are, in the
opinion of the Company, adequate.


                                   SECTION 5

                                   COVENANTS

          The Company agrees that, so long as any Bank has any Commitment
hereunder or any amount payable under any Note remains unpaid:

          5.1.  Information.
                ----------- 

          5.1.1. The Company will deliver to each of the Banks:

          (a)  as soon as available and in any event within 120 days after the
end of each Fiscal Year, the Annual Report of the Company on Form 10-K for such
Fiscal Year, containing financial statements reported on in a manner acceptable
to the Securities and Exchange Commission by Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P. or other
independent public accountants of nationally recognized standing selected by the
Company;

          (b)  as soon as available and in any event within 60 days after the
end of each of the first three quarters of each Fiscal Year, a copy of the
Company's report on Form 10-Q for such quarter with the financial statements
therein contained to be certified (subject to normal year end adjustments) as to
fairness of presentation, generally accepted accounting principles (except
footnotes) and consistency, by the chief financial officer, the chief accounting
officer or the treasurer of the Company;

          (c)  simultaneously with the delivery of each set of financial
statements referred to in clauses (a) and (b) above, a certificate of the chief
financial officer, the chief accounting officer or treasurer of the Company (i)
setting forth in reasonable detail the calculations required to establish
whether the Company was in compliance with the requirements of Section 5.6 on
the date of such financial statements and (ii) stating whether, to the best
knowledge of such officer, any Default exists on the date of such
<PAGE>
 
                                                                           41

certificate and, if any Default then exists, setting forth the details
thereof and the action which the Company is taking or proposes to take with
respect thereto;

          (d)  simultaneously with the delivery of each set of financial
statements referred to in clause (a) above, a statement of the firm of
independent public accountants which reported on such statements whether
anything has come to their attention to cause them to believe that any Default
existed on the date of such statements (insofar as such pertains to accounting
matters);

          (e)  promptly upon the mailing thereof to the stockholders of the
Company generally, copies of all financial statements, reports and proxy
statements so mailed;

          (f)  promptly upon the filing thereof, copies of all registration
statements (other than the exhibits, thereto and any registration statements on
Form S-8 or its equivalent) and reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K (or their
equivalents) which the Company shall have filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission;

          (g)  within four Domestic Business Days of any executive or financial
officer of the Company obtaining knowledge of any condition or event recognized
by such officer to be a Default, a certificate of the chief financial officer,
the chief accounting officer or the treasurer of the Company setting forth the
details thereof and the action which the Company is taking or proposes to take
with respect thereto;

          (h)  if and when any executive or financial officer of the Company
obtains knowledge that any member of the ERISA Group (i) has given or is
required to give notice to the PBGC of any "reportable event" (as defined in
Section 4043 of ERISA) with respect to any Plan which might constitute grounds
for a termination of such Plan under Title IV of ERISA, or knows that the plan
administrator of any Plan has given or is required to give notice of any such
reportable event, a copy of the notice of such reportable event given or
required to be given to the PBGC; (ii) has received notice of complete or
partial withdrawal liability under Title IV of ERISA, a copy of such notice; or
(iii) has received notice from the PBGC under Title IV of ERISA of an intent to
terminate or appoint a trustee to administer any Plan, a copy of such notice;
and
<PAGE>
 
                                                                           42


          (i)  from time to time such additional information regarding the
financial position or business of the Company and Subsidiaries as the Agent, at
the request of any Bank, may reasonably request.

          5.1.2.  Certificates delivered pursuant to this Section shall be
signed manually or shall be copies of a manually signed certificate.

          5.2.  Maintenance of Properties.  The Company will, and will cause
                -------------------------                                   
each Consolidated Subsidiary to, maintain and keep in good condition, repair and
working order all properties used or useful in the conduct of its business and
supply such properties with all necessary equipment and make all necessary
repairs, renewals, replacements, betterments and improvements thereof, all as in
the judgment of the Company may be necessary so that the business carried on in
connection therewith may be properly and advantageously conducted at all times;
provided that nothing in this Section 5.2 shall prevent the Company or any
- --------                                                                  
Consolidated Subsidiary from discontinuing the operation and maintenance of any
of such properties if such discontinuance is, in the judgment of the Company,
desirable in the conduct of the business of the Company or such Consolidated
Subsidiary, as the case may be, and not disadvantageous in any material respect
to the Banks.

          5.3.  Maintenance of Insurance.  The Company will, and will cause each
                ------------------------                                        
Consolidated Subsidiary to, insure and keep insured, with reputable insurance
companies, so much of its properties and such of its liabilities for bodily
injury or property damage, to such an extent and against such risks (including
fire), as companies engaged in similar businesses customarily insure properties
and liabilities of a similar character; or, in lieu thereof, the Company will
maintain, or cause each Consolidated Subsidiary to maintain, a system or systems
of self-insurance which will be in accord with the customary  practices of
companies engaged in similar businesses in maintaining such systems.

          5.4.  Preservation of Corporate Existence.  The Company shall preserve
                ------------------------------------                            
and maintain its corporate existence, rights, franchises and privileges in the
State of Delaware or in any other State of the United States which it shall
select as its jurisdiction of incorporation, and qualify and remain qualified as
a foreign corporation in each jurisdiction in which such qualification is
necessary, except such jurisdictions, if any, where the failure to
<PAGE>
 
                                                                           43

preserve and maintain its corporate existence, rights, franchises and
privileges, or qualify or remain qualified will not have a material adverse
effect on the business or property of the Company.

          5.5.  Inspection of Property, Books and Records.  The Company will,
                -----------------------------------------                    
and will cause each Consolidated Subsidiary to, make and keep books, records and
accounts in which transactions are recorded as necessary to (a) permit
preparation of the Company's consolidated financial statements in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles and (b) otherwise comply with the
requirements of Section 13(b)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as in
effect from time to time.  At any reasonable time during normal business hours
and from time to time, the Company will permit the Agent or any of the Banks or
any agents or representatives thereof at their expense (to the extent not in
violation of applicable law) to examine and make copies of and abstracts from
the records and books of account of, and visit the properties of, the Company
and any Consolidated Subsidiaries and to discuss the affairs, finances and
accounts of the Company and any Consolidated Subsidiaries with any of their
respective officers or directors.  Except (i) as any Bank deems it necessary in
connection with the enforcement of its rights arising out of any Default or as
required by law or with respect to disclosures to bank regulatory authorities or
the independent auditors or counsel or the employees, officers or directors of
such Bank, (ii) disclosures to any actual or potential participant or, with the
prior written consent of the Company, assignee (a "Transferee") of such Bank's
rights under this Agreement who signs a confidentiality agreement containing
provisions substantially similar to those contained in this Section 5.5;
provided that such Bank shall promptly notify the Company of the identity of
- --------                                                                    
such actual or potential Transferee, or (iii) as consented to by the Company in
writing, such Bank will not publish or disclose to any third Person any
information gained under any inspection conducted pursuant to this Section 5.5
or information obtained pursuant to Section 5.1.1(i) unless and until such
information is or becomes a matter of public knowledge through no fault of such
Bank or is lawfully acquired by such Bank without restrictions of
confidentiality.


          5.6.  Limitations on the Company.  The Company will not:
                --------------------------                        
<PAGE>
 
                                                                           44

          5.6.1.  Current Ratio.  Permit the ratio of (x) the sum of
                  -------------                                     
Consolidated Current Assets plus the Unused Commitments to (y) Consolidated
Current Liabilities to be less than 1.33 to 1.

          5.6.2.  Tangible Net Worth.  Permit Consolidated Tangible Net
                  ------------------                                   
Worth to be less than $1,000,000,000.

          5.6.3.  Debt to Capital Ratio.  Permit the ratio of Consolidated
                  ---------------------                                   
Debt to Capital to exceed 0.825 to 1.

          5.7.  Restrictions on Liens upon Stock of Consolidated Subsidiaries.
                -------------------------------------------------------------  
Neither the Company nor any Consolidated Subsidiary will create, assume or
suffer to exist any Lien on any stock of any Consolidated Subsidiary except
Liens on the stock of one or more Consolidated Subsidiaries which in the
aggregate, if considered as a single Subsidiary, would not constitute a
"Significant Subsidiary" as defined on the Effective Date in Rule 1-02 of
Regulation S-X adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

          5.8.  Compliance with Laws.  The Company will, and will cause each
                --------------------                                        
Consolidated Subsidiary to, comply in all material respects with all applicable
laws, ordinances, rules, regulations, and requirements of governmental
authorities (including, without limitation, ERISA and the rules and regulations
thereunder), except to the extent that (a) the necessity of compliance therewith
is contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings or (b) the failure to so
comply would not result in any material adverse effect on the business,
financial condition or results of operations of the Company and Consolidated
Subsidiaries taken as a whole.

          5.9.  Consolidated Subsidiary Debt Limitations.  The Company will not
                ----------------------------------------                       
permit any Consolidated Subsidiary to create, incur, assume or suffer to exist
any Debt except:

          5.9.1.  Debt of any Consolidated Subsidiary which is, or the direct or
indirect parent of which is, acquired by the Company or any other Consolidated
Subsidiary after the Effective Date, which Debt is in existence at the time such
Consolidated Subsidiary (or parent) is so acquired; provided such Debt was not
                                                    --------
created at the request or with the consent of the Company or any Subsidiary,
and such Debt may not be extended other than pursuant to the
<PAGE>
 
                                                                           45


terms thereof as in existence at the time such Consolidated Subsidiary (or
parent) was acquired;

          5.9.2.  If the WFN Companies shall be Consolidated Subsidiaries, Debt
of the WFN Companies in an aggregate principal amount not exceeding 50% of the
WFN Companies' Tangible Assets; provided that for any one period not to exceed
                                --------                                      
56 days in any Fiscal Year, Debt of the WFN Companies may exceed 50% of the WFN
Companies' Tangible Assets; and

          5.9.3.  Other Debt in an aggregate principal amount for all
Consolidated Subsidiaries not exceeding the lesser of (a) $250,000,000 or (b)
15% of Consolidated Tangible Net Worth.

          5.10.  Consolidations, Mergers and Sales of Assets.  The Company will
                 -------------------------------------------                   
not (a) consolidate or merge with or into any other Person or (b) sell, lease or
otherwise transfer all or any substantial part of the assets of the Company and
its Consolidated Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to any other Person; provided
                                                                      --------
that the Company may merge with another Person if (y) the corporation surviving
the merger is the Company or a corporation organized under the laws of a State
of the United States into which the Company desires to merge for the purpose of
becoming incorporated in such State (in which case such corporation shall assume
all of the Company's obligations under this Agreement and the Notes by an
agreement satisfactory to the Required Banks (and the Required Banks shall not
unreasonably withhold their consent to the form of such agreement) and shall
deliver to the Banks such legal opinions and other documents as the Agent may
reasonably request to evidence the due authorization, validity and binding
effect thereof) and (z) immediately after giving effect to such merger, no
Default. shall have occurred and be continuing; and provided further that the
                                                    -------- -------
foregoing shall not be construed to prohibit, in addition to any other sale,
lease or other transfer of assets (including by means of dividends, share
repurchases or recapitalizations) that does not involve all or any substantial
part of the assets of the Company and its Consolidated Subsidiaries, taken as a
whole, (i) the WFN Transactions, (ii) any Minority Interest Disposition or
(iii) transfers to some or all of the shareholders of the Company, whether by
means of dividend, share repurchase, recapitalization or otherwise, of cash in
amounts that do not materially exceed the range indicated in the Company's
<PAGE>
 
                                                                           46


press release dated October 26, 1995, previously delivered to the Banks.

                                   SECTION 6

                         EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES

          6.1.  Events of Default.  Any of the following shall be an "Event of
                -----------------                                             
Default":

          6.1.1.  Payment.  The Company shall fail to make any payment of
                  -------                                                
principal of or interest on any Loan when due or to pay any fees or other
amounts payable hereunder when due, and such failure remains unremedied for
three Domestic Business Days after the Company's actual receipt of notice of
such failure from the Agent at the request of any Bank;

          6.1.2.  Representations.  Any statement of fact or representation made
                  ---------------                                               
or deemed to be made by the Company in this Agreement or by the Company or any
of its officers in any certificate delivered pursuant to this Agreement shall
prove to have been incorrect in any material respect when made or deemed made,
and, if the consequences of such representation or statement being incorrect
shall be susceptible of remedy in all material respects, such consequences shall
not be remedied in all material respects within 30 days after any executive or
financial officer first becomes aware of or is advised that such representation
or statement was incorrect in a material respect;

          6.1.3.  Financial Covenants.  The Company shall fail to comply with
                  -------------------                                        
any of the provisions of Section 5.6.1, 5.6.2 or 5.6.3 and, if the consequences
of such failure shall be susceptible of remedy in all material respects, such
consequences shall not be remedied in all material respects within 20 days after
any executive or financial officer of the Company first becomes aware or is
advised of such failure to comply;

          6.1.4.  Other Debt.  (a)  The Company or any Consolidated Subsidiary
                  ----------                                                  
shall fail to pay principal of or interest on any Debt (other than as evidenced
by the Notes) and the longer of (i) any periods within which the Company or
such Consolidated Subsidiary shall be allowed to cure such nonpayment shall
have elapsed, or (ii) 10 days shall 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                           47


have passed since such failure, in either case without curing such nonpayment
or (b) any event or condition shall occur which enables the holder of any Debt
(other than as evidenced by the Notes) or any Person acting on such holder's
behalf to accelerate the maturity thereof, and the longer of (i) any periods
within which the Company or such Consolidated Subsidiary shall be allowed to
cure such condition or event shall have elapsed, or (ii) 10 days shall have
passed since the occurrence of such event or condition, in either case without
curing such event or condition, or (c) the holder of any Debt (other than as
evidenced by the Notes) shall accelerate the maturity of such Debt and such
acceleration shall not have been rescinded within 20 days of such acceleration,
provided no Default under this Section 6.1.4 shall be deemed to occur where
- --------
(y) the amount, individually or in the aggregate, of such Debt does not exceed
$15,000,000; or (z) if at the time such event occur, the Company has a Highest
Company Rating, a High Company Rating or an Adequate Company Rating and either
(i) such Debt is owed by a Consolidated Subsidiary not incorporated under the
laws of any State of the United States, the District of Columbia or Canada or
any province thereof, or (ii) such Debt is permitted under Section 5.9.1;

          6.1.5.  Insolvency, etc.  The Company or any Consolidated Subsidiary
                  ----------------                                            
shall (a) make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors; (b) apply for
or consent (by admission of material allegations of a petition or otherwise) to
the appointment of a receiver, custodian, trustee or liquidator of the Company
or any Consolidated Subsidiary or any substantial part of the properties of the
Company or any Consolidated Subsidiary or authorize such application or consent,
or proceedings seeking such appointment shall be commenced without such
authorization, consent or application against the Company or any Consolidated
Subsidiary and continue undismissed for 30 days (or if such dismissal of such
unauthorized proceedings cannot reasonably be obtained within such 30 day
period, the Company or any Consolidated Subsidiary shall fail either to proceed
with due diligence to seek to obtain dismissal within such 30 day period or to
obtain dismissal within 60 days); (c) authorize or file a voluntary petition in
bankruptcy, suffer an order for relief under any federal bankruptcy law, or
apply for or consent (b) admission of material allegations of a petition or
otherwise) to the application of any bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement,
readjustment of debt, insolvency, dissolution, liquidation
or other similar law of any jurisdiction, or authorize such
<PAGE>
 
                                                                           48


application or consent, or proceedings to such end shall be instituted against
the Company or any Consolidated Subsidiary without such authorization,
application or consent which are not vacated within 30 days from the date
thereof (or if such vacation cannot reasonably be obtained within such 30 day
period, the Company shall fail either to proceed with due diligence to seek to
obtain vacation within such 30 day period or to obtain vacation within 60
days); (d) permit or suffer all or any substantial part of its properties to be
sequestered, attached, or subjected to a Lien (other than a Lien expressly
permitted by the exception to Section 5.7) through any legal proceeding or
distraint which is not vacated within 30 days from the date thereof (or if such
vacation cannot reasonably be obtained within such 30 day period, the Company
shall fail either to proceed with due diligence to seek to obtain vacation
within such 30 day period or to obtain vacation within 60 days); (e) generally
not pay its debts as such debts become due or admit in writing its inability to
do so; or (f) conceal, remove, or permit to be concealed or removed, any
material part of its property, with intent to hinder, delay or defraud its
creditors or any of them; provided, however, that the foregoing events 
                          --------  -------
will not constitute an Event of Default if such events occur with respect to
any Subsidiary which is:  (i) a Consolidated Subsidiary not incorporated under
the laws of any State of the United States, the District of Columbia or Canada
or any province thereof and not engaged in the retail business, if the
aggregate Value of the Company's and all Consolidated Subsidiaries' investments
in and advances to such Consolidated Subsidiary and all such other Consolidated
Subsidiaries to which these tests are being applied within a period of 18
months ending on the date of determination, does not exceed $15,000,000; or
(ii) a Consolidated Subsidiary incorporated under the laws of any State of the
United States, the District of Columbia or Canada or any province thereof and
not engaged in the retail business, if at the time such events occur (y) the
Company has a Highest Company Rating, a High Company Rating or an Adequate
Company Rating and (z) the aggregate Value of the Company's and all
Consolidated Subsidiaries, investments and advances to such Consolidated
Subsidiary and all other such Consolidated Subsidiaries to which these tests
are being applied within a period of 18 months ending on the date of
determination, does not exceed $7,500,000;

          6.1.6.  Employee Benefit Plans.  Any member of the ERISA Group shall
                  ----------------------                                      
fail to pay when due an amount or amounts aggregating in excess of $1,000,000
which it shall 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                           49



have become liable to pay to the PBGC or to a Plan under Title IV of ERISA; or
notice of intent to terminate a Plan or Plans having aggregate Unfunded
Liabilities in excess of $25,000,000 (collectively a "Material Plan") shall be
filed under Title IV of ERISA by any member of the ERISA Group, any plan
administrator or any combination of the foregoing; or the PBGC shall institute
proceedings under Title IV of ERISA to terminate or to cause a trustee to be
appointed to administer any Material Plan or a proceeding shall be instituted
by a fiduciary of any Material Plan against any member of the ERISA Group to
enforce Section 515 or 4219(c)(5) of ERISA and such proceeding shall not have
been dismissed within 30 days thereafter; or a condition shall exist by reason
of which the PBGC would be entitled to obtain a decree adjudicating that any
Material Plan must be terminated; or

          6.1.7.  Failure to Perform.  The Company shall fail to perform or
                  ------------------                                       
observe in any material respect any other term, covenant or agreement contained
in this Agreement (including without limitation Section 5.1) or the Notes on its
part to be performed or observed and any such failure remains unremedied for 30
days after the Company shall have received written notice thereof from the Agent
at the request of any Bank.

          6.2.  Remedies.  If any Event of Default shall occur and be
                --------                                             
continuing, the Agent shall (a) if requested by the Required Banks, by notice to
the Company terminate the Commitments and they shall thereupon terminate, and
(b) if requested by Banks holding Notes evidencing at least 60% of the aggregate
unpaid principal amount of the Loans, by notice to the Company declare the Notes
(together with accrued interest thereon and all other amounts payable by the
Company hereunder) to be, and the Notes (together with accrued interest thereon
and all other amounts payable by the Company hereunder) shall thereupon become,
immediately due and payable without presentment, demand, protest or other notice
of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the Company; provided that in the
                                                            --------            
case of any of the bankruptcy Events of Default specified in Section 6.1.5 with
respect to the Company, without any notice to the Company or any other act by
the Agent or the Banks, the Commitments shall thereupon terminate and the Notes
(together with accrued interest thereon and all other amounts payable by the
Company hereunder) shall become immediately due and
payable without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of
which are hereby waived by the Company.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                           50

          6.3.  Notice of Default.  The Agent shall give notice to the Company
                -----------------                                             
under Section 6.1.1 or 6.1.7 promptly upon being requested to do so by any Bank
and shall thereupon notify all the Banks thereof.

                                   SECTION 7

                                   THE AGENT

          7.1.  Appointment and Authorization.  Each Bank irrevocably appoints
                -----------------------------                                 
and authorizes the Agent to take such action as agent on its behalf and to
exercise such powers under this Agreement and the Notes as are delegated to the
Agent by the terms hereof or thereof, together with all such powers as are
reasonably incidental thereto.

          7.2.  Agent and Affiliates.  Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York
                --------------------                                            
shall have the same rights and powers under this Agreement as any other Bank and
may exercise or refrain from exercising the same as though it were not the
Agent, and Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York and its affiliates may
accept deposits from, lend money to, and generally engage in any kind of
business with the Company or any Subsidiary or affiliate of the Company as if it
were not the Agent hereunder.

          7.3.  Action by Agent.  The obligations of the Agent hereunder are
                ---------------                                             
only those expressly set forth herein.  Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, the Agent shall not be required to take any action with respect to
any Default, except as expressly provided in Section 6.

          7.4.  Consultation with Experts.  The Agent may consult with legal
                -------------------------                                   
counsel (who may be counsel for the Company), independent public accountants and
other experts selected by it and shall not be liable for any action taken or
omitted to be taken by it in good faith in accordance with the advice of such
counsel, accountants or experts.

          7.5.  Liability of Agent.  Neither the Agent nor any of its directors,
                ------------------                                              
officers, agents, or employees shall be liable for any action taken or not taken
by it in connection herewith (a) with the consent or at the request of the
Required Banks or (b) in the absence of its own gross negligence or willful
misconduct.  Neither the Agent nor any of its directors, officers, agents or
employees shall be responsible or have any duty to ascertain, inquire into or
<PAGE>
 
                                                                           51


verify (i) any statement, warranty or representation made in connection with
this Agreement or any Borrowing hereunder; (ii) the performance or observance
of any of the covenants or agreements of the Company; (iii) the satisfaction of
any condition specified in Section 3 or 9, except receipt of items required to
be delivered to the Agent; or (iv) the validity, effectiveness or genuineness
of this Agreement, the Notes or any other instrument or writing furnished in
connection herewith.  The Agent shall not incur any liability by acting in
reliance upon any notice, consent, certificate, statement, or other writing
(which may be a bank wire, telex, telecopy or similar writing) believed by it
to be genuine or to be signed by the proper party or parties.

          7.6.  Indemnification.  Each Bank shall, ratably in accordance with
                ---------------                                              
its Commitment, indemnify the Agent (to the extent not reimbursed by the
Company) against any cost, expense (including counsel fees and disbursements),
claim, demand,, action, loss or liability (except such as result from the
Agent's gross negligence or willful misconduct) that the Agent may suffer or
incur in connection with this Agreement or any action taken or omitted by the
Agent hereunder.

          7.7.  Credit Decision.  Each Bank acknowledges that it has,
                ---------------                                      
independently and without reliance upon the Agent or any other Bank, and based
on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own
credit analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement.  Each Bank also
acknowledges that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Agent or
any other Bank, and based on such documents and information as it shall deem
appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or
not taking any action under this Agreement.

          7.8.  Successor Agent.  The Agent may resign at any time by giving
                ---------------                                             
written notice thereof to the Banks and the Company.  Upon any such
resignation, the Required Banks shall have the right to appoint another Bank as
successor Agent.  If no successor Agent shall have been so appointed by the
Required Banks, and shall have accepted such appointment, within 30 days after
the retiring Agents giving notice of resignation, then the retiring Agent may,
on behalf of the Banks, appoint a successor Agent, which shall be a commercial
bank organized under the laws of the United States of America or of any State
thereof and having a combined capital and surplus of at least $100,000,000. 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                           52



Upon the acceptance of its appointment as Agent hereunder by, a successor
Agent, such successor Agent shall thereupon succeed to and become vested with
all the rights and duties of the retiring Agent, and the retiring Agent shall
be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder.  After any retiring
Agent's resignation hereunder as Agent, the provisions of this Section 7 shall
inure to its benefit as to any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while
it was Agent.

          7.9. Agent's Fee.  The Company shall pay to the Agent for its own
               -----------                                                 
account fees in the amounts and at the times previously agreed upon between the
Company and the Agent.

                                   SECTION 8

                                 MISCELLANEOUS

          8.1.  Notices.  All notices, requests and other communications to any
                -------                                                        
party hereunder shall be in writing (including bank wire, telex (other than in
the case of the Company), telecopy or similar writing) or shall be by telephone
promptly confirmed in writing and shall be given to such party:  (a) in the case
of the Company or the Agent, at its address, telephone number, telecopy number
or telex (other than in the case of the Company) number set forth on the
signature pages hereof, (b) in the case of any Bank at its address, telephone
number, telecopy number or telex number set forth in its Administrative
Questionnaire or (c) in the case of any party such other address, telephone
number, telecopy number or telex number as such party may hereafter specify for
the purpose of notice to the Agent. and the Company.  Each such notice, request
or other communication shall be effective (i) if given by telecopy or telex,
when such telecopy or telex is transmitted to the telecopy number or telex
number specified in or pursuant to this Section 8.1 and the appropriate
confirmation or answerback is received, (ii) if given by mail, 120 hours after
such communication is deposited in the mails with first class postage prepaid,
addressed as aforesaid, (iii) if given by telephone, when such notice is given
subject to prompt confirmation in writing or (iv) if given by any other means,
when delivered at the address specified in or pursuant to this Section; provided
                                                                        --------
that notices to the Agent under Section 2 shall not be effective until received.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                           53


          8.2.  No Waivers.  No failure or delay by the Agent or any Bank an
                ----------                                                  
exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder or under any Note shall
operate as a waiver thereof norshall any single or partial exercise thereof
preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other
right, power or privilege.  The rights and remedies herein provided shall be
cumulative and not exclusive of any rights or remedies provided by law.

          8.3.  Expenses; Documentary Taxes.  The Company shall pay (a) all
                ---------------------------                                
reasonable out-of-pocket expenses of the Agent, including fees and disbursements
of Cravath, Swaine & Moore, special counsel for the Agent, in connection with
the preparation of this Agreement, any waiver or consent hereunder or any
amendment hereof or any Default hereunder and (b) if an Event of Default occurs,
all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Agent or any Bank,
including fees and disbursements of counsel, in connection with such Event of
Default and collection and other enforcement proceedings resulting therefrom.
The Company shall indemnify each Bank against any transfer taxes, documentary
taxes, assessments or charges made by any governmental authority by reason of
the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the Notes.

          8.4.  Sharing of Set-Offs.  Each Bank agrees that if it shall, by
                -------------------                                        
exercising any right of set-off or counterclaim or otherwise, receive payment of
a proportion of the aggregate amount of principal and interest then due with
respect to any Note held by it which is greater than the proportion received by
any other Bank in respect of the aggregate amount of principal and interest then
due with respect to any Note held by such other Bank, the Bank receiving such
proportionately greater payment shall purchase such participations in the Notes
held by the other Banks, and such other adjustments shall be made from time to
time, as may be required so that all such payments of principal and interest
with respect to the Notes held by the Banks shall be shared by the Banks pro
rata; provided that nothing in this Section shall impair the right of any Bank
      --------                                                                
to exercise any right of set-off or counterclaim it may have and to apply the
amount subject to such exercise to the payment of indebtedness of the Company
other than its indebtedness under the Notes.  The Company agrees, to the fullest
extent it may effectively do so under applicable law, that any holder of a
participation in a Note, whether or not acquired pursuant to the foregoing
arrangements, may exercise rights of set-off or counterclaim and other rights
<PAGE>
 
                                                                           54

with respect to such participation as fully as if such holder of the
participation were a direct creditor of the Company in the amount of such
participation.

          8.5.  Amendments and Waivers.  Any provision of this Agreement or the
                ----------------------                                         
Notes may be amended or waived if, but only if, such amendment or waiver is in
writing and is signed by the Company and the Required Banks (and, if the rights
or duties of the Agent are affected thereby, by the Agent); provided that no
                                                            --------        
such amendment or waiver shall, unless signed by all the Banks, (i) increase or
decrease the Commitment of any Bank except as provided in Section 2.9 or subject
any Bank to any additional obligation, (ii) reduce the principal of or the rate
of interest on any Loan or any fees hereunder, (iii) postpone the date fixed (a)
for any payment of principal of or interest on any Loan or any fees hereunder or
(b) for any termination of any Commitment, or (iv) change the percentage of the
Commitments or of the aggregate unpaid principal amount of the Notes, or the
number of Banks, which shall be required for the Banks or any of them to take
any action under this Section or any other provision of this Agreement.

          8.6.  Successors and Assiqns.
                ---------------------- 

          8.6.1.  The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and
inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and
assigns, except that the Company may not assign or otherwise transfer any of its
rights under this Agreement without the prior written consent of all Banks.

          8.6.2.  Any Bank may at any time grant to one or more banks or other
institutions (each a "Participant") participating interests in its Commitment or
any or all of its Loans.  In the event of any such grant by a Bank of a
participating interest to a Participant, whether or not upon notice to the
Company and the Agent, such Bank shall remain responsible for the performance of
its obligations hereunder, and the Company and the Agent shall continue to deal
solely and directly with such Bank in connection with such Bank's rights and
obligations under this Agreement.  Any agreement pursuant to which any Bank may
grant such a participating interest shall provide that such Bank shall retain
the sole right and responsibility to enforce the obligations of the Company
hereunder including, without limitation the right to approve any amendment,
modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement; provided that
                                                           --------     
<PAGE>
 
                                                                           55

such participation agreement may provide that such Bank will not agree to any
modification, amendment or waiver of this Agreement described in clause (i),
(ii) or (iii) of Section 8.5 without the consent of the Participant.  The
Company agrees that each Participant to a participation, the granting of which
has been approved in writing by the Company, shall, to the extent provided in
its participation agreement, be entitled to the benefits of Sections 2.7.4 and
2.17 with respect to its participating interest.  An assignment or other
transfer which is not permitted by Section 8.6.3 or 8.6.4 below shall be given
effect for purposes of this Agreement only to the extent of a participating
interest granted in accordance with this Section 8.6.2.

          8.6.3.  Any Bank may at any time assign to one or more banks or other
institutions (each an "Assignee") all, or a proportionate part of all, of its
rights and obligations under this Agreement and the Notes, and such Assignee
shall assume such rights and obligations, pursuant to an Assignment and
Assumption Agreement in substantially the form of Exhibit G hereto executed by
such Assignee and such transferor Bank, with (and subject to) the subscribed
consent of the Company and the Agent; provided that (a) if an Assignee is a Bank
                                      --------                                  
or an affiliate of such transferor Bank, no consent shall be required, (b) such
assignment may, but need not, include rights of the transferor Bank in respect
of outstanding Money Market Loans and (c) any such assignment shall be for at
least $10,000,000 of the Commitment of such Bank.  Upon execution and delivery
of such instrument and any necessary payment by such Assignee, such Assignee
shall be a Bank party to this Agreement and shall have all the rights and
obligations of a Bank with a Commitment as set forth in such instrument of
assumption, and the transferor Bank shall be released from its obligations
hereunder to a corresponding extent, and no further consent or action by any
party shall be required. Upon the consummation of any assignment pursuant to
this Section 8.6.3 the transferor Bank, the Agent and the Company shall make
appropriate arrangements so that, if required, a new Note is issued to the
Assignee.  In connection with any such assignment (other than in the case of the
replacement of a Bank pursuant to Section 2.1.3 or Section 2.9.3) the transferor
Bank shall pay to the Agent an administrative fee for processing such assignment
in the amount of $2,000.

          8.6.4.  Any Bank may at any time assign all or any portion of its
rights under this Agreement and its Note
<PAGE>
 
                                                                           56

to a Federal Reserve Bank.  No such assignment shall release the transferor
Bank from its obligations hereunder.

          8.6.5.  No Assignee, Participant or other transferee of any Bank's
rights shall be entitled to receive any greater payment under Section 2.17 than
such Bank would have been entitled to receive with respect to the rights
transferred, unless such transfer is made with the Company's prior written
consent or by reason of the provisions of Section 2.16 or 2.17 requiring such
Bank to designate a different Lending Office under certain circumstances or at a
time when the circumstances giving rise to such greater payment did not exist.

          8.6.6.  If any Reference Bank assigns its Notes to an unaffiliated
institution as permitted by Section 8.6.1, the Agent shall, in consultation with
the Company and with the consent of the Required Banks, appoint another Bank to
act as a Reference Bank hereunder.

          8.7.  Collateral.  Each of the Banks represents to the Agent and each
                ----------                                                     
of the other Banks that it in good faith is not relying upon any Margin Stock as
collateral in the extension or maintenance of the credit provided for in this
Agreement.

          8.8.  New York Law.  This Agreement and each Note shall be construed
                ------------                                                  
in accordance with and governed by the law of the State of New York.

          8.9.  Counterparts; Integration.  This Agreement may be signed in any
                -------------------------                                      
number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, with the same effect
as if the signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument.  This
Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and understanding among the parties
hereto and supersedes any and all prior agreements and understandings, oral or
written, relating to the subject matter hereof.

          8.10.  Indemnity by Company.  The Company agrees to indemnify each
                 --------------------                                       
Bank and hold each Bank harmless from and against any and all liabilities,
losses, damages, costs and expenses of any kind (including, without limitation,
the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel for any Bank in connection with
any investigative, administrative or judicial proceeding, whether or not such
Bank shall be designated a party thereto) which may be incurred by any Bank (or
by the Agent in connection with its actions as
<PAGE>
 
                                                                           57

Agent hereunder), relating to or arising out of any actual or proposed use of
proceeds of Loans hereunder for the purpose of acquiring equity securities of
any Person; provided, that no Bank shall have the right to be indemnified
            --------                                                     
hereunder (a) with respect to the acquisition of equity securities (i) of a
wholly-owned Subsidiary, or (ii) of a Person who prior to such acquisition did
not conduct any business, or (b) for its own gross negligence or willful
misconduct.

                                   SECTION 9

                                 EFFECTIVENESS

          9.1.  Conditions.  This Agreement shall become effective upon
                ----------                                             
satisfaction of the following conditions:

          9.1.1.  the Agent shall have received duly executed counterparts of
this Agreement signed by the Company and the Banks (or, in the case of any party
as to which 'an executed counterpart shall not have been received, the Agent
shall have received telegraphic, telex or other written confirmation from such
party of execution of a counterpart by such party);

          9.2.2.  the Agent shall have received opinions of each of Samuel P.
Fried, Esq., General Counsel of the Company, and Davis Polk & Wardwell, special
counsel for the Company, substantially in the forms of Exhibits E-1 and E-2
hereto, respectively, and covering such additional matters relating to the
transactions contemplated hereby as the Required Banks may reasonably request;

          9.1.3.  the Agent shall have received an opinion of Cravath, Swaine &
Moore, special counsel for the Agent, substantially in the form of Exhibit F
hereto and covering such additional matters relating to the transactions
contemplated hereby as the Required Banks may reasonably request;

          9.1.4.  the Agent shall have received a certificate signed by the
chief financial officer or the treasurer of the Company, to the effect that the
representations and warranties of the Company contained in Section 4 are true on
and as of the date of such certificate;
<PAGE>
 
                                                                           58


          9.1.5.  the Agent shall have received, for the account of each Bank, a
duly executed Note, dated on or before the Effective Date and complying with the
provisions of Section 2.5 of this Agreement;

          9.1.6.  the Agent shall have received all documents it may reasonably
request relating to the existence of the Company, the corporate authority for
the validity of this Agreement, and any other matters relevant hereto, all in
form and substance satisfactory to the Agent; and

          9.1.7.  the Agent shall have received evidence satisfactory to it of
the termination of lending commitments under, and the payment of all amounts
outstanding under, the Existing Credit Agreement and the WFN Credit Agreement.

The opinions and certificate referred to in clauses 9.1.2, 9.1.3 and 9.1.4 above
shall be dated the Effective Date.

          9.2.  Termination of Agreements.  The Banks that are parties to the
                -------------------------                                    
Existing Credit Agreement and the WFN Credit Agreement, comprising the "Required
Banks" as defined therein, and the Company agree to waive notice of the
termination of the commitments under the Existing Credit Agreement and the WFN
Credit Agreement, and such commitments shall terminate in their entirety
simultaneously with and subject to the effectiveness of this Agreement and that
the Company shall be obligated to pay the accrued commitment and facility fees
thereunder to but excluding the Effective Date.  Each Bank that is a party to
the Existing Credit Agreement or the WFN Credit Agreement agrees that,
<PAGE>
 
                                                                           59

immediately upon the effectiveness of this Agreement, it will mark all notes
issued under the Existing Credit Agreement or the WFN Credit Agreement and held
by it "CANCELLED" and will promptly return all such Notes to the Company or, in
the event such notes have been lost, will indemnify the Company in respect of
any loss arising from such loss pursuant to such Bank's customary
indemnification for lost securities.


          The parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed by
their respective authorized officers as of the day and year first above written.

                    THE LIMITED, INC.


                    By:   /s/  Patrick Hectorne
                        ----------------------------
                        Name:  Patrick Hectorne
                        Title: Treasurer

                    Three Limited Parkway
                    P.O. Box 16000
                    Columbus, Ohio 43216
                    Telecopy number:  614-479-7225
                    Telephone number:  614-479-7033
                         Attn:  Patrick Hectorne
                                Treasurer

                         With copy to:

                         Kenneth B. Gilman,
                         Vice Chairman and
                         Chief Financial Officer
                         Telecopy number:  614-479-7185
<PAGE>
 
                                                                           60

Commitments
- -----------

$125,000,000  MORGAN GUARANTY TRUST COMPANY
              OF NEW YORK
 
 
              By:     /s/  R. Blake Witherington
                      --------------------------
              Title:  Vice President


$82,000,000  CITIBANK, N.A.
 
 
             By:
             Title:


$82,000,000  DEUTSCHE BANK AG, NEW YORK AND/OR
             CAYMAN ISLANDS BRANCHES
 
 
             By:
             Title:
 
             By:
             Title:


$62,500,000  CHEMICAL BANK
 
 
             By:
             Title:  


$62,500,000  THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO
 
 
             By:
             Title:  
<PAGE>
 
                                                                           60

Commitments
- -------------

$125,000,000  MORGAN GUARANTY TRUST COMPANY
              OF NEW YORK
 
 
              By:
              Title: 


$82,000,000  CITIBANK, N.A.
 
 
             By:     /s/  William P. Stengel
                     --------------------------
             Title:  Vice President


$82,000,000  DEUTSCHE BANK AG, NEW YORK AND/OR
             CAYMAN ISLANDS BRANCHES
 
 
             By:
             Title:  
 
             By:
             Title:  


$62,500,000  CHEMICAL BANK
 
 
             By:
             Title:  


$62,500,000  THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO
 
 
             By:
             Title:  
<PAGE>
 
                                                                           60

Commitments
- -----------

$125,000,000  MORGAN GUARANTY TRUST COMPANY
              OF NEW YORK
 
 
              By:
              Title:  


$82,000,000  CITIBANK, N.A.
 
 
             By:
             Title: 


$82,000,000  DEUTSCHE BANK AG, NEW YORK AND/OR
             CAYMAN ISLANDS BRANCHES
 
 
             By:     /s/  David H. Kahn
                     --------------------------
             Title:  Assistant Vice President
 
             By:     /s/  Hans-Josef Thiele
                     --------------------------
             Title:  Vice President


$62,500,000  CHEMICAL BANK
 
 
             By:
             Title:  


$62,500,000  THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO
 
 
             By:
             Title:  
<PAGE>
 
                                                                           60

Commitments
- -----------

$125,000,000  MORGAN GUARANTY TRUST COMPANY
              OF NEW YORK
 
 
              By:
              Title:  


$82,000,000  CITIBANK, N.A.
 
 
             By:
             Title:  


$82,000,000  DEUTSCHE BANK AG, NEW YORK AND/OR
             CAYMAN ISLANDS BRANCHES
 
 
             By:
             Title: 
 
             By:
             Title: 


$62,500,000  CHEMICAL BANK
 
 
             By:     /s/  William Laggiano
                     --------------------------
             Title:  Managing Director


$62,500,000  THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO
 
 
             By:
             Title: 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                           60

Commitments
- -----------

$125,000,000  MORGAN GUARANTY TRUST COMPANY
              OF NEW YORK
 
 
              By:
              Title:  


$82,000,000  CITIBANK, N.A.
 
 
             By:
             Title:  


$82,000,000  DEUTSCHE BANK AG, NEW YORK AND/OR
             CAYMAN ISLANDS BRANCHES
 
 
             By:
             Title:  
 
             By:
             Title:  


$62,500,000  CHEMICAL BANK
 
 
             By:
             Title: 


$62,500,000  THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO
 
 
             By:     /s/  Tara W. Clark
                     --------------------------
             Title:  Vice President
<PAGE>
 
                                                                           61

$62,500,000  THE HONG KONG & SHANGHAI BANKING
             CORPORATION LTD.
 
 
             By:     /s/  Douglas Stolberg
                     ------------------------
             Title:  Senior Vice President
                     and Manager


$62,500,000  NATIONSBANK, N.A.
 
 
             By:     
             Title:  


$50,000,000  THE BANK OF NEW YORK
 
 
             By:     
             Title:  


$42,000,000  BANK OF AMERICA NATIONAL TRUST AND SAVINGS ASSOCIATION
 
 
             By:     
             Title:  


$42,000,000  MELLON BANK, N.A.
 
 
             By:     
             Title:  


$42,000,000  UNION BANK OF SWITZERLAND, CHICAGO BRANCH
 
 
             By:     
             Title:  
 
             By:     
             Title:  
<PAGE>
 
                                                                           61

$62,500,000  THE HONG KONG & SHANGHAI BANKING
             CORPORATION LTD.
 
 
             By:     
             Title:   
                     


$62,500,000  NATIONSBANK, N.A.
 
 
             By:     /s/ Michael A. Monte 
                     ------------------------
             Title:  Senior Vice President 


$50,000,000  THE BANK OF NEW YORK
 
 
             By:     
             Title:  


$42,000,000  BANK OF AMERICA NATIONAL TRUST AND SAVINGS ASSOCIATION
 
 
             By:     
             Title:  


$42,000,000  MELLON BANK, N.A.
 
 
             By:     
             Title:  


$42,000,000  UNION BANK OF SWITZERLAND, CHICAGO BRANCH
 
 
             By:     
             Title:  
 
             By:     
             Title:  
<PAGE>
 
                                                                           61

$62,500,000  THE HONG KONG & SHANGHAI BANKING
             CORPORATION LTD.
 
 
             By:     
             Title:   
                     


$62,500,000  NATIONSBANK, N.A.
 
 
             By:     
             Title:  


$50,000,000  THE BANK OF NEW YORK
 
 
             By:     /s/ Paula M. DiPonzio
                     ------------------------
             Title:  Vice President


$42,000,000  BANK OF AMERICA NATIONAL TRUST AND SAVINGS ASSOCIATION
 
 
             By:     
             Title:  


$42,000,000  MELLON BANK, N.A.
 
 
             By:     
             Title:  


$42,000,000  UNION BANK OF SWITZERLAND, CHICAGO BRANCH
 
 
             By:     
             Title:  
 
             By:     
             Title:  
<PAGE>
 
                                                                           61

$62,500,000  THE HONG KONG & SHANGHAI BANKING
             CORPORATION LTD.
 
 
             By:     
             Title:   
                     


$62,500,000  NATIONSBANK, N.A.
 
 
             By:     
             Title:  


$50,000,000  THE BANK OF NEW YORK
 
 
             By: 
             Title: 


$42,000,000  BANK OF AMERICA NATIONAL TRUST AND SAVINGS ASSOCIATION
 
 
             By:     /s/ Kathleen McVay 
                     ------------------------
             Title:  Authorized Officer 


$42,000,000  MELLON BANK, N.A.
 
 
             By:     
             Title:  


$42,000,000  UNION BANK OF SWITZERLAND, CHICAGO BRANCH
 
 
             By:     
             Title:  
 
             By:     
             Title:  
<PAGE>
 
                                                                           61

$62,500,000  THE HONG KONG & SHANGHAI BANKING
             CORPORATION LTD.
 
 
             By:     
             Title:   
                     


$62,500,000  NATIONSBANK, N.A.
 
 
             By:     
             Title:  


$50,000,000  THE BANK OF NEW YORK
 
 
             By: 
             Title: 


$42,000,000  BANK OF AMERICA NATIONAL TRUST AND SAVINGS ASSOCIATION
 
 
             By:     
             Title:  


$42,000,000  MELLON BANK, N.A.
 
 
             By:     /s/ Marc T. Kennedy
                     ------------------------
             Title:  AJP


$42,000,000  UNION BANK OF SWITZERLAND, CHICAGO BRANCH
 
 
             By:     
             Title:  
 
             By:     
             Title:  
<PAGE>
 
                                                                           61

$62,500,000  THE HONG KONG & SHANGHAI BANKING
             CORPORATION LTD.
 
 
             By:     
             Title:   
                     


$62,500,000  NATIONSBANK, N.A.
 
 
             By:     
             Title:  


$50,000,000  THE BANK OF NEW YORK
 
 
             By: 
             Title: 


$42,000,000  BANK OF AMERICA NATIONAL TRUST AND SAVINGS ASSOCIATION
 
 
             By:     
             Title:  


$42,000,000  MELLON BANK, N.A.
 
 
             By: 
             Title:  


$42,000,000  UNION BANK OF SWITZERLAND, CHICAGO BRANCH
 
 
             By:     /s/ David Danhauer
                     ------------------------
             Title:  Vice President
 


<PAGE>
 
 $40,000,000  CREDIT SUISSE
 
 
             By:     /s/  Thomas G. Muoio
                     ------------------------
             Title:  Associate
 
             By:     /s/  Dawn E. Rubinstein
                     ------------------------
             Title:  Associate



$35,000,000  THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA
 
 
             By:     
             Title: 


$35,000,000  HUNTINGTON NATIONAL BANK
 
 
             By: 
             Title:  


$35,000,000  NATIONAL CITY BANK, COLUMBUS
 
 
             By: 
             Title: 


$30,000,000  ABN AMRO BANK, N.V.
 
 
             By:     
             Title:  
 
             By:     
             Title:  

$30,000,000  THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF BOSTON
 
 
             By: 
             Title:  
<PAGE>
 
$40,000,000  CREDIT SUISSE
 
 
             By:     
             Title:  
 
             By:     
             Title:  



$35,000,000  THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA
 
 
             By:     /s/  F. C. H. Ashby
                     ------------------------
             Title:  Senior Manager Loan
                      Operations


$35,000,000  HUNTINGTON NATIONAL BANK
 
 
             By:     
             Title:  


$35,000,000  NATIONAL CITY BANK, COLUMBUS
 
 
             By: 
             Title:

$30,000,000  ABN AMRO BANK, N.V.
 
 
             By:     
             Title:  

             By:     
             Title:  
 
 
$30,000,000  THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF BOSTON
 
 
             By:     
             Title:  
<PAGE>
 
$40,000,000  CREDIT SUISSE
 
 
             By:     
             Title:  
 
             By:     
             Title:  


$35,000,000  THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA
 
 
             By: 
             Title: 


$35,000,000  HUNTINGTON NATIONAL BANK
 
 
             By:     /s/  Lynn Karr
                     ---------------------
             Title:  Vice President


$35,000,000  NATIONAL CITY BANK, COLUMBUS
 
 
             By:     
             Title:  


$30,000,000  ABN AMRO BANK, N.V.
 
 
             By:     
             Title:  
 
             By:     
             Title:  
 
 
$30,000,000  THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF BOSTON
 
 
             By:     
             Title:  
<PAGE>
 
$40,000,000  CREDIT SUISSE
 
 
             By:     
             Title:  
 
             By:     
             Title:  


$35,000,000  THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA
 
 
             By:     
             Title: 


$35,000,000  HUNTINGTON NATIONAL BANK
 
 
             By:     
             Title:  


$35,000,000  NATIONAL CITY BANK, COLUMBUS
 
 
             By:     /s/  William J. Whitley
                       ------------------------
             Title:  Vice President


$30,000,000  ABN AMRO BANK, N.V.
 
 
             By:     
             Title:  
 
             By:     
             Title:  
 
 
$30,000,000  THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF BOSTON
 
 
             By:     
             Title:  
<PAGE>
 
$40,000,000  CREDIT SUISSE
 
 
             By:     
             Title:  
 
             By:     
             Title:  


$35,000,000  THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA
 
 
             By:     
             Title: 


$35,000,000  HUNTINGTON NATIONAL BANK
 
 
             By: 
             Title:  


$35,000,000  NATIONAL CITY BANK, COLUMBUS
 
 
             By:     
             Title:  


$30,000,000  ABN AMRO BANK, N.V.
 
 
             By:     /s/  Jim Janovsky
                     ------------------------
             Title:  Group Vice President
 
             By:     /s/  Kathryn C. Toth
                     ------------------------
             Title:  Vice President
 
$30,000,000  THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF BOSTON
 
 
             By:     
             Title:  
<PAGE>
 
$40,000,000  CREDIT SUISSE
 
 
             By:     
             Title:  
 
             By:     
             Title:  



$35,000,000  THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA
 
 
             By:     
             Title: 


$35,000,000  HUNTINGTON NATIONAL BANK
 
 
             By: 
             Title:  


$35,000,000  NATIONAL CITY BANK, COLUMBUS
 
 
             By:     
             Title:  


$30,000,000  ABN AMRO BANK, N.V.
 
 
             By:     
             Title:  
 
             By:     
             Title:  
 
 
$30,000,000  THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF BOSTON
 
 
             By:     /s/  Beth Ann Halligan
                     ------------------------
             Title:  Managing Director
<PAGE>
 
$30,000,000    BANK ONE, COLUMBUS, NA
 
 
                By:     /s/  Jean R. Pore
                        ---------------------   
                Title:  Vice President
 
 
$30,000,000     FLEET NATIONAL BANK OF MASSACHUSETTS
 
 
                By:     
                Title:  


$20,000,000     THE FIFTH THIRD BANK OF COLUMBUS
 
 
                By: 
                Title:  


- -----------------
 
Total Commitments
 
$1,000,000,000
- -----------------



                                            MORGAN GUARANTY TRUST COMPANY
                                                OF NEW YORK, as Agent
 
 
                                          By: 
                                          Title:  

 
                                            Morgan Guaranty Trust Company
                                              of New York
                                            60 Wall Street
                                            New York, New York 10260
                                            Telex Number/Answerback:
                                            177615/MGTUI
 
<PAGE>
 
$30,000,000    BANK ONE, COLUMBUS, NA
 
 
                By: 
                Title:  
 
 
$30,000,000     FLEET NATIONAL BANK OF MASSACHUSETTS
 
 
                By:     /s/  Thomas J. Bullard
                        ---------------------   
                Title:  Vice President


$20,000,000     THE FIFTH THIRD BANK OF COLUMBUS
 
 
                By: 
                Title: 


- -----------------
 
Total Commitments
 
$1,000,000,000
- -----------------



                                            MORGAN GUARANTY TRUST COMPANY
                                                OF NEW YORK, as Agent
 
 
                                          By: 
                                          Title:  
 
 
                                            Morgan Guaranty Trust Company
                                              of New York
                                            60 Wall Street
                                            New York, New York 10260
                                            Telex Number/Answerback:
                                            177615/MGTUI
 
<PAGE>
 
$30,000,000     BANK ONE, COLUMBUS, NA
 
 
                By: 
                Title:  
 
 
$30,000,000     FLEET NATIONAL BANK OF MASSACHUSETTS
 
 
                By: 
                Title:  


$20,000,000     THE FIFTH THIRD BANK OF COLUMBUS
 
 
                By:     /s/  Charles Hale
                     ---------------------   
                Title:  Vice President


- -----------------
 
Total Commitments
 
$1,000,000,000
- -----------------



                                            MORGAN GUARANTY TRUST COMPANY
                                                OF NEW YORK, as Agent
 
 
                                          By: 
                                          Title:  
 
 
                                            Morgan Guaranty Trust Company
                                              of New York
                                            60 Wall Street
                                            New York, New York 10260
                                            Telex Number/Answerback:
                                            177615/MGTUI
 
<PAGE>
 
$30,000,000     BANK ONE, COLUMBUS, NA
 
 
                By: 
                Title: 
 
 
$30,000,000     FLEET NATIONAL BANK OF MASSACHUSETTS
 
 
                By: 
                Title:  


$20,000,000     THE FIFTH THIRD BANK OF COLUMBUS
 
 
                By: 
                Title:  


- -----------------
 
Total Commitments
 
$1,000,000,000
- -----------------



                                            MORGAN GUARANTY TRUST COMPANY
                                                OF NEW YORK, as Agent
 
 
                                          By:     /s/  R. Blake Witherington
                                                  --------------------------   
                                          Title:  Senior Vice President
 
 
                                            Morgan Guaranty Trust Company
                                              of New York
                                            60 Wall Street
                                            New York, New York 10260
                                            Telex Number/Answerback:
                                            177615/MGTUI
 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT A




                                     NOTE



                                                           New York, New York
                                                                       , 19

    For value received, The Limited, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the
"Company"), promises to pay to the order of                       (the "Bank"),
                                            ---------------------  
for the account of its Lending Office, the unpaid principal amount of each Loan
made by the Bank to the company pursuant to the Credit Agreement referred to
below on the last date of the Interest Period relating to such Loan. The  
Company promises to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount of each such
Loan on the dates and at the rate or rates provided for in the Credit
Agreement. All such payments of principal and interest shall be made in lawful
money of the United States in federal or other immediately available funds at
the office of Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, 60 Wall Street, New
York, New York.

    All Loans made by the Bank, the respective types and maturities thereof and
all repayments of the principal thereof shall be recorded by the Bank and,
prior to any transfer thereof, endorsed by the Bank on the schedule attached
hereto, or on a continuation of such schedule attached to and made a part
hereof; provided that the failure of the Bank to make any such recordation or
        --------
endorsement shall not affect the obligations of the Company under the first
paragraph of this Note or under the Credit Agreement.

    This Note is one of the Notes referred to in the Credit Agreement dated as
of                       among the Company, the Banks listed on the signature
   ---------------------
pages thereof and Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, as Agent (as the
same may be amended from time to time, the "Credit Agreeement"). Terms defined
in the Credit Agreement are used herein with the same meanings.

<PAGE>
 
Reference is made to the Credit Agreement for provisions for the prepayment
hereof and the acceleration of the maturity hereof.

                                       THE LIMITED, INC.



                                       By: 
                                           -------------------------------
                                           Title: 
                                                 -------------------------
<PAGE>
 
                                Note (cont'd)

                       LOANS AND PAYMENTS OF PRINCIPAL


- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             Amount     Amount of 
                Type           of       Principal       Maturity     Notation
Date           of Loan        Loan       Repaid           Date        Made By
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>            <C>           <C>        <C>             <C>          <C>

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

</TABLE> 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT B


                            Form of Quote Request

                                                                       [Date]



To:      Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York
         (the "Agent")

From:    The Limited, Inc.

Re:      Credit Agreement (the "Credit Agreement")
         dated as of             among the Company,
                     -----------
         the Banks listed on the signature pages
         thereof and the Agent

         We hereby give notice pursuant to Section 2.3 of the
Credit Agreement that we request Quotes for the following
proposed Money Market Borrowing(s):

Date of Borrowing:
                   -----------------------------

Principal Amount /1/                               Interest Period 
- ----------------                                   ---------------

$

      Such Quotes should offer (check one):

           Money Market Absolute Rate           ----------   

           Money Market Margin /2/              ----------   
            
           Terms defined in the Credit
           Agreement are used herein with
           the same meanings. 

                                  THE LIMITED, INC.


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


- ---------------
     /1/ Amount must be $20,000,000 or a larger multiple of
$1,000,000.

    /2/ The applicable base rate is the London Interbank
Offered Rate. 
<PAGE>
                                                                       EXHIBIT C


                         Form of Invitation for Quotes
                         -----------------------------


To:      [Name of Bank]

Re:      Invitation for Quotes to The Limited, Inc.
         (the "Company")

         Pursuant to Section 2.3 of the Credit Agreement (the "Credit 
Agreement") dated as of                    among the Company, the Banks listed 
                        ------------------
on the signature pages thereof and the undersigned, as Agent, we are pleased on 
behalf of the Company to invite you to submit Quotes to the Company for the 
following proposed Money Market Borrowing(s):

Date of Borrowing:
                   -----------------------------


Principal Amount                                   Interest Period
- ----------------                                   ---------------
$

      Such Quotes should offer (check one):

           Money Market Absolute Rate
                                                ----------

           Money Market Margin /1/
                                                ----------


         Please respond to this invitation by no later than [2:00 P.M.] [9:00 
A.M.] (New York City time) on [date]. Terms defined in the Credit Agreement are 
used herein with the same meanings.

                                       MORGAN GUARANTY TRUST COMPANY OF
                                       NEW YORK


                                       By
                                         --------------------------------------
                                         Authorized Officer


- --------------
         /1/ The applicable base rate is the London Interbank Offered Rate.
<PAGE>
                                                                       EXHIBIT D

                                 Form of Quote
                                 -------------


MORGAN GUARANTY TRUST COMPANY
  OF NEW YORK, as Agent
60 Wall Street
New York, New York 10260

Attention:  Loan Department

         Re:  Quote to The Limited, Inc. (the "Company")

         In response to your invitation on behalf of the Company dated         ,
                                                                      ---------
       , we hereby make the following Quote on the following terms:
- -------


1.   Quoting Bank:
                  -------------------------------------

2.   Person to contact at Quoting Bank:
                                       -------------------------------------

3.   Date of Borrowing:                                     /1/
                       -------------------------------------

4.   We hereby offer to make Money Market Loan(s) in the following principal 
amounts, for the following Interest Periods and at the following rates:




- --------------
         /1/ As specified in the related Invitation.
<PAGE>
Principal         Interest          Money Market
Amount /2/       Period /3/         [Margin /4/]        [Absolute Rate /5/]
- ---------        ----------         ------------        -------------------

$
$

         We understand and agree that the offer(s) set forth above, subject to 
the satisfaction of the applicable conditions set forth in the Credit Agreement 
dated as of                  among the Company, the Banks listed on the 
           ------------------
signature pages thereof and yourselves, as Agent, irrevocably obligates us to 
make the Money Market Loan(s) for which any offer(s) are accepted, in whole or 
in part. Terms defined in said Credit Agreement are used herein with the same 
meaning.

                                       Very truly yours,

                                       [NAME OF BANK]

Dated:                                 By:
      ----------------------------        ----------------------------
                                          Authorized Officer







- --------------
         /2/ Principal amount bid for each Interest Period may not exceed 
principal amount requested. Specify aggregate limitation if the sum of the 
individual offers exceeds the amount the Bank is willing to lend. Bids must 
be made for $1,000,000 or a larger multiple thereof.

         /3/ As specified in the related Invitation. No more than five bids are 
permitted for each Interest Period.

         /4/ Margin over or under the London Interbank Offered Rate determined 
for the applicable Interest Period. Specify percentage (rounded to the nearest 
1/10,000th of 1%) and specify whether "PLUS" or "MINUS".

         /5/ Specify rate of interest per annum (rounded to the nearest 
1/10,000th of 1%).


<PAGE>
THE LIMITED, INC.                                                    EXHIBIT E-1
- -----------------

THREE LIMITED PARKWAY
COLUMBUS, OHIO 43230
TEL 614 479 7000

    SAMUEL P. FRIED
    Vice President
    and General Counsel



    December 15, 1995

    To the Banks and the Agent
    c/o Morgan Guaranty Trust Company
      of New York, as Agent
    60 Wall Street
    New York, New York 10260

    Ladies and Gentlemen:


         I am the General Counsel of The Limited, Inc., a Delaware corporation
    (the "Company"), and have acted on behalf of the Company in connection with
    the Credit Agreement dated as of December 15, 1995 (the "Credit Agreement")
    among the Company, the banks listed on the signature pages thereof (the
    "Banks") and Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, as Agent (the
    "Agent"). Terms defined in the Credit Agreement are used herein as therein
    defined.

         I, or individuals under my direction, have examined originals or
    copies, certified or otherwise identified to my satisfaction, of such
    documents, corporate records, certificates of public officials and other
    instruments and have conducted such other investigations of fact and law as
    I have deemed necessary or advisable for purposes of this opinion.

         Based upon the foregoing, and subject to the qualifications set forth 
    below, I am of the opinion that:

         1.  The Company is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and 
    in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of organization and has
    all corporate powers and all material governmental licenses, authorizations,
    consents and approvals required to carry on its business as now conducted or
    proposed to be conducted, except any such powers or governmental licenses,
    authorizations, consents or approvals the absence of which would not
    reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the business,
    financial condition or results of operations of the Company and the
    Consolidated Subsidiaries considered as a whole.
<PAGE>
To the Banks and the Agent

         2.  The execution, delivery and performance by the Company of the 
    Credit Agreement and the Notes are within the Company's corporate powers,
    have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action, require no
    action by or in respect of, or filing with, any Governmental Authority
    (other than such as have been duly taken or made) and do not contravene, or
    constitute a default under, any provision of applicable law or regulation of
    the State of Ohio or the United States of America or of the certificate of
    incorporation or by-laws of the Company or, to the best of my knowledge, of
    any judgment, injunction, order or decree or any material agreement or
    other material instrument binding upon the Company or result in the creation
    or imposition of any Lien on any asset of the Company.

         3.  To the best of my knowledge, there is not injunction, stay, decree 
    or order of any Governmental Authority or any action, suit or proceeding
    pending against, threatened against or affecting the Company before any
    court or arbitrator or any governmental body, agency or official in which
    there is a reasonable possibility of an adverse decision that would
    reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the business,
    financial condition or results of operations of the Company and the
    Consolidated Subsidiaries considered as a whole or which expressly contests
    the validity of the Credit Agreement or the Notes.

         I am a member of the bar of the State of Ohio and the foregoing opinion
    is limited to the laws of the State of Ohio, the Federal laws of the United
    States of America and the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

         This opinion is rendered solely to you in connection with the above 
    matter. This opinion may not be relied upon by you for any other purpose or
    relied upon by any other person without my prior written consent.

                                       Very truly yours,

                                       /s/ Samuel P. Fried
<PAGE>
                             DAVIS POLK & WARDWELL                   EXHIBIT E-2

                             450 LEXINGTON AVENUE
  1300 I STREET, N.W.        NEW YORK, N.Y. 10017        2-1, MARUNOUCHI I-CHOME
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005           212-450-4000             CHIYODA-KU, TOKYO 100
         --                   FAX: 212-450-4800                     --         
4. PLACE DE LA CONCORDE                                          MESSETURM     
     75008 PARIS                                         40308 FRANKFURT AU MAIN
         --                                                         --         
 1 FREDERICK'S PLACE                                          34 CHATER ROAD   
   LONDON EC2R 8A8                                               HONG KONG

                                                         December 15, 1995


To the Banks and the Agent
c/o Morgan Guaranty Trust Company
  of New York, as Agent
60 Wall Street
New York, New York 10260

Ladies and Gentlemen:

    We have acted as special counsel for The Limited, Inc., a Delaware 
corporation (the "Company"), in connection with the Credit Agreement dated as 
of December 15, 1995 (the "Credit Agreement") among the Company, the banks 
listed on the signature pages thereof (the "Banks") and Morgan Guaranty Trust 
Company of New York, as Agent (the "Agent"). Terms defined in the Credit
Agreement are used herein as therein defined.

    We have examined originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to 
our satisfaction, of such documents, corporate records, certificates of public
officials and other instruments and have conducted such other investigations of 
fact and law as we have deemed necessary or advisable for purposes of this 
opinion.

    Based upon the foregoing, and subject to the qualifications set forth below,
we are of the opinion that:

    1.  The Credit Agreement constitutes a valid and binding agreement of the 
Company, and each of the Notes constitutes a valid and binding obligation of the
Company, in each case enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to 
applicable bankruptcy, insolvency and similar laws affecting creditors' rights 
generally and equitable principles of general applicability.

    2.  The execution, delivery and performance by the Company of the Credit 
Agreement and the Notes do not contravene any provision of New York State law or
regulation that in our experience is normally applicable to general business 
corporations in relation to transactions of the type contemplated by the Credit 
Agreement.
<PAGE>
The Banks and the Agent               -2-                     December 15, 1995


    3.  The Company is not an "investment company" within the meaning of the 
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

    4. The making of Loans by the Banks and the use of the proceeds thereof by
the Company, in each case in accordance with the Credit Agreement, do not
violate Regulation G, U or X of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve
System. For purposes of determining whether, within the meaning of such
regulations, the Loans are "secured directly or indirectly by margin stock", the
Class B Common Stock of Intimate Brands, Inc. held by the Company does not, as
of the date hereof, constitute margin stock.

    We are members of the bar of the State of New York and the foregoing opinion
is limited to the laws of the State of New York and the Federal laws of the
United States of America. In giving the foregoing opinion, (a) we express no
opinion as to the effect (if any) of any law of any jurisdiction (except the
State of New York) in which any Bank is located that may limit the rate of
interest that such Bank may charge or collect and (b) we have assumed that (i)
the Company is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the
laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation and (ii) the execution, delivery and
performance by the Company of the Credit Agreement and the Notes (A) are within
its corporate powers, (B) have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate
action, (C) require no action by or in respect of, or filing with, any
Governmental Authority (other than such as have been duly taken or made), (D)
except for the laws expressly addressed in paragraphs 2, 3 and 4 above, do not
contravene any provision of applicable law or regulation and (E) do not
contravene, or constitute a default under, any provision of the certificate of
incorporation or by-laws of the Company or of any judgment, injunction, order or
decree or any material agreement or other material instrument binding upon the
Company.

    This opinion is rendered solely to you in connection with the above matter.
This opinion may not be relied upon by you for any other purpose or relied upon
by any other person without our prior written consent.

                                               Very truly yours,


                                               /s/ Davis Polk & Wardwell































<PAGE>
                                                                       EXHIBIT F


                                  Opinion of
                   Cravath, Swaine & Moore, Special Counsel
                                 For The Agent
                   ----------------------------------------


                                                                [Effective Date]

Dear Sirs:

     We have participated in the preparation of the Credit Agreement dated as of
          , 1995 (the "Credit Agreement"), among The Limited, Inc., a Delaware 
- ----------
corporation (the "Company"), the banks listed on the signature pages thereof 
(the "Banks") and Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, as Agent (the 
"Agent"), and have acted as special counsel for the Agent for the purpose of 
rendering this opinion pursuant to Section 9 of the Credit Agreement. Terms 
defined in the Credit Agreement are used herein as therein defined.

     We have examined originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to 
our satisfaction, of such documents, corporate records, certificates of public 
officials and other instruments and have conducted such other investigations of 
fact and law as we have deemed necessary or advisable for purposes of this 
opinion.

    Upon the basis of the foregoing, we are of the opinion that:

    1.  The execution, delivery and performance by the Company of the Credit 
Agreement and the Notes are within the Company's corporate power and have been 
duly authorized by all necessary corporate action.

    2.  The Credit Agreement constitutes a valid and binding agreement of the 
Company and the Notes constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company.

    We are members of the Bar of the State of New York and the foregoing opinion
is limited to the laws of the State of New York, the federal laws of the United 
States of America and the
<PAGE>
                                                                               2

General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware. In giving the foregoing 
opinion, we express no opinion as to the effect (if any) of any law of any 
jurisdiction (except the State of New York) in which any Bank is located which 
limits the rate of interest that such Bank may charge or collect.

    This opinion is rendered solely to you in connection with the above matter. 
This opinion may not be relied upon by you for any other purpose or relied upon 
by any other person without our prior written consent.

                                       Very truly yours,




The Banks and the Agent
   c/o Morgan Guaranty Trust Company
   of New York, as Agent
      60 Wall Street
         New York, New York 10015
<PAGE>
                                                                       EXHIBIT G



                      ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT


    AGREEMENT dated as of            ,      among [ASSIGNOR] (the "Assignor"), 
                          -----------  ----
[ASSIGNEE] (the "Assignee"), [THE LIMITED, INC., a Delaware corporation (the 
"Company") and MORGAN GUARANTY TRUST COMPANY OF NEW YORK, as Agent (the 
"Agent")].


                             W I T N E S S E T H:
                             - - - - - - - - - -

    WHEREAS, this Assignment and Assumption Agreement (the "Agreement") relates 
to the Credit Agreement dated as of              , 1995 among the Company, the 
                                    -------------
Assignor and the other Banks party thereto, as Banks, and the Agent (the "Credit
Agreement");

    WHEREAS, as provided under the Credit Agreement, the Assignor has a 
Commitment to make Syndicated Loans to the Company in an aggregate principal 
amount at any time outstanding not to exceed $         ;
                                              ---------

    WHEREAS, Syndicated Loans made to the Company by the Assignor under the 
Credit Agreement in the aggregate principal amount of $         are outstanding 
                                                       --------
at the date hereof; /1/ and

    WHEREAS, the Assignor proposes to assign to the Assignee all of the rights 
of the Assignor under the Credit Agreement in respect of a portion of its 
Commitment thereunder in an amount equal to $         (the "Assigned Amount"), 
                                             --------
together with a corresponding portion of its outstanding Syndicated Loans, and 
the Assignee proposes to accept assignment of such rights and assume the 
corresponding obligations from the Assignor on such terms;

    NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual agreements 
contained herein, the parties hereto agree as follows:




- --------------
    /1/ If Money Market Loans are to be assigned, appropriate modifications 
should be made.
<PAGE>
    SECTION 1.  Definitions.  All capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein
                -----------
shall have the respective meanings set forth in the Credit Agreement.

    SECTION 2. Assignment.  The Assignor hereby assigns and sells to the 
               ----------
Assignee all of the rights of the Assignor under the Credit Agreement to the
extent of the Assigned Amount, and the Assignee hereby accepts such assignment
from the Assignor and assumes all of the obligations of the Assignor under the
Credit Agreement to the extent of the Assigned Amount, including the purchase
from the Assignor of the corresponding portion of the principal amount of the
Syndicated Loans made by the Assignor outstanding at the date hereof. Upon the
execution and delivery hereof by the Assignor and the Assignee, and if required
by the Company and the Agent, and the payment of the amounts specified in
Section 3 hereof required to be paid on the date hereof (i) the Assignee shall,
as of the date hereof, succeed to the rights and be obligated to perform the
obligations of a Bank under the Credit Agreement with a Commitment in an amount
equal to the Assigned Amount, and (ii) the Commitment of the Assignor shall, as
of the date hereof, be reduced by a like amount and the Assignor released from
its obligations under the Credit Agreement to the extent such obligations have
been assumed by the Assignee. The assignment provided for herein shall be
without recourse to the Assignor.

    SECTION 3.  Payments.  As consideration for the assignment and sale 
                --------
contemplated in Section 2 hereof, the Assignee shall pay to the Assignor on the 
date hereof in Federal funds an amount equal to $       *. It is understood that
                                                 -------
facility fees accrued to the date hereof are for the account of the Assignor and
such fees accruing from and including the date hereof with respect to the
Assigned Amount are for the account of the Assignee. Each of the Assignor and
the Assignee hereby agrees that if it receives any amount under the Credit
Agreement which is for the account of the other party thereto, it shall receive
the same for the account of such other party to the extent of such other party's
interest therein and shall promptly pay the same to such other party.



- --------------
    * Amount should combine principal together with accrued interest and 
breakage compensation, if any, to be paid by the Assignee, net of any portion of
any upfront fee to be paid by the Assignor to the Assignee. It may be preferable
in an appropriate case to specify these amounts generically or by formula rather
than as a fixed sum.

<PAGE>

    [SECTION 4.  Consent of the Company and the Agent.  This Agreement is 
                 ------------------------------------
conditioned upon the consent of the Company and the Agent pursuant to Section 
8.6.3 of the Credit Agreement. The execution of this Agreement by the Company 
and the Agent is evidence of this consent. Pursuant to Section 8.6.3 the Company
agrees to execute and deliver a Note payable to the order of the Assignee to
evidence the assignment and assumption provided for herein.]

    SECTION 5.  Non-Reliance on Assignor.  The Assignor makes no representation 
                ------------------------
or warranty in connection with, and shall have no responsibility with respect 
to, the solvency, financial condition, creditworthiness, or statements of the 
Company, or the validity and enforceability of the obligation of the Company in 
respect of the Credit Agreement or any Note. The Assignee acknowledges that it 
has, independently and without reliance on the Assignor, and based on such 
documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit 
analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement and will continue to be 
responsible for making its own independent appraisal of the business, affairs
and financial condition of the Company without such reliance and on such basis.

    SECTION 6.  Governing Law.  This Agreement shall be governed by and 
                -------------
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

    SECTION 7.  Counterparts.  This Agreement may be signed in any number of 
                ------------
counterparts, each of which shall be an original, with the same effect as if the
signature thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument.

    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be executed 
and delivered by their duly authorized officers as of the date first above 
written.

                                       [ASSIGNOR]

                                       By
                                         --------------------------------------
                                         Title:
<PAGE>
                                       [ASSIGNEE]

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

                                       THE LIMITED, INC.

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

                                       MORGAN GUARANTY TRUST COMPANY
                                         OF NEW YORK, as Agent

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


<PAGE>
                                                                       EXHIBIT H
                                                                       ---------



                      Form of Notice of Request to Extend


                                       [Date]


To:      [Name of Bank]

From:    Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York (the "Agent")

Re:      Credit Agreement dated as of December 15, 1995, as amended (the "Credit
         Agreement") among The Limited, Inc. (the "Borrower"), the Banks party 
         thereto and the Agent.

         Pursuant to Section 2.1.3 of the Credit Agreement, the Borrower has 
requested an extension of the Termination Date (as defined therein) of the 
Credit Agreement from [December 14, 2000] [December 14, 2002] to [December 14, 
2002] [December 14, 2004]. Please notify the Agent in writing (which may be by 
bank, wire, telecopy or similar writing) at its address or telecopy number set 
forth below of your receipt of this notice no later than [the Domestic Business 
Day following the date of this notice].

         If you elect so to extend the Termination Date, no further action on 
your part is required.

         If you elect not so to extend the Termination Date, please notify the 
Agent in writing (which may be by bank wire, telecopy or similar writing) at its
address or telecopy number set forth below no later than              , [1997]
                                                         -------------
[1999]:

         Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York
         60 Wall Street
         New York, New York 10260
         Telecopy Number:
         Attn:



<PAGE>
 
                                                                EXHIBIT 10.16
                                                                -------------

             SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF EXECUTIVE OFFICER WHO BECAME
                    A PARTY TO AN INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT
                           EFFECTIVE MARCH 7, 1996


Signatory                                                     Capacity
- ---------                                                     --------

Kent A. Kleeberger                                            Executive Officer

 


<PAGE>
 
                                                                EXHIBIT 10.17
                                                                -------------

             SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF EXECUTIVE OFFICER WHO BECAME
                    A PARTY TO AN INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT
                           EFFECTIVE FEBRUARY 1, 1996


Signatory                                                     Capacity
- ---------                                                     --------

Jon Ricker                                                    Executive Officer

 


<PAGE>
 
                                                                      EXHIBIT 11
                       THE LIMITED, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                       COMPUTATION OF PER SHARE EARNINGS
                      (Thousands except per share amounts)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
 
                                              Quarter Ended
                                       ----------------------------
                                        February 3,    January 28,
                                           1996           1995
                                       -------------  -------------
<S>                                    <C>            <C>
Net Income                                  $216,225       $256,745
                                       =============  ============= 
Common Shares outstanding:
 
    Weighted average                         379,454        379,454
   
    Dilutive effect of stock options             229            640
 
    Weighted average treasury shares         (22,057)       (21,769)
                                       -------------  -------------
    Weighted average used to calculate
       net income per share                  357,626        358,325
                                       =============  ============= 
Net Income per share                        $   0.60       $   0.72
                                       =============  =============  
 
<CAPTION> 
                                                Year Ended
                                       ----------------------------
                                        February 3,    January 28,
                                           1996           1995
                                       -------------  ------------- 
<S>                                    <C>            <C>
Net Income                                  $961,511       $448,343
                                       =============  =============  
Common Shares outstanding:
 
    Weighted average                         379,454        379,454
 
    Dilutive effect of stock options             779            649
 
    Weighted average treasury shares         (21,862)       (21,502)
                                       -------------  ------------- 
    Weighted average used to calculate
       net income per share                  358,371        358,601
                                       =============  =============  
Net Income per share                         $  2.68       $   1.25
                                       =============  =============  
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
 
                                                                     EXHIBIT 12

                       THE LIMITED, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                       RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
                                  (Thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
 
                                                                                  Year Ended
                                             ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             February 3, 1996 January 28, 1995 January 29, 1994 January 30, 1993 February 1, 1992
                                             ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- ----------------
<S>                                          <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>
Adjusted Earnings
- -----------------
Pretax earnings                                  $1,184,511       $  744,343         $644,999        $745,497        $660,302
 
Portion of minimum rent ($669,301 in 1995,
$614,147 in 1994, $572,278 in 1993, $510,544
in 1992 and $419,025 in 1991)                      
representative of interest                          223,100          204,716          190,759         170,181         139,675
 
Interest on indebtedness                             77,537           65,381           63,865          62,398          63,927
 
Minority Interest                                    22,374                -                -               -               -
                                             ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- ----------------
Total Earnings as Adjusted                       $1,507,522       $1,014,440         $899,623        $978,076        $863,904
                                             ================ ================ ================ ================ ================ 
 
Fixed Charges
- -------------
 
Portion of minimum rent representative of
interest                                         $  223,100       $  204,716         $190,759        $170,181        $139,675
 
Interest on indebtedness                             77,537           65,381           63,865          62,398          63,927
                                             ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- ----------------
Total Fixed Charges                              $  300,637       $  270,097         $254,624        $232,579        $203,602
                                             ================ ================ ================ ================ ================ 
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges                 5.01x            3.76x            3.53x            4.21x           4.24x
                                             ================ ================ ================ ================ ================ 
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
 
Financial Summary
(Thousands except per share amounts, ratios and store and associate data)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal Year                                 1995#*.           1994           1993*         1992
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                      <C>               <C>            <C>           <C>        
  Summary of Operations
  Net Sales                              $ 7,881,437       $ 7,320,792    $ 7,245,088   $ 6,944,296
  Gross Income                           $ 2,087,532       $ 2,114,363    $ 1,958,835   $ 1,990,740
  Operating Income                       $   613,349       $   798,989    $   701,556   $   788,698
  Operating Income as a
    Percentage of Sales                         7.8%             10.9%           9.7%         11.4%
  Income Before Income Taxes             $ 1,184,511       $   744,343    $   644,999   $   745,497
  Net Income                             $   961,511       $   448,343    $   390,999   $   455,497
  Net Income (Excluding Gain
    on Sale of Subsidiary Stock)         $   312,044       $   448,343    $   390,999   $   446,380
  Net Income as a Percentage
    of Sales                                    4.0%(a)           6.1%           5.4%          6.6%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Per Share Results
  Net Income                             $      2.68       $      1.25    $      1.08   $      1.25
  Net Income (Excluding Gain
    on Sale of Subsidiary Stock)         $       .87       $      1.25    $      1.08   $      1.23
  Dividends                              $       .40       $       .36    $       .36   $       .28
  Book Value                             $      9.01       $      7.72    $      6.82   $      6.25
  Weighted Average Shares
    Outstanding                              358,371           358,601        363,234       363,738
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Other Financial Information
  Total Assets                           $ 5,266,563       $ 4,570,077    $ 4,135,105   $ 3,846,450
  Return on Average Assets                        6%(a)            10%            10%           13%
  Working Capital                        $ 2,083,457       $ 1,725,416    $ 1,490,840   $ 1,043,257
  Current Ratio                                  3.9               3.2            3.1           2.4
  Capital Expenditures                   $   374,374       $   319,676    $   295,804   $   429,545
  Long-Term Debt                         $   650,000       $   650,000    $   650,000   $   541,639
  Debt-to-Equity Ratio                           20%               24%            27%           24%
  Shareholders' Equity                   $ 3,201,041       $ 2,760,956    $ 2,441,293   $ 2,267,617
  Return on Average
    Shareholders' Equity                         10%(a)            17%            17%           22%
  Comparative Store Sales
    Increase (Decrease)                          (2%)              (3%)           (1%)           2%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Stores and Associates at End of Year
  Total Number of Stores Open                  5,298             4,867          4,623         4,425
  Selling Square Feet                     27,403,000        25,627,000     24,426,000    22,863,000
  Number of Associates                       104,000           105,600         97,500       100,700
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

 *  Includes the results of companies disposed of up to the disposition date.
 .  Includes the results of companies acquired subsequent to the date of
    acquisition.
 #  Fifty-three week fiscal year.
(a) Excludes the effect on net income of the gain on sale of subsidiary stock of
    $649,467.

40  The Limited, Inc.


<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      1991.         1990.        1989#*         1988.          1987          1986         1985.
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
$ 6,149,218   $ 5,253,509   $ 4,647,916   $ 4,070,777   $ 3,527,941   $ 3,142,696   $ 2,387,110
$ 1,793,543   $ 1,630,439   $ 1,446,635   $ 1,214,703   $   992,775   $   961,827   $   718,843
$   712,700   $   697,537   $   625,254   $   467,418   $   408,872   $   438,229   $   276,212

      11.6%         13.3%         13.5%         11.5%         11.6%         13.9%         11.6%
$   660,302   $   653,438   $   573,926   $   396,136   $   378,188   $   394,780   $   239,317
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$   403,302   $   398,438   $   346,926   $   245,136   $   235,188   $   227,780   $   145,317

$   403,302   $   398,438   $   346,926   $   245,136   $   235,188   $   227,780   $   145,317
       6.6%          7.6%          7.5%          6.0%          6.7%          7.2%          6.1%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

$      1.11   $      1.10   $       .96   $       .68   $       .62   $       .60   $       .40

$      1.11   $      1.10   $       .96   $       .68   $       .62   $       .60   $       .40
$       .28   $       .24   $       .16   $       .12   $       .12   $       .08   $       .05
$      5.19   $      4.33   $      3.45   $      2.64   $      2.04   $      2.07   $      1.13

    363,694       362,044       361,288       360,186       376,626       376,860       365,638
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

$ 3,418,856   $ 2,871,878   $ 2,418,486   $ 2,145,506   $ 1,929,477   $ 1,726,544   $ 1,494,313
        13%           15%           15%           12%           13%           14%           14%
$ 1,057,417   $   861,637   $   680,707   $   563,601   $   617,007   $   581,595   $   419,706
        3.0           2.8           2.4           2.2           2.8           2.7           2.2
$   532,082   $   428,844   $   318,427   $   288,972   $   283,590   $   196,487   $   180,269
$   713,758   $   540,446   $   445,674   $   517,952   $   681,000   $   417,420   $   670,744
        38%           35%           36%           55%           93%           53%          166%

$ 1,876,792   $ 1,560,052   $ 1,240,454   $   946,207   $   729,171   $   781,542   $   404,075

        23%           28%           32%           29%           31%           38%           43%

         3%            3%            9%            8%            3%           18%           12%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

      4,194         3,760         3,344         3,497         3,115         2,682         2,353
 20,355,000    17,008,000    14,374,000    14,296,000    12,795,000    11,320,000    10,460,000
     83,800        72,500        63,000        56,700        50,200        43,200        33,600
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                                            [PHOTO APPEARS HERE]

                                                            The Limited, Inc. 41
<PAGE>
  
Management's Discussion and Analysis

Results of Operations

Net sales for the fourteen-week fourth quarter grew 9% to $2.771 billion from 
$2.539 billion for the thirteen-week fourth quarter a year ago. Net income 
(excluding gain on sale of subsidiary stock) was $180 million, compared to $257 
million last year, and earnings per share (excluding gain on sale of subsidiary 
stock) were $0.50 versus $0.72 in 1994. In addition, the Company recorded a gain
on sale of subsidiary stock of $36.0 million, or $0.10 per share, resulting from
the exercise of the underwriters' over-allotment options with respect to an 
additional 2.7 million shares of Intimate Brands, Inc. ("IBI") (over the 
original 40 million shares issued in the third quarter).

   Net sales for the 53-week fiscal year ended February 3, 1996 increased 8% to 
$7.881 billion, an increase of $560 million from sales of $7.321 billion for the
52-week fiscal year ended January 28, 1995. Net income (excluding gain on sale 
of subsidiary stock) was $312 million compared to $448 million a year ago. 
Earnings per share (excluding gain on sale of subsidiary stock) were $0.87 
compared to $1.25 last year. The Company also recorded a gain of $649.5 million,
or $1.81 per share, resulting from the successful initial public offering of a 
16.9% interest in IBI during the Fall season of 1995.

   Divisional highlights include the following:

 .  Although the performance of the women's businesses was disappointing, 
   significant progress was made at Limited Stores in 1995. The division
   finished the year with a profitable fourth quarter which reflected positive
   comparable store sales.

 .  Bath & Body Works nearly doubled operating income while adding 180 new
   stores establishing itself as a leading national brand in personal care 
   products.

 .  Abercrombie & Fitch Co. realized an 80% increase in operating income while
   opening 33 stores in 1995.

   For further information about the Company's divisions, including sales and 
operating income, see pages 22-25, 28-31 and 34-37 of this Annual Report.




[PHOTO APPEARS HERE]






42  The Limited, Inc.

<PAGE>
 
Financial Summary

The following summarized financial data, compares 1995 to the comparable periods
for 1994 and 1993:

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
                                                                    % Change
<CAPTION>                                                       ----------------
                                       1995     1994     1993   1995-94 1994-93 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                 <C>      <C>      <C>       <C>     <C> 
Net Sales (millions):
Express                              $1,445   $1,387   $1,421       4%    (2%)
Lerner New York                       1,005    1,019    1,141      (1%)  (11%)
Lane Bryant                             903      959      928      (6%)    3%
Limited Stores                          850      869    1,084      (2%)  (20%)
Henri Bendel                             91       84       91       8%    (8%)
                                 -----------------------------------------------
   Total Women's Businesses          $4,294   $4,318   $4,665      (1%)   (7%)
                                 -----------------------------------------------
Structure                               576      555      450       4%    23%
Abercrombie & Fitch Co.                 235      166      111      42%    50%
The Limited Too                         214      174      146      23%    19%
Galyan's Trading Co. (since 7/2/95)      45        -        -        -      -
Other, Net                                -        -      242        -      -
                                 -----------------------------------------------
   Total Emerging Businesses         $1,070   $  895   $  949      20%    (6%)
                                 -----------------------------------------------
Victoria's Secret Stores              1,286    1,181      991       9%    19%
Victoria's Secret Catalogue             661      569      436      16%    31%
Bath & Body Works                       475      260      112      83%   132%
Cacique                                  80       92       86     (13%)    7%
Other                                    15        6        6     150%      -
                                 -----------------------------------------------
   Total Intimate Brands, Inc.       $2,517   $2,108   $1,631      19%    29%
                                 -----------------------------------------------
   Total Net Sales                   $7,881   $7,321   $7,245       8%     1%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating Income (millions):
Women's Businesses                   $   54   $  244   $   97     (78%)  152%
Emerging Businesses and Other           173      217      387     (20%)  (44%)
Intimate Brands, Inc.                   386      338      218      14%    55%
                                 -----------------------------------------------
   Total Operating Income            $  613   $  799   $  702     (23%)   14%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Increase (Decrease) in
  Comparable Store Sales:
Express                                 (2%)     (9%)      0%
Lerner New York                         (1%)    (10%)     (5%)
Lane Bryant                             (8%)      2%      (2%)
Limited Stores                          (4%)    (21%)    (14%)
Henri Bendel                             6%       4%      13%
                                 -----------------------------
   Total Women's Businesses             (3%)     (9%)     (5%)
                                 -----------------------------
Structure                               (9%)      5%      13%
Abercrombie & Fitch Co.                  5%      15%       6%
The Limited Too                         (4%)     13%      34%
                                 -----------------------------
   Total Emerging Businesses            (5%)      8%      17%
                                 -----------------------------
Victoria's Secret Stores                (1%)     12%       7%
Bath & Body Works                       21%      39%      44%
Cacique                                (20%)    (12%)      0%
                                 -----------------------------
   Total Intimate Brands, Inc.           1%      13%       9%
                                 -----------------------------
   Total Comparable Stores Sales
     (Decrease)                         (2%)     (3%)     (1%)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Retail Sales Increase Attributable
  to New and Remodeled Stores            9%       6%       8%
Retail Sales per Average
  Selling Square Foot                $  272   $  270   $  278       1%    (3%)
Retail Sales per Average Store
  (thousands)                        $1,419   $1,423   $1,452        -    (2%)
Average Store Size at End of Year
  (square feet)                       5,172    5,265    5,284      (2%)     -
Retail Selling Square Feet
  (thousands)                        27,403   25,627   24,426       7%     5%

Number of Stores:
Beginning of Year                     4,867    4,623    4,425 
   Opened                               504      358      322
   Acquired                               6        -        -
   Closed                               (79)    (114)    (124)
                                 -----------------------------
End of Year                           5,298    4,867    4,623
</TABLE> 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                                           The Limited, Inc.  43
<PAGE>
 
Net Sales

Fourteen-week fourth quarter 1995 sales as compared to sales for the 
thirteen-week fourth quarter 1994 increased 9% to $2.771 billion due to a 9% 
increase in sales attributable to new and remodeled stores and a 4% increase
due to the fifty-third week, offset by a 4% decrease in comparable store sales
resulting from a very difficult Holiday and promotional retail environment.
Fourth quarter 1994 sales as compared to 1993 increased 5% to $2.539 billion
due to a 9% increase in sales attributable to new and remodeled stores,
offset by a 4% decrease in comparable store sales.

   The 1995 retail sales increase is attributable to a 9% increase in sales
due to the net addition of new and remodeled stores and a 1% increase due
to the fifty-third week, which was partially offset by a 2% decline in
comparable store sales. The Company added 504 new stores in 1995, acquired
6 stores via the purchase of Galyan's Trading Company, Inc., remodeled 284
stores and closed 79 stores for a net addition of 431 stores representing
approximately 1.8 million square feet of new retail selling space. Average
sales productivity increased slightly to $272 per square foot.

   In 1995, approximately $409 million, or 73%, of the sales increase came
from the IBI businesses. These businesses added collectively 256 net new
stores representing over 800,000 square feet and experienced a comparable
store sales increase of 1%. Catalogue sales increased by $92 million, or
16%, due to a 25% increase in catalogue mailings. The balance of the sales
increase came from the emerging businesses which include Structure, Abercrombie
& Fitch Co. and The Limited Too, as sales from the women's businesses were
essentially flat to 1994.

   The 1994 retail sales increase is attributable to the net addition of
new and remodeled stores, which was partially offset by a 3% decline in
comparable store sales. The Company added 358 new stores in 1994, remodeled
226 stores and closed 114 stores for a net addition of 244 stores including
in excess of 1.2 million square feet of new retail selling space. Consistent
with the comparable store sales decline, average sales productivity declined
slightly to $270 per square foot.

   In 1994, the IBI businesses posted a $477 million sales increase over
the prior year due to the net addition of 158 stores representing over 500,000
selling square feet, a 13% increase in comparable store sales and a 39%
increase in catalogues mailed by Victoria's Secret Catalogue. Additionally,
sales at the men's businesses were up 29% due to the net addition of 90
stores and comparable store sales increases. However, most of the increases
were offset by the poor performance of the women's businesses, which
experienced a 7% sales decline and the loss of sales revenue from the Brylane
Catalogue division which was included in 1993 sales results through the
date of sale, August 30, 1993.

Gross Income

Gross income decreased as a percentage of sales to 29.2% for the fourteen-week
fourth quarter of 1995 from 32.8% for the thirteen-week fourth quarter in
1994. Merchandise margins, expressed as a percentage of sales, decreased
2.8%, due principally to higher markdowns in 1995, which were used to both
clear slow moving inventories and to stimulate sales in a slow retail
environment. Buying and occupancy costs rose .6% as a percentage of sales,
primarily due to the lower sales productivity associated with the 5% decreases
in comparable store sales at the women's businesses and a 10% comparable
store sales decline in the men's and kids' businesses. In addition, higher
catalogue costs due to significant price increases in paper and postage,
along with increased mailings exacerbated the buying and occupancy increase.

   Gross income increased as a percentage of sales to 32.8% for the fourth
quarter of 1994 from 29.1% for the same period in 1993. Merchandise margins,
expressed as a percentage of sales, increased 4.4%, as the Company was less
price promotional than a year earlier. However, the merchandise margin increase
was partially offset by a .7% increase in buying and occupancy costs, expressed
as a percentage of sales, primarily as a result of lower sales productivity
associated with an 11% decrease in the women's businesses comparable store
sales.

   The 53-week 1995 gross income rate of 26.5% fell 2.4% below the rate for the
52-week fiscal year in 1994. Merchandise margins, expressed as a percentage of
sales, decreased 1.6%, due to higher 1995 markdowns utilized principally in the
Fall season for the reasons previously mentioned above. Buying and occupancy
costs also increased .7% as a percentage of sales, primarily due to the lower
sales productivity associated with the 3% decrease in comparable store sales in
the women's businesses and a 5% decline in comparable store sales in the men's
and kids' businesses. Again, an increase in paper prices and postage along with
increased mailings of catalogues also increased the buying and occupancy rate.

44 The Limited, Inc.

<PAGE>
 
   The 1994 gross income rate of 28.9% increased 1.9% above the rate for
1993. Merchandise margins, expressed as a percentage of sales, increased
3.0%, due to the Company's less promotional pricing strategy. However, the
merchandise margin increase was partially offset by increased buying and
occupancy costs, which rose 1.2% as a percentage of sales, primarily due
to the lower sales productivity associated with a 9% decrease in the women's
businesses comparable store sales.

General, Administrative and Store Operating Expenses

General, administrative and store operating expenses, expressed as a percentage
of sales, increased to 16.8% in the fourth quarter of 1995 from 15.4% in
the same period of 1994, principally due to lower per store sales productivity.

   These costs, expressed as a percentage of sales, were 18.7%, 18.0% and
17.4% for fiscal years 1995, 1994 and 1993. The increases in 1995 and 1994
were due to the lower sales productivity at both existing stores and new
and remodeled stores. Despite the increase in rates, the Company expects
to continue providing a high level of customer service, and accordingly
is not intending to reduce selling payroll at the store level.

   The Company anticipates that its general, administrative and store operating
expense rate will increase throughout 1996 due to the sale of a 60% interest
in the previously wholly-owned subsidiary World Financial Network National
Bank, ("WFNNB"). Historically, finance charge income of WFNNB, net of expenses
(excluding interest), was included as an element of general, administrative
and store operating expenses.

Special and Nonrecurring Items

As described in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, in the
fourth quarter of 1995 the Company completed the sale of a 60% interest
in its wholly-owned credit card bank, WFNNB, to the New York investment
firm of Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe ("WCAS"). The new joint venture,
which is 40% owned by the Company, will focus on providing private-label
and bank card transaction processing and database management services to
the Company's private-label credit card operations and other retailers.
WCAS purchased its interest for $135 million and also made a $30 million
capital contribution to the new venture. The Company recognized a $73.2
million pre-tax gain from the sale of WFNNB.

   In addition, WFNNB's outstanding debt to the Company of approximately
$1.2 billion was repaid in January 1996 from the proceeds realized from
the securitization of WFNNB's credit card receivables.

   Along with the 60% sale of WFNNB, the Company recognized a special and
nonrecurring charge during the fourth quarter of 1995 of approximately $71.9
million. Of this amount, approximately $45.6 million was to provide $25.8
million for the closing of 26 stores and $19.8 million for the downsizing
of 33 stores, primarily Limited Stores and Lerner. These stores have been
identified based on the profit performance of the store and assessment of
the quality of real estate. The provision includes the net present value
of rent payments through the date of closing, lease termination payments
and approximately $15 million representing the net book value of fixed assets.
The remaining charge of approximately $26.3 million represented the write-down
to market or net realizable value of certain assets, including joint venture
and other investments and receivables arising from nonoperating activities.
The net pre-tax gain from these special and nonrecurring items was $1.3
million.

   During 1993, the Company also completed the sale of a 60% interest in
its Brylane division for $285 million in cash. This transaction was part
of a program aimed at accelerating the growth of the retail businesses,
which included the acceleration of the store remodeling, downsizing and
closing program at Limited Stores and Lerner divisions and the refocusing
of the merchandising strategy at the Henri Bendel division. The net pre-tax
gain from these special and nonrecurring items was $2.6 million.

   The Company also announced a program to repurchase up to $500 million
of the Company's common stock over time as market conditions warrant. As
of the end of fiscal year 1995, the Company had repurchased 9.3 million
shares at a cost of $159.9 million.

Operating Income

Operating income, as a percentage of sales, was 7.8%, 10.9% and 9.6% for
fiscal years 1995, 1994 and 1993. The decrease in operating income in 1995
was due to lower merchandise margins resulting from higher markdowns and
the inability to leverage both buying and occupancy costs and higher general,
administrative and store operating expenses due to lower sales productivity.
The increase in operating income in 1994 was primarily due to higher
merchandise margins, partially offset by higher buying and occupancy costs
and higher general, administrative and store operating expenses.

                                                        The Limited, Inc.  45
<PAGE>

Interest Expense

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                     Fourth Quarter             Year
                                 -------------------- --------------------------
                                      1995     1994    1995     1994     1993
<S>                                 <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C> 
Average Daily Borrowings
  (millions)                         $812.9   $996.7   $887.7   $725.0   $822.5

Average Effective
  Interest Rate                       8.99%    7.84%    8.73%    8.33%    7.76%
</TABLE> 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Interest expense decreased by $1.3 million in the fourth quarter and increased
for all 1995 as compared to the comparable periods in 1994. The fourth quarter
decrease was due to lower borrowing levels during the fourth quarter resulting
from higher cash balances due to the IBI initial public offering and the WFNNB
sale. For the year, higher borrowing levels resulted in increased interest
costs of approximately $8.6 million as compared to 1994. Higher borrowing levels
for 1995 were primarily the result of $250 million in short-term borrowings
associated with IBI, which was repaid in October 1995 with the proceeds from the
offering. In addition, higher interest rates increased costs approximately $2.3
million and $3.6 million during the fourth quarter and for all of 1995.
 
Gain on Sale of Subsidiary Stock

As discussed in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, in 1995 the
Company recognized a $649.5 million gain which resulted from the initial public
offering of 16.9% (42.7 million shares) of the stock of IBI. IBI consists of
Victoria's Secret Stores, Victoria's Secret Catalogue, Bath & Body Works,
Cacique, Penhaligon's and Gryphon. The gain recorded by the Company was not
subject to tax. Minority interest of $45.7 million at February 3, 1996
represents a 16.9% interest in the net equity of IBI.

Acquisition

Effective July 2, 1995, the Company acquired all of the outstanding common stock
of Galyan's Trading Company, Inc. ("Galyan's") for $18 million in cash and 
stock. Galyan's is a full-line sporting goods retailer operating six stores. The
Company's financial statements for fiscal year 1995 include the results of 
operations of Galyan's since the acquisition date.

Financial Condition

The Company's balance sheet at February 3, 1996 provides continuing evidence of 
financial strength and flexibility. The Company's long-term debt-to-equity ratio
declined to only 20.3% at the end of 1995, the current ratio reached a record 
3.9 and net working capital was in excess of $2 billion, primarily due to 
proceeds received from the initial public offering of IBI and the sale of WFNNB.
In March 1996, the Company utilized $1.615 billion of these proceeds in a 
self-tender offer to repurchase 85 million shares of its common stock at $19.00 
per share and set aside $351.6 million of restricted cash to satisfy obligations
under the terms of the Contingent Stock Redemption Agreement with its largest 
shareholder, who did not participate in the self-tender. After adjusting the 
aforementioned financial ratios for the impact of the self-tender, the Company's
debt-to-equity ratio, current ratio and working capital would have been 41%,
1.7 and $468 million. A more detailed discussion of liquidity, capital
resources and capital requirements follows:

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash provided from operating activities, commercial paper backed by funds 
available under committed long-term credit agreements, and the Company's capital
structure continue to provide the resources to support operations, including 
projected growth, seasonal requirements and capital expenditures. A summary of 
the Company's working capital position and capitalization follows (Thousands):

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                  Adjusted
                                      1995         1995         1994        1993
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                             <C>          <C>          <C>         <C> 
Cash Provided by
   Operating Activities         $  356,732   $  356,732   $  361,078  $  448,139

Working Capital                 $  468,457   $2,083,457   $1,725,416  $1,490,840

Capitalization:
   Long-Term Debt               $  650,000   $  650,000   $  650,000  $  650,000

   Deferred Income Taxes           250,857      250,857      306,139     275,101

   Shareholders' Equity          1,586,041    3,201,041    2,760,956   2,441,293
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Capitalization            $2,486,898   $4,101,898   $3,717,095  $3,366,394

Additional Amounts
   Available Under Long-Term
   Credit Agreements            $1,000,000   $1,000,000   $  840,000  $  840,000
</TABLE> 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


46  The Limited, Inc.

<PAGE>
 
   The Company considers the following to be several measures of liquidity and 
capital resources:

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   Adjusted
                                       1995       1995       1994        1993 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                 <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>    
Debt-to-Equity Ratio
  (Long-Term Debt Divided
  by Shareholders' Equity)              41%        20%      24%           27%

Debt-to-Capitalization Ratio
  (Long-Term Debt Divided by
  Total Capitalization)                 26%        16%      17%           19%

Interest Coverage Ratio
  (Income [Excluding the Gain
  on Sale of Subsidiary Stock]
  Before Interest Expense,
  Depreciation, Amortization
  and Income Taxes Divided
  by Interest Expense)                  12x        12x      16x           15x

Cash Flow to Capital Investment
  (Net Cash Provided by
  Operating Activities Divided
  by Capital Expenditures)              95%        95%     113%          151%

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 

Adjusted 1995 reflects the impact of the $1.615 billion repurchase of 85 million
shares of common stock and their subsequent retirement.

   Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $356.7 million, $361.1
million and $448.1 million for 1995, 1994 and 1993 and continued to serve as the
company's primary source of liquidity.

   Cash requirements for accounts receivable were greater in 1994 and 1993 due 
to a higher growth rate in the number of new proprietary credit card holders. 
Cash requirements for inventories were lower in 1995 due to higher markdowns 
taken in the Fall to clear slow moving inventory and end the year with cleaner, 
fresher inventories. A decrease in income taxes payable in 1995 was the result 
of lower income tax provisions and payments associated with the 1995 earnings 
decrease, an increase in current deferred tax assets and payments approximately 
$74 million toward IRS assessments.

   Investing activities included capital expenditures, primarily for new and 
remodeled stores and the acquisition of Galyan's. In addition, 1995 included the
proceeds from the securitization of WFNNB's credit card receivables of 1.2 
billion (see Note 2) and the transfer of $351.6 million to a restricted cash 
account (see Note 6).

   Financing activities include proceeds and the repayment of $250 million in 
short-term debt borrowed in connection with IBI and net proceeds of $788.6 
million from the IBI offering and the sale of a 60% interest in WFNNB (see Notes
1 and 2). Financing activities also included the repurchase of $55.2 million of 
the Company's common stock, which represented 3.4 million shares. Cash dividends
paid increased by $14.2 million to $.40 per share in 1995 versus $.36 per share 
in 1994.

   At February 3, 1996, the Company had available $1 billion under its long-term
credit agreements. In addition, the Company has the ability to offer up to $250 
million of additional debt securities and warrants to purchase debt securities 
under its shelf registration statement authorization.

Capital Expenditures

Capital expenditures amounted to $374.4 million, $319.7 million and $295.8 
million for 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively, of which $274.5 million, $201.2 
million and $198.1 million was for new stores and remodeling and expanding 
existing stores. The Company spent $10.7 million in 1994 for a catalogue 
telemarketing center in Kettering, Ohio to expand Victoria's Secret Catalogue 
operations.

   The Company anticipates spending $350-$400 million for capital expenditures 
in 1996, of which $220-$260 million will be for new stores, the remodeling of 
existing stores and related improvements for the retail business. The Company 
expects that substantially all 1996 capital expenditures will be funded by net 
cash provided by operating activities.

   The Company intends to add approximately 1.3 million selling square feet in 
1996, which will represent a 5% increase over year-end 1995. It is anticipated 
the increase will result from the net addition of approximately 380 new stores 
and the remodeling of approximately 200 stores. A summary of stores and selling 
square feet by division for 1994 and 1995 and goals for 1996 follows:


                                                            The Limited, Inc. 47

<PAGE>
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                Change from
                                                                          -------------------------
                              Goal-1996           1995           1994       1996-95        1995-94
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                          <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
Express
Stores                              764            737            716            27             21
Selling Sq. Ft.               4,803,000      4,588,000      4,357,000       215,000        231,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lerner New York
Stores                              806            835            846           (29)           (11)
Selling Sq. Ft.               6,117,000      6,393,000      6,580,000      (276,000)      (187,000)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lane Bryant
Stores                              833            828            812             5             16
Selling Sq. Ft.               3,980,000      3,955,000      3,859,000        25,000         96,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Limited Stores
Stores                              677            689            709           (12)           (20)
Selling Sq. Ft.               4,029,000      4,211,000      4,358,000      (182,000)      (147,000)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Henri Bendel
Stores                                6              4              4             2              0
Selling Sq. Ft.                 111,000         88,000         93,000        23,000         (5,000)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Structure
Stores                              551            518            466            33             52
Selling Sq. Ft.               2,160,000      1,993,000      1,755,000       167,000        238,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Abercrombie & Fitch Co.
Stores                              125            100             67            25             33
Selling Sq. Ft.                 980,000        792,000        541,000       188,000        251,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Limited Too
Stores                              312            288            210            24             78
Selling Sq. Ft.                 983,000        903,000        665,000        80,000        238,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Galyan's
Stores                                9              6             --             3              6
Selling Sq. Ft.                 490,000        250,000             --       240,000        250,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Victoria's Secret Stores
Stores                              722            671            601            51             70
Selling Sq. Ft.               3,298,000      3,014,000      2,586,000       284,000        428,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bath & Body Works
Stores                              748            498            318           250            180
Selling Sq. Ft.               1,336,000        848,000        489,000       488,000        359,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cacique
Stores                              120            120            114             0              6
Selling Sq. Ft.                 369,000        366,000        342,000         3,000         24,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Penhaligon's
Stores                                4              4              4             0              0
Selling Sq. Ft.                   2,000          2,000          2,000             0              0
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Retail Divisions
Stores                            5,677          5,298          4,867           379            431
Selling Sq. Ft.              28,658,000     27,403,000     25,627,000     1,255,000      1,776,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 

Impact of Inflation

The Company's results of operations and financial condition are presented based
upon historical cost. While it is difficult to accurately measure the impact of
inflation due to the imprecise nature of the estimates required, the Company
believes that the effects of inflation, if any, on the results of operations and
financial condition have been minor.

Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995

The Company cautions that any forward-looking statements (as such term is
defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) contained in
this Report, the Form 10-K or made by management of the Company involve risks
and uncertainties, and are subject to change based on various important factors.
The following factors, among others, in some cases have affected and in the
future could affect the Company's financial performance and actual results and
could cause actual results for 1996 and beyond to differ materially from those
expressed or implied in any such forward-looking statements; changes in consumer
spending patterns, consumer preferences and overall economic conditions, the
impact of competition and pricing, changes in weather patterns, political
stability, currency and exchange risks and changes in existing or potential
duties, tariffs or quotas, postal rate increases and charges, paper and printing
costs, availability of suitable store locations at appropriate terms, ability to
develop new merchandise and ability to hire and train associates.

48 The Limited, Inc.
<PAGE>
Consolidated Statements of Income
(Thousands except per share amounts)

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              1995                1994                1993
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                    <C>                 <C>                 <C> 
Net Sales                              $ 7,881,437         $ 7,320,792         $ 7,245,088
Costs of Goods Sold,
  Occupancy and Buying Costs            (5,793,905)         (5,206,429)         (5,286,253)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross Income                             2,087,532           2,114,363           1,958,835
General Administrative
  and Store Operating Expenses          (1,475,497)         (1,315,374)         (1,259,896)
Special and Nonrecurring Items, Net          1,314                  --               2,617
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating Income                           613,349             798,989             701,556
Interest Expense                           (77,537)            (65,381)            (63,865)
Other Income, Net                           21,606              10,735               7,308
Minority Interest                          (22,374)                 --                  --
Gain on Sale of Subsidiary Stock           649,467                  --                  --
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income Before Income Taxes               1,184,511             744,343             644,999
Provision for Income Taxes                 223,000             296,000             254,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Income                             $   961,511         $   448,343         $   390,999
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Income Per Share                   $      2.68         $      1.25         $      1.08
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial 
Statements.


Net Sales
($ Millions)
CAGR 13%
(Compound Annual Growth Rate, last ten years)

                             [GRAPH APPEARS HERE]



Net Income
($ Millions)
CAGR 8%

                             [GRAPH APPEARS HERE]



                                                            The Limited, Inc. 49
<PAGE>
 
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity
(Thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        Common Stock
                                            -----------------------------------
                                                  Shares                 Par
                                             Outstanding               Value
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                          <C>                     <C> 
  Balance, January 30, 1993                     362,648              $189,727
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Net Income                                          _                     _
  Cash Dividends                                      _                     _
  Purchase of Treasury Stock                     (5,288)                    _
  Exercise of Stock Options and Other               441                     _
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Balance, January 29, 1994                     357,801              $189,727
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Net Income                                          _                     _
  Cash Dividends                                      _                     _
  Purchase of Treasury Stock                       (629)                    _
  Exercise of Stock Options and Other               432                     _
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Balance, January 28, 1995                     357,604              $189,727
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Net Income                                          _                     _
  Cash Dividends                                      _                     _
  Purchase of Treasury Stock                     (3,361)                    _
  Common Shares Subject to Contingent
    Stock Redemption Agreement                        _                (9,375)
  Stock Issued for Acquisition                      730                     _
  Exercise of Stock Options and Other               393                     _
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Balance, February 3, 1996                     355,366              $180,352
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial
Statements.

Shareholders' Equity
($ Millions)
CAGR 23%

[GRAPH APPEARS HERE]

Net Income per Share
($)
CAGR 8%

[GRAPH APPEARS HERE]

50 The Limited, Inc.
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  Total
    Paid-In         Retained        Treasury Stock,       Shareholders'
    Capital         Earnings                at Cost              Equity
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>               <C>               <C>                   <C>
   $127,776       $2,136,794             $(186,680)          $2,267,617
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         --          390,999                    --              390,999
         --         (130,681)                   --             (130,681)
         --               --               (93,328)             (93,328)
      1,130               --                 5,556                6,686
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   $128,906       $2,397,112             $(274,452)          $2,441,293
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         --          448,343                    --              448,343
         --         (128,939)                   --             (128,939)
         --               --               (11,382)             (11,382)
      4,032               --                 7,609               11,641
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   $132,938       $2,716,516             $(278,225)          $2,760,956
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         --          961,511                    --              961,511
         --         (143,091)                   --             (143,091)
         --               --               (55,239)             (55,239)
     (7,639)        (334,586)                   --             (351,600)
      7,769               --                 8,231               16,000
      4,066               --                 8,438               12,504
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   $137,134       $3,200,350             $(316,795)          $3,201,041
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

Working Capital
($ Millions)

                             [GRAPH APPEARS HERE]




                                                            The Limited, Inc. 51
<PAGE>
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Thousands)

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Assets                                         Feb. 3, 1996       Jan. 28, 1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                            <C>                <C> 
Current Assets                                 
Cash and Equivalents                             $1,645,731          $  242,780
Accounts Receivable                                  77,516           1,292,399 
Inventories                                         958,953             870,440
Other                                               117,832             117,352
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Current Assets                              2,800,032           2,522,971
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Property and Equipment, Net                       1,741,456           1,692,145
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Restricted Cash                                     351,600                  --
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other Assets                                        373,475             354,961
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Assets                                     $5,266,563          $4,570,077
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current Liabilities
Accounts Payable                                 $  280,659          $  275,303
Accrued Expenses                                    388,818             372,676
Certificates of Deposit                                  --              25,200
Income Taxes                                         47,098             124,376
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Current Liabilities                           716,575             797,555
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long-Term Debt                                      650,000             650,000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deferred Income Taxes                               250,857             306,139
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other Long-Term Liabilities                          50,791              55,427
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Minority Interest                                    45,699                  --
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contingent Stock Redemption Agreement               351,600                  --
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shareholders' Equity
Common Stock                                        180,352             189,727
Paid-In Capital                                     137,134             132,938
Retained Earnings                                 3,200,350           2,716,516
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  3,517,836           3,039,181
Less: Treasury Stock, at Cost                      (316,795)           (278,225)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Shareholders' Equity                        3,201,041           2,760,956
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity       $5,266,563          $4,570,077
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 

The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial 
Statements.

[PHOTO APPEARS HERE]



52 The Limited, Inc.
<PAGE>
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Thousands)

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       1995               1994                1993
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                              <C>                 <C>                 <C> 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net Income                                       $  961,511          $ 448,343           $ 390,999
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Impact of Other Operating Activities
on Cash Flows
Depreciation and Amortization                       285,889            267,888             271,353
Minority Interest, Net of Dividends Paid             17,250                 --                  --
Special and Nonrecurring Items, Net                  (1,314)                --              (2,617)
Gain on Sale of Subsidiary Stock                   (649,467)                --                  --
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Change in Assets and Liabilities
Accounts Receivable                                (104,121)          (235,488)           (219,534)
Inventories                                         (70,813)          (136,740)             70,006
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses                50,883             49,724              14,943
Income Taxes                                        (77,278)            30,887              20,773
Other Assets and Liabilities                        (55,808)           (63,536)            (97,784)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities           356,732            361,078             448,139
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investing Activities
Capital Expenditures                               (374,374)          (319,676)           (295,804)
Business Acquired                                   (18,000)                --                  --
Increase in Restricted Cash                        (351,600)                --                  --
Proceeds from Credit Card Securitization          1,212,630                 --                  --
Proceeds from Sale of Business                           --                 --             285,000
Tax Effect of Gain on Sale of Business                   --                 --             (64,750)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Cash Provided by (Used for)
  Investing Activities                              468,656           (319,676)            (75,554)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financing Activities
Net Proceeds (Repayments) of
  Commercial Paper Borrowings
  and Certificates of Deposit                       (25,200)             9,500             (25,939)
Proceeds from Short-Term Borrowings                 250,000                 --                  --
Repayment of Short-Term Borrowings                 (250,000)                --                  --
Net Proceeds from Issuance and
  Sale of Subsidiaries' Stock                       788,589                 --                  --
Repayments of Long-Term Debt                             --                 --            (100,000)
Proceeds from Issuance of Unsecured Notes                --                 --             250,000
Dividends Paid                                     (143,091)          (128,939)           (130,681)
Purchase of Treasury Stock                          (55,239)           (11,382)            (93,328)
Stock Options and Other                              12,504             11,641               6,686
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Cash Provided by (Used for)
Financing Activities                                577,563           (119,180)            (93,262)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Increase (Decrease) in
Cash and Equivalents                              1,402,951            (77,778)            279,323
Cash and Equivalents, Beginning of Year             242,780            320,558              41,235
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash and Equivalents, End of Year                $1,645,731          $ 242,780           $ 320,558
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 

The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial 
Statements.


                                                            The Limited, Inc. 53
<PAGE>
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of The Limited, Inc. 
(the "Company") and all significant subsidiaries which are more than 50% owned 
and controlled. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been
eliminated in consolidation.

   Investments in other entities (including joint ventures) which are more than 
20% owned are accounted for on the equity method.

Fiscal Year
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Company's fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to January 31. Fiscal 
years are designated in the financial statements and notes by the calendar year 
in which the fiscal year commences. The results for fiscal year 1995 represent 
the 53-week period ended February 3, 1996 and results for fiscal years 1994 and 
1993 represent the 52-week periods ended January 28, 1995 and January 29, 1994.

Cash and Equivalents
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash and equivalents include amounts on deposit with financial institutions and 
money market investments with maturities of less than 90 days.

Inventories
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inventories are principally valued at the lower of average cost or market, on a 
first-in first-out basis, utilizing the retail method.

Property and Equipment
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment are computed for 
financial reporting purposes on a straight-line basis, using service lives 
ranging principally from 10-30 year for buildings and improvements and 3-10 
years for other property and equipment. The cost of assets sold or retired and 
the related accumulated depreciation or amortization are removed from the 
accounts with any resulting gain or loss included in net income. Maintenance and
repairs are charge to expenses as incurred. Major levels and betterments which 
extend service lives are capitalized.

Goodwill Amortization
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the 
net assets of acquired companies and is amortized on a straight-line basis 
principally over 30 years.

Catalogue Costs and Advertising
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Catalogue costs, primarily consisting of catalogue production and mailing costs,
are amortized over the expected future revenue stream, which is principally from
three to six months from the date catalogues are mailed. All other advertising 
costs are expensed at the time the promotion first appears in media or in the 
store. Catalogue and advertising costs amounted to $237 million, $179 million 
and $131 million in 1995, 1994 and 1993.

Interest Rate Swap Agreements
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The difference between the amount of interest to be paid and the amount of 
interest to be received under interest rate swap agreements due to changing 
interest rates is charged or credited to interest expense over the life of the 
swap agreement. Gains and losses from the disposition of swap agreements are 
deferred and amortized over the term of the related agreements.

Income Taxes
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with Statement of Financial 
Accounting Standards ("SFAS") 109. "Accounting for Income Taxes." Under this 
method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on the 
difference between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets 
and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and 
liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect in the years in which
those temporary differences are expected to reverse. Under SFAS 109, the effect 
on deferred taxes of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period
that includes the enactment date.

Shareholders' Equity
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Five hundred million shares of $.50 par value common stock are authorized, of 
which 355.4 million and 357.6 million were outstanding, net of 24.1 million 
shares and 21.8 million shares held in treasury at February 3, 1996 and January 
28, 1995.


54 The Limited, Inc.
<PAGE>
Ten million shares of $1.00 per value preferred stock are authorized, none of 
which have been issued.

   On March 18, 1996, the Company completed the repurchase of 85 million shares 
of its common stock under a self-tender offer at $19.00 per share. Approximately
$1.615 billion was paid in exchange for the outstanding shares which was funded 
by proceeds from a series of transactions that included 1) the initial public 
offering of a 16.9% interest in Intimate Brands, Inc. ("IBI"), 2) the 
securitization of World Financial Network National Bank ("WFNNB") credit card 
receivables and 3) the sale of a 60% equity interest in WFNNB.

Net Income Per Share
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income per share is computed based upon the weighted average number of 
outstanding common shares, including the effect of stock options. There were 
358.4 million, 358.6 million and 363.2 million weighted average outstanding 
shares for 1995, 1994 and 1993.

Issuance of Subsidiary Stock
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gains or losses resulting from stock issued by a subsidiary of the Company are 
recognized in current year's income. In 1995, the Company recognized a $649.5 
million gain which resulted from the initial public offering of a 16.9% interest
(42.7 million shares) in the outstanding shares of IBI. IBI consists of the 
Victoria's Secret Stores, Victoria's Secret Catalogue, Bath & Body Works, 
Cacique, Penhaligon's and Gryphon businesses. The gain recorded by the Company 
was not subject to tax.

   Minority interest of $45.7 million at February 3, 1996 represents a 16.9% 
interest in the net equity of IBI. A more detailed discussion of this matter is 
included under the heading "Gain on Sale of Subsidiary Stock" in Management's 
Discussion and Analysis on page 46 of this Annual Report.

Adoption of New Accounting Standards
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
During March 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 121,
"Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Long-Lived Assets to Be
Disposed Of ." The Statement requires that long-lived assets and certain 
identifiable intangibles be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes 
in circumstances indicate that full recoverability is questionable. Management 
evaluates the recoverability of goodwill and other long-lived assets and several
factors are used in the valuation including, but not limited to, management's 
plans for future operations, recent operating results and projected cash flows. 
The Company adopted SFAS No. 121 in the first quarter of 1995, the adoption of 
which did not have a material adverse effect on the results of operations or 
financial condition.

   In October 1995, the Financial Accounting Standard Board issued SFAS No. 123,
"Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation." The Company will adopt the new 
disclosure requirements beginning with fiscal year 1996.

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted 
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the 
financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during 
the reporting period. Since actual results may differ from those estimates, the 
Company revises its estimates and assumptions as new information becomes 
available.

2. Special and Nonrecurring Items

In the fourth quarter of 1995, the Company completed the sale of a 60% interest 
in its wholly-owned credit card bank, WFNNB, to the New York investment firm of 
Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe ("WCAS"). The transaction resulted in the 
formation of a joint venture which will focus on providing private-label and 
bank card transaction processing and database management services to retailers.
Including the Company's private-label credit card operations. WCAS purchased its
interest from the Company for $135 million and also made a $30 million capital 
contribution to the new venture. As a result of these transactions, the Company 
recognized a $73.2 million pre-tax gain from the sale of WFNNB.

   During the fourth quarter of 1995, the Company elected to use $45.6 million 
of the proceeds to provide for the accelerated closing and downsizing of stores
in 1996, primarily at Limited Stores and Lerner divisions, and provided 
approximately $26.3 million for the write-down to net realizable value of 
certain assets, including joint venture and other investments and receivables 
arising from non-operating activities. The sale of a 60% equity interest in 
WFNNB, together with the aforementioned real estate charges and the revaluation 
of certain assets resulted in a special and nonrecurring net pre-tax gain of 
$1.3 million.


                                                            The Limited, Inc. 55
<PAGE>
 
  The total assets, net assets and net income of WFNNB in 1995 and 1994 were
$201 million and $1,255 million, $141 million and $96 million, and $29 million
and $34 million, respectively.

   During the third quarter of 1993, the Company approved a plan which included 
the following components: the sale of a 60% interest in the Brylane mail order 
business; the acceleration of the store remodeling, downsizing and closing 
program at Limited Stores and Lerner divisions; and the refocusing of the 
merchandise strategy at the Henri Bendel division. The net pre-tax gain from 
these special and nonrecurring items was $2.6 million. The Company completed 
this program in 1995.

   A further discussion of these matters is included under the heading "Special 
and Nonrecurring Items" in Management's Discussion and Analysis on page 45 of 
this Annual Report.

3. Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable consisted of (Thousands):
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     1995              1994
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                               <C>            <C> 
Deferred Payment Accounts                              --        $1,250,636
Trade and Other                                   $77,516            86,709
Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts                   --           (44,946)
                                                  ------------------------------
                                                  $77,516        $1,292,399
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 

As discussed in Note 2, the Company completed the sale of a 60% interest in
WFNNB in the fourth quarter of 1995. In addition, WFNNB's outstanding debt to
the Company of approximately $1.2 billion was repaid from the proceeds realized
from the securitization of WFNNB's credit card receivables.

   As a result of the sale of WFNNB and the securitization of the credit card 
receivables, a substantial portion of the deferred payment accounts were 
transferred to a special purpose entity which facilitated the asset 
securitization, and any remaining deferred payment accounts, net of an allowance
for uncollectible accounts, were held by the WFNNB joint venture.

   Finance charge revenue on the deferred payment accounts amounted to $235.6 
million, $233.9 million and $174.5 million in 1995, 1994 and 1993, and the 
provision for uncollectible accounts amounted to $91.4 million, $72.7 million 
and $50.8 million in 1995, 1994 and 1993. These amounts are classified as 
components of the cost to administer the deferred payment program and are 
included in general, administrative and store operating expenses.

4. Property and Equipment
Property and equipment, at cost, consisted of (Thousands):
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        1995           1994
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                               <C>            <C> 
Land, Buildings and Improvements                  $  535,061     $  510,563
Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment                  1,794,612      1,714,587
Leaseholds and Improvements                          609,253        515,226
Construction in Progress                              79,831         58,039
                                                  ------------------------------
                                                   3,018,757      2,798,415
Less: Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization    1,277,301      1,106,270
                                                  ------------------------------
Property and Equipment, Net                       $1,741,456     $1,692,145
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 

5. Leased Facilities and Commitments
Annual store rent is comprised of a fixed minimum amount, plus contingent rent 
based upon a percentage of sales exceeding a stipulated amount. Store lease 
terms generally require additional payments covering taxes, common area costs 
and certain other expenses.

   A summary of rent expenses for 1995, 1994 and 1993 follows (Thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION> 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 1995           1994           1993
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                          <C>            <C>            <C> 
Store rent:
  Fixed Minimum              $643,200       $586,437       $540,381
  Contingent                   18,812         17,522         19,727
                             --------------------------------------
Total Store Rent              662,012        603,959        560,108
Equipment and Other            26,101         27,710         31,897
                             --------------------------------------
Total Rent Expense            $688,113       $631,669       $592,005
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 

56 The Limited, Inc.
<PAGE>
At February 3, 1996 the Company was committed to noncancelable leases with 
remaining terms of one to forty years. A substantial portion of these 
commitments are store leases with initial terms rangings from ten to twenty 
years, with options to renew at varying terms. Accrued rent expense was $102.2 
million and $116.5 million at February 3, 1996 and January 28, 1995.

   A summary of minimum rent commitments under noncancelable leases follows 
(Thousands):

<TABLE> 
<S>                                                                   <C> 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996                                                                  $  659,259
1997                                                                     642,450
1998                                                                     620,372
1999                                                                     596,387
2000                                                                     578,913
Thereafter                                                            $2,878,037
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 

6. Restricted Cash

At February 3, 1996, Special Funding, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the 
Company, had $351.6 million of restricted cash invested in short-term, highly 
liquid securities. This amount is classified as a non-current asset, since it 
has been reserved for use in the event that The Wexner Children's Trust, 
established by Leslie H. Wexner, the Company's principal shareholder, exercises 
its opportunity to require the Company to redeem, or the Company exercises its  
opportunity to redeem from the Trust, shares of The Limited, Inc. common stock 
in accordance with the terms of the Contingent Stock Redemption Agreement. 
Interest earnings on the segregated cash will accrue to the Company. (See Note 
9.)

7. Long-Term Debt

Unsecured long-term debt consisted of (Thousands):

<TABLE> 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                1995           1994
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                         <C>            <C> 
7 1/2% Debentures Due March 2023            $250,000       $250,000
7 4/5% Debentures Due May 2002               150,000        150,000
9 1/8% Notes Due February 2001               150,000        150,000
8 7/8% Notes Due August 1999                 100,000        100,000
                                            --------       --------
                                            $650,000       $650,000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 

Effective December 15, 1995, (the "Effective Date"), the Company replaced two 
revolving credit agreements totaling $840 million with a $1 billion unsecured 
credit agreement (the "Agreement"). Borrowings outstanding under the Agreement 
are due December 14, 2000. However, the revolving term of the Agreement may be 
extended an additional two years upon notification by the Company on the second 
and fourth anniversaries of the Effective Date, subject to the approval of the 
lending banks. The Agreement has several borrowing options, including interest 
rates which are based on either the lender's "Base Rate," as defined, LIBOR, CD 
based options or at a rate submitted under a bidding process. Facilities fees 
payable under the Agreement are based on the Company's long-term credit ratings,
and currently approximate 1/8% of the committed amount per annum. The Agreement 
contains covenants relating to the Company's working capital, debt and net 
worth. No amounts were outstanding under the Agreement at February 3, 1996.

   The Agreement supports the Company's commercial paper program which is used 
from time to time to fund working capital and other general corporate 
requirements. No commercial paper was outstanding at February 3, 1996.

                             [PHOTO APPEARS HERE]


                                                            The Limited, Inc. 57
<PAGE>
   Up to $250 million of debt securities and warrants to purchase debt 
securities may be issued under the Company's shelf registration statement.

   The Company periodically enters into interest rate swap agreements with the 
intent to manage interest rate exposure. At February 3, 1996, the Company had 
two interest rate swap positions outstanding, each having a $100 million 
notional principal amount. One contract effectively changed the Company's 
interest rate exposure on $100 million of variable rate debt to a fixed rate of 
8.09% through July 2000. The remaining contract, which expired in February 1996,
effectively changed the interest rate on $100 million of fixed rate debt to a 
variable rate.

   Long-term debt maturities within the next five years consist of $100 million 
which matures in 1999 and $150 million which matures in 2000. Interest paid 
approximated $88.4 million, $64.7 million and $57.4 million in 1995, 1994 and 
1993.

8. Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes consisted of (Thousands):

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 1995           1994           1993
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                          <C>            <C>            <C> 
Currently Payable:
  Federal                    $190,900       $231,000       $249,400
  State                        24,700         32,000         35,100
  Foreign                       4,500          4,100          6,400
                             ---------------------------------------
                              220,100        267,100        290,900
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deferred:
  Federal                      (9,400)        12,900        (41,800)
  State                        12,300         16,000          4,900
                             ---------------------------------------
                                2,900         28,900        (36,900)
                             ---------------------------------------
Total Provision              $223,000       $296,000       $254,000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 

The foreign component of pre-tax income, arising principally from overseas 
sourcing operations, was $60.8 million, $40.9 million and $54.8 million in 1995,
1994 and 1993.

   A reconciliation between the statutory Federal income tax rate and the 
effective income tax rate on pre-tax earnings excluding the non-taxable gain 
from sale of subsidiary stock follows:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  1995      1994      1993
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                               <C>       <C>       <C> 
Federal Income Tax Rate           35.0%     35.0%     35.0%
Minority Interest                  1.5        --        --
State Income Tax, Net of
  Federal Income Tax Effect        4.5       4.2       4.0
Other Items, Net                    .7        .6        .4
                                  ----------------------------------------------
                                  41.7%     39.8%     39.4%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 

Income taxes payable included net current deferred tax assets of $109.5 million 
and $44.5 million at February 3, 1996 and January 28, 1995. The effect of 
temporary differences which give rise to deferred income tax balances was as 
follows (Thousands):

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               1995                                         1994
                             -----------------------------------------    ----------------------------------------
                              Assets        Liabilities        Total       Assets        Liabilities        Total
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                          <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
Excess of Tax Over  
  Book Depreciation               --        $ (39,190)     $ (39,190)          --        $(156,208)     $(156,208)
Undistributed Earnings
  of Foreign Affiliate            --         (125,511)      (125,511)          --         (109,350)      (109,350)
Investment in Affiliate           --          (37,115)       (37,115)          --          (28,056)       (28,056)
State Income TAxes           $22,875               --         22,875      $12,595               --         12,595
Bad Debt Reserve                  --               --             --       18,678               --         18,678
Special and 
  Nonrecurring Items          28,919               --         28,919       18,912               --         18,912
Other                         28,571          (19,876)         8,695       30,170          (48,385)       (18,215)
                             -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Deferred
  Income Taxes               $80,365        $(221,692)     $(141,327)     $80,355        $(341,999)     $(261,644)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 

Income tax payments approximated $306.1 million, $320.9 million and $291.3 
million for 1995, 1994 and 1993.

58 The Limited, Inc.
<PAGE>
   The Internal Revenue Service has assessed the Company for additional taxes 
and interest for years 1989-1992. The assessment was based primarily on the 
treatment of transactions involving the Company's foreign operations and 
construction allowances. Although a $65 million deposit has been made to 
mitigate further interest being assessed, the Company strongly disagrees with 
the assessment and is vigorously contesting the matter. Management believes 
resolution of this matter will not have a material adverse effect on the 
Company's results of operations or financial condition.

9. Contingent Stock Redemption Agreement

In connection with the reconfiguration of the business, the Company purchased 
form shareholders via a self-tender offer, 85 million shares of The Limited Inc.
stock for approximately $1.615 billion on March 18, 1996. Leslie H. Wexner, 
Chairman and CEO of the Company, as well as the Company's founder and principal 
shareholder, did not participate in the self-tender. However, the Company has 
entered into an agreement which provides The Wexner Children's Trust the 
opportunity, commencing on February 1, 1998, and for a period of three years 
there-after (the exercise period), to require the Company to redeem up to 18.75 
million shares for a price per share equal to $18.75 (a price equal to the price
per share paid in the self-tender less $.25 per share). Under certain 
circumstances, lenders to the Trust, if any, may exercise this opportunity, 
beginning February 1, 1997. The Company received the opportunity to redeem an 
equivalent number of shares from the Trust at $25.07 per share for a period 
beginning on August 1, 2001 and for six months thereafter. As a result of these 
events, the Company has transferred $351.6 million to temporary equity 
identified as Contingent Stock Redemption Agreement in the Consolidated Balance 
Sheet as of February 3, 1996. In addition, approximately $351.6 million has been
designated as restricted cash to consummate either of the above rights. (See 
Note 6.) The terms of this agreement were approved by the Company's Board of 
Directors.

10. Stock Options and Restricted Stock

Stock options are granted to officers and key employees based upon fair market
value at the date of grant. In 1995, the Company established a stock option plan
for officers and key associates of IBI. In connection with the IBI initial
public offering, associates of IBI were permitted to exchange on a fair value
basis 1995 The Limited, Inc. stock options for stock options granted by IBI.
Cancellations during 1995 include 347,500 shares granted to IBI associates which
were exchanged for options of IBI common stock. A summary of option activity for
1993, 1994 and 1995 follows:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            Number of          Weighted Average
                                               Shares    Option Price Per Share
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                        <C>           <C> 
Outstanding Options, January 30, 1993       5,514,000                    $18.57
Activity During 1993: Granted               2,457,000                     21.74
                      Exercised              (431,000)                    12.22
                      Canceled               (357,000)                    22.32
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Outstanding Options, January 29, 1994       7,183,000                    $19.87
Activity During 1994: Granted               2,122,000                     17.19
                      Exercised              (393,000)                    11.44
                      Canceled               (498,000)                    21.49
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Outstanding Options, January 28, 1995       8,414,000                    $19.56
Activity During 1995: Granted               2,196,000                     17.81
                      Exercised              (280,000)                    12.43
                      Cancelled            (1,188,000)                    19.90
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Outstanding Options, February 3, 1996       9,142,000                    $19.32
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 

The Company had approximately .9 million shares available for grant for The 
Limited, Inc. stock options at February 3, 1996 as compared to 2.2 million 
shares available at January 28, 1995 and 5.3 million shares available at 
January 29, 1994. Approximately 9.1 million shares of the Company's common stock
were reserved for outstanding options, of which 4.8 million were exercisable as 
of February 3, 1996.

   In 1995 and 1994, approximately 569,000 and 848,000 restricted shares of the 
Company's common stock were granted to certain officers and key associates. The 
Market value of the shares at the date of grant amounted to $10.0 million in 
1995 and $16.7 million in 1994 and is recorded within treasury stock in the


                                                            The Limited, Inc. 59
<PAGE>

accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements. The market value is being 
amortized as compensation expense over the vesting period which ranges from four
to ten years. Compensation expense of $9.1 million, $7.3 million and $1.3 
million was recorded in 1995, 1994 and 1993. In 1995, 129,000 restricted shares 
which had been granted to IBI associates were canceled and exchanged, on a fair 
value basis, for IBI restricted stock.

11. Retirement Benefits

The Company sponsors a defined contribution retirement plan. Participation in 
this plan is available to all associates who have completed 1,000 or more hours 
of service with the Company during certain 12-month periods and attained the age
of 21. Company contributions to this plan are based on a percentage of the 
associates' annual compensation. The cost of this plan was $30.5 million in 
1995, $26.7 million in 1994 and $25.9 million in 1993.

12. Disclosures About Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of 
each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that
value:

Current assets, current liabilities and restricted cash
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The carrying value of cash equivalents, restricted cash, short-term borrowings, 
accounts payable and accrued expenses approximates fair value because of their 
short maturity. The carrying amount of the credit card receivables approximates 
fair value due to the short maturity and because the average interest rate 
approximates current market origination rates.

Long-term debt
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The fair value of the Company's long-term debt is estimated based on the quoted 
market prices for the same or similar issues or on the current rates offered to 
the Company for debt of the same remaining maturities.

Interest rate swap agreement
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The fair value of interest rate swaps is the estimated amount that the Company 
would receive or pay to terminate the swap agreements at the reporting date, 
taking into account current interest rates and the current creditworthiness of 
the swap counterparties.

   The estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments are as 
follows (Thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         1995                   1994
                               --------------------     -----------------------
                               Carrying      Fair       Carrying        Fair
                                Amount       Value       Amount        Value
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                          <C>         <C>           <C>         <C>
Long-Term Debt               $(650,000)  $(645,180)    $(650,000)  $(650,540)
Interest Rate Swaps          $    (793)  $ (10,194)    $    (886)  $  (5,970)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

13. Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

Summarized quarterly financial results for 1995 and 1994 follow (Thousands 
except per share amounts):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  First        Second       Third        Fourth
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                          <C>           <C>         <C>           <C> 
1995 Quarter
Net Sales                    $1,588,134    $1,718,643  $1,803,295    $2,771,365
Gross Income                    402,666       423,696     452,958       808,212
Net Income                       39,211        48,762     657,313       216,225
Net Income Per Share               0.11          0.14        1.83          0.60
Net Income Per Share
  (Excluding Gain on
  Sale of Subsidiary
  Stock)                     $     0.11    $     0.14        0.12          0.50
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1994 Quarter
Net Sales                    $1,481,628    $1,585,392  $1,715,716    $2,538,596
Gross Income                    384,931       402,666     495,295       831,471
Net Income                       47,276        53,832      90,490       256,745
Net Income Per Share         $     0.13    $     0.15  $     0.25    $     0.72
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

</TABLE>
60 The Limited, Inc.

<PAGE>
Market Price and Dividend Information

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    Cash Dividend
                                   Market Price         Per Share
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                          <C>           <C>      <C> 
Fiscal Year 1995                High           Low
4th Quarter                  $19 1/2       $15 1/4           $.10
3rd Quarter                   21 1/2        17 7/8            .10
2nd Quarter                   22 7/8        20                .10
1st Quarter                  $23 1/4       $16 5/8           $.10
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal Year 1994
4th Quarter                  $21 3/8       $16 7/8           $.09
3rd Quarter                   21 5/8        17 1/4            .09
2nd Quarter                   20            16 7/8            .09
1st Quarter                  $22 1/4       $16 3/4           $.09
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 

The Company's common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange ("LTD") and 
the London Stock Exchange. On February 3, 1996, there were 74,895 shareholders 
of record. However, when including active associates who participate  in the 
Company's stock purchase plan, associates who own shares through Company 
sponsored retirement plans and others holding shares in broker accounts under 
street name, the Company estimates the shareholder base at approximately 
128,000.

Report of Independent Accountants

To the Board of Directors
and Shareholders of
The Limited, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of The Limited, 
Inc. and subsidiaries as of February 3, 1996 and January 28, 1995, and the 
related consolidated statements of income, shareholders' equity, and cash flows 
for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended February 3, 1996 
(appearing on pages 49 through 61). These financial statements are the 
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an 
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

   We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing 
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain 
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting 
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes 
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by 
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. 
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

   In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the consolidated financial position of The Limited, Inc. 
and subsidiaries as of February 3, 1996 and January 28, 1995 and the 
consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the 
three fiscal years in the period ended February 3, 1996 in conformity with 
generally accepted accounting principles.

Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
Columbus, Ohio
February 26, 1996, except for paragraph 11 in Note 1 and Note 9, as to which the
date is March 18, 1996.


                                                            [PHOTO APPEARS HERE]



                                                            The Limited, Inc. 61

<PAGE>
 
                                                                      EXHIBIT 21

                         SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                Jurisdiction
     Subsidiaries (a)                           of Incorporation
     ------------                               ----------------
<S>                                             <C>  
Express, Inc. (b)                               Delaware
Lerner New York, Inc. (c)                       Delaware
Lane Bryant, Inc. (d)                           Delaware
The Limited London-Paris-New York, Inc. (e)     Delaware
Henri Bendel, Inc. (f)                          Delaware
Structure, Inc. (g)                             Delaware
Abercrombie & Fitch, Inc. (h)                   Delaware
Limited Too, Inc. (i)                           Delaware
Galyan's Trading Co., Inc. (j)                  Indiana
Mast Industries, Inc. (k)                       Delaware
Mast Industries (Far East) Limited (l)          Hong Kong
Limited Distribution Services, Inc. (m)         Delaware
Limited Service Corporation (n)                 Delaware
Womanco Service Corporation (o)                 Delaware
Victoria's Secret Stores, Inc. (p)              Delaware
Victoria's Secret Catalogue, Inc. (q)           Delaware
Bath & Body Works, Inc. (r)                     Delaware
Cacique, Inc. (s)                               Delaware
Penhaligon's Limited (t)                        United Kingdom
Gryphon Development, Inc. (u)                   Delaware
Intimate Brands, Inc. Service Corporation (v)   Delaware
Intimate Brands, Inc. (w)                       Delaware
- ----------------------------
</TABLE>

(a)   The names of certain subsidiaries are omitted since such unnamed
      subsidiaries, considered in the aggregate as a single subsidiary, would
      not constitute a significant subsidiary as of February 3, 1996.

(b)   Express, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Express Holding
      Corporation, a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
      registrant.

(c)  Lerner New York, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lerner Holding
     Corporation, a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
     registrant.

(d)  Lane Bryant, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lane Bryant Holding
     Corporation, a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
     registrant.

(e)  The Limited London-Paris-New York, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of LIM
     Holding Corporation, a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary
     of the registrant.

(f)  Henri Bendel, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Henri Bendel Holding
     Corporation, a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
     registrant.

(g)  Structure, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Structure Holding
     Corporation, a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
     registrant.

(h)  Abercrombie & Fitch, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Abercrombie & 
     Fitch Holding Corporation, a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned
     subsidiary of the registrant.
<PAGE>
 
(i)  Limited Too, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Limited Too Holding
     Corporation, a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
     registrant.

(j)  Galyan's Trading Co., Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Galyan's Holding
     Corporation, a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
     registrant.

(k)  Mast Industries, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mast Holding
     Corporation, a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
     registrant.

(l)  Mast Industries (Far East) Limited is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mast
     Industries, Inc.

(m)  Limited Distribution Services, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of LTDSP,
     Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
     registrant.

(n)  Limited Service Corporation is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the registrant.

(o)  Womanco Service Corporation is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the registrant.

(p)  Victoria's Secret Stores, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Victoria's
     Secret Stores Holding Corporation, a Delaware corporation, which is a
     wholly-owned subsidiary of Intimate Brands, Inc., a Delaware corporation
     and a majority owned subsidiary of the Company.

(q)  Victoria's Secret Catalogue, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of
     Victoria's Secret Catalogue Holding Corporation, a Delaware corporation,
     which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Intimate Brands, Inc., a Delaware
     corporation and a majority owned subsidiary of the Company.

(r)  Bath & Body Works, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bath & Body Works
     Holding Corporation, a Delaware corporation, which is a wholly-owned
     subsidiary of Intimate Brands, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a
     majority owned subsidiary of the Company.

(s)  Cacique, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cacique Holding Corporation,
     a Delaware corporation, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Intimate
     Brands, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a majority owned subsidiary of
     the Company.

(t)  Penhaligon's Limited  is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Penhal Investments,
     Inc., a Delaware corporation, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of
     Intimate Brands, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a majority owned
     subsidiary of the Company.

(u)  Gryphon Development, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Gryphon Holding
     Corporation., a Delaware corporation, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of
     Intimate Brands, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a majority owned
     subsidiary of the Company.

(v)  Intimate Brands Service Corporation is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
     Intimate Brands, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a majority owned
     subsidiary of the Company.

(w)  Intimate Brands, Inc. is a majority owned subsidiary of the Company.




<PAGE>
 
                                                                     EXHIBIT 23




                      CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS



We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statements of
The Limited, Inc. on Form S-8, Registration Nos. 33-18533, 33-25005, 2-92277,
33-24829, 33-24507, 33-24828, 2-95788, 2-88919, 33-24518, 33-6965, 33-14049,
33-22844, 33-44041, 33-49871 and the registration statements on Form S-3,
Registration Nos. 33-20788, 33-31540, 33-43832 and 33-53366 of our report dated
February 26, 1996, except for paragraph 11 in Note 1 and Note 9, as to which
the date is March 18, 1996, on our audits of the consolidated financial
statements and financial statement schedule of The Limited, Inc. and
Subsidiaries as of February 3, 1996, and January 28, 1995, and for the fiscal
years ended February 3, 1996, January 28, 1995, and January 29, 1994, which
report is included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.



                                                COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.





Columbus, Ohio
May 1, 1996






<PAGE>
 
                                                                      EXHIBIT 24
                                                                      ----------



                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
                           OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS OF
                               THE LIMITED, INC.



     The undersigned officer and/or director of The Limited, Inc., a Delaware
corporation, which anticipates filing an Annual Report on Form 10-K for its 1995
fiscal year  under the provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 with
the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., hereby constitutes and
appoints Leslie H. Wexner and Kenneth B. Gilman, and each of them, with full
powers of substitution and resubstitution, as attorney to sign for the
undersigned in any and all capacities such Annual Report on Form 10-K and any
and all amendments thereto, and any and all applications or other documents to
be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pertaining to such Annual
Report on Form 10-K with full power and authority to do and perform any and all
acts and things whatsoever required and necessary to be done in the premises, as
fully to all intents and purposes as the undersigned could do if personally
present.  The undersigned hereby ratifies and confirms all that said attorney-
in-fact and agent or his substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to
be done by virtue hereof.


       EXECUTED as of the 26th day of January, 1996.



                                /s/ LESLIE H. WEXNER
                                --------------------
                                Leslie H. Wexner
<PAGE>
 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
                           OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS OF
                               THE LIMITED, INC.



     The undersigned officer and/or director of The Limited, Inc., a Delaware
corporation, which anticipates filing an Annual Report on Form 10-K for its 1995
fiscal year  under the provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 with
the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., hereby constitutes and
appoints Leslie H. Wexner and Kenneth B. Gilman, and each of them, with full
powers of substitution and resubstitution, as attorney to sign for the
undersigned in any and all capacities such Annual Report on Form 10-K and any
and all amendments thereto, and any and all applications or other documents to
be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pertaining to such Annual
Report on Form 10-K with full power and authority to do and perform any and all
acts and things whatsoever required and necessary to be done in the premises, as
fully to all intents and purposes as the undersigned could do if personally
present.  The undersigned hereby ratifies and confirms all that said attorney-
in-fact and agent or his substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to
be done by virtue hereof.


       EXECUTED as of the 26th day of January, 1996.



                                /s/ KENNETH B. GILMAN
                                ---------------------
                                Kenneth B. Gilman
<PAGE>
 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
                           OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS OF
                               THE LIMITED, INC.



     The undersigned officer and/or director of The Limited, Inc., a Delaware
corporation, which anticipates filing an Annual Report on Form 10-K for its 1995
fiscal year  under the provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 with
the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., hereby constitutes and
appoints Leslie H. Wexner and Kenneth B. Gilman, and each of them, with full
powers of substitution and resubstitution, as attorney to sign for the
undersigned in any and all capacities such Annual Report on Form 10-K and any
and all amendments thereto, and any and all applications or other documents to
be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pertaining to such Annual
Report on Form 10-K with full power and authority to do and perform any and all
acts and things whatsoever required and necessary to be done in the premises, as
fully to all intents and purposes as the undersigned could do if personally
present.  The undersigned hereby ratifies and confirms all that said attorney-
in-fact and agent or his substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to
be done by virtue hereof.


       EXECUTED as of the 26th day of January, 1996.



                                /s/ BELLA WEXNER
                                ----------------
                                Bella Wexner
<PAGE>
 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
                           OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS OF
                               THE LIMITED, INC.



     The undersigned officer and/or director of The Limited, Inc., a Delaware
corporation, which anticipates filing an Annual Report on Form 10-K for its 1995
fiscal year  under the provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 with
the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., hereby constitutes and
appoints Leslie H. Wexner and Kenneth B. Gilman, and each of them, with full
powers of substitution and resubstitution, as attorney to sign for the
undersigned in any and all capacities such Annual Report on Form 10-K and any
and all amendments thereto, and any and all applications or other documents to
be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pertaining to such Annual
Report on Form 10-K with full power and authority to do and perform any and all
acts and things whatsoever required and necessary to be done in the premises, as
fully to all intents and purposes as the undersigned could do if personally
present.  The undersigned hereby ratifies and confirms all that said attorney-
in-fact and agent or his substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to
be done by virtue hereof.


       EXECUTED as of the 26th day of January, 1996.



                                /s/ MICHAEL A. WEISS
                                --------------------
                                Michael A. Weiss
<PAGE>
 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
                           OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS OF
                               THE LIMITED, INC.



     The undersigned officer and/or director of The Limited, Inc., a Delaware
corporation, which anticipates filing an Annual Report on Form 10-K for its 1995
fiscal year  under the provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 with
the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., hereby constitutes and
appoints Leslie H. Wexner and Kenneth B. Gilman, and each of them, with full
powers of substitution and resubstitution, as attorney to sign for the
undersigned in any and all capacities such Annual Report on Form 10-K and any
and all amendments thereto, and any and all applications or other documents to
be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pertaining to such Annual
Report on Form 10-K with full power and authority to do and perform any and all
acts and things whatsoever required and necessary to be done in the premises, as
fully to all intents and purposes as the undersigned could do if personally
present.  The undersigned hereby ratifies and confirms all that said attorney-
in-fact and agent or his substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to
be done by virtue hereof.


       EXECUTED as of the 26th day of January, 1996.



                                /s/ MARTIN TRUST
                                ----------------
                                Martin Trust
<PAGE>
 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
                           OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS OF
                               THE LIMITED, INC.



     The undersigned officer and/or director of The Limited, Inc., a Delaware
corporation, which anticipates filing an Annual Report on Form 10-K for its 1995
fiscal year  under the provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 with
the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., hereby constitutes and
appoints Leslie H. Wexner and Kenneth B. Gilman, and each of them, with full
powers of substitution and resubstitution, as attorney to sign for the
undersigned in any and all capacities such Annual Report on Form 10-K and any
and all amendments thereto, and any and all applications or other documents to
be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pertaining to such Annual
Report on Form 10-K with full power and authority to do and perform any and all
acts and things whatsoever required and necessary to be done in the premises, as
fully to all intents and purposes as the undersigned could do if personally
present.  The undersigned hereby ratifies and confirms all that said attorney-
in-fact and agent or his substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to
be done by virtue hereof.


       EXECUTED as of the 26th day of January, 1996.



                                /s/ EUGENE M. FREEDMAN
                                ----------------------
                                Eugene M. Freedman
<PAGE>
 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
                           OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS OF
                               THE LIMITED, INC.



     The undersigned officer and/or director of The Limited, Inc., a Delaware
corporation, which anticipates filing an Annual Report on Form 10-K for its 1995
fiscal year  under the provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 with
the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., hereby constitutes and
appoints Leslie H. Wexner and Kenneth B. Gilman, and each of them, with full
powers of substitution and resubstitution, as attorney to sign for the
undersigned in any and all capacities such Annual Report on Form 10-K and any
and all amendments thereto, and any and all applications or other documents to
be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pertaining to such Annual
Report on Form 10-K with full power and authority to do and perform any and all
acts and things whatsoever required and necessary to be done in the premises, as
fully to all intents and purposes as the undersigned could do if personally
present.  The undersigned hereby ratifies and confirms all that said attorney-
in-fact and agent or his substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to
be done by virtue hereof.


       EXECUTED as of the 26th day of January, 1996.



                                /s/ E. GORDON GEE
                                -----------------
                                E. Gordon Gee
<PAGE>
 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
                           OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS OF
                               THE LIMITED, INC.



     The undersigned officer and/or director of The Limited, Inc., a Delaware
corporation, which anticipates filing an Annual Report on Form 10-K for its 1995
fiscal year  under the provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 with
the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., hereby constitutes and
appoints Leslie H. Wexner and Kenneth B. Gilman, and each of them, with full
powers of substitution and resubstitution, as attorney to sign for the
undersigned in any and all capacities such Annual Report on Form 10-K and any
and all amendments thereto, and any and all applications or other documents to
be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pertaining to such Annual
Report on Form 10-K with full power and authority to do and perform any and all
acts and things whatsoever required and necessary to be done in the premises, as
fully to all intents and purposes as the undersigned could do if personally
present.  The undersigned hereby ratifies and confirms all that said attorney-
in-fact and agent or his substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to
be done by virtue hereof.


       EXECUTED as of the 26th day of January, 1996.



                                /s/ THOMAS G. HOPKINS
                                ---------------------
                                Thomas G. Hopkins
<PAGE>
 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
                           OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS OF
                               THE LIMITED, INC.



     The undersigned officer and/or director of The Limited, Inc., a Delaware
corporation, which anticipates filing an Annual Report on Form 10-K for its 1995
fiscal year  under the provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 with
the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., hereby constitutes and
appoints Leslie H. Wexner and Kenneth B. Gilman, and each of them, with full
powers of substitution and resubstitution, as attorney to sign for the
undersigned in any and all capacities such Annual Report on Form 10-K and any
and all amendments thereto, and any and all applications or other documents to
be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pertaining to such Annual
Report on Form 10-K with full power and authority to do and perform any and all
acts and things whatsoever required and necessary to be done in the premises, as
fully to all intents and purposes as the undersigned could do if personally
present.  The undersigned hereby ratifies and confirms all that said attorney-
in-fact and agent or his substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to
be done by virtue hereof.


       EXECUTED as of the 26th day of January, 1996.



                                /s/ DAVID T. KOLLAT
                                -------------------
                                David T. Kollat
<PAGE>
 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
                           OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS OF
                               THE LIMITED, INC.



     The undersigned officer and/or director of The Limited, Inc., a Delaware
corporation, which anticipates filing an Annual Report on Form 10-K for its 1995
fiscal year  under the provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 with
the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., hereby constitutes and
appoints Leslie H. Wexner and Kenneth B. Gilman, and each of them, with full
powers of substitution and resubstitution, as attorney to sign for the
undersigned in any and all capacities such Annual Report on Form 10-K and any
and all amendments thereto, and any and all applications or other documents to
be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pertaining to such Annual
Report on Form 10-K with full power and authority to do and perform any and all
acts and things whatsoever required and necessary to be done in the premises, as
fully to all intents and purposes as the undersigned could do if personally
present.  The undersigned hereby ratifies and confirms all that said attorney-
in-fact and agent or his substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to
be done by virtue hereof.


       EXECUTED as of the 26th day of January, 1996.



                                /s/ CLAUDINE MALONE
                                -------------------
                                Claudine Malone
<PAGE>
 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
                           OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS OF
                               THE LIMITED, INC.



     The undersigned officer and/or director of The Limited, Inc., a Delaware
corporation, which anticipates filing an Annual Report on Form 10-K for its 1995
fiscal year  under the provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 with
the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., hereby constitutes and
appoints Leslie H. Wexner and Kenneth B. Gilman, and each of them, with full
powers of substitution and resubstitution, as attorney to sign for the
undersigned in any and all capacities such Annual Report on Form 10-K and any
and all amendments thereto, and any and all applications or other documents to
be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pertaining to such Annual
Report on Form 10-K with full power and authority to do and perform any and all
acts and things whatsoever required and necessary to be done in the premises, as
fully to all intents and purposes as the undersigned could do if personally
present.  The undersigned hereby ratifies and confirms all that said attorney-
in-fact and agent or his substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to
be done by virtue hereof.


       EXECUTED as of the 26th day of January, 1996.



                                /s/ DONALD B. SHACKELFORD
                                -------------------------
                                Donald B. Shackelford
<PAGE>
 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
                           OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS OF
                               THE LIMITED, INC.



     The undersigned officer and/or director of The Limited, Inc., a Delaware
corporation, which anticipates filing an Annual Report on Form 10-K for its 1995
fiscal year  under the provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 with
the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., hereby constitutes and
appoints Leslie H. Wexner and Kenneth B. Gilman, and each of them, with full
powers of substitution and resubstitution, as attorney to sign for the
undersigned in any and all capacities such Annual Report on Form 10-K and any
and all amendments thereto, and any and all applications or other documents to
be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pertaining to such Annual
Report on Form 10-K with full power and authority to do and perform any and all
acts and things whatsoever required and necessary to be done in the premises, as
fully to all intents and purposes as the undersigned could do if personally
present.  The undersigned hereby ratifies and confirms all that said attorney-
in-fact and agent or his substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to
be done by virtue hereof.


       EXECUTED as of the 26th day of January, 1996.



                                /s/ ALLAN R. TESSLER
                                --------------------
                                Allan R. Tessler
<PAGE>
 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
                           OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS OF
                               THE LIMITED, INC.



     The undersigned officer and/or director of The Limited, Inc., a Delaware
corporation, which anticipates filing an Annual Report on Form 10-K for its 1995
fiscal year  under the provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 with
the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., hereby constitutes and
appoints Leslie H. Wexner and Kenneth B. Gilman, and each of them, with full
powers of substitution and resubstitution, as attorney to sign for the
undersigned in any and all capacities such Annual Report on Form 10-K and any
and all amendments thereto, and any and all applications or other documents to
be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pertaining to such Annual
Report on Form 10-K with full power and authority to do and perform any and all
acts and things whatsoever required and necessary to be done in the premises, as
fully to all intents and purposes as the undersigned could do if personally
present.  The undersigned hereby ratifies and confirms all that said attorney-
in-fact and agent or his substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to
be done by virtue hereof.


       EXECUTED as of the 26th day of January, 1996.



                                /s/ RAYMOND ZIMMERMAN
                                ---------------------
                                Raymond Zimmerman

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary  financial information extracted from the
Consolidated Financial Statements of The Limited, Inc.  and Subsidiaries for the
year ended February 3, 1996 and is qualified in its entirety by reference to
such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER>  1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          FEB-03-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-29-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               FEB-03-1996
<CASH>                                       1,645,731
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   77,516
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                    958,953
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                             2,800,032
<PP&E>                                       3,018,757
<DEPRECIATION>                               1,277,301
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               5,266,563
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          716,575
<BONDS>                                        650,000
<COMMON>                                       180,352
                                0
                                          0
<OTHER-SE>                                   3,020,689
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>               5,266,563
<SALES>                                      7,881,437
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                             7,881,437
<CGS>                                        5,793,905
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                5,793,905
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                             1,475,497
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              77,537
<INCOME-PRETAX>                              1,184,511
<INCOME-TAX>                                   223,000
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            961,511
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                   961,511
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     2.68
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     2.68
        

</TABLE>

<PAGE>

                                                                      EXHIBIT 99
 
                   REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
                   ----------------------------------------

To the Plan Administrator of The Limited,
Inc. Savings and Retirement Plan:

     We have audited the accompanying statements of net assets available for 
benefits of The Limited, Inc. Savings and Retirement Plan as of December 31, 
1995 and 1994, and the related statements of changes in net assets available for
benefits for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1995. 
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Plan's management. Our 
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on 
our audits.

     We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing 
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain 
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting 
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes 
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by 
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. 
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

     In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, 
in all material respects, the net assets available for benefits of the Plan as 
of December 31, 1995 and 1994, and the changes in net assets available for 
benefits for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1995, in 
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

                                             /s/ Ary, Earman and Roepcke
                                             ---------------------------------
                                                 Ary, Earman and Roepcke


Columbus, Ohio,
March 18, 1996.
<PAGE>
 
                 THE LIMITED, INC. SAVINGS AND RETIREMENT PLAN
                 ---------------------------------------------

                 STATEMENT OF NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR BENEFITS
                 ----------------------------------------------

                               DECEMBER 31, 1995
                               -----------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION> 
                                                            Limited         Fixed                                     Wellington
ASSETS                                         TOTAL       Stock Fund    Income Fund    Indexed Fund    World Fund       Fund
- ------                                     ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------   -----------
<S>                                        <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
Investments, at Fair Value:
  Determined by Quoted Market Price:
   Common Stock of The Limited, Inc.    
     (Cost $36,237,327)                    $ 69,418,465   $ 69,418,465   $          -   $          -   $         -     $        - 
   Vanguard Indexed Mutual Fund          
     (Cost $28,215,245)                      36,781,237              -              -     36,781,237             -              -
   Vanguard World Mutual Fund           
     (Cost $22,450,170)                      28,568,077              -              -              -    28,568,077              -
   Vanguard Wellington Fund              
     (Cost $2,688,763)                        2,810,545              -              -              -             -      2,810,545
 Determined By Contract Value:
   Guaranteed Investment Contracts:
     Vanguard Investment Contract Trust      70,972,869              -     70,972,869              -              -             -
       Metropolitan Life Insurance            7,064,772              -      7,064,772              -              -             -
  Temporary Investments (Cost
    Approximates Fair Value)                     29,917            209         29,708              -              -             -
                                           ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------   -----------
      Total Investments                     215,645,882     69,418,674     78,067,349     36,781,237     28,568,077     2,810,545
                                        
Contribution Receivable from Employers       21,814,605      3,121,459     10,109,934      4,317,439      3,491,987       773,786
Receivable from Employers for Withheld   
  Participants' Contributions                  1,417,49        227,262        522,163        331,820        263,791        72,461
Due from Brokers                                 46,096         46,096              -              -              -             -
Interfund Transfers                                   -       (122,205)        (6,207)       (50,186)        33,824       144,774
Accrued Interest and Dividends                    3,174            541          1,760            421            418            34
Other Assets                                        976              -              -            424            483            69
                                           ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------   -----------
     Total Assets                           238,928,230     72,691,827     88,694,999     41,381,155     32,358,580     3,801,669
                                           ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------   ----------- 
                                         
LIABILITIES
- -----------

Other Liabilities                                26,894              -         26,894              -              -             -
Administrative Fees Payable                     392,065        129,381        141,144         66,651         50,968         3,921
                                           ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------   -----------
     Total Liabilities                          418,959        129,381        168,038         66,651         50,968         3,921
                                           ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------   -----------
NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR BENEFITS          $238,509,271   $ 72,562,446   $ 88,526,961   $ 41,314,504   $ 32,307,612   $ 3,797,748
                                           ============   ============   ============   ============   ============   ===========
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this financial statements.

                                      F-1
<PAGE>
 
                 THE LIMITED, INC. SAVINGS AND RETIREMENT PLAN
                 ---------------------------------------------

                 STATEMENT OF NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR BENEFITS
                 ----------------------------------------------

                               DECEMBER 31, 1994
                               -----------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                    Limited          Fixed
ASSETS                                                TOTAL        Stock Fund     Income Fund     Indexed Fund     World Fund
- ------                                            ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------
<S>                                               <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
Investments, at Fair Value:
 Determined by Quoted Market Price
   Common Stock of The Limited, Inc.             
     (Cost $31,473,031)                           $ 74,213,936    $ 74,213,936    $          -    $          -    $          -
   Vanguard Indexed Mutual Fund                    
     (Cost $21,363,025)                             22,393,334               -               -      22,393,334               - 
   Vanguard World Mutual Fund                      
     (Cost $16,934,527)                             17,568,066               -               -               -      17,568,066
 Determined By Contract Value:
   Guaranteed Investment Contracts:                
     Vanguard Investment Contract Trust             54,831,553               -      54,831,553               -               -
     Metropolitan Life Insurance                    12,983,134               -      12,983,134               -               -
 Temporary Investments (Cost                                                                                                  
   Approximates Fair Value)                             38,054          10,693          21,013           3,000           3,348 
                                                  ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------
     Total Investments                             182,028,077      74,224,629      67,835,700      22,396,334      17,571,414

Contribution Receivable from Employers              16,899,542       2,706,921       8,659,768       3,198,332       2,334,521
Receivable from Employers for Withheld
 Participants' Contributions                           936,072         147,762         351,168         264,962         172,180
Due from Brokers                                     1,406,791       1,406,791               -               -               -
Interfund Transfers                                          -        (916,433)        408,641         456,929          50,863
Accrued Interest and Dividends                           2,622           1,287             771             291             273
Other Assets                                               412               -               -               -             412
                                                  ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------
     Total Assets                                  201,273,516      77,570,957      77,256,048      26,316,848      20,129,663
                                                                                                                
LIABILITIES
- -----------
                                                   
Administrative Fees Payable                            372,240         161,033         134,051          43,429          33,727
                                                  ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------
NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR BENEFITS                 $200,901,276    $ 77,409,924    $ 77,121,997    $ 26,273,419    $ 20,095,936
                                                  ============    ============    ============    ============    ============
</TABLE>

    The accompanying notes are an integral part of this financial statement.

                                      F-2
<PAGE>
 
                THE LIMITED, INC.  SAVINGS AND RETIREMENT PLAN
                ----------------------------------------------

           STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR BENEFITS
           ---------------------------------------------------------

                      FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
                      ------------------------------------


<TABLE>
<CAPTION> 
                                                            Limited         Fixed                                     Wellington
ASSETS                                         TOTAL       Stock Fund    Income Fund    Indexed Fund    World Fund       Fund
- ------                                     ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------   ----------- 
<S>                                        <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
Investment Income:
 Increase (Decrease) in Net
   Unrealized Appreciation                 $  7,426,953   $ (5,714,880)  $          -   $  7,535,683   $  5,484,368   $    121,782 
 Realized Gain on Sale of Securities          3,567,665      1,581,946              -      1,096,390        877,023         12,306
 Interest                                     4,771,693         10,190      4,752,866          4,761          3,726            150
 Dividends                                    1,632,728      1,632,728              -              -              -              -
 Mutual Funds' Earnings                       2,054,249              -              -        832,487      1,151,646         70,116
                                           ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------
   Total Investment Income (Loss)            19,453,288     (2,490,016)     4,752,866      9,469,321      7,516,763        204,354 
                                           ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------
Contributions:
 Employers                                   29,943,002      4,142,615     13,472,869      6,246,002      4,928,087      1,153,429 
 Participants                                13,909,162      2,380,938      4,899,509      3,466,763      2,694,626        467,326 
                                           ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------
   Total Contributions                       43,852,164      6,523,553     18,372,378      9,712,765      7,622,713      1,620,755 
                                           ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------
Interfund Transfers                                   -       (775,658)    (1,604,380)       (28,051)       378,900      2,029,189 
                                           ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------
Administrative Expense                       (1,017,651)      (384,338)      (357,753)      (153,254)      (117,880)        (4,426) 
                                           ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------
Benefits to Participants                    (24,679,806)    (7,721,019)    (9,758,147)    (3,959,696)    (3,188,820)       (52,124)
                                           ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
  Available for Benefits                     37,607,995     (4,847,478)    11,404,964     15,041,085     12,211,676      3,797,748 

Beginning Net Assets Available for                
  Benefits                                  200,901,276     77,409,924     77,121,997     26,273,419     20,095,936              -  

                                           ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------
Ending Net Assets Available for Benefits   $238,509,271   $ 72,562,446   $ 88,526,961   $ 41,314,504   $ 32,307,612   $  3,797,748
                                           ============   ============   ============   ============   ============   ============
</TABLE>

    The accompanying notes are an integral part of this financial statement.

                                      F-3
<PAGE>
 
                THE LIMITED, INC.  SAVINGS AND RETIREMENT PLAN
                ----------------------------------------------

           STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR BENEFITS
           ---------------------------------------------------------

                      FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994
                      ------------------------------------


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                    Limited          Fixed
ASSETS                                                TOTAL        Stock Fund     Income Fund     Indexed Fund     World Fund
- ------                                            ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------
<S>                                               <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
Investment Income:
 Increase (Decrease) in Net
   Unrealized Appreciation                        $  1,716,786    $  1,918,510    $          -    $   (568,121)   $    366,397 
 Realized Gain on Sale of Securities                 3,033,768       2,781,458               -         206,695          45,615
 Interest                                            4,123,855           9,181       4,110,632           2,223           1,819 
 Dividends                                           1,575,897       1,575,897               -               -               -
 Mutual Funds' Earnings                                864,642               -               -         661,477         203,165
                                                  ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------ 
   Total Investment Income                          11,314,948       6,285,046       4,110,632         302,274         616,996 
                                                  ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------
Contributions:                                              
  Employers                                         23,236,673       4,220,346      11,221,074       4,509,396       3,285,857
  Participants                                      10,745,605       2,466,228       3,919,556       2,532,832       1,826,989 
                                                  ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------
   Total Contributions                              33,982,278       6,686,574      15,140,630       7,042,228       5,112,846
                                                  ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------
Transfer of Participants' Account
  Balances to Former Affiliate's Plan                  (37,482)            (14)        (37,468)              -               -
                                                  ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------
Interfund Transfers                                          -      (1,149,559)        231,825         879,225          38,509
                                                  ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------
Administrative Expense                                (755,565)       (335,032)       (270,359)        (84,273         (65,901)
                                                  ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------
Benefits to Participants                           (29,091,678)    (13,430,138)    (11,480,188)     (2,305,551)     (1,875,801)
                                                  ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
  Available for Benefits                            15,412,501      (1,943,123)      7,695,072       5,833,903       3,826,649

Beginning Net Assets Available for
  Benefits                                         185,488,775      79,353,047      69,426,925      20,439,516      16,269,287 
                                                  ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------
Ending Net Assets Available for Benefits
                                                  $200,901,276    $ 77,409,924    $ 77,121,997    $ 26,273,419    $ 20,095,936
                                                  ============    ============    ============    ============    ============
</TABLE>

    The accompanying notes are an integral part of this financial statement.

                                      F-4
<PAGE>
 
                THE LIMITED, INC.  SAVINGS AND RETIREMENT PLAN
                ----------------------------------------------

           STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR BENEFITS
           ---------------------------------------------------------

                      FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993
                      ------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                    Limited          Fixed
ASSETS                                                Total         Stock Fund     Income Fund    Indexed Fund     World Fund
- ------                                            ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------
<S>                                               <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
Investment Income:
 Increase (Decrease) in Net
   Unrealized Appreciation                        $(51,165,802)   $(51,222,621)   $          -    $    537,811    $   (480,992)
 Realized Gain on Sale of Securities                 4,073,977       3,367,169               -         636,926          69,882
 Interest                                            4,439,846           6,689       4,429,569           1,880           1,708
 Dividends                                           1,783,025       1,783,025               -               -               -
 Mutual Funds' Earnings                                657,135               -               -         464,994         192,141      
                                                  ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------
   Total Investment Income (Loss)                  (40,211,819)    (46,065,738)      4,429,569       1,641,611        (217,261) 
                                                  ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------
Contributions:
 Employers                                          23,371,564       5,561,152      11,270,178       3,496,942       3,043,292 
 Participants                                       10,428,961       3,098,271       3,790,368       1,934,509       1,605,813 
                                                  ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------
                                                                       
   Total Contributions                              33,800,525       8,659,423      15,060,546       5,431,451       4,649,105 
                                                  ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------
Transfer of Participants' Account                                                                                 
 Balances from Affiliated Plans                      1,140,371               -         514,198         422,367         203,806
                                                  ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------
Transfer of Participants' Account
 Balances to Former Affiliate's Plan               (20,815,838)     (5,390,244)    (10,483,032)     (3,227,343)     (1,715,219)
                                                  ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------
Interfund Transfers                                          -      (4,461,978)      1,028,778       3,401,455          31,745 
                                                  ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------
Administrative Expense                                (752,234)       (354,091)       (261,967)        (75,921)        (60,255) 
                                                  ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------
Benefits to Participants                           (39,043,060)    (20,796,573)    (13,029,735)     (2,847,422)     (2,369,330)
                                                  ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
 Available for Benefits                            (65,882,055)    (68,409,201)     (2,741,643)      4,746,198         522,591  

Beginning Net Assets Available for
 Benefits                                          251,370,830     147,762,248      72,168,568      15,693,318      15,746,696  
                                                  ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------
Ending Net Assets Available for Benefits          $185,488,775    $ 79,353,047    $ 69,426,925    $ 20,439,516    $ 16,269,287  
                                                   ============   ============    ============    ============    ============
</TABLE>

    The accompanying notes are an integral part of this financial statement.

                                      F-5
<PAGE>
 
                 THE LIMITED, INC. SAVINGS AND RETIREMENT PLAN
                 ---------------------------------------------

                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                         -----------------------------


(1)  DESCRIPTION OF THE PLAN
     -----------------------

     General
     -------

     The Limited, Inc. Savings and Retirement Plan (the "Plan") is a defined
        contribution plan covering certain employees of The Limited, Inc. and
        its affiliates (the "Employers") who are at least 21 years of age and
        have completed 1,000 or more hours of service during their first
        consecutive twelve months of employment or any calendar year beginning
        in or after their first consecutive twelve months of employment. Certain
        employees of the Employers, who are covered by a collective bargaining
        agreement, are not eligible to participate in the Plan. At December 31,
        1995, there were 26,592 participants in the Plan.

     Effective January 1, 1992, the plans of affiliates, except Fulcrum 
        Management Group Savings and Retirement Plan, were merged and all assets
        and liabilities of the affiliate plans were pooled into the Plan.
        Effective January 1, 1993, the Fulcrum Management Group Savings and
        Retirement Plan was merged into the Plan.

     On August 31, 1993, The Limited, Inc. sold 60% of its interest in Brylane,
         Inc. and transferred the assets and liabilities allocated to the
         employees of Brylane, Inc. and its affiliates to the Brylane L.P.
         Savings and Retirement Plan.

     The following description of the Plan provides only general information.
        Participants should refer to the Plan document for a more complete
        description of the Plan's provisions. The Plan is subject to the
        provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974
        (ERISA) as amended.

     Amendments
     ----------

     During 1994, the Plan was amended and restated effective as of January 1, 
        1992 to, among other things, (1) make certain changes in the design of
        the Plan to comply with the Internal Revenue code of 1986, as amended,
        and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended and
        (2) incorporate amendments previously made.

     Contributions
     -------------

     Employer Contributions:

     The Employers may provide a non-service related retirement contribution 
        of 4% of annual compensation up to the Social Security wage base and 7%
        of annual compensation after that and a service related retirement
        contribution of 1% of annual compensation for participants who have
        completed five or more years of vesting service as of the last day of
        the Plan year. Participants who complete 500 hours of service during the
        Plan year and are participants on the last day of the Plan year are
        eligible. The annual compensation of each participant taken into account
        under the Plan is limited to the maximum amount permitted under Section
        401(a)(17) of the Internal Revenue Code. The annual compensation limit
        for the Plan year ended December 31, 1995, was $150,000.

     The Employers may provide a matching contribution of 100% of the 
        participant's voluntary contributions up to 3% of the participant's
        total annual compensation.

                                      F-6
<PAGE>
 
     Participant Voluntary Contributions:

     A participant may elect to make a voluntary tax-deferred contribution of 
        1% to 6% of his or her annual compensation up to the maximum permitted
        under Section 402(g) of the Internal Revenue Code adjusted annually
        ($9,240 at December 31, 1995). This voluntary tax-deferred contribution
        may be limited by Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code.

     A participant earning annually more than $66,000, $66,000 and $64,245, 
        for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively, may
        be limited to voluntary contributions to the Plan of less than 6% due to
        requirements of Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code based on the
        current levels of participant voluntary contributions.

     Vesting
     -------

     A participant is fully and immediately vested for voluntary and rollover
        contributions. A summary of vesting percentages in the Employers'
        contributions follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
 
         Years of Vested Service     Percentage
         -----------------------     ----------
         <S>                         <C>
            Less than 3 years             0%
            3 years                      20
            4 years                      40
            5 years                      60
            6 years                      80
            7 years                     100
 
</TABLE>

     Payment Of Benefits
     -------------------

     The full value of participants' accounts becomes payable upon retirement,
        disability, or death. Upon termination of employment for any other
        reason participants' accounts, to the extent vested, become payable.
        Those participants with vested account balances greater than $3,500 have
        the option of leaving their accounts invested in the Plan until age 65.
        All benefits will be paid as a lump-sum distribution. Those participants
        holding between five and one hundred shares of Employer Securities will
        have the option to receive such amount in whole shares of Employer
        Securities and cash for any fractional shares. Those participants
        holding one hundred or more shares of Employer Securities will receive
        whole shares of Employer securities and cash for any fractional shares.
        Participants have the option of having their benefit paid directly to an
        eligible retirement plan specified by the participant.

     A participant who is fully vested in his or her account and who has 
        participated in the Plan for at least five years may obtain an in-
        service withdrawal from their account based on the percentage amounts
        designated by the Plan. A participant may also request a hardship
        distribution due to an immediate and heavy financial need based on the
        terms of the Plan.

     Amounts Allocated Participants Withdrawn from the Plan
     ------------------------------------------------------

      The vested portion of net assets available for benefits allocated to
        participants withdrawn from the plan as of December 31, 1995 and 1994, 
        is set forth below:

     <TABLE>
     <CAPTION>
                                                          Fixed
                                             Limited      Income       Indexed      World    Wellington
                                  Total     Stock Fund     Fund         Fund        Fund       Fund
                                ----------  ----------   ----------   --------    --------   ----------  
     <S>                        <C>         <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>        <C>         
     December 31, 1995          $  634,530  $   54,393   $  301,337   $128,645    $138,247     $11,908
 
     December 31, 1994          $3,894,855  $1,796,254   $1,321,029   $452,849    $324,723     $     -
 
     </TABLE>


                                      F-7
<PAGE>
 
     Forfeitures
     -----------

     Forfeitures are used to reduce the Employers' required contributions.  
        Utilized forfeitures for 1995, 1994 and 1993, are set forth below:

     <TABLE>
     <CAPTION>
                                                           Fixed
                                             Limited      Income       Indexed      World    Wellington
                                  Total     Stock Fund     Fund         Fund        Fund       Fund
                               ----------   ----------   ----------   --------    --------   ----------  
     <S>                       <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>        <C>         
     December 31, 1995         $2,604,742    $265,411     $1,691,327   $352,056    $295,948   $       -
  
     December 31, 1994         $3,851,243    $536,323     $2,804,818   $268,212    $241,890   $       -
                                                                                               
     December 31, 1993         $2,362,621    $149,970     $1,946,329   $126,859    $139,463   $       -
                                                                                               
     </TABLE>

     Expenses and Unallocated Earnings
     ---------------------------------

     Brokerage fees, transfer taxes, and other expenses incurred in connection
        with the investment of the Plan's assets will be added to the cost of
        such investments or deducted from the proceeds thereof, as the case may
        be. Administrative expenses of the Plan will be paid from the Plan from
        earnings not allocated to participants' accounts. Unallocated earnings
        being held as of December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993 are set forth below:
        
     <TABLE>
     <CAPTION>
                                                          Fixed
                                             Limited      Income       Indexed      World    Wellington
                                  Total     Stock Fund     Fund         Fund        Fund       Fund
                               ----------   ----------    -------      --------    --------   ----------  
     <S>                       <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>        <C>         
     December 31, 1995         $ 51,827      $     -      $     -      $51,827     $     -    $      -
 
     December 31, 1994         $ 50,232      $     -      $12,780      $ 9,178     $28,274    $      -
 
     December 31, 1993         $275,002      $81,637      $39,835      $77,486     $76,044    $      -
 
     </TABLE>

     Tax Determination
     -----------------

     The Plan obtained its latest determination letter on January 30, 1995, in
        which the Internal Revenue Service stated that the Plan, as amended and
        restated January 1, 1992 was in compliance with the applicable
        requirements of the Internal Revenue Code. Accordingly, the following
        Federal income tax rules will apply to the Plan:

           Voluntary tax-deferred contributions made under the Plan by a
           participant and contributions made by the Employers to participant
           accounts are generally not taxable until such amounts are
           distributed.

           The participants are not subject to Federal income tax on interest,
           dividends, or gains in their particular accounts until distributed.

     The foregoing is only a brief summary of certain tax implications and 
        applies only to Federal tax regulations currently in effect.

(2)  SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES
     ------------------------------

     The Plan's financial statements are prepared on the accrual basis of 
        accounting. Assets of the Plan are valued at fair value. If available,
        quoted market prices are used to value investments. The amounts for
        investments that have no quoted market price are shown at their
        estimated fair value, which is determined based on yields equivalent for
        such securities or for securities of comparable maturi ty, quality, and
        type as obtained from market makers. Guaranteed investment contracts
        issued by insurance companies are valued at contract value. Contract
        value represents contributions made under the contract, and interest at
        the contract rate, less Plan withdrawals and administration expenses
        charged by the insurance companies.

     Realized gains or losses on the distribution or sale of securities 
        represent the difference between the average cost of such securities
        held and the fair value on the date of distribution or sale.


                                      F-8
<PAGE>
 
     Estimates
     ---------

     The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally 
        accepted accounting principles requires the plan administrator to make
        estimates and assumptions that affect certain reported amounts and
        disclosures. Accordingly, actual results may differ from those
        estimates.

     INVESTMENTS
     -----------

     Net unrealized appreciation, equal to the difference between cost and 
        fair value of all investments held at the applicable valuation dates, is
        recognized in determining the value of each fund. The unrealized
        appreciation as of December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993 is set forth below:

     <TABLE>
     <CAPTION>
                                                          Fixed
                                             Limited      Income       Indexed      World    Wellington
                                  Total     Stock Fund     Fund         Fund        Fund       Fund
                               ----------   ----------   ----------   --------    --------   ----------  
     <S>                       <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>         
     December 31, 1995         $47,986,819   $33,181,138  $      -     $8,565,992  $6,117,907  $121,782
 
     December 31, 1994         $44,404,753   $42,740,905  $      -     $1,030,309  $  633,539  $      -
 
     December 31, 1993         $50,241,890   $48,376,318  $      -     $1,598,430  $  267,142  $      -
     </TABLE>

     The Following is a summary of the net gain on securities sold during the 
        periods ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993:

     <TABLE>
     <CAPTION>
                                                          Fixed
                                             Limited      Income       Indexed       World      Wellington
                                  Total     Stock Fund     Fund         Fund          Fund         Fund
                               ----------   ----------   ----------   --------      --------     ----------  
     <S>                       <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>         
     Period Ended
     December 31, 1995
       Proceeds                $35,829,041   $2,804,851   $21,155,451  $6,616,037   $4,986,144    $266,558
       Cost                     32,261,376    1,222,905    21,155,451   5,519,647    4,109,121     254,252
                               -----------   ----------   -----------  ----------  ----------     --------
       Net Realized Gain       $ 3,567,665   $1,581,946   $         -  $1,096,390   $  877,023    $ 12,306
                               ===========   ==========   ===========  ==========   ==========    ========
     
     Period Ended
     December 31, 1994
       Proceeds                $26,357,549   $4,926,530   $14,779,530  $3,511,736   $3,139,753    $      -
       Cost                     23,323,781    2,145,072    14,779,530   3,305,041    3,094,138           -
                               -----------  -----------   -----------  ----------   ----------    --------
       Net Realized Gain       $ 3,033,768   $2,781,458   $        -   $  206,695   $   45,615    $      -
                               ===========   ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========    ========
 
     Period Ended
     December 31, 1993
       Proceeds                $47,420,114   $4,627,603   $29,287,560  $7,187,529   $6,317,422    $      -
       Cost                     43,346,137    1,260,434    29,287,560   6,550,603    6,247,540           -
                               -----------   ----------   -----------  ----------   ----------    --------
       Net Realized Gain       $ 4,073,977   $3,367,169   $         -  $  636,926   $   69,882    $      -
                               ===========   ==========   ===========  ==========   ==========    ========
     </TABLE>

     Contributions under the Plan are invested in one of five investment funds:
        (1) The Limited Stock Fund, consisting of common stock of The Limited,
        Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Issuer") and parent company of the
        Employers, (2) the Fixed Income Fund, which is invested in the Vanguard
        Investment Contract Trust and other guaranteed investment contracts
        issued by insurance companies, (3) the Indexed Fund, which is invested
        in the Vanguard Indexed Fund, (4) the World Fund, which is invested in
        the Vanguard World Fund, and (5) the Wellington Fund, which is invested
        in the Vanguard Wellington Fund. Prior to July 1, 1995 the Wellington
        Fund was not an investment option.

     Participants' voluntary and Employers' contributions may be invested in 
        any one or more of the funds, at the election of the participant. There
        are 6,820 partic ipants in the Limited Stock Fund, 18,815 in the Fixed
        Income Fund, 7,639 in the Indexed Fund, 6,320 in the World Fund, and
        2,292 in the Wellington Fund at December 31, 1995.

(4)  PLAN ADMINISTRATION
     -------------------

     The Plan is administered by a Committee, the members of which are 
        appointed by the Board of Directors of the Employers.



                                      F-9
<PAGE>
 
(5)  PLAN TERMINATION
     ----------------

     Although the Employers have not expressed any intent, the Employers have 
        the right under the Plan to discontinue their contributions at any time.
        The Limited, Inc. has the right any time, by action of its Board of
        Directors, to terminate the Plan subject to provisions of ERISA. Upon
        Plan termination or partial termination, participants will become fully
        vested in their accounts.



                                      F-10


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