SPX CORP
S-3, 1994-03-28
METALWORKG MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT
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<PAGE>   1
 
     AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON MARCH 25, 1994
 
                                                      REGISTRATION NO. 33-
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                             ---------------------
 
                                    FORM S-3
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     Under
                           The Securities Act of 1933
                             ---------------------
                                SPX CORPORATION
               (Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
 
                                    Delaware
                        (State or other jurisdiction of
                         incorporation or organization)
 
                                   38-1016240
                                (I.R.S. Employer
                              Identification No.)
 
                            700 Terrace Point Drive
                            Muskegon, Michigan 49443
                                 (616) 724-5000
         (Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including
            area code, of registrant's principal executive offices)
                             ---------------------
 
                               James M. Sheridan
               Vice President, Administration and General Counsel
                            700 Terrace Point Drive
                            Muskegon, Michigan 49443
                                 (616) 724-5000
           (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number,
                   including area code, of agent for service)
                             ---------------------
 
                                   Copies to:
 
                                George C. McKann
                           Gardner, Carton & Douglas
                             321 North Clark Street
                            Chicago, Illinois 60610
                                 (312) 644-3000
 
                               William R. Kunkel
                      Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom
                             333 West Wacker Drive
                            Chicago, Illinois 60606
                                 (312) 407-0700
 
                             ---------------------
 
     APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: As soon as
practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement.
 
     If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered
pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following
box: / /
 
     If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest
reinvestment plans, check the following box: / /
                             ---------------------
 
                        CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
 
<TABLE>
<S>                              <C>            <C>                  <C>               <C>
- ---------------------------------
- ---------------------------------
                                                                     PROPOSED MAXIMUM
                                                  PROPOSED MAXIMUM       AGGREGATE         AMOUNT OF
TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF            AMOUNT TO BE     OFFERING PRICE        OFFERING        REGISTRATION
SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED        REGISTERED       PER NOTE(1)          PRICE(1)           FEE(2)
- ---------------------------------
  % Senior Subordinated Notes
  due 2002.......................  $260,000,000         100%           $260,000,000         $89,656
- ---------------------------------
- ---------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
(1) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee.
(2) Calculated pursuant to Rule 457.
                             ---------------------
 
     THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL
FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(A) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(A),
MAY DETERMINE.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>   2
 
     INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A
     REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE
     SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR
     MAY OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
     BECOMES EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR
     THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE
     SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE
     UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS
     OF ANY SUCH STATE.
 
                             SUBJECT TO COMPLETION
                  PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS DATED MARCH 25, 1994
PROSPECTUS
 
[LOGO]                            $260,000,000
 
                                SPX CORPORATION
                        % SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2002
                            ------------------------
 
     Interest on the    % Senior Subordinated Notes due 2002 (the "Notes") of
SPX Corporation ("SPX" or the "Company") is payable semi-annually on
and           of each year, commencing                     , 1994. The Notes
will mature on           , 2002. The Notes will be subject to redemption at the
option of the Company, in whole or in part, at any time on or after           ,
1998 at the redemption prices set forth herein, together with accrued and unpaid
interest, if any, to the date of redemption. Prior to           , 1996, up to
20% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes outstanding on the date of
the Indenture (as defined herein) will be redeemable at the option of the
Company from the net proceeds of a Public Equity Offering (as defined herein) at
   % of the principal amount to be redeemed, together with accrued and unpaid
interest, if any, to the date of redemption. Upon a Change of Control (as
defined herein), (i) the Company will have the option to redeem the Notes, in
whole or in part, at a redemption price equal to the principal amount thereof,
together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption,
plus the Applicable Premium (as defined herein) and (ii) subject to certain
conditions, the Company will be required to make an offer to purchase each
holder's Notes at 101% of the principal amount thereof, together with accrued
and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase. There can be no assurance
that the Company will have sufficient funds to satisfy its repurchase
obligations upon a Change of Control. Under certain circumstances, the Company
may become obligated to offer to repurchase the Notes at 100% of the principal
amount thereof, together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date
of purchase with the net proceeds of certain Asset Sales (as defined herein).
See "Description of the Notes."
 
     The Notes will be unsecured senior subordinated obligations of the Company,
subordinated in right of payment to all existing and future Senior Indebtedness
(as defined herein) of the Company. The Company conducts a significant portion
of its operations through subsidiaries, and the Notes will be effectively
subordinated to all liabilities of these subsidiaries, including trade payables.
As of December 31, 1993, on a pro forma basis after giving effect to the 1993
Transactions and the Refinancing (each as defined herein), including the sale of
the Notes offered hereby (the "Offering") and the application of the estimated
net proceeds therefrom, the aggregate principal amount of Senior Indebtedness
outstanding of the Company and indebtedness and trade payables of the Company's
subsidiaries that effectively rank senior to the Notes would have been
approximately $180 million. The Indenture will limit, but not prohibit, the
incurrence by the Company of additional Senior Indebtedness or Pari Passu
Indebtedness (as defined herein).
 
     SEE "INVESTMENT CONSIDERATIONS" FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN FACTORS WHICH
SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BY PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS IN EVALUATING AN INVESTMENT IN THE
NOTES.
                            ------------------------
 
    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>
<S>                                    <C>                  <C>                  <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             PRICE TO           UNDERWRITING          PROCEEDS TO
                                            PUBLIC (1)          DISCOUNT (2)        COMPANY (1)(3)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Per Note...............................           %                   %                    %
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total..................................           $                   $                    $
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
(1) Plus accrued interest, if any, from           , 1994.
 
(2) The Company has agreed to indemnify the several Underwriters against certain
    liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as
    amended. See "Underwriting."
(3) Before deducting expenses payable by the Company estimated at $           .
                            ------------------------
 
     The Notes are offered by the several Underwriters, subject to prior sale,
when, as and if issued by the Company and accepted by the Underwriters, subject
to approval of certain legal matters by counsel for the Underwriters and certain
other conditions. The Underwriters reserve the right to withdraw, cancel or
modify such offer and to reject orders in whole or in part. It is expected that
delivery of the Notes will be made in New York, New York on or about           ,
1994.
                            ------------------------
 
MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
                     DONALDSON, LUFKIN & JENRETTE
                                   SECURITIES
                                  CORPORATION
                                                         WERTHEIM SCHRODER & CO.
                                                         INCORPORATED
                            ------------------------
 
               The date of this Prospectus is             , 1994.
<PAGE>   3
 
                               [Insert Pictures]
 
IN CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING, THE UNDERWRITERS MAY OVER-ALLOT OR EFFECT
TRANSACTIONS WHICH STABILIZE OR MAINTAIN THE MARKET PRICE OF THE NOTES AT A
LEVEL ABOVE THAT WHICH MIGHT OTHERWISE PREVAIL IN THE OPEN MARKET. SUCH
STABILIZING, IF COMMENCED, MAY BE DISCONTINUED AT ANY TIME.
 
                                        2
<PAGE>   4
 
                               PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
 
     The following summary is qualified in its entirety by, and should be read
in conjunction with, the more detailed information and financial statements,
including the related notes, appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus. An
investment in the Notes involves certain risks which should be considered by
prospective purchasers. See "Investment Considerations." Prospective purchasers
are urged to read this Prospectus in its entirety. Unless the context otherwise
requires, the terms "SPX" and the "Company" refer to SPX Corporation and its
consolidated subsidiaries. References herein to "pro forma" information reflect
adjustments giving effect to the 1993 Transactions and the Refinancing (as such
terms are defined herein).
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
     The Company is a global leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of
specialty service tools for the franchised dealers of vehicle manufacturers and
of piston rings, cylinder sleeves and automatic transmission filters for
original equipment manufacturers ("OEMs"). The Company also is a major designer,
manufacturer and marketer of electronic engine diagnostic equipment, emission
testing equipment, wheel service equipment and other specialty service tools for
independent vehicle aftermarket users in North America and Europe. The Company
also provides numerous other original equipment components, including die cast
parts, valve train components and solenoid valves, to OEMs, and specialty
service tools to other non-vehicle markets. In 1993, on a pro forma basis, the
Company sold approximately one-third of its products to new vehicle
manufacturers, and substantially all of the balance to the vehicle aftermarket.
 
     The Company operates in two principal business segments: specialty service
tools and original equipment components. The specialty service tools segment
designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of specialty service tools and
diagnostic equipment through widely recognized brand names, such as Allen
Testproducts, Bear(R), Kent-Moore(R), Lowener, Miller Special Tools, OTC(R),
Power Team(R), Robinair(R) and V.L. Churchill. These products include specialty
hand-held mechanical tools, gauges, hand-held electronic diagnostic instruments,
wheel service equipment, performance test equipment, emission testing equipment,
refrigerant recovery and recycling equipment, battery testing equipment,
high-pressure hydraulics, engine coolant recovery and recycling systems and air
conditioning and refrigeration service equipment. The Company's specialty
service tools are primarily sold to the vehicle maintenance and repair market
and are used primarily by the OEMs' franchised dealers and other independent
service technicians to diagnose and service a wide range of vehicle systems and
equipment. The Company's sales of specialty service tools represented
approximately 52% of its total sales in 1993, on a pro forma basis.
 
     The original equipment components segment designs, manufactures and markets
component parts for vehicles. These parts primarily fall into five product
lines: (i) piston and transmission rings, cylinder sleeves and other castings,
(ii) precision die castings, (iii) tappets, valve guides and roller rocker arms,
(iv) automatic transmission fluid filters and other filter products and (v)
solenoid valves. The Company sells these products to OEMs directly and to the
replacement parts market ("after-market") through private brand organizations,
which include the service divisions of OEMs. The Company's sales of original
equipment components represented approximately 46% of its total sales in 1993,
on a pro forma basis.
 
     The Company believes that it is a technological leader in the design and
manufacture of its principal products and that it is one of the highest quality
manufacturers of specialty service tools and original equipment components in
its markets. The Company is a "Tier 1" supplier to many OEMs and has received
numerous quality awards and certifications from General Motors, Ford, Chrysler
and other OEM customers. Suppliers that design, engineer, manufacture and
conduct quality control testing are generally referred to as "Tier 1" suppliers.
 
     The Company believes that the markets it serves offer significant growth
opportunities for its businesses. The Company's business strategy is to focus on
and invest in these core markets for specialty service tools and original
equipment components and to expand its leading market positions. The key
elements of this strategy include: (i) implementation of structural changes to
operations, (ii) operational improvements, (iii) increased specialty service
tool offerings and (iv) leveraging of long-term relationships with existing
customers.
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   5
 
     Implementation of Structural Changes to Operations.  In 1993, the Company
completed several transactions which increased the Company's revenues by
approximately 25% from approximately $801 million in 1992 to $1.0 billion on a
pro forma basis in 1993. These transactions, described below, were completed in
order to increase the Company's product offerings, strengthen its sales and
service capabilities and better position the Company to capitalize on prevailing
market and industry trends and opportunities.
 
     -  Created the Automotive Diagnostics division through the acquisition of
       Allen Testproducts and its combination with the Company's Bear Automotive
       business. This new division will enhance the Company's electronic engine
       diagnostics, emission testing and wheel service equipment capabilities
       and is expected to result in annualized cost savings to the Company,
       through consolidation of operations and work force reductions, in excess
       of $20 million.
 
     -  Created SPX Credit Corporation through the acquisition of the leasing
       company affiliated with Allen Testproducts and its combination with the
       Company's existing leasing operations. This business supports the
       Automotive Diagnostics division by providing customers with a leasing
       option when purchasing the division's products.
 
     -  Divested the Company's aftermarket parts distribution business and the
       Company's window and door hardware manufacturing business. These
       divestitures generated approximately $189 million in net cash proceeds
       which the Company used to reduce indebtedness and to further invest in
       its core businesses.
 
     -  Acquired the 49% interest in Sealed Power Technologies Limited
       Partnership ("SPT") held by Riken Corporation ("Riken"), a Japanese
       corporation (the "SPT Purchase"). SPT represents substantially all of the
       Company's original equipment components segment.
 
     The foregoing transactions, together with the consolidation of Sealed Power
Technologies (Europe) Limited Partnership ("SP Europe") into the Company's
financial statements, are referred to herein as the "1993 Transactions."
 
     Operational Improvements.  The Company continually explores ways to
increase its operational efficiency while maintaining its reputation as a
manufacturer of high-quality products. Ongoing programs to meet this objective
include the addition of new machinery, consolidation of facilities and other
productivity improvements.
 
     Increased Specialty Service Tool Offerings.  The market for the Company's
specialty service tools has increased as a result of several recent trends: (i)
the increase in the frequency of new model introductions by OEMs, (ii) the
advance in the engineering, computerization and technological complexity of
these new introductions and (iii) the increase in service dollars spent at
franchise dealers as a result of extended new vehicle warranty periods. By
continuing to strengthen its involvement in the design phase of OEM product
development and identifying applications for new and existing specialty service
tools, the Company believes it can capitalize on these trends. In addition, the
growing number of environmental laws and regulations have created a demand for
new technologies and products, including the Company's refrigerant recycling
systems and vehicle exhaust emission testing equipment. The Company will
continue to aggressively pursue this market by continuing to develop new
products and technologies.
 
     Leveraging of Long-Term Relationships With Existing Customers.  The trend
of OEMs to contract sourcing of components to fewer outside suppliers favors
larger, more efficient suppliers with high-quality products. The Company
historically has had strong relationships, some of which date back 80 years,
with major OEMs, including General Motors, Ford and Chrysler. In addition, the
Company believes that its status as a Tier 1 supplier to many OEMs, which
permits the Company to assume primary responsibility for the design,
engineering, manufacturing and quality control of certain product or product
assembly programs, will continue to provide the Company with opportunities to
offer products to its customers at a lower cost and afford the Company a
competitive advantage in securing new business for both of its business
segments.
 
     The Company has international operations located in Australia, Brazil,
Canada, France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland
and the United Kingdom. It also has a 70% interest in SP Europe, which has
operations in France, Germany and Spain, a 50% interest in two Japanese
corporations, a 50% interest in a German corporation and a 40% interest in a
Mexican corporation. See "Business--International Operations." In addition, the
Company is involved in a joint venture located in the United States and will
continue to pursue other joint venture and investment relationships as
opportunities inside and outside the United States arise.
 
                                        4
<PAGE>   6
 
                                THE REFINANCING
 
     The Offering is part of a refinancing plan (the "Refinancing") designed to
provide the Company with additional financial and operating flexibility and
better position the Company to implement its business strategy. The Refinancing
will increase the Company's available cash flow by reducing interest expense and
scheduled principal amortization payments. The Company believes the Refinancing
will increase its operating flexibility by, among other things, permitting the
Company to capitalize on internal and external growth opportunities. The
Refinancing consists of the:
 
     (i)   execution of a new credit agreement (the "Bank Credit Agreement")
        which provides the Company with a $250 million revolving credit facility
        (the "Revolving Credit Facility") which, upon consummation of the
        Offering, will be reduced to provide the Company with up to $225 million
        of borrowing capacity;
 
     (ii)  borrowings of approximately $165 million under the Revolving Credit
        Facility which, in combination with $40 million in cash, was used to
        repay approximately $205 million of the Company's outstanding
        indebtedness, and the use of approximately $65 million of cash to
        consummate the SPT Purchase for $39 million and pay prepayment and other
        fees and expenses relating to these transactions aggregating
        approximately $26 million; and
 
     (iii) sale of $260 million aggregate principal amount of the Notes offered
        hereby and the application of the net proceeds therefrom to (a) reduce
        the outstanding borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility from
        approximately $165 million to approximately $135 million, (b) repay all
        outstanding indebtedness of SPT, aggregating approximately $210 million,
        and (c) pay approximately $11 million of certain prepayment fees related
        to these transactions.
 
     Upon completion of the Refinancing, the Company expects to have
approximately $90 million of remaining borrowing capacity under the Revolving
Credit Facility. See "Use of Proceeds."
 
                                        5
<PAGE>   7
 
                                  THE OFFERING
 
<TABLE>
<S>                              <C>
Notes Offered.................   $260,000,000 aggregate principal amount of    % Senior
                                 Subordinated Notes due 2002.
Maturity Date.................   , 2002.
Interest Payment Dates........   and               of each year, commencing               ,
                                 1994.
Mandatory Redemption..........   None.
Optional Redemption...........   The Notes will be redeemable at the option of the Company,
                                 in whole or in part, at any time on or after               ,
                                 1998 at the redemption prices set forth herein, plus accrued
                                 and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption.
                                 Prior to               , 1996, up to 20% of the aggregate
                                 principal amount of the Notes outstanding on the date of the
                                 Indenture will be redeemable at the option of the Company
                                 from the net proceeds of a Public Equity Offering at    % of
                                 the principal amount to be redeemed, together with accrued
                                 and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption. See
                                 "Description of the Notes--Optional Redemption."
Change of Control.............   Upon a Change of Control, (i) the Company will have the
                                 option to redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, at a
                                 redemption price equal to the principal amount thereof,
                                 together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the
                                 date of redemption, plus the Applicable Premium and (ii)
                                 subject to certain conditions, the Company will be required
                                 to make an offer to purchase each holder's Notes at 101% of
                                 the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid
                                 interest, if any, to the date of repurchase. See
                                 "Description of the Notes--Certain Covenants-- Purchase of
                                 Notes Upon Change of Control" and "Investment
                                 Considerations--Substantial Indebtedness."
Ranking.......................   The Notes will be unsecured senior subordinated obligations
                                 of the Company, subordinated to all existing and future
                                 Senior Indebtedness, which includes borrowings under the
                                 Bank Credit Agreement. The Notes will rank pari passu with
                                 any existing and future senior subordinated indebtedness of
                                 the Company and will rank senior to all other Subordinated
                                 Indebtedness (as defined herein). As of December 31, 1993,
                                 on a pro forma basis, the aggregate principal amount of
                                 Senior Indebtedness outstanding of the Company and
                                 indebtedness and trade payables of the Company's
                                 subsidiaries that effectively rank senior to the Notes would
                                 have been approximately $180 million. See "Description of
                                 the Notes--Subordination."
Restrictive Covenants.........   The Indenture pursuant to which the Notes will be issued
                                 will contain certain covenants, including, but not limited
                                 to, covenants with respect to the following matters: (i)
                                 limitation on indebtedness, (ii) limitation on dividends and
                                 other restricted payments, (iii) limitation on redemption of
                                 capital stock of the Company and of certain subordinated
                                 obligations of the Company, (iv) limitation on liens, (v)
                                 limitation on disposition of proceeds of asset sales, (vi)
                                 restriction on transfer of assets, (vii) limitation on
                                 issuance and sale of capital stock by restricted
                                 subsidiaries, (viii) limitation on transactions with
                                 affiliates, (ix) limitation on dividend and other payment
                                 restrictions affecting restricted subsidiaries, (x)
                                 limitation on guarantees by restricted subsidiaries, (xi)
                                 limitation on certain other subordinated indebtedness
</TABLE>
 
                                        6
<PAGE>   8
 
<TABLE>
<S>                              <C>
                                 and (xii) restrictions on mergers, consolidations and the
                                 transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the
                                 Company to another person. See "Description of the
                                 Notes--Certain Covenants."
Use of Proceeds...............   The net proceeds to the Company from the sale of the Notes
                                 offered hereby will be used to: (i) reduce the outstanding
                                 borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility from
                                 approximately $165 million to approximately $135 million,
                                 (ii) repay all outstanding indebtedness under SPT's existing
                                 credit facilities, aggregating approximately $109 million,
                                 and certain other indebtedness of SPT, aggregating
                                 approximately $1 million, (iii) redeem $100 million
                                 aggregate principal amount of SPT's 14 1/2% Senior
                                 Subordinated Debentures due May 15, 1999 (the "SPT
                                 Debentures") and (iv) pay approximately $11 million of
                                 certain prepayment fees related to these transactions. See
                                 "Use of Proceeds" and "Capitalization."
Absence of Public Market......   There is no public market for the Notes and the Company does
                                 not intend to apply for listing of the Notes on any national
                                 securities exchange or for quotation of the Notes on the
                                 Nasdaq Stock Market ("Nasdaq"). The Company has been advised
                                 by the Underwriters that, following the completion of the
                                 initial offering of the Notes, the Underwriters presently
                                 intend to make a market in the Notes; however, the
                                 Underwriters are under no obligation to do so and may
                                 discontinue such market-making activities at any time
                                 without notice. No assurance can be given as to the
                                 liquidity of the trading market for the Notes or that an
                                 active public market for the Notes will develop. If an
                                 active public market does not develop, the market price and
                                 liquidity of the Notes may be adversely affected.
</TABLE>
 
     Prior to making an investment decision, prospective purchasers should
consider all of the information set forth in this Prospectus and should evaluate
the factors set forth in "Investment Considerations" herein.
 
                                        7
<PAGE>   9
 
      SUMMARY HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
     The following table presents summary historical consolidated financial data
for the periods indicated. The financial data have been derived from the audited
Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company for such periods. The pro forma
financial data are derived from financial statements contained elsewhere in this
Prospectus. The information should be read in conjunction with "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and
the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes thereto included
elsewhere or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus. The unaudited pro
forma operating data and financial ratios assume that the Refinancing and the
1993 Transactions occurred as of January 1, 1993. The unaudited pro forma
balance sheet data assume that the Refinancing occurred as of December 31, 1993.
The unaudited pro forma information does not purport to represent what the
results of operations or financial position of the Company would actually have
been if the Refinancing and the 1993 Transactions had in fact occurred on such
dates.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                UNAUDITED
                                                                                                                PRO FORMA
                                                                        YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                YEAR ENDED
                                                             ----------------------------------------------     DEC. 31,
                                                              1989      1990      1991      1992      1993        1993
                                                             ------    ------    ------    ------    ------    -----------
                                                             (dollars in millions)
<S>                                                          <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
OPERATING DATA:
Revenues.................................................... $632.0    $708.2    $673.5    $801.2    $756.1      $1,003.7
Costs and expenses:
  Cost of products sold.....................................  419.1     466.7     461.6     533.2     508.0        752.7
  Selling, general and administrative.......................  172.1     193.9     194.0     209.9     207.6        210.7
  Other, net................................................    1.8       1.5       3.1       6.6       7.5          4.2
  Restructuring and special charges (1).....................      -         -      18.2         -      27.5         27.5
  SPT equity losses (2).....................................    4.7       5.3       8.5       2.4      26.9            -
  SP Europe equity losses (3)...............................      -         -         -         -      21.5            -
                                                             ------    ------    ------    ------    ------    -----------
Operating income (loss).....................................   34.3      40.8     (11.9)     49.1     (42.9)         8.6
  Interest expense, net.....................................    9.9      17.7      16.8      15.1      17.8         34.1
  (Gain) on sale of businesses (4)..........................   (8.9)        -         -         -    (105.4)           -
                                                             ------    ------    ------    ------    ------    -----------
Income (loss) before income taxes and cumulative effect of
  change in accounting methods and extraordinary loss.......   33.3      23.1     (28.7)     34.0      44.7        (25.5)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes........................   12.7       8.8      (7.1)     13.4      29.5         (3.4)
                                                             ------    ------    ------    ------    ------    -----------
Income (loss) before cumulative effect of change in
  accounting methods and extraordinary loss.................   20.6      14.3     (21.6)     20.6      15.2        (22.1)
Cumulative effect of change in accounting methods, net of
  taxes (5).................................................      -         -         -      (5.7)    (31.8)           -
Extraordinary loss, net of taxes (6)........................      -         -         -         -     (24.0)           -
Discontinued operations, net of taxes.......................   57.7         -         -         -         -            -
                                                             ------    ------    ------    ------    ------    -----------
Net income (loss)........................................... $ 78.3    $ 14.3    $(21.6)   $ 14.9    $(40.6)     $ (22.1)
                                                             ------    ------    ------    ------    ------    -----------
                                                             ------    ------    ------    ------    ------    -----------
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges (7)......................   4.05x     2.30x        -      2.98x     5.15x           -
FINANCIAL RATIOS AND OTHER DATA:
EBITDA (8).................................................. $ 58.7    $ 66.0    $ 38.6    $ 76.8    $ 57.4      $  77.1
Depreciation................................................   16.2      16.0      19.4      19.6      19.1         32.5
Amortization................................................    3.5       3.9       4.4       5.7       5.3          8.5
Capital expenditures........................................   41.0      26.7      19.4      20.4      15.1         30.6
Ratio of EBITDA to interest expense, net....................   5.93x     3.73x     2.30x     5.09x     3.22x        2.26x
BALANCE SHEET DATA (AT PERIOD END):
Working capital..................................................................................    $119.4      $ 180.3
Property, plant and equipment, net...............................................................     198.1        198.1
Total assets.....................................................................................    1,024.4       932.4
Long-term debt...................................................................................     336.2        410.2
Shareholders' equity.............................................................................     145.4        145.4
</TABLE>
 
                                                        (footnotes on next page)
 
                                        8
<PAGE>   10
 
(footnotes for preceding page)
- ---------------
(1) In 1993, the Company recognized a $27.5 million ($18.5 million aftertax)
     restructuring charge to combine its Bear Automotive operation with Allen
     Testproducts. In 1991, an $18.2 million ($14.7 million aftertax) special
     charge was recorded for organizational and facility consolidation of two
     operating units, the write off of certain capitalized computer software
     development costs, charges associated with further globalization of the
     Company's original equipment components affiliated businesses with an
     overseas partner, and charges for losses associated with certain project
     development investments and notes receivable related to previous sales of
     certain business units.
 
(2) Fiscal years 1989 through 1992 were restated to record the Company's
     previous 49% share of SPT's income or losses, the effect of amortizing the
     difference between its investment balance and its share of SPT's initial
     partnership capital deficit and an adjustment required to record the
     Company's previous investment in SPT at historical cost. Previously,
     because SPT indebtedness was non-recourse to the Company, the Company
     properly did not reflect its share of equity losses of SPT and did not
     amortize the difference between its investment balance and its share of
     SPT's initial partnership capital deficit. The cumulative effect of this
     1989 through 1992 restatement was a pretax charge of $15.9 million (or
     a $10.1 million aftertax reduction) to previously reported shareholders'
     equity.
 
(3) Until December 31, 1993, the Company reported that it held a 50% interest in
     SP Europe. As of December 31, 1993, Riken's pending participation in SP
     Europe reverted to the Company in connection with the transaction to
     acquire Riken's 49% interest in SPT. SP Europe had not been previously
     consolidated due to the Company's deemed temporary control and because
     non-recourse (to the partners) financing was being pursued. Up to December
     31, 1993, the Company carried its investment in SP Europe at zero. Due to
     the resulting 70% ownership, the Company is recording its share of
     cumulative losses since the partnership formation in mid-1991 of $21.5
     million.
 
(4) During 1993, the Company divested its aftermarket parts distribution and
     window and door hardware manufacturing businesses. See "Business--Business
     Strategy." During 1989, the Company divested five small businesses.
 
(5) In 1993, the Company adopted new accounting methodology for its employee
     stock ownership plan ("ESOP") and reflected its 49% share of SPT's 1993
     adoption of SFAS No. 106 regarding accounting for postretirement benefits
     other than pensions. In 1992, the Company adopted new accounting
     methodology for postretirement benefits other than pensions, and income
     taxes.
 
(6) Reflects costs associated with prepayment of certain Company and SPT
     indebtedness.
 
(7) For purposes of determining the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, earnings
     consist of income (loss) before income taxes and cumulative effect of
     change in accounting methods and extraordinary loss, plus SPT equity
     losses, SP Europe equity losses and fixed charges. Fixed charges consist of
     interest expense, net (including amortization of deferred financing costs),
     and that portion of rental expense estimated to be representative of the
     interest factor. Earnings were insufficient to cover fixed charges by $20.2
     million in 1991 and by $25.5 million in pro forma 1993. If the 1993
     restructuring charge is excluded from 1993 pro forma earnings, the pro
     forma 1993 ratio of earnings to fixed charges would have been 1.05x.
 
(8) EBITDA represents operating income (loss) before restructuring and special
     charges, SPT equity losses, SP Europe equity losses, depreciation and
     amortization. EBITDA is not presented herein as an alternative measure of
     operating results, cash flow or liquidity. EBITDA is instead included
     because it is one measure used by certain investors as an indicator of a
     company's operating performance and its ability to service its
     indebtedness.
 
                                        9
<PAGE>   11
 
                           INVESTMENT CONSIDERATIONS
 
     Prospective purchasers of the Notes should consider carefully the
investment considerations set forth below as well as the other information
contained in this Prospectus before purchasing the Notes.
 
SUBSTANTIAL INDEBTEDNESS
 
     The Company will have significant debt service obligations after completion
of the Refinancing. On a pro forma basis, assuming that the Refinancing had
occurred on December 31, 1993, the Company would have had total outstanding
long-term indebtedness (including the current portion thereof) and total
shareholders' equity of approximately $410 million and $145 million,
respectively. See "Capitalization." The Company would have had, subject to
certain conditions, up to $90 million of additional borrowing capacity under the
Bank Credit Agreement as of that date.
 
     The Company's indebtedness could have important consequences to holders of
the Notes, including the following: (i) the Company's ability to obtain
additional financing in the future for working capital, capital expenditures,
acquisitions, general corporate purposes or other purposes may be impaired, (ii)
a portion of the Company's cash flow from operations will be dedicated to the
payment of principal and interest on its indebtedness, thereby reducing the
funds available to the Company for its operations and future business
opportunities, (iii) a portion of the Company's borrowings under the Bank Credit
Agreement will be at floating rates of interest, which could result in higher
interest expense in the event of an increase in interest rates, (iv) such
indebtedness contains financial and restrictive covenants which, if violated,
may result in an event of default which, if not cured or waived, could have a
material adverse effect on the Company, (v) the Company may be more vulnerable
to general economic and industry downturns, (vi) the Company's ability to
purchase the Notes upon a Change of Control may be impaired and (vii) all of the
indebtedness under the Bank Credit Agreement will become due prior to the
maturity of the Notes. In addition, the Bank Credit Agreement contains certain
covenants which could limit the Company's operating and financial flexibility.
See "Description of the Bank Credit Agreement" and "Description of the Notes."
 
SUBORDINATION OF THE NOTES
 
     The payment of principal of, premium, if any, and interest on, and any
other amounts owing in respect of, the Notes will be subordinated to the prior
payment in full of all existing and future Senior Indebtedness, which includes
indebtedness under the Bank Credit Agreement. As of December 31, 1993, on a pro
forma basis, the aggregate principal amount of Senior Indebtedness outstanding
of the Company and indebtedness and trade payables of the Company's subsidiaries
that effectively rank senior to the Notes would have been approximately $180
million. In the event of the bankruptcy, liquidation, dissolution,
reorganization or other winding up of the Company, the assets of the Company
will be available to pay obligations in respect of the Notes only after all
Senior Indebtedness has been paid in full, and there may not be sufficient
assets remaining to pay amounts due on any or all of the Notes. In addition, the
Company may not pay the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on, and any
other amounts owing in respect of, the Notes, or purchase, redeem or otherwise
retire the Notes, if a default in payment exists with respect to Senior
Indebtedness. Under certain circumstances, no payments may be made for a
specific period with respect to the principal of, premium, if any, or interest
on, and any other amounts owing in respect of, the Notes if a nonpayment default
exists with respect to certain Senior Indebtedness, including indebtedness under
the Bank Credit Agreement. See "Description of the Notes--Subordination."
 
     The Company conducts a substantial portion of its operations through its
subsidiaries, including SPT, and depends, in significant part, on the earnings
and cash flow of, and dividends from, such subsidiaries to pay its obligations,
including payments of principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes.
Any right of the Company and its creditors (including the holders of the Notes)
to participate in the assets of any of the Company's subsidiaries upon any
liquidation or reorganization of any such subsidiary will be subject to the
prior claims of that subsidiary's creditors (except the Company, to the extent
it may itself be a creditor of such subsidiary), including trade creditors.
Accordingly, the Notes will be effectively subordinated to the claims of
creditors of the Company's subsidiaries.
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   12
 
     The indebtedness under the Revolving Credit Facility is unsecured, and the
Bank Credit Agreement contains a negative covenant limiting the Company's right
to grant security interests in its assets. The Notes will not be secured by any
assets of the Company, and the Company will have the right under the Indenture
to grant security interests in substantially all of its assets to secure Senior
Indebtedness. See "Description of the Bank Credit Agreement" and "Description of
the Notes."
 
RECENT LOSSES; FIXED CHARGE COVERAGE
 
     The Company reported a net loss in fiscal year 1993 of $41 million.
Included in this loss was a restructuring charge, and equity losses in SPT and
SP Europe aggregating $57 million aftertax, changes in accounting methods of $32
million aftertax and an extraordinary loss of $24 million, offset by an aftertax
gain of $64 million on the sale of two businesses. On a pro forma basis, the
Company would have had a net loss of $22 million in 1993. There can be no
assurance that the Company will not continue to have net losses in the future.
The Company believes, however, that such losses will not continue and that net
income and cash available to it from future operations will be sufficient to
enable it to meet debt service requirements of the Notes and other indebtedness.
Operating income before restructuring and special charges, SPT equity losses, SP
Europe equity losses and depreciation and amortization for the fiscal years
ended December 31, 1991, 1992 and 1993 was $39 million, $77 million and $57
million, respectively. If the Company does experience additional net losses for
a sustained period, it may be unable to meet such obligations while attempting
to withstand competitive pressures or adverse economic conditions.
 
     On a pro forma basis, the Company's earnings before fixed charges would
have been inadequate to cover its fixed charges by $26 million in 1993. If the
1993 restructuring charge of $28 million is excluded from 1993 pro forma
earnings, the pro forma 1993 ratio of earnings to fixed charges would have been
1.05x. However, there can be no assurance that the Company will have earnings
before fixed charges sufficient to cover fixed charges in the future, including
interest payments on the Notes.
 
MOTOR VEHICLE INDUSTRY CYCLICALITY
 
     Approximately one-third of the Company's operations are directly related to
domestic and foreign motor vehicle production, which is cyclical and dependent
on general economic conditions and other factors. Any significant reduction in
motor vehicle production would have an adverse effect on the level of the
Company's sales to OEMs and the Company's business and financial results. In
addition, there is substantial and continuing pressure from the major OEMs to
reduce sourcing costs, including costs associated with outside suppliers such as
the Company.
 
RELIANCE ON MAJOR CUSTOMERS
 
     The Company's worldwide sales in 1993 to General Motors, Ford and Chrysler
would have constituted approximately 17%, 10% and 8%, respectively, of its
consolidated sales on a pro forma basis. No other customers accounted for more
than 5% of the Company's consolidated sales in 1993. See "Business--Significant
Customers."
 
     Although the Company has had long-standing relationships with General
Motors, Ford and Chrysler and sells a variety of products to various divisions
of each company, if the Company lost any significant portion of its sales to any
of these customers, such loss would have a material adverse effect on the
financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
 
COMPETITION
 
     The Company competes globally with a number of other manufacturers and
distributors. Quality, technological innovation and price are the primary
elements of competition. These competitors include vertically integrated units
of the Company's major OEM customers, as well as a large number of independent
domestic and international suppliers. A number of these companies are larger and
have greater resources than the Company. A number of the Company's major OEM
customers manufacture for their own use products that compete with certain of
the Company's products. Although these OEM customers have indicated that
 
                                       11
<PAGE>   13
they will continue to rely on outside suppliers, the OEMs could elect to
manufacture such products to meet their own requirements or to compete with the
Company. There can be no assurance that the Company will not be adversely
affected by increased competition in the markets in which it operates. The
competitive environment also has changed dramatically over the past few years as
the Company's traditional U.S. OEM customers, faced with intense international
competition, have expanded their worldwide sourcing of components with the
stated objective of better competing with lower-cost imports. As a result, the
Company has experienced competition from suppliers in other parts of the world
which enjoy certain competitive advantages such as lower labor costs, lower
health care costs and, in some cases, export or raw material subsidies.
 
ABSENCE OF PUBLIC MARKET
 
     There is no public market for the Notes and the Company does not intend to
apply for listing of the Notes on any national securities exchange or for
quotation of the Notes on Nasdaq. The Company has been advised by the
Underwriters that, following the completion of the initial offering of the
Notes, the Underwriters presently intend to make a market in the Notes; however,
the Underwriters are under no obligation to do so and may discontinue such
market-making activities at any time without notice. No assurance can be given
as to the liquidity of the trading market for the Notes or that an active public
market for the Notes will develop. If an active public market does not develop,
the market price and liquidity of the Notes may be adversely affected.
 
                                       12
<PAGE>   14
 
                              RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
 
     On March 17, 1994, SPX consummated the SPT Purchase by acquiring the 49%
ownership interest in SPT owned by Riken for $39 million. The SPT Purchase was
effective as of December 31, 1993. SPT constitutes substantially all of the
Company's original equipment components segment.
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
     The proceeds to the Company from the sale of the Notes, net of the
estimated discount to the Underwriters and expenses related to the Offering, are
estimated to be approximately $251 million and will be used to: (i) reduce the
outstanding borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility from
approximately $165 million to approximately $135 million, (ii) repay all
outstanding indebtedness under SPT's existing credit facilities, aggregating
approximately $109 million, and certain other indebtedness of SPT, aggregating
approximately $1 million, (iii) redeem $100 million aggregate principal amount
of the SPT Debentures and (iv) pay approximately $11 million of certain
prepayment fees related to these transactions.
 
     Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility mature on March 15, 1999,
and bear interest, at the Company's option, either at (i) the greater of (x) the
rate announced as the corporate base rate of the agent bank and (y) the
applicable federal funds rate plus 0.5% or (ii) a Eurodollar rate plus 1%. On
March 31, 1994, the interest rate under this facility was    %. Borrowings under
the Revolving Credit Facility aggregating approximately $165 million and
available cash were used by the Company to repay substantially all of the
existing indebtedness of the Company (excluding indebtedness of SPT).
 
     The existing credit facilities of SPT being repaid consist of a term loan
facility, under which approximately $79 million was outstanding as of December
31, 1993, and a revolving loan facility, under which approximately $30 million
was outstanding as of such date. Both credit facilities mature on September 30,
1996 and bear interest at a rate equal to, at the option of SPT, either LIBOR
(adjusted for statutory reserves) plus 2 1/4% or an alternate base rate (which
approximates the prime lending rate) plus 1 1/4%, which interest rate as of
December 31, 1993, was    %. However, SPT has entered into hedging arrangements
that fix the interest rate on approximately $70 million of these facilities, as
of December 31, 1993, at 11 1/2%.
 
     The SPT Debentures bear interest at the rate of 14 1/2% per annum and
mature on May 15, 1999. Upon consummation of the Offering, the Company will
deposit sufficient funds in trust with the trustee for the SPT Debentures to
redeem the SPT Debentures. Upon such deposit, the indenture relating to the SPT
Debentures will be discharged.
 
     The Bank Credit Agreement allows the Company to borrow up to $225 million
under the Revolving Credit Facility upon consummation of the Offering. At such
time, the Company expects to have approximately $90 million of remaining
borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility.
 
                                       13
<PAGE>   15
 
                                 CAPITALIZATION
 
     In connection with the SPT Purchase, the Company entered into the Bank
Credit Agreement. The Revolving Credit Facility made available under this
agreement provided the Company with borrowing availability of $250 million, the
primary purpose of which was to make additional working capital available and to
permit the repayment of certain indebtedness of the Company, which, as a result
of the SPT Purchase, could otherwise have been accelerated by the lenders
thereof. The Company borrowed approximately $165 million under the Revolving
Credit Facility which, together with $40 million in cash, the Company used to
repay approximately $205 million of its outstanding indebtedness. In addition,
the Company used approximately $65 million of cash to (i) consummate the SPT
Purchase for $39 million and (ii) pay prepayment and other fees and expenses
relating to these transactions amounting to approximately $26 million. The
foregoing transactions are sometimes referred to collectively as the "Initial
Transactions."
 
     The Company will use the net proceeds from the Offering to: (i) reduce the
outstanding borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility from $165 million to
$135 million, (ii) repay all outstanding indebtedness of SPT, aggregating
approximately $210 million and (iii) pay approximately $11 million of certain
prepayment and other fees and expenses related to these transactions. See "Use
of Proceeds." The foregoing transactions are sometimes referred to as the "Final
Transactions." The Initial Transactions and the Final Transactions collectively
constitute the Refinancing.
 
     The following table sets forth the historical consolidated capitalization
of the Company and as adjusted to give effect to the Initial Transactions as
though consummated as of December 31, 1993 and as further adjusted for the Final
Transactions. The table should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated
Financial Statements and the notes thereto and "Selected Historical Consolidated
Financial Information" included elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    DECEMBER 31, 1993
                                                               ------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                              INITIAL         AS         FINAL        PRO
                                                               HISTORICAL   TRANSACTIONS   ADJUSTED   TRANSACTIONS   FORMA
                                                               ----------   ------------   --------   ------------   ------
<S>                                                            <C>          <C>            <C>        <C>            <C>
                                                                                  (dollars in millions)
NOTES PAYABLE AND CURRENT MATURITIES OF LONG-TERM DEBT:
SPX
  Senior notes, 9.72%........................................    $  5.0        $ (5.0)      $    -                   $   -
  Bank loans.................................................      50.0         (50.0)           -                       -
  Note to Allen Group, 8.0%..................................       6.6          (6.6)           -                       -
  ESOP guarantee.............................................       2.4          (2.4)           -                       -
  Other debt.................................................       3.3          (3.3)           -                       -
                                                               ----------                  --------                  ------
    Total SPX................................................      67.3                          -                       -
                                                               ----------                  --------                  ------
SPT
  Term bank loan.............................................      25.4                       25.4      $  (25.4)        -
  Mortgage note, 9.625%......................................       1.3                        1.3          (1.3)        -
                                                               ----------                  --------                  ------
    Total SPT................................................      26.7                       26.7                       -
                                                               ----------                  --------                  ------
Total notes payable and current maturities of long-term
  debt.......................................................      94.0                       26.7
                                                               ----------                  --------                  ------
LONG-TERM DEBT:
SPX
  Bank Credit Agreement......................................         -         165.3        165.3         (30.3)    135.0
  Senior notes, 9.72% and 9.58%..............................      70.0         (70.0)           -                       -
  Industrial revenue bonds...................................      15.2                       15.2                    15.2
  Note to Allen Group, 8.0%..................................      13.1         (13.1)           -                       -
  ESOP guarantee.............................................      39.7         (39.7)           -                       -
  Other debt.................................................      14.7         (14.7)           -                       -
  Notes offered hereby.......................................         -                          -         260.0     260.0
                                                               ----------                  --------                  ------
    Total SPX................................................     152.7                      180.5                   410.2
                                                               ----------                  --------                  ------
SPT
  Senior subordinated debentures, 14.5%......................     100.0                      100.0        (100.0)        -
  Term bank loan.............................................      53.5                       53.5         (53.5)        -
  Revolving credit loans.....................................      30.0                       30.0         (30.0)        -
                                                               ----------                  --------                  ------
    Total SPT................................................     183.5                      183.5                       -
                                                               ----------                  --------                  ------
Total long-term debt.........................................     336.2                      364.0                   410.2
                                                               ----------                  --------                  ------
Total debt...................................................     430.2                      390.7                   410.2
                                                               ----------                  --------                  ------
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
  Common stock, par value $10 per share, 50,000,000 shares
    authorized; 15,555,835 shares issued.....................     155.6                      155.6                   155.6
  Paid-in capital............................................      58.9                       58.9                    58.9
  Retained earnings..........................................      20.3                       20.3                    20.3
  Other......................................................     (89.4)                     (89.4)                  (89.4 )
                                                               ----------                  --------                  ------
Total shareholders' equity...................................     145.4                      145.4                   145.4
                                                               ----------                  --------                  ------
Total capitalization.........................................    $575.6                     $536.1                   $555.6
                                                               ----------                  --------                  ------
                                                               ----------                  --------                  ------
</TABLE>
 
                                       14
<PAGE>   16
 
                  PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
     The following Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company
are unaudited and are based on the Consolidated Financial Statements of the
Company included elsewhere and incorporated by reference in this Prospectus,
adjusted to give effect to the Refinancing and the 1993 Transactions.
 
     The Unaudited Condensed Pro Forma Consolidated Statements of Operations for
the year ended December 31, 1993 have been adjusted to give effect to the
Refinancing and the 1993 Transactions as if such transactions had occurred on
January 1, 1993. The Unaudited Condensed Pro Forma Consolidated Balance Sheet at
December 31, 1993 has been adjusted to give effect to the Refinancing as if the
Refinancing had occurred on December 31, 1993. The pro forma adjustments are
based upon available information and certain assumptions that the management of
the Company believes are reasonable. The Pro Forma Consolidated Financial
Statements do not purport to represent what the Company's financial position or
results of operations would actually have been if the transactions had occurred
on the dates specified or to project the Company's financial position or results
of operations for any future period.
 
     The Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in
conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company and
related notes thereto, and other information pertaining to the Company,
including "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations," included elsewhere and incorporated by reference in this
Prospectus.
 
                                       15
<PAGE>   17
 
      UNAUDITED CONDENSED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993
                            ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         ATP &                                                PRO FORMA
                            HISTORICAL  AGL (1)  SPR (2)  TRUTH (3)  SP EUROPE (4)  SPT (5)  ADJUSTMENTS   PRO FORMA
                            ----------  -------  -------  ---------  -------------  -------  -----------   ---------
                                                             (dollars in millions)
<S>                         <C>         <C>      <C>      <C>        <C>            <C>      <C>           <C>
Revenues...................   $756.1    $ 32.4   $(137.9)  $ (79.1)     $  40.6     $391.6     $     -      $1,003.7
Costs and expenses:
  Cost of products.........    508.0      14.1    (89.5 )    (57.5)        44.6      337.8        (6.8)(1)    752.7
                                                                                                   2.0(5)
  Selling, general and
    administrative.........    207.6      20.5    (37.2 )     (7.3)         9.1       28.2       (10.2)(1)    210.7
  Other, net...............      7.5         -       .2        (.4)          .5       (2.0 )        .3(1)       4.2
                                                                                                  (4.3)(4)
                                                                                                   2.4(5)
  Restructuring charge.....     27.5         -        -          -            -          -           -         27.5
  SPT equity losses........     26.9         -        -          -            -          -       (26.9)(5)        -
  SP Europe equity
    losses.................     21.5         -        -          -            -          -       (21.5)(4)        -
                            ----------  -------  -------  ---------  -------------  -------  -----------   ---------
Operating income (loss)....    (42.9)     (2.2 )  (11.4 )    (13.9)       (13.6)      27.6        65.0          8.6
  Interest, net............     17.8       1.6        -          -           .9       27.1       (13.3)(6)     34.1
  (Gain) on sale of
    businesses.............   (105.4)        -        -          -            -          -       105.4(7)         -
                            ----------  -------  -------  ---------  -------------  -------  -----------   ---------
Income before income
  taxes....................     44.7      (3.8 )  (11.4 )    (13.9)       (14.5)        .5       (27.1)       (25.5)
Provision (benefit) for
  income taxes.............     29.5         -        -          -            -          -       (32.9)(8)     (3.4)
                            ----------  -------  -------  ---------  -------------  -------  -----------   ---------
Net income (9).............   $ 15.2    $ (3.8 ) $(11.4 )  $ (13.9)     $ (14.5)    $   .5     $   5.8      $ (22.1)
                            ----------  -------  -------  ---------  -------------  -------  -----------   ---------
                            ----------  -------  -------  ---------  -------------  -------  -----------   ---------
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(1) Historical results of Allen Testproducts ("ATP") and its related leasing
    company, Allen Group Leasing ("AGL"), through June 10, 1993, the date of
    acquisition. Pro forma adjustments include a $6.8 million reduction in cost
    of products sold resulting primarily from work force reductions; a $10.2
    million reduction in selling, general and administrative resulting primarily
    from work force reductions; and $.3 million additional goodwill
    amortization.
 
(2) Results of the Company's aftermarket parts distribution business, Sealed
    Power Replacement ("SPR"), through October 22, 1993, the date of
    divestiture.
 
(3) Results of the Company's window and door hardware manufacturing business,
    Truth Hardware ("Truth"), through November 5, 1993, the date of divestiture.
 
(4) SP Europe was consolidated as of December 31, 1993. This pro forma adds the
    results of operations for the full year. Pro forma adjustments include the
    minority owner's share of losses, $4.3 million, and $21.5 million to reverse
    the Company's share of equity losses as SP Europe is consolidated in the pro
    forma.
 
(5) SPT was consolidated as of December 31, 1993. This pro forma adds the
    results of operations for the full year. Pro forma adjustments include $2.0
    million of additional depreciation expense resulting from purchase
    accounting; $2.4 million to reflect goodwill amortization resulting from
    purchase accounting; and $26.9 million to reverse the Company's share of
    equity losses as SPT is consolidated in the pro forma.
 
(6) Adjustment to interest expense, net, to reflect estimated interest expense
    assuming that the Revolving Credit Facility and the Notes were outstanding
    on January 1, 1993. Pro forma adjustments also reflect amortization of
    deferred financing fees.
 
(7) Reversal of gain on the sale of SPR and Truth.
 
(8) Adjustment to income tax expense to reflect a consolidated effective rate of
    39% which was then adjusted for the inability to derive tax benefits from SP
    Europe losses and the effect of the change in the U.S. federal income tax
    rate to 35% from 34% on deferred tax assets and liabilities.
 
(9) Income (loss) excludes the cumulative effect of changes in accounting
    methods for ESOP accounting, SPT's 1993 SFAS No. 106 adoption and the 1993
    extraordinary loss recorded for the early retirement of indebtedness.
 
                                       16
<PAGE>   18
 
            UNAUDITED CONDENSED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    DECEMBER 31, 1993
                                             ---------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            INITIAL          AS         FINAL          PRO
                                             HISTORICAL   TRANSACTIONS    ADJUSTED   TRANSACTIONS     FORMA
                                             ----------   ------------    --------   ------------     ------
                                             (dollars in millions)
<S>                                          <C>          <C>             <C>        <C>              <C>
ASSETS:
Cash and temporary cash investments........   $   117.8     $  (39.0)(1)   $ 12.7                     $ 12.7
                                                               (26.6)(2)
                                                               (39.5)(3)
Receivables................................       123.1                     123.1                      123.1
Inventories................................       159.2                     159.2                      159.2
Other current assets.......................       118.1                     118.1                      118.1
                                             ----------                   --------                    ------
  Current assets...........................       518.2                     413.1                      413.1
Property, plant and equipment, net.........       198.1                     198.1                      198.1
Other long-term assets.....................       308.1          4.1(2)     312.2      $    9.0(4)     321.2
                                             ----------                   --------                    ------
                                              $ 1,024.4                    $923.4                     $932.4
                                             ----------                   --------                    ------
                                             ----------                   --------                    ------
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Notes payable and current maturities of
  long-term debt...........................   $    94.0        (67.3)(3)   $ 26.7         (26.7)(5)   $    -
Accounts payable...........................        63.0                      63.0                       63.0
Accrued liabilities........................       230.0        (39.0)(1)    168.5         (10.5)(4)    158.0
                                                               (22.5)(2)
Income taxes payable.......................        11.8                      11.8                       11.8
                                             ----------                   --------                    ------
Current liabilities........................       398.8                     270.0                      232.8
Long-term liabilities......................       123.2                     123.2                      123.2
Deferred income taxes......................        20.8                      20.8                       20.8
Long-term debt:
  Existing debt............................       336.2       (137.5)(3)    198.7        (183.5)(5)     15.2
  Bank Credit Agreement....................           -        165.3(3)     165.3         (30.3)(5)    135.0
  Notes offered hereby.....................           -                         -         260.0(5)     260.0
                                             ----------                   --------                    ------
Total long-term debt.......................       336.2                     364.0                      410.2
Shareholders' equity:
  Common stock.............................       155.6                     155.6                      155.6
  Paid-in capital..........................        58.9                      58.9                       58.9
  Retained earnings........................        20.3                      20.3                       20.3
  Other....................................       (89.4)                    (89.4)                     (89.4)
                                             ----------                   --------                    ------
Total shareholders' equity.................       145.4                     145.4                      145.4
                                             ----------                   --------                    ------
                                              $ 1,024.4                    $923.4                     $932.4
                                             ----------                   --------                    ------
                                             ----------                   --------                    ------
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(1) Payment to consummate the SPT Purchase.
(2) Payment of debt extinguishment fees, bank financing fees and organizational
     fees.
(3) Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility and use of cash to pay
     existing indebtedness of the Company.
(4) Payment of fees and expenses related to the Refinancing (including issuance
     of the Notes).
(5) Includes issuance of the Notes, payment of existing SPT indebtedness and
     reduction of amounts outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility.
 
                                       17
<PAGE>   19
 
             SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
     The following table presents selected historical consolidated financial
data for the periods indicated. The financial data have been derived from the
audited Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company for such periods. The
information should be read in conjunction with "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and the Consolidated
Financial Statements and related notes thereto included elsewhere or
incorporated by reference in this Prospectus.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                               ---------------------------------------------------
                                                1989       1990       1991       1992       1993
                                               ------     ------     ------     ------     -------
                                               (dollars in millions)
<S>                                            <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
OPERATING DATA:
Revenues...................................    $632.0     $708.2     $673.5     $801.2     $ 756.1
Costs and expenses:
  Cost of products sold....................     419.1      466.7      461.6      533.2       508.0
  Selling, general, and administrative.....     172.1      193.9      194.0      209.9       207.6
  Other, net...............................       1.8        1.5        3.1        6.6         7.5
  Restructuring and special charges (1)....         -          -       18.2          -        27.5
  SPT equity losses (2)....................       4.7        5.3        8.5        2.4        26.9
  SP Europe equity losses (3)..............         -          -          -          -        21.5
                                               ------     ------     ------     ------     -------
Operating income (loss)....................      34.3       40.8      (11.9)      49.1       (42.9)
  Interest expense, net....................       9.9       17.7       16.8       15.1        17.8
  (Gain) on sale of businesses (4).........      (8.9)         -          -          -      (105.4)
                                               ------     ------     ------     ------     -------
Income (loss) before income taxes and
  cumulative effect of change in accounting
  methods and extraordinary loss...........      33.3       23.1      (28.7)      34.0        44.7
Provision (benefit) for income taxes.......      12.7        8.8       (7.1)      13.4        29.5
                                               ------     ------     ------     ------     -------
Income (loss) before cumulative effect of
  change in accounting methods and
  extraordinary loss.......................      20.6       14.3      (21.6)      20.6        15.2
Cumulative effect of change in accounting
  methods, net of taxes (5)................         -          -          -       (5.7)      (31.8)
Extraordinary loss, net of taxes (6).......         -          -          -          -       (24.0)
Discontinued operations, net of taxes......      57.7          -          -          -           -
                                               ------     ------     ------     ------     -------
Net income (loss)..........................    $ 78.3     $ 14.3     $(21.6)    $ 14.9     $ (40.6)
                                               ------     ------     ------     ------     -------
                                               ------     ------     ------     ------     -------
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges (7).....      4.05x      2.30x         -       2.98x       5.15x
FINANCIAL RATIOS AND OTHER DATA:
EBITDA (8).................................    $ 58.7     $ 66.0     $ 38.6     $ 76.8     $  57.4
Depreciation...............................      16.2       16.0       19.4       19.6        19.1
Amortization...............................       3.5        3.9        4.4        5.7         5.3
Capital expenditures.......................      41.0       26.7       19.4       20.4        15.1
Ratio of EBITDA to interest expense, net...      5.93x      3.73x      2.30x      5.09x       3.22x
BALANCE SHEET DATA (AT PERIOD END):
Working capital............................    $186.1     $260.7     $195.1     $182.2     $ 119.4
Property, plant and equipment, net.........     109.1      117.9      116.3      116.8       198.1
Total assets...............................     574.6      624.1      579.3      560.3     1,024.4
Long-term debt.............................     152.7      226.2      199.7      160.3       336.2
Shareholders' equity.......................     202.1      210.6      180.7      185.5       145.4
</TABLE>
 
                                                    (footnotes on the next page)
 
                                       18
<PAGE>   20
 
(footnotes for preceding page)
- ---------------
 
(1) In 1993, the Company recognized a $27.5 million ($18.5 million aftertax)
     restructuring charge to combine its Bear Automotive operation with Allen
     Testproducts. In 1991, an $18.2 million ($14.7 million aftertax) special
     charge was recorded for organizational and facility consolidation of two
     operating units, the write off of certain capitalized computer software
     development costs, charges associated with further globalization of the
     Company's original equipment components affiliated businesses with an
     overseas partner, and charges for possible losses associated with certain
     project development investments and notes receivable related to previous
     sales of certain business units.
 
(2) Fiscal years 1989 through 1992 were restated to record the Company's
     previous 49% share of SPT's income or losses, the effect of amortizing the
     difference between its investment balance and its share of SPT's initial
     partnership capital deficit and an adjustment required to record the
     Company's previous investment in SPT at historical cost. Previously,
     because SPT indebtedness was non-recourse to the Company, the Company
     properly did not reflect its share of equity losses of SPT and did not
     amortize the difference between its investment balance and its share of
     SPT's initial partnership capital deficit. The cumulative effect of this
     1989 through 1992 restatement was a pretax charge of $15.9 million (or a
     $10.1 million aftertax reduction) to previously reported shareholders'
     equity.
 
(3) Until December 31, 1993, the Company reported that it held a 50% interest in
     SP Europe. As of December 31, 1993, Riken's pending participation in SP
     Europe reverted to the Company in connection with the transaction to
     acquire Riken's 49% interest in SPT. SP Europe had not been previously
     consolidated due to the Company's deemed temporary control and because
     non-recourse (to the partners) financing was being pursued. Up to December
     31, 1993, the Company carried its investment in SP Europe at zero. Due to
     the resulting 70% ownership, the Company is recording its share of
     cumulative losses since the partnership formation in mid-1991 of $21.5
     million.
 
(4) During 1993, the Company divested its aftermarket parts distribution and
     window and door hardware manufacturing businesses. See "Business--Business
     Strategy." During 1989, the Company divested five small businesses.
 
(5) In 1993, the Company adopted new accounting methodology for its ESOP and
     reflected its 49% share of SPT's 1993 adoption of SFAS No. 106 regarding
     accounting for postretirement benefits other than pensions. In 1992, the
     Company adopted new accounting methodology for postretirement benefits
     other than pensions, and income taxes.
 
(6) Reflects costs associated with prepayment of certain Company and SPT
     indebtedness.
 
(7) For purposes of determining the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, earnings
     consist of income (loss) before income taxes and cumulative effect of
     change in accounting methods and extraordinary loss, plus SPT equity
     losses, SP Europe equity losses and fixed charges. Fixed charges consist of
     interest expense, net (including amortization of deferred financing costs),
     and that portion of rental expense estimated to be representative of the
     interest factor. Earnings were insufficient to cover fixed charges by $20.2
     million in 1991.
 
(8) EBITDA represents operating income (loss) before restructuring and special
     charges, SPT equity losses, SP Europe equity losses, depreciation and
     amortization. EBITDA is not presented herein as an alternative measure of
     operating results, cash flow or liquidity. EBITDA is instead included
     because it is one measure used by certain investors as an indicator of a
     company's operating performance and its ability to service its
     indebtedness.
 
                                       19
<PAGE>   21
 
                    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                 FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993 AS COMPARED TO FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER
31, 1992
 
     Revenues
 
     The following are revenues by business segment:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    INCREASE
                                                              YEAR                 (DECREASE)
                                                        -----------------       -----------------
                                                         1993       1992        AMOUNT     PERCENT
                                                        ------     ------       ------     ------
                                                        (dollars in millions)
<S>                                                     <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>
Specialty service tools.............................    $503.6     $539.6       $(36.0)      (6.7)%
Original equipment components.......................      26.6       15.2         11.4       75.0
SPX Credit Corporation..............................       9.0          -          9.0          -
Businesses sold in 1993.............................     216.9      246.4        (29.5)     (12.0)
                                                        ------     ------       ------
  Total.............................................    $756.1     $801.2       $(45.1)      (5.6)
                                                        ------     ------       ------
                                                        ------     ------       ------
</TABLE>
 
     Total revenues for 1993 were lower than 1992 due primarily to lower
specialty service tools segment revenues and reduced revenues from businesses
which were sold in the fourth quarter of 1993. These declines in revenues were
offset by increased revenues in the original equipment components segment and
the inclusion of lease financing revenues since June 1993 when the SPX Credit
Corporation was formed.
 
     Revenues of the specialty service tools segment were down $36.0 million
principally from reduced sales of refrigerant recovery and recycling systems. In
1992, revenues benefited from $60.0 million of incremental sales of HFC134a
refrigerant recovery and recycling systems to franchised vehicle dealers as many
OEMs required their dealers to purchase this equipment. The balance of the
specialty service tools segment revenues was up in 1993 due to higher essential
tool programs, improved general U.S. economic conditions, increased sales of
electronic hand-held diagnostic equipment and the June 1993 acquisition of Allen
Testproducts.
 
     Revenues of the original equipment components segment were up significantly
from 1992 as more automatic transmissions incorporated the Company's electronic
solenoid valve. Management believes that revenues from these valves will
continue to increase as more automatic transmissions begin to incorporate these
valves. Beginning in 1994, revenues of SPT and SP Europe will be included in
this segment. In 1993 and 1992, aggregate revenues for SPT and SP Europe were
$432.1 million and $404.9 million, respectively.
 
     Gross Profit
 
     Gross profit was $248.1 million, or 32.8% of revenues, in 1993 compared to
$268.0 million, or 33.5% of revenues, in 1992. The decrease in gross margin in
1993 relates to the reduction in higher margin refrigerant recovery and
recycling equipment sales and the related higher manufacturing volumes, certain
costs and redundancies incurred during the integration of Bear Automotive and
Allen Testproducts and increased sales of solenoid valves which carry a lower
gross margin. Inclusion of lease financing revenues increased the gross margin
in 1993, as such revenues do not have a related cost of sales. In 1992, the
effect of inventory reductions resulted in a $1.8 million decrease in costs
related to LIFO inventory liquidations compared to $0.5 million in 1993.
 
     Selling, General and Administrative Expense
 
     Selling, general and administrative expense ("SG&A") was $207.6 million, or
27.5% of revenues, in 1993 compared to $209.9 million, or 26.2% of revenues, in
1992. In 1993, expense was down from 1992 primarily due to the divestitures of
SPR and Truth in the fourth quarter and the impact of the new ESOP accounting
method. In 1993, interest on ESOP debt was classified as "interest expense, net"
($3.9 million), whereas, in 1992, the majority of this amount was included in
SG&A. Offsetting these reductions was the acquisition of Allen Testproducts in
June, a business with relatively high SG&A as a percentage of revenues.
 
                                       20
<PAGE>   22
 
     Operating Income (Loss)
 
     The following is operating income (loss) by business segment:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   YEAR
                                                             -----------------
                                                              1993       1992    INCREASE (DECREASE)
                                                             ------     ------   -------------------
                                                             (dollars in millions)
<S>                                                          <C>        <C>      <C>
Specialty service tools..................................    $(11.7)    $ 51.7         $ (63.4)
Original equipment components............................     (46.5)      (7.0)          (39.5)
SPX Credit Corporation...................................       5.5          -             5.5
Businesses sold in 1993..................................      25.2       21.5             3.7
General corporate........................................     (15.4)     (17.1)            1.7
                                                             ------     ------         -------
  Total..................................................    $(42.9)    $ 49.1         $ (92.0)
                                                             ------     ------         -------
                                                             ------     ------         -------
</TABLE>
 
     Overall operating income (loss) was significantly reduced by the $27.5
million restructuring charge recorded in 1993. Excluding this restructuring
charge, 1993 operating loss would have been $15.4 million compared to $49.1
million of income in 1992. This decrease is associated with lower sales of
refrigerant recovery and recycling systems and integration costs at Automotive
Diagnostics and SPT and SP Europe equity losses.
 
     The specialty service tools segment incurred an $11.7 million loss in 1993,
which includes a $27.5 million restructuring charge for the combination of Bear
Automotive and Allen Testproducts into the new Automotive Diagnostics division
(see the following paragraph). Excluding the restructuring charge, 1993
operating income would have been $15.8 million compared to $51.7 million of
income in 1992. This decrease is associated with lower sales of refrigerant
recovery and recycling systems and other integration costs at Automotive
Diagnostics.
 
     The $27.5 million restructuring charge to combine the businesses into the
Automotive Diagnostics division was recorded in the third quarter of 1993. Of
the $27.5 million restructuring charge, approximately $16.0 million relates to
work force reductions and associated costs. The combined businesses started with
approximately 2,200 employees. That number was reduced to 1,800 at December 31,
1993 and will be at approximately 1,700 by the end of the second quarter of
1994. The charge also included $9.3 million of facility duplication and shutdown
costs, including the write down of excess assets of $4.2 million (non-cash). The
balance of the reserves at December 31, 1993 was approximately $14.5 million,
which is principally required for remaining work force reduction and facility
closing costs.
 
     The original equipment components segment's 1993 operating loss includes
SPT equity losses of $26.9 million and SP Europe equity losses of $21.5 million.
Offsetting these losses, to some extent, were the improved results of the
Company's electronic solenoid valve operation.
 
     Interest Expense, Net
 
     Interest expense, net, was $17.8 million in 1993 compared to $15.1 million
in 1992. Interest costs have been decreasing since 1991 due to favorable
interest rates and overall lower average borrowing levels. In 1993, interest
expense increased by $3.9 million when compared to 1992 and 1991 levels as new
accounting for the Company's ESOP now recognizes the interest element on the
ESOP debt. Prior to 1993, this expense was classified as administrative expense.
The interest element on ESOP debt in 1992 and 1991, which was included in
administrative expense, was $4.1 million and $4.0 million, respectively.
 
     Gain on Sale of Businesses
 
     A $105.4 million pretax gain on the sale of SPR ($52.4 million) and Truth
($53 million) was recorded during the fourth quarter. The operating results of
these units were included through their dates of divestiture, October 22, 1993
for SPR, and November 5, 1993 for Truth. The combined aftertax gain was $64.2
million.
 
                                       21
<PAGE>   23
 
     Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes
 
     The Company's 1993 effective income tax rate for 1993 was 66.0% compared to
39.5% in 1992. The primary item affecting the 1993 rate was the inability to tax
benefit the $21.5 million of SP Europe's equity losses as its foreign
subsidiaries are in net operating loss carryforward positions. Also affecting
the 1993 rate were certain items within the Automotive Diagnostics restructuring
charge not being tax benefited and the cumulative effect of adjusting net
deferred tax liabilities for the 1993 change in the U.S. federal income tax rate
from 34% to 35%. The 1992 rate reflects a normal effective income tax rate.
 
     Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Methods, Net of Taxes
 
     In 1993 and 1992, the Company adopted three new accounting methods relating
to its ESOP, postretirement benefits other than pensions, and income taxes. See
Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a detailed explanation of
these changes.
 
     Extraordinary Loss, Net of Taxes
 
     During the fourth quarter of 1993, the Company determined to refinance both
SPX and SPT indebtedness. As a result, the Company recorded an extraordinary
charge of $37.0 million ($24.0 million aftertax) for costs associated with the
early retirement of $415.0 million (principal amount) of indebtedness expected
to be refinanced. The aggregate amount to retire this indebtedness, including
existing unamortized debt placement fees, will be $452.0 million.
 
FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1992 AS COMPARED TO FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER
31, 1991
 
     Revenues
 
     The following are revenues by business segment:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   INCREASE
                                                               YEAR               (DECREASE)
                                                         ----------------      -----------------
                                                          1992      1991       AMOUNT    PERCENT
                                                         ------    ------      ------    -------
<S>                                                      <C>       <C>         <C>       <C>
                                                                           (dollars in millions)
Specialty service tools................................  $539.6    $430.1      $109.5      25.5%
Original equipment components..........................    15.2       7.8         7.4      94.9
Businesses sold in 1993................................   246.4     235.6        10.8       4.6
                                                         ------    ------      ------
  Total................................................  $801.2    $673.5      $127.7      19.0
                                                         ------    ------      ------
                                                         ------    ------      ------
</TABLE>
 
     Overall revenues increased principally from increases within the specialty
service tools segment.
 
     Revenues of specialty service tools increased over 1991 due to an increase
of approximately $100 million in sales of refrigerant recovery and recycling
systems. The segment also benefited from higher sales to franchised vehicle
dealers, the result of new model vehicle introductions and improved general
economic conditions.
 
     Revenues of original equipment components were up significantly from 1991
as more automatic transmissions incorporated the Company's electronic solenoid
valve.
 
     Gross Profit
 
     Gross profit was $268.0 million, or 33.5% of revenues, in 1992 compared to
$211.8 million, or 31.5% of revenues, in 1991. This improvement as a percentage
of revenues was primarily attributable to higher production activity and related
cost absorption, previous cost reduction programs (including the closure of a
plant in Arkansas), and a general sales mix shift toward higher margin products
than in 1991. In 1992, the effect of inventory reductions resulted in a $1.8
million decrease in costs related to LIFO inventory liquidation.
 
     Selling, General and Administrative Expense
 
     Selling, general and administrative expense was $209.9 million, or 26.2% of
revenues, in 1992 compared to $194.0 million, or 28.8% of revenues, in 1991. The
primary reason for the increase was the variable selling costs associated with
the higher revenues. However, several other factors also contributed to the
increase, including increases in health care costs, costs associated with an
unsuccessful acquisition effort and the higher
 
                                       22
<PAGE>   24
 
current year costs associated with adoption of SFAS No. 106 -- "Employers'
Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other than Pensions."
 
     Operating Income (Loss)
 
     The following is operating income (loss) by business segment:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           YEAR
                                                                     -----------------
                                                                      1992       1991    INCREASE
                                                                     ------     ------   --------
                                                                     (dollars in millions)
<S>                                                                  <C>        <C>      <C>
Specialty service tools..........................................    $ 51.7     $  3.3    $ 48.4
Original equipment components....................................      (7.0)     (15.0)      8.0
Businesses sold in 1993..........................................      21.5       20.0       1.5
General corporate................................................     (17.1)     (20.2)      3.1
                                                                     ------     ------   --------
  Total..........................................................    $ 49.1     $(11.9)   $ 61.0
                                                                     ------     ------   --------
                                                                     ------     ------   --------
</TABLE>
 
     Operating losses in 1991 were impacted by an $18.2 million special charge
(discussed below). Excluding this special charge, 1991 operating income would
have been $6.3 million compared to $49.1 million in 1992. The significant
increase was principally due to income related to the incremental sales of
refrigerant recovery and recycling systems as well as generally improved sales
of specialty service tools.
 
     The specialty service tools segment's 1991 operating income was impacted by
a special charge of $12.5 million related to organizational and facility
consolidation of two operating units and the write off of certain capitalized
computer software development costs due to conceptual changes in future product
offerings. Without the special charge, 1991 operating income would have been
$15.9 million compared to $51.7 million in 1992. In 1992, operating income
increased primarily from approximately $100 million of incremental sales of
refrigerant recovery and recycling systems as well as generally improved sales
of specialty service tools.
 
     The original equipment components segment's operating losses decreased due
to improvements at the Company's electronic solenoid valve operation and due to
reduced SPT equity losses (a $2.4 million loss in 1992 compared to an $8.5
million loss in 1991). In addition, 1991 operating losses included a $2.6
million special charge for the start-up related reduced value of RSV, a joint
venture with Riken, which produces solenoid valves for the Asia Pacific Rim
market.
 
     General corporate expenses in 1991 included a $3.0 million special charge
related to losses on certain project development investments and notes
receivable related to previous business unit sales.
 
     Interest Expense, Net
 
     Interest expense, net, was $15.1 million in 1992 and $16.8 million in 1991
due primarily to lower short-term interest rates.
 
     Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes
 
     The Company's 1992 effective income tax rate was 39.5% compared to a 25.0%
benefit in 1991. The 1992 rate represents a normal effective income tax rate.
The 1991 rate of benefit was the result of the Company not recognizing a
deferred tax benefit on some cost elements included in the special charge
recorded that year, as future tax realization was uncertain.
 
     Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Methods, Net of Taxes
 
     In 1992, the Company adopted two new accounting methods relating to
postretirement benefits other than pensions, and income taxes. See Note 2 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements for a detailed explanation of these changes.
 
                                       23
<PAGE>   25
 
LIQUIDITY AND FINANCIAL CONDITION
 
     The Company's liquidity needs arise primarily from making capital
investment in new equipment, funding working capital requirements and meeting
interest costs.
 
     As a result of the Company's acquisition activity in 1993, the Company will
be more leveraged than in the past. This financial leverage will require
management to focus on cash flows to meet increased interest costs and to
maintain dividends. Management believes that operations and the credit
arrangements established will be sufficient to supply the future funds needed by
the Company.
 
     Management also believes that improvements in operations accomplished in
1993, coupled with completion of other cost reduction activities begun in 1993,
will improve the cash flows of the Company.
 
     Cash Flow
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               YEAR
                                                                   ----------------------------
                                                                    1993       1992       1991
                                                                   ------     ------     ------
                                                                   (in millions)
<S>                                                                <C>        <C>        <C>
Cash flows from operating activities...........................    $ 25.3     $ 67.5     $ 67.4
Cash flows from investing activities...........................      44.3      (24.9)     (34.9)
Cash flows from financing activities...........................      38.5      (44.0)     (33.9)
                                                                   ------     ------     ------
  Net cash flow................................................    $108.1     $ (1.4)    $ (l.4)
                                                                   ------     ------     ------
                                                                   ------     ------     ------
</TABLE>
 
     Operating cash flow was significantly lower in 1993 than in 1992 due to
lower operating earnings, the cash utilization of the Automotive Diagnostics
division restructuring reserve, higher tax payments and increases in the amount
of lease receivables.
 
     Cash flows from investing activities in 1993 reflected the net proceeds
from the divestiture of SPR and Truth of approximately $189 million and the
purchase of Allen Testproducts and AGL for approximately $102 million. In
addition, 1993 included $19.9 million of advances to SP Europe prior to its
being consolidated into the Company's balance sheet compared to $3.1 million in
1992. In 1991, the $12.1 million purchase of Miller Special Tools and $5.0
million invested in SPT are included.
 
     Cash flows from financing activities reflected $37.7 million of reduction
in indebtedness in 1992 compared to $44.0 million of additional borrowings in
1993. In 1991, a $24.2 million reduction in indebtedness was achieved.
 
     The resulting $108.1 million in 1993 cash flow was reflected in the
year-end cash and temporary cash investment balance. A significant portion of
this cash balance was utilized during the first quarter of 1994 to complete the
SPT Purchase and to refinance certain SPX indebtedness.
 
     After completion of the Refinancing, management believes that the
additional availability of borrowings is sufficient to meet operational cash
requirements, working capital requirements and capital expenditures planned for
1994.
 
     Capital Expenditures
 
     Capital expenditures were $15.1 million in 1993, $20.4 million in 1992 and
$19.4 million in 1991. Management expects to continue to incur incremental
capital expenditures to develop new products, improve product and service
quality, and expand the business. With the consummation of the SPT Purchase,
capital expenditures will increase due to SPT's capital intensity. SPT's capital
expenditures, net, were $17.8 million in 1993, $12.9 million in 1992 and $13.1
million in 1991. Capital expenditures planned in 1994 for the Company (including
SPT) are approximately $45 million. Significant projects include expanded
cylinder sleeve manufacturing capabilities, an additional solenoid valve
production line and a facility expansion at a major manufacturing plant.
Management estimates that annual capital expenditures of approximately $15
million are required to maintain the Company's (including SPT's) current
operations.
 
                                       24
<PAGE>   26
 
     Acquisitions and Divestitures
 
     After the acquisition and divestiture activity in 1993, management does not
foresee any significant acquisitions or divestitures. Flexibility is available
under the Bank Credit Agreement and Notes to allow for strategically oriented
acquisitions that directly complement the Company's existing businesses.
 
SEASONALITY, WORKING CAPITAL AND CYCLICALITY
 
     The majority of the Company's revenues is not subject to seasonal
variation. Revenues of the original equipment components segment are
predominantly dependent upon domestic and foreign vehicle production, which is
cyclical, and on general economic conditions and other factors. Revenues of the
specialty service tools segment are dependent upon the frequency of new vehicle
introductions and the general economic status of vehicle dealers and aftermarket
maintenance facilities. These factors can, therefore, affect the Company's
working capital requirements. However, because the Company receives production
forecasts and new vehicle introduction information from OEMs, the Company is
better able to anticipate and manage these requirements. See "Investment
Considerations--Motor Vehicle Industry Cyclicality."
 
IMPACT OF INFLATION
 
     The Company believes that inflation has not had a significant impact on
operations during the period of 1991 through 1993 in any of the countries in
which the Company operates.
 
OTHER MATTERS
 
     Accounting Pronouncements.  As of the beginning of 1994, the Company must
adopt Statement of Financial Accounting Standards, No. 112, "Employers'
Accounting for Postemployment Benefits." This standard requires that the cost of
benefits provided to former or inactive employees be recognized on the accrual
basis of accounting. The Company does not anticipate that this standard will
materially impact its financial position or results of operations upon adoption.
 
     Automotive Diagnostics.  At December 31, 1993, $74 million of goodwill
relates to the Automotive Diagnostics division (composed of Bear Automotive and
Allen Testproducts, which was acquired in 1993). Automotive Diagnostics has
incurred significant operating losses in 1993 and in prior years. The Company
projects that, in the near future, the cost savings, market synergies and other
factors which, in part, will be realized from the Bear Automotive and Allen
Testproducts combination will result in non-discounted operating income
sufficient to exceed goodwill amortization. However, should such projections
require downward revision based on changed events or circumstances, the
Automotive Diagnostics division's goodwill may require write down. Although
having no cash flow impact, the resulting charge, if any, could materially
reduce the Company's future reported results of operations and shareholders'
equity. At this time, based upon present information, projections and strategic
plans, the Company has concluded that there has been no permanent impairment of
the Automotive Diagnostics division's tangible or intangible assets.
 
     Tax Settlement.  During the fourth quarter of 1993, the Company settled a
dispute with the Internal Revenue Service regarding the Company's tax deferred
treatment of the 1989 transaction in which several operating units of the
Company were contributed to SPT. The settlement of approximately $5 million in
tax eliminates the IRS contention that one-half of the 1989 transaction was
currently taxable. The settlement and interest will be paid during the second
quarter of 1994 and is adequately provided for in the Company's deferred income
tax accounts.
 
     Actuarial Discount Rate.  At year-end 1993, the Company (and SPT) reduced
the discount rate used for computation of pension and postretirement benefits to
7.5% from the previous 8.25%. This assumption change had no effect on 1993
results of operations, but will increase expense in the future. The Company does
not expect the increase to be material as certain other actuarial assumptions,
including salary growth and medical trend rates, were also modified to reflect
current experience. The future discount rate is subject to change as long-term
interest rates and other such factors warrant.
 
     Environmental.  The Company's operations and products are subject to
federal, state and local regulatory requirements relating to environmental
protection. It is the Company's policy to comply fully with all such applicable
requirements. As part of its effort to comply, management has established an
ongoing
 
                                       25
<PAGE>   27
 
internal compliance auditing program which has been in place since 1989. Based
on current information, management believes that the Company's operations are in
substantial compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations and
the Company is not aware of any violation that could have a material adverse
effect on the business, financial condition or results of operations of the
Company. There can be no assurance, however, that currently unknown matters, new
laws and regulations, or stricter interpretations of existing laws and
regulations will not materially affect the Company's business or operations in
the future. See Note 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a more
detailed discussion.
 
     Foreign Net Operating Loss Carryforwards.  The Company has foreign net
operating loss carryforwards ("NOLs") of approximately $32.5 million as of
December 31, 1993. These NOLs are available to offset applicable future foreign
taxable income and, for the most part, expire in years after 1996. These NOLs
have been fully reserved through the valuation allowance due to uncertainty
regarding the ability to realize these tax assets.
 
                                       26
<PAGE>   28
 
                                    BUSINESS
 
GENERAL
 
     The Company is a global leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of
specialty service tools for the franchised dealers of vehicle manufacturers and
of piston rings, cylinder sleeves and automatic transmission filters for OEMs.
The Company also is a major designer, manufacturer and marketer of electronic
engine diagnostic equipment, emission testing equipment, wheel service equipment
and other specialty service tools for independent vehicle aftermarket users in
North America and Europe. The Company also provides numerous other original
equipment components, including die cast parts, valve train components and
solenoid valves, to OEMs, and specialty service tools to other non-vehicle
markets.
 
     The Company was organized in 1911 and was known as The Piston Ring Company
until 1931, when it changed its name to Sealed Power Corporation. The name was
again changed in 1988 to SPX Corporation. The Company's principal executive
offices are located at 700 Terrace Point Drive, Muskegon, Michigan 49443, and
its telephone number is (616) 724-5000.
 
INDUSTRY OVERVIEW
 
     The Company serves two broad markets in the vehicle industry. The Company's
specialty service tools are sold to the vehicle maintenance and repair market
and are used primarily by the OEMs' franchised dealers and other independent
service technicians to diagnose and service a wide range of vehicle systems and
equipment. As OEMs develop and manufacture new products, corresponding specialty
mechanical, electronic and hydraulic tools must be developed to diagnose and
service specific problems and aid in the improvement of performance. In the past
decade, the vehicle maintenance and repair market increased its demand for
specialty service tools as a result of several trends: (i) the increase in the
frequency of new model introductions by OEMs, (ii) the advance in the
engineering, computerization and technological complexity of these new
introductions and (iii) the increase in service dollars spent at franchise
dealers as a result of extended new vehicle warranty periods. Sales of specialty
service tools which are essential to franchised dealers, the Company's largest
group of customers for these products, tend to vary with changes in vehicle
design and the number of dealers and are not directly dependent on the volume of
vehicles that are produced by OEMs. In addition, environmental and safety
regulations have become more stringent and require specially designed diagnostic
and other tools to comply with such regulations.
 
     The other broad market served by the Company is the OEM and replacement
parts market, to which the Company's original equipment components are sold. The
U.S., Canadian and European OEM market is primarily composed of four classes of
customers: (i) U.S. manufacturers, principally consisting of General Motors,
Ford and Chrysler, but also including other vehicle manufacturers such as
Navistar International and Mack Trucks, (ii) foreign companies producing
vehicles in North America ("transplants"), (iii) European vehicle manufacturers
sourcing the Company's products through integrated assemblies and (iv) vehicle
manufacturers producing vehicles outside the United States and Canada
("imports"). OEMs are continuing to reduce the lead-time required to bring new
vehicle models to the market and to reduce perceived high internal costs created
by their traditional vertically integrated structures by, among other things,
turning to independent suppliers for design assistance and production of parts
and components. In addition, in order to improve their quality, efficiency and
ability to manage their supplier network, OEMs have decreased the number of
their suppliers to include those which have consistent product quality,
technological expertise and competitive pricing, and are responsive to changes
in the marketplace. OEMs additionally assign Tier 1 status to certain of these
suppliers in order to transfer responsibility for an entire product program to a
supplier. A Tier 1 supplier will often design, engineer, manufacture and conduct
quality control procedures for a product or product assembly. The replacement
parts market primarily consists of the service organizations of the OEMs, as
well as other vehicle parts manufacturers and distributors.
 
     Sales of original equipment components to OEMs are affected, to a large
extent, by vehicle production volume which, in turn, is dependent on general
economic conditions. Vehicle production has historically been cyclical, and
sales of the Company's original equipment components have increased or decreased
depending on the existing economic cycle prevailing at the time. Vehicle
production increased substantially in 1993 and had a favorable impact on sales
of the Company's original equipment components. Replacement parts sales,
 
                                       27
<PAGE>   29
 
on the other hand, depend on the age of vehicles in service and the need for
replacement parts. Sales of original equipment components to the replacement
parts market historically have been less adversely affected by general business
conditions since vehicle owners are more likely to repair vehicles than purchase
new ones during recessionary periods. In 1993, the Company sold approximately
three-fourths of its original equipment components to OEMs and the remaining
one-fourth of such components to the replacement parts market.
 
BUSINESS STRATEGY
 
     The Company believes that the markets it serves offer significant growth
opportunities for its businesses. The Company's business strategy is to focus on
and invest in the core markets for specialty service tools and original
equipment components and to expand its leading market positions. The key
elements of this strategy include: (i) implementation of structural changes to
operations, (ii) operational improvements, (iii) increased specialty service
tool offerings and (iv) leveraging of long-term relationships with existing
customers.
 
     Implementation of Structural Changes to Operations.  In 1993, the Company
completed several transactions which increased the Company's revenues by
approximately 25% from approximately $801 million in 1992 to $1.0 billion on a
pro forma basis in 1993. These transactions, described below, were completed in
order to increase the Company's product offerings, strengthen its sales and
service capabilities and better position the Company to capitalize on prevailing
market and industry trends and opportunities.
 
     -  Created the Automotive Diagnostics division through the acquisition of
       Allen Testproducts and its combination with the Company's Bear Automotive
       business. This new division will enhance the Company's electronic engine
       diagnostics, emission testing and wheel service equipment capabilities
       and is expected to result in annualized cost savings to the Company
       through consolidation of operations and work force reductions in excess
       of $20 million.
 
     -  Created SPX Credit Corporation through the acquisition of the leasing
       company affiliated with Allen Testproducts and its combination with the
       Company's existing leasing operations. This business supports the
       Automotive Diagnostics division by providing customers with a leasing
       option when purchasing the division's products.
 
     -  Divested the Company's aftermarket parts distribution business and the
       Company's window and door hardware manufacturing business. These
       divestitures generated approximately $189 million in net cash proceeds
       which the Company used to reduce indebtedness and to further invest in
       its core businesses.
 
     -  Acquired the 49% interest in SPT held by Riken. SPT represents
       substantially all of the Company's original equipment components segment.
 
     Operational Improvements.  The Company continually explores ways to
increase its operational efficiency while maintaining its reputation as a
manufacturer of high-quality products. Ongoing programs to meet this objective
involve the addition of new machinery, consolidation of facilities and other
productivity improvements. Examples of recent productivity improvements include
the addition of a $25 million automated cylinder sleeve production system which
will enable the Company to meet the increasing demand for cast iron sleeves for
aluminum block engine programs, which are part of the trend toward lighter
weight vehicles. In addition, the Company is consolidating its European casting
facilities at a single location which employs improved casting technology. The
Company expects this consolidation to enable the Company to increase production
with less scrap and maintain better inventory control without any increase in
the work force. Both segments of the Company's businesses have received numerous
quality awards and certifications from General Motors, Ford, Chrysler and other
OEM customers. Most parts supplied by the original equipment components segment
to General Motors are supplier-certified, six of SPT's plants which serve Ford
have achieved Ford's Q-1 rating and an SPT filter production plant is one of
only seven plants worldwide to have achieved Chrysler's Pentastar ratings in
every year since the award's establishment. The rating systems of General
Motors, Ford and Chrysler are based on evaluations by teams of quality auditors
who personally visit the manufacturing facilities in order to determine whether
they meet certain standards developed by these OEMs. The standards generally
involve the evaluation of quality systems control, delivery, technology,
management and price.
 
     Increased Specialty Service Tool Offerings.  The market for the Company's
specialty service tools has increased as a result of several recent trends: (i)
the increase in the frequency of new model introductions by
 
                                       28
<PAGE>   30
OEMs, (ii) the advance in the engineering, computerization and technological
complexity of these new introductions and (iii) the increase in service dollars
spent at franchise dealers as a result of extended new vehicle warranty periods.
The Company considers franchised dealers and professional technicians, who
benefit most from these trends, to constitute the strongest part of its customer
base for specialty service tools. By continuing to strengthen its involvement in
the design phase of OEM product development and identifying applications for new
and existing specialty service tools, the Company believes it can capitalize on
these trends. In addition, the growing number of environmental laws and
regulations have created a demand for new technologies and products, including
the Company's refrigerant recycling systems and vehicle exhaust emission testing
equipment. The Company will continue to aggressively pursue this market by
continuing to develop new products and technologies.
 
     Leveraging of Long-Term Relationships with Existing Customers.  The trend
of OEMs to contract sourcing of components to fewer outside suppliers favors
larger, more efficient suppliers with high-quality products. The Company
historically has had strong relationships, some of which date back 80 years,
with major OEMs, including General Motors, Ford and Chrysler. In addition,
because of the long lead time and the high degree of engineering interaction
between the OEMs and the Company associated with the development of certain new
designs and products, particularly in those cases where the Company is a Tier 1
supplier, the Company at times is the sole source to certain OEMs for engine and
transmission parts for particular vehicle models. The Company is capitalizing on
these relationships to become more involved in the design, engineering,
manufacturing and quality control phases of product and product assembly
programs of OEMs. The Company believes its Tier I status will enable it to
continue to offer products to its customers at a lower cost and afford itself a
competitive advantage in securing new business for both of its business
segments.
 
BUSINESS SEGMENTS
 
     The Company operates in two primary business segments, specialty service
tools and original equipment components for the global vehicle industry. It also
operates a lease financing business for customers of its electronic engine
diagnostic, emission testing and wheel service equipment. The following
unaudited pro forma information summarizes the Company's revenues by business
segment as if the 1993 Transactions had occurred as of January 1, 1991.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                       -------------------------------------------------------
                                                                1992                1993
                                                           ---------------     ---------------
                                            1991
                                       ---------------  (dollars in millions)
<S>                                    <C>         <C>     <C>         <C>     <C>         <C>
Specialty Service Tools..............  $ 525.3      58%    $ 606.2      58%    $ 529.2      52%
Original Equipment Components........    366.1      40       420.0      40       458.8      46
SPX Credit Corporation...............     15.2       2        16.7       2        15.7       2
                                       -------     ---     -------     ---     -------     ---
          Total......................  $ 906.6     100%    $1,042.9    100%    $1,003.7    100%
                                       -------     ---     -------     ---     -------     ---
                                       -------     ---     -------     ---     -------     ---
</TABLE>
 
     Specialty Service Tools
 
     The Company's specialty service tools segment designs, manufactures and
markets a wide range of specialty service tools and diagnostic equipment
primarily for the global vehicle industry and, to some extent, to industries
outside of the vehicle industry. The Company markets these products as solutions
to service problems and as aids to performance improvements. The design of
specialty service tools is critical to their functionality and generally
requires close coordination with either the OEM or the ultimate user of the
tools or instruments. A tool specially developed for a specific model vehicle
often will be suitable for use with that model only, and will require
modification for other or subsequently developed models. Therefore, although
many of the specialty service tools designed, manufactured and marketed by the
Company may perform similar tasks, the Company often redesigns each of these
products as new model vehicles are introduced.
 
     The Company's operations which design, manufacture and market specialty
service tools are oriented primarily to serve certain customer groups with which
these operations have developed strong relationships. Thus, while two or more of
the Company's operations may market a substantially similar specialty service
tool, each operation will focus its marketing efforts on different customers. In
certain circumstances, after the design of a product has been completed and a
market established, the Company may outsource all or a portion
 
                                       29
<PAGE>   31
of the manufacture or assembly of these products. The Company also sells a broad
line of equipment of other manufacturers through franchised dealer equipment
programs coordinated with certain vehicle OEMs.
 
     The table below identifies certain of the Company's principal specialty
service tool categories, as well as the brand names under which they are
marketed. Each such category, however, includes numerous variations and
configurations of similar products, since the design thereof depends on customer
needs and specific applications. The table does not include all of the Company's
specialty service tools, and the Company is continually developing new products
for specialty applications.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
              PRODUCT CATEGORY                                  BRAND NAME
- ---------------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------------
<S>                                            <C>
Mechanical specialty service tools...........  Kent-Moore, OTC, Robinair, Miller Special
                                               Tools, Lowener, V.L. Churchill
Electronic specialty service tools...........  Allen Testproducts, Bear, Kent-Moore, OTC,
                                               Robinair, V.L. Churchill
Hydraulic specialty service tools, pumps,
  valves   and shop equipment................  OTC, Power Team
Electronic diagnostic equipment..............  Allen Testproducts, Bear, Kent-Moore, OTC,
                                               V.L. Churchill
Emission testing equipment...................  Allen Testproducts, Bear, Kent-Moore, OTC,
                                               V.L. Churchill
Engine coolant recovery and recycling
  equipment..................................  Robinair
Refrigerant recovery and recycling
  equipment..................................  Bear, Kent-Moore, OTC, Robinair
Wheel service equipment......................  Bear
Dealer equipment programs....................  Dealer Equipment & Services, Euroline
</TABLE>
 
     The Company's specialty service tools segment also is increasing its
emphasis on the service aspect of the specialty service tools market. The
Company's Dealer Equipment and Services division administers dealer equipment
programs in North America and Europe for 14 motor vehicle manufacturers,
including General Motors, Hyundai, Mazda, Nissan, Opel, Saab, Saturn, Toyota and
Volvo. Under the vehicle manufacturer's identity, the division supplies service
equipment and technical support to franchised dealers, develops and distributes
equipment catalogs and promotional materials, and helps franchised dealers
design, assess and meet their service equipment needs.
 
     The Company markets its specialty service tools to franchised vehicle
dealers and other aftermarket service and maintenance organizations or
individual professional technicians. Products are sold to franchised dealers
under both essential and general programs. Essential programs are those in which
the OEM requires its franchised dealers to purchase and maintain the tools for
warranty and service work. A portion of the Company's specialty service tools
sales is to the stationary, or non-transportation, market, which includes the
appliance, refrigeration and air conditioning markets. Sales of specialty
service tools are made through direct sales forces and through independent
distributorships (which are typically supported by the Company's technical
support staff). The specialty service tools segment has manufacturing facilities
in the United States and Spain, and sales and marketing operations in Australia,
Brazil, Canada, France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, The Netherlands, the United
Kingdom and the United States.
 
     Original Equipment Components
 
     The Company's original equipment components segment designs, manufactures
and markets component parts for vehicles. These parts primarily fall into five
product lines: (i) piston and transmission rings, cylinder sleeves and other
castings, (ii) precision die castings, (iii) tappets, valve guides and roller
rocker arms, (iv) automatic transmission fluid filters and other filter products
and (v) solenoid valves. Because of the nature of these products and the market
in which they are sold, the reputation of the manufacturer and the quality and
price of the products are considered significant to their marketing success.
 
     Rings and Sleeves.  The Company is the world's largest manufacturer of
piston rings. The Company also is among the largest U.S. independent producers
of cylinder sleeves for vehicle engines. This product line has benefited from
the trend in the vehicle industry to reduce the weight of vehicles in order to
increase gas
 
                                       30
<PAGE>   32
 
mileage. This trend has resulted in the development of aluminum engine blocks
which require cast iron cylinder sleeves. Vehicle engine blocks made of cast
iron do not require a cylinder sleeve. The Company has been successful in
obtaining contracts with OEMs for these high volume vehicle cylinder sleeve
applications.
 
     Through SP Europe, in which the Company has a 70% interest, the Company
offers the European market a leading, fully integrated supplier of vehicle
piston rings and cylinder sleeves, with engineering design and testing
capabilities and fully integrated manufacturing processes. SP Europe's primary
European customers are VW, Federal Mogul, Mahle, Kolbenschmidt, Alcan, Audi,
Volvo and Mercedes Benz. SP Europe was created by the Company in 1991 to acquire
the European piston ring and cylinder sleeve manufacturing business of TRW. In
October 1992, Mahle, a leading European manufacturer of pistons, contributed its
Spanish piston ring operation to SP Europe in exchange for a 30% ownership
interest.
 
     Die Castings.  The Company produces precision aluminum, magnesium and zinc
die cast parts for vehicle steering, air conditioning and other systems. The
primary products in this line include steering column parts, rack-and-pinion
housings and other castings such as components for air conditioning compressors,
fuel systems, clutches and transmissions. Sales of the Company's die cast
products also have benefited from the trend to decrease the weight of vehicles.
The Company's magnesium steering column components, which are lighter and have a
higher strength-to-weight ratio than cast iron, are used by many OEMs to
accommodate air bag requirements in vehicles. In addition, through a new
proprietary die casting method called "Process 2000," which increases the
strength of aluminum, the Company has been successful in competing against
suppliers of components, such as suspension system components, manufactured from
heavier materials.
 
     Valve Train Products.  The Company is a major domestic supplier of a
variety of valve train components, including tappets, lash adjusters and roller
rocker arms. In addition to producing high-quality valve train products, the
Company is focusing on providing higher-margin, value-added products to vehicle
manufacturers, such as integrated valve train assemblies and subassemblies which
reduce engine development time and improve manufacturing efficiency.
 
     Transmission Filters.  The Company is the largest global producer of
automatic transmission fluid filters. The Company believes its market position
and leading automatic transmission filter technology will enable it to
capitalize on the growth opportunities in the widespread use of automatic
transmissions in North America and the growing acceptance of automatic
transmissions in Europe and the Asia Pacific Rim Market.
 
     Solenoid Valves.  The Company produces solenoid valves and related
assemblies for major vehicle transmission manufacturers around the world. Its
proprietary solenoid valve products are devices that interface between the
electronic signals of a vehicle's on-board computer and the vehicle's hydraulic
systems. The Company is using this technology in designing and manufacturing
solenoid valves for electronically controlled automatic transmissions and
believes that sales of these products will increase as OEMs increase their
applications for these devices.
 
     The Company sells its original equipment components to the OEMs directly
and to the replacement parts market primarily through a technical sales force.
In order to gain entrance to certain foreign markets, the Company participates
in several joint ventures located outside the United States. See
"--International Operations" below. The Company also participates with Riken in
a joint venture located in the United States to serve Japanese transplants. In
1993, on a pro forma basis, approximately three-fourths of the Company's
original equipment components were sold to the OEMs and the remaining one-fourth
was sold to the replacement parts market. The Company's original equipment
components are manufactured in the United States, Germany, France and Spain.
 
International Operations
 
     In 1993, the Company's total export sales to both affiliated and
unaffiliated customers, from the United States, were approximately $35 million
and $74 million, respectively. SPT's export sales historically have been less
than 10% of its total sales. The Company has wholly owned operations located in
Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Singapore,
Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. The Company also has a 70% ownership
in SP Europe, which is headquartered in Germany.
 
                                       31
<PAGE>   33
 
     Additionally, the Company has the following joint venture equity
investments:
 
- -   JATEK (50%) -- A Japanese company that sells various products in the Asia
    Pacific Rim market, including many of the Company's specialty service tools.
 
- -   RSV (50%) -- A Japanese company that utilizes the Company's technology to
    develop and manufacture solenoid valves for the Asia Pacific Rim market.
 
- -   PROMEC (40%) -- A Mexican company that manufactures and distributes ring and
    sleeve products in Mexico.
 
- -   IBS Filtran (50%) -- A German company that manufactures and distributes
    automatic transmission filters to the European market.
 
     The Company also licenses its piston ring technology to a Brazilian vehicle
parts manufacturer and has a cross-licensing agreement for piston rings with
Riken.
 
SPX Credit Corporation
 
     SPX Credit Corporation was created through the acquisition of the leasing
company affiliated with Allen Testproducts and its combination with the
Company's existing leasing operations. This business provides U.S. and Canadian
customers of the Company's Automotive Diagnostics division with a leasing option
when purchasing electronic diagnostic, emission testing and wheel service
equipment. Essentially all of the direct financing leases, which are five years
in length or less, are with companies or individuals operating within the
vehicle repair industry.
 
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
 
     The Company is actively engaged in research and development programs
designed to improve existing products and manufacturing methods and to develop
new products. These engineering efforts encompass all of the Company's products
with divisional engineering teams coordinating their resources.
 
     Particular emphasis has been placed on the development of new products that
are compatible with, and build upon, the manufacturing and marketing
capabilities of the Company. To assist the Company in meeting customer
requirements, computer aided design (CAD) systems that provide rapid integration
of computers in mechanical design, model testing and manufacturing control are
used extensively.
 
     The Company (excluding SPT) expended $17.6 million on research activities
relating to the development and improvement of its products in 1993, $14.7
million in 1992 and $13.1 million in 1991. There was no customer-sponsored
research activity in these years. After the SPT Purchase, the Company's research
and development expenditures will increase. SPT's research and development
expenditures were $3.4 million in 1993, $3.8 million in 1992 and $3.6 million in
1991.
 
EMPLOYEES
 
     As of December 31, 1993, the Company employed approximately 8,600 persons.
Approximately one-third of the Company's production and maintenance employees,
who compose approximately 60% of the Company's work force, are covered by
collective bargaining agreements with various unions. Management believes the
Company has generally enjoyed good relations with its employees.
 
SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMERS
 
     Sales to General Motors, Ford and Chrysler and their various divisions,
dealers and distributors would have accounted for approximately 17%, 10% and 8%,
respectively, of the Company's 1993 consolidated net revenues (after giving pro
forma effect to the 1993 Transactions). No other customer or group of customers
under common control accounted for more than 5% of consolidated sales of the
Company in 1993. See "Investment Considerations--Motor Vehicle Industry
Cyclicality."
 
PROPERTIES
 
     United States.  The principal properties used by the Company for
manufacturing, administration and warehousing consist of 42 separate facilities
totaling approximately 3.8 million square feet. These facilities are
 
                                       32
<PAGE>   34
 
located in Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri,
Ohio and Pennsylvania. All facilities are owned, except for 11 leased
non-manufacturing facilities.
 
     The Company also has 33 distribution and service centers located throughout
the United States for distribution and servicing of its specialty service tools.
These distribution and service centers aggregate 190,000 square feet and are all
leased. No single distribution and service center is material to the Company's
business.
 
     International.  The Company owns approximately 150,000 square feet and
leases approximately 600,000 square feet of manufacturing, administration and
distribution facilities in Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Italy,
The Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
 
COMPETITION
 
     The Company competes globally with a number of other manufacturers and
distributors which produce and sell similar products. Quality, technological
innovation and price are the primary elements of competition. These competitors
include vertically integrated units of the Company's major OEM customers, as
well as a large number of independent domestic and international suppliers.
Certain of these companies are larger and have greater resources than the
Company. See "Investment Considerations--Competition."
 
                                       33
<PAGE>   35
 
                    DESCRIPTION OF THE BANK CREDIT AGREEMENT
 
     The principal terms of the Bank Credit Agreement are summarized below. This
summary does not purport to be complete, and is qualified in its entirety by
reference to the Bank Credit Agreement, a copy of which has been filed as an
exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part.
 
     On March 24, 1994, the Company entered into the Bank Credit Agreement with
The First National Bank of Chicago, as agent (the "Agent") for the banks named
therein, which provides for the unsecured Revolving Credit Facility and an
unsecured letter of credit facility, both of which mature on March 15, 1999. The
Revolving Credit Facility initially permitted the Company to borrow up to $250
million, approximately $165 million of which the Company borrowed, together with
available cash, to consummate the Initial Transactions. See "Capitalization" and
"Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Statements."
 
     Upon the consummation of the Offering, the available credit under the
Revolving Credit Facility will be reduced to $225 million, which includes up
to $20 million under the letter of credit facility. The amount available under
the Revolving Credit Facility is reduced further by $12.5 million on each June
15 and December 15 in 1997 and 1998, as well as by the stated amount of all
outstanding letters of credit issued under the letter of credit facility. In
addition, the Bank Credit Agreement provides that the credit commitment
available under the Revolving Credit Facility is automatically and permanently
reduced by the following amounts: (i) 100% of net cash proceeds from sales or
dispositions of any property or business that exceeds $1 million on an annual
basis, (ii) 50% of the Company's excess cash flow (but in no event reducing the
amount available to less than $150 million) and (iii) 100% of the proceeds from
the sale by the Company of equity securities in excess of $25 million (but in no
event reducing the amount available to less than $150 million). The Company may,
at its election and at any time, permanently reduce the amount available under
the Revolving Credit Facility in whole or in part and without penalty in
increments of $5 million.
 
     At the Company's option, interest on amounts borrowed under the Revolving
Credit Facility will be payable either at (i) the greater of (x) the rate
announced as the corporate base rate of the Agent and (y) the applicable federal
funds rate plus 0.5% or (ii) the Eurodollar rate plus 1%. The annual rate of
interest under this facility on March 31, 1994 was   %. The Revolving Credit
Facility obligates the Company to enter into hedging arrangements which fix the
interest rate of approximately $75 million of borrowings thereunder at 8% for an
average weighted maturity of at least two years. In addition, the Company is
required to pay a commitment fee of  3/8% per annum on the average daily unused
portion of the Revolving Credit Facility, as well as certain other customary
fees and commissions.
 
     The Bank Credit Agreement contains certain customary covenants, including
without limitation reporting and other affirmative covenants of and restrictions
(subject to certain exceptions) on the Company (and in most cases the Company's
subsidiaries) with respect to: (i) liens and encumbrances, (ii) guarantees,
(iii) sale and leaseback transactions, (iv) certain sales of assets, (v)
consolidations and mergers, (vi) investments (including investments in
subsidiaries), (vii) capital expenditures, (viii) loans and advances, (ix)
indebtedness and additional indebtedness, (x) compliance with pension,
environmental and other laws, (xi) operating leases, (xii) transactions with
subsidiaries and affiliates, (xiii) changes in lines of business, (xiv) hedging
of interest rates and (xv) prepayment of other debt. The Bank Credit Agreement
also provides that the payment of dividends and certain other restricted
payments may be made only if the Company is not in default under the Bank Credit
Agreement and, until the Company has received a credit rating of BBB or better
by Standard and Poor's Corporation, such payments may not exceed 10% of the
Company's consolidated EBITDA during any consecutive 12-month period; provided,
however, that irrespective of such limitations, the Company may make dividend
payments aggregating up to $8 million on or before June 30, 1995, and may
repurchase the partnership interests of certain SPT managers in an amount not in
excess of $3.0 million. Subject to satisfaction of certain conditions (including
obtaining accounts receivable securitization financing and/or non-recourse
financing with respect to SPX Credit Corporation in an aggregate amount of $50
million), the Company may expend up to $50 million in the aggregate for
acquisitions and additional investments during the term of the Bank Credit
Agreement, which $50 million amount may be replenished on a dollar-for-dollar
basis in an amount equal to 50% from a portion of the Company's excess cash
flow.
 
     The Bank Credit Agreement requires the Company to comply with certain
financial covenants and contains certain customary events of default and
representations and warranties.
 
                                       34
<PAGE>   36
 
                            DESCRIPTION OF THE NOTES
 
     The Notes will be issued under an indenture to be dated as of
              , 1994 (the "Indenture"), between the Company and The Bank of New
York, as trustee (the "Trustee"). The following summary of the material
provisions of the Indenture does not purport to be complete and is subject to,
and qualified in its entirety by, reference to the provisions of the Indenture,
including the definitions of certain terms contained therein and those terms
made part of the Indenture by reference to the Trustee Indenture Act of 1939, as
amended, as in effect on the date of the Indenture. The definitions of certain
capitalized terms used in the following summary are set forth below under
"--Certain Definitions."
 
GENERAL
 
     The Notes will be unsecured senior subordinated obligations of the Company
limited to $260,000,000 aggregate principal amount. The Notes will be issued
only in registered form without coupons, in denominations of $1,000 and integral
multiples thereof. (Section    ) Principal of, premium, if any, and interest on
the Notes will be payable, and the Notes will be transferable, at the corporate
trust office or agency of the Trustee in The City of New York maintained for
such purposes initially at 48 Wall Street, New York, New York 10286. (Section
  ) In addition, interest may be paid at the option of the Company by check
mailed to the person entitled thereto as shown on the security register.
(Section    ) No service charge will be made for any transfer, exchange or
redemption of Notes, except in certain circumstances for any tax or other
governmental charge that may be imposed in connection therewith. (Section    )
 
MATURITY, INTEREST AND PRINCIPAL
 
     The Notes will mature on               , 2002. Interest on the Notes will
accrue at the rate of    % per annum and will be payable semi-annually on each
              and               , commencing               , 1994, to the
holders of record of the Notes at the close of business on the               and
              immediately preceding such interest payment date. Interest on the
Notes will accrue from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or,
if no interest has been paid, from the original date of issuance (the "Issue
Date"). Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of
twelve 30-day months. The Notes are not subject to the benefit of any sinking
fund.
 
OPTIONAL REDEMPTION
 
     Optional Redemption.  The Notes will be redeemable at the option of the
Company, in whole or in part, at any time on or after               , 1998, at
the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount) set forth
below, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date, if
redeemed during the 12-month period beginning               of the years
indicated below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      REDEMPTION
                                     YEAR                               PRICE
            -----------------------------------------------------  ----------------
            <S>                                                    <C>
            1998.................................................              %
            1999.................................................              %
            2000 and thereafter..................................        100.00%
</TABLE>
 
     Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control prior to               , 1998,
the Notes will be redeemable, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company,
upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days' prior notice to each holder of
Notes to be redeemed, at a redemption price equal to the sum of (i) the then
outstanding principal amount thereof, plus (ii) accrued and unpaid interest, if
any, to the redemption date plus (iii) the Applicable Premium.
 
     In addition, up to 20% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes
outstanding on the Issue Date will be redeemable prior to               , 1996,
at the option of the Company, within 45 days of the sale of Capital Stock in a
Public Equity Offering from the net proceeds of such sale at a redemption price
equal to    % of the principal amount to be redeemed, together with accrued and
unpaid interest, if any, thereon to the date of redemption. (Section    )
 
     Selection and Notice.  In the event that less than all of the Notes are to
be redeemed at any time, selection of such Notes for redemption will be made by
the Trustee in compliance with the requirements
 
                                       35
<PAGE>   37
of the principal national securities exchange, if any, on which the Notes are
listed or, if the Notes are not then listed on a national securities exchange,
on a pro rata basis, by lot or by such method as the Trustee shall deem fair and
appropriate; provided, however, that no Notes of a principal amount of $1,000 or
less shall be redeemed in part. Notice of redemption shall be mailed by first
class mail at least 30 but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to
each holder of Notes to be redeemed at its registered address. If any Note is to
be redeemed in part only, the notice of redemption that relates to such Note
shall state the portion of the principal amount thereof to be redeemed. A new
Note in a principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion thereof will be
issued in the name of the holder thereof upon surrender for cancellation of the
original Note. On and after the redemption date, interest will cease to accrue
on Notes or portions thereof called for redemption unless the Company defaults
in the payment of the redemption price. (Sections           )
 
SUBORDINATION
 
     The payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes
will be subordinated, to the extent set forth in the Indenture, in right of
payment to the prior payment in full in cash, Cash Equivalents or other
acceptable form of payment of all existing and future Senior Indebtedness of the
Company, which includes, without limitation, all obligations under the Bank
Credit Agreement. The Notes will be unsecured senior subordinated indebtedness
of the Company, ranking pari passu with all other existing and future senior
subordinated indebtedness of the Company and senior to all future Subordinated
Indebtedness of the Company. (Section    ) The payment of the principal of,
premium, if any, and interest on the Notes will be effectively subordinate to
the claims of general creditors of the Company's Subsidiaries, including SPT,
which are not Guarantors. See "Investment Considerations--Subordination of the
Notes." On the date the Notes are issued, none of the Company's Subsidiaries
will be Guarantors.
 
     The Indenture will provide that in the event of (a) any insolvency or
bankruptcy case or proceeding, or any receivership, liquidation, reorganization
or other similar case or proceeding in connection therewith, relating to the
Company or its assets, or (b) any liquidation, dissolution or other winding-up
of the Company, whether voluntary or involuntary and whether or not involving
insolvency or bankruptcy, or (c) any assignment for the benefit of creditors or
other marshalling of assets or liabilities of the Company (except a distribution
in connection with a consolidation of the Company with, or the merger of the
Company into, another corporation or the liquidation or dissolution of the
Company following conveyance, transfer or lease of its properties and assets
substantially as an entirety to another corporation upon the terms and
conditions described below under "--Merger, Sale of Assets, Etc."), holders of
all Senior Indebtedness of the Company shall be entitled to receive payment in
full in cash, Cash Equivalents or in any other manner acceptable to the holders
of Senior Indebtedness of all amounts due or to become due thereon, before the
holders of the Notes are entitled to receive any payment or distribution (except
for certain permitted equity or subordinated debt securities (the "Permitted
Junior Securities")) on account of the principal of, premium, if any, and
interest on the Notes. In the event that, notwithstanding the foregoing, after
an event described in clause (a), (b) or (c), the Trustee or any holder of the
Notes shall have received payment or distribution of assets of the Company of
any kind or character (excluding Permitted Junior Securities) before all Senior
Indebtedness is paid in full or payment thereof provided for in cash, Cash
Equivalents or in any other manner acceptable to the holders of the Senior
Indebtedness, then such payment or distribution will be paid over or delivered
to the trustee in bankruptcy, receivership, liquidating trustee, custodian,
assignee, agent or other person making payment or distribution of assets of the
Company for application to the payment of all Senior Indebtedness remaining
unpaid to the extent necessary to pay all Senior Indebtedness in full in cash,
Cash Equivalents or in any other manner acceptable to the holders of the Senior
Indebtedness. (Section    )
 
     During the continuance of any default in the payment of principal of,
premium, if any, or interest on any Designated Senior Indebtedness when due
(whether at final maturity, upon scheduled installment, acceleration or
otherwise) (a "Payment Default"), no payment or distribution of any assets of
the Company of any kind or character (other than Permitted Junior Securities or
payments previously made pursuant to the provisions described under
"--Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance of Indenture") shall be made on account of
the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes unless and until
such Payment Default has been cured or waived or has ceased to exist or such
Designated Senior Indebtedness shall have been discharged or
 
                                       36
<PAGE>   38
 
paid in full in cash, Cash Equivalents or in any other manner acceptable to the
holders of the Senior Indebtedness. (Section        )
 
     In addition, during the continuance of any other default with respect to
any Designated Senior Indebtedness pursuant to which the maturity thereof may be
accelerated (a "Non-payment Default"), after receipt by the Trustee from a
representative of holders of such Designated Senior Indebtedness of a written
notice of such Non-payment Default, no payment or distribution of any assets of
the Company of any kind or character (other than Permitted Junior Securities or
payments previously made pursuant to the provisions described under
"--Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance of Indenture") may be made by the Company
on account of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes,
including for the redemption, purchase or other acquisition of Notes for the
period specified below (the "Payment Blockage Period").
 
     The Payment Blockage Period shall commence upon the receipt of notice of a
Non-payment Default by the Trustee from a representative of holders of
Designated Senior Indebtedness stating that such notice is a payment blockage
notice pursuant to the Indenture and shall end on the earliest to occur of the
following events: (i) 179 days shall have elapsed since the receipt of such
notice (provided such Designated Senior Indebtedness as to which notice was
given shall not theretofore have been accelerated), (ii) the date on which such
default is cured or waived or ceases to exist (provided that no other Payment
Default or Non-payment Default has occurred and is then continuing after giving
effect to such cure or waiver), (iii) the date on which such Designated Senior
Indebtedness is discharged or paid in full in cash, Cash Equivalents or in any
other manner acceptable to holders of the Designated Senior Indebtedness or (iv)
the date on which such Payment Blockage Period shall have been terminated by
written notice to the Company or the Trustee from the representative of holders
of Designated Senior Indebtedness initiating such Payment Blockage Period, after
which the Company shall promptly resume making any and all required payments in
respect of the Notes, including any missed payments. Only one Payment Blockage
Period with respect to the Notes may be commenced within any 360 consecutive day
period. No Non-payment Default that existed or was continuing on the date of the
commencement of any Payment Blockage Period with respect to the Designated
Senior Indebtedness initiating such Payment Blockage Period will be, or can be,
made the basis for the commencement of a subsequent Payment Blockage Period,
whether or not within a period of 360 consecutive days, unless such default has
been cured or waived for a period of not less than 90 consecutive days
subsequent to the commencement of such initial Payment Blockage Period. In no
event will a Payment Blockage Period extend beyond 179 days from the date of the
receipt by the Trustee of the notice and there must be a 181 consecutive day
period in any 360 day period during which no Payment Blockage Period is in
effect. (Section        )
 
     If the Company fails to make any payment on the Notes when due or within
any applicable grace period, whether or not on account of the payment blockage
provisions referred to above, such failure would constitute an Event of Default
under the Indenture and would enable the holders of the Notes to accelerate the
maturity thereof. See "--Events of Default."
 
     By reason of such subordination, in the event of liquidation, receivership,
reorganization or insolvency, creditors of the Company who are holders of Senior
Indebtedness may recover more, ratably, than the holders of the Notes, and funds
which would be otherwise payable to the holders of the Notes will be paid to the
holders of the Senior Indebtedness to the extent necessary to pay the Senior
Indebtedness in full, and the Company may be unable to meet its obligations in
full with respect to the Notes.
 
     As of December 31, 1993, on a pro forma basis, after giving effect to the
1993 Transactions and the Refinancing (including the issuance of the Notes and
the application of the estimated net proceeds therefrom), the amount of
outstanding Senior Indebtedness of the Company would have been approximately
$150 million. Because the Company conducts a substantial portion of its
operations through its subsidiaries, including SPT, the claims of creditors of
such subsidiaries will have priority with respect to the assets and earnings of
such subsidiaries over the claims of creditors of the Company, including holders
of the Notes, even though such obligations do not constitute Senior
Indebtedness. On a pro forma basis, the Company's subsidiaries had indebtedness
for borrowed money and trade payables of approximately $30 million as of
December 31, 1993. See "Description of the Bank Credit Agreement" and "Use of
Proceeds." The Indenture will limit, but not prohibit, the incurrence by the
Company of additional Indebtedness which is senior or pari
 
                                       37
<PAGE>   39
passu in right of payment to the Notes and will prohibit the incurrence by the
Company of Indebtedness which is contractually subordinated in right of payment
to any Senior Indebtedness of the Company and senior in right of payment to the
Notes.
 
CERTAIN COVENANTS
 
     The Indenture will contain the following covenants, among others:
 
     Limitation on Indebtedness.  The Company will not, and will not permit any
of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create, incur, issue,
assume, guarantee or in any other manner become directly or indirectly liable
(in each case, to "incur") for the payment of any Indebtedness (including any
Acquired Indebtedness but excluding Permitted Indebtedness); provided, however,
that (i) the Company will be permitted to incur Indebtedness (including Acquired
Indebtedness), contingently or otherwise, if at the time of such incurrence, and
after giving pro forma effect thereto, the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage
Ratio of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries is at least equal to 2.0 to
1.0 through        , 1996 and 2.25 to 1 thereafter and (ii) in the case of
Subordinated Indebtedness, such Indebtedness has no scheduled principal payment
on or prior to the Stated Maturity for the final scheduled principal payment of
the Notes.
 
     Limitation on Restricted Payments.  (a) The Company will not, and will not
permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly:
 
     (i) declare or pay any dividend or make any other distribution or payment
on or in respect of Capital Stock of the Company or any payment made to the
direct or indirect holders (in their capacities as such) of Capital Stock of the
Company (other than dividends or distributions payable solely in Capital Stock
(other than Redeemable Capital Stock) or rights to purchase Capital Stock of the
Company (other than Redeemable Capital Stock));
 
     (ii) purchase, redeem, defease or otherwise acquire or retire for value,
directly or indirectly, any Capital Stock of the Company or any Affiliate of the
Company (other than any such Capital Stock of any Wholly Owned Restricted
Subsidiary of the Company);
 
     (iii) make any principal payment on, or purchase, defease, repurchase,
redeem or otherwise acquire or retire for value, prior to any scheduled maturity
(unless within one year of maturity), scheduled repayment, scheduled sinking
fund payment or other Stated Maturity, any Subordinated Indebtedness;
 
     (iv) make any Investment (other than any Permitted Investment) in any
person, including any Unrestricted Subsidiary (other than in the Company, a
Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary of the Company or a person that becomes a
Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary as a result of such Investment); or
 
     (v) declare or pay any dividend or make any other distribution on or in
respect of any Capital Stock of any Subsidiary to the direct or indirect holders
(in their capacities as such) of Capital Stock of the Subsidiary (other than
with respect to Capital Stock held by the Company or any of its Wholly Owned
Restricted Subsidiaries) or any purchase, redemption or other acquisition or
retirement for value, of any Capital Stock of any Restricted Subsidiary (other
than any such Capital Stock held by the Company or any Wholly Owned Restricted
Subsidiary);
 
(such payments, dividends, distributions, purchases, defeasances, repurchases,
redemptions, acquisitions, retirements or Investments described in the preceding
clauses (i) through (v) are collectively referred to as "Restricted Payments"),
unless, at the time of and after giving effect to the proposed Restricted
Payment (the amount of any such Restricted Payment, if other than in cash, being
as determined by the Board of Directors of the Company, whose determination
shall be conclusive and evidenced by a board resolution), (A) no Default or
Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, (B) the aggregate amount
of all Restricted Payments declared or made from and after the date immediately
following the Issue Date would not exceed the sum of (1) 50% of the aggregate
Consolidated Net Income of the Company accrued on a cumulative basis during the
period (treated as one accounting period) beginning on March 31, 1994 and ending
on the last day of the fiscal quarter of the Company immediately preceding the
date of such proposed Restricted Payment (or, if such aggregate cumulative
Consolidated Net Income of the Company for such period shall be a deficit, minus
100% of such deficit) plus (2) the aggregate net cash proceeds received by the
Company after the Issue Date from the issuance or sale (other than to any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries)
 
                                       38
<PAGE>   40
 
of Capital Stock (excluding Redeemable Capital Stock but including Capital Stock
issued upon the conversion of convertible Indebtedness or in exchange for
outstanding Indebtedness (to the extent such Indebtedness is originally sold for
cash) or from the exercise of options, warrants or rights to purchase Capital
Stock (other than Redeemable Capital Stock)) of the Company to any person (other
than to a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company) (except, in each case, to the
extent such proceeds are used to purchase, redeem or otherwise retire Capital
Stock or Subordinated Indebtedness as set forth below), plus (3) in the case of
the disposition or repayment of any Investment constituting a Restricted Payment
made after the Issue Date (excluding any Investment made pursuant to clause (v)
of the following paragraph or clause (xii) of the definition of "Permitted
Investments"), an amount equal to the lesser of the return of capital with
respect to such Investment and the cost of such Investment, in either case, less
the cost of the disposition of such Investment and (C) the Company could incur
$1.00 of additional Indebtedness under the first paragraph of the "Limitation on
Indebtedness" covenant described above. For purposes of the preceding clause
(B)(2), the value of the aggregate net proceeds received by the Company upon the
issuance of Capital Stock, either upon the conversion of convertible
Indebtedness or in exchange for outstanding Indebtedness or upon the exercise of
options, warrants or rights will be the net cash proceeds received upon the
issuance of such Indebtedness, options, warrants or rights plus the incremental
amount received by the Company upon the conversion, exchange or exercise
thereof.
 
     (b) None of the foregoing provisions will prohibit: (i) the payment of any
dividend within 90 days after the date of its declaration, if at the date of
declaration such payment would be permitted by the foregoing paragraph (a); (ii)
the redemption, repurchase or other acquisition or retirement of any shares of
any class of Capital Stock of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the
Company in exchange for (including any such exchange pursuant to a conversion
right or privilege in connection with which cash is paid in lieu of fractional
shares or scrip), or out of the net cash proceeds of, a substantially concurrent
issue and sale of other shares of Capital Stock (other than Redeemable Capital
Stock) of the Company to any person (other than to a Restricted Subsidiary of
the Company); provided, however, that such net cash proceeds are excluded from
clause (B)(2) of the preceding paragraph (a); (iii) any redemption, defeasance,
repurchase or other acquisition or retirement for value (each for purposes of
this clause, a "refinancing") of Pari Passu Indebtedness or Subordinated
Indebtedness by exchange for, or out of the net cash proceeds of, a
substantially concurrent issue and sale of (1) Capital Stock (other than
Redeemable Capital Stock) of the Company; provided, however, that any such net
cash proceeds are excluded from clause (B)(2) of the preceding paragraph (a); or
(2) new Indebtedness of the Company so long as such Indebtedness (A) is pari
passu with or expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Notes in the
same manner and at least to the same extent as the Notes are subordinated to
Senior Indebtedness, (B) has a principal amount that does not exceed the
principal amount so refinanced plus the amount of any premium required to be
paid in connection with such refinancing pursuant to the terms of the
Indebtedness refinanced or the amount of any premium reasonably determined by
the Company as necessary to accomplish such refinancing, plus the amount of fees
and expenses of the Company incurred in connection with such refinancing;
provided that for purposes of this clause, the principal amount of any
Indebtedness shall be deemed to mean the principal amount thereof or if such
Indebtedness provides for an amount less than the principal amount thereof upon
a declaration of acceleration thereof, such lesser amount as of the date of
determination, (C) has a Stated Maturity for the final scheduled principal
payment of such Indebtedness on or later than the Stated Maturity for the final
scheduled principal payment of the Notes and (D) has an Average Life to Stated
Maturity that equals or exceeds the Average Life to Stated Maturity of the
Notes; (iv) the redemption or repurchase of the limited partnership interests of
SPT owned by certain employees of SPT on the Issue Date for an aggregate amount
not to exceed $3,000,000; (v) so long as no Default or Event of Default shall
have occurred and be continuing, the making of (x) Investments constituting
Restricted Payments and (y) other Restricted Payments such that, after giving
effect thereto, the sum of the aggregate outstanding amount of such Investments
(valued at their cost) referred to in clause (x) made after the Issue Date and
the aggregate amount of such other Restricted Payments referred to in clause (y)
made after the Issue Date would not exceed $10,000,000; or (vi) Investments
constituting Restricted Payments made as a result of the receipt of non-cash
consideration from any Asset Sale made pursuant to and in compliance with the
covenant "--Disposition of Proceeds of
 
                                       39
<PAGE>   41
Asset Sales." In computing the amount of Restricted Payments for the purposes of
clause (B) of the preceding paragraph, Restricted Payments made under (i) and
(vi) shall be included. (Section    )
 
     Limitation on Liens.  The Company will not and will not permit any
Restricted Subsidiary to create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien of
any kind upon any of its property or assets, now owned or hereafter acquired, to
secure any Pari Passu Indebtedness or Subordinated Indebtedness unless prior to
or contemporaneously therewith the Notes are secured equally and ratably;
provided that (1) if such secured Indebtedness is Pari Passu Indebtedness, the
Lien securing such Pari Passu Indebtedness shall rank equally and ratably with
the Lien securing the Notes and (2) if such secured Indebtedness is Subordinated
Indebtedness, the Lien securing such Subordinated Indebtedness shall be
subordinate and junior to the Lien securing the Notes at least to the same
extent as such Subordinated Indebtedness is subordinated to the Notes. The
foregoing shall not apply to any Lien securing Acquired Indebtedness of the
Company; provided that any such Lien only extends to the assets that were
subject to such Lien prior to the related acquisition by the Company and was not
created, incurred or assumed in contemplation of such transaction. The foregoing
shall apply to the incurrence of Indebtedness pursuant to clause (10), (12),
(13) or (14) of the definition of "Permitted Indebtedness."
 
     Purchase of Notes upon Change of Control.  Upon the occurrence of a Change
of Control, the Company shall be obligated to make an Offer to purchase (a
"Change of Control Offer") and shall, subject to the provisions described below,
purchase, on a business day (the "Change of Control Purchase Date") not more
than 60 nor less than 30 days following the occurrence of the Change of Control,
all of the then outstanding Notes at a purchase price (the "Change of Control
Purchase Price") equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and
unpaid interest, if any, to the Change of Control Purchase Date; provided,
however, that notwithstanding the occurrence of a Change of Control, the Company
shall not be obligated to make a Change of Control Offer in the event that it
has exercised its right to redeem all of the Notes as described under
"--Optional Redemption" within 30 days after the occurrence of such Change of
Control. The Company shall, subject to the provisions described below, be
required to purchase all Notes properly tendered into the Change of Control
Offer and not withdrawn. Prior to the mailing of the notice to holders provided
for below, the Company shall have (x) terminated all commitments and repaid in
full all Indebtedness under the Bank Credit Agreement, or offered to terminate
such commitments and repay in full such Indebtedness and have in fact terminated
the commitments of and repaid all Indebtedness of any lender under the Bank
Credit Agreement who accepts such offer or (y) obtained the requisite consents
under the Bank Credit Agreement to permit the purchase of the Notes as provided
for under this covenant. If a notice has been mailed when such condition
precedent has not been satisfied, the Company shall have no obligation to (and
shall not) effect the purchase of Notes until such time as such condition
precedent is satisfied. Failure to mail the notice on the date specified below
or to have satisfied the foregoing condition precedent by the date that the
notice is required to be mailed shall in any event constitute a covenant Default
under clause (i) of "--Events of Default" herein. The Change of Control Offer is
required to remain open for at least 20 business days and until the close of
business on the business day immediately prior to the Change of Control Purchase
Date. (Section    )
 
     In order to effect such Change of Control Offer, the Company shall, not
later than the 30th day after the Change of Control, mail to each holder of
Notes notice of the Change of Control Offer, which notice shall govern the terms
of the Change of Control Offer and shall state, among other things, the
procedures that holders of Notes must follow to accept the Change of Control
Offer.
 
     If a Change of Control Offer is made, there can be no assurance that the
Company will have available funds sufficient to pay the Change of Control
Purchase Price for all of the Notes that might be delivered by holders of Notes
seeking to accept the Change of Control Offer. The Company shall not be required
to make a Change of Control Offer upon a Change of Control if a third party
makes the Change of Control Offer in the manner, at the times and otherwise in
compliance with the requirements applicable to a Change of Control Offer made by
the Company and purchases all Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn under
such Change of Control Offer.
 
     The occurrence of the events constituting a Change of Control under the
Indenture will result in an event of default under the Bank Credit Agreement
and, thereafter, the lenders will have the right to require
 
                                       40
<PAGE>   42
repayment of the borrowing thereunder in full. The Company's obligations under
the Bank Credit Agreement represent obligations senior in right of payment to
the Notes and the Bank Credit Agreement will not permit the purchase of the
Notes absent consent of the lenders thereunder in the event of a Change of
Control (although the failure by the Company to comply with its obligations
hereunder in the event of a Change of Control would constitute a Default under
the Notes).
 
     The Company will comply with Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any
other securities laws and regulations thereunder to the extent such laws and
regulations are applicable, in the event that a Change of Control occurs and the
Company is required to purchase Notes as described above. The obligation of the
Company to make a Change of Control Offer may deter a third party from acquiring
the Company in a transaction which constitutes a Change of Control. (Section
   )
 
     The use of the term "all or substantially all" in Indenture provisions such
as clause (b) of the definition of "Change of Control" and under "--Merger, Sale
of Assets, Etc." has no clearly established meaning under New York law (which
governs the Indenture) and has been the subject of limited judicial
interpretation in few jurisdictions. Accordingly, there may be a degree of
uncertainty in ascertaining whether a particular transaction would involve a
disposition of "all or substantially all" of the assets of a person, which
uncertainty should be considered by prospective purchasers of the Notes.
 
     Disposition of Proceeds of Asset Sales.  The Company will not, and will not
permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, make any Asset Sale unless (i) the
Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, receives
consideration at the time of such Asset Sale at least equal to the fair market
value, as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Company, of
the shares or assets sold or otherwise disposed of and (ii) at least 85% of such
consideration consists of cash and Cash Equivalents. To the extent that the Net
Cash Proceeds of any Asset Sale are not required to be applied to prepay Senior
Indebtedness and thereby permanently reduce the commitments or amounts available
to be reborrowed under such Senior Indebtedness as required by the terms
thereof, or are not so applied, the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary, as the
case may be, may apply the Net Cash Proceeds from such Asset Sale, within 360
days of such Asset Sale, to an investment in properties and assets other than
working capital that replace the properties and assets that were the subject of
such Asset Sale or in properties and assets other than working capital that will
be used in the business of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries existing
on the Issue Date or in businesses reasonably related thereto ("Replacement
Assets") so long as the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary has notified the
Trustee in writing within 270 days of such Asset Sale that it has determined to
apply the Net Cash Proceeds from such Asset Sale to an investment in such
Replacement Assets. Any Net Cash Proceeds from any Asset Sale not applied as
provided in the preceding two sentences within 360 days of such Asset Sale
constitute "Excess Proceeds" subject to disposition as provided below.
 
     When the aggregate amount of Excess Proceeds equals $10,000,000 or more,
the Company shall apply the Excess Proceeds to the repayment of the Notes and
any Pari Passu Indebtedness required to be repurchased under the instrument
governing such Pari Passu Indebtedness as follows: (i) the Company shall make an
offer to purchase (an "Offer") to all holders of the Notes in accordance with
the procedures set forth in the Indenture in the maximum principal amount
(expressed as a multiple of $1,000) of Notes that may be purchased out of an
amount (the "Note Amount") equal to the product of such Excess Proceeds
multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the outstanding principal
amount of the Notes, and the denominator of which is the sum of the outstanding
principal amount of the Notes and such Pari Passu Indebtedness (subject to
proration in the event such Note Amount is less than the aggregate Offered Price
(as defined herein) of all Notes tendered) and (ii) to the extent required by
such Pari Passu Indebtedness to permanently reduce the principal amount of such
Pari Passu Indebtedness, the Company shall make an offer to purchase or
otherwise repurchase or redeem Pari Passu Indebtedness (a "Pari Passu Offer") in
an amount (the "Pari Passu Debt Amount") equal to the excess of the Excess
Proceeds over the Note Amount; provided that in no event shall the Company be
required to make a Pari Passu Offer in a Pari Passu Debt Amount exceeding the
principal amount of such Pari Passu Indebtedness plus the amount of any premium
required to be paid to repurchase such Pari Passu Indebtedness. The offer price
shall be payable in cash in an amount equal to 100% of the principal amount of
the Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any (the "Offered Price"), to the
date (the "Offer Date") such Offer is consummated, in accordance with the
procedures set forth in the
 
                                       41
<PAGE>   43
Indenture. To the extent that the aggregate Offered Price of the Notes tendered
pursuant to the Offer is less than the Note Amount relating thereto or the
aggregate amount of Pari Passu Indebtedness that is purchased is less than the
Pari Passu Debt Amount (the amount of such shortfall, if any, in either case
constituting a "Deficiency"), the Company shall use such Deficiency in any
manner. Upon completion of the purchase of all the Notes tendered pursuant to an
Offer and repurchase of the Pari Passu Indebtedness pursuant to a Pari Passu
Offer, the amount of Excess Proceeds, if any, shall be reset at zero.
 
     Whenever the Excess Proceeds received by the Company exceed $5,000,000,
such Excess Proceeds shall, prior to the purchase of Notes or any Pari Passu
Indebtedness described in the preceding paragraph, be set aside by the Company
in a separate account pending (i) deposit with the depositary or a paying agent
of the amount required to purchase the Notes or Pari Passu Indebtedness tendered
in an Offer or a Pari Passu Offer, respectively, (ii) delivery by the Company of
the Offered Price to the holders of the Notes or Pari Passu Indebtedness
tendered in an Offer or a Pari Passu Offer, respectively and (iii) application,
as set forth in the preceding paragraphs, of Excess Proceeds in the business of
the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries. Such Excess Proceeds may be
invested in Cash Equivalents; provided that the maturity date of any such
investment shall not be later than (A) in the event the amount of Excess
Proceeds equals $7,000,000 or more, the Offer Date, or (B) in any other event,
six months. The Company shall be entitled to any interest or dividends accrued,
earned or paid on such Cash Equivalents; provided that the Company shall not be
entitled to such interest, and shall not withdraw such interest from the
separate account, if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.
 
     The Company will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to,
create or permit to exist or become effective any restriction (other than
restrictions existing under (i) Indebtedness as in effect on the Issue Date as
such Indebtedness may be refinanced or replaced from time to time or (ii) any
Senior Indebtedness existing on the Issue Date or thereafter; provided that such
restrictions contained in such refinanced Indebtedness are no less favorable to
the holders of Notes than those existing on the date of the Indenture) that
would materially impair the ability of the Company to make an Offer to purchase
the Notes or, if such Offer is made, to pay for the Notes tendered for purchase.
 
     The Company will comply with Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any
other securities laws and regulations thereunder to the extent such laws and
regulations are applicable, in the event that an Asset Sale occurs and the
Company is required to purchase Notes as described above. In the event that the
Company is prohibited by provisions of applicable law from purchasing Notes from
the holders thereof in an offer to purchase the Notes, the Company need not make
such offer so long as such prohibition is in effect. (Section    )
 
     Restriction on Transfer of Assets.  The Company will not sell, convey,
transfer or otherwise dispose of its assets or property to any of its
Subsidiaries, except for sales, conveyances, transfers or other dispositions (a)
made in the ordinary course of business and (b) made to any Wholly Owned
Restricted Subsidiary, if such Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary (x)
simultaneously with such sale, conveyance, transfer or disposal executes and
delivers a supplemental indenture to the Indenture providing for the guarantee
of payment of the Notes by such Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary and setting
forth the terms and conditions pursuant to which the Trustee shall seek payment
under such a guarantee (such a guarantee shall be unconditional and shall be
subordinated to any guarantee of such Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary of
Senior Indebtedness of the Company and shall be subordinated to any other
Indebtedness of such Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary (which is not
subordinated to any other Indebtedness of such Wholly Owned Restricted
Subsidiary or which is designated by such Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary as
being senior in right of payment to such guarantee), in each case to the same
extent as the Notes are subordinated to the Senior Indebtedness of the Company
under the Indenture) and (y) waives and will not in any manner whatsoever claim
or take the benefit or advantage of, any rights of reimbursement, indemnity or
subrogation or any rights against the Company or any other Subsidiary as a
result of any payment by such Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary under its
Guarantee.
 
     Limitation on Issuance and Sale of Capital Stock by Restricted
Subsidiaries.  The Company (i) will not permit any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries to issue any Capital Stock (other than to the Company or a Wholly
Owned Restricted Subsidiary of the Company) and (ii) will not permit any person
(other than the Company
 
                                       42
<PAGE>   44
or a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary of the Company) to own any Capital Stock
of any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company other than with respect to the
limited partnership interests of SPT owned by certain employees of SPT and with
respect to SP Europe, so long as the Company shall own at least 51% of the
combined general and limited partnership interests thereof. (Section    )
 
     Limitation on Transactions with Affiliates.  The Company will not, and will
not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, enter
into or suffer to exist any transaction or series of related transactions
(including, without limitation, the sale, transfer, disposition, purchase,
exchange or lease of assets, property or services) with, or for the benefit of,
any Affiliate of the Company (other than a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary of
the Company) or any "beneficial owner" (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5
under the Exchange Act) of 10% or more of the Company's Common Stock at any time
outstanding ("Interested Persons") except (i) on terms that are no less
favorable to the Company, or its Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, than
those which could have been obtained in a comparable transaction or transactions
on an arm's-length basis at such time from persons who are not Affiliates of the
Company or Interested Persons, (ii) with respect to a transaction or series of
transactions involving aggregate payments or value equal to or greater than
$10,000,000, (A) such transaction or series of transactions has been approved by
a majority of the disinterested members of the Board of Directors or the Company
has obtained a written opinion from a nationally recognized investment banking
firm stating that the terms of such transactions or series of transactions are
fair to the Company or its Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, from a
financial point of view, and (B) the Company shall have delivered an officer's
certificate to the Trustee certifying that such transaction or series of
transactions comply with the preceding clause (i), and (iii) with respect to any
transaction or series of transactions involving aggregate payments or value
equal to or greater than $1,000,000 and less than $10,000,000, the Company shall
have complied with the condition set forth in clause (ii)(B) above. This
covenant will not restrict the Company from (i) paying reasonable and customary
regular fees to directors of the Company who are not employees of the Company,
(ii) making loans or advances to employees and officers of the Company and its
Restricted Subsidiaries for bona fide business purposes of the Company in the
ordinary course of business, (iii) the payment of dividends in respect of the
Company or any Restricted Subsidiary permitted under the "--Limitation on
Restricted Payments" covenant, or (iv) transactions provided for under
agreements in existence on the date of the Indenture and listed on a schedule
thereto.
 
     Limitation on Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Restricted
Subsidiaries.  The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create or otherwise cause or suffer to
exist or become effective any encumbrance or restriction on the ability of any
Restricted Subsidiary of the Company to (a) pay dividends, in cash or otherwise,
or make any other distributions on or in respect of its Capital Stock or any
other interest or participation in, or measured by, its profits, (b) pay any
Indebtedness or other obligation owed to the Company or any other Restricted
Subsidiary of the Company, (c) make loans or advances to the Company or any
other Restricted Subsidiary of the Company, (d) transfer any of its properties
or assets to the Company or any other Restricted Subsidiary of the Company, or
(e) guarantee any Indebtedness of the Company or any other Restricted Subsidiary
of the Company, except for such encumbrances or restrictions existing under or
by reason of (i) any agreement or other instrument of a person acquired by the
Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company in existence at the time of
such acquisition (but not created in contemplation thereof), which encumbrance
or restriction is not applicable to any person, or the properties or assets of
any person, other than the person, or the property or assets of the person, so
acquired, (ii) any encumbrance or restriction in the Bank Credit Agreement or
any other agreement as in effect on the date of the Indenture and listed on a
schedule thereto, and (iii) any encumbrance or restriction pursuant to any
agreement that extends, refinances, renews or replaces any agreement described
in clause (i) and (ii) above, which is not materially more restrictive or less
favorable to the holders of Notes than those existing under the agreement being
extended, refinanced, renewed or replaced. (Section       )
 
     Limitation on Guarantees by Restricted Subsidiaries.  The Company will not
permit any Restricted Subsidiary, directly or indirectly, to assume, guarantee
or in any other manner become liable with respect to any Indebtedness of the
Company or any Guarantor, unless such Restricted Subsidiary is a Guarantor or
simultaneously executes and delivers a supplemental indenture providing for the
guarantee of payment of the
 
                                       43
<PAGE>   45
Notes by such Restricted Subsidiary and waives and will not in any manner
whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any rights of
reimbursement, indemnity or subrogation or any other rights against the Company
or any other Restricted Subsidiary as a result of any payment by such Restricted
Subsidiary under its guarantee; provided, however, that in the case of any
guarantee of any Guarantor with respect to Senior Indebtedness, the guarantee of
the payment of the Notes by such Guarantor to be provided in accordance herewith
shall be subordinated to the guarantee with respect to such Senior Indebtedness
in the same manner and to the same extent as the Notes are subordinated to such
Senior Indebtedness. Each guarantee created pursuant to the provisions described
above is referred to as a "Guarantee" and the issuer of each such Guarantee, so
long as the Guarantee remains outstanding, is referred to as a "Guarantor."
 
     Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that a Guarantor is released
from all obligations which pursuant to the first sentence of the preceding
paragraph obligate it to become a Guarantor, such Guarantor shall be released
from all obligations under its Guarantee (provided that the provisions of the
first sentence of the preceding paragraph shall apply anew in the event that
such Guarantor subsequent to being released incurs any obligations that pursuant
to such sentence obligate it to become a Guarantor). In addition, upon any sale
or disposition (by merger or otherwise) of any Guarantor by the Company or a
Restricted Subsidiary of the Company to any person that is not an Affiliate of
the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries which is otherwise in
compliance with the terms of the Indenture, such Guarantor will be deemed to be
released from all obligations under its Guarantee; provided, however, that each
such Guarantor is sold or disposed of in accordance with the "--Disposition of
Proceeds of Asset Sales" covenant above; provided further that the foregoing
proviso shall not apply to the sale or disposition of a Guarantor in a
foreclosure to the extent that such proviso would be inconsistent with the
requirements of the Uniform Commercial Code. (Section        )
 
     Limitation on Certain Other Subordinated Indebtedness.  The Company will
not issue, directly or indirectly, any Indebtedness which is subordinated or
junior in ranking in any respect to Senior Indebtedness unless such Indebtedness
is expressly pari passu with or subordinated in right of payment to the Notes.
(Section        )
 
     Reporting Requirements.  The Company will file, to the extent permitted
under the Exchange Act, with the Commission the annual reports, quarterly
reports and other documents required to be filed with the Commission pursuant to
Sections 13 and 15 of the Exchange Act, whether or not the Company has a class
of securities registered under the Exchange Act. The Company will file with the
Trustee, and provide to each holder of the Notes, copies of such reports and
documents within 15 days after it files them with the Commission or, if filing
such documents by the Company with the Commission is not permitted under the
Exchange Act, within 15 days after it would otherwise have been required to file
such reports and documents if permitted, in each case at the Company's cost.
(Section        )
 
MERGER, SALE OF ASSETS, ETC.
 
     The Indenture will provide that the Company will not, in any transaction or
series of transactions, merge or consolidate with or into, or sell, assign,
convey, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its
properties and assets as an entirety to, any person or persons, and that the
Company will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to enter into any
such transaction or series of transactions if such transaction or series of
transactions, in the aggregate, would result in a sale, assignment, conveyance,
transfer, lease or other disposition of all or substantially all of the
properties and assets of the Company or of the Company and its Restricted
Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to any other person or persons, unless at the
time and after giving effect thereto (i) either (A) if the transaction or
transactions is a merger or consolidation, the Company shall be the surviving
person of such merger or consolidation or (B) (1) the person formed by such
consolidation or into which the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary is merged
or to which the properties and assets of the Company or such Restricted
Subsidiary, as the case may be, substantially as an entirety, are transferred
(any such surviving person or transferee person being the "Surviving Entity")
shall be a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the United
States of America, any state thereof or the District of Columbia and (2) (x) in
case of a transaction involving the Company, the Surviving Entity shall
expressly assume by a supplemental indenture executed and delivered to the
Trustee, in form satisfactory to the Trustee, all the obligations of the Company
under the Notes and the Indenture, and in each case, the Indenture shall remain
 
                                       44
<PAGE>   46
in full force and effect or (y) in the case of a transaction involving a
Restricted Subsidiary that is a Guarantor, the Surviving Entity shall expressly
assume by a supplemental indenture executed and delivered to the Trustee, in
form satisfactory to the Trustee, all of the obligations of such Restricted
Subsidiary under its Guarantee and related supplemental indenture, and in each
case, such Guarantee and supplemental indenture shall remain in full force and
effect; (ii) immediately before and immediately after giving effect to such
transaction or series of transactions on a pro forma basis (including, without
limitation, any Indebtedness incurred or anticipated to be incurred in
connection with or in respect of such transaction or series of transactions), no
Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing and the
Company, or the Surviving Entity, as the case may be, after giving effect to
such transaction or series of transactions on a pro forma basis, could incur
$1.00 of additional Indebtedness under the first paragraph of the "--Limitation
on Indebtedness" covenant described above (assuming a market rate of interest
with respect to such additional Indebtedness); and (iii) immediately after
giving effect to such transaction, the Surviving Entity shall have a
Consolidated Net Worth in an amount which is not less than the Consolidated Net
Worth of the Company immediately prior to such transaction; provided that a
Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary may consolidate with, or merge with or into,
or convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all its assets to, the Company
or another Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary. (Section      )
 
     In connection with any consolidation, merger, transfer, lease or other
disposition contemplated hereby, the Company shall deliver, or cause to be
delivered, to the Trustee, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the
Trustee, an officers' certificate and an opinion of counsel, each stating that
such consolidation, merger, transfer, lease or other disposition and the
supplemental indenture in respect thereof comply with the requirements under the
Indenture. In addition, each Guarantor, if any, unless it is the other party to
the transaction or unless its Guarantee will be released and discharged in
accordance with its terms as a result of the transaction, will be required to
confirm, by supplemental indenture, that its Guarantee of the Notes will apply
to the obligations of the Company or the Surviving Entity under the Indenture.
(Section      )
 
     Upon any consolidation or merger or any transfer of all or substantially
all of the assets of the Company in accordance with the foregoing, in which the
Company is not the continuing corporation, the successor corporation formed by
such a consolidation or into which the Company is merged or to which such
transfer is made, shall succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise
every right and power of, the Company under the Indenture with the same effect
as if such successor corporation had been named as the Company therein. (Section
     )
 
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
 
     The following will be "Events of Default" under the Indenture:
 
     (i)   default in the payment of the principal of, or premium, if any, when
due and payable, on any of the Notes (at its Stated Maturity, upon optional
redemption, required purchase or otherwise);
 
     (ii)  default in the payment of an installment of interest on any of the
Notes, when due and payable, for 30 days;
 
     (iii) failure by the Company to comply with its obligations under
"--Merger, Sale of Assets, Etc." above;
 
     (iv) failure by the Company to perform or observe any other term, covenant
or agreement contained in the Notes or the Indenture (other than a default
specified in clause (i), (ii) or (iii) above) for a period of 30 days after
written notice of such failure requiring the Company to remedy the same shall
have been given (x) to the Company by the Trustee or (y) to the Company and the
Trustee by the holders of 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then
outstanding;
 
     (v) (A) default or defaults under one or more agreements, instruments,
mortgages, bonds, debentures or other evidences of Indebtedness under which the
Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company then has outstanding
indebtedness in excess of $10,000,000, individually or in the aggregate, and
either (i) such Indebtedness is already due and payable in full or (ii) such
default or defaults have resulted in the acceleration of the maturity of such
Indebtedness, or (B) failure to pay such Indebtedness beyond any
 
                                       45
<PAGE>   47
applicable grace period when such Indebtedness has been required to be prepaid
or repurchased (other than scheduled required prepayment) prior to the stated
maturity of such Indebtedness;
 
     (vi) one or more judgments, orders or decrees of any court or regulatory or
administrative agency of competent jurisdiction for the payment of money in
excess of $10,000,000, individually or in the aggregate, shall be entered
against the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company or any of their
respective properties and shall not have been discharged or fully bonded, and
either (1) any creditor shall have commenced an enforcement proceeding upon such
judgment (other than a judgment that is stayed by pending appeal or otherwise)
or (2) there shall have been a period of 60 days after the date on which any
period for appeal has expired and during which a stay of enforcement of such
judgment, order or decree, shall not be in effect;
 
     (vii) any Guarantee ceases to be in full force and effect (other than as
provided in the second paragraph under the "--Limitation on Guarantees of
Restricted Subsidiaries" covenant above) or is declared null and void, or any
Guarantor denies that it has any further liability under any Guarantee, or gives
notice to such effect (other than by reason of the termination of the Indenture
or the release of any such Guarantee in accordance with the Indenture); or
 
     (viii) certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization with
respect to the Company or any Significant Subsidiary of the Company shall have
occurred. (Section    )
 
     If an Event of Default (other than as specified in clause (viii) above with
respect to the Company or any Significant Subsidiary) shall occur and be
continuing, the Trustee, by notice to the Company, or the holders of at least
25% in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding, by notice to
the Trustee and the Company, may declare the principal of, premium, if any, and
accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on all of the outstanding Notes due and
payable immediately, upon which declaration all amounts payable in respect of
the Notes shall be immediately due and payable. If an Event of Default specified
in clause (viii) above with respect to the Company or any Significant Subsidiary
occurs and is continuing, then the principal of, premium, if any, and accrued
and unpaid interest, if any, on all of the outstanding Notes shall ipso facto
become and be immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act
on the part of the Trustee or any holder of Notes. (Section   )
 
     After a declaration of acceleration under the Indenture, but before a
judgment or decree for payment of money due has been obtained by the Trustee,
the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding
Notes, by written notice to the Company and the Trustee, may rescind such
declaration and its consequences if: (a) the Company has paid or deposited with
the Trustee (i) a sum sufficient to pay such sums paid or advanced by the
Trustee under the Indenture and the reasonable compensation, expenses,
disbursements, and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, (ii) all
overdue interest on all Notes, (iii) the principal of and premium, if any, on
any Notes which have become due otherwise than by such declaration of
acceleration and interest thereon at the rate borne by the Notes, and (iv) to
the extent that payment of such interest is lawful, interest upon overdue
interest and overdue principal at the rate borne by the Notes which have become
due otherwise than by such declaration of acceleration; (b) the rescission would
not conflict with any judgment or decree of a court of competent jurisdiction;
and (c) all Events of Default, other than the non-payment of principal of,
premium, if any, and interest on the Notes that have become due solely by such
declaration of acceleration, have been cured or waived. (Section    )
 
     The holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of
the outstanding Notes may on behalf of the holders of all the Notes waive any
past defaults under the Indenture except a default in the payment of the
principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any Note, or in respect of a
covenant or provision which under the Indenture cannot be modified or amended
without the consent of the holder of each Note outstanding. (Section    )
 
     No holder of any of the Notes has any right to institute any proceeding
with respect to the Indenture or any remedy thereunder, unless the holders of at
least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes have made
written request, and offered reasonable indemnity, to the Trustee to institute
such proceeding within 30 days after receipt of such notice and the Trustee,
within such 30-day period, has not received directions inconsistent with such
written request by holders of a majority in aggregate principal
 
                                       46
<PAGE>   48
 
amount of the outstanding Notes. Such limitations do not apply, however, to a
suit instituted by a holder of a Note for the enforcement of the payment of the
principal of, premium, if any, or interest on, such Note on or after the
respective due dates expressed in such Note. (Sections    and    )
 
     During the existence of an Event of Default, the Trustee is required to
exercise such rights and powers vested in it under the Indenture and use the
same degree of care and skill in its exercise thereof as a prudent person would
exercise under the circumstances in the conduct of such person's own affairs.
Subject to the provisions of the Indenture relating to the duties of the
Trustee, whether or not an Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, the
Trustee under the Indenture is not under any obligation to exercise any of its
rights or powers under the Indenture at the request or direction of any of the
holders of the Notes unless such holders shall have offered to the Trustee
reasonable security or indemnity. Subject to certain provisions concerning the
rights of the Trustee, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount
of the outstanding Notes have the right to direct the time, method and place of
conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising
any trust or power conferred on the Trustee under the Indenture. (Sections
and    )
 
     If a Default or an Event of Default occurs and is continuing and is known
to the Trustee, the Trustee shall mail to each holder of the Notes notice of the
Default or Event of Default within 60 days after such occurrence. Except in the
case of a Default or an Event of Default in payment of principal of, premium, if
any, or interest on any Notes, the Trustee may withhold the notice to the
holders of such Notes if a committee of its trust officers in good faith
determines that withholding the notice is in the interest of the holders of the
Notes. (Section        )
 
     The Company is required to furnish to the Trustee annual and quarterly
statements as to the performance by the Company of its obligations under the
Indenture and as to any default in such performance. The Company is also
required to notify the Trustee within ten days of any event which is, or after
notice or lapse of time or both would become, an Event of Default. (Section
       )
 
DEFEASANCE OR COVENANT DEFEASANCE OF INDENTURE
 
     The Company may, at its option and at any time, terminate the obligations
of the Company with respect to the outstanding Notes ("defeasance"). Such
defeasance means that the Company shall be deemed to have paid and discharged
the entire Indebtedness represented by the then outstanding Notes, except for
(i) the rights of holders of outstanding Notes to receive payment in respect of
the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on such Notes when such payments
are due, (ii) the Company's obligations to issue temporary Notes, register the
transfer or exchange of any Notes, replace mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen
Notes and maintain an office or agency for receipt of payments in respect of the
Notes, (iii) the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the Trustee,
and (iv) the defeasance provisions of the Indenture. In addition, the Company
may, at its option and at any time, elect to terminate its obligations with
respect to certain covenants that are set forth in the Indenture, some of which
are described under "--Certain Covenants" above, and any subsequent failure to
comply with such obligations shall not constitute a Default or an Event of
Default with respect to the Notes ("covenant defeasance"). (Sections    and    )
 
     In order to exercise either defeasance or covenant defeasance, (i) the
Company must irrevocably deposit with the Trustee, in trust for the benefit of
the holders of the Notes, cash in United States dollars, U.S. Government
Obligations (as defined in the Indenture), or a combination thereof, in such
amounts as will be sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of
independent public accountants, to pay the principal of, premium, if any, and
interest on the outstanding Notes to redemption or maturity, (ii) the Company
shall have delivered to the Trustee an opinion of counsel to the effect that the
holders of the outstanding Notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for
federal income tax purposes as a result of such defeasance or covenant
defeasance and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts, in the
same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such defeasance
or covenant defeasance had not occurred (in the case of defeasance, such opinion
must refer to and be based upon a ruling of the Internal Revenue Service or a
change in applicable federal income tax laws), (iii) no Default or Event of
Default shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit or,
insofar as clause (viii) under the first paragraph under "Events of Default" is
concerned, at any time during the period ending the 91st day after the
 
                                       47
<PAGE>   49
date of deposit, (iv) such defeasance or covenant defeasance shall not cause the
Trustee to have a conflicting interest with respect to any securities of the
Company, (v) such defeasance or covenant defeasance shall not result in a breach
or violation of, or constitute a default under, any material agreement or
instrument to which the Company is a party or by which the Company is bound,
(vi) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an opinion of counsel to
the effect that (A) the trust funds will not be subject to any rights of holders
of other Indebtedness, including, without limitation, those arising under the
Indenture and (B) after the 91st day following the deposit, the trust funds will
not be subject to the effect of any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization or similar laws affecting creditors' rights generally, (vii) the
Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an officers' certificate and an
opinion of counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent under the
Indenture to either defeasance or covenant defeasance, as the case may be, have
been complied with and that no violations under agreements governing any other
outstanding Indebtedness would result, (viii) the Company shall have delivered
to the Trustee an officers' certificate stating that the deposit was not made by
the Company with intent of preferring the holders of the Notes or any Guarantor
over the other creditors of the Company or any Guarantor with the intent of
defeating, hindering or delaying or defrauding creditors of the Company, any
Guarantor or others and (ix) if the Bank Credit Agreement is in effect, the
Company shall have delivered to the Trustee any required consent of the lenders
under the Bank Credit Agreement to such defeasance or covenant defeasance, as
the case may be. (Section        )
 
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE
 
     The Indenture will be discharged and will cease to be of further effect
(except as to surviving rights of registration of transfer or exchange of the
Notes, as expressly provided for in the Indenture) as to all outstanding Notes
when (i) either (a) all the Notes theretofore authenticated and delivered
(except lost, stolen or destroyed Notes which have been replaced or paid and
Notes for which payment has theretofore been deposited in trust or segregated
and held in trust by the Company and thereafter repaid to the Company or
discharged from such trust) have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation
or (b) all Notes not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation have
become due and payable, and the Company has irrevocably deposited or caused to
be deposited with the Trustee funds in an amount sufficient to pay and discharge
the entire Indebtedness on the Notes not theretofore delivered to the Trustee
for cancellation, for principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes
to the date of deposit together with irrevocable instructions from the Company
directing the Trustee to apply such funds to the payment thereof at maturity or
redemption, as the case may be, (ii) the Company has paid all other sums payable
under the Indenture by the Company, and (iii) the Company has delivered to the
Trustee an officers' certificate and an opinion of counsel stating that all
conditions precedent under the Indenture relating to the satisfaction and
discharge of the Indenture have been complied with. (Section        )
 
AMENDMENTS AND WAIVERS
 
     From time to time, the Company, when authorized by a resolution of its
Board of Directors, and the Trustee may, without the consent of the holders of
any outstanding Notes, amend, waive or supplement the Indenture or the Notes for
certain specified purposes, including, among other things, curing ambiguities,
defects or inconsistencies, qualifying, or maintaining the qualification of, the
Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, adding any Subsidiary of the
Company as a Guarantor or making any change that does not adversely affect the
rights of any holder; provided, however, that the Company has delivered to the
Trustee an opinion of counsel stating that such change does not adversely affect
the rights of any holder of the Notes. Other amendments and modifications of the
Indenture or the Notes may be made by the Company and the Trustee with the
consent of the holders of not less than a majority of the aggregate principal
amount of the outstanding Notes; provided, however, that no such modification or
amendment may, without the consent of the holder of each outstanding Note
affected thereby, (i) reduce the principal amount of, extend the fixed maturity
of or alter the redemption provisions of, the Notes, (ii) change the currency in
which the Notes or any premium or the interest thereon is payable, (iii) reduce
the percentage in principal amount of outstanding Notes that must consent to an
amendment, supplement or waiver or consent to take any action under the
Indenture, the Notes or any Guarantee, (iv) impair the right to institute suit
for the enforcement of any payment on or with respect to the Notes, (v) waive a
default in payment with respect to the Notes, (vi) amend, change or modify the
obligation of the Company to make and consummate a Change of Control
 
                                       48
<PAGE>   50
Offer in the event of a Change of Control or make and consummate the offer with
respect to any Asset Sale or modify any of the provisions or definitions with
respect thereto, (vii) reduce or change the rate or time for payment of interest
on the Notes, (viii) modify or change any provision of the Indenture affecting
the subordination of the Notes or any Guarantee in a manner adverse to the
holders of the Notes, or (ix) release any Guarantor from any of its obligations
under its Guarantee or the Indenture other than in compliance with other
provisions of the Indenture permitting such release. (Sections       )
 
THE TRUSTEE
 
     The Bank of New York is to be the Trustee under the Indenture and has been
appointed by the Company as Registrar and Paying Agent with regard to the Notes.
 
GOVERNING LAW
 
     The Indenture, the Notes and any Guarantee will be governed by the laws of
the State of New York, without regard to the principles of conflicts of law.
(Section       )
 
CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
 
     "Acquired Indebtedness" means Indebtedness of a person (a) assumed in
connection with an Asset Acquisition from such person or (b) existing at the
time such person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary of any other person, other than
Indebtedness incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such person
becoming a Restricted Subsidiary or such acquisition, as the case may be.
 
     "Affiliate" means, with respect to any specified person, any other person
directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect
common control with such specified person. For purposes of this definition,
"control" when used with respect to any person means the power to direct the
management and policies of such person, directly or indirectly, whether through
the ownership of voting securities by contract or otherwise; and the terms
"controlling" and "controlled" have meanings correlative of the foregoing.
 
     "Applicable Premium" means, with respect to a Note, the greater of (i) 1.0%
of the then outstanding principal amount of such Note and (ii) the excess of (A)
the present value of the required interest and principal payments due on such
Note, computed using a discount rate equal to the Treasury Rate plus       basis
points, over (B) the then outstanding principal amount of such Note; provided,
however, that in no event will the Applicable Premium exceed the amount of the
applicable redemption price upon an optional redemption less 100%, at any time
on or after       , 1998.
 
     "Asset Acquisition" means (a) an Investment by the Company or any
Subsidiary of the Company in any other person pursuant to which such person
shall become a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company, or shall be merged with or
into the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company, or (b) the
acquisition by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company of the
assets of any person which constitute all or substantially all of the assets of
such person or any division or line of business of such person.
 
     "Asset Sale" means any sale, issuance, conveyance, transfer, lease or other
disposition (including, without limitation, by way of merger or consolidation)
to any person other than the Company or a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary of
the Company, in one or a series of related transactions of: (a) any Capital
Stock of any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company, (b) all or substantially all
of the properties and assets of any division or line of business of the Company
or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company or (c) any other properties or
assets of the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary (including proprietary brand
names, whether registered or otherwise) other than in the ordinary course of
business. For the purposes of this definition, the term "Asset Sale" shall not
include (i) any sale, issuance, conveyance, transfer, lease or other disposition
of properties or assets that is governed by the provisions described under
"--Merger, Sale of Assets, Etc.," (ii) sales of assets consisting of obsolete
equipment or assets that in the Company's reasonable judgment are either (x) no
longer used or (y) no longer useful in the business of the Company or its
Restricted Subsidiaries, (iii) any sale, issuance, conveyance, transfer, lease
or other disposition of properties or assets, whether in one transaction or a
series of related transactions, involving assets with a fair market value
determined by the Company to be not in excess of $500,000, or (iv) sales or
financings of receivables pursuant to clause (12), (13) or (14) of the
definition of "Permitted Indebtedness."
 
                                       49
<PAGE>   51
 
     "Average Life to Stated Maturity" means, with respect to any Indebtedness,
as at any date of determination, the quotient obtained by dividing (a) the sum
of the products of (i) the number of years from such date to the date or dates
of each successive scheduled principal payment (including, without limitation,
any sinking fund requirements) of such Indebtedness multiplied by (ii) the
amount of each such principal payment by (b) the sum of all such principal
payments.
 
     "Bank Credit Agreement" means (a) the Credit Agreement dated as of March
24, 1994 between the Company and the Banks as in effect on the Issue Date and as
such agreement may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to
time, and (b) any credit agreement, loan agreement, note purchase agreement,
indenture or other agreement, document or instrument refinancing, refunding or
otherwise replacing such Agreement or any other agreement deemed a Bank Credit
Agreement under clause (a) or (b) hereof.
 
     "Banks" means the lenders from time to time who are parties to the Bank
Credit Agreement.
 
     "Capital Stock" means, with respect to any person, any and all shares,
interests, participation, rights in or other equivalents or interests in
(however designated) such person's capital stock or other equity interests or
participation, including general and limited partnership interests, and any
rights (other than debt securities convertible into capital stock), warrants or
options exchangeable for or convertible into such capital stock.
 
     "Capitalized Lease Obligation" means any obligation to pay rent or other
amounts under a lease of (or other agreement conveying the right to use) any
property (whether real, personal or mixed) that is required to be classified and
accounted for as a capital lease obligation under GAAP; and, for the purpose of
the Indenture, the amount of such obligation at any date shall be the
capitalized amount thereof on the balance sheet at such date, determined in
accordance with GAAP consistently applied.
 
     "Cash Equivalents" means, at any time : (i) any evidence of Indebtedness
with a maturity of 180 days or less issued, or directly and fully guaranteed or
insured, by the United States of America or any agency or instrumentality
thereof (provided that the full faith and credit of the United States of America
is pledged in support thereof); (ii) certificates of deposit, time deposits and
bankers' acceptances with a maturity of 180 days or less of any financial
institution that is a member of the Federal Reserve System having combined
capital and surplus and undivided profits of not less than $500,000,000; (iii)
commercial paper with a maturity of 90 days or less issued by a corporation that
is not an Affiliate of the Company or a Subsidiary organized under the laws of
any state of the United States or the District of Columbia and rated at least
A-1 by S&P or at least P-1 by Moody's or at least an equivalent rating category
of another nationally recognized securities rating agency; and (iv) any money
market or other deposit accounts issued or offered by any domestic institution
in the business of accepting money market accounts or any commercial banking
institution described in clause (ii) above.
 
     "Change of Control" means an event as a result of which: (i) any "person"
or "group" (as such terms are used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange
Act) is or becomes the "beneficial owner" (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the
Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of more than 50 % of the total
outstanding Voting Stock of the Company; (ii) during any period of two
consecutive years, individuals who at the beginning of such period constituted
the Board of Directors of the Company (together with any new directors whose
election to such Board or whose nomination for election by the shareholders of
the Company was approved by a vote of 66  2/3% of the directors then still in
office who were either directors at the beginning of such period or whose
election or nomination for election was previously so approved) cease for any
reason to constitute a majority of such Board of Directors then in office; (iii)
the Company consolidates with or merges with or into any person or conveys,
transfers or leases all or substantially all of its assets to any person, or any
corporation consolidates with or merges into or with the Company in any such
event pursuant to a transaction in which the outstanding Voting Stock of the
Company is changed into or exchanged for cash, securities or other property,
other than any such transaction where the outstanding Voting Stock of the
Company is not changed or exchanged at all (except to the extent necessary to
reflect a change in the jurisdiction of incorporation of the Company) or where
(A) the outstanding Voting Stock of the Company is changed into or exchanged for
(x) Voting Stock of the surviving corporation which is not Redeemable Capital
Stock or (y) cash, securities and other property (other than Capital Stock of
the surviving corporation) in an amount which could be paid by the Company as a
Restricted Payment as described under "--Certain Covenants--Limitation on
 
                                       50
<PAGE>   52
 
Restricted Payments" (and such amount shall be treated as a Restricted Payment
subject to the provisions in the Indenture described under "--Certain
Covenants--Limitation on Restricted Payments") and (B) no "person" or "group"
owns immediately after such transaction, directly or indirectly, more than 50 %
of the total outstanding Voting Stock of the surviving corporation; or (iv) the
Company is liquidated or dissolved or adopts a plan of liquidation or
dissolution other than in a transaction which complies with the provisions
described under "--Merger, Sale of Assets, Etc."
 
     "Common Stock" means, with respect to any person, any and all shares,
interests or other participation in, and other equivalents (however designated
and whether voting or nonvoting) of, such person's common stock, whether
outstanding at the Issue Date or issued after the Issue Date, and includes,
without limitation, all series and classes of such common stock.
 
     "Consolidated EBITDA" means, with respect to any person for any period, (i)
the sum of, without duplication, the amount for such period, taken as a single
accounting period, of (a) Consolidated Net Income, (b) Consolidated Non-cash
Charges, (c) Consolidated Interest Expense, (d) Consolidated Income Tax Expense
and (e) any increase in the Employee Liabilities of such person and its
Restricted Subsidiaries for such period less any decrease in the Employee
Liabilities of such period, which have been deducted to arrive at Consolidated
Net Income less (ii) non-cash items increasing Consolidated Net Income (other
than in the ordinary course of business); provided, however, that if, during
such period, such person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries shall have
consummated any Asset Sale or Asset Acquisition, Consolidated EBITDA for such
person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period shall be adjusted (in the
manner set forth in the definition of the term "Consolidated Fixed Charge
Coverage Ratio") to give pro forma effect to the Consolidated EBITDA directly
attributable to the assets which are the subject of such Asset Sales or Asset
Acquisitions during such period.
 
     "Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio" means, with respect to any
person, the ratio of the aggregate amount of Consolidated EBITDA of such person
for the four full fiscal quarters for which financial information in respect
thereof is available immediately preceding the date of the transaction (the
"Transaction Date") giving rise to the need to calculate the Consolidated Fixed
Charge Coverage Ratio (such four full fiscal quarter period being referred to
herein as the "Four Quarter Period") to the aggregate amount of Consolidated
Fixed Charges of such person for the Four Quarter Period. In addition to and
without limitation of the foregoing, for purposes of this definition
"Consolidated EBITDA" and "Consolidated Fixed Charges" shall be calculated after
giving effect on a pro forma basis for the period of such calculation to,
without duplication, (a) the incurrence of any Indebtedness of such person or
any of its Restricted Subsidiaries during the period commencing on the first day
of the Four Quarter Period to and including the Transaction Date (the "Reference
Period"), including, without limitation, the incurrence of the Indebtedness
giving rise to the need to make such calculation, as if such incurrence occurred
on the first day of the Reference Period, and (b) any Asset Sales or Asset
Acquisitions (including, without limitation, any Asset Acquisition giving rise
to the need to make such calculation as a result of such person or one of its
Restricted Subsidiaries (including any person who becomes a Subsidiary as a
result of the Asset Acquisition) incurring, assuming or otherwise being liable
for Acquired Indebtedness) occurring during the Reference Period, as if such
Asset Sale or Asset Acquisition occurred on the first day of the Reference
Period. Furthermore, in calculating "Consolidated Fixed Charges" for purposes of
determining the denominator (but not the numerator) of this "Consolidated Fixed
Charge Coverage Ratio," (i) interest on outstanding Indebtedness determined on a
fluctuating basis as of the Transaction Date and which will continue to be so
determined thereafter shall be deemed to have accrued at a fixed rate per annum
equal to the rate of interest on such Indebtedness in effect on the Transaction
Date, (ii) if interest on any Indebtedness actually incurred on the Transaction
Date may optionally be determined at an interest rate based upon a factor of a
prime or similar rate, a eurocurrency interbank offered rate, or other rates,
then the interest rate in effect on the Transaction Date will be deemed to have
been in effect during the Reference Period; and (iii) notwithstanding clauses
(i) and (ii) above, interest on Indebtedness determined on a fluctuating basis,
to the extent such interest is covered by agreements relating to Interest Rate
Protection Obligations, shall be deemed to have accrued at the rate per annum
resulting after giving effect to the operation of such agreements. In
calculating the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio, and giving pro forma
effect to any incurrence of Indebtedness during a Reference Period, pro forma
effect shall be given to the use of proceeds thereof to permanently repay or
retire Indebtedness.
 
                                       51
<PAGE>   53
 
If such person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries directly or indirectly
guaranteed Indebtedness of a third person, the above clauses shall give effect
to the incurrence of such guaranteed Indebtedness as if such person or such
Restricted Subsidiary had directly incurred or otherwise assumed such guaranteed
Indebtedness.
 
     "Consolidated Fixed Charges" means, with respect to any person for any
period, the sum of, without duplication, the amounts for such period of (i)
Consolidated Interest Expense and (ii) the aggregate amount of dividends and
other distributions paid or accrued during such period in respect of Redeemable
Capital Stock of such person and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated
basis; provided, however, that if, during such period, such person or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries shall have made any Asset Sales or Asset Acquisitions,
Consolidated Fixed Charges for such person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for
such period shall be adjusted (in the manner set forth in the definition of the
term "Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio") to give pro forma effect to the
Consolidated Fixed Charges directly attributable to the assets which are the
subject of such Asset Sales or Asset Acquisitions during such period.
 
     "Consolidated Income Tax Expense" means, with respect to any person for any
period, the provision for federal, state, local and foreign income taxes of such
person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period as determined on a
consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP consistently applied.
 
     "Consolidated Interest Expense" means, with respect to any person for any
period, without duplication, the sum of (i) the interest expense of such person
and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period as determined on a consolidated
basis in accordance with GAAP consistently applied, including, without
limitation, (a) any amortization of debt discount, (b) the net cost under
Interest Rate Protection Obligations (including any amortization of discounts),
(c) the interest portion of any deferred payment obligation which in accordance
with GAAP is required to be reflected on an income statement, (d) all
commissions, discounts and other fees and charges owed with respect to letters
of credit and bankers' acceptance financing, (e) all accrued interest and (f)
that portion of rental expense estimated to be representative of the interest
factor and (ii) the interest component of Capitalized Lease Obligations paid,
accrued and/or scheduled to be paid or accrued by such person and its Restricted
Subsidiaries during such period as determined on a consolidated basis in
accordance with GAAP consistently applied.
 
     "Consolidated Net Income" means, with respect to any person, for any
period, the consolidated net income (or loss) of such person and its Restricted
Subsidiaries for such period as determined in accordance with GAAP consistently
applied adjusted, to the extent included in calculating such net income, by
excluding, without duplication, (i) all extraordinary gains or losses (net of
fees and expenses relating to the transaction giving rise thereto) and the
non-recurring cumulative effect of accounting changes, (ii) the portion of net
income (or loss) of such person and its Restricted Subsidiaries allocable to
minority interests in unconsolidated persons to the extent that cash dividends
or distributions have not actually been received by such person or one of its
Restricted Subsidiaries, (iii) net income (or loss) of any person combined with
such person or one of its Restricted Subsidiaries on a "pooling of interests"
basis attributable to any period prior to the date of combination, (iv) gains or
losses in respect of any Asset Sales by such person or one of its Restricted
Subsidiaries (net of fees and expenses relating to the transaction giving rise
thereto), on an after-tax basis, (v) the net income of any Restricted Subsidiary
of such person to the extent that the declaration or payment of dividends or
similar distributions by that Restricted Subsidiary of that income is not at the
time permitted, directly or indirectly, by operation of the terms of its charter
or any agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, order, statute, rule or
governmental regulations applicable to that Restricted Subsidiary or its
stockholders, (vi) gains or losses realized upon the termination of any employee
pension benefit plan, on an after-tax basis and (vii) a non-recurring charge
relating to the write off of goodwill of the Company's Automotive Diagnostics
division, recorded on the Company's consolidated balance sheet in accordance
with GAAP, in an aggregate amount not to exceed $75,000,000.
 
     "Consolidated Net Worth" means, with respect to any person at any date, the
consolidated stockholders' equity of such person less the amount, if any, of
such stockholders' equity attributable to Redeemable Capital Stock or treasury
stock of such person and its Restricted Subsidiaries, as determined in
accordance with GAAP consistently applied.
 
     "Consolidated Non-cash Charges" means, with respect to any person for any
period, the aggregate depreciation, amortization and other non-cash expenses
(including, without limitation, non-cash reserves and
 
                                       52
<PAGE>   54
 
non-cash charges) of such person and its Restricted Subsidiaries reducing
Consolidated Net Income of such person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such
period, determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP consistently
applied (but only to the extent such non-cash reserves, expenses and charges did
not require an accrual of a reserve for cash disbursements for any future
periods).
 
     "Default" means any event that is, or after notice or passage of time or
both would be, an Event of Default.
 
     "Designated Senior Indebtedness" means (i) all Senior Indebtedness under
the Bank Credit Agreement and (ii) any other Senior Indebtedness which (a) at
the time of determination exceeds $25,000,000 in aggregate principal amount and
(b) is specifically designated by the Company in the instrument evidencing such
Senior Indebtedness as "Designated Senior Indebtedness" by the Company.
 
     "Employee Liabilities" means, with respect to any person, any liability in
respect of employee benefits (including, without limitation, liabilities to fund
shortfalls in multiemployer post-retirement medical and death benefit plans)
that would be reflected on a consolidated balance sheet of such person and its
Restricted Subsidiaries prepared in accordance with GAAP.
 
     "Event of Default" has the meaning set forth under "--Events of Default"
herein.
 
     "Existing Receivables Financing" means obligations of the Company incurred
or issued pursuant to the terms of those certain agreements, each dated as of
April 30, 1991, between the Company and each of The First National Bank of
Chicago and Falcon Asset Securitization Corporation.
 
     "GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States
set forth in the Statements of Financial Accounting Standards and
Interpretations, Accounting Principles Board Opinions and AICPA Accounting
Research Bulletins which are applicable as of the Issue Date.
 
     "Guarantee" has the meaning set forth under "--Limitation on Guarantees by
Restricted Subsidiaries" herein.
 
     "guarantee" means, as applied to any obligation, (i) a guarantee (other
than by endorsement of negotiable instruments for collection in the ordinary
course of business), direct or indirect, in any manner, of any part or all of
such obligation and (ii) an agreement, direct or indirect, contingent or
otherwise, the practical effect of which is to assure in any way the payment or
performance (or payment of damages in the event of non-performance) of all or
any part of such obligation including, without limiting the foregoing, the
payment of amounts drawn down by letters of credit.
 
     "Guarantor" means the issuer at any time of a Guarantee (so long as such
Guarantee remains outstanding).
 
     "Incremental Receivables Financing" means obligations of the Company
incurred or issued pursuant to an increase in the Existing Receivables Financing
or pursuant to a separate securitized receivables facility.
 
     "Indebtedness" means, with respect to any person, without duplication, (a)
all liabilities of such person for borrowed money or for the deferred purchase
price of property or services, excluding any trade payables and other accrued
current liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business, but including,
without limitation, all obligations, contingent or otherwise, of such person in
connection with any letters of credit, banker's acceptance or other similar
credit transaction, (b) all obligations of such person evidenced by bonds,
notes, debentures or other similar instruments, (c) all indebtedness created or
arising under any conditional sale or other title retention agreement with
respect to property acquired by such person (even if the rights and remedies of
the seller or lender under such agreement in the event of default are limited to
repossession or sale of such property), but excluding trade accounts payable
arising in the ordinary course of business, (d) all Capitalized Lease
Obligations of such person, (e) all Indebtedness referred to in the preceding
clauses of other persons and all dividends of other persons, the payment of
which is secured by (or for which the holder of such Indebtedness has an
existing right, contingent or otherwise, to be secured by) any Lien upon
property (including, without limitation, accounts and contract rights) owned by
such person, even though such person has not assumed or become liable for the
payment of such Indebtedness (the amount of such obligations being deemed to be
the lesser of the value of such property or asset or the amount of the
obligation so secured), (f) all guarantees of Indebtedness referred to in this
definition by such person, (g) all
 
                                       53
<PAGE>   55
 
Redeemable Capital Stock valued at the greater of its voluntary or involuntary
maximum fixed repurchase price plus accrued dividends, (h) all obligations under
or in respect of currency exchange contracts and Interest Rate Protection
Obligations of such person (i) repurchase obligations or liabilities of such
person with respect to accounts receivable or notes receivable sold by such
person, (j) with respect to the Company, obligations incurred under or in
connection with the Existing Receivables Financing or any Incremental
Receivables Financing, notwithstanding the manner in which such obligations are
characterized on a balance sheet of the Company prepared in accordance with
GAAP, provided that for purposes of calculating financial covenants hereunder,
such obligations shall be included only to the extent such obligations are with
recourse to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, and (k) with
respect to SPX Credit Corporation, obligations incurred under or in connection
with any SPX Credit Lease Financing, notwithstanding the manner in which such
obligations are characterized on a balance sheet of the Company and its
Restricted Subsidiaries prepared in accordance with GAAP, provided that for
purposes of calculating financial covenants hereunder, such obligations shall be
excluded as Indebtedness, and (l) any amendment, supplement, modification,
deferral, renewal, extension or refunding of any liability of the types referred
to in clauses (a) through (l) above. For purposes hereof, (x) the "maximum fixed
repurchase price" of any Redeemable Capital Stock which does not have a fixed
repurchase price shall be calculated in accordance with the terms of such
Redeemable Capital Stock as if such Redeemable Capital Stock were purchased on
any date on which Indebtedness shall be required to be determined pursuant to
the Indenture, and if such price is based upon, or measured by, the fair market
value of such Redeemable Capital stock, such fair market value shall be
determined in good faith by the board of directors of the issuer of such
Redeemable Capital Stock, and (y) Indebtedness is deemed to be incurred pursuant
to a revolving credit facility each time an advance is made thereunder.
 
     "Interest Rate Protection Obligations" means the obligations of any person
pursuant to any arrangement with any other person whereby, directly or
indirectly, such person is entitled to receive from time to time periodic
payments calculated by applying either a floating or a fixed rate of interest on
a stated notional amount in exchange for periodic payments made by such person
calculated by applying a fixed or a floating rate of interest on the same
notional amount and shall include, without limitation, interest rate swaps,
caps, floors, collars and similar agreements.
 
     "Investment" means, with respect to any person, any direct or indirect loan
or other extension of credit, advance, guarantee or capital contribution to (by
means of any transfer of cash or other property to others or any payment for
property or services for the account or use of others), or any purchase or
acquisition by such person of any Capital Stock, bonds, notes, debentures or
other securities or evidences of Indebtedness issued by, any other person. For
the purpose of making any calculations under the Indenture (i) Investment shall
include the person's proportionate share of the fair market value of the net
assets of any Restricted Subsidiary at the time that such Restricted Subsidiary
is designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary and shall exclude the person's
proportionate share of the fair market value of the net assets of any
Unrestricted Subsidiary that is designated a Restricted Subsidiary and (ii) any
property transferred to or from an Unrestricted Subsidiary shall be valued at
fair market value at the time of such transfer; provided that in each case, the
fair market value of an asset or property shall be as determined by the Board of
Directors of the Company in good faith. For purposes of the Indenture, the
change in designation of a Restricted Subsidiary to an Unrestricted Subsidiary
shall be an Investment. "Investments" shall exclude extensions of trade credit
on commercially reasonable terms consistent with the normal course of business
of the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries.
 
     "Lien" means any mortgage, charge, pledge, lien (statutory or other),
security interest, hypothecation, assignment for security, claim, or preference
or priority or other encumbrance upon or with respect to any property of any
kind. A person shall be deemed to own subject to a Lien any property which such
person has acquired or holds subject to the interest of a vendor or lessor under
any conditional sale agreement, capital lease or other title retention
agreement.
 
     "Moody's" means Moody's Investors Service, Inc. and its successors.
 
     "Net Cash Proceeds" means, with respect to any Asset Sale, the proceeds
thereof in the form of cash or Cash Equivalents including payments in respect of
deferred payment obligations when received in the form of cash or Cash
Equivalents (except to the extent that such obligations are financed or sold
with recourse to the
 
                                       54
<PAGE>   56
Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company) net of (i) brokerage
commissions and other fees and expenses (including, without limitation, fees and
expenses of legal counsel and investment bankers) related to such Asset Sale,
(ii) provisions of all taxes payable as a result of such Asset Sale, (iii)
amounts required to be paid and which have been paid, or amounts required to be
pledged and which are pledged to secure Indebtedness owed to any person (other
than the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company) owning a
beneficial interest in the assets subject to the Asset Sale (which, in the case
of a Lien, is being pledged to permanently reduce Indebtedness secured by such
Lien) and (iv) appropriate amounts to be provided by the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary of the Company, as the case may be, as a reserve required
in accordance with GAAP consistently applied against any liabilities associated
with such Asset Sale and retained by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of
the Company, as the case may be, after such Asset Sale, including, without
limitation, pension and other post-employment benefit liabilities, liabilities
related to environmental matters and liabilities under any indemnification
obligations associated with such Asset Sale, all as reflected in an Officers'
Certificate delivered to the Trustee.
 
     "Pari Passu Indebtedness" means any Indebtedness of the Company that is
pari passu in right of payment to the Notes.
 
     "Permitted Indebtedness" means
 
     (1)  Indebtedness of the Company under the Bank Credit Agreement in an
aggregate principal amount at any one time outstanding not to exceed
$225,000,000;
 
     (2)  Indebtedness of the Company (including, without limitation,
Indebtedness under the Bank Credit Agreement in excess of the $225,000,000
permitted in clause (1) above) that is intended to provide working capital
financing or financing for general corporate purposes as long as the incurrence
of such Indebtedness would not result in the aggregate outstanding Indebtedness
incurred pursuant to this clause (2) being in excess of (i) the sum of (x) 60%
of the net aggregate book value of inventory and (y) 85% of the aggregate book
value of all accounts receivable (net of bad debt expense) of the Company and
its Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, at the time such
Indebtedness is incurred, as determined in accordance with GAAP minus (ii)
$225,000,000;
 
     (3)  Indebtedness of the Company pursuant to the Notes and Indebtedness of
any Subsidiary pursuant to a Guarantee;
 
     (4)  Indebtedness of the Company outstanding on the date of the Indenture
other than Indebtedness pursuant to clauses (1) and (12), (13) and (14) hereof;
 
     (5)  Interest Rate Protection Obligations of the Company or any Guarantor
covering Indebtedness of the Company or any such Guarantor; provided, however,
that (i) any Indebtedness to which any such Interest Rate Protection Obligations
relate bears interest at fluctuating interest rates and is otherwise permitted
to be incurred under this covenant and (ii) the notional amount of any such
Interest Rate Obligations does not exceed the principal amount of the
Indebtedness to which such Interest Rate Obligations relates and which
Indebtedness either is outstanding at the time the Interest Rate Protection
Obligation is incurred or such Indebtedness is incurred within 90 days
thereafter;
 
     (6)  Indebtedness of a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary of the Company
issued to and held by (x) the Company or (y) another Wholly Owned Restricted
Subsidiary of the Company; provided, however, any Indebtedness of a Guarantor
owing to a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary which is not a Guarantor shall be
subordinated in right of payment from and after such time as the obligations
under the Guarantee by such Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary shall become due
and payable (whether at Stated Maturity, by acceleration or otherwise) to the
payment and performance of such Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary's obligations
under its Guarantee; and provided, further, that (a) any disposition, pledge or
transfer of any such Indebtedness to a person (other than the Company or a
Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary) shall be deemed to be an incurrence of such
Indebtedness by the obligor not permitted by this clause; and (b) any
transaction pursuant to which a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary, which has
Indebtedness owing to the Company or any other Wholly Owned Subsidiary, ceases
to be a Wholly Owned Subsidiary shall be deemed to be the incurrence of
Indebtedness by such Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary that is not permitted by
this clause;
 
                                       55
<PAGE>   57
 
     (7)  Indebtedness of the Company issued to and held by a Wholly Owned
Restricted Subsidiary of the Company which is unsecured and subordinated in
right of payment from and after such time as the Notes shall become due and
payable (whether at a Stated Maturity, by acceleration or otherwise) to the
payment and performance of the Company's obligations under the Indenture and the
Notes; provided, however, that any subsequent transfer of such Indebtedness
(other than to the Company or a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary) will be
deemed, in each case, to constitute the issuance of such Indebtedness by the
Company or of such Indebtedness by such Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary that
is not permitted by this clause;
 
     (8)  Indebtedness of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary incurred in
respect of performance bonds, surety bonds and bankers' acceptances provided in
the ordinary course of business in an amount outstanding at any time not to
exceed the maximum amount permitted under the Bank Credit Agreement;
 
     (9) Indebtedness of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary representing
Capitalized Lease Obligations or incurred in connection with the acquisition of
fixed assets useful and intended to be used in carrying on the business of the
Company or any such Restricted Subsidiary as long as the aggregate amount
outstanding of such Indebtedness incurred pursuant to this clause would not at
any time exceed $10,000,000;
 
     (10) Indebtedness of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary arising from
the honoring by a bank or other financial institution of a check, draft or
similar instrument inadvertently (except in the case of daylight overdrafts)
drawn against insufficient funds in the ordinary course of business; provided
that such Indebtedness is extinguished within five business days of incurrence;
 
     (11) Indebtedness of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary consisting of
guaranties, indemnities or obligations in respect of purchase price adjustments
in connection with the acquisition or disposition of assets permitted under the
Indenture;
 
     (12) Indebtedness of the Company pursuant to the Existing Receivables
Financing;
 
     (13) Indebtedness of the Company pursuant to an Incremental Receivables
Financing, so long as (i) at the time such Indebtedness is incurred and after
giving effect thereto, no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is
continuing, and (ii) the aggregate amount of such Indebtedness permitted under
this clause (13) shall not exceed at any one time outstanding an amount equal to
(x) $50,000,000 minus (y) the aggregate amount outstanding under the Existing
Receivables Financing minus (z) the aggregate amount of any Indebtedness
consisting of an SPX Credit Lease Financing incurred pursuant to clause (14)
below;
 
     (14) Indebtedness of SPX Credit Corporation pursuant to an SPX Credit Lease
Financing, so long as (i) at the time such Indebtedness is incurred and after
giving effect thereto, no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is
continuing, and (ii) the aggregate amount of such Indebtedness permitted under
this clause (14) shall not exceed at any one time outstanding an amount equal to
(x) $50,000,000 minus (y) the aggregate amount outstanding under the Existing
Receivables Financing minus (z) the aggregate amount of any Indebtedness
consisting of an Incremental Receivables Financing incurred pursuant to clause
(13) above;
 
     (15) (i) Indebtedness of the Company, the proceeds of which are used solely
to refinance (whether by amendment, renewal, extension or refunding)
Indebtedness of the Company (including all or a portion of the Notes) or any of
its Restricted Subsidiaries and (ii) Indebtedness of any Restricted Subsidiary
of the Company the proceeds of which are used solely to refinance (whether by
amendment, renewal, extension or refunding) Indebtedness of such Restricted
Subsidiary, in each case outstanding on the Issue Date and other than the
Indebtedness to be refinanced, redeemed or retired as described under "Use of
Proceeds" herein; provided, however, that (A) the principal amount of
Indebtedness incurred pursuant to this clause (15) (or, if such Indebtedness
provides for an amount less than the principal amount thereof to be due and
payable upon a declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof, the original
issue price of such Indebtedness) shall not exceed the sum of the principal
amount of Indebtedness so refinanced (or, if the Indebtedness so refinanced
provides for an amount less than the principal amount thereof to be due and
payable upon a declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof, the original
issue price of such Indebtedness plus any accretion value attributable thereto
since the original issuance of such Indebtedness) plus the amount of any premium
required to be paid in connection with such refinancing pursuant to the terms of
such Indebtedness or the amount of any premium reasonably determined by the
Company as necessary to accomplish such refinancing by means of a tender offer
or privately negotiated purchase, plus the amount of expenses in
 
                                       56
<PAGE>   58
 
connection therewith and (B) in the case of any refinancing of Indebtedness that
is not Senior Indebtedness, (1) such new Indebtedness is made subordinated to
the Notes in the same manner and at least to the same extent as the Indebtedness
being refinanced and (2) such new Indebtedness has an Average Life to Stated
Maturity and final Stated Maturity of principal that equals or exceeds the
Average Life to Stated Maturity and final Stated Maturity of principal,
respectively, of the Indebtedness being refinanced; or
 
     (16) Indebtedness of the Company in addition to that described in clauses
(1) through (15) above not to exceed $25,000,000 outstanding at any time in the
aggregate.
 
     Any receivables used for the purposes of computing the amount of available
Indebtedness under clause (2) above shall not be used or pledged in connection
with the incurrence of Indebtedness under clauses (12), (13) and (14) above and
vice versa.
 
     "Permitted Investment" means any of the following: (i) Investments by the
Company or any Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary of the Company in another
person, if as a result of such Investment such other person is merged or
consolidated with or into, or transfers or conveys all or substantially all of
its assets to the Company or such Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary; (ii)
Investments in short-term obligations of, or fully guaranteed by, the United
States of America; (iii) Investments in commercial paper rated "P-1" or better
by Moody's or "A-1" or better by S&P; (iv) Investments in certificates of
deposit issued by and time deposits with commercial banks (whether domestic or
foreign) in excess of $100,000,000; (v) Investments representing Capital Stock
or obligations issued to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in
settlement of claims against any other person by reason of a composition or
readjustment of debt or a reorganization of any debtor of the Company or of such
Restricted Subsidiary; (vi) Investments in Cash Equivalents; (vii) loans and
advances to employees and officers of the Company and its Restricted
Subsidiaries made in compliance with clause (ii) of the second sentence under
the covenant "--Limitation on Transactions with Affiliates" described above;
(viii) Investments by the Company or a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary in the
Capital Stock of a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary; (ix) money market funds
organized under the laws of the United States of America or any state thereof
that invest substantially all of their assets in any of the types of investments
described in clause (ii), (iii), (iv) or (vi) above; (x) Investments in any of
the Notes; (xi) receivables owing to the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary
created in the ordinary course of business; and (xii) Investments in any person
in addition to that described in clauses (i) through (xi) of this definition of
"Permitted Investments" not to exceed $10,000,000 in the aggregate at any time
outstanding.
 
     "person" means any individual, corporation, limited liability company,
partnership, joint venture, association, joint-stock company, trust,
unincorporated organization or government or any agency or political subdivision
thereof.
 
     "Preferred Stock" means, with respect to any person, any and all shares,
interests, participation or other equivalents (however designated) of such
person's preferred or preference stock whether now outstanding or issued after
the Issue Date, and including, without limitation, all classes and series of
preferred or preference stock of such person.
 
     "Public Equity Offering" means an underwritten public offering of Capital
Stock of the Company pursuant to a registration statement that has been declared
effective by the Commission pursuant to the Securities Act (other than a
registration statement on Form S-8 or any successor form thereto or otherwise
relating to equity securities issuable under any employee benefit plan of such
corporate entity); provided that the gross proceeds to the Company therefrom are
at least $50,000,000.
 
     "Redeemable Capital Stock" means any class or series of Capital Stock that,
either by its terms, by the terms of any security into which it is convertible
or exchangeable or by contract or otherwise, is, or upon the happening of an
event or passage of time would be, required to be redeemed prior to any Stated
Maturity of the Notes or is redeemable at the option of the holder thereof at
any time prior to any Stated Maturity of the Notes, or, at the option of the
holder thereof, is convertible into or exchangeable for debt securities at any
time prior to any Stated Maturity of the Notes.
 
     "Restricted Payment" has the meaning set forth under "--Limitation on
Restricted Payments" covenant above.
 
                                       57
<PAGE>   59
 
     "Restricted Subsidiary" means any Subsidiary of the Company other than an
Unrestricted Subsidiary.
 
     "SPX Credit Lease Financings" means secured or unsecured obligations of SPX
Credit Corporation which are in the nature of sales or pledges of undivided
interests in a pool of leases of SPX Credit Corporation (including any such
leases which have been transferred to SPX Credit Corporation by the Company or
any of its other Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business consistent with
past practices) and which are (a) non-recourse to the Company and its other
Subsidiaries and (b) otherwise incurred on terms and conditions, including those
relating to advance rates, permitted under the Bank Credit Agreement, and (c)
permitted under clause (14) of the definition of Permitted Indebtedness.
 
     "S&P" means Standard & Poor's Corporation and its successors.
 
     "Senior Indebtedness" means the principal of, premium, if any, and interest
on any Indebtedness of the Company, whether outstanding on the Issue Date or
thereafter created, incurred or assumed, unless, in the case of any particular
Indebtedness, the instrument creating or evidencing the same or pursuant to
which the same is outstanding expressly provides that such Indebtedness shall
not be senior in right of payment to the Notes. Without limiting the generality
of the foregoing, "Senior Indebtedness" shall also include all obligations of
the Company, whether outstanding on the Issue Date or thereafter created,
incurred or assumed, under or in respect of the Bank Credit Agreement, whether
for principal, interest (including interest accruing after the filing of a
petition initiating any proceeding under any state, federal or foreign
bankruptcy laws whether or not allowable in such proceeding), reimbursement of
amounts drawn under letters of credit issued or arranged for pursuant thereto,
obligations owed to the Banks with respect to Interest Rate Protection
Obligations incurred to satisfy the requirements of the Bank Credit Agreement or
otherwise and reimbursement of other amounts, guarantees in respect thereof, and
all charges, fees, expenses and other amounts in respect of the Bank Credit
Agreement incurred by the Banks in respect of the Bank Credit Agreement.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, "Senior Indebtedness" shall not include (a)
Indebtedness evidenced by the Notes, (b) Indebtedness that is expressly
subordinate or junior in right of payment to any Indebtedness of the Company,
(c) Indebtedness which, when incurred and without respect to any election under
Section 1111(b) of Title 11, United States Code, is by its terms without
recourse to the Company, (d) any repurchase, redemption or other obligation in
respect of Redeemable Capital Stock, (e) to the extent it might constitute
Indebtedness, amounts owing for goods, materials or services purchased in the
ordinary course of business or consisting of trade payables or other current
liabilities (other than any current liabilities owing under the Bank Credit
Agreement or the current portion of any long-term Indebtedness which would
constitute Senior Indebtedness but for the operation of this clause (e)), (f) to
the extent it might constitute Indebtedness, amounts owed by the Company for
compensation to employees or for services rendered to the Company, (g) to the
extent it might constitute Indebtedness, any liability for federal, state, local
or other taxes owed or owing by the Company, (h) Indebtedness of the Company to
a Subsidiary of the Company or any other Affiliate of the Company or any of such
Affiliate's Subsidiaries and (i) that portion of any Indebtedness which at the
time of issuance is issued in violation of the Indenture.
 
     "Significant Subsidiary" shall have the same meaning as in Rule 1.02(v) of
Regulation S-X under the Securities Act, provided that each Guarantor shall in
all events be deemed a Significant Subsidiary.
 
     "Stated Maturity" means, when used with respect to any Note or any
installment of interest thereon, the date specified in such Note as the fixed
date on which any principal of such Note or such installment of interest is due
and payable, and when used with respect to any other Indebtedness or any
installments of interest thereon, means any date specified in the instrument
governing such Indebtedness as the fixed date on which the principal of such
Indebtedness, or such installment of interest thereon, is due and payable.
 
     "Subordinated Indebtedness" means, with respect to the Company,
Indebtedness of the Company which is expressly subordinated in right of payment
to the Notes or, with respect to any Guarantor, Indebtedness of such Guarantor
which is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Guarantee of such
Guarantor.
 
     "Subsidiary" means, with respect to any person, (i) a corporation a
majority of whose Voting Stock is at the time, directly or indirectly, owned by
such person, by one or more Subsidiaries of such person or by such person and
one or more Subsidiaries of such person and (ii) an other person (other than a
corporation), including, without limitation, a joint venture or partnership, in
which such person, one or more Subsidiaries of
 
                                       58
<PAGE>   60
such person or such person and one or more Subsidiaries of such person, directly
or indirectly, at the date of determination thereof, has at least a majority
ownership interest entitled to vote in the election of directors, managers or
trustees thereof (or other person performing similar functions). For purposes of
this definition, any directors' qualifying shares or investments by foreign
nationals mandated by applicable law shall be disregarded in determining the
ownership of a Subsidiary.
 
     "Treasury Rate" means the yield to maturity at the time of computation of
United States Treasury securities with a constant maturity (as compiled and
published in the most recent Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15(519) which
has become publicly available at least two business days prior to the date fixed
for redemption of the Notes following a Change of Control (or, if such
Statistical Release is no longer published, any publicly available source of
similar market data)) most nearly equal to the then remaining Average Life to
Stated Maturity of the Notes; provided, however, that if the Average Life to
Stated Maturity of the Notes is not equal to the constant maturity of a United
States Treasury security for which a weekly average yield is given, the Treasury
Rate shall be obtained by linear interpolation (calculated to the nearest
one-twelfth of a year) from the weekly average yields of United States Treasury
securities for which such yields are given, except that if the Average Life to
Stated Maturity of the Notes is less than one year, the weekly average yield on
actually traded United States Treasury securities adjusted to a constant
maturity of one year shall be used.
 
     "Unrestricted Subsidiary" means any Subsidiary of the Company designated as
such by the Company (a) no portion of the Indebtedness or any other obligation
(contingent or otherwise) of which (i) is guaranteed by the Company or any other
Subsidiary of the Company, (ii) is recourse to or obligates the Company or any
other Subsidiary of the Company in any way or (iii) subjects any property or
asset of the Company or any other Subsidiary of the Company, directly or
indirectly, contingently or otherwise, to the satisfaction thereof, (b) which
has no Indebtedness or any other obligation that, if in default in any respect
(including a nonpayment default), would permit (upon notice, lapse of time or
both) any holder of any other Indebtedness of the Company or any Restricted
Subsidiary to declare a default on such other Indebtedness or cause the payment
thereof to be accelerated or payable prior to its Stated Maturity, (c) with
which the Company or any other Subsidiary of the Company has no contract,
agreement, arrangement, understanding or is subject to an obligation of any
kind, whether written or oral, other than a transaction on terms no less
favorable to the Company or any other Subsidiary of the Company than those which
might be obtained at the time from persons at arm's length who are not
Affiliates of the Company, and (d) with which neither the Company nor any other
Subsidiary of the Company has any obligation (other than by the terms of the
Indenture) (i) to subscribe for additional shares of Capital Stock or other
equity interest therein or (ii) to maintain or preserve such Subsidiary's
financial condition or to cause such Subsidiary to achieve certain levels of
operating results; provided, however, that in no event shall any Guarantor be an
Unrestricted Subsidiary. The Company may designate an Unrestricted Subsidiary as
a Restricted Subsidiary by written notice to the Trustee under the Indenture;
provided, however, that the Company shall not be permitted to designate any
Unrestricted Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary unless (A) after giving pro
forma effect to such designation, the Company would be permitted to incur $1.00
of additional Indebtedness (other than Indebtedness permitted under the second
paragraph of the "Limitation of Indebtedness" covenant described above) under
the Indenture and (B) any Indebtedness or Liens of such Unrestricted Subsidiary
would be permitted to be incurred by a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company
under the Indenture. A designation of an Unrestricted Subsidiary as a Restricted
Subsidiary may not thereafter be rescinded.
 
     "Voting Stock" means any class or classes of Capital Stock pursuant to
which the holders thereof have the general voting power under ordinary
circumstances to elect at least a majority of the board of directors, managers
or trustees of any person (irrespective of whether or not, at the time, stock of
any other class or classes shall have, or might have, voting power by reason of
the happening of any contingency).
 
     "Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary" means (i) any Restricted Subsidiary of
the Company of which 100% of the outstanding Capital Stock is owned by the
Company or another Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary of the Company and (ii)
SPT. For purposes of this definition, any directors' qualifying shares or
investments by foreign nationals mandated by applicable law shall be disregarded
in determining the ownership of a Restricted Subsidiary.
 
                                       59
<PAGE>   61
 
                                  UNDERWRITING
 
     The Underwriters named below have severally agreed to purchase from the
Company the principal amount of Notes set forth opposite their respective names:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            PRINCIPAL
                                         UNDERWRITER                          AMOUNT
                                                                           ------------
        <S>                                                                <C>
        Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
                     Incorporated.......................................   $
        Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation.............
        Wertheim Schroder & Co. Incorporated............................
                                                                           ------------
                     Total..............................................   $260,000,000
                                                                           ------------
                                                                           ------------
</TABLE>
 
     The purchase agreement between the Company and the several Underwriters
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 Notes if any are purchased.
 
     The Underwriters have advised the Company that they propose initially to
offer the Notes to the public at the offering price set forth on the cover page
of this Prospectus, and in part to certain dealers at such price less a
concession not in excess of   % of the principal amount of the Notes. The
Underwriters may allow, and such dealers may reallow, a discount not in excess
of   % of the principal amount of the Notes to certain other dealers. After the
initial public offering of the Notes, the public offering price, concession and
discount may be changed.
 
     There is no public market for the Notes and the Company does not intend to
apply for listing of the Notes on any national securities exchange or for
quotation of the Notes on Nasdaq. The Company has been advised by the
Underwriters that, following the completion of the initial offering of the
Notes, the Underwriters presently intend to make a market in the Notes; however,
the Underwriters are not obligated to do so and may discontinue such
market-making activity at any time without notice. No assurance can be given as
to the liquidity of the trading market for the Notes or that an active public
market for the Notes will develop. If an active public market does not develop,
the market price and liquidity of the Notes may be adversely affected. See
"Investment Considerations--Absence of Public Market."
 
     The Company has agreed to indemnify the Underwriters against certain
liabilities, including civil liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the "Act"), and, under certain circumstances, to contribute to payments
that the Underwriters may be required to make in respect thereof.
 
     Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and its affiliates have
from time to time provided investment banking services to the Company, including
acting as a financial advisor in connection with the SPT Purchase.
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
     The validity of the Notes offered hereby will be passed upon for the
Company by Gardner, Carton & Douglas, Chicago, Illinois. Certain legal matters
will be passed upon for the Underwriters by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher &
Flom, Chicago, Illinois. Peter H. Merlin, a partner of Gardner, Carton &
Douglas, is a director of the Company. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom also
represented the Company in connection with the SPT Purchase and certain related
matters.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
     The audited financial statements and schedules included or incorporated by
reference in this Prospectus have been audited by Arthur Andersen & Co.,
independent public accountants, as indicated in their report with respect
thereto, and are included herein in reliance upon the authority of said firm as
experts in giving said report.
 
                                       60
<PAGE>   62
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
     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
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"). Such reports, proxy
statements and other information filed by the Company can be inspected and
copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the Commission at Room
1024, Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 and at the
following regional offices of the Commission: 14th Floor, Northwestern Atrium
Center, 500 West Madison Street, Chicago, Illinois 60661; and 13th Floor, Seven
World Trade Center, New York, New York 10048. Copies of such material can be
obtained at prescribed rates from the Public Reference Section of the Commission
at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. Such reports, proxy
statements and other information also can be inspected at the offices of The New
York Stock Exchange, Inc., 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005, and at the
offices of the Pacific Stock Exchange, 301 Pine Street, San Francisco,
California 94104 and 618 South Spring Street, Los Angeles, California 90014.
 
     The Company has filed with the Commission a registration statement on Form
S-3 (together with all amendments, the "Registration Statement") under the Act
with respect to the Notes. This Prospectus, which constitutes a part of the
Registration Statement, does not contain all of the information set forth in the
Registration Statement, certain parts of which are omitted in accordance with
the rules and regulations of the Commission. Statements made in this Prospectus
as to the contents of any contract, agreement or other document referred to are
not necessarily complete; with respect to each such contract, agreement or other
document filed as an exhibit or schedule to the Registration Statement,
reference is made to the exhibit or schedule, as applicable, for a more complete
description of the matter involved, and each such statement shall be deemed
qualified in its entirety by such reference. For further information pertaining
to the Company and the Notes, reference is made to the Registration Statement
and the exhibits and schedules thereto, which may be examined or copied at the
locations described above.
 
                INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
 
     The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1993, which was previously filed by the Company with the Commission under the
Exchange Act, is incorporated herein by reference.
 
     All documents filed by the Company pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or
15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this Prospectus and prior to the
termination of the Offering shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in
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 herein by reference, or contained in this Prospectus, shall be
deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Prospectus to the
extent that a statement contained herein or in any subsequently filed document
which also is or is deemed to be incorporated herein by reference modified or
superseded such statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded shall
not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this
Prospectus.
 
     The Company will provide without charge to each person to whom a copy of
this Prospectus is delivered, upon the written or oral request of such person, a
copy of any or all of the documents referred to above which have been or may be
incorporated by reference in this Prospectus, other than certain exhibits to
such documents. Requests should be directed to James M. Sheridan, Vice
President, Administration and General Counsel, SPX Corporation, 700 Terrace
Point Drive, Muskegon, Michigan 49443, (616) 724-5000.
 
                                       61
<PAGE>   63
 
                        SPX CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                   INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
                               DECEMBER 31, 1993
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                    <C>
Report of Independent Public Accountants..............................................   F-2
Consolidated Financial Statements--
  Consolidated Balance Sheets--December 31, 1993 and 1992.............................   F-3
  Consolidated Statements of Income for the three years ended December 31, 1993.......   F-4
  Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the three years ended December
     31, 1993.........................................................................   F-5
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three years ended December 31, 1993...   F-6
  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements..........................................   F-7
Schedules omitted
No schedules are submitted because they are not applicable or not required or because
  the required information is included in the consolidated financial statements or
  notes thereto.
</TABLE>
 
                                       F-1
<PAGE>   64
 
                    REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of
  SPX Corporation:
 
     We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of SPX
CORPORATION (a Delaware corporation) AND SUBSIDIARIES as of December 31, 1993
and 1992, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders'
equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December
31, 1993. These financial statements are the responsibility of the company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audits.
 
     We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
     In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of SPX Corporation and
subsidiaries as of December 31, 1993 and 1992, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 1993, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
     As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, effective
January 1, 1993, the company changed its method of accounting for its Employee
Stock Ownership Plan and Sealed Power Technologies Limited Partnership changed
its method of accounting for postretirement benefits other than pensions and
effective January 1, 1992, the company changed its methods of accounting for
postretirement benefits other than pensions and for income taxes.
 
                                                           ARTHUR ANDERSEN & CO.
Chicago, Illinois,
March 25, 1994.
 
                                       F-2
<PAGE>   65
 
                        SPX CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            DECEMBER 31
                                                                       ----------------------
                                                                         1993          1992
                                                                       ---------     --------
                                                                       (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                    <C>           <C>
CURRENT ASSETS:
  Cash and temporary cash investments..............................    $ 117,843     $  9,729
  Receivables (Note 12)............................................      123,081       84,931
  Lease finance receivables-current portion (Note 21)..............       33,834        -
  Inventories (Note 13)............................................      159,223      171,622
  Deferred income tax asset and refunds (Note 14)..................       54,489       18,601
  Prepaid and other current assets.................................       29,726       22,796
                                                                       ---------     --------
       Total current assets........................................    $ 518,196     $307,679
INVESTMENTS (Note 15)..............................................       13,446        2,156
PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT, at cost (Note 16)..................    $ 367,832     $218,105
     Less: Accumulated depreciation................................      169,687      101,310
                                                                       ---------     --------
       Net property, plant, and equipment..........................    $ 198,145     $116,795
OTHER ASSETS.......................................................       39,452       38,835
LEASE FINANCE RECEIVABLES -- LONG-TERM (Note 21)...................       51,013        -
COSTS IN EXCESS OF NET ASSETS OF BUSINESSES ACQUIRED (Note 17).....      204,149       94,863
                                                                       ---------     --------
TOTAL ASSETS.......................................................    $1,024,401    $560,328
                                                                       ---------     --------
                                                                       ---------     --------
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
  Notes payable and current maturities of long-term debt (Note
     19)...........................................................    $  93,975     $ 13,999
  Accounts payable.................................................       62,968       49,956
  Accrued liabilities (Note 27)....................................      229,998       54,177
  Income taxes payable (Note 14)...................................       11,864        7,375
                                                                       ---------     --------
       Total current liabilities...................................    $ 398,805     $125,507
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES (Note 10)....................................      123,235       18,931
SPT EQUITY LOSSES IN EXCESS OF INVESTMENT (Note 5).................        -           15,904
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES (Note 14)....................................       20,787       54,176
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 18)............................
LONG-TERM DEBT (Note 19)...........................................      336,187      160,320
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
  Preferred stock, no par value, authorized 3,000,000 shares; no
     shares issued (Note 20).......................................        -            -
  Common stock, $10 par value, authorized 50,000,000 shares; issued
     15,555,835 in 1993 and 15,535,978 in 1992 (Note 20)...........      155,558      155,360
  Paid in capital..................................................       58,926       60,199
  Retained earnings................................................       20,282       65,732
                                                                       ---------     --------
                                                                       $ 234,766     $281,291
LESS: Common stock held in treasury (Note 20)......................       50,000       50,000
        Unearned compensation -- ESOP (Note 10)....................       35,900       44,181
        Minority interest (Note 9).................................        1,080        -
        Cumulative translation adjustments.........................        2,399        1,620
                                                                       ---------     --------
       Total shareholders' equity..................................    $ 145,387     $185,490
                                                                       ---------     --------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY.........................    $1,024,401    $560,328
                                                                       ---------     --------
                                                                       ---------     --------
</TABLE>
 
        The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
 
                                       F-3
<PAGE>   66
 
                        SPX CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                                         -------------------------------------
                                                           1993          1992          1991
                                                         ---------     ---------     ---------
<S>                                                      <C>           <C>           <C>
                                                                 (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT
                                                                            PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
REVENUES (Note 3)....................................    $ 756,145     $ 801,169     $ 673,468
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
  Cost of products sold..............................      508,032       533,169       461,626
  Selling, general, and administrative expense.......      207,607       209,945       193,943
  Other expense, net.................................        7,524         6,594         3,046
  Restructuring and special charges (Note 9).........       27,500        --            18,200
  SPT equity losses (Note 5).........................       26,845         2,407         8,532
  SP Europe equity loss (Note 15)....................       21,500        --            --
                                                         ---------     ---------     ---------
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)..............................    $ (42,863)    $  49,054     $ (11,879)
  Interest expense, net..............................       17,882        15,061        16,853
  (Gain) on sale of businesses (Note 6)..............     (105,400)       --            --
                                                         ---------     ---------     ---------
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND CUMULATIVE
  EFFECT OF CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING METHODS AND
  EXTRAORDINARY LOSS.................................    $  44,655     $  33,993     $ (28,732)
PROVISION (BENEFIT) FOR INCOME TAXES (Note 14).......    $  29,455     $  13,433     $  (7,172)
                                                         ---------     ---------     ---------
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF CHANGE IN
  ACCOUNTING METHODS AND EXTRAORDINARY LOSS..........    $  15,200     $  20,560     $ (21,560)
CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING METHODS,
  NET OF TAXES (Note 2)..............................    $ (31,800)    $  (5,700)    $  --
EXTRAORDINARY LOSS, NET OF TAXES (Note 8)............    $ (24,000)    $  --         $  --
                                                         ---------     ---------     ---------
NET INCOME (LOSS)....................................    $ (40,600)    $  14,860     $ (21,560)
                                                         ---------     ---------     ---------
                                                         ---------     ---------     ---------
INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK:
  Before cumulative effect of change in accounting
     methods and extraordinary loss..................    $    1.20     $    1.48     $   (1.56)
  Cumulative effect of change in accounting methods,
     net of taxes....................................        (2.52)        (0.41)       --
  Extraordinary loss, net of taxes...................        (1.90)       --            --
                                                         ---------     ---------     ---------
  Net income (loss)..................................    $   (3.22)    $    1.07     $   (1.56)
                                                         ---------     ---------     ---------
                                                         ---------     ---------     ---------
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
  (Note 1)...........................................    12,604,000    13,856,000    13,828,000
</TABLE>
 
        The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
 
                                       F-4
<PAGE>   67
 
                        SPX CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     COMMON STOCK    PAID IN    RETAINED
                                                     $10 PAR VALUE   CAPITAL    EARNINGS    OTHER
                                                     -------------   --------   --------   --------
                                                        (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S>                                                  <C>             <C>        <C>        <C>
PREVIOUSLY REPORTED BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1990.....    $ 154,585     $ 59,976   $ 93,453   $(91,530)
  1989 and 1990 restatement (Note 5)...............      --             --        (6,378)     --
                                                     -------------   --------   --------   --------
RESTATED BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1990................    $ 154,585     $ 59,976   $ 87,075   $(91,530)
  Net loss.........................................      --             --       (21,560)     --
  Cash dividends ($.70 per share)..................      --             --        (9,679)     --
  Earned ESOP shares...............................      --             --         --         1,823
  Tax benefit on dividends paid to ESOP trust......      --             --           378      --
  Translation adjustment...........................      --             --         --          (492)
  Vesting of restricted stock......................      --             --         --           113
  Issuance of restricted stock.....................          120           32      --          (152)
                                                     -------------   --------   --------   --------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1991.........................    $ 154,705     $ 60,008   $ 56,214   $(90,238)
  Net income.......................................      --             --        14,860      --
  Cash dividends ($.40 per share)..................      --             --        (5,541)     --
  Net shares sold under stock option plans.........          655          191      --         --
  Earned ESOP shares...............................      --             --         --         2,044
  Tax benefit on dividends paid to ESOP trust......      --             --           199      --
  Translation adjustment...........................      --             --         --        (7,742)
  Vesting of restricted stock......................      --             --         --           135
                                                     -------------   --------   --------   --------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1992.........................    $ 155,360     $ 60,199   $ 65,732   $(95,801)
  Net loss.........................................      --             --       (40,600)     --
  Cash dividends ($.40 per share)..................      --             --        (5,040)     --
  Net shares sold under stock option plans.........          198           82      --         --
  Earned ESOP shares...............................      --            (1,355)     --         3,046
  Tax benefit on dividends paid to ESOP trust......      --             --           190      --
  Minority interest in SP Europe...................      --             --         --        (1,080)
  Translation adjustment...........................      --             --         --          (779)
  Cumulative effect of change in ESOP accounting
     method, net of taxes (Note 2).................      --             --         --         5,100
  Vesting of restricted stock......................      --             --         --           135
                                                     -------------   --------   --------   --------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1993.........................    $ 155,558     $ 58,926   $ 20,282   $(89,379)
                                                     -------------   --------   --------   --------
                                                     -------------   --------   --------   --------
</TABLE>
 
        The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
 
                                       F-5
<PAGE>   68
 
                        SPX CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                                             ----------------------------------
                                                               1993         1992         1991
                                                             --------     --------     --------
                                                             (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                          <C>          <C>          <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: (Note 22)............  $ 25,285     $ 67,489     $ 67,449
                                                             --------     --------     --------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Payments for purchase of Miller Tools......................  $  --        $  --        $(12,100)
Investment in SPT..........................................     --           --          (5,000)
Investment in SP Europe....................................   (19,900)      (3,117)      (1,272)
Investment in RSV..........................................     --          (2,618)       --
Payments for purchase of ATP and AGL.......................  (101,957)       --           --
Payments for purchase of Lowener GmbH......................    (7,014)       --           --
Net proceeds from sale of SPR division.....................   117,516        --           --
Net proceeds from sale of Truth division...................    71,562        --           --
Capital expenditures.......................................   (15,116)     (20,351)     (19,428)
Sale of property, plant and equipment, net.................      (797)       1,169        2,874
                                                             --------     --------     --------
Net cash provided (used) for investing activities..........  $ 44,294     $(24,917)    $(34,926)
                                                             --------     --------     --------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net (payments) borrowings under line of credit agreement...  $(17,000)    $(19,000)    $(20,000)
Long-term borrowings.......................................    19,937        --           --
Payments of long-term debt.................................   (12,207)     (16,544)      (4,493)
Increase (decrease) in notes payable and current maturities
  of long-term debt........................................    53,283       (2,141)         244
Dividends paid.............................................    (5,040)      (5,541)      (9,679)
                                                             --------     --------     --------
Net cash provided (used) for financing activities..........  $ 38,973     $(43,226)    $(33,928)
                                                             --------     --------     --------
Net cash provided (used)...................................  $108,552     $   (654)    $ (1,405)
                                                             --------     --------     --------
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash....................  $   (438)    $   (757)    $  --
                                                             --------     --------     --------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and temporary cash
  investments..............................................  $108,114     $ (1,411)    $ (1,405)
Cash and temporary cash investments, beginning of period...     9,729       11,140       12,545
                                                             --------     --------     --------
Cash and temporary cash investments, end of period.........  $117,843     $  9,729     $ 11,140
                                                             --------     --------     --------
                                                             --------     --------     --------
Supplemental disclosure of cash flows information:
  Cash payments for interest...............................  $ 18,347     $ 16,124     $ 16,425
  Cash payments (refunds), net for income taxes............  $ 40,454     $    110     $ (2,040)
</TABLE>
 
        The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
 
                                       F-6
<PAGE>   69
 
                        SPX CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                               DECEMBER 31, 1993
 
(1)  BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
    The accounting and financial policies which affect significant elements of
the consolidated financial statements of SPX Corporation (the "company") and
which are not apparent on the face of the statements, or in other notes to the
consolidated financial statements, are described below.
 
    Restatement -- As a result of the company's purchase of Riken Corporation's
    interest in Sealed Power Technologies Limited Partnership ("SPT") as of
    December 31, 1993, prior years' consolidated financial statements have been
    restated to reflect the company's 49% share of SPT's earnings or losses for
    prior years (see Note 5).
 
    Consolidation -- The consolidated financial statements include the accounts
    of the company and all of its majority-owned subsidiaries after the
    elimination of all significant intercompany accounts and transactions.
 
    Foreign Currency Translation -- Translation of significant subsidiaries
    results in unrealized translation adjustments being reflected as cumulative
    translation adjustment in shareholders' equity.
 
    Lease Finance Income Recognition -- The company's lease financing operation,
    SPX Credit Corporation, uses the direct financing method of accounting for
    leases. Under this method, the excess of future lease payments and estimated
    residual value over the cost of equipment leased is recorded as unearned
    income and is recognized over the life of the lease by the effective
    interest method.
 
    Deferred Service Revenue -- Revenue from service contracts and long-term
    maintenance arrangements has been deferred and will be recognized as revenue
    on a pro rata basis over the agreement periods.
 
    Research and Development Costs -- The company expenses currently all costs
    for development of products. Research and developments costs were $17.6
    million in 1993, $14.7 million in 1992, and $13.1 million in 1991.
 
    Earnings Per Share -- Primary earnings per share is computed by dividing net
    income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Common
    shares outstanding includes issued shares less shares held in treasury and,
    in 1993, unallocated and uncommitted shares held by the ESOP trust. The
    exclusion of unallocated and uncommitted shares held by the ESOP trust in
    1993 is due to the company's adoption of Statement of Position 93-6 (see
    Note 2). Prior to 1993, unallocated and uncommitted shares held by the ESOP
    trust were included in weighted average number of common shares outstanding
    used for calculating earnings per share. Average weighted unallocated and
    uncommitted shares in the ESOP trust were 1,361,000 shares at the end of
    1992 and 1,476,000 shares at the end of 1991. The potential dilutive effect
    from the exercise of stock options is not material.
 
(2)  CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING METHODS
 
    In 1993 and 1992, the company adopted three new accounting methods relating
to its Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP"), postretirement benefits, and
income taxes. The effect of the change to these new accounting methods has been
reflected in the consolidated statements of income as "Cumulative effect of
change in accounting methods, net of taxes."
 
    Effective January 1, 1993, the company elected to adopt new accounting for
its ESOP in accordance with Statement of Position 93-6 of the Accounting
Standards Division of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants,
issued in November of 1993. As part of this change, the company recorded a one
time cumulative charge of $5.1 million pretax, or $3.3 million after tax. This
charge recognizes the cumulative difference of expense since the inception of
the ESOP until January 1, 1993 to reflect the shares allocated method of
accounting for ESOPs. As the company adopted this accounting change in the
fourth quarter of 1993, previously reported 1993 quarterly information has been
restated to reflect the change effective January 1, 1993. See Note 10 for
further discussion of the effect of this change.
 
    Effective January 1, 1993, SPT adopted Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards (SFAS) No. 106 -- "Employers' Accounting for Postretirement Benefits
Other Than Pensions", using the immediate recognition transition option. SFAS
No. 106 requires recognition, during the employees' service with the company, of
the cost of their retiree health and life insurance benefits. At that date, the
full accumulated postretirement benefit obligation was $89.5 million pretax. The
company recorded its 49% share of this transition obligation, $28.5 million, net
of deferred taxes of $15.4 million in the first quarter.
 
    Effective January 1, 1992, the company adopted SFAS No. 106 using the
immediate recognition transition option. At January 1, 1992, the accumulated
postretirement benefit obligation was $16.8 million and was recorded as a pretax
transition obligation. The decrease in net earnings and shareholders' equity was
$10.7 million after a deferred tax benefit of $6.1 million.
 
    Effective January 1, 1992, the company adopted Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 109 -- "Accounting for Income Taxes." Under SFAS
No. 109, deferred tax balances are stated at tax rates expected to be in effect
when taxes are actually paid or recovered. The cumulative effect of adoption as
of January 1, 1992 was a $5.0 million after tax benefit.
 
    As of the beginning of 1994, the company must adopt Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards, No. 112, "Employers' Accounting for Postemployment
Benefits." This standard requires that the cost of benefits provided to former
or inactive employees be
 
                                       F-7
<PAGE>   70
 
                        SPX CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                               DECEMBER 31, 1993
 
(2)  CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING METHODS (CONTINUED)
recognized on the accrual basis of accounting. The company does not anticipate
that this standard will materially impact its financial position or results of
operations upon adoption.
 
(3)  SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
 
    The company is comprised of three business segments. Specialty Service Tools
includes operations that design, manufacture and market a wide range of
specialty service tools and diagnostic equipment primarily to the global motor
vehicle industry. Original Equipment Components includes operations that design,
manufacture and market component parts for light and heavy duty vehicle markets.
SPX Credit Corporation, a lease financing operation, provides Specialty Service
Tools customers with a leasing option for purchasing more expensive diagnostic
testing, emission testing, and wheel service equipment. SPX Credit Corporation
was created with the purchase of Allen Group Leasing in June of 1993.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              BUSINESS SEGMENTS                                     1993          1992         1991
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------    ---------     --------     --------
                                                                                  (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                               <C>           <C>          <C>
Revenues:
  Specialty Service Tools.....................................................    $ 503,600     $539,619     $430,074
  Original Equipment Components...............................................       26,657       15,154        7,764
  SPX Credit Corporation......................................................        8,974        --           --
  Businesses sold in 1993.....................................................      216,914      246,396      235,630
                                                                                  ---------     --------     --------
    Total.....................................................................    $ 756,145     $801,169     $673,468
                                                                                  ---------     --------     --------
                                                                                  ---------     --------     --------
Operating income (loss):
  Specialty Service Tools (a).................................................    $ (11,748)    $ 51,680     $  3,302
  Original Equipment Components (b)...........................................      (46,477)      (7,053)     (14,946)
  SPX Credit Corporation......................................................        5,483        --           --
  Businesses sold in 1993.....................................................       25,249       21,531       20,005
  General corporate expenses..................................................      (15,370)     (17,104)     (20,240)
                                                                                  ---------     --------     --------
    Total.....................................................................    $ (42,863)    $ 49,054     $(11,879)
                                                                                  ---------     --------     --------
                                                                                  ---------     --------     --------
Identifiable Assets:
  Specialty Service Tools.....................................................    $ 383,295     $347,763     $355,736
  Original Equipment Components (Note 5)......................................      343,816       21,771       19,301
  SPX Credit Corporation......................................................       85,165        --           --
  Businesses sold in 1993.....................................................           --      110,450      124,157
  General corporate (c).......................................................      212,125       80,344       80,149
                                                                                  ---------     --------     --------
    Total.....................................................................    $1,024,401    $560,328     $579,343
                                                                                  ---------     --------     --------
                                                                                  ---------     --------     --------
Capital expenditures:
  Specialty Service Tools.....................................................    $   7,479     $  6,823     $ 10,515
  Original Equipment Components...............................................        1,014        3,944        3,477
  SPX Credit Corporation......................................................       --            --           --
  Businesses sold in 1993.....................................................        6,439        9,584        4,975
  General corporate...........................................................          184        --             461
                                                                                  ---------     --------     --------
    Total.....................................................................    $  15,116     $ 20,351     $ 19,428
                                                                                  ---------     --------     --------
                                                                                  ---------     --------     --------
Depreciation and amortization:
  Specialty Service Tools.....................................................    $  14,485     $ 14,960     $ 15,312
  Original Equipment Components...............................................        1,796        1,487        1,160
  SPX Credit Corporation......................................................       --            --           --
  Businesses sold in 1993.....................................................        7,462        8,383        6,966
  General corporate...........................................................          627          447          333
                                                                                  ---------     --------     --------
    Total.....................................................................    $  24,370     $ 25,277     $ 23,771
                                                                                  ---------     --------     --------
                                                                                  ---------     --------     --------
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
(a) 1993 includes a $27.5 million restructuring charge to merge Allen
    Testproducts and Bear Automotive into Automotive Diagnostics.
 
(b) 1993 includes $26.9 million of SPT equity losses and $21.5 million of SP
    Europe equity losses.
 
(c) Increase in 1993 was primarily the additional $108.1 million in cash
    resulting from the SPR and Truth divestitures.
 
                                       F-8
<PAGE>   71
 
                        SPX CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                               DECEMBER 31, 1993
 
(3)  SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION (CONTINUED)
    Revenues by business segment represent sales to unconsolidated customers.
Intercompany sales between segments are not significant. Operating income (loss)
by segment does not include general unallocated corporate expense, interest
expense, income taxes and extraordinary items.
 
    Identifiable assets by business segment are those used in company operations
in each segment. General corporate assets are principally cash, deferred tax
assets, prepaid pension and prepaid health care expenses.
 
    Information about the company's operations in different geographic areas is
as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              GEOGRAPHIC AREAS:                                     1993          1992         1991
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------    ---------     --------     --------
                                                                                            (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                               <C>           <C>          <C>
Revenues -- Unaffiliated customers:
  United States (a)...........................................................    $ 637,143     $679,875     $544,103
  Other North America.........................................................       21,719       24,593       25,623
  Other.......................................................................       97,283       96,701      103,742
                                                                                  ---------     --------     --------
    Total.....................................................................    $ 756,145     $801,169     $673,468
                                                                                  ---------     --------     --------
                                                                                  ---------     --------     --------
Revenues -- Between affiliated customers:
  United States...............................................................    $  34,934     $ 33,757     $ 34,406
  Other North America.........................................................       --            --              36
  Other.......................................................................        1,708          312          229
  Eliminations................................................................      (36,642)     (34,069)     (34,671)
                                                                                  ---------     --------     --------
    Total.....................................................................    $  --         $  --        $  --
                                                                                  ---------     --------     --------
                                                                                  ---------     --------     --------
Operating income (loss):
  United States (b)...........................................................    $ (19,549)    $ 47,304     $(17,084)
  Other North America.........................................................         (192)       1,878          531
  Other (c)...................................................................      (23,122)        (128)       4,674
                                                                                  ---------     --------     --------
    Total.....................................................................    $ (42,863)    $ 49,054     $(11,879)
                                                                                  ---------     --------     --------
                                                                                  ---------     --------     --------
Total assets:
  United States (Note 5)......................................................    $ 893,172     $466,995     $479,458
  Other North America.........................................................        8,591       10,121       11,423
  Other (d)...................................................................      122,638       83,212       88,462
                                                                                  ---------     --------     --------
    Total.....................................................................    $1,024,401    $560,328     $579,343
                                                                                  ---------     --------     --------
                                                                                  ---------     --------     --------
</TABLE>
 
(a) Included in the United States revenues are export sales to unconsolidated
    customers of $74.4 million in 1993, $64.0 million in 1992 and $55.4 million
    in 1991.
 
(b) 1993 includes a $27.5 million restructuring charge to merge Allen
    Testproducts and Bear Automotive into Automotive Diagnostics and a $26.9
    million of SPT equity losses.
 
(c) 1993 includes $21.5 million of SP Europe equity losses.
 
(d) 1993 includes assets resulting from the consolidation of SP Europe and
    assets acquired in the Lowener purchase during the third quarter.
 
    Approximately 9% in 1993, 13% in 1992 and 9% in 1991 of the company's
consolidated sales were made to General Motors Corporation and its various
divisions, dealers and distributors. No other customer or group of customers
under common control accounted for more than 10% of consolidated sales for any
of these years. With the effect of the consolidation of SPT, the percentage
sales to General Motors will increase in the future. SPT's sales to General
Motors were 25% in 1993, 27% in 1992 and 31% in 1991. SPT's sales to Ford Motor
Company and it various divisions, dealers and distributors were 23% in 1993, 20%
in 1992 and 15% in 1991. With the consolidation of SPT, sales to Ford should
exceed 10% of consolidated sales in the future.
 
(4)  ACQUISITION--ALLEN TESTPRODUCTS AND ALLEN GROUP LEASING
 
    On June 10, 1993, the company acquired the Allen Testproducts division
("ATP") and its related leasing company, Allen Group Leasing ("AGL"), from the
Allen Group, Inc. for $102 million. ATP is a manufacturer and marketer of
vehicular test and service equipment. This acquisition has been recorded using
the purchase method of accounting, and the results of ATP and AGL have been
included in the company's consolidated statement of income since June 10, 1993.
The purchase price has been allocated to the fair values of the net assets of
ATP and AGL. The purchase price allocations recorded are based upon estimates
available and may be revised at a
 
                                       F-9
<PAGE>   72
 
                        SPX CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                               DECEMBER 31, 1993
 
(4)  ACQUISITION--ALLEN TESTPRODUCTS AND ALLEN GROUP LEASING (CONTINUED)
later date. The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value of
the net assets acquired of $16.3 million has been recorded as costs in excess of
net assets acquired and is being amortized over the remaining life of goodwill
from the 1988 acquisition of Bear Automotive (approximately 35 years). The
purchase price allocation was as follows (in millions of dollars):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                                                                          <C>
Current assets...........................................................................................    $ 37.7
Property, plant & equipment..............................................................................       7.5
Leasing assets...........................................................................................      75.8
Cost in excess of net assets acquired....................................................................      16.3
Liabilities..............................................................................................     (35.3)
                                                                                                             ------
  Total..................................................................................................    $102.0
                                                                                                             ------
                                                                                                             ------
</TABLE>
 
    Financing was obtained by a $50 million note with two banks, a $19.7
million, three year, 8%, note from the seller and the balance by utilizing the
company's existing revolving credit line.
 
    The acquired businesses have been combined with the company's Bear
Automotive division to form a single business unit called Automotive
Diagnostics. In the third quarter of 1993, the company recorded a pretax $27.5
million restructuring charge to provide for substantial reduction in work force
and facilities related to the combination. The restructuring charge was $18.5
million aftertax.
 
(5)  ACQUISITION--SEALED POWER TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED PARTNERSHIP ("SPT")
 
    Effective December 31, 1993, the company acquired Riken Corporation's 49%
interest in SPT for $39 million. Additionally, SPT will redeem the 2% management
interest in SPT for $2.7 million. The company previously owned 49% of SPT.
Accordingly, the net assets of SPT have been included in the accompanying
consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 1993. Prior to this acquisition,
the company accounted for its investment using the equity method. Beginning in
the first quarter of 1994, the results of operations of SPT will be reflected in
the company's consolidated statements of income and cash flows.
 
    SPT designs and manufactures engine parts, castings and filters for the
automotive and heavy duty original equipment manufacturers ("OEM") and the
aftermarket. SPT was created in 1989 when the company contributed the Sealed
Power, Contech, Filtran and Hy-Lift divisions to the newly created limited
partnership. SPT obtained nonrecourse financing through a combination of bank
debt and a public offering of subordinated debentures. In exchange for the net
assets of the divisions contributed, the company received $245 million in cash
from the partnership and a 49% interest in the partnership. As the debt incurred
by SPT to fund this transaction was nonrecourse to the company, the company
previously recorded a pretax $91 million gain in 1989, in accordance with
guidance prescribed by Emerging Issues Task Force pronouncement 89-7. The cash
distribution to the company resulted in an initial partnership capital deficit.
SPT has had cumulative losses since its inception and, up to December 31, 1993,
the company had carried its investment in SPT at zero. Because the SPT debt was
nonrecourse, the company properly did not reflect its share of the equity losses
of SPT and did not amortize the difference between its investment balance and
its share of SPT's initial partnership capital deficit in its previously
reported financial statements.
 
    As a result of the acquisition of the remaining 51% of SPT, as of December
31, 1993, the company accounted for this transaction as follows:
 
    1.   The company recorded this acquisition using step acquisition
       accounting. Step acquisition accounting requires that when the company
       previously did not record its share of SPT's losses because the company's
       investment was zero and now, as a result of additional ownership,
       consolidates SPT, the company must retroactively reflect its share of SPT
       losses not previously recorded. Accordingly, the financial statements for
       the 1993 quarters and prior years were restated to record the company's
       previous 49% share of SPT's income or losses, the effect of amortizing
       the difference between its investment balance and its share of SPT's
       initial partnership capital deficit and an adjustment required to record
       the company's previous investment in SPT at historical cost.
 
    2.   The 51% of SPT's net assets acquired has been included in the
       accompanying consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 1993 at estimated
       fair value based upon preliminary information which may be revised at a
       later date. The excess of the purchase price (including the acquired
       equity deficit of $87.9 million) over the estimated fair values of the
       net assets acquired was $97.1 million and has been recorded as costs in
       excess of net assets acquired and will be amortized over 40 years.
 
                                      F-10
<PAGE>   73
 
                        SPX CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                               DECEMBER 31, 1993
 
(5)  ACQUISITION--SEALED POWER TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED PARTNERSHIP ("SPT")
(CONTINUED)
    A summary of the purchase price allocation is as follows (in millions of
dollars):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         EXISTING   ACQUIRED
                                                                                           49%        51%         TOTAL
                                                                                         --------   --------     -------
<S>                                                                                      <C>        <C>          <C>
Current assets.........................................................................  $   37.5   $   39.2     $  76.7
Property, plant & equipment............................................................      44.8       66.6       111.4
Other assets...........................................................................       6.7        7.0        13.7
Cost in excess of net assets acquired..................................................     --          97.1        97.1
Current liabilities....................................................................     (26.2)     (27.2)      (53.4)
Deferred income taxes..................................................................     --          16.0        16.0
Long term liabilities..................................................................     (47.7)     (49.8)      (97.5)
Debt...................................................................................    (103.0)    (107.2)     (210.2)
                                                                                         --------   --------     -------
    Subtotal...........................................................................     (87.9)      41.7       (46.2)
SPT equity losses in excess of investment*.............................................                --           87.9
                                                                                                    --------     -------
Purchase Price.........................................................................             $   41.7     $  41.7
                                                                                                    --------     -------
                                                                                                    --------     -------
</TABLE>
 
* Represents the cumulative restatement of equity losses, including the
  company's 49% share of the 1993 SPT adoption of SFAS No. 106, recorded by the
  company prior to the consolidation of the net assets of SPT at December 31,
  1993.
 
(6)  DIVESTITURES
 
    During 1993, the company sold its Sealed Power Replacement and Truth
divisions.
 
    Sealed Power Replacement ("SPR") -- On October 22, 1993, the company sold
    SPR to Federal-Mogul Corporation for approximately $141 million in cash. SPR
    distributes engine and undervehicle parts into the U.S. and Canadian
    aftermarket. Net proceeds, after income taxes, were approximately $117.5
    million. The company recorded a pretax gain of $52.4 million after
    transaction and facility reduction expenses, or $32.4 million aftertax. The
    proceeds were used to reduce a portion of the company's debt and the excess
    invested in short term investments.
 
    Truth -- On November 5, 1993, the company sold Truth to Danks America
    Corporation, an affiliate of FKI Industries, Inc. for approximately $92.5
    million in cash. In addition, the company will receive an annual royalty
    ranging from 1.0% to 1.5% of Truth's annual sales for a five year period
    following the closing (cumulatively not to exceed $7.5 million) which will
    be recorded as income as received. Truth manufactures and markets window and
    door hardware primarily in the U.S. and Canada. Net proceeds, after income
    taxes, were approximately $71.6 million. The company recorded a pretax gain
    of $53.0 million after transaction expenses, or $31.8 million aftertax. The
    proceeds were invested in short term investments.
 
    The final proceeds for these divestitures are based upon the closing balance
sheet of each business which are being completed. Any changes in proceeds as a
result of adjustments to the closing balance sheets are not expected to be
material.
 
(7)  PRO FORMA RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
 
    The accompanying consolidated statements of income include the results of
operations of Allen Testproducts ("ATP") and Allen Group Leasing ("AGL") from
the date of acquisition, June 10, 1993, the results of the Sealed Power
Replacement ("SPR") division through the date of disposition, October 22, 1993,
the results of the Truth division through the date of disposition, November 5,
1993, the company's 49% share of the earnings or losses of SPT, and the equity
losses of SP Europe. The following 1993 unaudited pro forma selected financial
data reflects the acquisition of ATP and AGL and related restructuring, the
divestiture of the SPR and Truth divisions, the acquisition of 51% of SPT, and
the consolidation of SP Europe as if they had occurred as of January 1, 1993.
Pro forma adjustments are described below. The 1992 pro forma assumes that these
transactions occurred as of January 1, 1992 and comparable pro forma adjustments
were made.
 
                                      F-11
<PAGE>   74
 
                        SPX CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                               DECEMBER 31, 1993
 
(7)  PRO FORMA RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  1993       ATP &                           SP                 PRO FORMA     1993        1992
                               HISTORICAL   AGL (a)   DIVESTITURES (b)   EUROPE (c)   SPT (d)    ADJUST     PRO FORMA   PRO FORMA
                               ----------   -------   ----------------   ----------   -------   ---------   ---------   ---------
<S>                            <C>          <C>       <C>                <C>          <C>       <C>         <C>         <C>
                                                                                          (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
Revenues.....................    $756.1      $32.4        $ (217.0)        $ 40.6     $391.6     $ --        $1,003.7    $1,042.9
Cost and expenses:
  Cost of products...........     508.0       14.1          (147.0)          44.6      337.8        (6.8)(a)    752.7      746.4
                                                                                                     2.0(d)
  SG&A.......................     207.6       20.5           (44.5)           9.1       28.2       (10.2)(a)    210.7      223.6
  Other, net.................       7.5       --               (.2)            .5       (2.0 )        .3(a)      4.2         1.7
                                                                                                    (4.3)(c)
                                                                                                     2.4(d)
  Restructuring charge.......      27.5       --           --               --          --         --           27.5       --
  SPT equity losses..........      26.9       --           --               --          --         (26.9)(d)    --
  SP Europe equity losses....      21.5       --           --               --          --         (21.5)(c)    --         --
                               ----------   -------        -------       ----------   -------   ---------   ---------   ---------
Operating income (loss)......     (42.9)      (2.2)          (25.3)         (13.6)      27.6        65.0         8.6        71.2
Interest, net................      17.8        1.6         --                  .9       27.1        (5.8)(e)     41.6       45.8
(Gain) on sale of business
  units......................    (105.4)      --           --               --          --         105.4(f)    --
                               ----------   -------        -------       ----------   -------   ---------   ---------   ---------
Income before income taxes...      44.7       (3.8)          (25.3)         (14.5)        .5       (34.6)      (33.0)       25.4
Provision (benefit) for
  income taxes...............      29.5       --           --               --          --         (35.8)(g)     (6.3)      13.6
                               ----------   -------        -------       ----------   -------   ---------   ---------   ---------
Income (loss) (h)............    $ 15.2      $(3.8)       $  (25.3)        $(14.5)    $   .5     $   1.2     $ (26.7)    $  11.8
                               ----------   -------        -------       ----------   -------   ---------   ---------   ---------
                               ----------   -------        -------       ----------   -------   ---------   ---------   ---------
Income (loss) per share......    $ 1.20                                                                      $ (2.12)    $  0.85
Weight average number of
  common shares
  outstanding................      12.6                                                                         12.6        13.9
</TABLE>
 
(a) Historical results of ATP and AGL through June 10, 1993, the date of
    acquisition. Pro forma adjustments include a $6.8 million reduction in cost
    of products sold resulting from primarily work force reductions; a $10.2
    million reduction in SG&A resulting from primarily work force reductions:
    and $0.3 million of additional goodwill amortization.
 
(b) SPR and Truth were divested during the fourth quarter of 1993. This
    represents the results of operations through the date of divestiture.
 
(c) SP Europe was consolidated as of December 31, 1993. This pro forma adds the
    results of operations for the full year. Pro forma adjustments include
    reflecting the minority owner's share of losses, $4.3 million, and $21.5
    million to reverse the Company's share of equity losses as SP Europe is
    consolidated in the pro forma.
 
(d) SPT was consolidated as of December 31, 1993. This pro forma adds the
    results of operations for the full year. Pro forma adjustments include $2.0
    million of additional depreciation expense resulting from purchase
    accounting; $26.9 million to reverse the company's share of equity losses as
    SPT is consolidated in the pro forma; and $2.4 million to reflect goodwill
    amortization resulting from purchase accounting.
 
(e) Adjustment to interest expense, net to reflect the financing to purchase ATP
    and AGL and 51% of SPT and to reflect the net proceeds from the sale of SPR
    and Truth. Proceeds in excess of expenditures are assumed to have reduced
    outstanding revolving credit, short-term notes and notes payable to The
    Allen Group. Any excess was then assumed to be invested in short-term
    investments.
 
(f) Reversal of gain on the sale of the SPR and Truth divisions.
 
(g) Adjustment to income tax expense to reflect a consolidated effective rate of
    39%, which was then adjusted for the inability to tax benefit SP Europe
    losses and the effect of the change in U.S. federal income tax rate to 35%
    from 34% on deferred tax assets and liabilities.
 
(h) Income (loss) excludes cumulative effect of changes in accounting methods
    for ESOP accounting and SPT's 1993 SFAS No. 106 adoption and the 1993
    extraordinary loss recorded for the early retirement of indebtedness.
 
    The unaudited pro forma selected results of operations does not purport to
represent what the company's results of operations would actually have been had
the above transactions in fact occurred as of January 1, 1993, or January 1,
1992, or project the results of operations for any future date or period.
 
                                      F-12
<PAGE>   75
 
                        SPX CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                               DECEMBER 31, 1993
 
(8)  EXTRAORDINARY LOSS
 
    During the fourth quarter of 1993, the company determined to refinance both
SPX and SPT debt. As a result, the company recorded an extraordinary charge of
$37.0 million ($24.0 million after taxes) for extinguishment costs associated
with the early retirement of $415 million (principal amount) of debt expected to
be refinanced. The aggregate amount to retire this debt, including existing
unamortized debt placement fees, will be $452 million. See Note 23 for further
discussion of the refinancing.
 
(9)  RESTRUCTURING AND SPECIAL CHARGES
 
    1993 -- During 1993, the company recorded a $27.5 million restructuring
charge for the costs required to merge the Bear Automotive division with Allen
Testproducts, acquired in June of 1993. This charge was recorded in the third
quarter. Of the $27.5 million restructuring charge, approximately $16 million
relates to work force reductions and associated costs. The combined businesses
started with approximately 2,200 employees. That number was reduced to
approximately 1,800 employees at December 31, 1993 and will be at approximately
1,700 employees by the end of the second quarter of 1994. The charge also
included $9.3 million of facility duplication and shutdown costs, including the
write down of excess assets of $4.2 million (non-cash). The balance of the
reserves at December 31, 1993 is approximately $14.5 million, which is
principally required for remaining work force reduction and facility closing
costs.
 
    1991 -- In the third quarter of 1991, the company recorded a pretax special
charge of $18.2 million which included; a $6.0 million charge associated with
organizational and facility consolidation of two operating units which included
employment reductions and facility closings; a $6.5 million charge-off of
certain capitalized computer software development costs due to conceptual
changes in future product offerings whereby these costs are more appropriately
characterized as general software development; a $1.4 million net charge
associated with consummation of two transactions with an overseas partner that
relate to further globalization of the company's automotive original equipment
affiliated businesses; and a $4.3 million charge for losses, resulting
principally from recessionary conditions, on certain project development
investments and notes receivable related to previous sales of certain business
units.
 
(10)  EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
 
DEFINED BENEFIT PENSION PLANS
 
    The company has defined benefit pension plans which cover substantially all
domestic employees. These plans provide pension benefits that are principally
based on the employees' years of credited service and levels of earnings.
Contributions in excess of pension expense are considered prepayments for
financial accounting purposes. The company has determined that foreign defined
pension plans are immaterial to the consolidated financial statements.
 
    Net periodic pension cost (benefit) included the following components:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       1993        1992         1991
                                                                                     --------     -------     --------
<S>                                                                                  <C>          <C>         <C>
                                                                                                        (in thousands)
Service cost-benefits earned during the period...................................    $  4,585     $ 3,973     $  3,577
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation....................................       6,852       6,088        5,743
Actual gain on assets............................................................     (19,633)     (9,363)     (27,778)
Net amortization and deferral....................................................       8,440      (1,136)      18,320
                                                                                     --------     -------     --------
Net periodic pension cost (benefit)..............................................    $    244     $  (438)    $   (138)
                                                                                     --------     -------     --------
                                                                                     --------     -------     --------
Actuarial assumptions used:
Discount rates...................................................................        7.5%       8.25%        8.25%
Rates of increase in compensation levels.........................................         5.0         5.5          5.5
Expected long-term rate of return on assets......................................         9.5         9.5          9.5
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-13
<PAGE>   76
 
                        SPX CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                               DECEMBER 31, 1993
 
(10)  EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (CONTINUED)
    Plan assets principally consist of equity and fixed income security
investments. The following table sets forth the plans' funded status and amounts
recognized in the company's consolidated balance sheets as Other Assets for its
U.S. pension plans (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    DECEMBER 31, 1993           DECEMBER 31, 1992
                                                                -------------------------   -------------------------
                                                                  ASSETS      ACCUMULATED     ASSETS      ACCUMULATED
                                                                  EXCEED       BENEFITS       EXCEED       BENEFITS
                                                                ACCUMULATED     EXCEED      ACCUMULATED     EXCEED
                                                                 BENEFITS       ASSETS       BENEFITS       ASSETS
                                                                -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
<S>                                                             <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
Actuarial present value of benefit obligations:
  Vested benefit obligation...................................   $ 151,217      $ 6,570      $  67,876     $  --
                                                                -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
                                                                -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
  Accumulated benefit obligation..............................   $ 172,068      $ 7,395      $  70,661     $  --
                                                                -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
                                                                -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
  Projected benefit obligation................................   $ 200,249      $ 7,395      $  87,604     $  --
  Plan assets at fair value...................................     242,429        6,297        118,939        --
                                                                -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
  Projected benefit obligation less (greater) than plan
    assets....................................................   $  42,180      $(1,098)     $  31,335     $  --
  Unrecognized net (gain) loss................................     (31,893)          34        (19,031)       --
  Prior service cost not yet recognized in net periodic
    pension cost..............................................      10,183          607          1,909        --
  Unrecognized net asset at January 1, 1985...................        (220)          34           (407)       --
                                                                -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
  Prepaid pension cost recognized in the consolidated balance
    sheets....................................................   $  20,250      $  (423)     $  13,806     $  --
                                                                -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
                                                                -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
</TABLE>
 
    The significant increase in pension benefit obligations, assets and prepaid
pension cost was due to the consolidation of SPT as of December 31, 1993.
 
    As part of the divestitures of the SPR and Truth divisions, the company
recorded curtailment gains of $4.1 million. These gains have been included in
the gain recognized on the sale of these divisions.
 
POSTRETIREMENT HEALTH CARE AND LIFE INSURANCE
 
    Prior to 1992, postretirement health care and life insurance benefits were
recognized as expense when claims or premiums were paid. In 1992, the company
adopted SFAS No. 106. These costs totaled $958,000 in 1991. The following
summarizes the 1993 and 1992 expense for postretirement health and life
insurance (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                  1993        1992
                                                                                                 -------     -------
<S>                                                                                              <C>         <C>
Recognition of transition obligation.........................................................    $ --        $16,829
Benefit cost for service during the the year--net of employee contributions..................        317         315
Net amortization and deferral................................................................        (64)      --
Interest cost on accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation..............................      1,338       1,306
                                                                                                 -------     -------
Postretirement benefit cost..................................................................    $ 1,591     $18,450
                                                                                                 -------     -------
                                                                                                 -------     -------
</TABLE>
 
    The accumulated postretirement benefit obligation was actuarially determined
based on assumptions regarding the discount rate and health care trend rates.
The health care trend assumption applies to postretirement medical and dental
benefits. Different trend rates are used for pre-age 65 and post-age 65 medical
claims and for expected dental claims. The trend rate used for the medical plan
was 15% initially, grading to a 6% ultimate rate by 1% each year for pre-65
claims; and 10.5% grading to 6% by .5% each year for post-age 65 claims. The
trend rate for the dental plan was 6% each year. The liability was discounted
using a 7.5% interest rate. Increasing the health care trend rate by one
percentage point would increase the accumulated postretirement benefit
obligation by $.7 million and would increase the 1993 postretirement benefit
cost by $.1 million.
 
                                      F-14
<PAGE>   77
 
                        SPX CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                               DECEMBER 31, 1993
 
(10)  EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (CONTINUED)
    The following table summarizes the accumulated benefit obligation (in
thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    DECEMBER 31, 1993     DECEMBER 31, 1992
                                                                                    -----------------     -----------------
<S>                                                                                 <C>                   <C>
Accumulated postretirement benefits obligation ("APBO") Retirees................        $  56,084             $  11,708
  Actives fully eligible........................................................            9,399                 1,463
                                                                                         --------              --------
  APBO fully eligible...........................................................           65,483                13,171
  Actives not fully eligible....................................................           24,112                 3,271
                                                                                         --------              --------
  Total APBO....................................................................        $  89,595             $  16,442
Assets..........................................................................             (845)             --
                                                                                         --------              --------
Unfunded status.................................................................        $  88,750             $  16,442
Unrecognized:
  Prior service cost............................................................           27,498                 1,000
  Net gain (loss)...............................................................           (2,492)             --
                                                                                         --------              --------
Accrued APBO included in long-term liabilities..................................        $ 113,756             $  17,442
                                                                                         --------              --------
                                                                                         --------              --------
</TABLE>
 
    The significant increase in accumulated postretirement benefits obligation
was due to the consolidation of SPT as of December 31, 1993. SPT adopted SFAS
No. 106 in 1993.
 
EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN ("ESOP")
 
    In June 1989, the company established an ESOP, which includes substantially
all domestic employees not covered by collective bargaining agreements. The ESOP
borrowed $50 million, which is guaranteed by the company, and used the proceeds
to purchase 1,746,725 shares of common stock issued directly by the company.
Employees vest in these shares based upon a predetermined formula. Employees may
vote allocated shares directly, while the ESOP trustee will vote the unallocated
shares proportionally on the same basis as the allocated shares were voted.
During 1993, 1992 and 1991, 114,588, 114,735 and 114,870 shares were allocated
to the employees, leaving 1,246,346 unallocated shares in the ESOP trust at
December 31, 1993. The fair market value of these unallocated shares was $22.1
million at December 31, 1993. The company's contributions to the ESOP trust were
as follows (in thousands of dollars):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  1993       1992       1991
                                                                                 ------     ------     ------
         <S>                                                                     <C>        <C>        <C>
         Compensation expense................................................    $1,925     $5,548     $4,840
         Interest expense....................................................     3,902       --         --
         Dividends...........................................................      --          590      1,113
         Principal payment...................................................       288       --         --
                                                                                 ------     ------     ------
             Total...........................................................    $6,115     $6,138     $5,953
                                                                                 ------     ------     ------
                                                                                 ------     ------     ------
</TABLE>
 
    With the change in ESOP accounting in 1993, compensation expense is now
measured using the fair market value when the shares are committed to the
employee. Interest expense represents the actual interest paid by the ESOP trust
and any dividends paid on unallocated shares in the trust are recorded as direct
debt principal payments rather than as dividends.
 
OTHER
 
    The company provides defined contribution pension plans for substantially
all employees not covered by defined benefit pension plans. Collectively, the
company's contributions to these plans were $683,000 in 1993, $848,000 in 1992
and $580,000 in 1991.
 
    The company provides a Retirement Savings Plan for eligible employees.
Employees can contribute up to 15% of their earnings with the company matching a
portion of the amount up to 6% of their earnings. The company's contribution to
this plan was $875,000 in 1993, $715,000 in 1992 and $725,000 in 1991. Starting
in 1994, the company matching contribution will consist of unallocated ESOP
shares.
 
                                      F-15
<PAGE>   78
 
                        SPX CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                               DECEMBER 31, 1993
 
(11)  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
    Since the creation of SPT on May 30, 1989, the company has continued to
provide certain administrative and insurance services to SPT. The costs
associated with these services are identified and recovered from the
partnership.
 
    In addition, the company's former Sealed Power Replacement division
purchased replacement engine parts, principally piston rings, cylinder sleeves
and valve lifters from SPT at arm's-length prices. Purchases from the
partnership during 1993 through October 22 (date of sale of SPR), 1992 and 1991
were $21.5 million, $27.8 million and $27.0 million, respectively.
 
(12)  RECEIVABLES
 
    Changes in the reserve for losses on receivables were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        1993        1992        1991
                                                                                       -------     -------     -------
                                                                                       (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                                    <C>         <C>         <C>
Balance at beginning of year.......................................................    $10,789     $ 9,541     $ 9,521
Recorded in acquisition of SPT and due to consolidation of SP Europe...............        747       --          --
Amount charged to income...........................................................      3,609       3,788       2,876
                                                                                       -------     -------     -------
                                                                                       $15,145     $13,329     $12,397
Accounts written off, net of recoveries............................................     (2,398)     (2,495)     (2,878)
Reduction resulting from sale of SPR and
Truth divisions....................................................................     (3,588)      --          --
Reclassifications and other........................................................         18         (45)         22
                                                                                       -------     -------     -------
Balance at end of year.............................................................    $ 9,177     $10,789     $ 9,541
                                                                                       -------     -------     -------
                                                                                       -------     -------     -------
</TABLE>
 
    The company has a three year agreement, expiring in April 1994, with a
financial institution whereby the company agreed to sell undivided fractional
interests in designated pools of domestic trade accounts receivable, in an
amount not to exceed $30 million. In order to maintain the balance in the
designated pools of trade accounts receivable sold, the company sells
participating interests in new receivables as existing receivables are
collected. At December 31, 1993 and 1992, the company had sold $25.9 million and
$30 million of trade accounts receivable under this program. Under the terms of
this agreement, the company is obligated to pay fees which approximate the
purchasers' cost of issuing a like amount in commercial paper plus certain
administrative costs. The amount of such fees in 1993 and 1992 were $1,215,000
and $1,465,000 respectively. These fees are included in other expense, net.
 
(13)  INVENTORIES
 
    Domestic inventories, amounting to $122.6 and $141.3 million at December 31,
1993 and 1992, respectively, are based on the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method.
Such inventories, if priced on the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method, would have
been approximately $17.7 and $34.8 million greater at December 31, 1993 and
1992, respectively. During 1993 and 1992, certain inventory quantities were
reduced resulting in liquidations of LIFO inventory quantities carried at lower
costs prevailing in prior years. The effect was to increase net income in 1993
by $455,000 and in 1992 by $1.8 million. Foreign inventories are valued at FIFO
costs. None of the inventories exceed realizable values.
 
    The components of inventory at year-end were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                 1993         1992
                                                                                               --------     --------
                                                                                               (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                                            <C>          <C>
Finished products..........................................................................    $ 94,478     $128,043
Work in process............................................................................      29,324       16,835
Raw materials and supplies.................................................................      35,421       26,744
                                                                                               --------     --------
                                                                                               $159,223     $171,622
                                                                                               --------     --------
                                                                                               --------     --------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-16
<PAGE>   79
 
                        SPX CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                               DECEMBER 31, 1993
 
(14)  INCOME TAXES
 
    The provision (benefit) for income taxes consists of the following (in
thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        1993        1992        1991
                                                                                       -------     -------     -------
<S>                                                                                    <C>         <C>         <C>
U.S. Federal:
  Current..........................................................................    $32,817     $ 8,180     $(4,925)
  Deferred.........................................................................     (9,521)      2,217      (4,842)
State..............................................................................      4,411       1,363       1,060
Foreign............................................................................      1,748       1,673       1,535
                                                                                       -------     -------     -------
Total..............................................................................    $29,455     $13,433     $(7,172)
                                                                                       -------     -------     -------
                                                                                       -------     -------     -------
</TABLE>
 
    A reconciliation of the effective rate for income taxes shown in the
consolidated statements of income with the U.S. statutory rate of 35% in 1993
and 34% in 1992 and 1991 is shown below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             1993      1992      1991
                                                                                             -----     -----     -----
<S>                                                                                          <C>       <C>       <C>
Amount computed at statutory rate........................................................     35.0%     34.0%    (34.0)%
Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from:
  U.S. rate change on net deferred taxes.................................................      2.0      --        --
  Tax credits and incentives.............................................................     (0.5)     (0.6)     (1.6)
  Foreign losses not tax benefited.......................................................     22.8       6.1       3.1
  Foreign tax rates less than the statutory rate.........................................     (1.8)     (1.1)     (1.9)
  State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit..................................      5.8       2.5       2.8
  Amortization of goodwill and other acquisition costs...................................      3.6       3.2       4.0
  Tax benefit of the Foreign Sales Corporation...........................................     (2.0)     (3.1)     (3.4)
  Special charge items not tax benefited.................................................     --        --         8.6
  Other, net.............................................................................      1.1      (1.5)     (2.6)
                                                                                             -----     -----     -----
                                                                                              66.0%     39.5%    (25.0)%
                                                                                             -----     -----     -----
                                                                                             -----     -----     -----
</TABLE>
 
    No provision has been made for income and withholding taxes which would
become payable upon distribution of the undistributed earnings of foreign
subsidiaries and affiliates. It is the company's present intention to
permanently reinvest these earnings in its foreign operations. The amount of
undistributed earnings which have been reinvested in foreign subsidiaries and
affiliates at December 31, 1993, was $26.7 million. It is not practical to
determine the hypothetical U.S. federal income tax liability if all such
earnings were remitted, but distribution as dividends at the end of 1993 would
have resulted in payment of withholding taxes of approximately $1.4 million.
 
    The following summarizes the detail of the deferred income tax provision
(benefit) for 1991, which has not been restated in accordance with SFAS No. 109:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                           1991
                                                                                                      --------------
<S>                                                                                                   <C>
                                                                                                      (IN THOUSANDS)
Receivable reserves...............................................................................       $   (110)
Inventories.......................................................................................           (568)
Depreciation......................................................................................            306
Health and medical costs..........................................................................           (170)
Pension...........................................................................................            146
Employee benefit programs.........................................................................           (342)
Special charge....................................................................................         (3,191)
Other, net........................................................................................            459
                                                                                                          -------
                                                                                                         $ (3,470)
                                                                                                          -------
                                                                                                          -------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-17
<PAGE>   80
 
                        SPX CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                               DECEMBER 31, 1993
 
(14)  INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
    The components of the net deferred income tax assets (liabilities) were as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      DECEMBER 31, 1993   DECEMBER 31, 1992
                                                                                      -----------------   -----------------
                                                                                      (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                                   <C>                 <C>
Deferred income tax asset:
  Receivables reserve...............................................................      $   6,736           $   3,088
  Inventory.........................................................................          5,835               7,505
  Debt extinguishment reserves......................................................         13,000            --
  Compensation and benefit-related..................................................          3,004               1,100
  Restructuring reserves............................................................          4,226            --
  Divestiture-related reserves......................................................          5,580            --
  Workers' compensation.............................................................          1,708               1,270
  Warranty reserve..................................................................          2,216               2,786
  Other liabilities.................................................................          6,584                (175)
                                                                                           --------            --------
Current deferred tax asset..........................................................      $  48,889           $  15,574
                                                                                           --------            --------
Non-current deferred tax:
  Depreciation......................................................................      $ (24,300)          $ (13,570)
  Postretirement health and life....................................................         38,900               6,300
  Book basis investment greater than tax basis investment in affiliates.............        (31,400)            (46,906)
  Other.............................................................................         (3,987)           --
  Net operating loss carryforwards..................................................         14,700               4,800
  Capital loss carryforwards........................................................       --                     8,900
  Valuation allowance...............................................................        (14,700)            (13,700)
                                                                                           --------            --------
Non-current deferred tax liability..................................................      $ (20,787)          $ (54,176)
                                                                                           --------            --------
Net deferred tax asset (liability)..................................................      $  28,102           $ (38,602)
                                                                                           --------            --------
                                                                                           --------            --------
</TABLE>
 
    Included on the consolidated balance sheets are U.S. federal income tax
refunds of $5.6 million in 1993 and $3.0 million in 1992.
 
    At December 31, 1993, the company has net operating loss carryforwards
attributable to foreign operations of approximately $32.5 million that are
available to offset future taxable income. These loss carryforwards expire as
follows: $.6 million in 1994, $0 in 1995, $0 in 1996, $2.4 million in 1997, $1.5
million in 1998 and $28.0 million thereafter. During 1993, the company utilized
$2.8 million of net operating loss carryforwards attributable to foreign
operations, resulting in tax benefits of $1.2 million. The deferred tax asset
related to the net operating loss carryforwards have been reserved in the
valuation allowance.
 
    During the fourth quarter of 1993, the company settled a dispute with the
Internal Revenue Service regarding the company's tax deferred treatment of the
1989 transaction in which several operating units were contributed to SPT. The
settlement of approximately $5 million in tax eliminates the IRS contention that
one half of the 1989 transaction was currently taxable. The settlement and
interest will be paid during the second quarter of 1994 and is adequately
provided for in the company's deferred income tax accounts.
 
(15)  INVESTMENTS
 
    As of December 31, 1993, investments, as shown on the consolidated balance
sheet, include equity investments in non-majority owned subsidiaries. These
investments include the company's 50% owned interest in a U.S. joint venture,
two 50% owned interests in joint ventures in Japan, a 40% interest in a Mexican
company and a 50% interest in a German company. All of these investments are
accounted for using the equity method. These investments, both individually and
collectively, are not material to the company's consolidated financial
statements.
 
    Until December 31, 1993, the company held a 49% interest in SPT. The pro
rata share of earnings or losses and the amortization of the company's
investment in SPT is reflected as "SPT equity losses" on the consolidated
statements of income (see Note 5).
 
    Until December 31, 1993, the company reported that it held a 50% interest in
SP Europe. As of December 31, 1993, Riken's pending 20% participation in SP
Europe reverted to the company in connection with the transaction to acquire
Riken's 49% interest in SPT. SP Europe had not been previously consolidated due
to the company's deemed temporary control and because nonrecourse (to the
partners)
 
                                      F-18
<PAGE>   81
 
                        SPX CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                               DECEMBER 31, 1993
 
(15)  INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
financing was being pursued. Up to December 31, 1993, the company carried its
investment in SP Europe at zero. Due to the resulting 70% ownership, the company
is recording its share of cumulative losses since the partnership formation in
mid-1991 of $21.5 million. As of December 31, 1993, the balance sheet of this
partnership is included in the consolidated financial statements, reflecting the
company's 70% ownership and Mahle GmbH's 30% minority interest. Beginning in the
first quarter of 1994, results of operations of SP Europe will be reflected in
the consolidated statements of income and cash flows.
 
(16)  PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT AND RELATED ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION
 
    The company uses principally the straight line method for computing
depreciation expense over the useful lives of the property, plant and equipment.
For income tax purposes, the company uses accelerated methods where permitted.
Asset additions and improvements are added to the property accounts while
maintenance and repairs, which do not renew or extend the lives of the
respective assets, are expensed currently. Upon sale or retirement of
depreciable properties, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are
removed from the property accounts. The net gain or loss on disposition of
property is reflected in income.
 
    Changes in property, plant, and equipment accounts and in related
accumulated depreciation for the three years ended December 31, 1993 were as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    MACHINERY
                                                                                       AND      CONSTRUCTION
           PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT, AT COST                LAND       BLDGS.    EQUIPMENT   IN PROGRESS       TOTAL
                                                              -------     -------   ---------   ------------     --------
                                                                                    (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                           <C>         <C>       <C>         <C>              <C>
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1990..............................    $ 6,586     $50,378   $123,392      $  6,398       $186,754
  Additions, at cost......................................        245       4,362     14,788            33         19,428
  Retirements, at cost....................................     (1,283)       (699)    (2,380 )      --             (4,362)
  Reclassifications and other.............................        699          63       (454 )      --                308
                                                              -------     -------   ---------   ------------     --------
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1991..............................    $ 6,247     $54,104   $135,346      $  6,431       $202,128
  Additions, at cost......................................         18       2,314     18,415          (396)        20,351
  Retirements, at cost....................................        (48)       (515)    (5,376 )      --             (5,939)
  Reclassifications and other.............................        280       2,417     (1,132 )      --              1,565
                                                              -------     -------   ---------   ------------     --------
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1992..............................    $ 6,497     $58,320   $147,253      $  6,035       $218,105
  Additions, at cost......................................        840       1,920     10,998         1,358         15,116
  Recorded in acquisitions of
  ATP and SPT and due to consolidation of SP Europe.......      4,551      40,552    169,903         1,253        216,259
  Assets sold in connection with divestiture of units.....     (1,174)    (15,280)   (55,241 )      (3,325)       (75,020)
  Retirements, at cost....................................        (15)       (502)    (5,541 )      --             (6,058)
  Reclassifications and other.............................         81        (474)       448          (625)          (570)
                                                              -------     -------   ---------   ------------     --------
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1993..............................    $10,780     $84,536   $267,820      $  4,696       $367,832
                                                              -------     -------   ---------   ------------     --------
                                                              -------     -------   ---------   ------------     --------
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                               MACHINERY
                                                                                                  AND
                           ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION                                BLDGS.      EQUIPMENT      TOTAL
                                                                                   -------     ---------     --------
                                                                                   (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                                <C>         <C>           <C>
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1990...................................................    $10,797     $ 58,045      $ 68,842
  Additions-charged to income..................................................      2,443       16,449        18,892
  Deductions-retirements, renewals, transfers, dispositions and replacements...        (43)      (2,086 )      (2,129)
  Reclassifications and other..................................................        226          (22 )         204
                                                                                   -------     ---------     --------
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1991...................................................    $13,423     $ 72,386      $ 85,809
  Additions-charged to income..................................................      3,196       16,393        19,589
  Deductions-retirements, renewals, transfers, dispositions and replacements...       (201)      (4,549 )      (4,750)
  Reclassifications and other..................................................      1,156         (494 )         662
                                                                                   -------     ---------     --------
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1992...................................................    $17,574     $ 83,736      $101,310
                                                                                   -------     ---------     --------
  Additions-charged to income..................................................      2,611       16,476        19,087
  Additions-carryover basis in SPT.............................................     15,810       75,661        91,471
  Deductions-retirements, renewals, transfers, dispositions and replacements...       (245)      (2,782 )      (3,027)
  Deductions-assets sold in connection with divestitures of units..............     (4,499)     (34,508 )     (39,007)
  Reclassifications and other..................................................      --            (147 )        (147)
                                                                                   -------     ---------     --------
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1993...................................................    $31,251     $138,436      $169,687
                                                                                   -------     ---------     --------
                                                                                   -------     ---------     --------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-19
<PAGE>   82
 
                        SPX CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                               DECEMBER 31, 1993
 
(17)  COSTS IN EXCESS OF NET ASSETS OF BUSINESSES ACQUIRED
 
    At December 31, 1993 and 1992, total costs in excess of net assets of
businesses acquired were $223.3 and $113.2 million, respectively, and
accumulated amortization of costs in excess of net assets of businesses acquired
was $19.2 and $18.3 million, respectively. The increase is attributable to the
acquisition of ATP and AGL, $16.3 million, and the acquisition of 51% of SPT,
$97.1 million. Amortization was $3.4 million in 1993, $3.4 million in 1992 and
$3.1 million in 1991.
 
    The company amortizes costs in excess of the net assets of businesses
("goodwill") acquired on a straight-line method over the estimated periods
benefitted, not to exceed 40 years. After an acquisition, the company
continually reviews whether subsequent events and circumstances have occurred
that indicate the remaining estimated useful life of goodwill may warrant
revision or that the remaining balance of goodwill may not be recoverable. If
events and circumstances indicate that goodwill related to a particular business
should be reviewed for possible impairment, the company uses projections to
assess whether future operating income on a non-discounted basis (before
goodwill amortization) of the unit is likely to exceed the goodwill amortization
over the remaining life of the goodwill, to determine whether a writedown of
goodwill to recoverable value is appropriate.
 
    At December 31, 1993, $74 million of goodwill relates to the Automotive
Diagnostics division (which is composed of Bear Automotive and Allen
Testproducts, which was acquired in 1993). This division has incurred
significant operating losses in 1993 and in prior years. The company projects
that, in the near future, the cost savings, market synergies and other factors
which, in part, will be realized from the Bear Automotive and Allen Testproducts
combination will result in non-discounted operating income sufficient to exceed
goodwill amortization. However, should such projections require downward
revision based on changed events or circumstances, this division's goodwill may
require writedown. Although having no cash flow impact, the resulting charge, if
any, could materially reduce the company's future reported results of operations
and shareholders' equity. At this time, based upon present information,
projections and strategic plans, the company has concluded that there has been
no permanent impairment of the Automotive Diagnostics division's tangible or
intangible assets.
 
(18)  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
 
    The company leases certain offices, warehouses and equipment under lease
agreements which expire at various dates through 2006. Future minimum rental
commitments under non-cancelable operating leases are $10.9 million for 1994,
$8.8 million for 1995, $6.3 million for 1996, $4.0 million for 1997, $2.9
million for 1998 and aggregate $14.5 million thereafter. Rentals on these leases
were approximately $12.9 million in 1993, $9.3 million in 1992 and $10.8 million
in 1991.
 
    Certain claims, including environmental matters, suits and complaints
arising in the ordinary course of business, have been filed or are pending
against the company. In the opinion of management, all such matters are without
merit or are of such kind, or involve such amounts, as would not have a
significant effect on the financial position or results of operations of the
company if disposed of unfavorably. Additionally, the company has insurance to
minimize its exposures of this nature.
 
    The company's operations and products are subject to federal, state and
local regulatory requirements relating to environmental protection. It is the
company's policy to comply fully with all such applicable requirements. As part
of its effort to comply, management has established an ongoing internal
compliance auditing program which has been in place since 1989. Based on current
information, management believes that the company's operations are in
substantial compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations and
the company is not aware of any violation that could have a material adverse
effect on the business, financial condition or results of operations of the
company. There can be no assurance, however, that currently unknown matters, new
laws and regulations, or stricter interpretations of existing laws and
regulations will not materially affect the company's business or operations in
the future.
 
    The company is also subject to potential liability for the costs of
environmental remediation. This liability may be based upon the ownership or
operation of industrial facilities where contamination may be found as well as
contribution to contamination existing at offsite, non-owned facilities. These
offsite remediation costs cannot be quantified with any degree of certainty. At
this time, management can estimate the environmental remediation costs only in
terms of possibilities and probabilities based on available information.
 
    The company is involved as a potentially responsible party ("PRP") under the
Comprehensive, Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980
("CERCLA"), as amended, or similar state superfund statutes in eight active
proceedings involving off-site waste disposal facilities. At three of these
sites it has been established that the company is a de minimis contributor. A
determination has not been made with respect to the remaining five sites, but
the company believes that it will be found to be a de minimis contributor at
three of them. Based on information available to the company, which in most
cases includes estimates from PRPs and/or federal or state regulatory agencies
for the investigation, clean up costs at these sites, data related to the
quantities and characteristics of materials generated at or shipped to each
site, the company believes that the costs for each site are not material and in
total the anticipated clean up costs of current PRP actions would not have a
material adverse effect on the company's financial condition or operations.
 
    In the case of contamination existing upon properties owned or controlled by
the company, the company has established reserves which it deems adequate to
meet its current remediation obligations.
 
    There can be no assurance that the company will not be required to pay
environmental compliance costs or incur liabilities that may be material in
amount due to matters which arise in the future or are not currently known to
the company.
 
    During 1988, the company's Board of Directors adopted executive severance
agreements which create certain liabilities in the event of the termination of
the covered executives following a change of control of the company. The
aggregate commitment under these executive severance agreements should all 7
covered employees be terminated is approximately $10 million.
 
                                      F-20
<PAGE>   83
 
                        SPX CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                               DECEMBER 31, 1993
 
(19)  NOTES PAYABLE AND DEBT
 
    The following table summarizes the company's current and long-term debt
obligations as they existed at December 31, 1993 and 1992. During the first
quarter of 1994, the company significantly restructured this debt. Refer to Note
23 for further explanation of this subsequent refinancing.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                 1993         1992
                                                                                               --------     --------
<S>                                                                                            <C>          <C>
                                                                                                      (IN THOUSANDS)
SPX
  Senior Notes, 9.72%, due in annual installments from 1994 through 2000...................    $ 53,000     $ 53,000
  Senior Notes, 9.58%, $5 million due in 1993, the remainder due in 1995...................      22,000       27,000
  Revolving Credit Loans...................................................................       --          17,000
  Industrial Revenue Bonds, with interest rates established monthly based on an index of
    short-term municipal bond interest rates, due 2010 to 2025.............................      15,200       15,200
  Note to Allen Group, 8.0%, due in annual installments from 1994 through 1996.............      19,737        --
  Bank loans, LIBOR plus  7/8%, due May 1994...............................................      50,000        --
  Long-Term Debt -- ESOP Guarantee.........................................................      42,062       44,275
  Other....................................................................................      17,957       17,844
                                                                                               --------     --------
    Total SPX debt.........................................................................    $219,956     $174,319
                                                                                               --------     --------
SPT
  Senior subordinated debentures, 14.5%, due May 15, 1999, with mandatory sinking fund
    payment of $50 million on May 15, 1998.................................................    $100,000     $  --
  Term bank loan, with interest rates established periodically based on prime or LIBOR
    rates, due in varying quarterly installments through September 30, 1996................      78,863        --
  Revolving Credit Loans...................................................................      30,000        --
  Other....................................................................................       1,343        --
                                                                                               --------     --------
    Total SPT debt.........................................................................    $210,206     $  --
                                                                                               --------     --------
    Total Consolidated debt................................................................    $430,162     $174,319
  Less current maturities..................................................................      93,975       13,999
                                                                                               --------     --------
    Total Long-Term Debt...................................................................    $336,187     $160,320
                                                                                               --------     --------
                                                                                               --------     --------
</TABLE>
 
    Aggregate maturities of total debt are as follows before the debt
refinancing described in Note 23:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               SPX         SPT        TOTAL
                                                                             -------     -------     --------
         <S>                                                                 <C>         <C>         <C>
                                                                                               (IN THOUSANDS)
         1994............................................................    $67,275     $26,700     $ 93,975
         1995............................................................     43,700      28,900       72,600
         1996............................................................      9,500      54,600       64,100
         1997............................................................     11,200       --          11,200
         1998............................................................      3,400      50,000       53,400
         Thereafter......................................................     84,881      50,006      134,887
</TABLE>
 
SPX
 
    Revolving credit loans, under revolving credit agreements dated July 1, 1991
as amended, aggregating $75 million with five banks, have terms of one year.
During the period of the revolving credit loans, the borrowings will bear
interest at negotiated rates not to exceed prime. The company has agreed to pay
the banks commitment fees of  3/8% per annum of the unused portion of the credit
commitments. The credit agreements do not require the company to maintain any
additional balances at the participating banks, and the agreements can be
reduced in amount or terminated at any time at the option of the company. At
December 31, 1993, the company had unused lines of revolving credit of $75
million. This facility was replaced by a new revolving credit agreement dated
March 1994 (see Note 23).
 
    The company has guaranteed a note purchase agreement with certain insurance
companies under its ESOP. This loan bears interest at 9.04%. Principal is
payable in fifteen annual installments commencing June 1990. The company's
semiannual contributions to the
 
                                      F-21
<PAGE>   84
 
                        SPX CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                               DECEMBER 31, 1993
 
(19)  NOTES PAYABLE AND DEBT (CONTINUED)
ESOP trust enable the trust to make interest and principal payments.
Additionally, dividends on the ESOP's unallocated shares are used to make
interest and principal payments and are deductible for income tax purposes.
Dividends on unallocated shares were $545,000 in 1993, $590,000 in 1992 and
$1,113,000 in 1991. Beginning in 1993, as a result of new ESOP accounting, these
dividends are no longer reflected as dividends in the consolidated financial
statements and are accounted for as direct principal payments. This facility
will be terminated by the end of March 1994 and will be replaced by the new
revolving credit agreement.
 
    The company is subject to a number of restrictive covenants under the
various debt agreements. At December 31, 1993 without consideration of the
availability of the new revolving credit agreement, the company is in default on
the following restrictive covenants due to the consolidation of SP Europe and
the purchase of Riken's 49% ownership interest in SPT; (a) the company is
required to maintain a consolidated fixed charge ratio of 1.5 to 1.0, at
December 31, 1993 it is .54 to 1.0, (b) the company is required to maintain
consolidated net tangible assets of at least 160% of consolidated funded
indebtedness, at December 31, 1993 it is 122%, (c) the company will not declare
dividends that exceed the sum of $40 million plus cumulative consolidated net
income since May 31, 1989, at December 31, 1993, cumulative dividends exceeded
the limitation by $32 million, and (d) the company is required to maintain
consolidated current assets of at least 150% of current liabilities, at December
31, 1993 it was 130%. These restrictive covenant defaults pertain to the $53
million of senior notes, the $22 million of senior notes, the $75 million
revolving credit line, the $19.7 million note to the Allen Group, Inc. and the
guaranteed $42.1 million ESOP note and make the debt payable on demand should
the conditions of default continue after notification. However, in March 1994,
the company obtained a new revolving credit facility of $250 million and will
utilize this facility to repay this defaulted debt (see Note 23). As the new
credit facility expires in 1999, the debt existing at December 31, 1993 has been
classified as long-term.
 
    Included in interest expense, net, was $1.5 million in 1993, $0.5 million in
1992 and $0.5 million in 1991 of interest income.
 
SPT
 
    The Term Bank Loan and the Revolving Credit Loans are provided by a
syndicate of ten banks. SPT has unused available credit of up to $25 million on
the revolving credit agreement as of December 31, 1993, subject to receivable
and inventory balances. Additionally, $16 million of financing is available
through the Deferred Term Loan Facility under the Bank Credit Agreement to make
payments on borrowings under the Term Loan Facility should funds not be
sufficient to make scheduled amortization payments due under the Term Loan
Facility. SPT also has $5 million available on a swingline loan facility used to
manage daily cash receipts and disbursements. Loans under this facility are
payable in 5 days. Management believes the facilities are adequate to cover the
1994 financing requirements of SPT.
 
    SPT has entered into hedging arrangements which fix the interest rate of
approximately $70 million of the bank borrowings at 11  1/2% for a period
ranging from one to three years. The unhedged bank loans bear interest at
1  1/4% over the prime rate or 2  1/4% over the LIBOR rate. The rates are set,
at SPT's option, for various periods up to one year in length. Substantially all
of SPT's assets are pledged as collateral for loans under the Bank Credit
Agreement.
 
    SPT is subject to a number of restrictive covenants under the Bank Credit
Agreement, as amended, and the Indenture related to the subordinated debentures.
Under the most restrictive of these covenants as of year-end, SPT must: (a) meet
a fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.10 to 1; (b) meet a cash interest expense
coverage ratio of 1.90 to 1; (c) meet a current ratio of 1.5 to 1; and (d) limit
capital expenditures for the year ended December 31, 1993 to $18 million. At
year-end, SPT's actual fixed charge ratio was 1.12 to 1; its cash interest
expense coverage ratio was 2.04 to 1; its current ratio was 1.5 to 1 and net
capital expenditures were approximately $17.8 million. The cash interest expense
coverage ratio becomes more restrictive in future periods. The covenants also
restrict distributions to the partners.
 
    Financing costs incurred by SPT were being amortized over the life of the
respective borrowings. Amortization of $1.2 million was recorded in 1993, 1992
and 1991 with the remaining $3.9 million written off as part of the debt
extinguishment charge (see Note 8).
 
    At December 31, 1993, substantially all of SPT's assets are pledged as
collateral under SPT's bank credit agreements. The distribution of these assets,
as well as partnership distributions, to the company from SPT are restricted.
The company's planned second quarter issuance of $260 million of senior
subordinated notes and concurrent payment to the SPT lenders will remove this
restriction. Should the notes not be issued, the SPT indebtedness will remain in
place, including the restrictions.
 
                                      F-22
<PAGE>   85
 
                        SPX CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                               DECEMBER 31, 1993
 
(20)  CAPITAL STOCK
 
    Authorized shares of common stock (par value $10.00) total 50,000,000
shares. Common shares issued and outstanding are summarized in the table below.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                  DECEMBER 31
                                                                                          ----------------------------
                                SHARES OF COMMON STOCK                                     1993       1992       1991
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------    ------     ------     ------
                                                                                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                                       <C>        <C>        <C>
Issued................................................................................    15,556     15,536     15,471
In treasury...........................................................................    (1,633)    (1,633)    (1,633)
                                                                                          ------     ------     ------
Outstanding...........................................................................    13,923     13,903     13,838
                                                                                          ------     ------     ------
                                                                                          ------     ------     ------
ESOP trust -- unallocated.............................................................     1,246      1,361      1,476
</TABLE>
 
    The company's treasury stock was purchased in the last half of 1989 at an
average cost of $30 5/8 per share using $50 million of proceeds from the
creation of the company's leveraged ESOP.
 
    The company has 3,000,000 shares of preferred stock, no par value,
authorized, but no shares have been issued.
 
    In June 1989, the company established an employee stock ownership plan
(ESOP). 1,746,725 shares of common stock were issued to the ESOP trust in
exchange for $50 million. These shares were issued at market value ($28 5/8 per
share) and the appropriate amounts are included in common stock and paid in
capital.
 
    The company restated, amended and renamed its 1982 Stock Option Plan to the
1992 Stock Compensation Plan, effective December 15, 1992. Under the new Stock
Compensation Plan, up to 700,000 shares of the company's common stock may be
granted to key employees with those shares still available for use under the
1982 Stock Option Plan being carried forward and forming a part of the 700,000
shares. Awards of incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, stock
appreciation rights (SAR's), performance units and restricted stock may be made
under the Plan although no more than 200,000 shares may be granted in the form
of restricted stock. The Plan also authorizes the granting of stock options to
directors.
 
    Stock options may be granted to key employees in the form of incentive stock
options or nonqualified stock options at an option price per share of no less
than the fair market value of the common stock of the company on the date of
grant. The options become exercisable six months after the date of the grant and
expire no later than 10 years from the date of grant (or 10 years and 1 day with
respect to nonqualified stock options).
 
    SAR's may be granted to key employees either in conjunction with the
awarding of nonqualified stock options or on a stand-alone basis. The SAR's
entitle the holder to receive a cash payment equal to the excess of the fair
market value of a share of common stock of the company over the exercise price
of the right at the date of exercise of the right.
 
    Performance units, which are equivalent to a share of common stock, may be
granted to key employees and may be earned, in whole or in part, dependent upon
the attainment of performance goals established at the time of grant.
 
    Restricted stock may be granted to key individuals to recognize or foster
extraordinary performance, promotion, recruitment or retention. At the time of
the grant, restrictions are placed on ownership of the shares for a stated
period of time during which a participant will not be able to dispose of the
restricted shares. Upon lapse of the restriction period, complete ownership is
vested in the participant and the shares become freely transferable.
 
                                      F-23
<PAGE>   86
 
                        SPX CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                               DECEMBER 31, 1993
 
(20)  CAPITAL STOCK (CONTINUED)
    A summary of common stock options, SAR's, and restricted stock issued under
the company's Stock Compensation Plan is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      1993         1992         1991
                                                                                    --------     --------     --------
<S>                                                                                 <C>          <C>          <C>
Stock Options:
  Outstanding at beginning of year..............................................     877,140      735,818      634,729
  Granted.......................................................................     148,400      215,750      281,350
  Exercised.....................................................................     (21,903)     (74,428)       --
  Surrendered/canceled..........................................................     (79,337)       --        (180,261)
                                                                                    --------     --------     --------
  Outstanding at end of year....................................................     924,300      877,140      735,818
                                                                                    --------     --------     --------
                                                                                    --------     --------     --------
  Price of options exercised and outstanding....................................    $ 11.38-     $ 11.38-     $ 11.38-
                                                                                       28.00        28.00        28.00
Restricted stock granted during year............................................       --           --          12,000
Shares reserved and available for future grants.................................     442,387      511,450       74,375
Stock Appreciation Rights:
  Outstanding at beginning of year..............................................       --           --         171,100
  Granted.......................................................................       --           --           --
  Exercised.....................................................................       --           --           --
  Surrendered/canceled..........................................................       --           --        (171,100)
                                                                                    --------     --------     --------
  Outstanding at end of year....................................................       --           --           --
                                                                                    --------     --------     --------
                                                                                    --------     --------     --------
</TABLE>
 
    Preferred stock is issuable in series with the Board of Directors having the
authority to determine, among other things, the stated value of each series,
dividend rate, conversion rights and preferences in liquidation or redemption.
 
    On June 25, 1986, the company entered into a Rights Agreement which was
amended and restated as of October 20, 1988. Pursuant to the Rights Agreement,
in July 1986, the company issued a dividend of one preferred stock purchase
right on each outstanding share of common stock. Each right entitles the holder,
upon the occurrence of certain events, to purchase one one-hundredth of a share
of a new series of junior participating preferred stock for $100. Furthermore,
if the company is involved in a merger or other business combination at any time
after the rights become exercisable, the rights will entitle the holder to buy
the number of shares of common stock of the acquiring company having a market
value of twice the then current exercise price of each right. Alternatively, if
a 20% or more shareholder acquires the company by means of a reverse merger in
which the company and its stock survive, or engages in self-dealing transactions
with the company, or if any person acquires 20% or more of the company's common
stock, then each right not owned by a 20% or more shareholder will become
exercisable for the number of shares of common stock of the company having a
market value of twice the then current exercise price of each right. The rights,
which do not have voting rights, expire on July 15, 1996, and may be redeemed by
the company at a price of $.05 per right at any time prior to their expiration.
 
(21)  SPX CREDIT CORPORATION
 
    In June of 1993, the company acquired Allen Group Leasing from The Allen
Group Inc. (see Note 4). The company's SP Financial division was merged with
this lease financing unit and has been renamed SPX Credit Corporation ("SPX
CC"). SPX CC provides direct financing leasing alternatives to primarily
electronic diagnostic, emissions testing, and wheel service equipment customers
in the United States and Canada.
 
    SPX CC purchases equipment for lease to others from the company's Specialty
Service Tools divisions, its sole supplier, at prices comparable to those to
third parties. The aggregate cost of equipment purchased from Specialty Service
Tools divisions amounted to approximately $16.0 million in 1993. The company's
Specialty Service Tools divisions charge a commission representing an
origination fee for providing leases and for the cost of services provided to
SPX CC with respect to the negotiation and consummation of new leases in the
amount of $521,000 for 1993 (since the acquisition). SPX CC has an agreement
with Specialty Service Tools divisions for the repurchase of repossessed
equipment at amounts determined to approximate realizable value by the Specialty
Service Tools divisions. In 1993 (since the acquisition), approximately $5.8
million of equipment was repurchased under this agreement.
 
                                      F-24
<PAGE>   87
 
                        SPX CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                               DECEMBER 31, 1993
 
(21)  SPX CREDIT CORPORATION (CONTINUED)
    Information regarding lease receivables included in the consolidated balance
sheets is as follows (amounts in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               DECEMBER 31, 1993                                   CURRENT      LONG-TERM       TOTAL
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------    --------     ----------     --------
<S>                                                                                <C>          <C>            <C>
Direct financing lease receivables.............................................    $ 36,661      $ 60,263      $ 96,924
Residual value of lease equipment..............................................         469         2,862         3,331
Other leasing assets...........................................................       9,159           192         9,351
Unearned lease finance income..................................................     (10,427)      (10,825)      (21,252)
Allowance for credit losses....................................................      (2,028)       (1,479)       (3,507)
                                                                                   --------     ----------     --------
                                                                                   $ 33,834      $ 51,013      $ 84,847
                                                                                   --------     ----------     --------
                                                                                   --------     ----------     --------
</TABLE>
 
    The aggregate maturities of direct financing lease receivables as of
December 31, 1993 were $36.7 million in 1994, $28.4 million in 1995, $18.0
million in 1996, $10.3 million in 1997 and $3.5 million in 1998.
 
    Essentially all of SPX CC's direct financing lease receivables are with
companies or individuals operating within the automotive repair industry,
including automotive dealerships, garages and similar repair and inspection
facilities, and approximately one-third of lease receivables are with lessees
located in the state of California.
 
    The company has a program whereby certain lease receivables are sold to
financial institutions with limited recourse. In the event of default by a
lessee, the financial institution has recourse equal to their net lease
receivable. In return, the company receives the collateralized lease equipment.
In 1993, 1992 and 1991, $5,613,000, $21,390,000 and $18,705,000 of gross lease
receivables were sold to financial institutions generating revenues of $846,000,
$1,386,000 and $2,936,000. At December 31, 1993 and 1992, financial institutions
held lease receivables, which are subject to limited recourse, of $42,766,000
and $49,235,000. Correspondingly, allowances for recourse liabilities, net of
recoverable value, were $3,743,000 and $2,225,000 at December 31, 1993 and 1992.
 
(22)  CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
    The following provides supplementary information comprising the company's
cash flows from operating activities:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                    ----------------------------------
                                                                                      1993         1992         1991
                                                                                    --------     --------     --------
                                                                                    (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                                 <C>          <C>          <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss) from operating activities.....................................    $(40,600)    $ 14,860     $(21,560)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided (used) by
  operating activities --
  Cumulative effect of change in accounting methods.............................      31,800        5,700        --
  Extraordinary loss............................................................      24,000        --           --
  Depreciation and amortization.................................................      24,370       25,277       23,771
  SPT equity losses.............................................................      26,845        2,407        8,532
  SP Europe equity losses.......................................................      21,500        --           --
  Increase (decrease) in deferred income taxes..................................     (15,306)       7,644       (5,286)
  (Increase) decrease in receivables............................................     (15,523)      (1,061)      30,842
  Decrease in inventories.......................................................      11,609        2,560       22,800
  (Increase) decrease in prepaid and other current assets.......................       2,136       (1,380)        (848)
  Increase (decrease) in accounts payable.......................................      (1,623)       3,945          307
  Decrease in accrued liabilities...............................................      (7,238)        (787)      (6,172)
  Increase in income taxes payable..............................................       4,529        4,457           52
  Increase in lease finance receivables.........................................      (9,154)       --           --
  Gain on sale of businesses, net of taxes......................................     (64,200)       --           --
  Restructuring and special charges.............................................      27,500        --          18,200
  Increase in long-term liabilities.............................................       6,803        2,131        --
  Other, net....................................................................      (2,163)       1,736       (3,189)
                                                                                    --------     --------     --------
Net cash provided by operating activities.......................................    $ 25,285     $ 67,489     $ 67,449
                                                                                    --------     --------     --------
                                                                                    --------     --------     --------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-25
<PAGE>   88
 
                        SPX CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                               DECEMBER 31, 1993
 
(23)  SUBSEQUENT EVENT -- REFINANCING
 
    Late in the fourth quarter of 1993, the company determined that virtually
all existing SPX and SPT debt should be refinanced in anticipation of the
purchase of Riken's 49% interest in SPT, due to favorable prevailing interest
rates, scheduled and accelerated debt maturities, and to maintain the
flexibility of the company to grow through internal investments and
acquisitions. The plan of refinancing (the "Refinancing") includes two elements,
a new $225 million revolving bank facility and the issuance of $260 million of
senior subordinated notes. The Refinancing is expected to be completed by the
end of the second quarter of 1994.
 
    In March of 1994, the first portion of the Refinancing was completed when
the company closed a $250 million revolving credit facility with First National
Bank of Chicago, as agent for a syndicate of banks. This revolving credit
facility bears interest at LIBOR plus 1.0% or the prime rate (at the company's
option) and expires in 1999. Upon completion of the senior subordinated note
offering, this revolving credit facility is to be reduced to $225 million of
maximum availability. Proceeds from this revolving credit facility will be used
to extinguish SPX debt as follows: Senior Notes aggregating $75 million, the
$19.7 million note to the Allen Group, the company's ESOP trust's note of $42.1
million and $68 million of miscellaneous debt, much of which was technically in
default of covenant provisions. Also, $15.2 million of letters of credit
securing the Industrial Revenue Bonds were renegotiated.
 
    By June 30, 1994, the company expects to have completed its $260 million
offering of senior subordinated notes. These notes are anticipated to bear
interest at a rate of approximately 10% and will be due in or after the year
2002. At that time, the proceeds will be used to retire existing SPT borrowings,
including the $100 million of 14.5% senior subordinated debentures, the Term
Bank Loan, and the revolving credit loans. Excess proceeds will be used to pay
down the company's new revolving credit facility at that time.
 
    The revolving credit agreement contains covenants, the most restrictive of
which are as follows: (a) maintain a leverage ratio of 78% in 1994, declining on
a graduated scale to 65% in 1999, (b) maintain an interest expense coverage
ratio of 2.0 to 1.0 in 1994 rising on a graduated scale to 3.5 to 1.0 in 1998
and thereafter, (c) maintenance of a fixed charge coverage ratio, as defined in
the revolving credit agreement, of 1.75 to 1.0 in 1994 and 1995, and 2.0 to 1.0
thereafter, and (d) dividends are limited to $8 million for the five quarters
starting with the first quarter of 1994, and are limited to 10% of operating
income plus depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) thereafter. The revolving
credit agreement also limits capital expenditures, investments, and transactions
with affiliates.
 
    If the company does not issue senior subordinated notes, provisions have
been made so that the revolving credit facility will remain at $250 million and
the rate of interest would become LIBOR plus 1.5% or the prime rate plus .5% (at
the company's option) and the facility would be secured by substantially all of
SPX's assets. Also, the existing SPT debt would remain outstanding in its
current form, including security interests in SPT's assets. The financial
covenants, the most restrictive of which, will require the company (excluding
SPT) to: (a) maintain a leverage ratio of 55% in 1994 and 1995, and 50%
thereafter, (b) maintain an interest expense coverage ratio of 3.0 to 1.0 in
1994, 4.0 to 1.0 in 1995 and 5.0 to 1.0 thereafter, (c) maintenance of a fixed
charge coverage ratio, as defined in the revolving credit agreement, of 2.0 to
1.0 in 1994, 1995 and 1996 and 2.25 to 1.0 thereafter, and (d) dividends
declared before March 31, 1995 and paid before June 30, 1995 are limited to $8
million, and thereafter are limited to 10% of operating income plus depreciation
and amortization (EBITDA) during the preceding twelve months. The revolving
credit agreement also limits capital expenditures, investments, transactions
with affiliates, and transactions with SPT.
 
                                      F-26
<PAGE>   89
 
                        SPX CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                               DECEMBER 31, 1993
 
(24)  SEALED POWER TECHNOLOGIES -- SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
    As discussed in Note 5, the company consolidated SPT's balance sheet at
December 31, 1993. The company's 49% share of SPT's results of operations has
been recognized on the equity method of accounting. Selected historical
financial information on SPT is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           1993       1992       1991
                                                                                          ------     ------     ------
                                                                                          (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                                                       <C>        <C>        <C>
OPERATING DATA:
Revenues..............................................................................    $391.6     $355.2     $319.8
Gross profit..........................................................................      53.8       56.9       45.3
Selling, distribution, & administrative expenses......................................      28.2       26.7       24.0
Other (income), net...................................................................      (2.0)      (2.8)      (2.0)
                                                                                          ------     ------     ------
Earnings before interest..............................................................    $ 27.6     $ 33.0     $ 23.3
Interest expense, net.................................................................      27.1       29.3       32.1
                                                                                          ------     ------     ------
Income (loss) before cumulative effect of change in accounting method.................    $   .5     $  3.7     $ (8.8)
Cumulative effect of change in accounting method*.....................................     (89.5)      --         --
                                                                                          ------     ------     ------
Income (loss).........................................................................    $(89.0)    $  3.7     $ (8.8)
                                                                                          ------     ------     ------
                                                                                          ------     ------     ------
Depreciation and amortization.........................................................      20.4       19.1       18.7
Capital expenditures, net.............................................................      17.8       12.9       13.1
Research and development..............................................................       3.4        3.8        3.6
Pension expense.......................................................................        .1       --           .2
Lease rental expense..................................................................        .9         .9          9
Incremental SFAS No. 106 expense......................................................       6.1       --         --
BALANCE SHEET DATA (AT PERIOD END):
Current assets........................................................................    $ 76.7     $ 74.6     $ 73.0
Net property, plant and equipment.....................................................      91.4       91.1       94.4
Other assets..........................................................................      13.7       15.1       17.3
                                                                                          ------     ------     ------
                                                                                          $181.8     $180.8     $184.7
                                                                                          ------     ------     ------
                                                                                          ------     ------     ------
Current liabilities...................................................................    $ 80.0     $ 66.6     $ 57.6
Long-term liabilities*................................................................      97.5        3.0       --
Long-term debt........................................................................     183.5      199.1      218.7
Partners' capital (deficit)...........................................................    (179.2)     (87.9)     (91.6)
                                                                                          ------     ------     ------
                                                                                          $181.8     $180.8     $184.7
                                                                                          ------     ------     ------
                                                                                          ------     ------     ------
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
    * In 1993, SPT adopted SFAS No. 106, "Employers Accounting for
      Postretirement Benefits other than Pensions."
 
(25)  FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
    Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 107, "Disclosure about Fair
Value of Financial Instruments" requires disclosure of an estimate of the fair
value of certain financial instruments. The following methods and assumptions
were used by the company in estimating its fair value disclosures:
 
    Cash and temporary cash investments: The carrying amount reported on the
consolidated balance sheet approximates its fair value.
 
    Lease Finance Receivables: The carrying amount, which is net of deferred
future lease finance income and reserves for credit losses, approximates fair
value.
 
    Notes payable and current maturities of long-term debt and Long-term debt:
The fair value of the company's debt either approximates its carrying value or
represents the carrying value plus the early extinguishment costs to be paid in
the first quarter of 1994 or to be paid during the second quarter of 1994.
 
    Interest rate swaps: The fair value represents the early extinguishment
costs required to terminate the arrangement in 1994.
 
    Letters of Credit: The company utilizes letters of credit to back certain
financing instruments and insurance policies. The Letters of Credit reflect fair
value as a condition of their underlying purpose and are subject to fees
competitively determined in the marketplace.
 
                                      F-27
<PAGE>   90
 
                        SPX CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                               DECEMBER 31, 1993
 
(25)  FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (CONTINUED)
    The carrying amounts and fair values of the company's financial instruments
at December 31, 1993 are as follows (amounts in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                               CARRYING
                                                                                                AMOUNT      FAIR VALUE
                                                                                               --------     ----------
<S>                                                                                            <C>          <C>
Cash and temporary cash investments........................................................    $117,843      $ 117,843
Lease finance receivables..................................................................      84,847         84,847
Notes payable and current maturities of long-term debt and long-term debt..................    (430,162)      (457,662)
Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments:
  Interest rate swaps......................................................................       --            (4,500)
  Letters of Credit........................................................................          --        (44,700)
</TABLE>
 
(26)  QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
 
    The first three quarters of 1993 and each quarter of the years 1992 and 1991
have been restated to reflect the company's previous 49% share of SPT income or
losses and the effect of amortizing the difference between its investment
balance and its share of SPT's initial partnership capital deficit. The first
three quarters of 1993 have also been restated to reflect new accounting for the
company's ESOP.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         1993
                                                             ------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              FIRST        SECOND       THIRD        FOURTH       TOTAL
                                                             QUARTER      QUARTER      QUARTER      QUARTER        YEAR
                                                             --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
                                                             (IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S>                                                          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Revenues.................................................    $179,164     $212,548     $195,079     $169,354     $756,145
Gross profit.............................................      57,388       70,848       65,265       54,612      248,113
Income (loss) before cumulative effect of change in
  accounting methods and extraordinary loss..............         357        5,428      (20,256)*     29,671**     15,200
Cumulative effect of change in accounting method, net of
  taxes..................................................     (31,800)       --           --           --         (31,800)
Extraordinary loss, net of taxes.........................       --           --           --         (24,000)     (24,000)
Net income (loss)........................................     (31,443)       5,428      (20,256)       5,671      (40,600)
Income (loss) per share:
  Before cumulative effect of change in accounting method
    and extraordinary loss, net of taxes.................    $   0.02     $   0.43     $  (1.61)*   $   2.34**   $   1.20
  Cumulative effect of change in accounting method, net
    of
    taxes................................................       (2.52)       --           --           --           (2.52)
  Extraordinary loss, net of taxes.......................       --           --           --           (1.90)       (1.90)
  Net income (loss)......................................    $  (2.50)    $   0.43     $  (1.61)    $   0.44     $  (3.22)
</TABLE>
 
 * Includes a pretax restructuring charge of $27.5 million, $18.5 million
   aftertax and $1.47 per share.
 
** Includes SP Europe equity losses, $21.5 million after tax and $1.71 per
   share. Also includes a pretax gain on the sale of businesses of $105.4
   million, $64.2 million aftertax and $5.07 per share.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         1992
                                                             ------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              FIRST        SECOND       THIRD        FOURTH       TOTAL
                                                             QUARTER      QUARTER      QUARTER      QUARTER        YEAR
                                                             --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
                                                             (IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S>                                                          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Revenues.................................................    $175,230     $217,627     $237,262     $171,050     $801,169
Gross profit.............................................      58,716       75,166       76,365       57,753      268,000
Income before cumulative effect of change in accounting
  methods................................................         948        8,366        9,289        1,957       20,560
Cumulative effect of change in accounting methods, net of
  taxes..................................................      (5,700)       --           --           --          (5,700)
Net income (loss)........................................      (4,752)       8,366        9,289        1,957       14,860
Income (loss) per share:
  Before cumulative effect of change in accounting
    methods..............................................    $    .07     $    .60     $    .67     $    .14     $   1.48
  Cumulative effect of change in accounting methods, net
    of taxes.............................................        (.41)       --           --           --            (.41)
  Net income (loss)......................................    $   (.34)    $    .60     $    .67     $    .14     $   1.07
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-28
<PAGE>   91
 
                        SPX CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                               DECEMBER 31, 1993
 
(26)  QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         1991
                                                             ------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              FIRST        SECOND       THIRD        FOURTH       TOTAL
                                                             QUARTER      QUARTER      QUARTER      QUARTER        YEAR
                                                             --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
                                                                       (IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S>                                                          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Revenues.................................................    $156,731     $177,513     $172,000     $167,224     $673,468
Gross profit.............................................      51,570       59,117       52,275       48,880      211,842
Net income (loss)........................................      (4,460)       2,769      (16,539)*     (3,327)     (21,557)
Net income (loss) per share..............................    $   (.32)    $    .20     $  (1.20)*   $   (.24)    $  (1.56)
</TABLE>
 
*  Includes a pretax special charge of $18.2 million, $14.7 million aftertax and
$1.06 per share.
 
(27)  SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
                                PROFIT AND LOSS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        CHARGED TO COSTS AND EXPENSES
                                                                                       -------------------------------
                                                                                        1993        1992        1991
                                                                                       -------     -------     -------
                                                                                               (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                                    <C>         <C>         <C>
Maintenance and repairs............................................................    $ 7,539     $ 9,643     $ 6,254
Depreciation and amortization......................................................     24,370      25,277      23,771
Payroll taxes......................................................................     14,705      12,039      10,244
Advertising........................................................................      5,821       6,151       6,278
Research and development costs.....................................................     17,569      14,718      13,113
</TABLE>
 
                                 BALANCE SHEET
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                  1993        1992
                                                                                                 -------     -------
                                                                                                   (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                                              <C>         <C>
Accrued payrolls.............................................................................    $27,554     $12,200
Warranty reserve.............................................................................      7,060       8,300
Automotive Diagnostics restructuring reserve.................................................     14,533       --
Debt extinguishment reserves.................................................................     32,000       --
Amount payable for SPT acquisition...........................................................     41,700       --
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-29
<PAGE>   92
                              GRAPHICS APPENDIX


        The inside front cover and inside back cover of the Prospectus include
pictures of certain of the Company's products. Set forth below are the captions
accompanying these pictures:

 
SPX is the world's leading producer and marketer of specialty service tools for
the repair and maintenance of motor vehicles. Specialty tools, like those
pictured, are essential for performing warranty repair and maintenance work by
franchised dealers.
 
Hand-held scan tools, like the Company's Monitor Series, and the DRB III
(pictured), enable professional vehicle technicians to quickly diagnose problems
in today's complex vehicle electronic systems.
 
SPX is a world leader in designing, producing and marketing engine performance
test, wheel service, and emissions testing equipment. Pictured are Bear 400 and
Allen Testproducts SEA engine analyzers. The Bear 400 is PC-based, while the
Allen Testproducts SEA uses dedicated electronic circuitry. These products solve
difficult engine performance problems in today's complex vehicles.
 
The Company is a global leader in specialty tools and equipment for the repair
and maintenance of stationary and mobile air conditioning and refrigeration
equipment, and for servicing engine coolant systems. Pictured are several
models of the Company's patented system for the recovery and recycling of
environmentally harmful refrigerants.

SPX is the world's largest producer of automatic transmission fluid filters, and
the market leader in automatic transmission filter technology. Filters, such as
those shown, are marketed to vehicle manufacturers. They are also sold to
aftermarket customers such as dealer service organizations, private brand
manufacturers, rebuilders, repackagers, and quick-lube franchise organizations.
 
SPX is the world's leading supplier of pulse-width modulated solenoid valves,
and an emerging producer of on/off linear force motor solenoid valves.
 
These complex die-castings are used in automotive steering, climate control, and
suspension systems. SPX produces these die-castings for North American and
European vehicular original equipment manufacturers.

Through manufacturing facilities in North America and Europe, SPX is the
world's largest piston ring manufacturer. It is also among the leading U.S. and
European producers of cylinder liners.

<PAGE>   93
 
- ------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------
 
     NO DEALER, SALESMAN OR OTHER PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS,
AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED
UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY OR ANY UNDERWRITER. THIS
PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO
BUY ANY OF THE SECURITIES OFFERED HEREBY IN ANY JURISDICTION TO ANY PERSON TO
WHOM IT IS UNLAWFUL 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 SUBSEQUENT 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>
Prospectus Summary....................     3
Investment Considerations.............    10
Recent Developments...................    13
Use of Proceeds.......................    13
Capitalization........................    14
Pro Forma Consolidated Financial
  Statements..........................    15
Selected Historical Consolidated
  Financial Information...............    18
Management's Discussion and Analysis
  of Financial Condition and Results
  of Operations.......................    20
Business..............................    27
Description of the Bank Credit
  Agreement...........................    34
Description of the Notes..............    35
Underwriting..........................    60
Legal Matters.........................    60
Experts...............................    60
Available Information.................    61
Incorporation of Certain Documents by
  Reference...........................    61
Index to Consolidated Financial
  Statements..........................   F-1
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------
 
                          ------------------------------------------------------
                          ------------------------------------------------------
 
                                     [LOGO]
 
                                  $260,000,000
 
                                SPX CORPORATION
 
                             % SENIOR SUBORDINATED
                                 NOTES DUE 2002
 
                          ---------------------------
                                   PROSPECTUS
                          ---------------------------
 
                              MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
                          DONALDSON, LUFKIN & JENRETTE
      SECURITIES CORPORATION
 
                            WERTHEIM SCHRODER & CO.
         INCORPORATED
 
                                          , 1994
 
                          ------------------------------------------------------
                          ------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>   94
 
                                    PART II
                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 14.  OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
        <S>                                                                    <C>
        Securities and Exchange Commission Registration Fee................    $89,656
        Printing and Engraving Expenses....................................          *
        Legal Fees and Expenses............................................          *
        Accounting Fees and Expenses.......................................          *
        Blue Sky Fees and Expenses.........................................          *
        NASD Filing Fee....................................................          *
        Trustee's Fees and Expenses........................................          *
        Rating Agency Fees.................................................          *
        Miscellaneous......................................................          *
                                                                               -------
        Total..............................................................    $     *
                                                                               -------
                                                                               -------
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
*  To be completed by Amendment.
 
     All amounts are estimated except for the Securities and Exchange Commission
Registration Fee and the NASD Filing Fee.
 
ITEM 15.  INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
 
     Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law provides that the
Company may, and in some circumstances must, indemnify the directors and
officers of the Company against liabilities and expenses incurred by any such
person by reason of the fact that such person was serving in such capacity,
subject to certain limitations and conditions therein set forth. Substantially
similar provisions that require such indemnification are contained in Article
Thirteen of the Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation. Article
Thirteen of the Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation also contains
provisions limiting the liability of the Company's directors in certain
instances. In addition, the Company has purchased insurance as permitted by
Delaware law on behalf of directors, officers, employees or agents, which may
cover liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act").
 
     Reference is made to the Underwriting Agreement filed as Exhibit 1 hereto
which provides for indemnification against certain liabilities, including
liabilities under the Act.
 
ITEM 16.  EXHIBITS
 
     The following exhibits are filed as part of this Registration Statement:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER                                     DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBITS
- -------       ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>           <C>
1             Form of Purchase Agreement.
4*            Form of Indenture (including Form of Note).
5*            Opinion of Gardner, Carton & Douglas as to legality of the Notes.
12*           Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
23.1          Consent of Arthur Andersen & Co.
23.2*         Consent of Gardner, Carton & Douglas (included in Exhibit 5).
24            Powers of Attorney of directors and certain officers of the Company are included
              on the signature page.
25            Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility and Qualification under the Trust Indenture Act
              of 1939 of The Bank of New York, as Trustee under the Indenture.
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
*  To be filed by Amendment.
 
                                      II-1
<PAGE>   95
 
ITEM 17.  UNDERTAKINGS
 
     The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
 
     (1)     That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Act, the
information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this
registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of
prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h)
under the Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of
the time it was declared effective.
 
     (2)     That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Act,
each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed
to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein,
and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the
initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
     (3)     That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Act, each
filing of the registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an
employee benefit plan annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in this registration
statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the
securities offered herein, and the offering of such securities at that time
shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
     Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Act may be
permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant
pursuant to the provisions of Item 15, or otherwise, the registrant has been
advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such
indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is,
therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against
such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred
or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the
successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of
such issue.
 
                                      II-2
<PAGE>   96
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the
registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all
of the requirements for filing this Registration Statement on Form S-3 and has
duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Muskegon, State of
Michigan, on March 25, 1994.
 
                                          SPX CORPORATION
 
                                                     /s/ DALE A. JOHNSON
                                          By:
 
                                                 Chairman and Chief Executive
                                                         Officer
 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
     The undersigned officers and directors of SPX Corporation hereby severally
constitute Dale A. Johnson, R. Budd Werner or James M. Sheridan and each of them
singly our true and lawful attorneys with full power to them and each of them
singly, to sign for us, in our names in the capacities indicated below, any and
all amendments to this Registration Statement, and generally to do all such
things in our name and on our behalf in our capacities as officers and directors
to enable SPX Corporation to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, and all requirements of the Securities and Exchange
Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming our signatures as they may be signed
by our said attorneys, or any one of them, to said amendments to this
Registration Statement.
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities indicated on March 25, 1994.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
              SIGNATURE                               TITLE
- -------------------------------------  ------------------------------------
<C>                                    <S>                                  <C>
         /s/ DALE A. JOHNSON           Chairman and Chief Executive
- -------------------------------------  Officer;
           Dale A. Johnson             Director
     /s/ CURTIS T. ATKISSON, JR.       President and Chief Operating
- -------------------------------------  Officer; Director
       Curtis T. Atkisson, Jr.
         /s/ R. BUDD WERNER            Vice President and
- -------------------------------------  Chief Financial and Accounting
           R. Budd Werner              Officer
       /s/ J. KERMIT CAMPBELL          Director
- -------------------------------------
         J. Kermit Campbell
         /s/ FRANK A. EHMANN           Director
- -------------------------------------
           Frank A. Ehmann
        /s/ EDWARD D. HOPKINS          Director
- -------------------------------------
          Edward D. Hopkins
      /s/ CHARLES E. JOHNSON II        Director
- -------------------------------------
        Charles E. Johnson II
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-3
<PAGE>   97
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
              SIGNATURE                               TITLE
- -------------------------------------  ------------------------------------
<C>                                    <S>                                  <C>
        /s/ REUBEN W. KAPLAN           Director
- -------------------------------------
          Reuben W. Kaplan

        /s/ RONALD L. KERBER           Director
- -------------------------------------
          Ronald L. Kerber

         /s/ PETER H. MERLIN           Director
- -------------------------------------

           Peter H. Merlin
        /s/ DAVID P. WILLIAMS          Director
- -------------------------------------
          David P. Williams
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-4
<PAGE>   98
 
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT                                                                            SEQUENTIAL
  NUMBER                          DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBITS                           PAGE NUMBER
- ----------  --------------------------------------------------------------------    -----------
<S>         <C>                                                                     <C>
1           Form of Underwriting Agreement......................................
4*          Form of Indenture (including Form of Note)..........................
5*          Opinion of Gardner, Carton & Douglas as to validity of the Notes....
12*         Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges...................
23.1        Consent of Arthur Andersen & Co.....................................
23.2*       Consent of Gardner, Carton & Douglas (included in Exhibit 5)........
24          Powers of Attorney of directors and certain officers of the Company
            are included on the signature page..................................
25          Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility and Qualification under the Trust
            Indenture Act of 1939 of The Bank of New York, as Trustee under the
            Indenture...........................................................
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
*To be filed by Amendment.
 
                                      II-5

<PAGE>   1
                                                                  EXHIBIT 1




                                SPX CORPORATION
                            (a Delaware corporation)

                                  $260,000,000

                    ___% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2002


                               PURCHASE AGREEMENT



                                                              _________ __, 1994


MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated
DONALDSON, LUFKIN & JENRETTE SECURITIES CORPORATION
WERTHEIM SCHRODER & CO. INCORPORATED
      c/o Merrill Lynch & Co.
      Merrill Lynch World Headquarters
      North Tower
      World Financial Center
      New York, New York  10281-1305

Ladies and Gentlemen:

                 SPX Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"),
confirms its agreements with each of you (collectively, the "Underwriters,"
which term shall also include any underwriter substituted as hereinafter
provided in Section 10), with respect to the sale by the Company and the
purchase by the Underwriters, acting severally and not jointly, of $260,000,000
principal amount of its ____% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2002 (the
"Securities") in the aggregate principal amounts as are set forth in Schedule A
hereto opposite each of your names, except as may otherwise be provided in the
Pricing Agreement, as hereinafter defined.  The Securities are to be issued
pursuant to an indenture dated as of ______ __, 1994 (said indenture, together
with all exhibits thereto, is referred to herein as the "Indenture") between
the Company and The Bank of New York, as trustee (the "Trustee").

                 Prior to the purchase and public offering of the Securities by
the several Underwriters, the Company
<PAGE>   2
and the Underwriters shall enter into an agreement substantially in the form of
Exhibit A hereto (the "Pricing Agreement").  The Pricing Agreement may take the
form of an exchange of any standard form of written telecommunication between
the Company and the Underwriters and shall specify such applicable information
as is indicated in Exhibit A hereto.  The offering of the Securities will be
governed by this Agreement, as supplemented by the Pricing Agreement.  From and
after the date of the execution and delivery of the Pricing Agreement, this
Agreement shall be deemed to incorporate the Pricing Agreement.

                 The Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission") a registration statement on Form S-3 (No.
33-_________) and a related preliminary prospectus for the registration of the
Securities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), and
either (A) has prepared and proposes to file, prior to the effective date of
such registration statement, an amendment to such registration statement,
including a final prospectus, or (B) if the Company has elected to rely upon
Rule 430A ("Rule 430A") of the rules and regulations of the Commission under
the 1933 Act (the "1933 Act Regulations"), will prepare and file a prospectus,
in accordance with the provisions of Rule 430A and Rule 424(b) ("Rule 424(b)")
of the 1933 Act Regulations, promptly after execution and delivery of the
Pricing Agreement.  The information, if any, included in such prospectus that
was omitted from any prospectus included in such registration statement at the
time it becomes effective but that is deemed, pursuant to Rule 430A(b), to be
part of such registration statement at the time it becomes effective is
referred to herein as the "Rule 430A Information."  Each form of prospectus
used before the time such registration statement becomes effective, and any
form of prospectus that omits the Rule 430A Information that is used after such
effectiveness and prior to the execution and delivery of the Pricing Agreement
is herein called a "preliminary prospectus."  Such registration statement (as
amended, if applicable) and the prospectus constituting a part thereof
(including in each case all documents incorporated or deemed to be incorporated
by reference therein and the Rule 430A Information, if any, deemed to be part
thereof, as from time to time amended or supplemented pursuant to the 1933 Act,
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "1934

                                      2
<PAGE>   3
Act"), or otherwise, are hereinafter referred to as the "Registration
Statement" and the "Prospectus," respectively, except that if the final
prospectus first furnished to the Underwriters after the execution of the
Pricing Agreement for use in connection with the offering of the Securities
differs from the Prospectus included in the Registration Statement at the time
it becomes effective (whether or not such prospectus is required to be filed
pursuant to Rule 424(b)), the term "Prospectus" shall refer to the final
prospectus first furnished to the Underwriters for such use.  All references in
this Agreement to financial statements and schedules and other information
which is "contained," "included" or "stated" in the Registration Statement or
the Prospectus (and all other references of like import) shall be deemed to
mean and include all such financial statements and schedules and other
information which is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference in the
Registration Statement or the Prospectus, as the case may be; and all
references in this Agreement to amendments or supplements to the Registration
Statement or the Prospectus shall be deemed to mean and include the filing of
any document under the 1934 Act which is or is deemed to be incorporated by
reference in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus, as the case may be.

                 The Company understands that the Underwriters propose to make
a public offering of the Securities as soon as the Underwriters deem advisable
after the Registration Statement becomes effective, the Pricing Agreement has
been executed and delivered and the Indenture has been qualified under the
Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the "1939 Act").

                 Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined are
used herein as defined in the Indenture.

                 Section 1.    Representations and Warranties.

                   (a) The Company represents and warrants to each Underwriter
as of the date hereof and as of the date of the Pricing Agreement (such latter
date being hereinafter referred to as the "Representation Date") as follows:

                       (i) At the time the Registration Statement becomes 
       effective and at the





                                       3
<PAGE>   4
       Representation Date, the Registration Statement will comply in all
       material respects with the requirements of the 1933 Act and the 1933 Act
       Regulations and the requirements of the 1939 Act and the rules and
       regulations of the Commission under the 1939 Act (the "1939 Act
       Regulations") and will not contain an untrue statement of a material
       fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or
       necessary to make the statements therein not misleading.  The
       Prospectus, at the Representation Date and at the Closing Time referred
       to in Section 2 hereof, will comply in all material respects with the
       requirements of the 1933 Act and the 1933 Act Regulations and the 1939
       Act and the 1939 Act Regulations and will not include an untrue
       statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary
       in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the
       circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided,
       however, that the representations and warranties in this subsection
       shall not apply to statements in or omissions from the Registration
       Statement or Prospectus made in reliance upon and in conformity with
       information furnished to the Company in writing by any Underwriter
       expressly for use in the Registration Statement or Prospectus.

                       (ii) The accountants who certified the financial 
       statements and supporting schedules included in the Registration 
       Statement are independent public accountants as required by the 1933 
       Act  and the 1933 Act Regulations.

                       (iii) The financial statements included or
       incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement and the
       Prospectus  present fairly the consolidated financial position, results
       of operations  and cash flows of the Company and its consolidated
       subsidiaries as of the dates indicated and for the periods specified;
       except as otherwise specifically stated in the Registration Statement,
       said financial statements have been prepared in





                                       4
<PAGE>   5
       conformity with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a
       consistent basis; and the supporting schedules included in the
       Registration Statement present fairly the information required to be
       stated therein.  The selected financial data included in the Prospectus
       present fairly the information shown therein and have been compiled on a
       basis consistent with that of the audited consolidated financial
       statements included in the Registration Statement.  The ratio of
       earnings to fixed charges and the pro forma financial information
       (including the notes thereto) included in the Registration Statement and
       the Prospectus (A) present fairly the information shown therein, (B)
       have been prepared in accordance with applicable requirements of
       Regulation S-X promulgated under the 1934 Act, and (C) have been
       properly computed on the bases described therein.  The assumptions used
       in the preparation of the pro forma financial statements and other pro
       forma financial information included in the Registration Statement and
       the Prospectus are reasonable and the adjustments used therein are
       appropriate to give effect to the transactions or circumstances referred
       to therein.

                        (iv) Since the respective dates as of which information 
       is given in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, except as
       otherwise specifically stated therein, (A) there has been no material
       adverse change in the condition, financial or otherwise, or in the
       earnings, properties, assets, business affairs or business prospects of
       the Company and its subsidiaries considered as one enterprise, whether
       or not arising in the ordinary course of business, (B) there have been
       no transactions entered into by the Company or any of its subsidiaries,
       other than those in the ordinary course of business, which are material
       with respect to the Company and its subsidiaries considered as one
       enterprise and (C) there has been no dividend or distribution of any
       kind decla red, paid or made by the Company or any of its subsidiaries
       on any class of its capital stock.





                                       5
<PAGE>   6
                        (v) The Company has been duly incorporated and is 
       validly existing as a corporation in good standing under the laws of
       the State of Delaware with all requisite power and authority to own,
       lease and operate its properties and to conduct its business as
       described in the   Prospectus and to enter into and perform its
       obligations under this Agreement and the Pricing Agreement; and the
       Company is duly qualified as a foreign corporation to transact business
       and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which such qualification
       is required, whether by reason of the ownership or leasing of property
       or the conduct of business or otherwise, except where the failure to so
       qualify would not have a material adverse effect on the condition,
       financial or otherwise, or the earnings, properties, assets, business
       affairs or business prospects of the Company and its subsidiaries
       considered as one enterprise.

                        (vi) Each subsidiary of the Company has been duly 
       incorporated and is validly existing as a corporation in good      
       standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation, has
       all requisite power and authority to own, lease and operate its
       properties and to conduct its business as described in the Prospectus
       and is duly qualified as a foreign corporation to transact business and
       is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which such qualification is
       required, whether by reason of the ownership or leasing of property or
       the conduct of business or otherwise, except where the failure to so
       qualify would not have a material adverse effect on the condition,
       financial or otherwise, or the earnings, properties, assets, business
       affairs or business prospects of the Company and its subsidiaries
       considered as one enterprise; all of the issued and outstanding capital
       stock of each such subsidiary has been duly authorized and validly
       issued, is fully paid and non-assessable and, except as specifically set
       forth in the Registration Statement or Prospectus, is owned by the
       Company, directly or through subsidiaries,





                                       6
<PAGE>   7
       free and clear of any security interest, mortgage, pledge, lien,
       encumbrance, claim or equity.

                        (vii) The authorized, issued and outstanding capital
       stock of the Company is as specifically set forth in the Prospectus
       under "Capitalization" (except for subsequent issuances, if any,
       pursuant to employee benefit plans as described in the Prospectus; the
       shares of issued and outstanding capital stock have been duly authorized
       and validly issued and are fully paid and non-assessable; and none of
       the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company were issued in
       violation of the preemptive rights of any stockholder of the Company.

                        (viii) Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries
       is (A) in violation of its charter or by-laws, (B) in violation of any
       law, rule, judgment, order or decree of any government, government
       instrumentality or court, domestic or foreign, having jurisdiction over
       the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any of their respective
       properties or assets, where such violation would have a material adverse
       effect on the condition, financial or otherwise, on the earnings,
       properties, assets, business affairs or business prospects of the
       Company and its subsidiaries considered as one enterprise or (C) in
       default (and no event has occurred which, with notice or lapse of time
       or both, would constitute a default) in the performance or observance of
       any obligation, agreement, covenant or condition contained in any
       contract, indenture, mortgage, loan agreement, note, lease or other
       instrument to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party or
       by which it or any of them may be bound, or to which any of the property
       or assets of the Company or any of its subsidiaries is subject, which
       defaults, singly or in the aggregate, might reasonably be expected to
       result in a material adverse change in the condition, financial or
       otherwise, or in the earnings, properties, assets, business affairs or





                                       7
<PAGE>   8
       business prospects of the Company and its subsidiaries considered as
       one enterprise; and the execution, delivery and performance of this
       Agreement, the Pricing Agreement and the Indenture and the issuance and
       delivery of the Securities and the consummation of the transactions
       contemplated herein and therein and compliance by the Company with its
       obligations hereunder and thereunder have been duly authorized by all
       necessary corporate action and will not conflict with or constitute a
       breach of, or default (or an event, which with notice or lapse of time
       or both would constitute a default) under, or result in the creation or
       imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any property or
       assets of the Company or any of its subsidiaries pursuant to, any
       contract, indenture, mortgage, loan agreement, note, lease or other
       instrument to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party or
       by which it or any of them may be bound, or to which any of the property
       or assets of the Company or any of its subsidiaries is subject, nor will
       such action result in any violation of the provisions of the charter or
       by-laws of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any applicable law,
       rule, regulation, judgment, order or decree of any government,
       governmental instrumentality or court, domestic or foreign, having
       jurisdiction over the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any of their
       respective properties or assets.

                        (ix) No labor dispute with the employees of the Company
       or any of its subsidiaries exists or, to the knowledge of the Company,
       is threatened or imminent; and the Company has no knowledge of any
       existing or imminent labor disturbance by the employees of any of its
       principal suppliers, manufacturers or contractors that might reasonably
       be expected to result in any material adverse change in the condition,
       financial or otherwise, or in the earnings, properties, assets, business
       affairs or business prospects of the Company and its subsidiaries
       considered as one enterprise.





                                       8
<PAGE>   9

                        (x) The Company and its subsidiaries own or possess, or
       can acquire on reasonable terms, the patents, patent rights, licenses,
       inventions, copyrights, know-how (including trade secrets and other
       unpatented and/or unpatentable proprietary or confidential information,
       systems or procedures), trademarks, service marks and trade names
       (collectively, "patent and proprietary rights") presently employed by
       them in connection with the business now operated by them, and neither
       the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has received any notice or is
       otherwise aware of any infringement of or conflict with asserted rights
       of others with respect to any patent or proprietary rights, or of any
       facts that would render any patent and proprietary rights invalid or
       inadequate to protect the interest of the Company or any of its
       subsidiaries therein, and which infringement or conflict (if the subject
       of any unfavorable decision, ruling or finding) or invalidity or
       inadequacy, singly or in the aggregate, might reasonably be expected to
       result in any material adverse change in the condition, financial or
       otherwise, or in the earnings, properties, assets, business affairs or
       business prospects of the Company and its subsidiaries considered as one
       enterprise.

                        (xi) There is no action, suit or proceeding before or
       by any court or governmental agency or body, domestic or foreign, now
       pending, or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened, against or
       affecting the Company or any of its subsidiaries, which is required to
       be disclosed in the Registration Statement (other than as disclosed
       therein); other than as disclosed in the Registration Statement, there
       is no action, suit or proceeding before or by any court or governmental
       agency or body, domestic or foreign, now pending, or, to the knowledge
       of the Company, threatened, against or affecting the Company or any of
       its subsidiaries, which might reasonably be expected to result in any
       material adverse change in or effect on the condition, financial or
       otherwise, or in the earnings, properties,





                                       9
<PAGE>   10
       assets, business affairs or business prospects of the Company and its
       subsidiaries considered as one enterprise, or which might reasonably be
       expected to adversely affect the consummation of this Agreement; all
       pending legal or governmental proceedings to which the Company or any
       subsidiary is a party or of which any of their respective property or
       assets is the subject which are not described in the Registration
       Statement, including ordinary routine litigation incidental to the
       business, are, considered in the aggregate, not material; and there are
       no contracts or documents of the Company or any of its subsidiaries
       which are required to be filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement
       by the 1933 Act or by the 1933 Act Regulations which have not been so
       filed.

                        (xii) No authorization, approval or consent of any
       court or governmental authority or agency is necessary in connection
       with the offering or sale of the Securities hereunder, except such as
       may be required under the 1933 Act or the 1933 Act Regulations or state
       securities laws and the qualification of the Indenture under the 1939
       Act.

                        (xiii) The Company and its subsidiaries possess such
       certificates, authorizations, approvals, orders, licenses and permits
       issued by the appropriate local, state, federal or foreign regulatory
       agencies or bodies necessary to own or lease their properties and to
       conduct the business now operated by them, except where the failure to
       so possess such certificates, authorizations, approvals, orders,
       licenses or permits would not, singly or in the aggregate, have a
       material adverse effect on the condition, financial or otherwise, or on
       the earnings, properties, assets, business affairs or business prospects
       of the Company and its subsidiaries considered as one enterprise,
       and neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has received any
       notice of proceedings relating to the revocation or modification of any
       such certificate, authoriza-





                                       10
<PAGE>   11
       tion, approval, order, license or permit which, singly or in the
       aggregate, if the subject of an unfavorable decision, ruling or finding,
       would materially and adversely affect the condition, financial or
       otherwise, or the earnings, properties, assets, business affairs or
       business prospects of the Company and its subsidiaries considered as one
       enterprise.

                        (xiv) This Agreement has been, and, at the
       Representation Date, the Pricing Agreement will have been, duly
       authorized, executed and delivered by the Company.

                        (xv) There are no persons with registration or other
       similar  rights to have any securities registered pursuant to the
       Registration Statement or otherwise registered by the Company under the
       1933 Act.

                        (xvi) No default or event of default with respect to
       any Senior Indebtedness (as such term is defined in the Indenture)
       entitling the holders thereof to accelerate the maturity thereof exists
       or will exist as a result of the execution and delivery of this
       Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby,
       and each of the Company and its subsidiaries has duly performed or
       observed all material obligations, agreements, covenants or conditions
       contained in any contract, indenture, mortgage, agreement or instrument
       relating to any Senior Indebtedness.

                        (xvii) All United States federal income tax returns of

       the Company and each of its subsidiaries required by law to be
       filed have been filed and all taxes shown by said returns or otherwise
       assessed which are due and payable have been paid, except assessments
       against which appeals have been or will be promptly taken or as to which
       adequate reserves have been provided.  The United States Federal income
       tax returns of the Company and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis
       through the fiscal year ended December 31, 1987 have been settled and no
       assessment in connec-





                                       11
<PAGE>   12
       tion therewith has been made against the Company.  The Company and its
       subsidiaries have filed all other tax returns which are required to have
       been filed by them pursuant to applicable state, local or other law
       except insofar as the failure to file such returns, singly or in the
       aggregate, would not have a material adverse effect on the condition,
       financial or otherwise, or on the earnings, properties, assets, business
       affairs or business prospects of the Company and its subsidiaries
       considered as one enterprise, and have paid all taxes due pursuant to
       said returns or pursuant to any assessment received by the Company or
       its subsidiaries, except for such taxes, if any, as are being contested
       in good faith and as to which adequate reserves have been provided. The
       charges, accruals and reserves on the consolidated books of the Company
       in respect of any income and corporation tax liability for any years not
       finally determined are adequate to meet any assessments or re-assessments
       for additional income tax for any years not finally determined, except
       to the extent of any inadequacy which would not have a material adverse
       effect on the condition, financial or otherwise, or on the earnings,
       business affairs or business prospects of the Company and its
       subsidiaries considered as one enterprise.

                        (xviii) The Company and its subsidiaries maintain a
       system of internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable
       assurances that (A) transactions are executed in accordance with
       management's general or specific authorization; (B) transactions are
       recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in
       conformity with generally accepted accounting principles and to maintain
       accountability for assets; (C) access to assets is permitted only in
       accordance with management's general or specific authorization; and (D)
       the recorded accountability for assets is compared with the existing
       assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with
       respect to any differences.





                                       12
<PAGE>   13
                       (xix) The Company is, and immediately after the Closing
       Time will be, Solvent.  As used herein, the term "Solvent" means,
       with respect to the Company on a particular date, that on such date (A)
       the fair market value of the assets of the Company is greater than the
       total amount of liabilities (including contingent liabilities) of the
       Company, (B) the present fair saleable value of the assets of the
       Company is greater than the amount that will be required to pay the
       probable liabilities of the Company on its debts as they become absolute
       and matured, (C) the Company is able to realize upon its assets and pay
       its debts and other liabilities, including contingent obligations, as
       they mature and (D) the Company does not have unreasonably small
       capital.

                        (xx) The Indenture has been duly authorized by the
       Company and, at Closing Time, will have been duly qualified under
       the 1939 Act and duly executed and delivered by the Company and will
       constitute a valid and binding agreement of the Company, enforceable
       against the Company in accordance with its terms, except as the
       enforcement thereof may be subject to (A) bankruptcy, insolvency,
       reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws now or hereafter in
       effect relating to or affecting creditor's rights generally and (B)
       general equitable principles (regardless of whether such enforcement may
       be sought in a proceeding at law or in equity).

                        (xxi) The Securities have been duly authorized and, at
       ClosingTime, will have been duly executed by the Company, and, when
       authenticated in the manner provided for in the Indenture and delivered
       against payment of the purchase price therefor specified in the Pricing
       Agreement, will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company,
       enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms and
       entitled to the benefits provided by the Indenture, except as the
       enforcement thereof may be subject to (A) bankruptcy, insolven-





                                       13
<PAGE>   14
       cy, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws now or hereafter
       in effect relating to or affecting creditors' rights generally and (B)
       general equitable principles (regardless of whether such enforcement may
       be sought in a proceeding at law or in equity), and will be in the form
       contemplated by the Indenture.  In the event a Guarantor (as defined in
       the Indenture) shall execute and deliver a Guarantee (as defined in the
       Indenture) pursuant to and in accordance with Section of the Indenture,
       said Guarantee will, at the time of delivery, have been duly authorized,
       executed and delivered by the Guarantor and will be substantially in the
       form of the Senior Subordinated Guarantee included as Exhibit to the
       Indenture.

                        (xxii) The Securities and the Indenture will conform in
       all material respects to the respective statements relating thereto
       contained in the Prospectus and will be in substantially the respective
       forms filed or incorporated by reference, as the case may be, as
       exhibits to the Registration Statement.

                        (xxiii) The Securities rank and will rank on a parity
       with all Senior Subordinated Indebtedness (as such term is defined in
       the Indenture) of the Company that is outstanding on the date hereof or
       that may be incurred hereafter, and senior to all Subordinated
       Indebtedness (as such term is defined in the Indenture) of the Company
       that is outstanding on the date hereof or that may be incurred
       hereafter.

                        (xxiv) Neither the Company nor any agent acting on its
       behalf has taken or will take any action that might cause this
       Agreement or sale of the Securities to violate Regulation G, T, U or X
       of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, in each case as
       in effect on the date hereof, or as the same may hereafter be in effect,
       on the Closing Date.





                                       14
<PAGE>   15
                        (xxv) The Company has not taken, directly or
       indirectly, any  action designed to, or that might be reasonably
       expected to, cause or result in stabilization or manipulation of the
       price of the Securities.

                        (xxvi) The Company and each of its subsidiaries has 
       good and marketable title to all real and personal property described in
       the Prospectus as being owned by it and good title to a leasehold
       estate in the real and personal property described in the Prospectus as
       being leased by it, free and clear of all liens, charges, encumbrances
       or restrictions, except, in each case, as described in the Prospectus or
       to the extent the failure to have such title or the existence of such
       liens, charges, encumbrances or restrictions does not result in a
       material adverse effect upon the condition, financial or otherwise, or
       on the earnings, properties, assets, business affairs or business
       prospects of the Company and its subsidiaries considered as one
       enterprise.

                        (xxvii) Except as described in the Registration
       Statement and the Prospectus, (A) the operations of the Company and its
       subsidiaries have been and are now in compliance in all material
       respects with all applicable laws, (B) the Company and its subsidiaries
       have obtained all material environmental, health and safety permits,
       licenses and approvals necessary for their operation as presently
       conducted, (C) all such permits, licenses and approvals are in full
       force and effect and the Company and its subsidiaries are in compliance
       in all material respects with the terms and conditions thereof, (D) with
       respect to any property currently or formerly owned, leased or operated
       by the Company or any of its subsidiaries, to the best of the Company's
       knowledge, the Company or such subsidiary is not subject to any material
       judicial or administrative proceedings or any material order from or
       agreement with any governmental authority, and neither the Company nor
       any of its





                                       15
<PAGE>   16
       subsidiaries has knowledge of any pending or threatened investigation
       by any governmental authority, relating to any material violation or
       alleged material violation of any environmental law, any release or
       threatened release of a hazardous substance into the environment, or any
       remedial action that may be necessary in connection with any such
       violation or release, and (E) to the best of the Company's knowledge
       there is no basis for any material claim, action, suit or investigation
       with respect to any environmental law.

                        (xxviii) The documents incorporated or deemed to be
       incorporated by reference in the Prospectus, at the time they were or
       hereafter are filed with the Commission, complied and will comply in all
       material respects with the requirements of the 1934 Act and the rules
       and regulations of the Commission under the 1934 Act (the "1934 Act
       Regulations") and, when read together with the other information in the
       Prospectus, at the time the Registration Statement and any amendments
       thereto became or become effective, did not and will not contain an
       untrue statement of a mater ial fact or omit to state a material fact
       required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements
       therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made,
       not misleading.

                        (xxix) The Company is not an "investment company" or a
       company "controlled" by an "investment company," within the meaning of
       the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

                 Any certificate signed by any officer of the Company or any 
of its subsidiaries and delivered to the Underwriters or to counsel for the
Underwriters shall be deemed a representation and warranty by the Company to
each Underwriter as to the matters covered thereby.

                 Section 2.    Sale and Delivery to Underwriters; 
Closing.
                                      





                                       16
<PAGE>   17
                    (a)    On the basis of the representations and warranties 
herein contained and subject to the terms and conditions herein set
forth, the Company agrees to sell to each Underwriter, severally and not 
jointly, and each Underwriter, severally and not jointly, agrees to purchase 
from the Company, at the price set forth in the Pricing Agreement, the 
aggregate principal amount of the Securities set forth in Schedule A opposite 
the name of such Underwriter (except as otherwise provided in the Pricing 
Agreement), plus any additional principal amount of Securities which such 
Underwriter may become obligated to purchase pursuant to the provisions of 
Section 10 hereof.  If the Company elects to rely on Rule 430A, Schedule A  may
be attached to the Pricing Agreement.

                      (1)    If the Company has elected not to rely upon Rule
   430A, the initial public offering price and the purchase price to be paid by
   the several Underwriters for the Securities and certain other principal
   terms of the Securities, including the interest rate, have each been
   determined and set forth in the Pricing Agreement, dated the date hereof,
   and an amendment to the Registration Statement and the Prospectus containing
   such price information will be filed before the Registration Statement
   becomes effective.

                      (2)    If the Company has elected to rely upon Rule
   430A, the initial public offering price of the Securities, the purchase
   price to be paid by the several Underwriters for the Securities and certain
   other principal terms of the Securities, including the interest rate, shall
   be agreed upon and set forth in the Pricing Agreement.  In the event that
   such prices, interest rate and terms have not been agreed upon and the
   Pricing Agreement has not been executed and delivered by all parties thereto
   by the close of business on the fourth business day following the date of
   this Agreement, this Agreement shall terminate forthwith, without liability
   of any party to any other party, unless otherwise agreed to by the Company
   and the Underwriters, except that Sections 6 and 7 shall remain in effect.





                                       17
<PAGE>   18

                    (b) Payment of the purchase price for, and  delivery
   of, the Securities shall be made at the offices of Skadden, Arps, 
   Slate, Meagher & Flom, 333 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606, or at 
   such other place as shall be agreed upon by the Underwriters and the 
   Company,  at 10:00 A.M. (Chicago time) on the fifth business day (unless
   postponed in accordance with the provisions of Section 10) following the
   date the Registration Statement becomes effective (or, if the Company has
   elected to rely upon Rule 430A, the fifth business day after execution of
   the Pricing Agreement), or such other time not later than ten business days
   after such date as shall be agreed upon by the Underwriters and the Company
   (such time and date of payment and delivery being herein called "Closing
   Time").  Payment shall be made to the Company by certified or official bank
   check or checks drawn in New York Clearing House funds or similar next-day
   funds payable to the order of the Company against delivery to the
   Underwriters for the respective accounts of the Underwriters of the
   Securities to be purchased by them.  The Securities shall be in such
   denominations ($1,000 or integral multiples thereof) and registered in such
   names as the Underwriters may request in writing at least two business days
   before the Closing Time.  The Securities will be made available for
   examination and packaging by the Underwriters not later than 10:00 A.M. on
   the last business day prior to the Closing Time.

                 Section 3.    Covenants of the Company.  The Company
covenants with each Underwriter as follows: 

                    (a) The Company will notify the Underwriters immediately, 
and confirm the notice in writing, (i) of the  effectiveness of the 
Registration Statement and any amendment thereto  (including any
post-effective amendment), (ii) of the receipt of any comments  from the
Commission, (iii) of any request by the Commission for any amendment  to the
Registration Statement or any amendment or supplement to the Prospectus or for
additional information, (iv) of the issuance by the Commission of any   stop
order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or any  order
preventing or suspending the use of any preliminary prospectus or the 
initiation of any proceedings for any such purpose, (v) of the suspension of 
the qualification of the Securities for offering or sale in any jurisdiction 
and (vi) the initiation or threatening of any proceedings for any such






                                       18
<PAGE>   19
purposes of which the Company becomes aware.  The Company will make every
reasonable effort to prevent the issuance of any stop order or any order        
preventing or suspending the use of any preliminary prospectus or suspending
such qualification, and, in the event of the issuance of a stop order or any
order preventing or suspending the use of any preliminary prospectus or
suspending such qualifications, to make every reasonable effort to promptly
obtain the lifting thereof.

                        (b)  The Company will give the Underwriters notice  of
its intention to file or prepare any amendment to the Registration Statement
(including any post-effective amendment) or any amendment or supplement to
the Prospectus (including any revised prospectus) which the Company proposes
for use by the Underwriters in connection with the offering of the Securities
which differs from the prospectus on file at the Commission at the time the
Registration Statement becomes effective, whether or not such revised
prospectus is required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b), whether pursuant to
the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act or otherwise, will furnish the Underwriters with
copies of any such amendment or supplement a reasonable amount of time prior to
such proposed filing or use, as the case may be, and will not file any such
amendment or supplement or use any such prospectus to which the Underwriters or
counsel for the Underwriters shall reasonably object.

                        (c)  The Company will deliver to the Underwriters and
counsel for the Underwriters two (2) signed copies of the Registration
Statement as originally filed and of each amendment thereto (including exhibits
filed therewith or incorporated by reference therein and documents incorporated
or deemed to be incorporated by reference therein) and will also deliver to the
Underwriters as many conformed copies of the Registration Statement as
originally filed and of each amendment thereto (without exhibits) as the
Underwriters may reasonably request.

                        (d)  The Company will furnish to each Underwriter, from
time to time during the period when the Prospectus is required to be delivered
under the






                                       19
<PAGE>   20
1933 Act or the 1934 Act, such number of copies of the  Prospectus (as amended
or supplemented) as such Underwriter may reasonably request for the purposes
contemplated by the 1933 Act or the 1934 Act or the respective applicable rules
and regulations of the Commission thereunder.

                        (e)  If any event shall occur as a result of which it
is necessary, in the opinion of counsel for the Underwriters, to amend or
supplement the Prospectus in order to make the Prospectus not misleading in the
light of the circumstances existing at the time it is delivered to a
purchaser, the Company will forthwith amend or supplement the Prospectus (in
form and substance reasonably satisfactory to counsel for the Underwriters) so
that, as so amended or supplemented, the Prospectus will not include an untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in
order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances
existing at the time it is delivered to a purchaser, not misleading, and the
Company will furnish to the Underwriters a reasonable number of copies of such
amendment or supplement.

                        (f)  The Company will endeavor, in cooperation with the
Underwriters, to qualify the Securities for offering and sale under the
applicable securities laws of such states and other jurisdictions of the United 
States as the Underwriters may designate; provided, however, that the Company
shall not be obligated to qualify as a foreign corporation in any jurisdiction
in which it is not so qualified, consent to general service of process in any
such jurisdiction or subject itself to taxation in any such jurisdiction.  In
each jurisdiction in which the Securities have been so qualified, the Company
will file such statements and reports as may be required by the laws of such
jurisdiction to continue such qualification in effect for a period of not less
than one year from the effective date of the Registration Statement.

                        (g)  The Company will make generally available to its
security holders (and shall deliver to the Underwriters) as soon as
practicable, but not later than 50 days after the close of the period covered
thereby, an earnings statement (in form satisfying the provisions of Section
11(a) of the 1933 Act and complying with the provisions of Rule 158 of the 1933
Act Regulations) covering a twelve-month period beginning not later than the
first day of the Company's fiscal quarter next fol-





                                       20
<PAGE>   21
lowing the "effective date" (as defined in said Rule 158) of the
Registration Statement.

                        (h)  If, at the time that the Registration Statement
becomes effective, any information shall have been omitted therefrom in
reliance upon Rule 430A of the 1933 Act Regulations, then immediately following
the execution of the Pricing Agreement, the Company will prepare, and file or
transmit for filing with the Commission in accordance with such Rule 430A and
Rule 424(b) of the 1933 Act Regulations, copies of an amended Prospectus, or,
if required by such Rule 430A, a post-effective amendment to the Registration
Statement (including an amended Prospectus), containing all information so
omitted.

                        (i) The Company will use the net proceeds received by
it from the sale of the Securities in the manner specified in the Prospectus
under "Use of Proceeds."

                        (j)    The Company, during the period when the
Prospectus is   required to be delivered under the 1933 Act or the 1934 Act,
will file all documents required to be filed with the Commission pursuant to
Section 13, 14 or 15 of the 1934 Act within the time periods required by the
1934 Act and the 1934 Act Regulations.

                        (k)    Until five years after the Closing Time, the
Company will furnish to you copies of all annual reports, quarterly reports and
current reports filed with the Commission on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K, or such
other similar forms as may be designated by the Commission, and such other
documents, reports and information as shall be furnished by the Company to its
stockholders generally.

                        (l)    The Company has complied and will comply with
all the provisions of Florida H.B.  1771, codified as Section 517.075 of the
Florida statutes, and all regulations promulgated thereunder relating to
issuers doing business in Cuba.

                        (m)   For a period of 180 days following the date of
this Agreement, the Company will not, without your prior written consent,
offer or sell, or enter into any agreement to sell, any debt securities issued
or





                                       21
<PAGE>   22
guaranteed by the Company with a maturity of more than one year in any
public offering (other than the Securities).

                        (n)  The Company will not take, directly or indirectly,
any action designed to, or that might be reasonably expected to, cause or
result in stabilization or manipulation of the price of the Securities.

                Section 4.    Payment of Expenses. The Company will pay all 
expenses incident to the performance of its obligations under this  Agreement,
including (i) the printing and filing of the Registration  Statement as
originally filed and of each amendment thereto, any  preliminary prospectus and
any "Blue Sky" memoranda, (ii) the  typesetting, printing and distribution of
this Agreement, the Pricing Agreement and the Indenture, (iii) the preparation,
printing, issuance and delivery of the Securities to the Underwriters, and the
fees and expenses of the Trustee (including the fees and disbursements of
counsel for the Trustee), (iv) the fees and disbursements of the Company's
counsel, accountants and any other experts or advisors retained by the Company,
(v) the qualification of the Securities under securities laws in accordance
with the provisions of Section 3(f) hereof, including filing fees and the
reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel for the Underwriters in connection
therewith and in connection with the preparation of the Blue Sky Survey, (vi)
the printing and delivery to the Underwriters of copies of the Registration
Statement as originally filed and of each amendment thereto, of each
preliminary prospectus, and of the Prospectus and any amendments or supplements
thereto, (vii) the printing and delivery to the Underwriters of copies of the
Blue Sky Survey, (viii) the fee of any filing for review of the offering with
the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. relating to the Securities
(including the reasonable fees, disbursements and charges of counsel for the
Underwriters in connection therewith), (ix) the fees and expenses incurred in
connection with the rating of the Securities by rating agencies, (x)
advertising relating to the offering of the Securities (other than as shall
have been specifically approved by the Underwriters to be paid for by the
Underwriters) and (xi) expenses of the Company in connection with any meetings
with prospective investors in the Securities.





                                       22
<PAGE>   23
                If this Agreement is terminated by the Underwriters in
accordance with the provisions of Section 5 or Section 9(a)(i) hereof,
the Company shall reimburse the Underwriters for all of their out-of-pocket
expenses, including the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel for the
Underwriters.

                Section 5.    Conditions of Underwriters' Obligations.  The 
obligations of the Underwriters hereunder are subject to the accuracy of the 
several representations and warranties of the Company herein contained, to the 
accuracy of statements of the Company or any of its subsidiaries made in any 
certificate pursuant to the provisions hereof, to the performance by the
Company of its obligations hereunder and to the following further conditions:

                    (a) The Registration Statement shall have become
effective not later than 5:30 P.M. on the date hereof, or with the consent of
the Underwriters, at a later time and date, not later, however, than 5:30 P.M.
on the first business day following the date hereof, or at such later time and
date as you may approve in writing; and at the Closing Time, no stop order
suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement shall have been
issued under the 1933 Act or proceedings therefor initiated or threatened by
the Commission and any request on the part of the Commission for additional
information shall have been complied with to the satisfaction of counsel for
the Underwriters.  If the Company has elected to rely upon Rule 430A, a
Prospectus containing the Rule 430A Information shall have been filed with the
Commission in accordance with Rule 424(b) and prior to Closing Time the Company
shall have provided evidence satisfactory to the Underwriters of such timely
filing, or a post-effective amendment providing such information shall have
been promptly filed and declared effective in accordance with the requirements
of Rule 430A.

                    (b) At Closing Time, the Underwriters shall have
received:

                      (1)    The favorable opinion, dated as of Closing Time,
   of Gardner, Carton & Douglas, counsel to the Company, in form and
   substance reasonably satisfactory to counsel for the Underwriters, to the
   effect that:





                                       23
<PAGE>   24
                        (i) The Company has been duly incorporated and is
       validly existing as a corporation in good standing under the laws of
       the State of Delaware.

                        (ii) The Company has the requisite corporate power and 
       authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to conduct its
       business as described in the Registration Statement and to enter into
       and perform its obligations under this Agreement, the Pricing Agreement
       and the Indenture.

                        (iii) The Securities have been duly authorized by the 
       Company and, when executed by the Company and authenticated by the
       Trustee in the manner provided in the Indenture (assuming the due        
       authorization, execution and delivery of the Indenture by the Trustee)
       and delivered against payment of the purchase price therefor specified
       in the Pricing Agreement, will constitute valid and binding obligations
       of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their
       terms and entitled to the benefits of the Indenture, except as the
       enforcement thereof may be subject to (A) bankruptcy, insolvency,
       reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws now or hereafter in
       effect relating to or affecting creditor's rights generally and (B)
       general equitable principles (regardless of whether such enforcement may
       be sought in a proceeding at law or in equity).

                       (iv) The Indenture has (A) been duly and validly 
       authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and (B) is duly
       qualified under the 1939 Act, and (assuming the due authorization,
       execution and delivery by the Trustee), constitutes the valid and
       binding agreement of the Company, enforceable in accordance with its
       terms, except as the enforcement thereof may be subject to (1)
       bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws
       now or hereafter in effect relating to creditors' rights generally and
       (2) general equitable principles (regardless of





                                       24
<PAGE>   25
       whether such enforcement may be sought in a proceeding at law or in
       equity).

                        (v) This Agreement and the Pricing Agreement have each 
       been duly authorized by all requisite corporate action, executed and
       delivered by the Company.

                        (vi) The Registration Statement is effective under the 
       1933 Act and, to their knowledge, no stop order suspending the 
       effectiveness of the Registration Statement has been issued under the
       1933 Act or proceeding therefor initiated or threatened by the
       Commission.

                        (vii) At the time the Registration Statement became 
       effective and at the Representation Date, the Registration Statement
       (other than the Statement of Eligibility and Qualification of the
       Trustee on Form T-1 and the financial statements and supporting
       schedules included therein, as to which no opinion need be rendered)
       complied as to form in all material respects with the requirements of
       the 1933 Act and the 1933 Act Regulations.

                        (viii) Each document filed pursuant to the 1934 Act 
       (other than the operating statistics, financial statements and
       supporting schedules and other financial data included therein, as
       to which no opinion need be rendered) and incorporated or deemed to be
       incorporated by reference in the Prospectus complied when so filed as to
       form in all material respects with the 1934 Act and the 1934 Act
       Regulations.

                        (ix) The Securities and the Indenture conform in all 
       material respects to the descriptions thereof contained in the
       Prospectus.

                        (x) To their knowledge, there are no legal or 
       governmental actions, suits or proceedings of any nature pending or
       threatened which are required to be disclosed 

                                      25
        
<PAGE>   26
       in the Registration Statement, other than those disclosed therein.

                       (xi) To their knowledge, there are no contracts, 
       indentures, mortgages, loan agreements, notes, leases or other
       arrangements or  documents required to be described or referred to in
       the Registration Statement or to be filed as exhibits thereto other
       than those described or referred to therein or filed or incorporated by
       reference as exhibits thereto; the descriptions thereof or references
       thereto are correct in all material respects.

                       (xii) To their knowledge, no default with respect to 
       any Senior Indebtedness entitling the holders thereof to accelerate the
       maturity thereof exists or will exist as a result of the execution and
       delivery of this Agreement or the Refinancing (as defined in the
       Prospectus) or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby
       or thereby.

                       (xiii) No authorization, approval, consent or order of 
       any court or governmental authority or agency is required in connection  
       with the sale of the Securities to the Underwriters, except such as may
       be required under the 1933 Act, the 1933 Act Regulations or state
       securities law and the qualification of the Indenture under the 1939
       Act; and the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement, the
       Pricing Agreement, the Indenture and issuance and delivery of the
       Securities and the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein
       and therein and compliance by the Company with its obligations hereunder
       and thereunder will not conflict with or constitute a breach of, or
       default (or event which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would
       constitute a default) under, or result in the creation or imposition of
       any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any property or assets of the
       Company or any of its subsidiaries pursuant to any indenture, mortgage,
       loan agreement, note, material lease or contract or other material





                                       26
<PAGE>   27
       instrument, known to such counsel after due inquiry, to which
       the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party or by which it or
       any of them may be bound, or to which any of the property or assets of
       the Company is subject, nor will such action result in any violation
       of the provisions of the articles of incorporation or by-laws of the
       Company, or any applicable law, administrative regulation or
       administrative or court decree, order or judgment.

                        (xiv) The authorized, issued and outstanding capital 
       stock of the Company is as set forth in the Prospectus under 
       "Capitalization" (except for subsequent issuances, if any, pursuant to
       employee benefit plans described in the Prospectus); the shares of
       issued and outstanding common stock of the Company have been duly
       authorized, validly issued and are fully paid and non-assessable.

                        (xv) To their knowledge, the Company is not an 
       "investment company" or a company "controlled" by an "investment
       company," within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
       amended.

                      (2)    The favorable opinion, dated as of
   Closing Time, of James M. Sheridan, Vice President-Administration and
   General Counsel of the Company, in form and substance reasonably
   satisfactory to counsel for the Underwriters, to the effect that:

                        (i) The Company has been duly incorporated and is 
       validly existing as a corporation in good standing under the laws of the
       State of Delaware.

                        (ii) The Company has the requisite corporate power and
       authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to conduct its
       business as described in the Registration Statement and to enter into
       and perform its obligations under this Agreement, the Pricing
       Agreement and the Indenture.





                                       27
<PAGE>   28
                        (iii) To such counsel's knowledge, the Company is duly
       qualified as a foreign corporation to transact business and is in good
       standing in each jurisdiction in which such qualification is required,
       except where the failure to qualify would not have a material adverse
       effect on the condition, financial or otherwise, or the earnings,
       properties, assets or business affairs of the Company and its
       subsidiaries considered as one enterprise.

                        (iv) Each subsidiary of the Company has been duly 
       incorporated and is validly existing as a corporation in good standing
       under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation, has
       corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties
       and to conduct its business as described in the Registration Statement
       and, to such counsel's knowledge, is duly qualified as a foreign
       corporation to transact business and is in good standing in each
       jurisdiction in which such qualification is required, except where the
       failure to qualify would not have a material adverse effect on the
       condition, financial or otherwise, or the earnings, properties, assets
       or business affairs of the Company and its subsidiaries considered as
       one enterprise; all the issued and outstanding capital stock of each
       such subsidiary has been duly authorized and validly issued, is fully
       paid and non-assessable and, to such counsel's knowledge is owned by the
       Company, directly or through subsidiaries, free and clear of any
       security interest, mortgage, pledge, lien, encumbrance, claim or equity.

                        (v) The authorized, issued and outstanding capital 
       stock of the Company is as set forth in the Prospectus under 
       "Capitalization" (except for subsequent issuances, if any, pursuant to 
       employee benefit plans described in the Prospectus); the shares of 
       issued and outstanding capital stock of the Company have been duly 
       authorized, validly issued and are fully paid and non-assessable.





                                       28
<PAGE>   29
                        (vi) The Registration Statement is effective under the 
       1933 Act and, to such counsel's knowledge, no stop order suspending the  
       effectiveness of the Registration Statement has been issued under the
       1933 Act or proceeding therefor initiated or threatened by the
       Commission.

                        (vii) Each document filed pursuant to the 1934 Act 
       (other than the operating statistics, financial statements and
       supporting schedules and other financial data included therein, as
       to which no opinion need be rendered) and incorporated or deemed to be
       incorporated by reference in the Prospectus complied when so filed as to
       form in all material respects with the 1934 Act and the 1934 Act
       Regulations.

                        (viii) To such counsel's knowledge, there are no legal
       or governmental actions, suits or proceedings of any nature pending or
       threatened which are required to be disclosed in the Registration
       Statement, other than those disclosed therein, and all pending legal
       or governmental actions, suits or proceedings of any nature to which
       the Company or any subsidiary is a party or to which any of their
       property or assets is subject which are not described in the
       Registration Statement, including ordinary routine litigation
       incidental to the business, are, considered in the aggregate, not
       material.

                        (ix) To such counsel's knowledge, there are no 
       contracts, indentures, mortgages, loan agreements, notes, leases or other
       arrangements or documents required to be described or referred to in
       the Registration Statement or to be filed as exhibits thereto other
       than those described or referred to therein or filed or incorporated
       by reference as exhibits thereto; the descriptions thereof or
       references thereto are correct in all material respects, and no
       default exists in the due performance or observance of any material
       obligation thereunder.





                                       29
<PAGE>   30
                       (x) To such counsel's knowledge, no default with respect
       to any Senior Indebtedness entitling the holders thereof to accelerate
       the maturity thereof exists or will exist as a result of the
       execution and delivery of this Agreement or the Refinancing or the
       consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, and
       the Company has duly performed or observed all material obligations,
       agreements, covenants, or conditions contained in any contract,
       indenture, mortgage, agreement or instrument relating to any Senior
       Indebtedness.

                       (xi) No authorization, approval, consent or order of 
       any court or governmental authority or agency is required in connection
       with the sale of the Securities to the Underwriters, except such as may
       be required under the 1933 Act, the 1933 Act Regulations or state
       securities law and the qualification of the Indenture under the 1939
       Act; and the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement, the
       Pricing Agreement, the Indenture and the issuance and delivery of
       Securities and the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein
       and therein and compliance by the Company with its obligations hereunder
       and thereunder will not conflict with or constitute a breach of, or
       default (or event which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would
       constitute a default) under, or result in the creation or imposition of
       any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any property or assets of the
       Company or any of its subsidiaries pursuant to any indenture, mortgage,
       loan agreement, note, material lease or contract or other material
       instrument, known to such counsel after due inquiry, to which the
       Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party or by which it or any of
       them is bound, or to which any of the property or assets of the Company
       or any of its subsidiaries is subject, nor will such action result in
       any violation of the provisions of the articles of incorporation or
       by-laws of the Company, or any applicable law, administrative regulation
       or administrative or court decree.





                                       30
<PAGE>   31

                     (3)    The favorable opinion, dated as of Closing Time, of
   Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, counsel for the Underwriters, with
   respect to the incorporation and legal existence of the Company, the
   Notes, this Agreement, the Indenture, the Registration Statement, the
   Prospectus and such other related matters as you may require.

                     (4)    In giving their opinions required by subsections 
   (b)(1), (b)(2) and (b)(3), respectively, of this Section, Gardner, Carton &  
   Douglas, James M. Sheridan and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom shall
   each additionally state that nothing has come to their attention that would
   lead them to believe that the Registration Statement (except for the
   Trustee's Statement of Eligibility and Qualification under the 1939 Act and
   the financial statements and schedules and other financial data included or
   incorporated by reference therein, as to which counsel need make no
   statement), at the time it became effective or at the Representation Date,
   contained an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a
   material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
   statements therein not misleading or that the Prospectus (except for the
   Trustee's Statement of Eligibility and Qualification under the 1939 Act and
   the financial statements and schedules and other financial data included or
   incorporated by reference therein, as to which counsel need make no
   statement), at the Representation Date or at Closing Time, included an
   untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact
   necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the
   circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

                   (c) At the Closing Time, (i) the Registration Statement 
and the Prospectus, as they may then be amended or supplemented, shall
contain all statements that are required to be stated therein under
the 1933 Act and the 1933 Act Regulations and in all material respects
shall conform to the requirements of the 1933 Act and the





                                       31
<PAGE>   32
1933 Act Regulations and the 1939 Act and the 1939 Act Regulations, the Company
shall have complied in all material respects with Rule 430A (if it shall have
elected to rely thereon) and neither the Registration Statement nor the
Prospectus, as they may then be amended or supplemented, shall contain an
untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required
to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not
misleading, (ii) there shall not have been, since the respective dates as of
which information is given in the Registration Statement, any material adverse
change in the condition, financial or otherwise, earnings, properties, assets,
business affairs or business prospects of the Company and its subsidiaries,
considered as one enterprise, whether or not arising in the ordinary course of
business, (iii) no action, suit or proceeding shall be pending, or, to the
knowledge of the Company, threatened against the Company or its subsidiaries
that would be required to be set forth in the Prospectus other than as set
forth therein and no proceedings shall be pending or, to the knowledge of the
Company, threatened against the Company or its subsidiaries before or by any
government, governmental instrumentality or court, domestic or foreign, that
might reasonably be expected to result in any material adverse change in the
condition, financial or otherwise, earnings, properties, assets, business
affairs or business prospects of the Company and its subsidiaries, considered
as one enterprise, other than as set forth in the Prospectus, (iv) the Company
shall have complied with all agreements and satisfied all conditions on its
part to be performed or satisfied at or prior to the Closing Time, (v) no event
of default shall exist under any contract, indenture, mortgage, loan agreement,
note, lease or other agreement or instrument constituting Senior Indebtedness
(as defined in the Indenture) and (vi) the other representations and warranties
of the Company set forth in Section 1(a) shall be accurate as though expressly
made at and as of the Closing Time.  At the Closing Time, you shall have
received a certificate of the President and the Secretary of the Company, dated
as of the Closing Time, to such effect.

                    (d)    At the time of the execution of this Agreement, the
Underwriters shall have received from Arthur Andersen & Co. a letter dated such
date, in form and substance satisfactory to the Underwriters, to the effect
that (i) they are independent public accountants





                                       32
<PAGE>   33
with respect to the Company and its subsidiaries within the meaning of the
1933 Act and the 1933 Act Regulations; (ii) it is their opinion that the
financial statements and supporting schedules included in the Registration
Statement and covered by their opinions included therein comply as to form in
all material respects with the applicable accounting requirements of the 1933
Act and the 1933 Act Regulations and the 1934 Act and 1934 Act Regulations;
(iii) based upon limited procedures set forth in detail in such letter, nothing
has come to their attention which causes them to believe that at a specified
date not more than five days prior to the date of this Agreement, there has
been any change in the capital stock of the Company or any increase in the
consolidated long-term debt of the Company and its subsidiaries or any decrease
in consolidated net current assets or net assets as compared with the amounts
shown in the December 31, 1993 balance sheet included in the Registration
Statement or, during the period from December 31, 1993 to a specified date not
more than five days prior to the date of this Agreement, there were any
decreases, as compared with the corresponding period in the preceding year, in
consolidated revenues, net income or net income per share of the Company and
its subsidiaries, except in all instances for changes, increases or decreases
which the Registration Statement and the Prospectus disclose have occurred or
may occur; (iv) they do not express any opinion on the Pro Forma Consolidated
Financial Information (the "Pro Forma Information") included in the
Registration Statement or on the pro forma adjustments applied to the
historical amounts included in the Pro Forma Information; however, for purposes
of such letter they have:  (A) read the Pro Forma Information; (B) made
inquiries of certain officials of the Company who have responsibility for
financial and accounting matters about the basis for their determination of the
pro forma adjustments and whether the Pro Forma Information above complies in
form in all material respects with the applicable accounting requirements of
Rule 11-02 of Regulation S-X; and (C) proved the arithmetic accuracy of the
application of the pro forma adjustments to the historical amounts in the Pro
Forma Information; and on the basis of such procedures, and such other
inquiries and procedures as may be specified in such letter, nothing came to
their attention that caused them to believe that the Pro Forma Information
included in the Registration Statement does not comply in form in all material
respects with the




                                       33
<PAGE>   34
applicable requirements of Rule 11-02 of Regulation S-X and that the pro forma
adjustments have not been properly applied to the historical amounts in
the compilation of the statement; and (v) in addition to the examination
referred to in their opinions and the limited procedures referred to in clause
(iii) above, they have carried out certain specified procedures, not
constituting an audit, with respect to certain amounts, percentages and
financial information which are included in the Registration Statement and
Prospectus and which are specified by the Underwriters, and have found such
amounts, percentages and financial information to be in agreement with the
relevant accounting, financial and other records of the Company and its
subsidiaries identified in such letter, excluding any questions of legal
interpretation.

                   (e) At Closing Time, the Underwriters shall have received
from Arthur Andersen & Co. a letter, dated as of Closing Time, to the effect
that they reaffirm the statements made in the letter furnished  pursuant to
subsection (d) of this Section, except that the specified date referred to
shall be a date not more than five days prior to Closing Time and, if the
Company has elected to rely on Rule 430A, to the further effect that they have
carried out procedures as specified in clause (v) of subsection (d) of this
Section with respect to certain amounts, percentages and financial information
specified by the Underwriters and deemed to be a part of the Registration
Statement pursuant to Rule 430(A)(b) and have found such amounts, percentages
and financial information to be in agreement with the records specified in such
clause (v).

                   (f) At Closing Time, counsel for the Underwriters shall have
been furnished with such documents and opinions as they may reasonably require
for the purpose of enabling them to pass upon the issuance and  sale of the
Securities herein contemplated and related proceedings, or in order to evidence
the accuracy of any of the representations or warranties, or the fulfillment of
any of the conditions, herein contained; and all proceedings taken by the
Company in connection with the issuance and sale of the Securities as herein
contemplated and all opinions and certificates mentioned above or elsewhere in
this Agreement shall be satisfactory in form and substance to the Underwriters
and counsel for the Underwriters.





                                       34
<PAGE>   35
                   (g) At Closing Time, the Securities shall be rated at least 
[  ] by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. and [  ] by Standard & Poor's
Corporation, and the Company shall have delivered to the Underwriters a letter,
dated the Closing Time, from each such rating agency, or other evidence
satisfactory to the Underwriters, confirming that the Securities have such
ratings; and since the date of this Agreement, there shall not have occurred a
downgrading in the rating assigned to the Securities by any nationally
recognized securities rating agency, and no such securities rating agency shall
have publicly announced that it has under surveillance or review, with possible
negative implications, its rating of the Securities.

                   (h) On or prior to the Closing Time, (i) the Initial
Transactions (as defined in the Registration Statement) contemplated by the
Registration Statement under "Capitalization" shall have been   finally
completed, (ii) the Company shall have repaid or cause to be repaid all amounts
outstanding or otherwise due and owing (whether principal, premium, interest or
other fees or charges) under the Credit Agreement dated as of May 30, 1989,
among SPT, the banks named therein and Chemical Bank, as Agent, and (iii) SPT
shall have issued an irrevocable Notice of Redemption with respect to the SPT
Debentures (as defined in the Registration Statement) pursuant to the Indenture
and shall have irrevocably deposited with the Trustee as trust funds in trust
an amount sufficient to satisfy and discharge its obligations under the
Indenture pursuant to the terms thereof.

                If any condition specified in this Section shall not have been
fulfilled when and as required to be fulfilled, this Agreement may be
terminated by the Underwriters by notice to the Company at any time at  or
prior to Closing Time, and such termination shall be without liability of any
party to any other party except as provided in Section 4 hereof. 
Notwithstanding any such termination, the provisions of Sections 6, 7 and 8
hereof shall remain in effect.

                Section 6.    Indemnification. 

                   (a) The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each
Underwriter, its directors, officers and employees and each person, if any, 
who controls any





                                       35
<PAGE>   36
Underwriter within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act as follows:

                        (i) against any and all loss, liability, claim , damage
       and expense whatsoever, as incurred, arising out of any untrue statement
       or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the  
       Registration Statement (or any amendment thereto), including the Rule
       430A Information, if applicable, or the omission or alleged omission
       therefrom of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary
       to make the statements therein not misleading or arising out of any
       untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact
       contained in any preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus (or any
       amendment or supplement thereto) or the omission or alleged omission
       therefrom of a material fact necessary in order to make the statements
       therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made,
       not misleading;

                        (ii) against any and all loss, liability, claim, 
       damage and expense whatsoever, as incurred, to the extent of the
       aggregate amount paid in settlement of any litigation, or any
       investigation or proceeding by any governmental agency or body,
       commenced or threatened, or of any claim whatsoever based upon any such
       untrue statement or omission, or any such alleged untrue statement or
       omission, if such settlement is effected with the written consent of the
       Company; and

                        (iii) against any and all expense whatsoever, as 
       incurred (including, subject to Section 6(c) hereof, the fees and        
       disbursements of one counsel chosen by the Underwriters), reasonably
       incurred in investigating, preparing or defending against any
       litigation, or any investigation or proceeding by any governmental
       agency or body, commenced or threatened, or any claim whatsoever based
       upon any such untrue statement or omission, or any such alleged untrue
       statement or omission,





                                       36
<PAGE>   37
       to the extent that any such expense is not paid  under (i) or (ii)
       above;

provided, however, that this indemnity agreement shall not apply to any loss,
liability, claim, damage or expense to the extent arising out of any
untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission made in
reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the
Company by any Underwriter expressly for use in the Registration Statement (or
any amendment thereto), including the Rule 430A Information, or in any
preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement
thereto).

                    (b) Each Underwriter severally agrees to indemnify and hold
harmless the Company, its directors, each of its officers who signed the
Registration Statement, and each person, if any, who controls the Company
within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act against any and all loss,
liability, claim, damage and expense described in the indemnity contained in
subsection (a) of this Section, as incurred, but only with respect to untrue
statements or omissions, or alleged untrue statements or omissions, made in the
Registration Statement (or any amendment thereto) or any preliminary prospectus
or the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto) in reliance upon and
in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by such
Underwriter expressly for use in the Registration Statement (or any amendment
thereto) or such preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus (or any amendment or
supplement thereto).

                    (c) Each indemnified party shall give notice as promptly as
reasonably practicable to each indemnifying party of any action commenced
against it in respect of which indemnity may be sought  hereunder, but failure
to so notify an indemnifying party shall not relieve such indemnifying party
from any liability that it may have otherwise than on account of this indemnity
agreement.  An indemnifying party may participate at its own expense in the
defense of any such action.  In no event shall the indemnifying parties be
liable for fees and expenses of more than one counsel for all indemnified
parties separate from their own counsel in connection with any one action or
separate but similar or related actions in the same jurisdiction arising out of
the same general allegations or circumstances.





                                       37
<PAGE>   38
                Section 7.    Contribution.  In order to provide for just and
equitable contribution in circumstances in which the indemnity agreement
provided for in Section 6 hereof is for any reason held to be unenforceable by 
the indemnified parties although applicable in accordance with its terms, the
Company and the Underwriters shall contribute to the aggregate  losses,
liability, claims, damages and expenses of the nature contemplated by said
indemnity agreement incurred by the Company and one or more of the
Underwriters, as incurred, in such proportions that (a) the Underwriters are
responsible for that portion represented by the percentage that the
underwriting discount appearing on the cover page of the Prospectus bears to
the initial public offering price appearing thereon and (b) the Company is
responsible for the balance; provided, however, that no person guilty of
fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the 1933
Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of
such fraudulent misrepresentation.  For purposes of this Section, each person,
if any, who controls any Underwriter within the meaning of Section 15 of the
1933 Act shall have the same rights to contribution as such Underwriter, and
each director of the Company, each officer of the Company who signed the
Registration Statement, and each person, if any, who controls the Company
within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act shall have the same rights to
contribution as the Company.

                Section 8.    Representations, Warranties and Agreements to
Survive Delivery.  All representations, warranties and agreements contained in
this Agreement and the Pricing Agreement, or contained in certificates of
officers of the Company submitted pursuant hereto, shall remain operative and
in full force and effect, regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf
of any Underwriter or controlling person, or by or on behalf of the Company,
and shall survive delivery of the Securities to the Underwriters.

                Section 9.    Termination of Agreement. 

                   (a) The Underwriters may terminate this Agreement, by notice
to the Company, at any time at or prior to Closing Time (i) if there has been,
since the date of this Agreement or since the respective dates as of which 
information is given in the Registration State-





                                       38
<PAGE>   39
ment, any material adverse change in the condition, financial or otherwise, or
in the earnings, properties, assets, business affairs or business prospects
of the Company and its subsidiaries considered as one enterprise, whether or
not arising in the ordinary course of business, or (ii) if there has occurred
any material adverse change in the financial markets in the United States or
elsewhere or any outbreak of hostilities or escalation thereof or other
calamity or crisis, the effect of which is such as to make it, in the judgment
of the Underwriters, impracticable to market the Securities or to enforce
contracts for the sale of the Securities, or (iii) if trading in any securities
of the Company has been suspended by the Commission, or if trading generally on
either the New York Stock Exchange or the American Stock Exchange or in the
over-the-counter market has been suspended, or minimum or maximum prices for
trading have been fixed, or maximum ranges for prices for securities have been
required, by either of said exchanges or by order of the Commission or any
other governmental authority, or if a banking moratorium has been declared by
either federal, New York or Illinois authorities.

                   (b) If this Agreement is terminated pursuant to this 
Section, such termination shall be without liability of any party to any other
party except as provided in Section 4 hereof.  Notwithstanding any such
termination, the provisions of Sections 6, 7 and 8 hereof shall remain in
effect.

                   (c) This Agreement may also terminate pursuant to the
provisions of Section 10(b) with the effect stated in such section.

                 Section 10.    Default by One or More of the Underwriters.  If
one or more of the Underwriters shall fail at Closing Time to purchase the
Securities which it or they are obligated to purchase under this        
Agreement and the Pricing Agreement (the "Defaulted Securities"), the
Underwriters shall have the right but not the obligation, within 24 hours
thereafter, to make arrangements for one or more of the non-defaulting
Underwriters, or any other underwriters, to purchase all, but not less than
all, of the Defaulted Securities in such amounts as may be agreed upon and upon
the terms herein set forth; if, however, the Underwriters shall not have
completed such arrangements within such 24-hour period, then:





                                       39
<PAGE>   40
                    (a) if the number of Defaulted Securities does not exceed 
10% of the number of Securities, the non-defaulting Underwriters shall be
obligated to purchase the full amount thereof in the proportions that their
respective underwriting obligations hereunder bear to the underwriting
obligations of all non-defaulting Underwriters, or

                    (b) if the number of Defaulted Securities exceeds 10% of 
the number of Securities, this Agreement shall terminate without liability on 
the part of any non-defaulting Underwriter.

                 No action taken pursuant to this Section shall relieve any 
defaulting Underwriter from liability in respect of its default.

                 In the event of any such default which does not result in a
termination of this Agreement, either the Underwriters or the Company shall
have the right to postpone Closing Time for a period not exceeding seven days
in order to effect any required changes in the Registration Statement or
Prospectus or in any other documents or arrangements.  As used herein, the term
"Underwriter" includes any person substituted for a Underwriter under this
Section 10.

                 Section 11.    Notices.  All notices and other communications
hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if
mailed or transmitted by any standard form of telecommunication.  Notices to
the Underwriters shall be directed to the Underwriters c/o Merrill Lynch & Co.,
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Merrill Lynch World
Headquarters, North Tower, World Financial Center, New York, New York
10281-1201 and at 233 S. Wacker Drive, 55th Floor, Chicago, Illinois 60606,
attention of Brad F. England, Managing Director; notices to the Company shall
be directed to it at 700 Terrace Point Drive, Muskegon, Michigan 49443- 3301,
attention of James M. Sheridan.

                 Section 12.    Parties.  This Agreement and the Pricing 
Agreement shall each inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the    
Underwriters and the Company and their respective successors. Nothing expressed
or mentioned in this Agreement or the Pricing Agreement is intended or shall be
construed to give any person, firm





                                       40
<PAGE>   41
         or corporation, other than the Underwriters and the Company and
         their respective successors and the controlling persons and officers,
         directors and trustees referred to in Sections 6 and 7 and their heirs
         and legal representatives, any legal or equitable right, remedy or
         claim under or in respect of this Agreement or the Pricing Agreement or
         any provision herein or therein contained.  This Agreement and the
         Pricing Agreement and all conditions and provisions hereof and thereof
         are intended to be for the sole and exclusive benefit of the
         Underwriters and the Company and their respective successors, and said
         controlling persons and officers, directors and trustees and their
         heirs and legal representatives, and for the benefit of no other
         person, firm or corporation.  No purchaser of any Securities from any
         Underwriter shall be deemed to be a successor by reason merely of such
         purchase.

                Section 13.    Governing Law and Time.  This Agreement and the
         Pricing Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with
         the laws of the State of New York applicable to agreements made and to
         be performed in said State.  Except as otherwise set forth herein,
         specified times of day refer to New York City time.




                                       41
<PAGE>   42
                 If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding of
our agreement, please sign and return to us a counterpart hereof, whereupon
this instrument, along with all counterparts, will become a binding agreement
among the Underwriters and the Company in accordance with its terms.

                                                 Very truly yours,

      
                                                 SPX CORPORATION


                                                 By: _________________________
                                                     Name:
                                                     Title:




CONFIRMED AND ACCEPTED,
  as of the date first above written:

MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated
DONALDSON, LUFKIN & JENRETTE SECURITIES CORPORATION
WERTHEIM SCHRODER & CO. INCORPORATED

By:  Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated



By:___________________________
   Name:
   Title:





                                       42
<PAGE>   43
                                   SCHEDULE A


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   Aggregate Principal
                                                                        Amount of
     Name of Underwriter                                                Securities    
     -------------------                                            ------------------
<S>                                                                     <C>
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner &
  Smith Incorporated  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       $

Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette
  Securities Corporation  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Wertheim Schroder & Co.
  Incorporated . . . . . . . . . . . .

                 Total                                                  $            
                                                                        ------------
                                                                        ------------
</TABLE>





                                       43
<PAGE>   44
                                                                       EXHIBIT A


                                SPX CORPORATION
                            (a Delaware corporation)

                                  $260,000,000

                     __% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2002


                               PRICING AGREEMENT


                                                              _________ __, 1994


MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated
DONALDSON, LUFKIN & JENRETTE SECURITIES CORPORATION
WERTHEIM SCHRODER & CO. INCORPORATED
      c/o Merrill Lynch & Co.
      Merrill Lynch World Headquarters
      North Tower
      World Financial Center
      New York, New York 10281-1305

Ladies and Gentlemen:

                 Reference is made to the Purchase Agreement, dated _________
__, 1994 (the "Purchase Agreement"), between SPX Corporation and you, relating
to the purchase by you of $260,000,000 principal amount of the Company's __%
Senior Subordinated Notes due 2002 (the "Securities").

                 Pursuant to Section 2 of the Purchase Agreement, the Company
agrees with you as follows:

                          1.  The initial public offering price for the
      Securities, determined as provided in said Section 2, shall be __% of the
      principal amount thereof, plus accrued interest, if any, from the date of
      issuance.





                                      A-1
<PAGE>   45
                          2.  The purchase price for the Securities to be paid
      by the Underwriters shall be __% of the principal amount thereof.

                          3.  The interest rate on the Securities shall be __%
per annum.

                          4.  The Securities will mature on               ,
2002.

                          5.  The redemption prices to be supplied on page
of the Prospectus (and correspondingly in the Indenture) shall be:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                 Year                                                    Redemption Price
                 ----                                                    ----------------
                <S>                                                     <C>           
                 1998 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .              %
                 1999 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .              %
                 2001 and thereafter  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          100 %
</TABLE>                                                            


                 The Company represents and warrants to the Underwriters that
the representations and warranties of the Company set forth in Section 1 of the
Purchase Agreement are accurate as though expressly made at and of the date
hereof.

                 This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of
New York.





                                      A-2
<PAGE>   46
                 If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding of
our agreement, please sign and return to the Company a counterpart hereof,
whereupon this instrument, along with all counterparts, will become a binding
agreement between the Underwriters and the Company in accordance with its
terms.

                                                 Very truly yours,

                                                 SPX CORPORATION



                                                 By___________________
                                                   Title



CONFIRMED AND ACCEPTED:
  as of the date first above written:

MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated
DONALDSON, LUFKIN & JENRETTE SECURITIES CORPORATION
WERTHEIM SCHRODER & CO. INCORPORATED

By:  Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated



      By: ___________________                                   
           Title:  Director





                                      A-3

<PAGE>   1
   
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1
 
                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
     As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use of our
report dated March 25, 1994, included in this Form S-3 Registration Statement of
SPX Corporation and to all references to Arthur Andersen & Co., included in or
made part of this filing.
 
                                          ARTHUR ANDERSEN & CO.
 
Chicago, Illinois,
March 25, 1994

<PAGE>   1
 
                                                                      EXHIBIT 25
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    FORM T-1
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
                            STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY
                   UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939 OF A
                    CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE
 
                      CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE
                      ELIGIBILITY OF A TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO
                           SECTION 305(B)(2)      / /
 
                            ------------------------
 
                              THE BANK OF NEW YORK
              (Exact name of trustee as specified in its charter)
 
<TABLE>
          <S>                                          <C>
                          NEW YORK                          13-5160382
                   (State of incorporation               (I.R.S. employer
                if not a U.S. national bank)           identification no.)
               48 WALL STREET, NEW YORK, N.Y.                 10286
          (Address of principal executive offices)          (Zip code)
</TABLE>
 
                            ------------------------
                                SPX CORPORATION
              (Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter)
 
<TABLE>
          <S>                                          <C>
                          DELAWARE                          38-1016240
               (State or other jurisdiction of           (I.R.S. employer
               incorporation or organization)          identification no.)
                   700 TERRACE POINT DRIVE                    49443
                     Muskegon, Michigan                     (Zip code)
          (Address of principal executive offices)
</TABLE>
 
                            ------------------------
                        % SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2004
                      (Title of the indenture securities)
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>   2
 
     1. General information. Furnish the following information as to the
        Trustee:
 
          (a) Name and address of each examining or supervising authority to
              which it is subject.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            NAME                                          ADDRESS
                            ----                                          ------- 
<S>                                                            <C>
Superintendent of Banks of the State of New York............   2 Rector Street, New York,
                                                               N.Y. 10006, and Albany, N.Y.
                                                               12203

Federal Reserve Bank of New York............................   33 Liberty Plaza, New York,
                                                               N.Y. 10045

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.......................   Washington, D.C. 20549
New York Clearing House Association.........................   New York, New York
</TABLE>
 
          (b) Whether it is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.
 
         Yes.
 
      2. Affiliations with Obligor.
 
          If the obligor is an affiliate of the trustee, describe each such
          affiliation.
     None. (See Note on page 3.)
 
     16. List of Exhibits.
 
          Exhibits identified in parentheses below, on file with the Commission,
     are incorporated herein by reference as an exhibit hereto, pursuant to Rule
     7a-29 under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (the "Act") and Rule 24 of the
     Commission's Rules of Practice.
 
          1. A copy of the Organization Certificate of The Bank of New York
     (formerly Irving Trust Company) as now in effect, which contains the
     authority to commence business and a grant of powers to exercise corporate
     trust powers. (Exhibit 1 to Amendment No. 1 to Form T-1 filed with
     Registration Statement No. 33-6215, Exhibits 1a and 1b to Form T-1 filed
     with Registration Statement No. 33-21672 and Exhibit 1 to Form T-1 filed
     with Registration Statement No. 33-29637.)
 
          4. A copy of the existing By-laws of the Trustee. (Exhibit 4 to Form
     T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 33-31019.)
 
          6. The consent of the Trustee required by Section 321(b) of the Act.
     (Exhibit 6 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 33-44051.)
 
          7. A copy of the latest report of condition of the Trustee published
     pursuant to law or to the requirements of its supervising or examining
     authority.
 
                                      NOTE
 
     Inasmuch as this Form T-1 is filed prior to the ascertainment by the
Trustee of all facts on which to base a responsive answer to Item 2, the answer
to said Item is based on incomplete information.
 
     Item 2 may, however, be considered as correct unless amended by an
amendment to this Form T-1.
<PAGE>   3
 
                                   SIGNATURE
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Act, the Trustee, The Bank of New York,
a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of New York,
has duly caused this statement of eligibility to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in The City of New York, and State
of New York, on the 15th day of March, 1994
 
                                          THE BANK OF NEW YORK
 
                                          By:    /S/ S.D. MINEO      
                                              Name: S.D. Mineo
                                              Title: Vice President
<PAGE>   4
 
                                                                       EXHIBIT 7
 
                      CONSOLIDATED REPORT OF CONDITION OF
                              THE BANK OF NEW YORK
                    OF 48 WALL STREET, NEW YORK, N.Y. 10286
                     AND FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC SUBSIDIARIES,
 
a member of the Federal Reserve System, at the close of business December 31,
1993, published in accordance with a call made by the Federal Reserve Bank of
this District pursuant to the provisions of the Federal Reserve Act.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                     DOLLAR AMOUNTS
                                                                                                      IN THOUSANDS
                                                                                                     --------------
<S>                                                                                                  <C>
ASSETS
Cash and balances due from depository institutions:
  Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coin..............................................    $  4,393,393
  Interest-bearing balances.......................................................................         652,315
Securities........................................................................................       3,809,834
Federal funds sold in domestic offices of the bank................................................         331,075
Loans and lease financing receivables:
  Loans and leases, net of unearned income........................................................      23,708,678
  LESS: Allowance for loan and lease losses.......................................................         773,597
  LESS: Allocated transfer risk reserve...........................................................          28,427
  Loans and leases, net of unearned income, allowance, and reserve................................      22,906,654
Assets held in trading accounts...................................................................         851,615
Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized leases)..........................................         657,247
Other real estate owned...........................................................................          60,806
Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated companies...............................         170,378
Customers liability to this bank on acceptances outstanding.......................................         885,751
Intangible assets.................................................................................          42,689
Other assets......................................................................................       1,326,362
                                                                                                     --------------
Total assets......................................................................................    $ 36,088,119
                                                                                                     --------------
                                                                                                     --------------
LIABILITIES
Deposits:
  In domestic offices.............................................................................    $ 19,486,153
  Noninterest-bearing.............................................................................       7,388,636
  Interest-bearing................................................................................      12,097,517
  In foreign offices. Edge and Agreement subsidiaries and IBFs....................................       8,230,444
  Noninterest-bearing.............................................................................          53,571
  Interest-bearing................................................................................       8,176,873
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase in domestic offices of
  the bank and of its Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and in IBFs:
  Federal funds purchased.........................................................................       1,207,881
  Securities sold under agreements to repurchase..................................................         350,492
  Demand notes issued to the U.S. Treasury........................................................         300,000
  Other borrowed money............................................................................         530,559
  Bank's liability on acceptances executed and outstanding........................................         897,899
  Subordinated notes and debentures...............................................................       1,064,780
  Other liabilities...............................................................................       1,139,025
                                                                                                     --------------
  Total liabilities...............................................................................      33,207,233
                                                                                                     --------------
EQUITY CAPITAL
Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus.....................................................          75,000
Common stock......................................................................................         942,284
Surplus...........................................................................................         525,666
Undivided profits and capital reserves............................................................       1,342,860
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments...............................................          (4,924)
                                                                                                     --------------
Total equity capital..............................................................................       2,880,886
                                                                                                     --------------
Total liabilities, limited-life preferred stock, and equity capital...............................    $ 36,088,119
                                                                                                     --------------
                                                                                                     --------------
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   5
 
     I, Robert E. Keilman, Senior Vice President and Comptroller of the
above-named bank do hereby declare that this Report of Condition has been
prepared in conformance with the instructions issued by the Board of Governors
of the Federal Reserve System and is true to the best of my knowledge and
belief.
 
                                          Robert E. Keilman
 
     We, the undersigned directors, attest to the correctness of this Report of
Condition and declare that it has been examined by us and to the best of our
knowledge and belief has been prepared in conformance with the instructions
issued by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and is true and
correct.
    
    J. Carter Bacoi
    Alan R. Griffith           Directors
    Samuel F. Chevalier


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