MOHAWK INDUSTRIES INC
424B1, 1998-02-26
CARPETS & RUGS
Previous: GOVERNMENT TECHNOLOGY SERVICES INC, 8-K, 1998-02-26
Next: KEMPER GLOBAL INCOME FUND, 485BPOS, 1998-02-26



<PAGE>
 
       
                                4,100,000 Shares
                                                             FILED PURSUANT TO
                                                             RULE 424 (b) (1)
                                                             FILE NO.: 333-45683
 
                 [LOGO OF MOHAWK INDUSTRIES, INC. APPEARS HERE]
 
                                  Common Stock
                                ($.01 par value)
 
                                 ------------
 
 All of the  4,100,000 shares of common  stock, par value $.01  per share (the
  "Common  Stock"),  of  Mohawk  Industries,  Inc.,  a  Delaware  corporation
    ("Mohawk" or the "Company"), offered  hereby (the "Offering") are being
     sold  by the  Selling  Stockholder named  herein  under "The  Selling
       Stockholder." The Company  will not  receive any  of the  proceeds
        from the  sale of  shares of  the Common  Stock by  the Selling
         Stockholder,  and  the  Company will  bear  certain  expenses
           relating to  the registration and  sale of  the shares of
            the Common Stock.
      
   The Common Stock  is listed on  the New York Stock  Exchange (the "NYSE")
      under the symbol "MHK." On February  25, 1998, the closing price of
         the Common  Stock on  the NYSE  was $26  7/16 per  share. See
            "Price  Range of  Common  Stock  and Dividend  Policy."
                   
 THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED  OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
   EXCHANGE COMMISSION  OR  ANY  STATE SECURITIES  COMMISSION,  NOR  HAS THE
    SECURITIES AND  EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE  SECURITIES COMMISSION
      PASSED  UPON THE  ACCURACY  OR  ADEQUACY  OF  THIS  PROSPECTUS. ANY
       REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                   UNDERWRITING     PROCEEDS
                                        PRICE TO   DISCOUNTS AND TO THE SELLING
                                         PUBLIC     COMMISSIONS   STOCKHOLDER(1)
                                      ------------ ------------- ---------------
<S>                                   <C>          <C>           <C>
Per Share............................    $25.50        $1.14         $24.36
Total(2)............................. $104,550,000  $4,674,000     $99,876,000
</TABLE>    
   
(1) Before deduction of expenses payable by the Selling Stockholder estimated
    at $10,000. The Company will pay expenses relating to the Offering
    estimated at $200,000.     
   
(2) The Selling Stockholder has granted the Underwriters an option, exercisable
    for 30 days from the date of this Prospectus, to purchase a maximum of
    400,000 additional shares solely to cover over-allotments of shares. If the
    option is exercised in full, the total Price to Public will be
    $114,750,000, Underwriting Discounts and Commissions will be $5,130,000 and
    Proceeds to the Selling Stockholder will be $109,620,000. See "The Selling
    Stockholder."     
   
  The shares of Common Stock are offered by the Underwriters when, as and if
delivered to and accepted by the Underwriters and subject to their right to
reject orders in whole or in part. It is expected that the shares of Common
Stock offered hereby will be ready for delivery on or about March 3, 1998,
against payment in immediately available funds.     
 
CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON                              INVEMED ASSOCIATES, INC.
                       
                    Prospectus dated February 25, 1998.     
<PAGE>
 
 
 
 
                                  [PICTURES]
 
     [Six pictures containing various residential and commercial products
                    manufactured and sold by the Company.]
 
 
  CERTAIN PERSONS PARTICIPATING IN THIS OFFERING MAY ENGAGE IN TRANSACTIONS
THAT STABILIZE, MAINTAIN OR OTHERWISE AFFECT THE PRICE OF THE COMMON STOCK
OFFERED HEREBY, INCLUDING OVER-ALLOTMENT, STABILIZING TRANSACTIONS, SYNDICATE
SHORT COVERING TRANSACTIONS AND PENALTY BIDS. FOR A DESCRIPTION OF THESE
ACTIVITIES, SEE "UNDERWRITING."
 
                                       2

<PAGE>
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
  The Company has filed a Registration Statement on Form S-3 (together with
all amendments and exhibits filed or to be filed in connection therewith, the
"Registration Statement") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"Securities Act"), with respect to the Common Stock offered hereby. This
Prospectus does not contain all the information set forth in the Registration
Statement, certain parts of which are omitted in accordance with the rules and
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission").
Statements contained herein concerning the provisions of documents are
necessarily summaries of such documents, and each statement is qualified in
its entirety by reference to the copy of the applicable document filed with
the Commission.
 
  The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and, in accordance
therewith, files reports, proxy statements and other information with the
Commission. Such reports, proxy statements and other information can be
inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the
Commission at Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Judiciary Plaza, Washington,
D.C. 20549 and at the Commission's regional offices located at 7 World Trade
Center, Suite 1300, New York, New York 10048 and 500 West Madison Street,
Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661. Copies of such material can also be
obtained from the Public Reference Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Judiciary Plaza, Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates.
The Commission maintains an Internet web site that contains reports, proxy and
information statements and other information regarding issuers that file
electronically with the Commission. The address of that site is
http://www.sec.gov. The Company's Common Stock is listed on the New York Stock
Exchange, Inc., and reports and other information concerning the Company can
also be inspected at the office of the New York Stock Exchange, Inc., 20 Broad
Street, New York, New York 10005.
 
                INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
 
  The following documents previously filed by the Company with the Commission
(File No. 0-19826) are incorporated in this Prospectus by reference:
 
  1.  The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
      1996, as amended by the Company's Form 10-K/A filed on June 23, 1997.
 
  2.  The Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended
      September 27, 1997, June 28, 1997 and March 29, 1997.
 
  3.  The Company's Current Reports on Form 8-K dated October 23, 1997 and
      February 5, 1998.
 
  4.  The description of the Common Stock contained in the Company's
      Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed on January 29, 1992.
 
  All documents filed by the Company pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or
15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of this Prospectus and prior
to the termination of this Offering shall be deemed to be incorporated by
reference into this Prospectus and to be a part hereof from the respective
dates of filing of such documents. Any statement contained in a document
incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed
to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Prospectus to the extent
that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed document
which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein modifies or
supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded shall
not be deemed, except as so modified and superseded, to constitute a part of
this Prospectus.
 
  The Company will provide without charge to each person to whom a Prospectus
is delivered, upon written or oral request of such person, a copy of any and
all of the information that has been incorporated by reference in this
Prospectus (excluding exhibits unless such exhibits are specifically
incorporated by reference into such documents). Please direct such requests to
the Secretary, Mohawk Industries, Inc., P. O. Box 12069, 160 South Industrial
Boulevard, Calhoun, Georgia 30701, (706) 624-2253.
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
  Mohawk Industries, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, "Mohawk" or the
"Company") is the second largest producer of woven and tufted broadloom carpet
and rugs for residential and commercial applications in the world, with 1997
sales of approximately $1.9 billion. The Company designs, manufactures and
markets broadloom carpet and rugs across a broad range of colors, textures and
patterns, targeting all price points and emphasizing quality, style,
performance and service. The Company is widely recognized through its premier
brand names, including Aladdin, Alexander Smith, American Rug Craftsmen,
Bigelow, Galaxy, Harbinger, Helios, Horizon, Karastan, Mohawk, and Mohawk
Commercial. Products are marketed through all distribution channels, including
carpet retailers, home centers, mass merchandisers, department stores,
commercial dealers and commercial end users.
 
  Mohawk has implemented a coordinated marketing, operations and acquisition
strategy designed to increase market share and achieve profitable growth
through a focus on high quality, low cost production offered with superior
service and at competitive prices. The key elements of the Company's strategy
are highlighted below:
 
  Marketing Strategy: The Company's marketing strategy includes initiatives
  designed to more fully develop and support Mohawk's independent dealer base
  and increase demand for Mohawk's products. Key elements of Mohawk's
  marketing strategy are: (i) dedicating separate sales forces to each of its
  residential and commercial businesses; (ii) developing marketing programs
  with fiber manufacturers and carpet and rug dealers; (iii) using
  advertising and marketing programs to leverage the substantial brand equity
  of its products; and (iv) offering merchandising programs to retailers on a
  national level to support product sales and assist in expanding their
  businesses. The Company's goal is to be the one-stop supplier of choice for
  each of its residential and commercial customers.
 
  Operations Strategy: Mohawk's operations are vertically integrated from the
  extrusion of resin into fiber, to the conversion of fiber into yarn and to
  the manufacture and shipment of finished carpet and rugs. The Company's
  operating strategy is to be both highly efficient and cost effective in its
  manufacturing, marketing, distribution and administrative services. To this
  end, management has structured the Company's residential manufacturing
  operations (which account for approximately 80% of the Company's total
  operations) around a fiber conversion division, a yarn processing division
  and a carpet and rug manufacturing division. A new highly advanced
  management information system that monitors a transaction from the customer
  order through manufacturing to shipment of the finished product has allowed
  the Company to operate its separate facilities in a more integrated
  fashion, resulting in lower costs and increased operational efficiencies.
  In addition, the Company believes it provides superior product selection
  and availability and faster delivery through its hub-and-spoke distribution
  network consisting of nine regional warehouses and 31 smaller satellite
  distribution centers. These distribution centers are supplied and serviced
  by the Company's transportation division, which operates approximately 400
  trucks and trailers.
 
  Growth and Acquisitions Strategy: The Company continues to explore growth
  and acquisition opportunities in both its existing carpet and rug
  businesses, as well as into complementary floorcoverings, such as hardwood,
  ceramic tile and laminates, where the Company has an opportunity to
  leverage its distribution and marketing infrastructure. Since its initial
  public offering in 1992 Mohawk has completed six major acquisitions, that
  collectively have: (i) broadened price points; (ii) increased vertical
  integration efforts; (iii) expanded distribution capabilities; and (iv)
  facilitated entry into niche businesses, such as rugs. The acquisitions
  have included Horizon Industries, Inc. ("Horizon") in October 1992,
  American Rug Craftsmen ("American Rug") in April 1993, the carpet and rug
  division of Fieldcrest Cannon, Inc. ("Karastan Bigelow") in July 1993,
  Aladdin Mills, Inc. ("Aladdin") in February 1994, Galaxy Carpet Mills, Inc.
  ("Galaxy") in January 1995 and certain assets of Diamond Rug and Carpet
  Mills, Inc. ("Diamond") in July 1997. All of these acquisitions have
  contributed to the Company's growth and profitability.
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
  Prior to 1995, Mohawk generally operated its acquired companies as separate
divisions of the Company, not fully capturing all of the achievable
manufacturing, marketing, distribution and administrative synergies. In 1995,
the Company began to more fully integrate its residential divisions into one
consolidated operation, focusing on four key areas: (i) enhanced manufacturing
efficiencies, converting plants from a "brand name" orientation to a "product
line" orientation; (ii) enhanced targeted marketing efforts, reorganizing its
sales force to provide rapid response to changing regional customer needs;
(iii) enhanced distribution efficiencies, converting the Company's
distribution strategy to Aladdin's hub-and-spoke distribution infrastructure;
and (iv) reduced administrative overhead, removing duplicative positions and
expenses at the division level and integrating management information systems.
These efforts were largely responsible for the Company's operating margin
improvement from 5.1% of net sales in 1995 to 7.9% of net sales in 1997,
excluding nonrecurring charges.
 
  During the three-year period ended December 31, 1997, the Company spent
approximately $212.2 million on capital expenditures, including $134.0 million
for acquisitions of property, plant and equipment and $78.2 million for
acquisitions of companies. The capital expenditures were incurred primarily to
modernize and expand manufacturing facilities and equipment, emphasizing the
Company's commitment to highest quality, lowest cost production. The Company
anticipates capital expenditures, excluding potential acquisitions, to range
between $60-$70 million per year in 1998 and 1999. The Company's capital
projects are focused on reducing costs, improving productivity and increasing
sales.
 
  On October 23, 1997, the Board of Directors of the Company declared a 3-for-
2 stock split that was paid as a 50% stock dividend on December 4, 1997, to
holders of record on November 4, 1997. Unless otherwise indicated, all share
information in this Prospectus gives effect to this stock split. On December
16, 1997, the Common Stock began trading on the NYSE under the symbol "MHK."
Prior to December 16, 1997, the Common Stock was traded on the Nasdaq Stock
Market's National Market ("NNM") under the symbol "MOHK."
 
  The Company's principal manufacturing facilities are located in Georgia,
Tennessee, South Carolina and North Carolina. The Company's headquarters are
located at 160 South Industrial Boulevard, Calhoun, Georgia 30701, and its
telephone number is (706) 629-7721.
 
                               ----------------
 
  This Prospectus contains and incorporates by reference certain forward-
looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Forward-
looking statements include the information concerning future financial
performance, business prospects and growth and operating strategies and those
preceded by, followed by or that otherwise include the words "believes,"
"expects," "anticipates," "intends," "estimates" or similar expressions. For
those statements, Mohawk claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-
looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act
of 1995. The following important factors, in addition to those discussed
elsewhere in this document and in the documents which are incorporated by
reference, could affect the future results of Mohawk and could cause those
results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking
statements: materially adverse changes in economic conditions generally in the
carpet, rug and floor covering markets served by Mohawk; competition from
other carpet, rug and floorcovering manufacturers; raw material prices; timing
of capital expenditures; the successful integration of acquisitions including
the challenges inherent in diverting Mohawk's management attention and
resources from other strategic matters and from operational matters for an
extended period of time; successful introduction of new products; and the
continued rationalization of existing operations.
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
                              RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
 
  The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, recent financial
information of the Company:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    FOR THE THREE MONTHS   FOR THE YEARS ENDED
                                     ENDED DECEMBER 31,       DECEMBER 31,
                                    --------------------- ----------------------
                                      1996       1997       1996        1997
                                    --------  ----------- ---------  -----------
                                              (UNAUDITED)            (UNAUDITED)
                                     (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE
                                                      DATA)
<S>                                 <C>       <C>         <C>        <C>
Net sales.........................  $461,505    516,118   1,779,389   1,901,352
Operating income--before
 nonrecurring items...............  $ 33,856     45,352     123,173     149,659
 Percentage of net sales..........       7.3%       8.8%        6.9%        7.9%
Operating income--after
 nonrecurring items...............  $ 31,446     37,252     119,413     141,559
 Percentage of net sales..........       6.8%       7.2%        6.7%        7.5%
Net earnings--before nonrecurring
 items............................  $ 13,867     24,224      51,280      72,931
 Percentage of net sales..........       3.0%       4.7%        2.9%        3.8%
Net earnings--after nonrecurring
 items............................  $ 12,517     19,323      49,050      68,030
 Percentage of net sales..........       2.7%       3.7%        2.8%        3.6%
Diluted earnings per share--before
 nonrecurring items...............  $   0.27       0.46        0.99        1.39
Diluted earnings per share--after
 nonrecurring items...............  $   0.24       0.37        0.95        1.30
</TABLE>
 
  Net earnings, before nonrecurring charges, for the fourth quarter of 1997
increased approximately 75% to $24.2 million, or $0.46 diluted earnings per
share, from net earnings, before nonrecurring charges, of $13.9 million, or
$0.27 diluted earnings per share, for the fourth quarter of 1996. After the
nonrecurring charges, net earnings were $19.3 million, or $0.37 diluted
earnings per share, in 1997 as compared to $12.5 million or $0.24 diluted
earnings per share in 1996. This quarter-to-quarter improvement in net
earnings is primarily attributable to higher sales, lower selling, general and
administrative expenses and lower interest expense. Net sales for the fourth
quarter of 1997 increased 12% to $516.1 million from net sales of $461.5
million for the fourth quarter of 1996. The quarter-to-quarter net sales
comparison was favorably affected by strong customer acceptance of new product
introductions, expansion of residential warehousing operations and further
refinement of the sales organization to achieve better regional customer
focus, all of which the Company believes resulted in an overall gain in market
share. Gross profit for the fourth quarter of 1997 increased 10% to $119.4
million, or 23.1% of net sales, from gross profit of $108.1 million, or 23.4%
of net sales, for the fourth quarter of 1996. Selling, general and
administrative expenses were $74.1 million, or 14.4% of net sales, in 1997 as
compared to $74.2 million, or 16.1% of net sales, in 1996. The improvement in
selling, general and administrative expenses is primarily attributable to
lower administrative, bad debt and sample expenses. Interest expense was lower
in 1997 as a result of reduced levels of debt.
 
  Net earnings, before nonrecurring charges, in 1997 increased 42% to $72.9
million, or $1.39 diluted earnings per share, from net earnings, before
nonrecurring charges, of $51.3 million, or $0.99 diluted earnings per share,
in 1996. After nonrecurring charges, net earnings were $68.0 million, or $1.30
diluted earnings per share, in 1997 as compared to $49.1 million or $0.95
diluted earnings per share in 1996. This year-to-year improvement in net
earnings is primarily attributable to higher sales, lower selling, general and
administrative expenses and lower interest expense. Net sales in 1997
increased 7% to $1.9 billion from net sales of $1.8 billion in 1996. The year-
to-year net sales comparison was favorably affected by strong customer
acceptance of new product introductions, expansion of residential warehousing
operations, further refinement of the sales organization to achieve better
regional customer focus and competitive changes in the retail segment of the
industry, all of which the Company believes resulted in an overall gain in
market share. Gross profit in 1997 increased to $436.7 million, or 23.0% of
net sales, from gross profit of $407.4 million, or 22.9% of net sales, in
1996. Selling, general and administrative expenses were $287.0 million, or
15.1% of net sales, in 1997 as compared to $284.2 million, or 16.0% of net
sales, in 1996. The improvement in selling, general and administrative
expenses is primarily attributable to lower administrative, bad debt and
sample expenses. Interest expense was lower in 1997 as a result of reduced
levels of debt.
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
  The nonrecurring charges in 1997 included a charge of $5.5 million related
to a write-down of the carrying value of assets held for sale and a charge of
$2.6 million for income tax reimbursements to certain executives related to
the exercise of stock options pursuant to certain stock option agreements
executed in 1988 and 1989. The nonrecurring charges in 1996 included a charge
of $3.1 million ($1.7 million in the fourth quarter) related to a write-down
of the carrying value of assets held for sale and a fourth quarter charge of
$700,000 for restructuring costs.
 
 
 
                            THE SELLING STOCKHOLDER

  All of the shares of Common Stock offered hereby are being sold by Aladdin
Partners, L.P. ("Aladdin Partners") in order to meet diversification and
estate planning objectives. Aladdin Partners is a Georgia limited partnership
that was formed to hold shares of Common Stock received by certain former
shareholders of Aladdin in connection with the merger of Aladdin with the
Company in 1994 (the "Aladdin Merger"). Mr. Alan Lorberbaum, a director of the
Company since 1994, is a director of and owns 72.3% of ASL Management Corp.,
the majority general partner of Aladdin Partners. As of February 19, 1998
Aladdin Partners owned 27.6% of the Common Stock outstanding. Upon completion
of the Offering, Aladdin Partners will own 10,300,000 shares of Common Stock,
representing approximately 19.7% of the total shares of Common Stock
outstanding. See "Principal and Selling Stockholders." If the Underwriters'
over-allotment option is exercised in full, Aladdin Partners will own
9,900,000 shares of Common Stock, representing approximately 19.0% of the
total shares of Common Stock outstanding. 
 
                PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK AND DIVIDEND POLICY
 
  On December 16, 1997, the Common Stock began trading on the NYSE under the
symbol "MHK." From the time of the Company's initial public offering in April
1992 until December 15, 1997, the Common Stock was listed on the NNM under the
symbol "MOHK." The table below sets forth, for the fiscal quarters indicated,
the high and low sale prices of the Common Stock as reported on either the NNM
or the NYSE Composite Tape, as applicable.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   HIGH   LOW
                                                                  ------ ------
   <S>                                                            <C>    <C>
   1996
    First Quarter................................................ $11.00   8.33
    Second Quarter...............................................  12.25   8.83
    Third Quarter................................................  17.42  10.92
    Fourth Quarter...............................................  18.58  13.75
   1997
    First Quarter................................................ $18.67  13.92
    Second Quarter...............................................  17.33  12.92
    Third Quarter................................................  18.29  14.58
    Fourth Quarter...............................................  22.00  17.75
   1998
    First Quarter (through February 25, 1998).................... $28.50  20.50
</TABLE>

  On February 25, 1998, the closing price of the Common Stock on the NYSE was
$26.4375 per share. As of February 25, 1998, there were approximately 425
holders of record of the Common Stock. 
 
  The Company has not paid or declared any cash dividends on shares of its
Common Stock since completing its initial public offering. The Company's
policy is to retain all net earnings for reinvestment in the development of
its business, and it does not anticipate paying cash dividends on the Common
Stock in the foreseeable future. The payment of future cash dividends will be
at the sole discretion of the Company's Board of Directors and will depend
upon the Company's profitability, financial condition, cash requirements,
future prospects and other factors deemed relevant by the Board of Directors.
The payment of cash dividends is limited by certain covenants in various of
the Company's loan agreements.
 
                                       7

<PAGE>
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
  The Company will not receive any proceeds from the sale by the Selling
Stockholder of the shares of Common Stock in the Offering.
 
                                CAPITALIZATION
 
  The following table sets forth the consolidated capitalization of the
Company at September 27, 1997. This presentation should be read in conjunction
with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto incorporated by
reference herein and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations" included elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  AS OF
                                                            SEPTEMBER 27, 1997
                                                            ------------------
                                                              (IN THOUSANDS)
                                                               (UNAUDITED)
   <S>                                                      <C>
   Short-term debt (including current portion of long-term
    debt)..................................................      $ 21,772
                                                                 --------
   Long-term debt (excluding current portion):
    Revolving credit facility..............................        80,000
    8.46% senior notes.....................................       100,000
    7.14-7.23% senior notes................................        66,111
    8.48% term loans.......................................        28,572
    7.58% senior notes.....................................         7,143
    Other debt.............................................        21,090
                                                                 --------
     Total long-term debt..................................       302,916
                                                                 --------
   Stockholders' equity....................................       384,946
                                                                 --------
     Total capitalization..................................      $709,634
                                                                 ========
</TABLE>
 
                            SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
  The following table sets forth the selected financial data of the Company
for the periods indicated, derived from the consolidated financial statements
of the Company. The Company's consolidated financial statements as of and for
the years ended December 31, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995 and 1996 have been audited
by KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, independent certified public accountants. The
information as of and for the nine-month periods ended September 28, 1996 and
September 27, 1997 has been derived from the unaudited financial statements
which, in the opinion of management, include all adjustments, consisting only
of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair statement of the results
of operations for the unaudited interim periods. The results of operations for
the nine-month periods ended September 28, 1996 and September 27, 1997 are not
necessarily indicative of the results of operations for a full year. On
October 23, 1992, the Company acquired all of the outstanding common stock of
Horizon. The operating results of Horizon are included in the Company's 1992
consolidated statement of earnings from the date of its acquisition. On April
30, 1993, the Company acquired all of the common stock of American Rug. On
July 30, 1993, the Company purchased the net assets of Karastan Bigelow. The
operating results of American Rug and Karastan Bigelow are included in the
Company's 1993 consolidated statement of earnings from their respective
acquisition dates. Each of the acquisitions of Horizon, American Rug and
Karastan Bigelow was recorded using the purchase method of accounting. On
February 25, 1994, the Company exchanged 20,343,336 shares of Common Stock for
all of the outstanding shares of Aladdin common stock in a transaction
recorded using the pooling-of-interests basis of accounting. All financial
data were restated to include the accounts and results of operations of
Aladdin. On January 13, 1995, the Company acquired all of the outstanding
capital stock of Galaxy. The operating results of Galaxy are included in the
Company's 1995 consolidated statement of earnings from the date of its
acquisition. The acquisition of Galaxy was recorded
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
using the purchase method of accounting. On July 23, 1997, the Company
acquired certain assets of Diamond and other assets owned by Diamond's
principal shareholders. The results of Diamond are included in the Company's
1997 consolidated statement of earnings from the date of its acquisition. The
acquisition was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. The
selected financial data should be read in conjunction with "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and
the Company's consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included
elsewhere or incorporated by reference herein.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            AT OR FOR THE NINE
                                                                               MONTHS ENDED
                                                                            -------------------
                               AT OR FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                          ------------------------------------------------- SEPT. 28, SEPT. 27,
                            1992     1993       1994      1995      1996      1996      1997
                          -------- ---------  --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
                                         (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                       <C>      <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
STATEMENT OF EARNINGS
 DATA:
Net sales...............  $760,954 1,188,186  1,437,540 1,648,517 1,779,389 1,317,884 1,385,234
Cost of sales (a).......   585,698   917,824  1,107,890 1,281,887 1,372,022 1,018,590 1,067,999
                          -------- ---------  --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
 Gross profit...........   175,256   270,362    329,650   366,630   407,367   299,294   317,235
Selling, general and
 administrative
 expenses...............   114,102   185,135    231,184   282,451   284,194   209,977   212,928
Restructuring costs (b).       --      2,363        --      8,439       700       --        --
Carrying value reduction
 of property, plant and
 equipment (c)..........       --        --         --     23,711     3,060     1,350       --
Compensation expense for
 stock option
 exercises (d)..........       --        --         --      4,000       --        --        --
                          -------- ---------  --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
 Operating income.......    61,154    82,864     98,466    48,029   119,413    87,967   104,307
                          -------- ---------  --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Interest expense........     9,222    18,029     27,112    34,998    31,486    25,126    21,543
Acquisition costs--
 Aladdin pooling (e)....       --        --      10,201       --        --        --        --
Other expense, net......     1,242     2,659      2,987     2,570     5,202     2,464     2,256
Gain on insurance claim
 (a)....................       --     (4,746)       --        --        --        --        --
                          -------- ---------  --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
                            10,464    15,942     40,300    37,568    36,688    27,590    23,799
                          -------- ---------  --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
 Earnings before income
  taxes and
  extraordinary charge..    50,690    66,922     58,166    10,461    82,725    60,377    80,508
Income taxes (f)........    20,312    27,399     25,159     4,049    33,675    23,844    31,801
                          -------- ---------  --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
 Earnings before
  extraordinary charge..    30,378    39,523     33,007     6,412    49,050    36,533    48,707
Extraordinary charge
 (g)....................     3,568       --         --        --        --        --        --
                          -------- ---------  --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
 Net earnings...........    26,810    39,523     33,007     6,412    49,050    36,533    48,707
Preferred stock
 dividends..............       132       --         --        --        --        --        --
                          -------- ---------  --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
 Net earnings after
  preferred stock
  dividends.............  $ 26,678    39,523     33,007     6,412    49,050    36,533    48,707
                          ======== =========  ========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Earnings per common and
 common equivalent share
 before extraordinary
 charge (h) (i).........  $   0.70      0.80       0.66      0.13      0.95      0.71      0.93
                          ======== =========  ========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Net earnings per common
 and common equivalent
 share (h) (i)..........  $   0.62      0.80       0.66      0.13      0.95      0.71      0.93
                          ======== =========  ========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Weighted average common
 and common equivalent
 shares outstanding (h)
 (i)....................    42,911    49,664     50,061    50,435    51,849    51,719    52,316
                          ======== =========  ========= ========= ========= ========= =========
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Working capital.........  $143,831   198,735    292,163   244,800   311,698   340,634   319,067
Total assets............   477,669   776,424    854,779   903,152   954,349 1,024,893   992,764
Short-term note payable.       --        --         --     50,000    21,200    21,200       --
Long-term debt
 (including current
 portion)...............   175,347   328,469    399,377   353,037   366,380   421,533   324,688
Stockholders' equity....   147,938   229,992    264,018   274,903   333,199   319,867   384,946
</TABLE>
- --------
Notes on following page
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
 
(a) Certain of the Company's facilities suffered damage during a March 1993
    blizzard, and the Company finalized settlement of the insurance claim
    during the first quarter of 1994. The Company recorded reductions of $6.0
    million in cost of sales in each of 1993 and 1994 for reimbursements of
    business interruption costs and $4.7 million in other income in 1993
    related to gains on fixed asset replacements.
(b) During 1995 and 1996, the Company recorded pre-tax restructuring costs of
    $8.4 million and $0.7 million, respectively, related to closings of
    certain mills which had their operations consolidated into other Mohawk
    facilities. During 1993, the Company recorded pre-tax restructuring costs
    of $2.4 million related to the closing of a woven carpet manufacturing
    operation and the relocation and consolidation of this operation with a
    facility acquired in the purchase of Karastan Bigelow.
(c) During 1995, the Company adopted FAS No. 121, "Accounting for the
    Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed
    Of," as of January 1, 1995. A charge of $23.7 million was recorded for the
    reduction of the carrying value of property, plant and equipment at
    certain mills. During 1996, the Company recorded a charge of $3.1 million
    ($1.4 million in the third quarter) arising from the write-down of
    property, plant and equipment to be disposed of related to the closing of
    a manufacturing facility in 1996 and a revision in the estimate of fair
    value of certain property, plant and equipment based on current market
    conditions related to mill closings in 1995.
(d) The Company recorded a charge of $4.0 million for income tax
    reimbursements to be made to certain executives related to the exercise of
    stock options granted in 1988 and 1989 in connection with the Company's
    1988 leveraged buy-out.
(e) The Company recorded a charge of $10.2 million in 1994 for transaction
    expenses related to the Aladdin Merger that were incurred during the first
    quarter of 1994.
(f) During 1994, the Company reduced income tax expense by $2.0 million to
    reflect a reduction in its effective tax rate and certain other changes in
    the Company's federal and state income tax status.
(g) The extraordinary charge in 1992 relates to (i) redemption premiums and
    prepayment penalties on certain indebtedness that was redeemed or repaid
    with the proceeds from the Company's initial public offering and (ii) the
    write-off of deferred loan costs associated with the former credit
    agreement, which was replaced with a new credit agreement after the
    initial public offering.
(h) The Board of Directors declared a 3-for-2 stock split on October 23, 1997,
    that was paid as a 50% stock dividend on December 4, 1997 to holders of
    record on November 4, 1997. Earnings per common share and weighted average
    common share data have been restated to reflect the stock split.
(i) The Company adopted FAS No. 128, "Earnings per Share" in the fourth
    quarter of 1997. The statement requires the Company to present basic
    earnings per share and diluted earnings per share in its financial
    statements and to restate prior periods to conform to the new
    presentation. The periods presented in the Selected Financial Data have
    not been restated to conform to FAS No. 128
 
                                      10
<PAGE>
 
        MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
                             RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
GENERAL
 
  During the three-year period ended December 31, 1996 and the nine-month
period ended September 27, 1997, the Company continued to experience
significant growth both internally and through acquisitions. In February 1994,
the Company exchanged approximately 20.4 million shares of Common Stock,
valued at $386.5 million (based upon the closing price of the Common Stock at
December 3, 1993, the date the agreement was entered into by Mohawk, Aladdin
and the shareholders of Aladdin), for all of the outstanding shares of Aladdin
common stock in a merger accounted for using the pooling-of-interests basis of
accounting. All financial data included in the Company's historical
consolidated financial statements were restated to include the accounts and
results of operations of Aladdin. In January 1995, the Company acquired all of
the issued and outstanding capital stock of Galaxy for $42.2 million in cash
in a business combination accounted for using the purchase method of
accounting.
 
  On July 23, 1997, the Company acquired certain assets of Diamond and other
assets owned by Diamond's principal shareholders for approximately $36.0
million, which consisted of $19.6 million in cash at closing, $7.0 million in
cash over the six-month period following closing and a $9.4 million note
payable in seven annual installments of principal plus interest at 6%. The
acquisition was accomplished through a plan of reorganization filed by Diamond
under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code and was financed
primarily through existing credit facilities.
 
  These acquisitions have created other opportunities to enhance Mohawk's
operations by: (i) broadening price points; (ii) increasing vertical
integration efforts; (iii) expanding distribution capabilities; and
(iv) facilitating entry into niche businesses, such as rugs.
 
  On October 23, 1997, the Board of Directors of the Company declared a 3-for-
2 stock split that was paid as a 50% stock dividend on December 4, 1997 to
holders of record on November 4, 1997. Unless otherwise indicated, all share
information included in this Prospectus gives effect to this stock split.
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
  The following table sets forth for the periods indicated the percentage of
net sales of certain items in the Company's consolidated statements of
earnings:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31     NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                  -------------------------  -------------------
                                                             SEPT. 28, SEPT. 27,
                                   1994     1995     1996      1996      1997
                                  -------  -------  -------  --------- ---------
<S>                               <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>       <C>
Net sales.......................    100.0%   100.0%   100.0%   100.0%    100.0%
Cost of sales...................     77.1     77.8     77.1     77.3      77.1
                                  -------  -------  -------    -----     -----
  Gross profit..................     22.9     22.2     22.9     22.7      22.9
Selling, general and administra-
 tive expenses..................     16.1     17.1     15.9     15.9      15.4
Restructuring costs.............      --       0.5      0.1      --        --
Carrying value reduction of
 property, plant & equipment....      --       1.4      0.2      0.1       --
Compensation expense for stock
 option exercises...............      --       0.3      --       --        --
                                  -------  -------  -------    -----     -----
  Operating income..............      6.8      2.9      6.7      6.7       7.5
Interest expense................      1.9      2.1      1.8      1.9       1.5
Acquisition costs-Aladdin pool-
 ing............................      0.7      --       --       --        --
Other expense, net..............      0.2      0.2      0.3      0.2       0.2
                                  -------  -------  -------    -----     -----
  Earnings before income taxes..      4.0      0.6      4.6      4.6       5.8
Income taxes....................      1.7      0.2      1.8      1.8       2.3
                                  -------  -------  -------    -----     -----
  Net earnings..................      2.3%     0.4%     2.8%     2.8%      3.5%
                                  =======  =======  =======    =====     =====
</TABLE>
 
 
                                      11
<PAGE>
 
NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 27, 1997 AS COMPARED WITH NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 28, 1996
 
  Net sales for the first nine months ended September 27, 1997 were $1,385.2
million, which represented an increase of 5% from the $1,317.9 million
reported for the first nine months of 1996. This sales increase resulted from
incremental sales from the acquisition of certain assets of Diamond and a gain
in market share which the Company believes resulted from continued strong
support of its independent dealer base and strong overall acceptance of Mohawk
products.
 
  Gross profit for the first nine months of 1997 was $317.2 million (22.9% of
net sales). In the first nine months of 1996, gross profit was $299.3 million
(22.7% of net sales).
 
  Selling, general and administrative expenses for the first nine months of
1997 were $212.9 million (15.4% of net sales) compared to $210.0 million
(15.9% of net sales) for the first nine months of 1996. The percentage
decrease was primarily due to lower sample and bad debt expense in the first
nine months of 1997.
 
  Interest expense for the first nine months of 1997 was $21.5 million
compared to $25.1 million in the first nine months of 1996. The primary factor
for the decrease was a reduction in debt levels in the first nine months of
1997 as compared to the first nine months of 1996.
 
  In the first nine months of 1997, income tax expense was $31.8 million,
compared to $23.8 million in the first nine months of 1996, or 39.5% of
earnings before income taxes for both periods.
 
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AS COMPARED WITH YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
 
  Net sales for the year ended December 31, 1996 were $1,779.4 million,
reflecting an increase of $130.9 million, or 8%, over the $1,648.5 million
reported in the year ended December 31, 1995. This sales increase was
attributable to an improvement in the Company's market share which the Company
believes primarily resulted from competitive changes in the distribution
segment of the industry, Mohawk's realignment of its residential sales forces
under a regional structure, and Mohawk's strong product lines. The Company
experienced a significant increase in unit shipments as a result of these
factors with average net selling prices remaining flat as compared to 1995.
 
  Quarterly net sales and the percentage changes in net sales by quarter for
1995 versus 1996 were as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        1995      1996    CHANGE
                                                     ---------- --------- ------
<S>                                                  <C>        <C>       <C>
First Quarter....................................... $  378,761   380,478   0.5%
Second Quarter......................................    429,241   470,867   9.7
Third Quarter.......................................    425,594   466,539   9.6
Fourth Quarter......................................    414,921   461,505  11.2
                                                     ---------- ---------  ----
Total Year.......................................... $1,648,517 1,779,389   8.0%
                                                     ========== =========  ====
</TABLE>
 
  Gross profit for 1996 was $407.4 million (22.9% of net sales) and
represented an increase over the gross profit of $366.6 million (22.2% of net
sales) for 1995. Gross profit dollars for 1996 were impacted favorably by
manufacturing improvements from restructuring and consolidating the
residential operations, higher production levels resulting in better
absorption of fixed costs, a reduction in certain raw material prices and
manufacturing improvements in other divisions. The manufacturing
consolidations include the closing of five residential manufacturing
facilities during 1995 as well as the realignment of the remaining residential
mills to better use the strengths of each mill. The Company's integration of
its manufacturing, distribution and information systems areas progressed as
planned and contributed to the margin improvement.
 
  Selling, general and administrative expenses for 1996 were $284.2 million
(16.0% of net sales) compared to $282.5 million (17.1% of net sales) for 1995.
Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales
decreased primarily due to better control of discretionary spending and better
leveraging of costs on strong sales growth.
 
                                      12
<PAGE>
 
  During 1996, the Company recorded nonrecurring charges of (i) $3.1 million
which included $0.9 million primarily to reduce the carrying value of certain
assets related to the decision to close a spinning mill in Belton, South
Carolina and $2.2 million primarily arising from a revision in the estimate of
the fair value of certain land and buildings that were sold in 1996 and (ii)
$0.7 million related to restructuring costs for the Belton spinning mill
closing.
 
  The Company recorded restructuring costs of $8.4 million during 1995 related
to certain mill closings whose operations were consolidated into other Mohawk
facilities. The after-tax effect of these costs was $5.2 million or $0.10 per
share.
 
  During 1995, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-
Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of" as of January 1, 1995. An impairment loss of
$23.7 million was recorded for the write-down of property, plant and equipment
at certain mills. The after-tax effect of the impairment loss was $14.5
million or $0.29 per share.
 
  A one-time charge of $4.0 million was recorded during 1995 for income tax
reimbursements to be made to certain executives for the exercise of stock
options. The income tax reimbursements were recorded in connection with stock
options granted in 1988 and 1989 related to the Company's 1988 leveraged
buyout. The agreements allow the Company to receive an income tax benefit on
its tax return for the tax effect of the taxable compensation provided to the
individuals upon exercise of these options. Such income tax benefit resulted
in a direct increase in stockholders' equity.
 
  Interest expense for 1996 was $31.5 million compared to $35.0 million in
1995. The primary factors contributing to the decrease were a reduction in
debt levels and lower interest rates on the Company's revolving credit
agreement.
 
  In 1996, income tax expense was $33.7 million, or 40.7% of earnings before
income taxes. In 1995, income tax expense was $4.0 million, representing 38.7%
of earnings before income taxes. The primary reason for the lower effective
tax rate in 1995 was certain nonrecurring deductions that were treated as
permanent differences in 1995.
 
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 AS COMPARED WITH YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994
 
  Net sales for the year ended December 31, 1995 were $1,648.5 million,
reflecting an increase of $211.0 million, or 14.7%, over the $1,437.5 million
reported in the year ended December 31, 1994. This sales increase was
attributable primarily to increased unit shipments of broadloom carpet and
rugs during 1995 as a result of the acquisition of Galaxy as well as internal
growth by Aladdin and American Rug. The sales volume increase was partially
offset by a decrease in average net selling prices resulting from soft market
conditions, related to slow housing starts and resales in 1995, all of which
increased competitive pressures in the industry.
 
  Quarterly net sales and the percentage changes in net sales by quarter for
1994 versus 1995 were as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        1994      1995    CHANGE
                                                     ---------- --------- ------
<S>                                                  <C>        <C>       <C>
First Quarter....................................... $  327,025   378,761  15.8%
Second Quarter......................................    370,749   429,241  15.8
Third Quarter.......................................    377,484   425,594  12.7
Fourth Quarter......................................    362,282   414,921  14.5
                                                     ---------- ---------  ----
  Total Year........................................ $1,437,540 1,648,517  14.7%
                                                     ========== =========  ====
</TABLE>
 
  Gross profit for 1995 was $366.6 million (22.2% of net sales) and
represented an increase over the gross profit of $329.7 million (22.9% of net
sales) for 1994. Gross profit dollars for 1995 were impacted favorably by the
acquisition of Galaxy and the internal growth of Aladdin and American Rug. The
Company's gross profit
 
                                      13
<PAGE>
 
was negatively impacted during 1995 as a result of industry-wide raw material
price increases in polypropylene-based materials. In addition to the cost
pressures, soft market conditions increased competitive pressures in the
industry during 1995. The Company recorded a pre-tax reduction of $6.0 million
in cost of sales in 1994 for the final reimbursement of business interruption
costs related to the insurance claim for property damage suffered in a March
1993 blizzard.
 
  Selling, general and administrative expenses for 1995 were $282.5 million
(17.1% of net sales) compared to $231.2 million (16.1% of net sales) for 1994.
Selling, general and administrative expenses in dollars and as a percentage of
net sales increased primarily due to higher bad debt expense resulting from
the write-off of some large customers that filed for protection under
bankruptcy laws in 1995, and increased sample costs.
 
  The Company recorded restructuring costs of $8.4 million during 1995 related
to certain mill closings whose operations have been consolidated into other
Mohawk facilities. The after-tax effect of these costs was $5.2 million or
$0.10 per share.
 
  During 1995, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards No. 121 as
of January 1, 1995. An impairment loss of $23.7 million was recorded for the
write-down of property, plant and equipment at certain mills. The after-tax
effect of the impairment loss was $14.5 million, or $0.29 per share.
 
  The Company recorded a charge of $4.0 million during 1995 for income tax
reimbursements to be made to certain executives for the exercise of stock
options. The income tax reimbursements were recorded in connection with stock
options granted in 1988 and 1989 related to the Company's 1988 leveraged
buyout. The agreements allow the Company to receive an income tax benefit on
its tax return for the tax effect of the taxable compensation provided to the
individuals upon exercise of these options. Such income tax benefit resulted
in a direct increase in stockholders' equity.
 
  Interest expense for 1995 was $35.0 million compared to $27.1 million in
1994. Factors causing the increased interest expense were additional debt
required to finance capital expenditures in 1995 to expand production
capacity, and additional debt that was incurred in January 1995 to finance the
acquisition of Galaxy.
 
  During 1994, the Company recorded a one-time non-operating charge of $10.2
million for transaction expenses related to the acquisition of Aladdin.
 
  In 1995, income tax expense was $4.0 million, or 38.7% of earnings before
income taxes. In 1994, income tax expense was $25.2 million, representing
43.3% of earnings before income taxes. The Company did not record an income
tax benefit for a significant portion of the $10.2 million one-time charge
resulting in a higher effective tax rate during 1994. During 1994, the Company
reduced income tax expense by $2.0 million to reflect a reduction in its
effective tax rate and certain other changes in the Company's federal and
state income tax status.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
  The Company's primary capital requirements are for working capital, capital
expenditures and acquisitions. The Company's working capital needs are met
through a combination of internally generated funds, bank credit lines and
credit terms from suppliers.
 
  The level of accounts receivable increased from $215.6 million at the
beginning of 1997 to $253.8 million at September 27, 1997. The $38.2 million
increase resulted primarily from seasonally higher sales volume in the third
quarter as compared to the end of 1996. Inventories rose from $302.8 million
at the beginning of 1997 to $316.3 million at September 27, 1997, due to
requirements to meet seasonal customer demand.
 
  Capital expenditures totaled $63.3 million and $55.6 million during the year
ended December 31, 1996 and the nine-month period ended September 27, 1997,
respectively. Capital expenditures for 1996 include $21.2 million of equipment
used primarily for the extrusion of polypropylene yarn acquired from Fiber One
in a noncash transaction in exchange for a promissory note due in April 1997.
The promissory note paid interest at a
 
                                      14
<PAGE>
 
variable rate that ranged from 0.25% to 0.875% above LIBOR and was paid in
full in January 1997. Capital expenditures for 1997 include $36.0 million for
the purchase of certain assets from Diamond. The capital expenditures made
during 1996 and 1997 were incurred primarily to modernize and expand
manufacturing facilities and equipment. The Company's capital projects are
primarily focused on increasing capacity, improving productivity and reducing
costs. Capital expenditures for Mohawk, including the $21.2 million of
polypropylene extrusion equipment purchased from Fiber One, have totaled
$180.3 million over the three years ended December 31, 1996. Capital spending
for the remainder of 1997 is expected to range from $10.0 million to $15.0
million, the majority of which will be used to purchase equipment to increase
production capacity and productivity.
 
  On June 6, 1996, the Company amended and restated its revolving credit
agreement to decrease its credit availability from $300 million to $250
million due to decreasing external financing needs. At December 31, 1996, the
Company had $127.2 million of unused credit availability under its revolving
credit line. The credit agreement's interest rate either (i) ranges from 0.25%
to 0.875% above LIBOR, depending upon the Company's performance measured
against specific coverage ratios, or (ii) is the prime rate. The credit
agreement contains customary financial and other covenants and restricts
cumulative dividend payments to $10.0 million as adjusted based on the
Company's performance and dividend payments. The Company must pay an annual
facility fee ranging from .0015 to .0025 of the total credit commitment,
depending upon the Company's performance measured against specific coverage
ratios, under the revolving credit line.
 
  On April 15, 1997, the Company further amended and restated its revolving
credit agreement to provide for an interest rate of either (i) LIBOR plus 0.2%
to 0.5%, depending upon the Company's performance measured against certain
financial ratios, or (ii) the prime rate less 1.0%. Additionally, the
termination date of the credit agreement was extended to May 15, 2002. At
September 27, 1997, the Company had $170.0 million of unused credit
availability under its revolving credit line.
 
IMPACT OF INFLATION
 
  Inflation affects the Company's manufacturing costs and operating expenses.
The carpet industry has experienced moderate inflation in the prices of raw
materials and outside processing for the last three years. The Company has
generally passed along nylon fiber price increases to its customers.
 
SEASONALITY
 
  The carpet business is seasonal, with the Company's second, third and fourth
quarters typically producing higher net sales and operating income. By
comparison, results for the first quarter tend to be the weakest. This
seasonality is primarily attributable to consumer residential spending
patterns and higher installation levels during the spring and summer months.
 
                                      15
<PAGE>
 
                      PRINCIPAL AND SELLING STOCKHOLDERS
   
  The following table sets forth, as of February 19, 1998, certain information
with respect to the beneficial ownership of the Common Stock prior to the
Offering and after the Offering (assuming no exercise of the Underwriters'
over-allotment option), by (i) each person who is known by the Company
beneficially to own more than five percent of the outstanding shares of the
Common Stock, (ii) each of the Company's directors, (iii) each of the Chief
Executive Officer and the Company's four most highly compensated officers
other than the Chief Executive Officer who were serving as executive officers
at the end of the most recently completed fiscal year and (iv) all of the
Company's directors and executive officers as a group. Unless otherwise
indicated, the holders listed below have sole voting and investment power with
respect to all shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by them.     
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                      SHARES                       SHARES
                                   BENEFICIALLY     SHARES      BENEFICIALLY
                                OWNED PRIOR TO THE   BEING    OWNED AFTER THE
                                     OFFERING       OFFERED       OFFERING
                                ------------------ --------- ------------------
             NAME                 NUMBER   PERCENT             NUMBER   PERCENT
             ----               ---------- -------           ---------- -------
<S>                             <C>        <C>     <C>       <C>        <C>
Alan S. Lorberbaum(a).......... 18,292,979  35.0%  4,100,000 14,192,979  27.2%
Aladdin Partners(b)............ 14,400,000  27.6   4,100,000 10,300,000  19.7
399 Venture Partners, Inc.(c)..  6,828,787  13.1         --   6,828,787  13.1
The Equitable Companies Incor-
 porated, et al(d).............  6,447,900  12.3         --   6,447,900  12.3
David L. Kolb(e)...............  1,135,471   2.2         --   1,135,471   2.2
Jeffrey S. Lorberbaum(f).......    647,126   1.2         --     647,126   1.2
Frank A. Procopio(g)...........    391,462     *         --     391,462     *
Bruce C. Bruckmann(h)..........    270,871     *         --     270,871     *
John D. Swift(i)...............    108,875     *         --     108,875     *
Leo Benatar(j).................     25,975     *         --      25,975     *
William B. Kilbride(k).........     18,225     *         --      18,225     *
Larry W. McCurdy(j)............     19,431     *         --      19,431     *
Robert N. Pokelwaldt(j)........     19,431     *         --      19,431     *
All directors and executive
 officers as a group
 (10 persons).................. 20,929,846  40.0   4,100,000 16,829,846  32.2
</TABLE>    
- --------
  * Less than one percent.
(a) The address of Mr. Alan Lorberbaum is 2001 Antioch Road, Dalton, Georgia
    30721. Includes 14,400,000 shares held by Aladdin Partners prior to the
    Offering and 10,300,000 shares held by Aladdin Partners after the Offering
    with respect to which Mr. Lorberbaum may be deemed to share voting and
    investment power. Mr. Lorberbaum is a director and owner of 72.3% of ASL
    Management Corp., the majority general partner of Aladdin Partners. Mr.
    Lorberbaum disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares held by Aladdin
    Partners.
(b) The address of Aladdin Partners is 822 Atkinson Drive, Dalton, Georgia
    30720. ASL Management Corp. is the majority general partner of Aladdin
    Partners and shares voting and investment power with respect to these
    shares. The address of ASL Management Corp. is 822 Atkinson Drive, Dalton,
    Georgia 30720. Mrs. Shirley Lorberbaum is a director and owner of 27.7% of
    ASL Management Corp., and, as a result of such positions, may be deemed to
    share voting and investment power with respect to these shares.
    Mrs. Lorberbaum is the wife of Mr. Alan Lorberbaum. The address of Mrs.
    Lorberbaum is 2001 Antioch Road, Dalton, Georgia 30721. Mr. Barry L.
    Hoffman is a director of ASL Management Corp. and, as a result of such
    position, may be deemed to share voting and investment power with respect
    to these shares. Excludes 4,500 shares owned of record by Mr. Hoffman in
    his individual capacity. The business address of Mr. Hoffman is Joseph
    Decosimo & Company, 1100 Tallman Building, The Union Square, Chattanooga,
    Tennessee 37402. Each of ASL Management Corp., Mrs. Lorberbaum and Mr.
    Hoffman disclaim beneficial ownership of the shares held by Aladdin
    Partners.
(c) The address of 399 Venture Partners, Inc. is 399 Park Avenue, New York,
    New York 10043.
(d) Based upon an amended Schedule 13G dated May 12, 1997 jointly filed with
    the Commission by The Equitable Companies Incorporated; AXA Assurances
    I.A.R.D. Mutuelle, AXA Assurances Vie Mutuelle.
 
                                      16
<PAGE>
 
    Alpha Assurances I.A.R.D. Mutuelle, Alpha Assurances Vie Mutuelle, AXA
    Courtage Assurance Mutuelle, as a group (the "Mutuelles AXA"); and AXA. The
    address of The Equitable Companies Incorporated is 787 Seventh Avenue, New
    York, New York 10019. Each of the Mutuelles AXA, as a group, and AXA
    disclaim beneficial ownership of these shares.
(e) Includes 22,500 shares issuable upon the exercise of currently vested
    options and 146 shares owned pursuant to the Company's 401(k) plan.
(f) Includes 30,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of currently vested
    options. Excludes 14,400,000 shares held by Aladdin Partners prior to the
    Offering and 10,300,000 shares held by Aladdin Partners after the
    Offering. Mr. Jeffrey Lorberbaum is a minority general partner of Aladdin
    Partners. Mr. Lorberbaum disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares held
    by Aladdin Partners.
(g) Includes 3,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of currently vested
    options.
(h) Includes 15,750 shares issuable upon the exercise of currently vested
    options and 1,300 shares held jointly with his spouse.
(i) Includes 8,000 shares owned pursuant to the Company's 401(k) plan.
(j) Includes 15,750 shares issuable upon the exercise of currently vested
    options.
(k) Includes 18,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of currently vested
    options.
 
                        SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE

  As of February 19, 1998, the Company had outstanding 52,237,889 shares of
Common Stock, and the Offering will not affect the number of outstanding
shares. All of the 4,100,000 shares sold in the Offering (4,500,000 shares if
the Underwriters' over-allotment option is exercised in full) will be freely
tradable without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act,
unless acquired by "affiliates" of the Company. 

  In addition to the 52,237,889 shares of Common Stock outstanding, 73,500
shares are subject to currently vested options held by certain executives of
the Company. The acquisition of these shares is subject to a registration
statement on Form S-8, and, consequently, these shares may be sold from time
to time, subject to the volume limitation and other requirements of Rule 144
described below. In addition, of the 52,237,889 shares of Common Stock
outstanding, 8,438,199 shares were acquired by existing stockholders without
registration under the Securities Act in reliance upon an exemption from
registration and are "restricted securities" for purposes of the Securities
Act. These shares may not be sold unless they are registered under the
Securities Act or unless an exemption from registration, such as the exemption
provided by Rule 144 under the Securities Act, is available. Pursuant to Rule
144, such shares are eligible for sale, subject to the volume limitation and
other requirements described below. 

  In general, under Rule 144 as currently in effect, a stockholder (or
stockholders whose shares are aggregated) including an affiliate who has
beneficially owned "restricted securities" for at least one year, and any
affiliate of the Company who owns shares that are not restricted securities,
is entitled to sell within any three-month period a number of shares that does
not exceed the greater of 1% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock
(522,379 shares both before and after the Offering) or the average weekly
trading volume in the Common Stock on the NYSE during the four calendar weeks
preceding such sale. Sales under Rule 144 are also subject to certain
provisions regarding the manner of sale, notice requirements and the
availability of current public information about the Company. A stockholder
(or stockholders whose shares are aggregated) who is not an affiliate of the
Company for at least 90 days prior to a proposed transaction and who has
beneficially owned "restricted securities" for at least two years is entitled
to sell such shares under Rule 144 without regard to the limitations described
above. 
 
  In connection with the Aladdin Merger, the former shareholders of Aladdin
received 20,343,336 shares of Common Stock and executed a registration rights
agreement (the "1994 Registration Rights Agreement") giving such shareholders
various rights related to the registration of Common Stock owned by them while
the 1994 Registration Rights Agreement is in effect. Pursuant to the 1994
Registration Rights Agreement the Company granted demand registration rights
to the former shareholders of Aladdin. These demand registration rights permit
 
                                      17

<PAGE>
 
   
the former shareholders of Aladdin holding securities having a market value of
at least $25 million (or, if less, all remaining registrable securities then
outstanding, so long as the market value of such remaining securities is at
least $5 million) to require Mohawk to effect up to two registered offerings
per year. The Offering will count as one of two underwritten offerings the
former Aladdin shareholders may require Mohawk to effect within the 365-day
period during which the Offering is effected. The Company will bear all the
expenses incurred in this Offering, except that underwriting discounts and
commissions and the fees and disbursements of counsel for the Selling
Stockholder shall be paid by the Selling Stockholder. The Company has agreed,
pursuant to the 1994 Registration Rights Agreement, to indemnify the Selling
Stockholder against certain losses that may be incurred by the Selling
Stockholder in connection with the Offering. The 1994 Registration Rights
Agreement also grants incidental or "piggyback" registration rights to the
former shareholders of Aladdin.     
 
  Pursuant to a registration rights agreement (the "1992 Registration Rights
Agreement") among the Company, Citicorp Investments, Inc. ("CII") (now known
as 399 Venture Partners, Inc.) and certain members of the Company's
management, CII has been granted certain demand registration rights. In
addition, pursuant to the 1992 Registration Rights Agreement, CII and certain
other members of management have incidental or "piggyback" registration rights
with respect to certain offerings of shares of Common Stock. In connection
with the Aladdin Merger, the 1992 Registration Rights Agreement was amended so
that to the extent that any provision of the 1992 Registration Rights
Agreement is inconsistent with the 1994 Registration Rights Agreement, the
terms of the 1994 Registration Rights Agreement will control. CII and members
of the Company's management have agreed to waive their registration rights in
connection with the Offering.
 
                         DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
 
  The Company is authorized by its Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as
amended (the "Certificate of Incorporation"), to issue up to 75,060,000 shares
of capital stock, consisting of (i) 75,000,000 shares of Common Stock and (ii)
60,000 shares of Preferred Stock, $.01 par value per share ("Preferred Stock")
(none of which have been issued). The holders of shares of Common Stock are
entitled to one vote per share on all matters submitted to a vote of the
stockholders, including the election of directors, and the holders of such
shares exclusively possess all voting power. The Certificate of Incorporation
does not provide for cumulative voting for the election of directors. The
holders of shares of Common Stock are entitled to such dividends as may be
declared from time to time by the Board of Directors from funds legally
available therefor, and are entitled to receive pro rata all assets of Mohawk
available for distribution to such holders upon liquidation. No shares of
Common Stock have any preemptive, redemption or conversion rights, or the
benefits of any sinking fund. The Certificate of Incorporation authorizes the
Board of Directors, without further stockholder approval, to issue Preferred
Stock and to fix, with respect to any series of Preferred Stock, the dividend
rights and terms, conversion rights, voting rights, redemption rights and
terms, liquidation preferences, sinking funds and any other rights,
preferences, privileges and restrictions applicable to each series of
Preferred Stock issued.
 
                                      18
<PAGE>
 
                                 UNDERWRITING

  Under the terms and subject to the conditions contained in an Underwriting
Agreement dated February 25, 1998 (the "Underwriting Agreement"), the
underwriters named below (the "Underwriters") have severally but not jointly
agreed to purchase from the Selling Stockholder the following respective
numbers of shares of Common Stock: 
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    NUMBER OF
           UNDERWRITER                                                SHARES
           -----------                                              ----------
   <S>                                                              <C>
   Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation..........................  2,050,000
   Invemed Associates, Inc.........................................  2,050,000
                                                                    ----------
     Total.........................................................  4,100,000
                                                                    ==========
</TABLE>
 
  The Underwriting Agreement provides that the obligations of the Underwriters
are subject to certain conditions precedent and that the Underwriters will be
obligated to purchase all of the shares of Common Stock offered hereby (other
than those shares covered by the over-allotment option described below) if any
are purchased. The Underwriting Agreement provides that, in the event of a
default by an Underwriter, in certain circumstances the purchase commitments
of the non-defaulting Underwriter may be increased or the Underwriting
Agreement may be terminated.
 
  The Selling Stockholder has granted to the Underwriters an option,
exercisable by Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation, expiring at the close
of business on the 30th day after the date of this Prospectus, to purchase up
to 400,000 additional shares at the public offering price less the
underwriting discounts and commissions, all as set forth on the cover page of
this Prospectus. Such option may be exercised only to cover over-allotments in
the sale of the shares of Common Stock. To the extent such option is
exercised, each Underwriter will become obligated, subject to certain
conditions, to purchase approximately the same percentage of such additional
shares of Common Stock as it was obligated to purchase pursuant to the
Underwriting Agreement.

  The Company and the Selling Stockholder have been advised by the
Underwriters that the Underwriters propose to offer the shares of Common Stock
to the public initially at the public offering price set forth on the cover
page of this Prospectus and, through the Underwriters, to certain dealers at
such price less a concession of $0.68 per share, and the Underwriters and such
dealers may allow a discount of $0.10 per share on sales to certain other
dealers. After the initial public offering, the public offering price and
concession and discount to dealers may be changed by the Underwriters. 
 
  The Company, the Selling Stockholder, certain other major stockholders and
the executive officers and directors of the Company have agreed that they will
not offer, sell, contract to sell, announce an intention to sell, pledge or
otherwise dispose of, directly or indirectly, any shares of Common Stock or
any shares of the Company that are substantially similar to the Common Stock,
including but not limited to any securities convertible into or exchangeable
or exercisable for any shares of the Company or enter into any swap or other
arrangement that transfers any of the economic consequences of ownership of
any shares of Common Stock without the prior written consent of Credit Suisse
First Boston Corporation for a period of 90 days after the date of this
Prospectus, except for the conversion or exchange of convertible or
exchangeable securities outstanding on the date hereof or any Common Stock
sold to the Company.
 
  The Company and the Selling Stockholder have agreed to indemnify the
Underwriters against certain liabilities, including civil liabilities under
the Securities Act, or contribute to payments which the Underwriters may be
required to make in respect thereof.
 
  Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation, on behalf of the Underwriters, may
engage in over-allotment, stabilizing transactions, syndicate-covering
transactions and penalty bids in accordance with Regulation M under the
Exchange Act. Over-allotment involves syndicate sales in excess of the
offering size, which creates a
 
                                      19
<PAGE>
 
syndicate short position. Stabilizing transactions permit bids to purchase the
underlying security so long as the stabilizing bids do not exceed a specified
maximum. Syndicate-covering transactions involve purchases of the Common Stock
in the open market after the distribution has been completed in order to cover
syndicate short positions. Penalty bids permit the Underwriter to reclaim a
selling concession from a syndicate member when the shares of Common Stock
originally sold by such syndicate member are purchased in a syndicate-covering
transaction to cover syndicate short positions. Such stabilizing transaction,
syndicate-covering transactions and penalty bids may cause the price of the
Common Stock to be higher than it would be in the absence of such
transactions. These transactions may be effected on the NYSE or otherwise and,
if commenced, may be discontinued at any time.
 
  The Underwriters and certain of their affiliates have provided from time to
time, and may provide in the future, various investment banking services for
the Company and the Selling Stockholder, for which such Underwriters have
received and may receive customary fees and commissions.
 
                         NOTICE TO CANADIAN RESIDENTS
 
 
RESALE RESTRICTIONS
 
  The distribution of the Common Stock in Canada is being made only on a
private placement basis exempt from the requirement that the Company and the
Selling Stockholder prepare and file a prospectus with the securities
regulatory authorities in each province where trades of Common Stock are
effected. Accordingly, any resale of the Common Stock in Canada must be made
in accordance with applicable securities laws which will vary depending on the
relevant jurisdiction, and which may require resales to be made in accordance
with available statutory exemptions or pursuant to a discretionary exemption
granted by the applicable Canadian securities regulatory authority. Purchasers
are advised to seek legal advice prior to any resale of the Common Stock.
 
REPRESENTATIONS OF PURCHASERS
 
  Each purchaser of Common Stock in Canada who receives a purchase
confirmation will be deemed to represent to the Company, the Selling
Stockholder and the dealer from whom such purchase confirmation is received
that (i) such purchaser is entitled under applicable provincial securities
laws to purchase such Common Stock without the benefit of a prospectus
qualified under such securities laws, (ii) where required by law, that such
purchaser is purchasing as principal and not as agent and (iii) such purchaser
has reviewed the text above under "--Resale Restrictions."
 
RIGHT OF ACTION FOR ONTARIO PURCHASERS
 
  The securities being offered are those of a foreign issuer and Ontario
purchasers will not receive the contractual right of action prescribed by
Section 32 of the Regulation under the Securities Act (Ontario). As a result,
Ontario purchasers must rely on other remedies that may be available,
including common law rights of action for damages or rescission or rights of
action under the civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities
laws.
 
ENFORCEMENT OF LEGAL RIGHTS
 
  All of the issuer's directors and officers as well as the experts and the
Selling Stockholder named herein may be located outside of Canada and, as a
result, it may not be possible for Canadian purchasers to effect service of
process within Canada upon the issuer or such persons. All or a substantial
portion of the assets of the issuer and such persons may be located outside of
Canada and, as a result, it may not be possible to satisfy a judgment against
the issuer or such persons in Canada or to enforce a judgment obtained in
Canadian courts against such issuer or such persons outside of Canada.
 
                                      20
<PAGE>
 
NOTICE TO BRITISH COLUMBIA RESIDENTS
 
  A purchaser of Common Stock to whom the Securities Act (British Columbia)
applies is advised that such purchaser is required to file with the British
Columbia Securities Commission a report within ten days of the sale of any
Common Stock acquired by such purchaser pursuant to the Offering. Such report
must be in the form attached to British Columbia Securities Commission Blanket
Order BOR #95/17, a copy of which may be obtained from the Company. Only one
such report must be filed in respect of Common Stock acquired on the same date
and under the same prospectus exemption.
 
TAXATION AND ELIGIBILITY FOR INVESTMENT
 
  Canadian purchasers of Common Stock should consult their own legal and tax
advisers with respect to the tax consequences of an investment in the Common
Stock in their particular circumstances and with respect to the eligibility of
the Common Stock for investment by such purchasers under relevant Canadian
legislation.
 
                    CERTAIN U.S. FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS
                         FOR NON-UNITED STATES HOLDERS
 
  The following is a general discussion of certain U.S. federal income and
estate tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of Common Stock
applicable to Non-U.S. Holders, as defined below. For purposes of this
discussion, the term "U.S. Holder" means a holder that for United States
federal income tax purposes is an individual or entity that is (i) a citizen
or individual resident of the United States, (ii) a corporation or
partnership, including any entity treated as a corporation or a partnership
for U.S. Federal income tax purposes, created or organized in or under the
laws of the United States or of any political subdivision thereof, (iii) an
estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation
regardless of its source or (iv) a trust if both (A) a U.S. court is able to
exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and (B) one
or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions
of the trust, or (v) an entity otherwise subject to United States federal
income tax on a net income basis in respect of its worldwide taxable income. A
"Non-U.S. Holder" is any person or entity that is not a "U.S. Holder."
 
  This discussion is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(the "Code"), existing and proposed Treasury regulations promulgated
thereunder and administrative and judicial interpretations as of the date
hereof, all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect.
This discussion does not address all aspects of U.S. federal income and estate
taxation that may be relevant to the Holders in light of their particular
circumstances (including tax consequences applicable to financial
institutions, insurance companies, tax-exempt organizations, securities
dealers or pass-through entities) and does not address any tax consequences to
the Holders arising under the laws of any state, local or foreign
jurisdiction. This discussion also does not address any estate tax
consequences to the U.S. Holders arising under any federal, state, local or
foreign laws. Prospective Holders should consult their tax advisors with
respect to the particular tax consequences to them of owning and disposing of
Common Stock, including the consequences under the laws of any state, local or
foreign jurisdiction.
 
DIVIDENDS
 
  Dividends, if any, paid to a Non-U.S. Holder generally will be subject to
withholding of United States federal income tax at a 30% rate, or such lower
rate as may be provided by an income tax treaty between the United States and
a foreign country if the Non-U.S. Holder is treated as a resident of such
foreign country within the meaning of the applicable treaty, unless (i) the
dividends are effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business of
the Non-U.S. Holder within the United States and the Non-U.S. Holder provides
the payor with proper documentation or (ii) if an income tax treaty applies,
the dividends are attributable to a United States permanent establishment
maintained by the Non-U.S. Holder. Dividends that are effectively connected
with the conduct of a trade or business within the United States and, if a tax
treaty applies, are attributable to such a United States permanent
establishment, are subject to United States federal income tax on a net income
basis (that is, after allowance for applicable deductions) at applicable
graduated individual or corporate rates. Any such effectively connected
dividends received by a foreign corporation may, under certain circumstances,
be subject to an additional "branch profits tax" at a 30% rate or such lower
rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty.
 
                                      21
<PAGE>
 
  Dividends paid before January 1, 1999 to an address outside the United
States will be presumed to be paid to a resident of the country of such
address for purposes of the withholding tax rules discussed above (unless the
payor has knowledge to the contrary) and, under the current interpretation of
United States Treasury regulations, for purposes of determining the
applicability of a tax treaty rate. However, under newly issued Treasury
regulations, in the case of dividends paid after December 31, 1998, a Non-U.S.
Holder generally will be subject to United States back up withholding tax at a
31% rate under the backup withholding rules described below, rather than at a
30% rate or a reduced rate under an income tax treaty, as described above,
unless certain Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") certification procedures (or,
in the case of payments made outside the United States with respect to an
offshore account, certain IRS documentary evidence procedures) are complied
with. Further, in order to claim the benefit of an applicable tax treaty rate
for dividends paid after December 31, 1998, a Non-U.S. Holder must comply with
IRS certification requirements. Certain IRS certification and disclosure
requirements must be complied with in order to be exempt from withholding
under the effectively connected income exemption. The new regulations also
provide special rules for dividend payments made to foreign intermediaries.
U.S. or foreign wholly owned entities that are disregarded for U.S. federal
income tax purposes and entities that are treated as fiscally transparent in
the United States, the applicable income tax treaty jurisdiction, or both.
Prospective investors should consult with their own tax advisers concerning
the effect, if any, of the adoption of these new Treasury regulations on an
investment in the Common Stock.
 
GAIN ON DISPOSITION OF COMMON STOCK
 
  A Non-U.S. Holder will generally not be subject to United States federal
income tax with respect to gain recognized on a sale or other disposition of
Common Stock unless (i) (a) the gain is effectively connected with a trade or
business conducted by the Non-U.S. Holder within the United States, and (b) if
a tax treaty applies, the gain is attributable to a United States permanent
establishment maintained by the Non-U.S. Holder, (ii) in the case of a Non-
U.S. Holder who is a non-resident alien and holds the Common Stock as a
capital asset, such holder is present in the United States for 183 or more
days in the taxable year of the sale or other disposition and certain other
conditions are met, (iii) the Non-U.S. Holder is subject to tax pursuant to
certain provisions of the Code applicable to United States expatriates or (iv)
the Company is or has been a "U.S. real property holding corporation" for
United States federal income tax purposes at any time within the shorter of
the five-year period preceding such disposition or the period such Non-U.S.
Holder held the Common Stock (the "applicable period"), and the Non-U.S.
Holder owns at any time during the applicable period more than the five
percent (5%) of the Common Stock. A corporation is generally treated as a U.S.
real property holding corporation if the fair market value of its United
States real property interests equals or exceeds fifty percent (50%) of the
sum of the fair market value of its worldwide real property interests plus its
other assets used or held for use in a trade or business. The Company is not,
and does not anticipate becoming, a "U.S. real property holding corporation."
Even if the Company were to become a U.S. real property holding corporation,
any gain recognized by a Non-U.S. Holder, on the disposition of the Common
Stock, still would not be subject to U.S. tax if the shares were considered to
be "regularly traded" (as per the meaning of the applicable United States
Treasury regulations) on an established securities market (e.g., New York
Stock Exchange) and the Non-U.S. Holder did not own, actually, constructively,
directly, or indirectly, at any time during the five year period ending on the
date of the disposition, more than five percent (5%) of the Common Stock.
 
  If a Non-U.S. Holder who is an individual falls under clause (i) above, such
individual generally will be taxed on the net gain derived from a sale of
Common Stock under regular graduated United States federal income tax rates.
If an individual Non-U.S. Holder falls under clause (ii) above, such
individual generally will be subject to a flat 30% tax on the gain derived
from a sale, which may be offset by certain United States capital losses
(notwithstanding the fact that such individual is not considered a resident
alien of the United States). Thus, individual Non-U.S. Holders who have spent
(or expect to spend) more than a de minimis period of time in the United
States in the taxable year in which they contemplate a sale of Common Stock
are urged to consult their tax advisers prior to the sale as to the U.S. tax
consequences of such sale.
 
  If a Non-U.S. Holder that is a foreign corporation falls under clause (i)
above, it generally will be taxed on its net gain under regular graduated
United States federal income tax rates and, in addition, will be subject to
the
 
                                      22
<PAGE>
 
branch profits tax equal to 30% of its "effectively connected earnings and
profits," within the meaning of the Code for the taxable year, as adjusted for
certain items, unless it qualifies for a lower rate under an applicable tax
treaty.
 
INFORMATION REPORTING REQUIREMENTS AND BACKUP WITHHOLDING
 
  Generally, the Company must report to the IRS the amount of any dividends
paid, the name and address of the recipient, and the amount, if any, of tax
withheld with respect to such payments. A similar report is sent to the
holders of the Common Stock. Pursuant to tax treaties or certain other
agreements, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service may also make its reports
available to tax authorities in the recipient's country of residence.
 
  Dividends paid to U.S. Holders may be subject to backup withholding at the
rate of 31% unless such U.S. Holder (a) is a corporation or comes within
certain other exempt categories and, when required, demonstrates this fact, or
(b) provides a taxpayer identification number, certifies as to no loss of
exemption from backup withholding, and otherwise complies with the applicable
requirements of the backup withholding rules.
 
  Under United States Treasury regulations, the Company must report annually
to the IRS and to each holder the amount of dividends paid on the Common Stock
in each calendar year to such holder and the tax withheld, if any, with
respect to such dividends. These information reporting requirements apply even
if withholding was not required because the dividends were effectively
connected with a trade or business in the United States of the Non-U.S. Holder
or withholding was reduced or eliminated by an applicable income tax treaty.
Copies of the information returns reporting such dividends and withholding may
also be made available to the tax authorities in the country in which the Non-
U.S. Holder is a resident under the provisions of an applicable income tax
treaty or agreement.
 
  United States backup withholding (which generally is a withholding tax
imposed at the rate of 31% on certain payments to persons that fail to furnish
certain information under the United States information reporting
requirements) generally will not apply (i) to dividends paid to Non-U.S.
Holders that are subject to the 30% withholding discussed above (or that are
not so subject because a tax treaty applies that reduces or eliminates such
30% withholding) or (ii) before January 1, 1999, to dividends paid to a Non-
U.S. Holder at an address outside of the United States. However, under newly
issued Treasury regulations, in the case of dividends paid after December 31,
1998, a Non-U.S. Holder generally will be subject to backup withholding at a
31% rate, unless certain IRS certification procedures (or, in the case of
payments made outside the United States with respect to an offshore account,
certain IRS documentary evidence procedures) are complied with, directly or
through an intermediary.
 
  Backup withholding and information reporting generally will apply to
dividends paid to addresses inside the United States on shares of Common Stock
to beneficial owners that are not "exempt recipients" and that fail to provide
in the manner required certain identifying information.
 
  Under current United States federal income tax law, information reporting
and backup withholding imposed at a rate of 31% will apply to the proceeds of
a disposition of Common Stock paid to or through a U.S. office of a broker
unless the disposing holder certifies as to its non-U.S. status or otherwise
establishes an exemption. In general, backup withholding and information
reporting will not apply to a payment of the gross proceeds of a sale of
Common Stock effected at a foreign office of a broker. Before January 1, 1999,
however, if such broker is, for United States federal income tax purposes, a
U.S. person, a controlled foreign corporation or a foreign person, 50% or more
of whose gross income for certain periods is derived from activities that are
effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business in the United
States, such payments will not be subject to backup withholding but will be
subject to information reporting, unless (i) such broker has documentary
evidence in its records that the beneficial owner is a Non-U.S. Holder and
certain other conditions are met or (ii) the beneficial owner otherwise
establishes an exemption. Further after December 31, 1998, under the newly
issued Treasury regulations referred to above, information reporting and
backup withholding may apply to payments of the gross proceeds from the sale
or redemption of Common Stock effected through foreign offices of brokers
having any of a broader class of connections with the United States unless
certain IRS certification requirements are complied with. Prospective
investors should consult with their own tax advisers regarding these Treasury
regulations, and in particular with respect to whether the use of a particular
broker would subject the investor to these rules.
 
                                      23
<PAGE>
 
  Payment by a United States office of a broker of the proceeds of a sale of
Common Stock is subject to both backup withholding and information reporting
unless the beneficial owner certifies under penalties of perjury that it is a
Non-U.S. Holder or otherwise establishes an exemption. Backup withholding is
not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules
will be allowed as a refund or a credit against such holder's United States
federal income tax liability provided the required information is furnished to
the IRS.
 
FEDERAL ESTATE TAX
 
  An individual Non-U.S. Holder who at the time of death is treated as the
owner of, or has made certain lifetime transfers of, an interest in the Common
Stock will be required to include the value thereof in his gross estate for
U.S. federal estate tax purposes, and may be subject to U.S. federal estate
tax unless an applicable estate tax treaty provides otherwise. Estates of non-
resident aliens are generally allowed a credit that is equivalent to an
exclusion of $60,000 of assets from the estate for United States Federal
estate tax purposes.
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
  The validity of the Common Stock will be passed upon for the Company by
Alston & Bird LLP, Atlanta, Georgia. Certain legal matters in connection with
the Offering will be passed upon for the Selling Stockholder by King &
Spalding, Atlanta, Georgia, and for the Underwriters by Cravath, Swaine &
Moore, New York, New York.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
  The consolidated financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries as
of December 31, 1996, and 1995, and for each of the years in the three-year
period ended December 31, 1996 and the related consolidated financial
statement schedule have been incorporated by reference in the Registration
Statement of which this Prospectus is a part in reliance upon the reports of
KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, independent certified public accountants, incorporated
by reference herein, and upon the authority of said firm as an expert in
accounting and auditing.
 
                                      24
<PAGE>
 

  [Picture of Company's logo, surrounded by various Company brand name logos.]


<PAGE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
  NO DEALER, SALESPERSON, OR OTHER PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY IN-
FORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND,
IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATION MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON
AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY, THE SELLING STOCKHOLDER OR ANY
UNDERWRITER. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO BUY ANY OF THE
SECURITIES OFFERED HEREBY IN ANY JURISDICTION TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM IT IS UN-
LAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER IN SUCH JURISDICTION. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS
PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE
ANY IMPLICATION THAT THE INFORMATION HEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF ANY TIME SUBSE-
QUENT TO THE DATE HEREOF OR THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE AFFAIRS OF
THE COMPANY SINCE SUCH DATE.
 
                                 ------------
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            PAGE
                                                                            ----
<S>                                                                         <C>
Available Information.....................................................    3
Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference...........................    3
The Company...............................................................    4
Recent Developments.......................................................    6
The Selling Stockholder...................................................    7
Price Range of Common Stock and Dividend Policy...........................    7
Use of Proceeds...........................................................    8
Capitalization............................................................    8
Selected Financial Data...................................................    8
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
 Operations...............................................................   11
Principal and Selling Stockholders........................................   16
Shares Eligible for Future Sale...........................................   17
Description of Capital Stock..............................................   18
Underwriting..............................................................   19
Notice to Canadian Residents..............................................   20
Certain U.S. Federal Tax Considerations For Non-United States Holders.....   21
Legal Matters.............................................................   24
Experts...................................................................   24
</TABLE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                     LOGO
                [Logo of Mohawk Industries, Inc. appears here]
 
                               4,100,000 Shares
                                 Common Stock
                               ($.01 par value)
 
                                  PROSPECTUS
 
                          CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON
 
                           INVEMED ASSOCIATES, INC.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------


© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission