THOMAS & BETTS CORP
10-K, 1996-03-29
ELECTRONIC CONNECTORS
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<PAGE>   1
                                 UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            Washington, D.C.  20549
                                   FORM 10-K




[ X ]  ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
       ACT OF 1934 [FEE REQUIRED]
             For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995
       OR
[   ]  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES
       EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (NO FEE REQUIRED)
             For the transition period from               to
                                           ---------------  ---------------



                         Commission file number 1-4682
                                                ------

                           THOMAS & BETTS CORPORATION
             -----------------------------------------------------
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

         New Jersey                                    22-1326940
 --------------------------------        ------------------------------------
  (STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION          (I.R.S. EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)
OF INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)                                     


 1555 Lynnfield Road, Memphis, Tennessee                  38119
- -----------------------------------------                --------
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)                (ZIP CODE)


      Registrant's telephone number, including area code:  (901) 682-7766
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                           Name of each exchange on
        Title of each class                   which registered
     ----------------------------          -----------------------
     Common Stock, Par Value $.50          New York Stock Exchange

       Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:  None
                                                                   ------

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES  X  NO
                                             -----  -----
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to
this Form 10-K. [ ]

The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by nonaffiliates of the
registrant as of February 9, 1996:  $1,574,460,867.
(For purposes of this filing only, the registrant classified all executive
officers and directors as affiliates).

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant's classes
of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.



          Class                               Outstanding at February 9, 1996
- ----------------------------                  -------------------------------
Common Stock, Par Value $.50                         20,104,143 Shares



              DOCUMENTS OR PARTS THEREOF INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE


                                           FORM 10-K PART INTO WHICH THE
       DOCUMENT OR PART THEREOF            DOCUMENT IS INCORPORATED
       ----------------------------------  -----------------------------
       1995 ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS  PART I, ITEM 1
                                           PART II, ITEMS 5-8
                                           PART IV, ITEMS 14(A)(1)
       1996 PROXY STATEMENT                PART III, ITEMS 10-13







<PAGE>   2


                                     PART I



 ITEM 1.   DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
          ------------------------
           (Items either not applicable or not material have been excluded.)

 (A),(C)  GENERAL DEVELOPMENT AND NARRATIVE DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
          ---------------------------------------------------------


     Thomas & Betts Corporation and its subsidiaries("the Corporation")
designs, manufactures and markets, on a global basis, electrical and electronic
connectors and components as well as other related products and accessories,
with manufacturing facilities and marketing activities in North America, Europe
and the Far East. The Corporation's products are sold worldwide through
electrical, electronic and HVAC distributors, mass merchandisers, catalogs and
home centers, and directly to original equipment manufacturer ("OEM") markets.
No one of the Corporation's end users or distributors accounted for more than
4% of the Corporation's 1995 net sales. In North America, the Corporation is
one of the largest manufacturers of electrical connectors and accessories for
industrial, commercial and residential construction, renovation and maintenance
applications, and is a leading supplier of utility poles, transmission towers
and industrial lighting products to the utility and telecommunications
industries. On a worldwide basis, the Corporation designs and manufactures
electronic connectors and flat cable, which are sold primarily to OEMs in the
automotive, computer, office equipment, test equipment, instrumentation,
industrial automation and telecommunications industries.

     The Corporation operates in three business segments. ELECTRICAL
CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE COMPONENTS are sold primarily in North America,
and manufactured and assembled at facilities located in the United States,
Puerto Rico, Canada and Mexico. ELECTRONIC/OEM COMPONENTS are sold in North
America, Europe and the Far East, and manufactured at facilities in the United
States, Europe, Mexico, Japan and Singapore. OTHER PRODUCTS AND
COMPONENTS--principally heaters, heating/ventilation systems, components for
transmission and distribution of electric power, utility poles and
transmission towers, and telecommunications products--are sold primarily in
North America and manufactured in the United States.

     Thomas & Betts' objective is to continue to achieve profitable growth by
offering its distributors and its OEM and end-user customers a broad family of
high-quality products and state-of-the-art distribution services and by
maintaining leadership positions in the markets that it serves. Its
strategy for achieving this objective consists of the following elements:

- -DESIGNING CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENTS AND MAKING CUSTOMER-SPECIFIC
   MODIFICATIONS IN WIDELY USED PRODUCTS--allowing value to be added to mature
   product lines;
- -SELECTIVELY ACQUIRING PRODUCT LINES THAT COMPLEMENT THE CORPORATION'S
   EXISTING PRODUCT LINES--allowing the Corporation to

                                 PAGE 2 OF 22

<PAGE>   3

   reduce significantly the time required to bring new products to its markets;
- -EXPANDING THE USE AND FEATURES OF THE CORPORATION'S STATE-OF-THE-ART
   DISTRIBUTOR/MANUFACTURER INTEGRATION ("DMI") SYSTEM--allowing the Corporation
   to provide its distributors with an inventory and distribution management
   system that achieves significant transaction cost savings for both the
   Corporation and its distributors; and
- -GLOBALLY LOCATING AND COORDINATING MANUFACTURING FACILITIES AND MARKETING
   PERSONNEL--allowing the Corporation to achieve low-cost manufacturing and to
   provide worldwide service to those of its OEM customers with globally
   dispersed operations.

     Selective acquisitions have been made to broaden Thomas & Betts' business
worldwide. In 1992, the Corporation acquired American Electric, a leading
manufacturer of a broad range of electrical products and accessories; as a
result of this acquisition the Corporation's sales approximately doubled. Since
the acquisition of American Electric, the Corporation has made 13 acquisitions
involving complementary product lines. Recent examples include: the $51.2
million acquisition of Commander Electrical Products, Inc., a Canadian
manufacturer of electrical outlet boxes, in August 1994; the $35.0 million
acquisition of Catamount Manufacturing Co., a manufacturer of cable ties, in
October 1995; and the $220.6 million acquisition of Amerace Corporation, a
manufacturer of electrical components for utility and industrial markets, in
January 1996. Amerace had sales of $215.0 million in 1995. In addition, in
August 1994, the Corporation completed the purchase, for $50.6 million, of a
29% interest in Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc., a private company that is the
largest U.S. manufacturer of wiring devices.

     The Corporation was established in 1898 as a sales agency for electrical
wires and raceways and was incorporated in New Jersey in 1917. The
Corporation's executive offices are located at 1555 Lynnfield Road, Memphis,
Tennessee 38119, telephone number (901)682-7766.

ELECTRICAL CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE COMPONENTS(ELECTRICAL)

     The Corporation's electrical construction and maintenance components
market includes industrial, commercial and residential construction and
renovation companies, electrical contractors, telephone companies and
telecommunications businesses, and maintenance, repair and overhaul operations
("MRO") customers. Total Electrical Construction and Maintenance Components
sales were $611.7, $516.9 and $444.5 million, or 50%, 48% and 46% of the
Corporation's total sales, for 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively.

     The Corporation designs, manufactures and markets thousands of different
electrical connectors, components and other products for industrial, commercial
and residential construction applications, including (i) fittings and 
accessories for electrical raceways; (ii) fastening products, such as plastic 
and metallic ties for bundling wire and flexible tubing; (iii) terminals for 
small wires and power 

                                 Page 3 of 22
<PAGE>   4


cables; (iv) power connectors, such as compression and mechanical
connectors for high current power and grounding applications; (v) indoor and
outdoor switch and outlet boxes, covers and accessories; (vi) floor boxes;
(vii) metal framing used as structural supports for conduits, cable trays,
electrical enclosures and lighting raceways; (viii) ground rods and clamps;
(ix) products for outdoor security, roadway and adverse and hazardous location
lighting; (x) circuit breakers, safety switches and meter centers; and (xi)
other products, including insulation products, wire markers and application
tooling products.

     The Corporation markets its electrical components under various brand
names. These brand names and the related products include THOMAS & BETTS, T&B
and CATAMOUNT electrical products and electricians' supply products, TY-RAP,
TY-FAST and CATAMOUNT cable ties, STEEL CITY, BOWERS, COMMANDER and UNION
switch and outlet boxes, covers and conduit fittings, STA-KON terminals, STEEL
CITY floor boxes and wire management systems, PERFECT-LINE outdoor lampholders
and boxes and covers, BLACKBURN and COLOR-KEYED power connectors and grounding
devices, T&B Electricians' Supplies, wire connectors, tools and accessories,
KINDORF and SUPERSTRUT metal framing products, AMERICAN ELECTRIC LIGHTING and
HAZLUX lighting products, THOMAS & BETTS and ZINSCO circuit breakers, safety
switches and meter centers, T&B, CANSTRUT and ELECTROTRAY cable tray, E-Z-CODE
wire markers and ANCHOR meter sockets.

     In North America, the Corporation's components for industrial, commercial
and residential construction and industrial MRO customers are sold through
electrical distributors and retail outlets such as home centers and mass
merchants. The Corporation has relationships with over 2,000 national, regional
and independent distributors and buying groups with locations across North
America. The Corporation believes that it has strong relationships with its
distributors as a result of the breadth and quality of its product line,
innovative service programs, product innovation, competitive pricing and brand
name recognition among its customers. The Corporation has a network of factory
and independent sales representatives who work with distributors, end users and
retail outlets to increase demand for its products.  The Corporation has
thousands of customers, and no single end user, distributor or retailer
accounted for more than 6% of the Corporation's Electrical Construction and
Maintenance Components segment 1995 net sales.

     The Corporation also manufactures and distributes its components outside
the United States. Certain of the Corporation's standard components are sold in
countries where they conform to the applicable local electrical requirements, 
while other components are specifically designed and manufactured to conform to
local standards. The Corporation also markets electrical components through 
offshore sales agents and domestic exporters.


                                 Page 4 of 22


<PAGE>   5


ELECTRONIC/OEM COMPONENTS(ELECTRONIC)

     The Corporation's electronic components are sold primarily to OEMs in the
automotive, information services, office equipment, test equipment,
instrumentation, industrial automation and telecommunications businesses and
commercial offices, with the remainder of the components going to others such
as electronic distributors and contractors.  No single end user or distributor
of the Corporation's electronic components accounted for more than 9% of the
Corporation's Electronic/OEM Components segment 1995 net sales.  Total
Electronic/OEM Components sales were $297.9, $260.1 and $246.9 million, or 24%,
24% and 26% of the Corporation's total sales, for 1995, 1994 and 1993,
respectively.

     The Corporation's electronic/OEM components include: (i) printed circuit
connectors; (ii) IDC connectors for mass termination of flat cables; (iii)
custom-engineered connectors for automotive and professional electronics
applications; (iv) flexible interconnects, flat cables and assemblies for
automotive and other applications; (v) cable ties; (vi) terminals; (vii)
D-subminiature connectors, a broad group of industry standard connectors; and
(viii) modular voice and data connectors, twinax and coax connectors, baluns,
patch panels, jack and wall plates and related components for use in
mainframe-to-terminal systems and personal computer-based local area networks
in commercial properties. These components are sold under various brand names,
including THOMAS & BETTS electronic connectors, ANSLEY flat cable and
connectors, FLEXSTRIP jumpers, TY-RAP, TY-FAST and CATAMOUNT cable ties,
HOLMBERG D-subminiature and card edge connectors, and NEVADA WESTERN, ARMIGER
and EPITOME premises wiring brand names. The Amerace acquisition added the
following products to the Corporation's electronic/OEM components segment:
RUSSELLSTOLL, MAX-GARD and EVER-LOK interconnect components and systems, MIPCO
power connectors, FEEDRAIL trolley busway electrification systems, AGASTAT
electro-mechanical and solid-state devices for timers and relays, and BUCHANAN
terminal blocks and connectors. These Amerace products are sold to electronic
interconnect, trolley busway electrification and industrial markets.

     In North America, the Corporation sells its standard components through
electronic distributors and directly to end users, and provides 
customer-specific components directly to major OEMs. The Corporation sells 
through national, regional and local distributors serving a large customer base.

     The Corporation also manufactures and markets its electronic/OEM
components internationally, with design, manufacturing and distribution
capabilities in Europe and the Far East. In Europe and the Far East, as in
North America, electronic/OEM components are sold primarily to automotive,
computer, office equipment, test equipment, instrumentation, industrial
automation and telecommunications markets, and certain of the Corporation's

                                 Page 5 of 22
<PAGE>   6

electronic components are developed and manufactured for specific customer
applications.

     There has been a trend on the part of OEM customers to reduce the number
of their preferred suppliers, focusing on companies that can meet quality and
delivery standards and that have a global presence, a broad product package,
strong design capability and competitive prices. The Corporation has achieved a
preferred supplier designation from many of its most important OEM customers
for electronic components, and continues to seek this preferred status from
other accounts.

OTHER PRODUCTS AND COMPONENTS (OTHER)

     The Corporation sells its other products and components, comprised of
heating products, utility poles and transmission towers, telecommunication
components and other components, through distributors and directly to end
users. No single end user or distributor accounted for more than 2% of the
Corporation's Other Products and Components segment 1995 net sales. Total Other
Products and Components sales were $327.2, $299.2 and $266.1 million, or 26%,
28% and 28% of the Corporation's total sales, for 1995, 1994 and 1993,
respectively.

     HEATING PRODUCTS

     The Corporation designs, manufactures and markets heating products for
commercial and industrial buildings. Products include gas, oil and electric
unit heaters, gas-fired duct furnaces, indirect and direct gas-fired make-up
air heaters, and infrared heaters for the heating, ventilation and air
conditioning ("HVAC") marketplace under the REZNOR and E.K. CAMPBELL brand
names. The Corporation's products are sold through HVAC, mechanical and
refrigeration distributors in over 1,000 locations throughout North America.

     TRANSMISSION POLES AND TOWERS

     The Corporation designs, manufactures and markets transmission and
distribution poles and towers for North American power and telecommunications
companies and for export. These products are primarily sold to five types of
end users: investor-owned utilities; cooperatives, which purchase power from
utilities and manage its distribution to end users; municipal utilities; cable
television operating companies; and telephone companies. The Corporation's
products include tubular steel transmission and distribution poles and lattice
steel transmission towers. The Corporation manufactures and sells its
transmission towers and its transmission and distribution poles under the
LEHIGH, MEYER and THOMAS & BETTS brand names.



                                 Page 6 of 22


<PAGE>   7


     TELECOMMUNICATION COMPONENTS

     The Corporation designs, manufactures and markets T&B aerial, pole,
pedestal and buried splice enclosures, T&B connectors, KOLD-N-KLOSE
encapsulation and sheath repair systems, TY-RAP, TY-FAST and CATAMOUNT cable
ties, and DELTEC specialty devices for cable television companies and telephone
operating companies. These components are sold both directly to end users and
through distributors.

     OTHER COMPONENTS

     The Corporation designs, manufactures and markets flood, roadway and
security lighting fixtures; and connectors, grounding systems, fastening and
metal framing components for North American power companies and heating,
mechanical and refrigeration ("HMR") product distributors. These products are
primarily sold to four markets: investor-owned utilities, cooperatives,
municipal utilities and HMR distributors. The Corporation's other component
products include BLACKBURN power connectors and grounding systems, AMERICAN
ELECTRIC LIGHTING roadway, security and area lighting fixtures, SUPERSTRUT
metal framing, TY-RAP, TY-FAST and CATAMOUNT cable ties, ANCHOR meter sockets
and, from the Amerace acquisition, ELASTIMOLD power connectors and HENDRIX
cable products. These Amerace products are sold to investor-owned utilities,
cooperatives and municipal utilities, and to the export market.

MANUFACTURING AND DISTRIBUTION

     The Corporation employs advanced processes in order to manufacture quality
products.  The Corporation's manufacturing processes include high-speed
stamping, precision molding, machining, plating and automated assembly.  The
Corporation makes extensive use of computer-aided design and computer-aided
manufacturing (CAD/CAM) software and equipment to link product engineering with
its factories.

     The Corporation also utilizes other advanced equipment and techniques in
the manufacturing and distribution process, including computer software for
scheduling, material requirements, shop floor control, capacity planning, and
the warehousing and shipment of products.

     The Corporation believes that its products enjoy a reputation for quality
in the markets in which they are sold.  The Corporation has implemented quality
control processes in its design, manufacturing, delivery and other operations
in order to further improve product quality and the service level to customers.
These techniques include just-in-time manufacturing programs for more
efficient use of machine tools in manufacturing different products, statistical
process control, statistical problem solving, and other 

                                 Page 7 of 22

<PAGE>   8

processes related to the Corporation's SIGNATURE SERVICE DMI program.

     From its origin as a delivery guarantee, SIGNATURE SERVICE has evolved
into a partnership for profitability that encompasses purchasing incentives,
extensive marketing support, training, and service discounts. In 1995, the DMI
program expanded its service to over 500 distributor locations, encompassing
more than 35% of the electrical distributor business, with expectations of
servicing over 60% in 1996.  The DMI advanced partnership includes business
cost reduction processes such as automatic stock replenishment, advanced
distributor inventory modeling, automatic receiving, price synchronization,
invoice balancing and summary billing.  Combining these business process
redefinitions with a leading effort in electronic commerce such as extensive
use of industry standard Electronic Data Interchange ("EDI") has made the DMI
partnership a success for the Corporation as well as its participating 
distributors.

     The Corporation manufactures its products on a worldwide basis, with
manufacturing operations throughout North America, in Europe and in the Far
East.

     The Corporation purchases a wide variety of raw materials for the
manufacture of its products, including metals such as brass, copper, aluminum,
steel plate, steel strip and malleable iron castings, and resins and rubber
compounds.  The Corporation's sources of raw materials and component parts are
well established and are sufficiently numerous to avoid serious interruption of
production in the event that certain suppliers are unable to provide raw
materials and component parts.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

     The Corporation has research, development and engineering capabilities in
each of the three regions of the world in which it operates in order to respond
locally to its customers' needs and technological requirements.  The
Corporation believes that it has a reputation for innovation based upon its
ability to develop quality new and/or improved products that meet the specific
application needs of its customers.

     The Corporation allocates significant resources to its research and
development activities.  The Corporation's research, development and
engineering expenditures for the creation and application of new and improved
products and processes were $22.7, $20.8 and $18.7 million for 1995, 1994 and
1993, respectively.

     The research and development activities of the Corporation are focused on
specific product areas.  Certain of the Corporation's recent new products and
enhancements include connectors and enclosures for construction markets, high
density computer connectors and cable assemblies, sealed automotive connectors,


                                 Page 8 of 22



<PAGE>   9

an innovative outdoor lighting fixture, a computerized portable label printer,
cable tray products and components and gas-fired unit heaters.

PATENTS AND TRADEMARKS

     The Corporation owns approximately 1,275 active patents worldwide and has
numerous patent applications currently pending.  The Corporation has over 215
trademarks, including THOMAS & BETTS, T&B, TY-RAP, TY-FAST, STA-KON, ANSLEY,
FLEXSTRIP, BLACKBURN, STEEL CITY, KINDORF, HAZLUX, AMERICAN ELECTRIC LIGHTING,
COLOR-KEYED, SUPERSTRUT, PERFECT-LINE, REZNOR, ANCHOR METALS, LEHIGH, MEYER,
NEVADA WESTERN, WESTLINE, HOLMBERG, ZINSCO, E.K. CAMPBELL, BOWERS, AGASTAT,
ALL-LAN, BUCHANAN, FEEDRAIL, MIPCO, RUSSELLSTOLL, CATAMOUNT, ELASTIMOLD and
HENDRIX.  While the Corporation considers its patents and trademarks (including
trade dress) to be valuable assets, it does not believe that its competitive
position is dependent solely on patent or  trademark protection or that its
operations are dependent on any individual patent or trademark.  The
Corporation does not consider any of its licenses, franchises or concessions to
be material to its business.


COMPETITION

     The Corporation encounters competition in all areas of its business.  The
Corporation competes primarily on the basis of product quality, technology,
price, performance and customer service.  There are many companies which
manufacture a number of products which compete with those of the Corporation.
All of the Corporation's products are in competition with products of other
manufacturers, some of which have greater financial and other resources than
the Corporation.

EMPLOYEES

     As of December 31, 1995, the Corporation had approximately 8,700 full-time
employees worldwide.

(b)  FINANCIAL INFORMATION ABOUT INDUSTRY SEGMENTS

     Information regarding business segments is presented in Item 1 (a)and(c)
above, Exhibit 13 hereto and in the Corporation's 1995 Annual Report to
Shareholders on page 34, which is incorporated herein by reference.


(d)  FINANCIAL INFORMATION ABOUT FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC OPERATIONS AND EXPORT
     SALES

     Information relating to operations in different geographic areas is
presented in both Exhibit 13 hereto and in the Corporation's 1995 Annual

                                 Page 9 of 22


<PAGE>   10

Report to Shareholders on page 35, which is incorporated herein by reference.  
The risks attendant to these sales and profits are relatively small because the
operations are in foreign countries that have relatively stable political
systems. It is expected that the international markets will continue to provide
sales growth in the future.


ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

     The Corporation has total plant, office and warehouse space of
approximately 6,806,000 sq. ft. in 85 locations in 20 states, the Commonwealth
of Puerto Rico and 14 foreign countries. This space is composed of 3,889,000
sq. ft. of manufacturing space, 2,183,000 sq. ft. of office and
distribution space and 734,000 sq. ft. of idle space.

     The following table lists the Corporation's manufacturing locations by
primary segment as of December 31, 1995:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                     Approximate Area
                                                                        In Sq. Ft.  
                                            No. Of                  -------------------
Segment         Location                  Facilities                Leased      Owned
- -------         --------                  ----------                ------     --------
<S>             <C>                          <C>                    <C>         <C>    
Electrical Construction
and Maintenance Components
                 Arkansas                    1                      246,000               
                 California                  1                       36,000                   
                 Georgia                     2                      180,000     158,000      
                 Mississippi                 1                                  237,000      
                 Ohio                        1                       39,000                   
                 Oklahoma                    1                                  108,000      
                 Pennsylvania                2                       52,000      52,000      
                 Puerto Rico                 4                      112,000      28,000      
                 Tennessee                   2                                  457,000      
                 Canada                      3                       65,000     305,000      
                 Mexico                      5                      469,000               
                                                                                             
Electronic/OEM Components                                                                    
                 California                  1                      120,000               
                 South Carolina              2                                   89,000      
                 England                     3                       37,000      28,000      
                 Luxembourg                  1                       27,000      43,000      
                 Japan                       1                        9,000     247,000      
                 Singapore                   2                                   63,000      
                                                                                             
Other Products and Components                                                                
                 Kansas                      1                                   38,000      
                 Pennsylvania                1                                  227,000      
                 South Carolina              1                                  110,000      
                 Texas                       1                                  136,000      
                 Wisconsin                   1                                  171,000      
</TABLE>

                                 Page 10 of 22
<PAGE>   11


     The Corporation leases approximately 115,000 sq. ft. of space in Memphis,
Tennessee for its corporate and divisional headquarters. Principal sales
offices and warehouses are located in 2,068,000 sq. ft. of property, over 90
percent of which is leased.

     As part of the restructuring initiated in the third quarter of 1994,
approximately 1.3 million sq. ft. of manufacturing and warehouse space was
closed in North America, Puerto Rico, Europe and the Far East in 1995 with most
closures occurring in North America.  Within North America, the principal
closure was the Corporation's 420,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing space in
Elizabeth, New Jersey which was donated to a non-profit organization in 1995.
Also as part of this restructuring initiative, was the addition of 1.1 million
sq. ft. of manufacturing and warehouse space in North America, Puerto Rico and
Europe in 1995, principally in North America.

     The Corporation has 734,000 sq. ft. of idle manufacturing and office space
primarily in Missouri, Alabama, Pennsylvania and New Jersey not included in the
above table.  In 1994, the Corporation recorded an $11 million operating charge
related to these facilities to provide for losses on leases and to reduce owned
facilities to their net realizable values.


ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

     The Corporation is subject to federal, state and local environmental laws
and regulations which govern the discharge of pollutants into the air, soil and
water, as well as the handling and disposal of solid and hazardous wastes.  The
Corporation believes that it is currently in substantial compliance with all
applicable environmental laws and regulations and that the costs of maintaining
or coming into compliance with such environmental laws and regulations will not
be material to the Corporation's financial statements.

     Owners and operators of sites containing hazardous substances, as well as
generators of hazardous substances, are subject to broad liability under
various federal and state environmental laws and regulations, including
liability for cleanup costs and damages arising out of past disposal activity.
Such liability in many cases may be imposed regardless of fault or the legality
of the original disposal activity.  The Corporation is the owner or operator or
former owner of various manufacturing facilities currently being investigated
or remediated, including closed facilities in Anniston, Alabama; Elizabeth, New
Jersey; and St. Louis, Missouri; and its currently operated facilities in Hager
City, Wisconsin and Lancaster, South Carolina.  In addition, the Corporation is
investigating two manufacturing plants which were sold by American Electric
prior to its acquisition by the Corporation, located in 


                                Page 11 of 22
<PAGE>   12

Medora, Indiana and Monroe, Louisiana that may require site remediation.

     All but two of the above facilities were purchased by American Electric
from other parties between the years 1985 and 1988.  At the time of those
purchases, the sellers gave commitments for indemnification for environmental
liabilities that occurred prior to the purchase of the facilities by American
Electric.  There can be no assurances that such indemnities will be honored,
but the Corporation believes that the indemnities will be honored.  Subsequent
to the Corporation's acquisition of American Electric, the Corporation has
entered into agreements with the sellers to cooperate with each other in
resolving obligations in connection with the above-mentioned environmental
issues.

     The Corporation has received notifications from the United States
Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") or similar state environmental 
regulatory agencies or private parties that the Corporation, along with others,
may currently be potentially responsible for the remediation of eleven sites 
pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and 
Liability Act of 1980 (the "Superfund" Act) or similar state environmental 
statutes.  Pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement dated June 28, 1985 between
American Electric and ITT Corporation ("ITT"), ITT has to date assumed 
responsibility for its costs associated with contamination prior to June 1985 
at four of these sites.  The Corporation has assumed responsibility
for its share of costs at the remaining seven sites.  The Corporation has
resolved its liabilities at additional sites not identified herein.

     The Corporation was served with an Administrative Complaint by the EPA
which alleged that the Surprenant Wire and Cable facility in Clinton,
Massachusetts, which was owned and operated by American Electric from June 1985
until November 1988, failed to comply with certain requirements of the
Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act for the 1987 reporting year
(In The Matter of FL Industries, Inc., EPA Region I Docket No. EPCRA-I-92-1047,
filed April 1, 1992).  The EPA's complaint sought a penalty of $176,520.  In
January 1996, the Corporation, without admitting any liability for the matters
alleged, resolved this matter with the EPA for a payment of $97,930.

     In January 1996 the Corporation acquired Amerace Corporation.  Pursuant to
the various environmental laws and regulations described above, Amerace is
investigating or remediating, or may have liability associated with,
contamination at five facilities formerly owned or operated by Amerace, and at
one facility currently owned and operated by Amerace.  In addition, Amerace has
received notifications from the EPA or from similar state environmental
regulatory agencies or private parties that Amerace, along with others, may
currently be potentially responsible for its share of

                                Page 12 of 22
<PAGE>   13

the costs relating to the remediation of ten sites pursuant to the Superfund 
Act, or similar state environmental statutes.

     The Corporation is not able to predict with certainty the extent of its
ultimate liability with respect to any pending or future environmental matters.
However, the Corporation does not believe that any such liability with respect
to the aforementioned environmental matters will be material to financial
statements.

     The Corporation has been named as defendant in various product liability
and commercial legal actions arising from normal business activities.  Although
the amount of any ultimate liability with respect to such matters cannot be
precisely determined, the Corporation does not believe any such liability will
be material to its financial statements.


ITEM 4.  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
         
         None.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT 
                                                                                                            
                                                                                             Date Assumed             
     Name                  Position                                     Age                 Present Position          
     ----                  ---------                                    ---                ------------------         
<S>                        <C>                                          <C>                   <C>                     
T. Kevin Dunnigan          Chairman of the Board                        58                    January 1992            
                           and Chief Executive                                                                        
                           Officer                                                                                    
                                                                                                                      
Clyde R. Moore             President and Chief                          42                    January 1994            
                           Operating Officer                                                                          
                                                                                                                      
Fred R. Jones              Vice President-                              48                    August 1995             
                           Finance and Treasurer                                                                      
                           (Chief Financial Officer)                                                                            
                                                                                                                      
T. Roy Burton              President-Electronics/OEM                    48                    March 1994              
                           Division                                                                                   
                                                                                                                      
William A. Fredrick        President-Lighting Division                  49                    March 1994                          

Uberto Gamaggio            President-Thomas & Betts                     57                    May 1993
                           Europe

Gregory M. Langston        President-Utility Division                   40                    April 1995

Dick R. McCullough         President-Mechanical                         42                    November 1995
                           Products Division

</TABLE>


                                Page 13 of 22
<PAGE>   14

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                        <C>                                          <C>                   <C>
W. Neil Parker             President-Electrical                         53                    February 1996 
                           Components Division

Gary R. Stevenson          Vice President-                              43                    January 1994
                           Operations

</TABLE>




    Mr. Dunnigan has been Chief Executive Officer since 1985.

    Mr. Moore previously was President and Chief Operating Officer of FL
    Industries, Inc.(1990 to 1992) and President of its American Electric
    Division from 1985 until its acquisition by Thomas & Betts Corporation
    in 1992.  He was President-Electrical Division of the Corporation
    (1992 to 1994).

    Mr. Jones previously was President of ABB Financial Services, Inc.
    (1990 to 1992) and Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
    of Joy Technologies, Inc. (1992 to 1995).

    Mr. Burton previously was Vice President and General Manager of Bendix
    Connector Operations (1989 to 1992), Vice President-Information Technology
    Operations (1992 to 1993), and Vice President-Aerospace Operations
    (1993 to 1994) of Amphenol Corporation.

    Mr. Fredrick previously was Vice President-Commercial and Industrial
    Lighting Group of the American Electric Division of FL Industries, Inc.
    (1988 to 1992) and Vice President and General Manager-Commercial and
    Industrial Lighting Group of Thomas & Betts Holdings, Inc. (1992 to 1994).

    Mr. Gamaggio previously was Managing Director of Baumann GmbH,
    Lichtenstein, (1987 to 1993).

    Mr. Langston previously was Managing Director of Square D Australia
    (1989 to 1990), Managing Director of Square D Asia Pacific (1991 to 1992),
    President of Square D de Mexico (1992) and President of Groupe Schneider
    Mexico (1992 to 1995).

    Mr. McCullough previously was Commercial Marketing Director of Lennox
    Industries (1990 to 1991), Director of Marketing (1991 to 1993) and Vice 
    President and General Manager (1993 to 1995) of the Corporation's
    Mechanical Products Division.

    Mr. Parker previously was Vice President of General Electric Canada (1990 
    to 1992) and President-Thomas & Betts Canada (1995 to 1996). He is also
    currently President of Thomas & Betts Limited (1992 to present).


                                Page 14 of 22
<PAGE>   15


    Mr. Stevenson previously was Vice President-Operations of the American
    Electric Division of FL Industries, Inc. (1989 to 1992) and Vice President-
    Operations of Thomas & Betts Holdings, Inc. (1992 to 1994).

The executive officers were elected by the Board of Directors for a term which
expires on May 1, 1996, the date of the next organizational meeting of the
Board of Directors.  Normally, officers are elected for one-year terms or until
their successors have been elected.  There exists no special arrangement or
understanding regarding election to executive office other than that described
herein.  See Item 11 for information relating to Directors.



                                    PART II

ITEMS 5 THROUGH 8.

     Information required by Items 5 through 8 of Form 10-K is included in both
Exhibit 13 hereto and in the Corporation's 1995 Annual Report to Shareholders,
portions of which are incorporated herein by reference as indicated below:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
             
             Item No.    Pages
             --------    -----
               <S>       <C>
                5        23 & 37
                6        38 & 39                          
                7        20-23                            
                8        24-37                            

</TABLE>

ITEM 9.  CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
         ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
         
         None.






                                    PART III

ITEMS 10, 11, 12 AND 13.

     Registrant, on March 19, 1996 filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission a definitive Proxy Statement.  Information required by Items 10, 11,
12 and 13 of Form 10-K, but not provided herein, is included in the Proxy
Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.  Certain of the information
required with respect to executive officers is also set forth in Part I of this
report under the heading "Executive Officers of the Registrant."

                                Page 15 of 22
<PAGE>   16

                                   PART IV


ITEM 14.  EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND
           REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
 
(a)  The following documents are filed as a part of this report:

   (1) Financial statements.
       All financial statements as set forth under Item 8.

   (2) Financial statement schedule.
                                                              Page
                                                             Number
                                                             ------
       II   Valuation and Qualifying Accounts                  19

            Independent Auditors' Report on Financial
            Statement Schedule                                 20

       All other schedules are omitted as the required information is
       inapplicable or the information is presented in the financial
       statements or related notes.

   (3)  Exhibits (numbered in accordance with Item 601 of Regulation S-K)

     (3)(i)Articles of Incorporation, as amended effective
           March 8, 1996

     (10)  Material Contracts

           -  Credit Agreement dated as of March 29, 1995 among the 
              Corporation, the banks listed therein and Morgan Guaranty Trust 
              Company of New York, as agent

           -  Amendment No. 1 dated as of December 8, 1995 to Credit Agreement 
              among the Corporation, the banks listed therein and Morgan 
              Guaranty Trust Company of New York, as agent

           -  1990 Stock Option Plan

     (12)  Statements regarding computation of ratios (Ratio of
           earnings to fixed changes)

     (13)  1995 Annual Report to Shareholders

           Excerpts from the 1995 Annual Report to Shareholders are attached to
           the Form 10-K in Exhibit 13.  If you 

                                Page 16 of 22
<PAGE>   17

           have not received the Annual Report to Shareholders, you may
           obtain one by writing to the Corporate Relations Department
           at Corporate Headquarters.

     (21)  Subsidiaries of registrant

     (23)  Auditors' Consent

     (24)  Power of Attorney

     (27)  Financial Data Schedule (SEC use only)

The following exhibits are omitted as they are incorporated by reference
as indicated.

     (3)(ii) By-Laws - See 1993 Form 10-K.

     (4)     Instruments defining the rights of security holders, including
             indentures.

             -  Specimen of the Corporation's $150,000,000 aggregate principal 
                amount of 6-1/2% Senior Notes due January 15, 2006 - See Form 
                S-4 filed February 13, 1996.

             -  Stock Purchase Agreement between Thomas & Betts Corporation and
                Vishay Intertechnology, Inc., dated July 12, 1994 - See Form 
                8-K filed July 29, 1994.

             -  Indenture, dated as of January 15,
                1992, between the Corporation and First Trust of New York, 
                National Association, as Trustee, successor trustee to Morgan 
                Guaranty Trust Company of New York - See 1991 Form 10-K.

             -  Specimen of the Corporation's $125,000,000 aggregate principal 
                amount of 8-1/4% Notes due January 15, 2004 - See 1991 Form 
                10-K.

             -  Form of Distribution Agreement for Medium-Term Notes between 
                the Corporation and Merrill Lynch & Co., dated July 28, 1992 -
                See Form 8-K dated July 28, 1992.
 
             -  First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 28, 1992, 
                between the Corporation and First Trust of New York, National 
                Association, as Trustee, successor trustee to Morgan Guaranty 
                Trust Company of New York - See Form 8-K dated July 28, 1992.


                                Page 17 of 22
<PAGE>   18






     (10)    Material Contracts


             -  Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among FL Industries 
                Holdings, Inc. and the shareholders thereof, the Corporation 
                and TBC Acquisition Corp., dated as of November 13, 1991, as 
                amended and restated - See Form 8 filed November 19, 1991.

             -  Executive Officer Employment Agreement Form - See 1992 Form 10-K

             -  1985 Stock Option Plan - See 1992 Form 10-K

             -  Restricted Stock Plan for Nonemployee Directors - See 1992 
                Form 10-K

             -  1993 Management Stock Ownership Plan - See 1993
                Form 10-K

             -  Thomas & Betts Corporation Executive Incentive
                Plan - See 1994 Proxy Statement

             -  Stock Purchase Agreement between Eagle Industrial Products 
                Corporation and the Corporation, dated November 1, 1995 
                regarding the purchase by the Corporation of the stock of 
                Amerace Corporation - See Form 8-K dated January 17, 1996 and 
                Form 8-K/A filed January 22, 1996

(b)  The following reports were filed on Form 8-K during the last quarter of
     1995 and to date:

     (1)     Form 8-K, dated December 12, 1995, setting forth required 
             financial information on combined sales and net income of 
             Catamount Manufacturing, Inc. and the Corporation for 30 
             days of post-acquisition combined operations from October 28, 
             1995 through November 26, 1995.

     (2)     Forms 8-K and 8-K/A, dated January 17, 1996 and January 22, 
             1996, reporting the acquisition of Amerace Corporation by the 
             Corporation.

     (3)     Form 8-K, dated February 12, 1996, reporting the Corporation's 1995
             earnings release.

                                Page 18 of 22

            
<PAGE>   19




                          THOMAS & BETTS CORPORATION
                      VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
      YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, JANUARY 1, 1995 AND JANUARY 2, 1994
                                (IN THOUSANDS)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 ADDITIONS
                                                       -----------------------------
                                      BALANCE AT         CHARGED TO       CHARGED TO                        BALANCE
                                      BEGINNING          COST AND         OTHER                             AT END
    DESCRIPTION                       OF PERIOD          EXPENSES         ACCOUNTS          (DEDUCTIONS)    OF PERIOD
    -----------                       ---------          ---------        ----------        ------------    ---------
<S>                                    <C>                <C>                <C>            <C>               <C>
Year ended December 31, 1995:
  Allowance for doubtful accounts
  and cash discounts                   $4,556             $2,416(1)          $  -           $(1,030)(3)       $5,942
                                       ======             ======             ====           =======           ======

Year ended January 1, 1995:
  Allowance for doubtful accounts   
  and cash discounts                   $5,292             $  837(1)          $(57)(2)       $(1,516)(3)       $4,556
                                       ======             ======             ====           =======           ======

Year ended January 2, 1994:
  Allowance for doubtful accounts
  and cash discounts                   $5,103             $1,291(1)          $127 (2)       $(1,229)(3)       $5,292
                                       ======             ======             ====           =======           ======

(1)   Includes provision of $2,314 in 1995, $1,133 in 1994 and $1,286 in 1993 for doubtful accounts.  Remaining amounts 
      represent net change in cash discount reserve and translation adjustments.
(2)   Balance acquired in business acquisitions.
(3)   Write-offs of uncollected accounts and divestiture of Vitramon balance of $655 in 1994.

</TABLE>


                                 Page 19 of 22
                                       

<PAGE>   20





INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT ON FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE


The Shareholders and Board of Directors
Thomas & Betts Corporation:



     Under date of February 8, 1996, we reported on the consolidated balance
sheets of Thomas & Betts Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1995
and January 1, 1995 and the related consolidated statements of earnings, cash
flows, and shareholders' equity for each of the years in the three-year period
ended December 31, 1995 as contained in the 1995 Annual Report to Shareholders.
These consolidated financial statements and our report thereon are
incorporated by reference in the annual report on Form 10-K for the year 1995.
In connection with our audits of the aforementioned consolidated financial
statements, we also have audited the related consolidated financial statement
schedule as listed in the accompanying index.  This financial statement
schedule is the responsibility of the Corporation's management.  Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on this financial statement schedule
based on our audits.

     In our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in
relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole,
presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.


KPMG Peat Marwick LLP

Memphis, Tennessee
February 8, 1996



                                Page 20 of 22




<PAGE>   21




                                   SIGNATURES

     PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, THE REGISTRANT HAS DULY CAUSED THIS ANNUAL REPORT TO BE
SIGNED ON ITS BEHALF BY THE UNDERSIGNED, THEREUNTO DULY AUTHORIZED.

THOMAS & BETTS CORPORATION

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

    Signature               Title                                Date
    ---------               -----                                ----
<S>                         <C>                                  <C>

/s/ T. Kevin Dunnigan       Chairman of the Board,               March 22, 1996
- --------------------------  Chief Executive Officer
(T. Kevin Dunnigan)         and Director           
                                                   

/s/ Clyde R. Moore          President, Chief Operating           March 22, 1996
- --------------------------  Officer and Director     
(Clyde R. Moore)                                     

/s/ Fred R. Jones           Vice President-Finance and           March 22, 1996
- --------------------------  Treasurer
(Fred R. Jones)           

/s/ Jerry Kronenberg        Vice President-General               March 22, 1996
- --------------------------  Counsel
(Jerry Kronenberg)                 

*/s/ Raymond B. Carey, Jr.  Director                             March 22, 1996
- --------------------------
(Raymond B. Carey, Jr.)

*/s/ Ernest H. Drew         Director                             March 22, 1996
- --------------------------
(Ernest H. Drew)

*/s/ Jeananne K. Hauswald   Director                             March 22, 1996
- --------------------------
(Jeananne K. Hauswald)

*/s/ Thomas W. Jones        Director                             March 22, 1996
- -------------------------
(Thomas W. Jones)

*/s/ Robert A. Kenkel       Director                             March 22, 1996
- -------------------------
(Robert A. Kenkel)

*/s/ Kenneth R. Masterson   Director                             March 22, 1996
- -------------------------
(Kenneth R. Masterson)

*/s/ J. David Parkinson     Director                             March 22, 1996
- -------------------------
(J. David Parkinson)

*/s/ Ian M. Ross            Director                             March 22, 1996
- -------------------------
(Ian M. Ross)

*/s/ William H. Waltrip     Director                             March 22, 1996
- -------------------------
(William H. Waltrip)

</TABLE>


                                  * By: /s/ Jerry Kronenberg
                                        ----------------------------------   
                                        Jerry Kronenberg, Attorney-in-fact

                                                                         



                                Page 21 of 22

<PAGE>   1
                                                               EXHIBIT 3.1



                     RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
                                       OF
                           THOMAS & BETTS CORPORATION



TO:   THE SECRETARY OF STATE
      STATE OF NEW JERSEY


      Pursuant to the provisions of Section 14A:9-5 of the New Jersey Business
Corporation Act, the undersigned corporation hereby executes the following
Restated Certificate of Incorporation.


      FIRST:  The name of the Corporation is Thomas & Betts Corporation.


      SECOND:     The purpose or purposes for which the Corporation is
organized are:

      (1)     To make and deal in proprietary and manufactured articles of all
kinds and description and in electrical, chemical, photographical, surgical and
scientific apparatus, devices and machinery of all kinds, and to carry on any
other manufacturing, trading or distributing business, such as merchants,
factors, agents or otherwise.

      (2)     To carry on a general contracting business; to do electrical work
of every kind and description, including the business of electricians,
electrical and mechanical engineers and dealers, either as principals or
agents, in electric motors, dynamos and electrical machinery, appliances,
plants and supplies of any nature or kind whatsoever; to construct, erect,
install, alter, repair, equip and deal in works, plants, instruments and
machinery for generating, supplying and distributing electricity for light,
heat, power or other purposes.

      (3)     To manufacture, purchase or otherwise acquire, hold, own,
mortgage, sell, assign and transfer, invest, trade, deal in and with other
goods, wares, merchandise and property of every class and description, and
generally to purchase, take on lease or in exchange, hire or otherwise acquire,
deal in and with both real and personal property and any rights or privileges
which the Corporation may consider necessary or convenient for the purpose of
its business aforesaid.

      (4)     To purchase or otherwise acquire the business or property of any
person, firm, association or corporation, and to pay for the same in cash,
stock or bonds of the Corporation or otherwise, and to hold or in any manner
dispose of the whole or any part of the business or property so purchased, or
to conduct or manage in any lawful manner the whole or any part of the business
or property so acquired, and to exercise all the powers necessary or convenient
in and about the conducting and managing of such business or property.
<PAGE>   2

      (5)     To purchase or otherwise acquire, hold, sell or otherwise
dispose of stocks, bonds, debentures, notes, or other evidences of
indebtedness of any corporation, including its own, for cash, or real or
personal property, or in exchange for stocks, bonds, debentures, notes, or
other evidences of indebtedness of any corporation, including its own, with
full power to borrow such moneys as may be necessary for the purpose of its
business, and to make and issue promissory notes, bills of exchange, bonds,
debentures, obligations and evidences of indebtedness of all kinds, whether
secured by mortgage, pledge, or otherwise, without limit as to amount, and
to secure the same by mortgage, pledge, or otherwise; but it is not intended
hereby to provide for and authorize the transaction of a banking business.

      (6)     To purchase, acquire, hold, use, enjoy, deal in and dispose of
inventions, improvements, letters patent, patent rights, processes, trademarks
and devices and to grant licenses to use the same, and to do and transact all
lawful business incidental to any or all of the above-mentioned objects.

      (7)     To make any guarantees respecting dividends, bonds, interest,
contracts or other obligations of this or other corporations.

      (8)     The Corporation shall also have power to conduct its business in
all its branches at one or more offices and without limitation to purchase,
acquire, hold, sell, lease, mortgage and convey real and personal property in
any state, territory or possession of the United States and in any foreign
country or place.

      (9)     The foregoing clauses shall be construed both as objects and
powers; and it is hereby expressly provided that the foregoing enumeration of
specific powers shall not be held to limit or restrict in any manner the
general powers of the Corporation.


      THIRD:  (1)     The aggregate number of shares which the Corporation is
authorized to issue is 40,500,000 shares, consisting of 40,000,000 shares of
Common Stock, par value $.50 per share, and 500,000 shares of Preferred Stock,
no par value.   The designations, relative rights, preferences and limitations
of the shares of each class shall be as follows:

                                  COMMON STOCK

      The Common Stock shall have full voting rights and shall entitle the
holders thereof to one vote for each share of Common Stock held by them.

                                PREFERRED STOCK

      Subject to the provisions hereof, the Board of Directors is hereby
expressly authorized to issue the shares of Preferred Stock in series and to
fix from time to time before issuance the number of shares to be included in
each series and the designations, relative rights, preferences and limitations
of all shares of each series.   The authority of the Board of Directors with
respect

                                      2
<PAGE>   3

to each series shall include, without limitation, the determination of any or
all of the following matters:

          (a)     The number of shares constituting such series and the
designation thereof to distinguish the shares of such series from the shares of
all other series;

          (b)     The annual dividend rate on the shares of such series and
whether such dividends shall be cumulative and, if cumulative, the date from
which dividends shall accumulate;

          (c)     The redemption price or prices for shares of such series, if
redeemable, and the terms and conditions of such redemption;

          (d)     The preference, if any, of shares of such series in the event
of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the
Corporation;

          (e)     The voting rights, if any, of shares of such series in
addition to the voting rights prescribed by law and the terms of exercise of
such voting rights;

          (f)     The right, if any, of shares of such series to be
converted into shares of any other series or class and the terms and conditions
of such conversion;

          (g)     The terms or amount of any sinking fund provided for the
purchase or redemption of such series; and

          (h)     Any other relative rights, preferences and limitations of 
such series.

      The shares of each series may vary from the shares of any other series as
to any of such matters.

      Dividends on all outstanding shares of Preferred Stock must be declared
and paid, or set aside for payment before any dividends may be declared and
paid, or set aside for payment, on shares of Common Stock with respect to the
same dividend period.

      (2)     Except as may otherwise be provided by the Board of Directors, no
holder of any shares of the stock of the Corporation shall have any preemptive
rights to purchase, subscribe for, or otherwise acquire any shares of stock of
the Corporation of any class now or hereafter authorized, or any securities
exchangeable for or convertible into such shares, or any warrants or other
instruments evidencing rights or options to subscribe for, purchase or
otherwise acquire such shares.


      FOURTH:     The address of the Corporation's current registered office is
28 West State Street, Trenton, New Jersey 08608, and the name of its current
registered agent at such address is The Corporation Trust Company.





                                       3
<PAGE>   4



      FIFTH:  The number of directors constituting the current board of
directors is eleven (11).  The names and addresses of the directors are as
follows:



          NAMES                                  ADDRESSES
          -----                                  ---------
      Hobart Betts            1555 Lynnfield Road, Memphis, Tennessee 38119
      Raymond B. Carey, Jr.   1555 Lynnfield Road, Memphis, Tennessee 38119
      Ernest H. Drew          1555 Lynnfield Road, Memphis, Tennessee 38119
      T. Kevin Dunnigan       1555 Lynnfield Road, Memphis, Tennessee 38119
      Thomas W. Jones         1555 Lynnfield Road, Memphis, Tennessee 38119
      Robert H. McCaffrey     1555 Lynnfield Road, Memphis, Tennessee 38119
      Clyde R. Moore          1555 Lynnfield Road, Memphis, Tennessee 38119
      J. David Parkinson      1555 Lynnfield Road, Memphis, Tennessee 38119
      Ian M. Ross             1555 Lynnfield Road, Memphis, Tennessee 38119
      Jerre L. Stead          1555 Lynnfield Road, Memphis, Tennessee 38119
      William H. Waltrip      1555 Lynnfield Road, Memphis, Tennessee 38119



      SIXTH:  The duration of the Corporation shall be perpetual.


      SEVENTH:    (1)     The property, affairs, and business of the
Corporation shall be managed by a Board of Directors which shall exercise all
the powers of the Corporation without action by the stockholders, except as
otherwise expressly provided by statute or by the Certificate of Incorporation
or by the By-laws.  The number of directors which shall constitute the full
Board shall be such as from time to time shall be fixed by the By-laws and such
number may be altered from time to time in the manner provided in the By-laws;
but such number shall in no case be less than three.

      (2)     The Board of Directors shall have power to hold its meetings
outside of the State of New Jersey at such places as from time to time may be
designated by the By-laws or by resolution of the Board.

      (3)     The By-laws may prescribe the number of directors necessary to
constitute a quorum of the Board of Directors, which number may be less than a
majority of the whole number of the Board of Directors.

      (4)     The Board of Directors may appoint from the directors an
executive committee, of which a majority shall constitute a quorum; and to such
extent as shall be provided in the By-laws, such committee shall have and may
exercise all or any of the powers of the Board of Directors during intervals
between meetings of the Board, including the power to cause the seal of the
Corporation to be affixed to all papers that may require it.





                                       4
<PAGE>   5


      (5)     The Board of Directors shall have power from time to time to fix
and determine and to vary the amount of the working capital of the Corporation;
and to direct and determine the use and disposition of any surplus or net
profits over and above the capital stock paid in; and in its discretion the
Board of Directors may use and apply any such surplus or net profits in
purchasing or acquiring its bonds or other obligations, or shares of its own
capital stock, to such extent and in such manner and upon such terms as the
Board of Directors shall deem expedient; but shares of such capital stock so
purchased or acquired may be resold, unless such shares shall have been retired
for the purpose of decreasing the Corporation's capital stock.

      (6)     The Board of Directors shall determine from time to time whether
and to what extent, and at what time and places, and under what conditions and
regulations, the accounts and books of the Corporation, or any of them, shall
be open to the inspection of stockholders, and no stockholder shall have any
right to inspect any account or book or document of the Corporation, except as
conferred by statute or authorized by the Board of Directors, or by a
resolution of the stockholders.

      (7)     The Board of Directors may make By-laws, and, from time to time,
may alter, amend or repeal any By-Laws; but any By-laws made, altered or
amended by the Board of Directors may be altered, amended or repealed by the
stockholders at any annual meeting, or at any special meeting, provided notice
of such proposed alteration, amendment or repeal be included in the notice of
meeting.


      EIGHTH:  (1) (a)    Except as otherwise provided herein, no purchase by
the Corporation from any Interested Person (as hereinafter defined) of shares
of any stock of the Corporation owned by such Interested Person shall be made
at a price exceeding the average price paid by such Interested Person for all
shares of stock of the Corporation acquired by such Interested Person during
the two-year period preceding the date of such proposed purchase unless such
purchase is approved by the affirmative vote of not less than two-thirds of the
votes cast by Disinterested Shareholders (as hereinafter defined) entitled to
vote thereon.

          (b)     The provisions of this Section 1 of ARTICLE EIGHTH shall not
apply to (i) any offer to purchase made by the Corporation which is made on the
same terms and conditions to all holders of shares of stock of the Corporation,
(ii) any purchase by the Corporation of shares owned by an Interested Person
occurring after the end of two years following the date of the last acquisition
by such Interested Person of stock of the Corporation, (iii) any transaction
which may be deemed to be a purchase by the Corporation of shares of its stock
which is made in connection with the terms or operation of any stock option or
other employee benefit plan now or hereafter maintained by the Corporation, or
(iv) any purchase by the Corporation of shares of its stock at prevailing
market prices pursuant to a stock repurchase program.

      (2)     Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Certificate of
Incorporation or the By-laws of the Corporation, no Transaction (as hereinafter
defined) between the Corporation and any Interested Person shall be valid nor
shall any such Transaction be consummated unless (i)





                                       5
<PAGE>   6

such Transaction is expressly approved by at least the affirmative vote of
Disinterested Directors (as hereinafter defined) which vote at the time
constitutes at least a majority vote of the entire Board of Directors of the
Corporation, or (ii) such Transaction is approved by the affirmative vote of
not less than two-thirds of the votes cast by Disinterested Shareholders
entitled to vote thereon, or (iii) if such Transaction would result in payment
of cash or other property to the shareholders of the Corporation, such
transaction provides for the payment to each of the Disinterested Shareholders
upon the consummation thereof, in exchange for all the shares of the
Corporation's capital stock held by each of such Disinterested Shareholders,
consideration which, as to both amount and kind, is equal to or greater than
the highest per share price actually paid by or for the account of such
Interested Person for the same class of shares of capital stock held by such
Disinterested Shareholders during both the two-year period prior to the time
any such Interested Person became such and the two-year period prior to the
consummation of such Transaction.

      (3)     For purposes of this Article:  (i) the term "Interested Person"
means any individual, corporation, partnership, trust, association or other
organization or entity (including any group formed for the purpose of
acquiring, voting or holding securities of the Corporation) which beneficially
or of record, owns or controls by agreement, voting trust or otherwise, at
least 3% of the voting power of any class of capital stock of the Corporation
and who (a) is offering shares to the Corporation for repurchase or (b) is
party to a proposed Transaction with the Corporation, as the case may be, and
such term also includes any corporation, partnership, trust, association, or
other organization or entity in which one or more Interested Persons have the
power, through the ownership of voting securities, by contract, or otherwise,
to influence significantly any of the management, activities or policies of
such corporation, partnership, trust, association, or other organization or
entity; (ii) the term "Disinterested Director" means a director (excluding any
director who is an Interested Person) who was either a member of the Board of
Directors of the Corporation prior to the time the Interested Person in the
proposed Transaction became an Interested Person or who subsequently became a
director of the Corporation and whose election, or nomination for election, was
approved by the vote of at least a majority of the Disinterested Directors of
the Corporation voting on such nomination or election; (iii) the term
"Disinterested Shareholders" means those holders of the Corporation's capital
stock entitled to vote on the Transaction, none of which is an Interested
Person; and (iv) the term "Transaction" includes a merger, consolidation,
liquidation, or other form of corporate reorganization deemed to involve the
purchase or transfer of the shares of the Corporation.

      (4)     The provisions of this Article shall not be amended without the
affirmative vote of not less than two- thirds of the votes cast by shareholders
entitled to vote thereon; provided, however, that if, at the time of such vote,
there shall be one or more Interested Persons, (i) in the case of amendment of
Section 1 or 2 of this ARTICLE EIGHTH, such affirmative vote shall include the
affirmative vote in favor of such amendment of not less than two-thirds of the
votes cast by Disinterested Shareholders entitled to vote thereon, or (ii) in
the case of Section 2 of this ARTICLE EIGHTH, such amendment shall have been
approved by the affirmative vote of Disinterested Directors, which vote at the
time constitutes at least a majority vote of the entire Board of Directors of
the Corporation.





                                       6
<PAGE>   7

      (5)     The provisions of this Article shall be in addition to any other
provisions of the New Jersey Business Corporation Law or this Certificate of
Incorporation or the By-laws of the Corporation, each as amended from time to
time, applicable to the authorization and consummation by the Corporation of
any transaction or amendment contemplated by this ARTICLE EIGHTH.


      NINTH:  (1)     Elimination of Certain Liability of Directors.   A
director of the corporation shall not be personally liable to the Corporation
or its shareholders for damages for breach of any duty owed to the Corporation
or its shareholders, except for liability for any breach of duty based upon an
act or omission (a) in breach of such person's duty of loyalty to the
Corporation or its shareholders, (b) not in good faith or involving a knowing
violation of law or (c) resulting in receipt by such person of an improper
personal benefit.

      (2)     Elimination of Certain Liability of Officers.   Unless provided
otherwise by law, an officer of the Corporation shall not be personally liable
to the Corporation or its shareholders for damages for breach of any duty owed
to the Corporation or its shareholders, except for liability for any breach of
duty based upon an act or omission (a) in breach of such person's duty of
loyalty to the Corporation or its shareholders, (b) not in good faith or
involving a knowing violation of law or (c) resulting in receipt by such person
of an improper personal benefit.

      (3)     Repeal or Modification of ARTICLE NINTH.    Any repeal or
modification of the foregoing paragraphs by the shareholders of the Corporation
shall not adversely affect any right or protection of a director or an officer
of the Corporation existing at the time of such repeal or modification.


      Dated this first day of December, 1993.


                                                 THOMAS & BETTS CORPORATION




                                              By /s/ James D. Hay              
                                                 ------------------------------
                                                 James D. Hay
                                                 Vice President-General Counsel






                                       7
<PAGE>   8
                            CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT

                                       OF

                     RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

                                       OF

                           THOMAS & BETTS CORPORATION

                 Pursuant to the provisions of Section 14A:7-15.1(3) of the New
Jersey Business Corporation Act, the undersigned corporation hereby executes
the following certificate:

                 FIRST: The name of the corporation is Thomas & Betts 
Corporation.

                 SECOND: The date of adoption by the Board of Directors of the
Corporation of the resolution approving the share division and this related
amendment to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation was February 7, 1996.

                 THIRD: This amendment to the Restated Certificate of
Incorporation will not adversely affect the rights or preferences of the
holders of outstanding shares of any class or series and will not result in the
percentage of authorized shares that remains unissued after the share division
exceeding the percentage of authorized shares that was unissued before the
share division.

                 FOURTH: The class of shares subject to the division is the
common stock of the Corporation and the number of shares of common stock
subject to the division is 40,000,000.  Each issued and outstanding share of
common stock shall be divided into two shares of common stock of the
Corporation.

                 FIFTH: The Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the
Corporation is amended to increase the Corporation's number of authorized
common shares from 40,000,000 to 80,000,000.  In connection therewith, the
Third Article of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation is deleted in its
entirety and the following substituted in lieu thereof:

                          "THIRD:  (1)     The aggregate number of shares which
                          the Corporation is authorized to issue is 80,500,000
                          shares, consisting of 80,000,000 shares of Common
                          Stock, par value $.50 per share, and 500,000 shares
                          of Preferred Stock, no par value.  The designations,
                          relative rights, preferences and limitations of the
                          shares of each class shall be as follows:
<PAGE>   9

                                           COMMON STOCK

                                  The Common Stock shall have full voting
                          rights and shall entitle the holders thereof to one
                          vote for each share of Common Stock held by them.


                                           PREFERRED STOCK

                                  Subject to the provisions hereof, the Board
                          of Directors is hereby expressly authorized to issue
                          the shares of Preferred Stock in series and to fix
                          from time to time before issuance the number of
                          shares to be included in each series and the
                          designations, relative rights, preferences and
                          limitations of all shares of each series.  The
                          authority of the Board of Directors with respect to
                          each series shall include, without limitation, the
                          determination of any or all of the following matters:

                                  (a)      The number of shares constituting
                          such series and the designation thereof to
                          distinguish the shares of such series from the shares
                          of all other series;

                                  (b)      The annual dividend rate on the
                          shares of such series and whether such dividends
                          shall be cumulative and, if cumulative, the date from
                          which dividends shall accumulate;

                                  (c)      The redemption price or prices for
                          shares of such series, if redeemable, and the terms
                          and conditions of such redemption;

                                  (d)      The preference, if any, of shares of
                          such series in the event of any voluntary or
                          involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of
                          the Corporation;

                                  (e)      The voting rights, if any, of shares
                          of such series in addition to the voting rights
                          prescribed by law and the terms of exercise of such
                          voting rights;

                                  (f)      The right, if any, of shares of such
                          series to be converted into shares of any
<PAGE>   10

                          other series or class and the terms and conditions of 
                          such conversion;

                                  (g)      The terms or amount of any sinking
                          fund provided for the purchase or redemption of such
                          series; and

                                  (h)      Any other relative rights, 
                          preferences and limitations of such series.

                                  The shares of each series may vary from the
                          shares of any other series as to any of such matters.

                                  Dividends on all outstanding shares of
                          Preferred Stock must be declared and paid, or set
                          aside for payment before any dividends may be
                          declared and paid, or set aside for payment, on
                          shares of Common Stock with respect to the same
                          dividend period.

                                  (2)      Except as may otherwise be provided
                          by the Board of Directors, no holder of any shares of
                          the stock of the Corporation shall have any
                          preemptive rights to purchase, subscribe for, or
                          otherwise acquire any shares of stock of the
                          Corporation of any class now or hereafter authorized,
                          or any securities exchangeable for or convertible
                          into such shares, or any warrants or other
                          instruments evidencing rights or options to subscribe
                          for, purchase or otherwise acquire such shares."

                 SIXTH: The amendment set forth herein shall become effective
as of close of business on March 8, 1996.

                 Dated this 19th day of February, 1996.

                                     Thomas & Betts Corporation, 
                                      a New Jersey corporation


                                     By: /s/ T. Kevin Dunnigan
                                        ---------------------------------
                                        T. Kevin Dunnigan, Chairman 
                                         and Chief Executive Officer

<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.1


                                                                [EXECUTION COPY]





                                  $500,000,000



                                CREDIT AGREEMENT



                                  dated as of



                                 March 29, 1995



                                     among



                           Thomas & Betts Corporation



                            The Banks Listed Herein



                                      and



                   Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York,
                                    as Agent
<PAGE>   2


<TABLE>  
<CAPTION>
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS*

         
         
                                                        Page
                                                        ----
         
                               ARTICLE I
                              DEFINITIONS

<S>           <C>                                         <C>
SECTION 1.01  Definitions..........................        1
        1.02  Accounting Terms and Determinations..       13
        1.03  Types of Borrowings..................       14

                               ARTICLE II
                              THE CREDITS

SECTION 2.01  Commitments to Lend..................       14
        2.02  Notice of Committed Borrowings.......       14
        2.03  Money Market Borrowings..............       15
        2.04  Notice to Banks; Funding of Loans....       19
        2.05  Notes................................       20
        2.06  Maturity of Loans....................       21
        2.07  Interest Rates.......................       21
        2.08  Fees.................................       24
        2.09  Optional Termination or
                 Reduction of Commitments...........      25
        2.10  Mandatory Termination of
                 Commitments........................      25
        2.11  Optional Prepayments.................       25
        2.12  General Provisions as to Payments....       26
        2.13  Funding Losses.......................       27
        2.14  Computation of Interest and Fees.....       27

                              ARTICLE III
                              CONDITIONS

SECTION 3.01  Effectiveness........................       27
        3.02  Borrowings...........................       29
</TABLE>





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

            *The Table of Contents is not a part of this Agreement.

                                       i
<PAGE>   3


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              ARTICLE IV
                     REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
<S>            <C>                                        <C>
SECTION 4.01   Corporate Existence and Power.......       29
        4.02   Corporate and Governmental
                  Authorization; No Contravention..       29
        4.03   Binding Effect......................       30
        4.04   Financial Information...............       30
        4.05   Litigation..........................       31
        4.06   Compliance with ERISA...............       31
        4.07   Environmental Matters...............       31
        4.08   Taxes...............................       32
        4.09   Subsidiaries........................       32
        4.10   Not an Investment Company...........       32
        4.11   Full Disclosure.....................       32

                              ARTICLE V
                              COVENANTS

SECTION 5.01   Information.........................       33
        5.02   Payment of Obligations..............       35
        5.03   Maintenance of Property; Insurance..       35
        5.04   Conduct of Business and
                   Maintenance of Existence........       36
        5.05   Compliance with Laws................       36
        5.06   Inspection of Property,
                   Books and Records...............       36
        5.07   Operating Cash Flow Ratio...........       36
        5.08   Subsidiary Debt.....................       37
        5.09   Minimum Consolidated Tangible
                   Net Worth.......................       37
        5.10   Restricted Payments.................       37
        5.11   Negative Pledge.....................       38
        5.12   Consolidations, Mergers and
                   Sales of Assets.................       39
        5.13   Use of Proceeds.....................       40
        5.14   Transactions with Affiliates........       40

                              ARTICLE VI
                              DEFAULTS

SECTION 6.01   Events of Default...................       41
        6.02   Notice of Default...................       43

                              ARTICLE VII                    
                              THE AGENT                      
                                                             
SECTION 7.01   Appointment and Authorization.......       44 
        7.02   Agent and Affiliates................       44 
        7.03   Action by Agent.....................       44 
        7.04   Consultation with Experts...........       44 
        7.05   Liability of Agent..................       44 
        7.06   Indemnification.....................       45 
 
</TABLE>


                                      ii
<PAGE>   4
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         Page

<S>            <C>                                        <C>
        7.07   Credit Decision.....................       45
        7.08   Successor Agent.....................       45
        7.09   Agent's Fee.........................       46

                              ARTICLE VIII
                       CHANGE IN CIRCUMSTANCES

SECTION 8.01   Basis for Determining Interest
                   Rate Inadequate or Unfair.......       46
        8.02   Illegality..........................       46
        8.03   Increased Cost and Reduced Return...       47
        8.04   Taxes...............................       49
        8.05   Base Rate Loans Substituted for
                   Affected Fixed Rate Loans.......       51
        8.06   HLT Classification..................       51
        8.07   Substitution of Bank................       52

                              ARTICLE IX
                             MISCELLANEOUS

SECTION 9.01   Notices.............................       52
        9.02   No Waivers..........................       53
        9.03   Expenses; Indemnification...........       53
        9.04   Sharing of Set-Offs.................       53
        9.05   Amendments and Waivers..............       54
        9.06   Successors and Assigns..............       54
        9.07   Collateral..........................       56
        9.08   Governing Law; Submission to Juris-
                   diction.........................       56
        9.09   Counterparts; Integration...........       57
        9.10   WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL................       57
        9.11   Confidentiality.....................       57


Pricing Schedule

Exhibit A    -   Note

Exhibit B    -   Money Market Quote Request

Exhibit C    -   Invitation for Money Market Quotes

Exhibit D    -   Money Market Quote

Exhibit E-1  -   Opinion of Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy,
                     Special Counsel for the Borrower

Exhibit E-2  -   Opinion of Riker, Danzig, Scherer, Hyland
                     & Perretti, Special New Jersey Counsel
                     for the Borrower
</TABLE>


                                      iii
<PAGE>   5

<TABLE>
<S>              <C> 
Exhibit F    -   Opinion of Special Counsel for the
                     Agent

Exhibit G    -   Assignment and Assumption Agreement
</TABLE>



                                      iv
<PAGE>   6

                                CREDIT AGREEMENT


             AGREEMENT dated as of March 29, 1995 among THOMAS & BETTS
CORPORATION, the BANKS listed on the signature pages hereof and MORGAN GUARANTY
TRUST COMPANY OF NEW YORK, as Agent.

                      The parties hereto agree as follows:


                                   ARTICLE I

                                  DEFINITIONS

             SECTION 1.01.  Definitions.  The following terms, as used herein,
have the following meanings:

             "Absolute Rate Auction" means a solicitation of Money Market
Quotes setting forth Money Market Absolute Rates pursuant to Section 2.03.

             "Adjusted CD Rate" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.07(b).
   
             "Adjusted London Interbank Offered Rate" has the meaning set forth
in Section 2.07(c).

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

             "Affiliate" means (i) any Person that directly, or indirectly
through one or more intermediaries, controls the Borrower (a "Controlling
Person") or (ii) any Person (other than the Borrower or a Subsidiary) which is
controlled by or is under common control with a Controlling Person.  As used
herein, the term "control" means possession, directly or indirectly, of the
power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a
Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or
otherwise.

             "Agent" means Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York in its
capacity as agent for the Banks hereunder, and its successors in such capacity.

             "Applicable Lending Office" means, with respect to any Bank, (i)
in the case of its Domestic Loans, its Domestic Lending Office, (ii) in the
case of its Euro-Dollar


                                      1
<PAGE>   7

Loans, its Euro-Dollar Lending Office and (iii) in the case of its Money Market
Loans, its Money Market Lending Office.

             "Assessment Rate" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.07(b).

             "Assignee" has the meaning set forth in Section 9.06(c).

             "Bank" means each bank listed on the signature pages hereof, each
Assignee which becomes a Bank pursuant to Section 9.06(c), and their respective
successors.

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

             "Base Rate Loan" means a Committed Loan to be made by a Bank as a
Base Rate Loan in accordance with the applicable Notice of Committed Borrowing
or pursuant to Article VIII.

             "Benefit Arrangement" means at any time an employee benefit plan
within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA which is not a Plan or a
Multiemployer Plan and which is maintained or otherwise contributed to by any
member of the ERISA Group.

             "Borrower" means Thomas & Betts Corporation, a New Jersey
corporation, and its successors.

             "Borrower's 1993 Form 10-K" means the Borrower's annual report on
Form 10-K for 1993, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

             "Borrowing" has the meaning set forth in Section 1.03.

             "CD Base Rate" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.07(b).

             "CD Loan" means a Committed Loan to be made by a Bank as a CD Loan
in accordance with the applicable Notice of Committed Borrowing.

             "CD Margin" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.07(b).

             "Commitment" means, with respect to each Bank, the Dollar amount
set forth opposite the name of such Bank on the signature pages hereof, as such
Dollar amount may be


                                      2
<PAGE>   8

reduced from time to time pursuant to Sections 2.09 and 2.10 or increased or
reduced as a result of any assignment pursuant to Section 9.06(c).

             "Committed Loan" means a loan made by a Bank pursuant to Section
2.01.

             "Consolidated Debt" means at any date the Debt of the Borrower and
its Consolidated Subsidiaries, determined on a consolidated basis as of such
date.

             "Consolidated Net Tangible Assets" means the total amount of
assets of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries (less applicable
reserves and other properly deductible items) after deducting therefrom (i) all
current liabilities (excluding any thereof which are by their terms extendible
or renewable at the option of the obligor thereon to a time more than 12 months
after the time as of which the amount thereof is being computed) and (ii) all
goodwill, trade names, trademarks, patents, unamortized debt discount and
expense and other like intangibles, all as set forth on the most recent balance
sheet of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries and computed in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

             "Consolidated Operating Cash Flow" means, for any period, the sum
of the consolidated net income of the Borrower and its Consolidated
Subsidiaries for such period plus, to the extent deducted in determining such
consolidated net income for such period, depreciation and amortization.

             "Consolidated Subsidiary" means at any date any Subsidiary or
other entity the accounts of which would be consolidated with those of the
Borrower in its consolidated financial statements if such statements were
prepared as of such date.

             "Consolidated Tangible Net Worth" means at any date the
consolidated stockholders' equity of the Borrower and its Consolidated
Subsidiaries less their consolidated Intangible Assets, all determined as of
such date.  For purposes of this definition "Intangible Assets" means the
amount (to the extent reflected in determining such consolidated stockholders'
equity) of (i) all write-ups (other than write-ups resulting from foreign
currency translations and write-ups of assets of a going concern business made
within twelve months after the acquisition of such business) subsequent to
October 2, 1994 in the book value of any asset owned by the Borrower or a
Consolidated Subsidiary, (ii) all Investments in unconsolidated Subsidiaries
and all equity investments in Persons which are not Subsidiaries (other than
the Borrower's Investment in


                                      3
<PAGE>   9

Leviton) and (iii) all unamortized debt discount and expense, unamortized
deferred charges, goodwill, patents, trademarks, service marks, trade names,
anticipated future benefit of tax loss carry-forwards, copyrights, organization
or developmental expenses and other intangible assets.

             "Debt" of any Person means at any date, without duplication, (i)
all obligations of such Person for borrowed money, (ii) all obligations of such
Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar instruments,
(iii) all obligations of such Person to pay the deferred purchase price of
property or services, except trade accounts payable arising in the ordinary
course of business, (iv) all obligations of such Person as lessee which are
capitalized in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, (v)
all Debt secured by a Lien on any asset of such Person, whether or not such
Debt is otherwise an obligation of such Person, and (vi) all Debt of others
Guaranteed by such Person; provided that in determining the amount of any item
of Debt of such Person pursuant to this clause (vi), the amount of such Debt
shall be equal to the lesser of (x) the amount of Debt of others that is
Guaranteed and (y) the amount of such Guarantee.

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

             "Dollars" or "$" means lawful currency of the United States of
America.

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

             "Domestic Lending Office" means, as to each Bank, its office
located at its address set forth in its Administrative Questionnaire (or
identified in its Administrative Questionnaire as its Domestic Lending Office)
or such other office as such Bank may hereafter designate as its Domestic
Lending Office by notice to the Borrower and the Agent; provided that any Bank
may so designate separate Domestic Lending Offices for its Base Rate Loans, on
the one hand, and its CD Loans, on the other hand, in which case all references
herein to the Domestic Lending Office of such Bank shall be deemed to refer to
either or both of such offices, as the context may require.

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


                                      4
<PAGE>   10

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

             "Domestic Subsidiary" means any Subsidiary that is not a Foreign
Subsidiary.

             "Effective Date" means the date this Agreement becomes effective
in accordance with Section 3.01.

             "Environmental Laws" means any and all federal, state, local and
foreign statutes, laws, regulations, ordinances, rules, judgments, orders,
decrees, permits, concessions, grants, franchises, licenses, agreements and
other governmental restrictions relating to the environment, the effect of the
environment on human health or to emissions, discharges or releases of
pollutants, contaminants, Hazardous Substances or wastes into the environment
including, without limitation, ambient air, surface water, ground water, or
land, or otherwise relating to the manufacture, processing, distribution, use,
treatment, storage, disposal, transport or handling of pollutants,
contaminants, Hazardous Substances or wastes or the clean-up or other
remediation thereof.

             "ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974,
as amended, or any successor statute, and all regulations promulgated
thereunder.

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

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

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

             "Euro-Dollar Loan" means a Committed Loan to be made by a Bank as
a Euro-Dollar Loan in accordance with the applicable Notice of Committed
Borrowing.


                                      5
<PAGE>   11

             "Euro-Dollar Margin" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.07(c).

             "Euro-Dollar Reserve Percentage" has the meaning set forth in
Section 2.07(c).

             "Event of Default" has the meaning set forth in Section 6.01.

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

             "Fixed Rate Loans" means CD Loans or Euro-Dollar Loans or Money
Market Loans (excluding Money Market LIBOR Loans bearing interest at the Base
Rate pursuant to Section 8.01(a)) or any combination of the foregoing.

             "Foreign Subsidiary" means any Subsidiary which is incorporated
under the laws of a jurisdiction outside the United States of America.

             "Guarantee" by any Person means any obligation, contingent or
otherwise, of such Person directly or indirectly guaranteeing any Debt or other
obligation of any other Person and, without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, any obligation, direct or indirect, contingent or otherwise, of such
Person (i) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or
payment of) such Debt or other obligation (whether arising by virtue of
partnership arrangements, by agreement to keep-well, to purchase assets, goods,
securities or services, to take-or-pay, or to maintain financial statement
conditions or otherwise) or (ii) entered into for the purpose of assuring in
any other manner the obligee of such Debt or other obligation of the payment
thereof or to protect such obligee against loss in respect thereof (in whole or
in part), provided that the term Guarantee shall not include endorsements for
collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business.  The term "Guarantee"
used as a verb has a corresponding meaning.


                                      6
<PAGE>   12

             "Hazardous Substances" means any toxic, radioactive, caustic or
otherwise hazardous substance which is regulated by any applicable
Environmental Laws.  Such Hazardous Substances shall include petroleum, its
derivatives, by-products and other hydrocarbons, or any substance having any
constituent elements displaying any of the foregoing characteristics.

             "Indemnitee" has the meaning set forth in Section 9.03(b).

             "Interest Period" means:  (1) with respect to each Euro-Dollar
Borrowing, the period commencing on the date of such Borrowing and ending (i)
one, two, three or six months thereafter or (ii) if each Bank shall have
consented to the election by the Borrower of a longer period, which consent may
be withheld by any Bank in its sole discretion, such longer period, in each
case, as the Borrower may elect in the applicable Notice of Borrowing; provided
that:

             (a)  any Interest Period which would otherwise end on a day which
    is not a Euro-Dollar Business Day shall be extended to the next succeeding
    Euro-Dollar Business Day unless such Euro-Dollar Business Day falls in
    another calendar month, in which case such Interest Period shall end on the
    next preceding Euro-Dollar Business Day;

             (b)  any Interest Period which begins on the last Euro-Dollar
    Business Day of a calendar month (or on a day for which there is no
    numerically corresponding day in the calendar month at the end of such
    Interest Period) shall, subject to clause (c) below, end on the last
    Euro-Dollar Business Day of a calendar month; and

             (c)  any Interest Period which would otherwise end after the
    Termination Date shall end on the Termination Date;

    (2)  with respect to each CD Borrowing, the period commencing on the date
of such Borrowing and ending (i) 30, 60, 90 or 180 days thereafter or (ii) if
each Bank shall have consented to the election by the Borrower of a longer
period, which consent may be withheld by any Bank in its sole discretion, such
longer period, in each case, as the Borrower may elect in the applicable Notice
of Borrowing; provided that:

             (a)  any Interest Period (other than an Interest Period determined
    pursuant to clause (b) below) which would otherwise end on a day which is
    not a Euro-Dollar Business Day shall be extended to the next succeeding
    Euro-Dollar Business Day; and


                                      7
<PAGE>   13

             (b)  any Interest Period which would otherwise end after the
    Termination Date shall end on the Termination Date;

    (3)  with respect to each Base Rate Borrowing, the period commencing on the
date of such Borrowing and ending 30 days thereafter; provided that:

             (a)  any Interest Period (other than an Interest Period determined
    pursuant to clause (b) below) which would otherwise end on a day which is
    not a Euro-Dollar Business Day shall be extended to the next succeeding
    Euro-Dollar Business Day; and

             (b)  any Interest Period which would otherwise end after the
    Termination Date shall end on the Termination Date;

    (4)  with respect to each Money Market LIBOR Borrowing, the period
commencing on the date of such Borrowing and ending such whole number of months
thereafter as the Borrower may elect in accordance with Section 2.03; provided
that:

             (a)  any Interest Period which would otherwise end on a day which
             is not a Euro-Dollar Business Day shall be extended to the next
             succeeding Euro-Dollar Business Day unless such Euro-Dollar
             Business Day falls in another calendar month, in which case such
             Interest Period shall end on the next preceding Euro-Dollar
             Business Day;

             (b)  any Interest Period which begins on the last Euro-Dollar
    Business Day of a calendar month (or on a day for which there is no
    numerically corresponding day in the calendar month at the end of such
    Interest Period) shall, subject to clause (c) below, end on the last
    Euro-Dollar Business Day of a calendar month; and

             (c)  any Interest Period which would otherwise end after the
    Termination Date shall end on the Termination Date; and

    (5)  with respect to each Money Market Absolute Rate Borrowing, the period
commencing on the date of such Borrowing and ending such number of days
thereafter (but not less than 14 days) as the Borrower may elect in accordance
with Section 2.03; provided that:

             (a)  any Interest Period which would otherwise end on a day which
    is not a Euro-Dollar Business Day shall be extended to the next succeeding
    Euro-Dollar Business Day; and


                                      8
<PAGE>   14

             (b)  any Interest Period which would otherwise end after the
    Termination Date shall end on the Termination Date.

             "Internal Revenue Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended, or any successor statute, and all regulations promulgated
thereunder.

             "Investment" means any investment in any Person, whether by means
of share purchase, capital contribution, loan, time deposit or otherwise (other
than demand deposits).

             "Leviton" means Leviton Manufacturing Co, Inc., a Delaware
corporation, and its successors.

             "LIBOR Auction" means a solicitation of Money Market Quotes
setting forth Money Market Margins based on the London Interbank Offered Rate
pursuant to Section 2.03.

             "Lien" means, with respect to any asset, any mortgage, lien,
pledge, charge, security interest or encumbrance of any kind in respect of such
asset.  For the purposes of this Agreement, the Borrower or any Subsidiary
shall be deemed to own subject to a Lien any asset which it 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 relating to such
asset; provided that any transaction (including, without limitation, any sale
of accounts receivable) which is treated as a sale of assets under generally
accepted accounting principles shall be so treated hereunder and any asset
which is so sold shall not be deemed subject to a Lien.

             "Loan" means a Domestic Loan or a Euro-Dollar Loan or a Money
Market Loan and "Loans" means Domestic Loans or Euro-Dollar Loans or Money
Market Loans or any combination of the foregoing.

             "London Interbank Offered Rate" means, for any Interest Period,
(i) the rate for deposits in Dollars for a period of time comparable to such
Interest Period which appears on the Telerate Page 3750 as of 11:00 A.M.
(London time) two Euro-Dollar Business Days before the first day of such
Interest Period or (ii) if the rate set forth in (i) does not appear on the
Telerate Page 3750, the average (rounded upward, if necessary, to the next
higher 1/16 of 1%) of the respective rates per annum at which deposits in
Dollars are offered to each of the Reference Banks in the London interbank
market at approximately 11:00 A.M. (London time) two Euro-Dollar Business Days
before the first day of such Interest Period in an amount approximately equal
to the


                                      9
<PAGE>   15

Reference Amount for a period of time comparable to such Interest Period.  As
used in this definition, the term "Reference Amount" shall mean (a) for
purposes of determining the rate applicable to a Euro-Dollar Borrowing, the
principal amount of the Euro-Dollar Loan of such Reference Bank to which such
rate is to apply and (b) for purposes of determining the rate applicable to a
Money Market LIBOR Loan, the principal amount of the Money Market LIBOR
Borrowing to which such rate is to apply.

             "Material Debt" means Debt (other than the Notes) of the Borrower
and/or one or more of its Subsidiaries, arising in one or more related or
unrelated transactions, in an outstanding aggregate principal amount exceeding
$10,000,000.

             "Material Plan" means at any time a Plan or Plans having aggregate
Unfunded Liabilities in excess of $10,000,000.

             "Money Market Absolute Rate" has the meaning set forth in Section
2.03(d).

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

             "Money Market Lending Office" means, as to each Bank, its Domestic
Lending Office or such other office, branch or affiliate of such Bank as it may
hereafter designate as its Money Market Lending Office by notice to the
Borrower and the Agent; provided that any Bank may from time to time by notice
to the Borrower and the Agent designate separate Money Market Lending Offices
for its Money Market LIBOR Loans, on the one hand, and its Money Market
Absolute Rate Loans, on the other hand, in which case all references herein to
the Money Market Lending Office of such Bank shall be deemed to refer to either
or both of such offices, as the context may require.

             "Money Market LIBOR Loan" means a loan to be made by a Bank
pursuant to a LIBOR Auction (including such a loan bearing interest at the Base
Rate pursuant to Section 8.01(a)).

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

             "Money Market Margin" has the meaning set forth in Section
2.03(d).

             "Money Market Quote" means an offer by a Bank to make a Money
Market Loan in accordance with Section 2.03.


                                      10
<PAGE>   16

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

             "Multiemployer Plan" means at any time an employee pension benefit
plan within the meaning of Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA to which any member of
the ERISA Group is then making or accruing an obligation to make contributions
or has within the preceding five plan years made contributions, including for
these purposes any Person which ceased to be a member of the ERISA Group during
such five year period.

             "Notes" means promissory notes of the Borrower, substantially in
the form of Exhibit A hereto, evidencing the obligation of the Borrower to
repay the Loans, and "Note" means any one of such promissory notes issued
hereunder.

             "Notice of Borrowing" means a Notice of Committed Borrowing (as
defined in Section 2.02) or a Notice of Money Market Borrowing (as defined in
Section 2.03(f)).

             "Parent" means, with respect to any Bank, any bank or bank holding
company controlling such Bank.

             "Participant" has the meaning set forth in Section 9.06(b).

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

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

             "Plan" means at any time an employee pension benefit plan (other
than a Multiemployer Plan) which is covered by Title IV of ERISA or subject to
the minimum funding standards under Section 412 of the Internal Revenue Code
and either (i) is maintained, or contributed to, by any member of the ERISA
Group for employees of any member of the ERISA Group or (ii) has at any time
within the preceding five years been maintained, or contributed to, by any
Person which was at such time a member of the ERISA Group for employees of any
Person which was at such time a member of the ERISA Group.

             "Pricing Schedule" means the Schedule attached hereto identified
as such.


                                      11
<PAGE>   17

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

             "Prior Agreement" means the Credit Agreement dated as of May 7,
1993 among the Borrower, the banks listed on the signature pages thereof and
Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, as agent for such banks, as amended
to the Effective Date.

             "Reference Banks" means Deutsche Bank AG, Wachovia Bank of
Georgia, N.A. and Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York.

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

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

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

             "Restricted Payment" means (i) any dividend or other distribution
on any shares of the Borrower's capital stock (except dividends payable solely
in shares of its capital stock) or (ii) any payment on account of the purchase,
redemption, retirement or acquisition of (a) any shares of the Borrower's
capital stock or (b) any option, warrant or other right to acquire shares of
the Borrower's capital stock.

             "Revolving Credit Period" means the period from and including the
Effective Date to but not including the Termination Date.

             "Significant Subsidiary" means any Subsidiary which would
constitute a "significant subsidiary" of the Borrower under Rule 1-02 of
Regulation S-X promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

             "Subsidiary" means any corporation or other entity of which
securities or other ownership interests having ordinary voting power to elect a
majority of the board of directors or other persons performing similar
functions are at the time directly or indirectly owned by the Borrower.


                                      12
<PAGE>   18

             "S&P" means Standard & Poor's Ratings Group.

             "Termination Date" means March 29, 2000, or if such day is not a
Euro-Dollar Business Day, the next succeeding Euro-Dollar Business Day unless
such Euro-Dollar Business Day falls in another calendar month, in which case
the Termination Date shall be the next preceding Euro-Dollar Business Day.

             "Total Borrowed Funds" means at any date the aggregate principal
amount of Debt of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries of the type
referred to in clauses (i), (ii) and (iv) of the definition thereof, determined
on a consolidated basis as of such date.

             "Unfunded Liabilities" means, with respect to any Plan at any
time, the amount (if any) by which (i) the value of all benefit liabilities
under such Plan, determined on a plan termination basis using the assumptions
prescribed by the PBGC for purposes of Section 4044 of ERISA, exceeds (ii) the
fair market value of all Plan assets allocable to such liabilities under Title
IV of ERISA (excluding any accrued but unpaid contributions), all determined as
of the then most recent valuation date for such Plan, but only to the extent
that such excess represents a potential liability of a member of the ERISA
Group to the PBGC or any other Person under Title IV of ERISA.

             "United States" means the United States of America, including the
States and the District of Columbia, but excluding its territories and
possessions.

             "Wholly-Owned Subsidiary" means any Subsidiary all of the shares
of capital stock or other ownership interests of which (except directors'
qualifying shares) are at the time directly or indirectly owned by the
Borrower.

             SECTION 1.02.  Accounting Terms and Determinations.  Unless
otherwise specified herein, all accounting terms used herein shall be
interpreted, all accounting determinations hereunder shall be made, and all
financial statements required to be delivered hereunder shall be prepared in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles as in effect from time
to time, applied on a basis consistent (except for changes concurred in by the
Borrower's independent public accountants) with the most recent audited
consolidated financial statements of the Borrower and its Consolidated
Subsidiaries delivered to the Banks; provided that, if the Borrower notifies
the Agent that the Borrower wishes to amend any covenant in Article V to
eliminate the effect of any change in generally accepted accounting principles
on the operation of such covenant (or if the Agent notifies the Borrower that
the Required Banks


                                      13
<PAGE>   19

wish to amend Article V for such purpose), then the Borrower's compliance with
such covenant shall be determined on the basis of generally accepted accounting
principles in effect immediately before the relevant change in generally
accepted accounting principles became effective, until either such notice is
withdrawn or such covenant is amended in a manner satisfactory to the Borrower
and the Required Banks.

             SECTION 1.03.  Types of Borrowings.  The term "Borrowing" denotes
the aggregation of Loans of one or more Banks to be made to the Borrower
pursuant to Article II on a single date and for a single Interest Period.
Borrowings are classified for purposes of this Agreement either by reference to
the pricing of Loans comprising such Borrowing (e.g., a "Euro-Dollar Borrowing"
is a Borrowing comprised of Euro-Dollar Loans) or by reference to the
provisions of Article II under which participation therein is determined (i.e.,
a "Committed  Borrowing" is a Borrowing under Section 2.01 in which all Banks
participate in proportion to their Commitments, while a "Money Market
Borrowing" is a Borrowing under Section 2.03 in which the Bank participants are
determined on the basis of their bids in accordance therewith).



                                   ARTICLE II

                                  THE CREDITS

             SECTION 2.01.  Commitments to Lend.  During the Revolving Credit
Period each Bank severally agrees, on the terms and conditions set forth in
this Agreement, to make loans to the Borrower pursuant to this Section from
time to time in amounts such that the aggregate principal amount of Committed
Loans by such Bank at any one time outstanding shall not exceed the amount of
its Commitment.  Each Borrowing under this Section 2.01 shall be in an
aggregate principal amount of $10,000,000  or any larger multiple of $1,000,000
(except that any such Borrowing may be in the aggregate amount available in
accordance with Section 3.02(b)) and shall be made from the several Banks
ratably in proportion to their respective Commitments.  Within the foregoing
limits, the Borrower may borrow under this Section 2.01, repay, or to the
extent permitted by Section 2.11, prepay Loans and reborrow at any time during
the Revolving Credit Period under this Section 2.01.

             SECTION 2.02.  Notice of Committed Borrowings.  The Borrower shall
give the Agent notice (a "Notice of Committed Borrowing") not later than 10:00
A.M. (New York City time) on (x) the date of each Base Rate Borrowing, (y)


                                      14
<PAGE>   20

the second Domestic Business Day before each CD Borrowing and (z) the third
Euro-Dollar Business Day before each Euro-Dollar Borrowing, specifying:

             (a)  the date of such Borrowing, which shall be a Domestic
    Business Day in the case of a Domestic Borrowing or a Euro-Dollar Business
    Day in the case of a Euro-Dollar Borrowing,

             (b)  the aggregate amount of such Borrowing,

             (c)  whether the Loans comprising such Borrowing are to be CD
    Loans, Base Rate Loans or Euro-Dollar Loans, and

             (d)  in the case of a Fixed Rate Borrowing, the duration of the
    Interest Period applicable thereto, subject to the provisions of the
    definition of Interest Period.

                     SECTION 2.03.  Money Market Borrowings.

             (a)  The Money Market Option.  In addition to Committed Borrowings
pursuant to Section 2.01, the Borrower may, as set forth in this Section,
request the Banks during the Revolving Credit Period to make offers to make
Money Market Loans to the Borrower.  The Banks may, but shall have no
obligation to, make such offers and the Borrower may, but shall have no
obligation to, accept any such offers, all in the manner set forth in this
Section.

             (b)  Money Market Quote Request.  When the Borrower wishes to
request offers to make Money Market Loans under this Section, it shall transmit
to the Agent by telex or facsimile transmission a Money Market Quote Request
substantially in the form of Exhibit B hereto so as to be received no later
than 10:00 A.M. (New York City time) on (x) the fourth Euro-Dollar Business Day
prior to the date of Borrowing proposed therein, in the case of a LIBOR Auction
or (y) the Domestic Business Day next preceding the date of Borrowing proposed
therein, in the case of an Absolute Rate Auction (or, in either case, such
other time or date as the Borrower and the Agent shall have mutually agreed and
shall have notified to the Banks not later than the date of the Money Market
Quote Request for the first LIBOR Auction or Absolute Rate Auction for which
such change is to be effective) specifying:

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


                                      15
<PAGE>   21

        (ii)  the aggregate amount of such Borrowing, which shall be
    $10,000,000 or a larger multiple of $1,000,000,

       (iii)  the duration of the Interest Period applicable thereto, subject
    to the provisions of the definition of Interest Period, and

        (iv)  whether the Money Market Quotes requested are to set forth a
    Money Market Margin or a Money Market Absolute Rate.

             The Borrower may request offers to make Money Market Loans for
more than one Interest Period in a single Money Market Quote Request.  No Money
Market Quote Request shall be given within five Euro-Dollar Business Days (or
such other number of days as the Borrower and the Agent may agree) of any other
Money Market Quote Request.

             (c)  Invitation for Money Market Quotes.  Promptly upon receipt of
a Money Market Quote Request, the Agent shall send to the Banks by telex or
facsimile transmission an Invitation for Money Market Quotes substantially in
the form of Exhibit C hereto, which shall constitute an invitation by the
Borrower to each Bank to submit Money Market Quotes offering to make the Money
Market Loans to which such Money Market Quote Request relates in accordance
with this Section.

             (d)  Submission and Contents of Money Market Quotes.  (i)  Each
Bank may submit a Money Market Quote containing an offer or offers to make
Money Market Loans in response to any Invitation for Money Market Quotes.  Each
Money Market Quote must comply with the requirements of this subsection (d) and
must be submitted to the Agent by telex or facsimile transmission at its
address specified in or pursuant to Section 9.01 not later than 9:15 A.M. (New
York City time) on (x) the third Euro-Dollar Business Day prior to the proposed
date of Borrowing, in the case of a LIBOR Auction or (y) the proposed date of
Borrowing, in the case of an Absolute Rate Auction (or, in either case, such
other time or date as the Borrower and the Agent shall have mutually agreed and
shall have notified to the Banks not later than the date of the Money Market
Quote Request for the first LIBOR Auction or Absolute Rate Auction for which
such change is to be effective); provided that Money Market Quotes submitted by
the Agent (or any affiliate of the Agent) in the capacity of a Bank may be
submitted, and may only be submitted, if the Agent or such affiliate notifies
the Borrower of the terms of the offer or offers contained therein not later
than (x) one hour prior to the deadline for the other Banks, in the case of a
LIBOR Auction or (y) 15 minutes prior to the deadline for the other Banks, in
the


                                      16
<PAGE>   22

case of an Absolute Rate Auction.  Subject to Articles III and VI, any Money
Market Quote so made shall be irrevocable except with the written consent of
the Agent given on the instructions of the Borrower.

        (ii)  Each Money Market Quote shall be in substantially the form of
Exhibit D hereto and shall in any case specify:

             (A)  the proposed date of Borrowing,

             (B)  the principal amount of the Money Market Loan for which each
    such offer is being made, which principal amount (w) may be greater than or
    less than the Commitment of the quoting Bank, (x) must be $5,000,000 or a
    larger multiple of $1,000,000, (y) may not exceed the principal amount of
    Money Market Loans for which offers were requested and (z) may be subject
    to an aggregate limitation as to the principal amount of Money Market Loans
    for which offers being made by such quoting Bank may be accepted,

             (C)  in the case of a LIBOR Auction, the margin above or below the
    applicable London Interbank Offered Rate (the "Money Market Margin")
    offered for each such Money Market Loan, expressed as a percentage
    (specified to the nearest 1/10,000th of 1%) to be added to or subtracted
    from such base rate,

             (D)  in the case of an Absolute Rate Auction, the rate of interest
    per annum (specified to the nearest 1/10,000th of 1%) (the "Money Market
    Absolute Rate") offered for each such Money Market Loan, and

             (E)  the identity of the quoting Bank.

             A Money Market Quote may set forth up to five separate offers by
the quoting Bank with respect to each Interest Period specified in the related
Invitation for Money Market Quotes.

       (iii)  Any Money Market Quote shall be disregarded if it:

             (A)  is not substantially in conformity with Exhibit D hereto or
    does not specify all of the information required by subsection (d)(ii);

             (B)  contains qualifying, conditional or similar language;


                                      17
<PAGE>   23

             (C)  proposes terms other than or in addition to those set
    forth in the applicable Invitation for Money Market Quotes; or

             (D)  arrives after the time set forth in subsection (d)(i).

             (e)  Notice to Borrower.  The Agent shall promptly notify the
Borrower of the terms (x) of any Money Market Quote submitted by a Bank that is
in accordance with subsection (d) and (y) of any Money Market Quote that
amends, modifies or is otherwise inconsistent with a previous Money Market
Quote submitted by such Bank with respect to the same Money Market Quote
Request.  Any such subsequent Money Market Quote shall be disregarded by the
Agent unless such subsequent Money Market Quote is submitted solely to correct
a manifest error in such former Money Market Quote.  The Agent's notice to the
Borrower shall specify (A) the aggregate principal amount of Money Market Loans
for which offers have been received for each Interest Period specified in the
related Money Market Quote Request, (B) the respective principal amounts and
Money Market Margins or Money Market Absolute Rates, as the case may be, so
offered and (C) if applicable, limitations on the aggregate principal amount of
Money Market Loans for which offers in any single Money Market Quote may be
accepted.

             (f)  Acceptance and Notice by Borrower.  Not later than 10:00 A.M.
(New York City time) on (x) the third Euro-Dollar Business Day prior to the
proposed date of Borrowing, in the case of a LIBOR Auction or (y) the proposed
date of Borrowing, in the case of an Absolute Rate Auction (or, in either case,
such other time or date as the Borrower and the Agent shall have mutually
agreed and shall have notified to the Banks not later than the date of the
Money Market Quote Request for the first LIBOR Auction or Absolute Rate Auction
for which such change is to be effective), the Borrower shall notify the Agent
of its acceptance or non-acceptance of the offers so notified to it pursuant to
subsection (e).  In the case of acceptance, such notice (a "Notice of Money
Market Borrowing") shall specify the aggregate principal amount of offers for
each Interest Period that are accepted.  The Borrower may accept any Money
Market Quote in whole or in part; provided that:

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

             (ii)   the principal amount of each Money Market Borrowing must be
    $10,000,000 or a larger multiple of $1,000,000,


                                      18
<PAGE>   24

             (iii)  acceptance of offers may only be made on the basis of
    ascending Money Market Margins or Money Market Absolute Rates, as the case
    may be, and

             (iv)   the Borrower may not accept any offer that is described in
    subsection (d)(iii) or that otherwise fails to comply with the requirements
    of this Agreement.

             (g)  Allocation by Agent.  If offers are made by two or more Banks
with the same Money Market Margins or Money Market Absolute Rates, as the case
may be, for a greater aggregate principal amount than the amount in respect of
which such offers are accepted for the related Interest Period, the principal
amount of Money Market Loans in respect of which such offers are accepted shall
be allocated by the Agent among such Banks as nearly as possible (in multiples
of $1,000,000, as the Agent may deem appropriate) in proportion to the
aggregate principal amounts of such offers.  Determinations by the Agent of the
amounts of Money Market Loans shall be conclusive in the absence of manifest
error.


             SECTION 2.04.  Notice to Banks; Funding of Loans.

             (a)  Upon receipt of a Notice of Borrowing, the Agent shall
promptly notify each Bank of the contents thereof and of such Bank's share (if
any) of such Borrowing and such Notice of Borrowing shall not thereafter be
revocable by the Borrower.

             (b)  Not later than 12:00 Noon (New York City time) on the date of
each Borrowing, each Bank participating therein shall (except as provided in
subsection (c) of this Section) make available its share of such Borrowing, in
Dollars and in Federal or other funds immediately available in New York City,
to the Agent at its address referred to in Section 9.01.  Unless the Agent
determines that any applicable condition specified in Article III has not been
satisfied, the Agent will make the funds so received from the Banks available
to the Borrower at the Agent's aforesaid address.

             (c)  If any Bank makes a new Loan hereunder on a day on which the
Borrower is to repay all or any part of an outstanding Loan from such Bank,
such Bank shall apply the proceeds of its new Loan to make such repayment and
only an amount equal to the difference (if any) between the amount being
borrowed and the amount being repaid shall be made available by such Bank to
the Agent as provided in subsection (b), or remitted by the Borrower to the
Agent as provided in Section 2.12, as the case may be.


                                      19
<PAGE>   25

             (d)  Unless the Agent shall have received notice from a Bank prior
to the date of any Borrowing that such Bank will not make available to the
Agent such Bank's share of such Borrowing, the Agent may assume that such Bank
has made such share available to the Agent on the date of such Borrowing in
accordance with subsections (b) and (c) of this Section 2.04 and the Agent may,
in reliance upon such assumption, make available to the Borrower on such date a
corresponding amount.  If and to the extent that such Bank shall not have so
made such share available to the Agent, such Bank and the Borrower severally
agree to repay to the Agent forthwith on demand such corresponding amount
together with interest thereon, for each day from the date such amount is made
available to the Borrower until the date such amount is repaid to the Agent, at
(i) in the case of the Borrower, a rate per annum equal to the higher of the
Federal Funds Rate and the interest rate applicable thereto pursuant to Section
2.07 and (ii) in the case of such Bank, the Federal Funds Rate.  Nothing in
this subsection (d) shall relieve any Bank from its obligation to make Loans
hereunder or prejudice any rights which the Borrower may have against any Bank
as a result of any default by such Bank hereunder.  If such Bank shall repay to
the Agent such corresponding amount, such amount so repaid shall constitute
such Bank's Loan included in such Borrowing for purposes of this Agreement.

             SECTION 2.05.  Notes.  (a)  The Loans of each Bank shall be
evidenced by a single Note payable to the order of such Bank for the account of
its Applicable Lending Office in an amount equal to the aggregate unpaid
principal amount of such Bank's Loans.

             (b)  Each Bank may, by notice to the Borrower and the Agent,
request that its Loans of a particular type be evidenced by a separate Note in
an amount equal to the aggregate unpaid principal amount of such Loans.  Each
such Note shall be in substantially the form of Exhibit A hereto with
appropriate modifications to reflect the fact that it evidences solely Loans of
the relevant type.  Each reference in this Agreement to the "Note" of such Bank
shall be deemed to refer to and include any or all of such Notes, as the
context may require.

             (c)  Upon receipt of each Bank's Note pursuant to Section 3.01(b),
the Agent shall forward such Note to such Bank.  Each Bank shall record the
date, amount, type and maturity of each Loan made by it and the date and amount
of each payment of principal made by the Borrower with respect thereto, and
may, if such Bank so elects in connection with any transfer or enforcement of
its Note, endorse on the schedule forming a part thereof appropriate notations
to evidence the foregoing information with respect to each such


                                      20
<PAGE>   26

Loan then outstanding; provided that the failure of any Bank to make any such
recordation or endorsement shall not affect the obligations of the Borrower
hereunder or under the Notes to make a payment when due in respect of the
Loans.  Each Bank is hereby irrevocably authorized by the Borrower so to
endorse its Note and to attach to and make a part of its Note a continuation of
any such schedule as and when required.

             SECTION 2.06.  Maturity of Loans.  Each Loan included in any
Borrowing shall mature, and the principal amount thereof shall be due and
payable, on the last day of the Interest Period applicable to such Borrowing.

             SECTION 2.07.  Interest Rates.  (a)  Each Base Rate Loan shall
bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof, for each day from
the date such Loan is made until it becomes due, at a rate per annum equal to
the Base Rate for such day.  Such interest shall be payable for each Interest
Period on the last day thereof.  Any overdue principal of or interest on any
Base Rate Loan shall bear interest, payable on demand, for each day until paid
at a rate per annum equal to the sum of 2% plus the rate otherwise applicable
to Base Rate Loans for such day.

             (b)  Each CD Loan shall bear interest on the outstanding principal
amount thereof, for each day during the Interest Period applicable thereto, at
a rate per annum equal to the sum of the CD Margin for such day plus the
applicable Adjusted CD Rate; provided that if any CD Loan shall, as a result of
clause (2)(b) of the definition of Interest Period, have an Interest Period of
less than 30 days, such portion shall bear interest during such Interest Period
at the rate applicable to Base Rate Loans during such period.  Such interest
shall be payable for each Interest Period on the last day thereof and, if such
Interest Period is longer than 90 days, at intervals of 90 days after the first
day thereof.  Any overdue principal of or interest on any CD Loan shall bear
interest, payable on demand, for each day until paid at a rate per annum equal
to the sum of 2% plus the higher of (i) the sum of the CD Margin plus the
Adjusted CD Rate applicable to such Loan and (ii) the rate applicable to Base
Rate Loans for such day.

             "CD Margin" means a rate per annum determined in accordance with
the Pricing Schedule.


                                      21
<PAGE>   27

             The "Adjusted CD Rate" applicable to any Interest Period means a
rate per annum determined pursuant to the following formula:

<TABLE>
             <S>     <C>
                     [ CDBR       ]*
             ACDR  = [ ---------- ]  + AR
                     [ 1.00 - DRP ]

             ACDR  =  Adjusted CD Rate
             CDBR  =  CD Base Rate
              DRP  =  Domestic Reserve Percentage
               AR  =  Assessment Rate
</TABLE>

    ----------
    *  The amount in brackets being rounded upward, if
    necessary, to the next higher 1/100 of 1%

             The "CD Base Rate" applicable to any Interest Period is the rate
of interest determined by the Agent to be the average (rounded upward, if
necessary, to the next higher 1/100 of 1%) of the prevailing rates per annum
bid at 10:00 A.M. (New York City time) (or as soon thereafter as practicable)
on the first day of such Interest Period by two or more New York certificate of
deposit dealers of recognized standing for the purchase at face value from each
Reference Bank of its certificates of deposit in an amount comparable to the
principal amount of the CD Loan of such Reference Bank to which such Interest
Period applies and having a maturity comparable to such Interest Period.

             "Domestic Reserve Percentage" means for any day that percentage
(expressed as a decimal) which is in effect on such day, as prescribed by the
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (or any successor) for
determining the maximum reserve requirement (including without limitation any
basic, supplemental or emergency reserves) for a member bank of the Federal
Reserve System in New York City with deposits exceeding five billion dollars in
respect of new non-personal time deposits in dollars in New York City having a
maturity comparable to the related Interest Period and in an amount of $100,000
or more.  The Adjusted CD Rate shall be adjusted automatically on and as of the
effective date of any change in the Domestic Reserve Percentage.

             "Assessment Rate" means for any day the annual assessment rate in
effect on such day which is payable by a member of the Bank Insurance Fund
classified as adequately capitalized and within supervisory subgroup "A" (or a
comparable successor assessment risk classification) within the meaning of 12
C.F.R. Section  327.3(e) (or any successor provision) to the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation (or any successor) for such Corporation's (or such
successor's)


                                      22
<PAGE>   28

insuring time deposits at offices of such institution in the United States.
The Adjusted CD Rate shall be adjusted automatically on and as of the effective
date of any change in the Assessment Rate.

             (c)  Each Euro-Dollar Loan shall bear interest on the outstanding
principal amount thereof, for each day during the Interest Period applicable
thereto, at a rate per annum equal to the sum of the Euro-Dollar Margin for
such day plus the applicable Adjusted London Interbank Offered Rate.  Such
interest shall be payable for each Interest Period on the last day thereof and,
if such Interest Period is longer than three months, at intervals of three
months after the first day thereof.

             "Euro-Dollar Margin" means a rate per annum determined in
accordance with the Pricing Schedule.

             The "Adjusted London Interbank Offered Rate" applicable to any
Interest Period means a rate per annum equal to the quotient obtained (rounded
upward, if necessary, to the next higher 1/100 of 1%) by dividing (i) the
applicable London Interbank Offered Rate by (ii) 1.00 minus the Euro-Dollar
Reserve Percentage.

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

             (d)  Any overdue principal of or interest on any Euro-Dollar Loan
shall bear interest, payable on demand, for each day from and including the
date payment thereof was due to but excluding the date of actual payment, at a
rate per annum equal to the sum of 2% plus the higher of (i) the sum of the
Euro-Dollar Margin plus the Adjusted London Interbank Offered Rate applicable
to such Loan and (ii) the Euro-Dollar Margin plus the quotient obtained
(rounded upward, if necessary, to the next higher 1/100 of 1%) by dividing (x)
the average (rounded upward, if necessary, to the next higher 1/16 of 1%) of
the respective rates per


                                      23
<PAGE>   29

annum at which one day (or, if such amount due remains unpaid more than three
Euro-Dollar Business Days, then for such other period of time not longer than
six months as the Agent may select) deposits in dollars in an amount
approximately equal to such overdue payment due to each of the Reference Banks
are offered to such Reference Bank in the London interbank market for the
applicable period determined as provided above by (y) 1.00 minus the
Euro-Dollar Reserve Percentage (or, if the circumstances described in clause
(a) or (b) of Section 8.01 shall exist, at a rate per annum equal to the sum of
2% plus the rate applicable to Base Rate Loans for such day).

             (e)  Subject to Section 8.01(a), each Money Market LIBOR Loan
shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof, for the
Interest Period applicable thereto, at a rate per annum equal to the sum of the
applicable London Interbank Offered Rate plus (or minus) the Money Market
Margin quoted by the Bank making such Loan in accordance with Section 2.03.
Each Money Market Absolute Rate Loan shall bear interest on the outstanding
principal amount thereof, for the Interest Period applicable thereto, at a rate
per annum equal to the Money Market Absolute Rate quoted by the Bank making
such Loan in accordance with Section 2.03.  Such interest shall be payable for
each Interest Period on the last day thereof and, if such Interest Period is
longer than three months, at intervals of three months after the first day
thereof.  Any overdue principal of or interest on any Money Market Loan shall
bear interest, payable on demand, for each day until paid at a rate per annum
equal to the sum of 2% plus the Base Rate for such day.

             (f)  The Agent shall determine each interest rate applicable to
the Loans hereunder.  The Agent shall give prompt notice to the Borrower and
the participating Banks of each rate of interest so determined, and its
determination thereof shall be conclusive in the absence of manifest error.

             (g)  Each Reference Bank agrees to use its best efforts to furnish
quotations to the Agent as contemplated by this Section.  If any Reference Bank
does not furnish a timely quotation, the Agent shall determine the relevant
interest rate on the basis of the quotation or quotations furnished by the
remaining Reference Bank or Banks or, if none of such quotations is available
on a timely basis, the provisions of Section 8.01 shall apply.

             SECTION 2.08.  Fees.

             (a)  Commitment Fee.  During the Revolving Credit Period, the
Borrower shall pay to the Agent for the account


                                      24
<PAGE>   30

of the Banks ratably in proportion to their Commitments a commitment fee at the
Commitment Fee Rate (as defined in and determined daily in accordance with the
Pricing Schedule) on the daily amount by which the aggregate amount of the
Commitments exceeds the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Loans.
Such commitment fee shall accrue from and including the Effective Date to but
excluding the Termination Date (or earlier date of termination of the
Commitments in their entirety).

             (b)  Facility Fee.  The Borrower shall pay to the Agent for the
account of the Banks ratably a facility fee at the Facility Fee Rate (as
defined in and determined daily in accordance with the Pricing Schedule).  Such
facility fee shall accrue (i) from and including the Effective Date to but
excluding the Termination Date, on the daily aggregate amount of the
Commitments (whether used or unused) and (ii) from and including the
Termination Date to but excluding the date the Loans shall be repaid in their
entirety, on the daily average aggregate outstanding principal amount of the
Loans.

             (c)  Payments.  Accrued fees under this Section shall be payable
quarterly on each April 15, July 15, October 15, and January 15, commencing
April 15, 1995, and upon the date of termination of the Commitments in their
entirety (and, if later, the date the Loans shall be repaid in their entirety).

             SECTION 2.09.  Optional Termination or Reduction of Commitments.
During the Revolving Credit Period, the Borrower may, upon at least three
Domestic Business Days' notice to the Agent, (i) terminate the Commitments at
any time, if no Loans are outstanding at such time or (ii) ratably reduce from
time to time by an aggregate amount of $10,000,000 or any larger multiple of
$1,000,000, the aggregate amount of the Commitments in excess of the aggregate
outstanding principal amount of the Loans.

             SECTION 2.10.  Mandatory Termination of Commitments.  The
Commitments shall terminate on the Termination Date, and any Loans then
outstanding (together with accrued interest thereon) shall be due and payable
on such date.

             SECTION 2.11.  Optional Prepayments.  (a)  The Borrower may (i)
upon at least one Domestic Business Day's notice to the Agent, prepay any Base
Rate Borrowing (or any Money Market Borrowing bearing interest at the Base Rate
pursuant to Section 8.01(a)) or, subject to Section 2.13, any CD Borrowing and
(ii) upon at least three Euro-Dollar Business Days' notice to the Agent,
subject to Section 2.13, prepay any Euro-Dollar Borrowing, in whole at any
time, or


                                      25
<PAGE>   31

from time to time in part in amounts aggregating $10,000,000 or any larger
multiple of $1,000,000, by paying the principal amount to be prepaid together
with accrued interest thereon to the date of prepayment.  Each such optional
prepayment shall be applied to prepay ratably the Loans of the several Banks
included in such Borrowing.

             (b)  Except as provided in clause (i) of Section 2.11(a), the
Borrower may not prepay all or any portion of the principal amount of any Money
Market Loan prior to the maturity thereof.

             (c)  Upon receipt of a notice of prepayment pursuant to this
Section, the Agent shall promptly notify each Bank of the contents thereof and
of such Bank's ratable share (if any) of such prepayment and such notice shall
not thereafter be revocable by the Borrower.

             SECTION 2.12.  General Provisions as to Payments.  (a)  The
Borrower shall make each payment of principal of, and interest on, the Loans
and of fees hereunder, not later than 12:00 Noon (New York City time) on the
date when due, in Dollars and in Federal or other funds immediately available
in New York City, to the Agent at its address referred to in Section 9.01.  The
Agent will promptly distribute to each Bank its ratable share of each such
payment received by the Agent for the account of the Banks.  Whenever any
payment of principal of, or interest on, the Domestic Loans or of fees shall be
due on a day which is not a Domestic Business Day, the date for payment thereof
shall be extended to the next succeeding Domestic Business Day.   Whenever any
payment of principal of, or interest on, the Euro-Dollar Loans shall be due on
a day which is not a Euro-Dollar Business Day, the date for payment thereof
shall be extended to the next succeeding Euro-Dollar Business Day unless such
Euro-Dollar Business Day falls in another calendar month, in which case the
date for payment thereof shall be the next preceding Euro-Dollar Business Day.
Whenever any payment of principal of, or interest on, the Money Market Loans
shall be due on a day which is not a Euro-Dollar Business Day, the date for
payment thereof shall be extended to the next succeeding Euro-Dollar Business
Day.  If the date for any payment of principal is extended by operation of law
or otherwise, interest thereon shall be payable for such extended time.

             (b)  Unless the Agent shall have received notice from the Borrower
prior to the date on which any payment is due to the Banks hereunder that the
Borrower will not make such payment in full, the Agent may assume that the
Borrower has made such payment in full to the Agent on such date and the Agent
may, in reliance upon such assumption, cause to be distributed to each Bank on
such due date an amount equal to


                                      26
<PAGE>   32

the amount then due such Bank.  If and to the extent that the Borrower shall
not have so made such payment, each Bank shall repay to the Agent forthwith on
demand such amount distributed to such Bank together with interest thereon, for
each day from the date such amount is distributed to such Bank until the date
such Bank repays such amount to the Agent, at the Federal Funds Rate.

             SECTION 2.13.  Funding Losses.  If the Borrower makes any payment
of principal with respect to any Fixed Rate Loan (pursuant to Section 2.11,
Article VI or VIII or otherwise) on any day other than the last day of the
Interest Period applicable thereto, or the last day of an applicable period
fixed pursuant to Section 2.07(d), or if the Borrower fails to borrow any Fixed
Rate Loans after notice has been given to any Bank in accordance with Section
2.04(a) or 2.11(c), the Borrower shall reimburse each Bank within 15 days after
demand for any resulting loss or expense incurred by it (or by an existing or
prospective Participant in the related Loan), including (without limitation)
any loss incurred in obtaining, liquidating or employing deposits from third
parties, but excluding loss of margin for the period after any such payment or
failure to borrow, provided that such Bank shall have delivered to the Borrower
a certificate as to the amount of such loss or expense, which certificate shall
be conclusive in the absence of clearly demonstrable error.

             SECTION 2.14.  Computation of Interest and Fees.  Interest based
on the Prime Rate hereunder shall be computed on the basis of a year of 365
days (or 366 days in a leap year) and paid for the actual number of days
elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day).  All other
interest and fees shall be computed on the basis of a year of 360 days and paid
for the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day but excluding
the last day).



                                 ARTICLE III

                                  CONDITIONS

             SECTION 3.01.  Effectiveness.  This Agreement shall become
effective on the date that each of the following conditions shall have been
satisfied (or waived in accordance with Section 9.05):

             (a)  receipt by the Agent of counterparts hereof signed by each of
    the parties hereto (or, in the case of any party as to which an executed
    counterpart shall not have been received, receipt by the Agent in form


                                      27
<PAGE>   33

    satisfactory to it of telegraphic, telex or other written confirmation from
    such party of execution of a counterpart hereof by such party);

             (b)  receipt by the Agent for the account of each Bank of a duly
    executed Note dated on or before the Effective Date complying with the
    provisions of Section 2.05;

             (c)  receipt by the Agent of an opinion of Milbank, Tweed, Hadley
    & McCloy, special counsel for the Borrower, substantially in the form of
    Exhibit E-1 hereto, and of an opinion of Riker, Danzig, Scherer, Hyland &
    Perretti, special New Jersey counsel for the Borrower, substantially in the
    form of Exhibit E-2 hereto;

             (d)  receipt by the Agent of an opinion of Davis Polk & Wardwell,
    special counsel for the Agent, substantially in the form of Exhibit F
    hereto;

             (e)  receipt by the Agent of all documents it may reasonably
    request relating to the existence of the Borrower, the corporate authority
    for and the validity of this Agreement and the Notes, and any other matters
    relevant hereto, all in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the
    Agent; and

             (f)  receipt by the Agent of evidence satisfactory to it of the
    payment of all principal of and interest on loans outstanding under the
    Prior Agreement (other than any "Money Market Loans" outstanding under the
    Prior Agreement and held by Banks party to this Agreement, which shall
    remain outstanding with the same terms as to amount, interest and maturity
    established pursuant to the Prior Agreement but which shall for purposes of
    this Agreement be deemed to be Money Market Loans made hereunder), together
    with facility fees thereunder accrued to the Effective Date and all other
    amounts payable thereunder;

provided that this Agreement shall not become effective or be binding on any
party hereto unless all of the foregoing conditions are satisfied not later
than April 15, 1995.  The Agent shall promptly notify the Borrower and the
Banks of the Effective Date, and such notice shall be conclusive and binding on
all parties hereto.  The Borrower and each of the Banks which is a party to the
Prior Agreement, comprising the "Required Banks" as defined in the Prior
Agreement, hereby agree that the commitments of the banks under the Prior
Agreement shall terminate on and as of the Effective Date, without further
action by any party to the Prior Agreement.


                                     28
<PAGE>   34

             SECTION 3.02.  Borrowings.  The obligation of any Bank to make a
Loan on the occasion of any Borrowing is subject to the satisfaction of the
following conditions:

             (a)  receipt by the Agent of a Notice of Borrowing as required by
    Section 2.02 or 2.03, as the case may be;

             (b)  the fact that, immediately after such Borrowing, the
    aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Loans will not exceed the
    aggregate amount of the Commitments;

             (c)  the fact that, immediately before and after such Borrowing,
    (i) in the case of a Refunding Borrowing, no Event of Default and (ii) in
    the case of any other Borrowing, no Default shall have occurred and be
    continuing; and

             (d)  the fact that the representations and warranties of the
    Borrower contained in this Agreement (except in the case of a Refunding
    Borrowing, the representations and warranties set forth in Sections 4.04(b)
    and 4.05 as to any matter which has theretofore been disclosed in writing
    by the Borrower to the Banks) shall be true on and as of the date of such
    Borrowing.  Each Borrowing hereunder shall be deemed to be a representation
    and warranty by the Borrower on the date of such Borrowing as to the facts
    specified in clauses (b), (c) and (d) of this Section.


                                 ARTICLE IV

                       REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

                 The Borrower represents and warrants that:

             SECTION 4.01.  Corporate Existence and Power.  The Borrower is a
    corporation duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under
    the laws of New Jersey, and has all corporate powers and all material
    governmental licenses, authorizations, consents and approvals required to
    carry on its business as now conducted.

             SECTION 4.02.  Corporate and Governmental Authorization; No        
    Contravention.  The execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower of
    this Agreement and the Notes are within the Borrower's corporate powers,
    have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of
    the Borrower, require no action by or in respect of, or filing with, any
    governmental body, agency or official (other than as may be required of any
    particular Bank) and


                                     29
<PAGE>   35

    do not contravene, or constitute a default under, any provision of law or
    regulation applicable to the Borrower or of the certificate of
    incorporation or by-laws of the Borrower, any instrument or agreement
    evidencing or governing Debt of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or
    of any other material agreement, judgment, injunction, order, decree or
    other instrument binding upon the Borrower or result in the creation or
    imposition of any Lien on any asset of the Borrower or any of its
    Subsidiaries.

             SECTION 4.03.  Binding Effect.  This Agreement constitutes a
    valid and binding agreement of the Borrower and the Notes, when executed
    and delivered in accordance with this Agreement, will constitute valid and
    binding obligations of the Borrower.

             SECTION 4.04.  Financial Information.

             (a)  The consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its
    Consolidated Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1993 and the related
    consolidated statements of earnings, cash flows and shareholders' equity
    for the fiscal year then ended, reported on by KPMG Peat Marwick, and set
    forth in the Borrower's 1993 Form 10-K, a copy of which has been delivered
    to each of the Banks, fairly present, in conformity with generally accepted
    accounting principles, the consolidated financial position of the Borrower
    and its Consolidated Subsidiaries as of such date and their consolidated
    results of operations and cash flows for such fiscal year.

             (b)  The unaudited consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and
    its consolidated Subsidiaries as of October 2, 1994 and the related
    unaudited consolidated statements of earnings, cash flows and shareholders'
    equity for the nine months then ended, set forth in the Borrower's
    quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 2, 1994, as
    filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the
    Securities Exchange Act of 1934, a copy of which has been delivered to each
    of the Banks, fairly present, in conformity with generally accepted
    accounting principles applied on a basis consistent with the financial
    statements referred to in subsection (a) of this Section, the consolidated
    financial position of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries as of
    such date and their consolidated results of operations and cash flows for
    such nine month period (subject to normal year-end adjustments).

             (c)  Since October 2, 1994, there has been no material adverse
    change in the business, financial position or results of operations of
    the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries, considered as a whole.


                                     30
<PAGE>   36

             SECTION 4.05.  Litigation.  There is no action, suit or proceeding
pending against, or to the knowledge of the Borrower threatened against or
affecting, the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries before any court or
arbitrator or any governmental body, agency or official in which there is a
reasonable possibility of an adverse decision which could materially adversely
affect the business, consolidated financial position or consolidated results of
operations of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries or which in any
manner draws into question the validity of this Agreement or the Notes.

             SECTION 4.06.  Compliance with ERISA.  Each member of the ERISA
Group has fulfilled its obligations under the minimum funding standards of
ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code with respect to each Plan and is in
compliance in all respects with the presently applicable provisions of ERISA
and the Internal Revenue Code with respect to each Plan where the failure to
comply is reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the business,
financial condition, or results of operations of the Borrower.  No member of
the ERISA Group has (i) sought a waiver of the minimum funding standard under
Section 412 of the Internal Revenue Code in respect of any Plan, (ii) failed to
make any contribution or payment to any Plan or Multiemployer Plan or in
respect of any Benefit Arrangement, or made any amendment to any Plan or
Benefit Arrangement, which has resulted or could result in the imposition of a
Lien or the posting of a bond or other security under ERISA or the Internal
Revenue Code or (iii) incurred any liability under Title IV of ERISA other than
a liability to the PBGC for premiums under Section 4007 of ERISA within the
preceding five years.

             SECTION 4.07.  Environmental Matters.  In the ordinary course of
its business, the Borrower conducts an ongoing review of the effect of
Environmental Laws on the business, operations and properties of the Borrower
and its Subsidiaries, in the course of which it identifies and evaluates
associated liabilities and costs (including, without limitation, any capital or
operating expenditures required for clean-up or closure of properties presently
or previously owned, any capital or operating expenditures required to achieve
or maintain compliance with environmental protection standards imposed by law
or as a condition of any license, permit or contract, any related constraints
on operating activities, including any periodic or permanent shutdown of any
facility or reduction in the level of or change in the nature of operations
conducted thereat, any costs or liabilities in connection with off-site
disposal of wastes or Hazardous Substances, and any actual or potential
liabilities to third parties, including employees, and any related costs and
expenses).  On the basis of this review, the Borrower has reasonably concluded


                                     31
<PAGE>   37

that such associated liabilities and costs, including the costs of compliance
with Environmental Laws, are unlikely to have a material adverse effect on the
business, financial condition or results of operations of the Borrower and its
Consolidated Subsidiaries, considered as a whole.

             SECTION 4.08.  Taxes.  United States Federal income tax returns of
the Borrower and its Subsidiaries have been examined and closed through the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1987.  The Borrower and its Subsidiaries have
filed all United States Federal income tax returns and all other material tax
returns which are required to be filed by them and have paid all material taxes
due pursuant to such returns or pursuant to any material assessment received by
the Borrower or any Subsidiary.  The charges, accruals and reserves on the
books of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in respect of taxes or other
governmental charges are, in the opinion of the Borrower, adequate in all
material respects.

             SECTION 4.09.  Subsidiaries.  Each of the Borrower's Significant
Subsidiaries is a corporation duly incorporated, validly existing and in good
standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation, and has all
corporate powers and all material governmental licenses, authorizations,
consents and approvals required to carry on its business as now conducted.

             SECTION 4.10.  Not an Investment Company.  The Borrower is not an
"investment company" within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940,
as amended.

             SECTION 4.11.  Full Disclosure.  All information heretofore
furnished by the Borrower to the Agent or any Bank for purposes of or in
connection with this Agreement or any transaction contemplated hereby is, and
all such information hereafter furnished by the Borrower to the Agent or any
Bank will be, when taken together, true and accurate in all material respects
on the date as of which such information is stated or certified or in the case
of projections, based upon reasonable estimates.  The Borrower has disclosed to
the Banks in writing any and all facts known to Borrower which materially and
adversely affect or may affect (to the extent the Borrower can now reasonably
foresee), the business, operations or financial condition of the Borrower and
its Consolidated Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or the ability of the Borrower
to perform its obligations under this Agreement.


                                     32
<PAGE>   38

                                   ARTICLE V

                                   COVENANTS

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

             SECTION 5.01.  Information.  The Borrower will deliver to each of
the Banks:

             (a)  as soon as available and in any event within 100 days after
    the end of each fiscal year of the Borrower, a consolidated balance sheet
    of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries as of the end of such
    fiscal year and the related consolidated statements of earnings, cash flows
    and shareholders' equity for such fiscal year, setting forth in each case
    in comparative form the figures for the previous fiscal year, all reported
    on in a manner acceptable to the Securities and Exchange Commission by KPMG
    Peat Marwick or other independent public accountants of nationally
    recognized standing;

             (b)  as soon as available and in any event within 55 days after
    the end of each of the first three quarters of each fiscal year of the
    Borrower, a consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Consolidated
    Subsidiaries as of the end of such quarter and the related consolidated
    statements of earnings and cash flows for such quarter and for the portion
    of the Borrower's fiscal year ended at the end of such quarter, setting
    forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the corresponding
    quarter and the corresponding portion of the Borrower's previous fiscal
    year, all certified (subject to normal year-end adjustments) as to fairness
    of presentation, generally accepted accounting principles and consistency
    by the chief financial officer, the chief accounting officer or the
    Treasurer of the Borrower;

             (c)  simultaneously with the delivery of each set of financial
    statements referred to in clauses (a) and (b) above, a certificate of the
    chief financial officer, the chief accounting officer or the Treasurer of
    the Borrower (i) setting forth in reasonable detail the calculations
    required to establish whether the Borrower was in compliance with the
    requirements of Sections 5.07 to 5.09, inclusive, and Section 5.12(b) on
    the date of such financial statements and (ii) stating whether any Default
    exists on the date of such certificate and, if any Default then exists,
    setting forth the details thereof and the action which the


                                     33
<PAGE>   39

    Borrower is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto;

             (d)  simultaneously with the delivery of each set of financial
    statements referred to in clause (a) above, a statement of the firm of
    independent public accountants which reported on such statements (i)
    whether anything has come to their attention to cause them to believe that
    any Default existed on the date of such statements and (ii) confirming the
    calculations set forth in the officer's certificate delivered
    simultaneously therewith pursuant to clause (c) above;

             (e)  within five days after any officer of the Borrower obtains
    knowledge of any Default, if such Default is then continuing, a certificate
    of the chief financial officer, the chief accounting officer or the
    Treasurer of the Borrower setting forth the details thereof and the action
    which the Borrower is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto;

             (f)  promptly upon the mailing thereof to the shareholders of the
    Borrower generally, copies of all financial statements, reports and proxy
    statements so mailed;

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

             (h)  if and when any member of the ERISA Group (i) gives or is
    required to give notice to the PBGC of any "reportable event" (as defined
    in Section 4043 of ERISA) with respect to any Plan which may reasonably be
    expected to constitute grounds for a termination of such Plan under Title
    IV of ERISA, or knows that the plan administrator of any Plan has given or
    is required to give notice of any such reportable event, a copy of the
    notice of such reportable event given or required to be given to the PBGC;
    (ii) receives notice of complete or partial withdrawal liability under
    Title IV of ERISA or notice that any Multiemployer Plan is in
    reorganization, is insolvent or has been terminated, a copy of such notice;
    (iii) receives notice from the PBGC under Title IV of ERISA of an intent to
    terminate, impose liability (other than for premiums under Section 4007 of
    ERISA) in respect of, or appoint a trustee to administer any Plan, a copy
    of such notice; (iv) applies for a waiver of the minimum funding standard
    under Section 412 of the Internal Revenue Code, a copy


                                     34
<PAGE>   40

    of such application; (v) gives notice of intent to terminate any Plan under
    Section 4041(c) of ERISA, a copy of such notice and other information filed
    with the PBGC; (vi) gives notice of withdrawal from any Plan pursuant to
    Section 4063 of ERISA, a copy of such notice; or (vii) fails to make any
    payment or contribution to any Plan or Multiemployer Plan or in respect of
    any Benefit Arrangement or makes any amendment to any Plan or Benefit
    Arrangement which has resulted or could result in the imposition of a Lien
    or the posting of a bond or other security, a certificate of the chief
    financial officer, the chief accounting officer or the Treasurer of the
    Borrower setting forth details as to such occurrence and action, if any,
    which the Borrower or applicable member of the ERISA Group is required or
    proposes to take;

             (i)  promptly upon obtaining knowledge of any actual or proposed
    change in any rating assigned to the Borrower by Moody's or S&P, notice of
    such change; and

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

             SECTION 5.02.  Payment of Obligations.  The Borrower will pay and
discharge, and will cause each Subsidiary to pay and discharge, at or before
maturity, all their respective material obligations and liabilities, including,
without limitation, tax liabilities, except where the same may be contested in
good faith by appropriate proceedings, and will maintain, and will cause each
Subsidiary to maintain, in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles, appropriate reserves for the accrual of any of the same.

             SECTION 5.03.  Maintenance of Property; Insurance.  (a)  The
Borrower will keep, and will cause each Subsidiary to keep, all property useful
and necessary in its business in good working order and condition, ordinary
wear and tear excepted.

                     (b)  The Borrower will, and will cause each of its
    Subsidiaries to, maintain (either in the name of the Borrower or in such
    Subsidiary's own name) with financially sound and responsible insurance
    companies, insurance on all their respective properties in at least such
    amounts and against at least such risks (and with such risk retention) as
    are usually insured against in the same general area by companies of
    established repute engaged in the same or a similar business; and will
    furnish to the Banks, upon


                                     35
<PAGE>   41

request from the Agent, information presented in reasonable detail as to the 
insurance so carried.

             SECTION 5.04.  Conduct of Business and Maintenance of Existence.
The Borrower will continue, and will cause each Significant Subsidiary to
continue, to engage in business of the same general type as now conducted by
the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, and will preserve, renew and keep in full
force and effect, and will cause each Significant Subsidiary to preserve, renew
and keep in full force and effect their respective corporate existence and
their respective rights, privileges and franchises necessary or desirable in
the normal conduct of business; provided that nothing in this Section 5.04
shall prohibit the sale, disposition, merger, consolidation or termination of
the corporate existence of any Subsidiary if (i) the Borrower in good faith
reasonably determines that such sale, disposition, merger, consolidation or
termination is in the best interest of the Borrower and is not materially
disadvantageous to the Banks and (ii) such sale, disposition, merger,
consolidation or termination is otherwise permitted under this Agreement.

             SECTION 5.05.  Compliance with Laws.  The Borrower will comply,
and cause each Subsidiary to comply, in all material respects with all
applicable laws, ordinances, rules, regulations, and requirements of
governmental authorities (including, without limitation, Environmental Laws and
ERISA and the rules and regulations thereunder) except where the necessity of
compliance therewith is contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings or
the failure to be in compliance is not materially adverse to the business,
financial condition or results of operations of the Borrower and its
Consolidated Subsidiaries, considered as a whole.

             SECTION 5.06.  Inspection of Property, Books and Records.  The
Borrower will keep, and will cause each Subsidiary to keep, proper books of
record and account in which full, true and correct entries shall be made of all
dealings and transactions in relation to its business and activities; and will
permit, and will cause each Subsidiary to permit, representatives of any Bank
at such Bank's expense to visit and inspect any of their respective properties,
to examine and make abstracts from any of their respective books and records
and to discuss their respective affairs, finances and accounts with their
respective officers, employees and independent public accountants, all at such
reasonable times and as often as may reasonably be desired.

             SECTION 5.07.  Operating Cash Flow Ratio.   At no date on or after
any date set forth below shall the ratio of


                                     36
<PAGE>   42

(i) Consolidated Operating Cash Flow for the four most recent consecutive
fiscal quarters of the Borrower ended on or most recently prior to such date to
(ii) Total Borrowed Funds as of such date, be less than the applicable ratio
set forth below for such date:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    Minimum
                     Date                            Ratio
                     ----                           ------
             <S>                                       <C>
             January 1, 1995                           .18
             December 31, 1995                         .20
             December 29, 1996                         .25
</TABLE>


             SECTION 5.08.  Subsidiary Debt.  (a) The total Debt of all Foreign
Subsidiaries (excluding Debt of a Foreign Subsidiary owing to the Borrower or
to a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary) will at no time exceed 20% of Consolidated Net
Tangible Assets.

             (b)  The total Debt of all Domestic Subsidiaries (excluding (i)
Debt of a Domestic Subsidiary owing to the Borrower or to a Wholly-Owned
Subsidiary and (ii) for a period of 90 days commencing on the date Leviton
becomes a Subsidiary, Debt of Leviton and its Subsidiaries) will at no time
exceed an amount equal to the greater of (i) $50,000,000 and (ii) 20% of
Consolidated Debt.

             (c)  Solely for purposes of this Section 5.08, any preferred stock
of a Subsidiary held by a Person other than the Borrower or a Wholly-Owned
Subsidiary shall be included, at the higher of its voluntary or involuntary
liquidation value, in the "Debt" of such Subsidiary.

             SECTION 5.09.  Minimum Consolidated Tangible Net Worth.
Consolidated Tangible Net Worth will not at any time be less than the
Compliance Level.  For this purpose, the "Compliance Level" is an amount
initially equal to $150,000,000; the Compliance Level shall be increased
effective at the end of the first fiscal quarter of each fiscal year of the
Borrower commencing after December 31, 1995 by an amount equal to 50% of the
consolidated net income of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries for
the preceding fiscal year, but as to any particular such preceding year only if
the consolidated net income of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries
for such year is a positive number.  The Compliance Level shall at no time
decrease to account for negative consolidated net income of the Borrower and
its Consolidated Subsidiaries for any year.

             SECTION 5.10.  Restricted Payments.  Neither the Borrower nor any
Subsidiary will declare any dividend on any class of capital stock of the
Borrower or make any other 


                                     37
<PAGE>   43

Restricted Payment unless, after giving effect thereto, the aggregate of
all dividends on the Borrower's capital stock declared and other Restricted
Payments made (without duplication) during any period of four consecutive
fiscal quarters will not exceed an amount equal to the greater of (i) $2.24
times the number of shares of common stock of the Borrower outstanding on the
date such dividend or Restricted Payment is declared and (ii) 50% of the
consolidated net income of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries for
the period of four consecutive fiscal quarters commencing one quarter earlier
than the commencement of the period referred to above; provided that in the
event of any stock dividend, split, reclassification or similar transaction,
the amount specified in clause (i) above shall be appropriately adjusted.  No
dividend on the Borrower's capital stock shall be payable more than 65 days
after the date of declaration thereof.  The foregoing will not prohibit (i)
payment of any dividend or distribution within 65 days after the date of
declaration thereof, if at the date of declaration the payment of such dividend
or distribution would have complied with this Section 5.10, (ii) payment of any
dividend or distribution where substantially concurrently with the payment
thereof an amount of net proceeds, including cash and the fair market value of
property other than cash (as determined by any two of the following:  the
Chairman, the President, any Vice President, the Treasurer and the Controller
of the Borrower), at least equal to such dividend or distribution is received
as a capital contribution or as the proceeds from the issuance or sale of
capital stock of the Borrower, (iii) the retirement of any shares of the
Borrower's capital stock in exchange for, or out of the proceeds of the
substantially concurrent issuance or sale of, other shares of the Borrower's
capital stock and (iv) purchases of shares of capital stock of the Borrower to
deliver pursuant to, or purchases or redemptions of shares of capital stock
from employees or former employees of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries in
connection with, the Borrower's stock option and incentive plans.

             SECTION 5.11.  Negative Pledge.  Neither the Borrower nor any
Subsidiary will create, assume or suffer to exist any Lien on any asset now
owned or hereafter acquired by it, except:

             (a)  Liens existing on the date of this Agreement securing Debt
    outstanding on the date of this Agreement in an aggregate principal amount
    not exceeding $15,000,000;

             (b)  any Lien existing on any asset of any corporation at the time
    such corporation becomes a


                                     38
<PAGE>   44

    Subsidiary and not created in contemplation of such event;

             (c)  any Lien on any asset securing Debt incurred or assumed for
    the purpose of financing all or any part of the cost of acquiring or
    constructing such asset, provided that such Lien attaches to such asset
    concurrently with or within 180 days after the acquisition or construction
    thereof;

             (d)  any Lien on any asset of any corporation existing at the time
    such corporation is merged or consolidated with or into the Borrower or a
    Subsidiary and not created in contemplation of such event;

             (e)  any Lien existing on any asset prior to the acquisition
    thereof by the Borrower or a Subsidiary and not created in contemplation of
    such acquisition;

             (f)  any Lien arising out of the refinancing, extension, renewal
    or refunding of any Debt secured by any Lien permitted by any of the
    foregoing clauses of this Section, provided that such Debt is not increased
    and is not secured by any additional assets;

             (g)  Liens arising in the ordinary course of its business which
    (i) do not secure Debt, (ii) do not secure any obligation in an amount
    exceeding $50,000,000 and (iii) do not in the aggregate materially detract
    from the value of its assets or materially impair the use thereof in the
    operation of its business; and

             (h)  Liens not otherwise permitted by the foregoing clauses of
    this Section securing Debt in an aggregate principal amount at any time
    outstanding not to exceed 10% of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets.

             SECTION 5.12.  Consolidations, Mergers and Sales of Assets.  (a)
The Borrower will not (i) consolidate or merge with or into any other Person or
(ii) sell, lease or otherwise transfer, directly or indirectly, all or any
substantial part of the assets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, taken as a
whole, to any other Person; provided that the Borrower may merge with another
Person if (1) either (x) the Borrower is the corporation surviving such merger
or (y) the Person (if other than the Borrower) formed by such consolidation or
into which the Borrower is merged or to which properties and assets of the
Borrower are transferred shall be a corporation organized and existing under
the laws of the United States or any State thereof or the District of Columbia
and shall expressly assume (by an instrument satisfactory in form to the
Required Banks,


                                     39
<PAGE>   45

accompanied by such legal opinions with respect thereto as the Required Banks
may reasonably request) the due and punctual payment of the principal of and
interest on the Loans and of all other amounts payable by the Borrower
hereunder, and the due and punctual performance and observance of all the
terms, covenants, agreements and conditions of this Agreement to be performed
or observed by the Borrower to the same extent as if such surviving or
acquiring corporation had been the original issuer of the Notes and (2)
immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no Default shall have
occurred and be continuing.

             (b)  Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary will sell or
otherwise transfer any accounts receivable or other rights to receive income,
except pursuant to one or more accounts receivable purchase facilities provided
that the aggregate unreimbursed purchase price under all such facilities does
not at any time exceed $100,000,000.

             SECTION 5.13.  Use of Proceeds.  The proceeds of the Loans made
under this Agreement will be used by the Borrower for the Borrower's general
corporate purposes.  None of such proceeds will be used, directly or
indirectly, for the purpose, whether immediate, incidental or ultimate, of
buying or carrying any "margin stock" within the meaning of Regulation U.

             SECTION 5.14.  Transactions with Affiliates.  The Borrower will
    not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, pay any
    funds to or for the account of, make any investment (whether by acquisition
    of stock or indebtedness, by loan, advance, transfer of property, guarantee
    or other agreement to pay, purchase or service, directly or indirectly, any
    Debt, or otherwise) in, lease, sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of any
    assets, tangible or intangible, to, or participate in, or effect any
    transaction in connection with any joint enterprise or other joint
    arrangement with, any Affiliate; provided, however, that the foregoing
    provisions of this Section shall not prohibit (a) the Borrower from
    declaring or paying any lawful dividend permitted by Section 5.10, (b) the
    Borrower or any Subsidiary from making sales to or purchases from any
    Affiliate and, in connection therewith, extending credit or making
    payments, or from making payments for services rendered by any Affiliate,
    if such sales or purchases are made or such services are rendered in the
    ordinary course of business and on terms and conditions at least as
    favorable to the Borrower or such Subsidiary as the terms and conditions
    which would apply in a similar transaction with a Person not an Affiliate,
    (c) the Borrower or any Subsidiary from making payments of principal,
    interest and premium on any Debt of the Borrower or such Subsidiary held by
    an


                                     40
<PAGE>   46

    Affiliate if the terms of such Debt are substantially as favorable to the
    Borrower or such Subsidiary as the terms which could have been obtained at
    the time of the creation of such Debt from a lender which was not an
    Affiliate, (d) the Borrower or any Subsidiary from participating in, or
    effecting any transaction in connection with, any joint enterprise or other
    joint arrangement with any Affiliate if the Borrower or such Subsidiary
    participates in the ordinary course of its business and on a basis no less
    advantageous than the basis on which such Affiliate participates and (e)
    the Borrower or any Subsidiary from making payments to their respective
    directors and executive officers in the ordinary course of business.


                                   ARTICLE VI

                                    DEFAULTS

             SECTION 6.01.  Events of Default.  If one or more of the following
events ("Events of Default") shall have occurred and be continuing:

             (a)  the Borrower shall fail to pay when due any principal of any
    Loan, or shall fail to pay within five days of the due date thereof any
    interest on any Loan, any fees or any other amount payable hereunder;

             (b)  the Borrower shall fail to observe or perform any covenant
    contained in Sections 5.07 to 5.14, inclusive;

             (c)  the Borrower shall fail to observe or perform any covenant or
    agreement contained in this Agreement (other than those covered by clause
    (a) or (b) above) for 30 days after written notice thereof has been given
    to the Borrower by the Agent at the request of any Bank;

             (d)  any representation, warranty, certification or statement made
    by the Borrower in this Agreement or in any certificate, financial
    statement or other document delivered pursuant to this Agreement shall
    prove to have been incorrect in any material respect when made (or deemed
    made);

             (e)  the Borrower or any Subsidiary shall fail to make any payment
    in respect of any Material Debt when due (including any applicable grace
    period);

             (f)  any event or condition shall occur which results in the
    acceleration of the maturity of any Material Debt or enables (or, with the
    giving of notice


                                     41
<PAGE>   47

    or lapse of time or both, would enable) the holder of such Debt or any
    Person acting on such holder's behalf to accelerate the maturity thereof;

             (g)  the Borrower or any Significant Subsidiary shall commence a
    voluntary case or other proceeding seeking liquidation, reorganization or
    other relief with respect to itself or its debts under any bankruptcy,
    insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in effect or seeking the
    appointment of a trustee, receiver, liquidator, custodian or other similar
    official of it or any substantial part of its property, or shall consent to
    any such relief or to the appointment of or taking possession by any such
    official in an involuntary case or other proceeding commenced against it,
    or shall make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors, or shall
    fail generally to pay its debts as they become due, or shall take any
    corporate action to authorize any of the foregoing;

             (h)  an involuntary case or other proceeding shall be commenced
    against the Borrower or any Significant Subsidiary seeking liquidation,
    reorganization or other relief with respect to it or its debts under any
    bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in effect or
    seeking the appointment of a trustee, receiver, liquidator, custodian or
    other similar official of it or any substantial part of its property, and
    such involuntary case or other proceeding shall remain undismissed and
    unstayed for a period of 60 days; or an order for relief shall be entered
    against the Borrower or any Significant Subsidiary under the federal
    bankruptcy laws as now or hereafter in effect;

             (i)  any member of the ERISA Group shall fail to pay when due an
    amount or amounts aggregating in excess of $10,000,000 which it shall have
    become liable to pay under Title IV of ERISA; or notice of intent to
    terminate a Material Plan shall be filed under Title IV of ERISA by any
    member of the ERISA Group, any plan administrator or any combination of the
    foregoing; or the PBGC shall institute proceedings under Title IV of ERISA
    to terminate, to impose liability (other than for premiums under Section
    4007 of ERISA) in respect of, or to cause a trustee to be appointed to
    administer any Material Plan; or a condition shall exist by reason of which
    the PBGC would be entitled to obtain a decree adjudicating that any
    Material Plan must be terminated; or there shall occur a complete or
    partial withdrawal from, or a default, within the meaning of Section
    4219(c)(5) of ERISA, with respect to, one or more


                                     42
<PAGE>   48

    Multiemployer Plans which could cause one or more members of the ERISA
    Group to incur a current payment obligation in excess of $20,000,000;

             (j)  a judgment or order for the payment of money in excess of
    $10,000,000 shall be rendered against the Borrower or any Subsidiary and
    such judgment or order shall continue unsatisfied and unstayed for a period
    of 30 days; or

             (k)  any person or group of persons (within the meaning of Section
    13 or 14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) shall have
    acquired beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated
    by the Securities and Exchange Commission under said Act) of 20% or more of
    the outstanding shares of common stock of the Borrower; or, during any
    period of twelve consecutive calendar months, individuals who were
    directors of the Borrower on the first day of such period shall cease to
    constitute a majority of the board of directors of the Borrower or who were
    recommended for election or elected to succeed such directors by a majority
    of such directors;

then, and in every such event, the Agent shall (i) if requested by Banks having
more than 50% in aggregate amount of the Commitments, by notice to the Borrower
terminate the Commitments and they shall thereupon terminate, and (ii) if
requested by Banks holding Notes evidencing more than 50% in aggregate
principal amount of the Loans, by notice to the Borrower declare the Notes
(together with accrued interest thereon) to be, and the Notes shall thereupon
become, immediately due and payable without presentment, demand, protest or
other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the Borrower;
provided that in the case of any of the Events of Default specified in clause
(g) or (h) above with respect to the Borrower, without any notice to the
Borrower or any other act by the Agent or the Banks, the Commitments shall
thereupon terminate and the Notes (together with accrued interest thereon)
shall become immediately due and payable without presentment, demand, protest
or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the Borrower.

             SECTION 6.02.  Notice of Default.  The Agent shall give notice to
the Borrower under Section 6.01(c) promptly upon being requested to do so by
any Bank and shall thereupon notify all the Banks thereof.  Failure of any Bank
to request or of the Agent to give such notice to the Borrower pursuant to this
Section shall not constitute a waiver of any failure of the Borrower to observe
or perform any of its covenants or agreements hereunder.


                                     43
<PAGE>   49

                                  ARTICLE VII

                                   THE AGENT

             SECTION 7.01.  Appointment and Authorization.  Each Bank
irrevocably appoints and authorizes the Agent to take such action as agent on
its behalf and to exercise such powers under this Agreement and the Notes as
are delegated to the Agent by the terms hereof or thereof, together with all
such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto.

             SECTION 7.02.  Agent and Affiliates.  Morgan Guaranty Trust
Company of New York shall have the same rights and powers under this Agreement
as any other Bank and may exercise or refrain from exercising the same as
though it were not the Agent, and Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York and
its affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money to, and generally engage in
any kind of business with the Borrower or any Subsidiary or affiliate of the
Borrower as if it were not the Agent hereunder.

             SECTION 7.03.  Action by Agent.  The obligations of the Agent
hereunder are only those expressly set forth herein.  Without limiting the
generality of the foregoing, the Agent shall not be required to take any action
with respect to any Default, except as expressly provided in Article VI.

             SECTION 7.04.  Consultation with Experts.  The Agent may consult
with legal counsel (who may be counsel for the Borrower), independent public
accountants and other experts selected by it and shall not be liable for any
action taken or omitted to be taken by it in good faith in accordance with the
advice of such counsel, accountants or experts.

             SECTION 7.05.  Liability of Agent.  Neither the Agent nor any of
its affiliates nor any of their respective directors, officers, agents or
employees shall be liable for any action taken or not taken by it in connection
herewith (i) with the consent or at the request of the Required Banks or (ii)
in the absence of its own gross negligence or willful misconduct.  Neither the
Agent nor any of its affiliates nor any of their respective directors,
officers, agents or employees shall be responsible for or have any duty to
ascertain, inquire into or verify (i) any statement, warranty or representation
made in connection with this Agreement or any borrowing hereunder; (ii) the
performance or observance of any of the covenants or agreements of the
Borrower; (iii) the satisfaction of any condition specified in Article III,
except receipt of items required to be delivered to the Agent; or (iv) the
validity, effectiveness or genuineness of this Agreement, the Notes or any
other


                                     44
<PAGE>   50

instrument or writing furnished in connection herewith.  The Agent shall not
incur any liability by acting in reliance upon any notice, consent,
certificate, statement, or other writing (which may be a bank wire, telex or
similar writing) believed by it to be genuine or to be signed by the proper
party or parties.

             SECTION 7.06.  Indemnification.  Each Bank shall, ratably in
accordance with its Commitment, indemnify the Agent, its affiliates and their
respective directors, officers, agents and employees (to the extent not
reimbursed by the Borrower) against any cost, expense (including counsel fees
and disbursements), claim, demand, action, loss or liability (except such as
result from such indemnitees' gross negligence or willful misconduct) that such
indemnitees may suffer or incur in connection with this Agreement or any action
taken or omitted by such indemnitees hereunder.

             SECTION 7.07.  Credit Decision.  Each Bank acknowledges that it
has, independently and without reliance upon the Agent or any other Bank, and
based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its
own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement.  Each Bank also
acknowledges that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Agent or
any other Bank, and based on such documents and information as it shall deem
appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or
not taking any action under this Agreement.

             SECTION 7.08.  Successor Agent.  The Agent may resign at any time
(subject to the appointment and acceptance of a successor agent) by giving
written notice thereof to the Banks and the Borrower.  Upon any such
resignation, the Required Banks shall have the right to appoint a successor
Agent.  If no successor Agent shall have been so appointed by the Required
Banks, and shall have accepted such appointment, within 30 days after the
retiring Agent gives notice of resignation, then the retiring Agent may, on
behalf of the Banks, appoint a successor Agent, which shall be a commercial
bank organized or licensed under the laws of the United States of America or of
any State thereof and having a combined capital and surplus of at least
$500,000,000.  Upon the acceptance of its appointment as Agent hereunder by a
successor Agent, such successor Agent shall thereupon succeed to and become
vested with all the rights and duties of the retiring Agent, and the retiring
Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder.  After any
retiring Agent's resignation hereunder as Agent, the provisions of this Article
shall inure to its benefit as to any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it
while it was Agent.


                                     45
<PAGE>   51

             SECTION 7.09.  Agent's Fee.  The Borrower shall pay to the Agent
for its own account fees in the amounts and at the times previously agreed upon
between the Borrower and the Agent.


                                  ARTICLE VIII

                            CHANGE IN CIRCUMSTANCES

             SECTION 8.01.  Basis for Determining Interest Rate Inadequate or
Unfair.  If on or prior to the first day of any Interest Period for any Fixed
Rate Borrowing:

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

             (b)  in the case of a Committed Borrowing, Banks having 50% or
    more of the aggregate amount of the Commitments advise the Agent that the
    Adjusted CD Rate or the Adjusted London Interbank Offered Rate, as the case
    may be, as determined by the Agent will not adequately and fairly reflect
    the cost to such Banks of funding their CD Loans or Euro-Dollar Loans, as
    the case may be, for such Interest Period, the Agent shall forthwith give
    notice thereof to the Borrower and the Banks, whereupon until the Agent
    notifies the Borrower that the circumstances giving rise to such suspension
    no longer exist, the obligations of the Banks to make CD Loans or
    Euro-Dollar Loans, as the case may be, shall be suspended.  Unless the
    Borrower notifies the Agent at least two Domestic Business Days before the
    date of any Fixed Rate Borrowing for which a Notice of Borrowing has
    previously been given that it elects not to borrow on such date, (i) if
    such Fixed Rate Borrowing is a Committed Borrowing, such Borrowing shall
    instead be made as a Base Rate Borrowing and (ii) if such Fixed Rate
    Borrowing is a Money Market LIBOR Borrowing, the Money Market LIBOR Loans
    comprising such Borrowing shall bear interest for each day from and
    including the first day to but excluding the last day of the Interest
    Period applicable thereto at the Base Rate for such day.

             SECTION 8.02.  Illegality.  If, on or after the date of this
Agreement, the adoption of any applicable law, rule or regulation, or any
change in any applicable law, rule or regulation, or any change in the
interpretation or administration thereof by any governmental authority, central
bank or comparable agency charged with the interpretation or administration
thereof, or compliance by


                                     46
<PAGE>   52

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

             SECTION 8.03.  Increased Cost and Reduced Return.  (a)  If on or
after (x) the date hereof, in the case of any Committed Loan or any obligation
to make Committed Loans or (y) the date of the related Money Market Quote, in
the case of any Money Market Loan, the adoption of any applicable law, rule or
regulation, or any change in any applicable law, rule or regulation, or any
change in the interpretation or administration thereof by any governmental
authority, central bank or comparable agency charged with the interpretation or
administration thereof, or compliance by any Bank (or its Applicable Lending
Office) with any request or directive (whether or not having the force of law)
of any such authority, central bank or comparable agency shall impose, modify
or deem applicable any reserve (including, without limitation, any such
requirement imposed by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System,
but excluding (i) with respect to any CD Loan any such requirement included in
an applicable Domestic Reserve Percentage and (ii) with respect to any
Euro-Dollar Loan any such requirement included in an applicable Euro-Dollar
Reserve Percentage), special deposit, insurance assessment (excluding, with
respect to any CD Loan, any such requirement reflected in an applicable
Assessment Rate) or similar requirement against assets of, deposits with or for


                                     47
<PAGE>   53

the account of, or credit extended by, any Bank (or its Applicable Lending
Office) or shall impose on any Bank (or its Applicable Lending Office) or on
the United States market for certificates of deposit or the London interbank
market any other condition affecting its Fixed Rate Loans, its Note or its
obligation to make Fixed Rate Loans and the result of any of the foregoing is
to increase the cost to such Bank (or its Applicable Lending Office) of making
or maintaining any Fixed Rate Loan, or to reduce the amount of any sum received
or receivable by such Bank (or its Applicable Lending Office) under this
Agreement or under its Note with respect thereto, by an amount deemed by such
Bank to be material, then, within 15 days after demand by such Bank (with a
copy to the Agent), the Borrower shall pay to such Bank such additional amount
or amounts as will compensate such Bank for such increased cost or reduction.

             (b)  If any Bank shall have determined that, after the date
hereof, the adoption of any applicable law, rule or regulation regarding
capital adequacy, or any change in any such law, rule or regulation, or any
change in the interpretation or administration thereof by any governmental
authority, central bank or comparable agency charged with the interpretation or
administration thereof, or any request or directive regarding capital adequacy
(whether or not having the force of law) of any such authority, central bank or
comparable agency, has or would have the effect of reducing the rate of return
on capital of such Bank (or its Parent) as a consequence of such Bank's
obligations hereunder to a level below that which such Bank (or its Parent)
could have achieved but for such adoption, change, request or directive (taking
into consideration its policies with respect to capital adequacy) by an amount
deemed by such Bank to be material, then from time to time, within 15 days
after demand by such Bank (with a copy to the Agent), the Borrower shall pay to
such Bank such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Bank (or
its Parent) for such reduction.

             (c)  Each Bank will promptly notify the Borrower and the Agent of
any event of which it has knowledge, occurring after the date hereof, which
will entitle such Bank to compensation pursuant to this Section and will
designate a different Applicable Lending Office if such designation will avoid
the need for, or reduce the amount of, such compensation and will not, in the
judgment of such Bank, be otherwise disadvantageous to such Bank.  A
certificate of any Bank claiming compensation under this Section and setting
forth the additional amount or amounts to be paid to it hereunder shall be
conclusive in the absence of clearly demonstrable error.  In determining such
amount, such Bank may use any reasonable averaging and attribution methods.


                                     48
<PAGE>   54

             (d)  If any Bank fails to give the notice required by paragraph
(c) above within 90 days after it obtains actual knowledge of any event
entitling such Bank to compensation pursuant to this Section 8.03, such Bank
shall, with respect to compensation payable pursuant to this Section 8.03 in
respect of any costs resulting from such event, only be entitled to payment
under this Section 8.03 for costs incurred from and after the date 90 days
prior to the date that such Bank does give such notice.

             SECTION 8.04.  Taxes.  (a)  Any and all payments by the Borrower
to or for the account of any Bank or the Agent hereunder or under any Note
shall be made free and clear of and without deduction for any and all present
or future taxes, duties, levies, imposts, deductions, charges or withholdings,
and all liabilities with respect thereto, excluding, in the case of each Bank
and the Agent, taxes imposed on its income, and franchise taxes imposed on it,
by the jurisdiction under the laws of which such Bank or the Agent (as the case
may be) is organized or any political subdivision thereof and, in the case of
each Bank, taxes imposed on its income, and franchise or similar taxes imposed
on it, by the jurisdiction of such Bank's Applicable Lending Office or any
political subdivision thereof (all such non-excluded taxes, duties, levies,
imposts, deductions, charges, withholdings and liabilities being hereinafter
referred to as "Taxes").  If the Borrower shall be required by law to deduct
any Taxes from or in respect of any sum payable hereunder or under any Note to
any Bank or the Agent, (i) the sum payable shall be increased as necessary so
that after making all required deductions (including deductions applicable to
additional sums payable under this Section 8.04) such Bank or the Agent (as the
case may be) receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no
such deductions been made, (ii) the Borrower shall make such deductions, (iii)
the Borrower shall pay the full amount deducted to the relevant taxation
authority or other authority in accordance with applicable law and (iv) the
Borrower shall furnish to the Agent, at its address referred to in Section
9.01, the original or a certified copy of a receipt evidencing payment thereof.

             (b)  In addition, the Borrower agrees to pay any present or future
stamp or documentary taxes and any other excise or property taxes, or charges
or similar levies which arise from any payment made hereunder or under any Note
or from the execution or delivery of, or otherwise with respect to, this
Agreement or any Note (hereinafter referred to as "Other Taxes").

             (c)  The Borrower agrees to indemnify each Bank and the Agent for
the full amount of Taxes or Other Taxes (including, without limitation, any
Taxes or Other Taxes


                                     49
<PAGE>   55

imposed or asserted by any jurisdiction on amounts payable under this Section
8.04) paid by such Bank or the Agent (as the case may be) and any liability
(including penalties, interest and expenses) arising therefrom or with respect
thereto.  This indemnification shall be made within 15 days from the date such
Bank or the Agent (as the case may be) makes demand therefor.  Notwithstanding
this Section 8.04(c), if a Bank or the Agent receives any notice from the
relevant taxing authority asserting the imposition of any Taxes or Other Taxes
or otherwise becomes aware of any assertion or imposition of Taxes or Other
Taxes and fails to notify the Borrower promptly of such assertion or
imposition, the Borrower shall have no obligation to indemnify such Bank or the
Agent for any penalties, interest or expenses arising from such Taxes or Other
Taxes incurred during the period before such Bank or the Agent so notifies the
Borrower and after such Bank or the Agent receives notification from the
relevant taxing authority or becomes aware of such assertion or imposition.

             (d)  Each Bank organized under the laws of a jurisdiction outside
the United States, on or prior to the date of its execution and delivery of
this Agreement in the case of each Bank listed on the signature pages hereof
and on or prior to the date on which it becomes a Bank in the case of each
other Bank, and from time to time thereafter if requested in writing by the
Borrower (but only so long as such Bank remains lawfully able to do so), shall
provide the Borrower with Internal Revenue Service form 1001 or 4224, as
appropriate, or any successor form prescribed by the Internal Revenue Service,
certifying that such Bank is entitled to benefits under an income tax treaty to
which the United States is a party which reduces the rate of withholding tax on
payments of interest or certifying that the income receivable pursuant to this
Agreement is effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business in
the United States.  If the form provided by a Bank at the time such Bank first
becomes a party to this Agreement indicates a United States interest
withholding tax rate in excess of zero, withholding tax at such rate shall be
considered excluded from "Taxes" as defined in Section 8.04(a).

             (e)  For any period with respect to which a Bank has failed to
provide the Borrower with the appropriate form pursuant to Section 8.04(d)
(unless such failure is due to a change in treaty, law or regulation occurring
subsequent to the date on which a form originally was required to be provided),
such Bank shall not be entitled to indemnification under Section 8.04(a) with
respect to Taxes imposed by the United States; provided, however, that should a
Bank, which is otherwise exempt from or subject to a reduced rate of
withholding tax, become subject to Taxes


                                     50
<PAGE>   56

because of its failure to deliver a form required hereunder, the Borrower shall
furnish such information and documents as such Bank shall reasonably request to
assist such Bank to recover such Taxes.

             (f)  If the Borrower is required to pay additional amounts to or
for the account of any Bank pursuant to this Section 8.04, then such Bank will
change the jurisdiction of its Applicable Lending Office so as to eliminate or
reduce any such additional payment which may thereafter accrue if such change,
in the judgment of such Bank, is not otherwise disadvantageous to such Bank.

             SECTION 8.05.  Base Rate Loans Substituted for Affected Fixed Rate
Loans.  If (i) the obligation of any Bank to make Euro-Dollar Loans has been
suspended pursuant to Section 8.02 or (ii) any Bank has demanded compensation
under Section 8.03 or 8.04 with respect to its CD Loans or Euro-Dollar Loans
and the Borrower shall, by at least five Euro-Dollar Business Days' prior
notice to such Bank through the Agent, have elected that the provisions of this
Section shall apply to such Bank, then, unless and until such Bank notifies the
Borrower that the circumstances giving rise to such suspension or demand for
compensation no longer exist:

             (a)  all Loans which would otherwise be made by such Bank as CD
    Loans or Euro-Dollar Loans, as the case may be, shall be made instead as
    Base Rate Loans (on which interest and principal shall be payable
    contemporaneously with the related Fixed Rate Loans of the other Banks),
    and

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

             SECTION 8.06.  HLT Classification.  If, after the date hereof, the
Agent determines that, or the Agent is advised by any Bank that such Bank has
received notice from any governmental authority, central bank or comparable
agency having jurisdiction over such Bank that, the Loans hereunder are
classified as a "highly leveraged transaction" under applicable federal
regulatory guidelines (an "HLT Classification"), the Agent shall promptly give
notice of such HLT Classification to the Borrower and the other Banks.  The
Agent, the Banks and the Borrower shall commence negotiations in good faith to
agree on the extent to which fees, interest rates and/or margins hereunder
should be increased so as to reflect market incremental pricing for extensions
of credit subject to HLT Classification.  If the Borrower and Banks having more
than 50% in aggregate amount


                                     51
<PAGE>   57

of the Commitments agree on the amount of such increase or increases, this
Agreement may be amended to give effect to such increase or increases as
provided in Section 9.05.  If the Borrower and Banks having more than 50% in
aggregate amount of the Commitments fail to so agree within 90 days after
notice is given by the Agent as provided above, then the Agent shall, if
requested by Banks having 50% or more in aggregate amount of the Commitments,
by notice to the Borrower terminate the Commitments and they shall thereupon
terminate and the Borrower shall repay each outstanding Loan at the end of the
Interest Period applicable thereto.  The Banks acknowledge that an HLT
Classification is not a Default or an Event of Default hereunder.

             SECTION  8.07.  Substitution of Bank.  If (i) the obligation of
any Bank to make Euro-Dollar Loans has been suspended pursuant to Section 8.02
or (ii) any Bank has demanded compensation under Section 8.03 or 8.04, the
Borrower shall have the right, with the assistance of the Agent, to seek a
mutually satisfactory substitute bank or banks (which may be one or more of the
Banks) to purchase the Note and assume the Commitment of such Bank.


                                   ARTICLE IX

                                 MISCELLANEOUS

             SECTION 9.01.  Notices.  All notices, requests and other
communications to any party hereunder shall be in writing (including bank wire,
telex, facsimile transmission or similar writing) and shall be given to such
party:  (x) in the case of the Borrower or the Agent, at its address, facsimile
number or telex number set forth on the signature pages hereof, (y) in the case
of any Bank, at its address, facsimile number or telex number set forth in its
Administrative Questionnaire (copies of which the Agent shall deliver to the
Borrower) or (z) in the case of any party, such other address, facsimile number
or telex number as such party may hereafter specify for the purpose by notice
to the Agent and the Borrower.  Each such notice, request or other
communication shall be effective (i) if given by telex, when such telex is
transmitted to the telex number specified in this Section and the appropriate
answerback is received, (ii) if given by facsimile transmission, when
transmitted to the facsimile number specified in this Section and confirmation
of receipt is received, (iii) if given by mail, 72 hours after such
communication is deposited in the mails with first class postage prepaid,
addressed as aforesaid or (iv) if given by any other means, when delivered at
the address specified in this Section; provided that notices to the Agent under


                                     52
<PAGE>   58

Article II or Article VIII shall not be effective until received.

             SECTION 9.02.  No Waivers.  No failure or delay by the Agent or
any Bank in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder or under any
Note shall operate as a waiver thereof nor shall any single or partial exercise
thereof preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any
other right, power or privilege.  The rights and remedies herein provided shall
be cumulative and not exclusive of any rights or remedies provided by law.

             SECTION 9.03.  Expenses; Indemnification.  (a)  The Borrower shall
pay (i) all out-of-pocket expenses of the Agent, including fees and
disbursements of special counsel for the Agent, in connection with the
preparation and administration of this Agreement, any waiver or consent
hereunder or any amendment hereof or any Default or alleged Default hereunder
and (ii) if an Event of Default occurs, all out-of-pocket expenses incurred by
the Agent and each Bank, including fees and disbursements of counsel, in
connection with such Event of Default and collection, bankruptcy, insolvency
and other enforcement proceedings resulting therefrom.

             (b)  The Borrower agrees to indemnify the Agent and each Bank,
their respective affiliates and the respective directors, officers, agents and
employees of the foregoing (each an "Indemnitee") and hold each Indemnitee
harmless from and against any and all liabilities, losses, damages, costs and
expenses of any kind, including, without limitation, the reasonable fees and
disbursements of counsel, which may be incurred by such Indemnitee in
connection with any investigative, administrative or judicial proceeding
(whether or not such Indemnitee shall be designated a party thereto) brought or
threatened relating to or arising out of this Agreement or any actual or
proposed use of proceeds of Loans hereunder; provided that no Indemnitee shall
have the right to be indemnified hereunder for such Indemnitee's own gross
negligence or willful misconduct as determined by a court of competent
jurisdiction.

             SECTION 9.04.  Sharing of Set-Offs.  Each Bank agrees that if it
shall, by exercising any right of set-off or counterclaim or otherwise, receive
payment of a proportion of the aggregate amount of principal and interest due
with respect to any Note held by it which is greater than the proportion
received by any other Bank in respect of the aggregate amount of principal and
interest due with respect to any Note held by such other Bank, the Bank
receiving such proportionately greater payment shall purchase such
participations in the Notes held by the other


                                     53
<PAGE>   59

Banks, and such other adjustments shall be made, as may be required so that all
such payments of principal and interest with respect to the Notes held by the
Banks shall be shared by the Banks pro rata; provided that nothing in this
Section shall impair the right of any Bank to exercise any right of set-off or
counterclaim it may have and to apply the amount subject to such exercise to
the payment of indebtedness of the Borrower other than its indebtedness under
the Notes.  The Borrower agrees, to the fullest extent it may effectively do so
under applicable law, that any holder of a participation in a Note, whether or
not acquired pursuant to the foregoing arrangements, may exercise rights of
set-off or counterclaim and other rights with respect to such participation as
fully as if such holder of a participation were a direct creditor of the
Borrower in the amount of such participation.

             SECTION 9.05.  Amendments and Waivers.  (a) Any provision of this
Agreement or the Notes may be amended or waived if, but only if, such amendment
or waiver is in writing and is signed by the Borrower and the Required Banks
(and, if the rights or duties of the Agent are affected thereby, by the Agent);
provided that no such amendment or waiver shall, unless signed by all the
Banks, (i) increase or decrease the Commitment of any Bank (except for a
ratable decrease in the Commitments of all Banks) or subject any Bank to any
additional obligation, (ii) reduce the principal of or rate of interest on any
Loan or any fees hereunder, except as provided below, (iii) postpone the date
fixed for any payment of principal of or interest on any Loan or any fees
hereunder or for termination of any Commitment, (iv) change the percentage of
the Commitments or of the aggregate unpaid principal amount of the Notes, or
the number of Banks, which shall be required for the Banks or any of them to
take any action under this Section or any other provision of this Agreement or
(v) change this Section 9.05 or change the definition of Required Banks in
Section 1.01; and provided, further, that this Agreement may be amended to give
effect to any increased fees, interest rates and/or margins agreed upon
pursuant to Section 8.06 or to reduce or rescind any such increases previously
agreed upon pursuant to Section 8.06, if such amendment is in writing and is
signed by the Borrower and Banks having more than 50% in aggregate amount of
the Commitments.  The substitution of a Bank as contemplated by Section 8.07
does not entail an amendment or waiver of this Agreement and is therefore not
subject to the provisions of this Section.

             SECTION 9.06.  Successors and Assigns.  (a)  The provisions of
this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties
hereto and their respective successors and assigns, except that the Borrower
may not


                                     54
<PAGE>   60

assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights under this Agreement without the
prior written consent of all Banks.

             (b)  Any Bank may at any time grant to one or more banks or other
institutions (each a "Participant") participating interests in its Commitment
or any or all of its Loans.  In the event of any such grant by a Bank of a
participating interest to a Participant, whether or not upon notice to the
Borrower and the Agent, such Bank shall remain responsible for the performance
of its obligations hereunder, and the Borrower and the Agent shall continue to
deal solely and directly with such Bank in connection with such Bank's rights
and obligations under this Agreement.  Any agreement pursuant to which any Bank
may grant such a participating interest shall provide that such Bank shall
retain the sole right and responsibility to enforce the obligations of the
Borrower hereunder including, without limitation, the right to approve any
amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement; provided
that such participation agreement may provide that such Bank will not agree to
any modification, amendment or waiver of this Agreement described in clause
(i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) of Section 9.05 without the consent of the
Participant.  All amounts payable by the Borrower to any Bank under Section
8.03 in respect of the Loans held by it and its Commitment shall be determined
as if such Bank had not sold or agreed to sell any participations in such Loans
and Commitment, and as if such Bank were funding such Loans in the manner
contemplated by this Agreement.  An assignment or other transfer which is not
permitted by subsection (c) or (d) below shall be given effect for purposes of
this Agreement only to the extent of a participating interest granted in
accordance with this subsection (b).

             (c)  Any Bank may at any time assign to one or more banks or other
institutions (each an "Assignee") all, or a proportionate part of all, of its
rights and obligations under this Agreement and the Notes (in a minimum amount
equivalent to an initial Commitment of $10,000,000), and such Assignee shall
assume such rights and obligations, pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption
Agreement in substantially the form of Exhibit G hereto executed by such
Assignee and such transferor Bank, with (and subject to) the subscribed consent
of the Borrower (which shall not be unreasonably withheld); provided that if an
Assignee is a Bank or an affiliate of a Bank, no such consent shall be
required; and provided further that such assignment may, but need not, include
rights of the transferor Bank in respect of outstanding Money Market Loans.
Such transferor Bank shall give the Agent prompt notice of any such assignment.
Upon execution and delivery of such instrument and payment by such Assignee to
such transferor Bank of an amount equal to the purchase price agreed between
such transferor Bank


                                     55
<PAGE>   61

and such Assignee, such Assignee shall be a Bank party to this Agreement and
shall have all the rights and obligations of a Bank with a Commitment as set
forth in such instrument of assumption, and the transferor Bank shall be
released from its obligations hereunder to a corresponding extent, and no
further consent or action by any party shall be required.  Upon the
consummation of any assignment pursuant to this subsection (c), the transferor
Bank, the Agent and the Borrower shall make appropriate arrangements so that,
if required, a new Note is issued to the Assignee.  In connection with any such
assignment, the transferor Bank shall pay to the Agent an administrative fee
for processing such assignment in the amount of $2,500.  If the Assignee is not
organized under the laws of the United States of America or a state thereof, it
shall, prior to the first date on which interest or fees are payable hereunder
for its account, deliver to the Borrower and the Agent certification as to
exemption from deduction or withholding of any United States federal income
taxes in accordance with Section 8.04.

             (d)  Any Bank may at any time assign all or any portion of its
rights under this Agreement and its Note to a Federal Reserve Bank.  No such
assignment shall release the transferor Bank from its obligations hereunder.

             (e)  No Assignee or other transferee of any Bank's rights shall be
entitled to receive any greater payment under Section 8.03 or 8.04 than such
Bank would have been entitled to receive with respect to the rights
transferred, unless such transfer is made with the Borrower's prior written
consent or by reason of the provisions of Section 8.02, 8.03 or 8.04 requiring
such Bank to designate a different Applicable Lending Office under certain
circumstances.

             SECTION 9.07.  Collateral.  Each of the Banks represents to the
Agent and each of the other Banks that it in good faith is not relying upon any
"margin stock" (as defined in Regulation U) as collateral in the extension or
maintenance of the credit provided for in this Agreement.

             SECTION 9.08.  Governing Law; Submission to Jurisdiction.  This
Agreement and each Note shall be governed by and construed in accordance with
the laws of the State of New York.  The Borrower hereby submits to the
nonexclusive jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the Southern
District of New York and of any New York State court sitting in New York City
for purposes of all legal proceedings arising out of or relating to this
Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.  The Borrower irrevocably
waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any objection which it may now
or hereafter have to the laying of the venue of any such proceeding brought in


                                     56
<PAGE>   62

such a court and any claim that any such proceeding brought in such a court has
been brought in an inconvenient forum.

             SECTION 9.09.  Counterparts; Integration.  This Agreement may be
signed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, with
the same effect as if the signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same
instrument.  This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and understanding
among the parties hereto and supersedes any and all prior agreements and
understandings, oral or written, relating to the subject matter hereof.

             SECTION 9.10.  WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL.  EACH OF THE BORROWER, THE
AGENT AND THE BANKS HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY
JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR
THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.

             SECTION 9.11.  Confidentiality.  The Agent and each Bank agrees to
keep any information delivered or made available by the Borrower pursuant to
this Agreement confidential from anyone other than persons employed or retained
by such Bank who are engaged in evaluating, approving, structuring or
administering the credit facility contemplated hereby; provided that nothing
herein shall prevent any Bank from disclosing such information (a) to any other
Bank or to the Agent, (b) to any other Person if reasonably incidental to the
administration of the credit facility contemplated hereby, (c) upon the order
of any court or administrative agency, (d) upon the request or demand of any
regulatory agency or authority, (e) which had been publicly disclosed other
than as a result of a disclosure by the Agent or any Bank prohibited by this
Agreement, (f) in connection with any litigation to which the Agent, any Bank
or its subsidiaries or Parent may be a party, (g) to the extent necessary in
connection with the exercise of any remedy hereunder, (h) to such Bank's or
Agent's legal counsel and independent auditors and (i) subject to provisions
substantially similar to those contained in this Section, to any actual or
proposed Participant or Assignee.


                                     57
<PAGE>   63

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


                              THOMAS & BETTS CORPORATION



                              By /s/   Ronald P. Babcock      
                                 -------------------------------------------
                                 Title: Vice President - Finance & Treasurer
                              1555 Lynnfield Road
                              Memphis, Tennessee  38119
                              Telex number:
                              Facsimile number:  901-680-5947



<PAGE>   64


Commitments
- -----------
$65,000,000                             MORGAN GUARANTY TRUST COMPANY
                                          OF NEW YORK



                                        By /s/                           
                                           -------------------------------
                                           Title:  Vice President



$65,000,000                             DEUTSCHE BANK AG, NEW YORK AND/OR
                                           CAYMAN ISLANDS BRANCHES



                                        By  /s/ Christopher S. Hall          
                                          -----------------------------------
                                               Title:  Vice President



                                        By  /s/ Iain Stewart                
                                          ----------------------------------
                                               Title:  Associate



$65,000,000                              WACHOVIA BANK OF GEORGIA, N.A.



                                        By  /s/                          
                                          -------------------------------
                                               Title:  Vice President



$40,000,000                              ABN AMRO BANK N.V.
                                           ATLANTA AGENCY



                                        By /s/                         
                                          -------------------------------
                                               Title:  Sr. Vice President



                                        By /s/         
                                          ---------------------------------
                                               Title:  Vice President


<PAGE>   65



$40,000,000                             BANK OF AMERICA ILLINOIS



                                        By /s/
                                          -------------------------------
                                               Title:  Vice President



$40,000,000                             THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA



                                        By  /s/ F.C.H. Ashby                
                                          ----------------------------------
                                            Title:  Senior Manager Loan 
                                             Operations



$40,000,000                             CIBC, INC.



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



$40,000,000                             NORTHERN TRUST COMPANY



                                        By  /s/                             
                                          -------------------------------
                                            Title:  Senior Vice President



$40,000,000                             PNC BANK, KENTUCKY, INC.



                                        By  /s/                          
                                          -------------------------------
                                            Title:  Vice President



$20,000,000                             THE SUMITOMO BANK, LTD.


                                        By  /s/                         
                                          -------------------------------
                                            Title:  Joint General Manager
<PAGE>   66

$15,000,000                             FIRST FIDELITY BANK, N.A.



                                        By  /s/                          
                                          ------------------------------
                                            Title:  Vice President



$10,000,000                            THE BANK OF NEW YORK



                                        By  /s/ Gregory L. Batson       
                                          ------------------------------
                                            Title:  Vice President



$10,000,000                             FIRST AMERICAN NATIONAL BANK



                                        By  /s/                         
                                          ------------------------------
                                            Title:  Senior Vice President



$10,000,000                             TORONTO DOMINION (NEW YORK), INC.



                                        By /s/                           
                                          ------------------------------
                                            Title:  Vice President



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

Total Commitments

$500,000,000.00  
=================

<PAGE>   67


                                        MORGAN GUARANTY TRUST COMPANY
                                          OF NEW YORK, as Agent


                                        By /s/                           
                                          -------------------------------
                                          Title:  Vice President
                                        60 Wall Street
                                        New York, New York  10260-0060
                                        Attention: Penelope Cox          
                                                   --------------         
                                        Telex number: 177615
                                        Facsimile number: 212-648-5018

<PAGE>   68




                                PRICING SCHEDULE

               Each of "CD Margin", "Euro-Dollar Margin", "Commitment Fee Rate"
and "Facility Fee Rate" means, for any date, the rates set forth below in the
row opposite such term and in the column corresponding to the "Pricing Level"
that applies at such date:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       Level I         Level II        Level III        Level IV       Level V
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 <S>                     <C>            <C>             <C>             <C>            <C>
 CD Margin               0.275%         0.375%          0.450%          0.500%         0.625%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Euro-Dollar             0.150%         0.250%          0.325%          0.375%         0.500%
  Margin
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Commitment Fee          0.000%         0.025%          0.025%           0.050%         0.050%
 Rate
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Facility Fee            0.100%         0.100%          0.125%           0.150%         0.200%
  Rate
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


             For purposes of this Schedule, the following terms have the
following meanings:

             "Level I Pricing" applies at any date if, at such date, the
Borrower's long-term debt is rated A- or higher by S&P and A3 or higher by
Moody's.

             "Level II Pricing" applies at any date if, at such date, (i) the
Borrower's long-term debt is rated BBB+ or higher by S&P and Baa1 or higher by
Moody's and (ii) Level I Pricing does not apply.

             "Level III Pricing" applies at any date if, at such date, (i) the
Borrower's long-term debt is rated (x) BBB+ or higher by S&P or Baa1 or higher
by Moody's and (y) not lower than BBB- by S&P and not lower than Baa3 by
Moody's and (ii) neither Level I Pricing nor Level II Pricing applies.

             "Level IV Pricing" applies at any date if, at such date, (i) the
Borrower's long-term debt is rated BBB- or higher by S&P and Baa3 or higher by
Moody's and (ii) none of Level I Pricing, Level II Pricing and Level III
Pricing exists.

             "Level V Pricing" applies at any date if, at such date, no other
Pricing Level applies.


<PAGE>   69

             "Pricing Level" refers to the determination of which of Level I,
Level II, Level III, Level IV or Level V applies at any date.

The credit ratings to be utilized for purposes of this Schedule are those
assigned to the senior unsecured long-term debt securities of the Borrower
without third-party credit enhancement, and any rating assigned to any other
debt security of the Borrower shall be disregarded.  The rating in effect at
any date is that in effect at the close of business on such date.



                                       2
<PAGE>   70

                                                                       EXHIBIT A

                                      NOTE

                                                              New York, New York
                                                                          , 19__

             For value received, Thomas & Betts Corporation, a New Jersey
corporation (the "Borrower"), promises to pay to the order of

(the "Bank"), for the account of its Applicable Lending Office, the unpaid
principal amount of each Loan made by the Bank to the Borrower pursuant to the
Credit Agreement referred to below on the last day of the Interest Period
relating to such Loan.  The Borrower promises to pay interest on the unpaid
principal amount of each such Loan on the dates and at the rate or rates
provided for in the Credit Agreement.  All such payments of principal and
interest shall be made in lawful money of the United States in Federal or other
immediately available funds at the office of Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of
New York, 60 Wall Street, New York, New York.

             All Loans made by the Bank, the respective types and maturities
thereof and all repayments of the principal thereof shall be recorded by the
Bank and, if the Bank so elects in connection with any transfer or enforcement
hereof, appropriate notations to evidence the foregoing information with
respect to each such Loan then outstanding may be endorsed by the Bank on the
schedule attached hereto, or on a continuation of such schedule attached to and
made a part hereof; provided that the failure of the Bank to make any such
recordation or endorsement shall not affect the obligations of the Borrower
hereunder or under the Credit Agreement to make a payment when due in respect
of the Loans evidenced hereby.

             This note is one of the Notes referred to in the Credit Agreement
dated as of March 29, 1995 among the Borrower, the banks listed on the
signature pages thereof and Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, as Agent
(as the same may be amended from time to time, the "Credit Agreement").  Terms
defined in the Credit Agreement are used herein with the same meanings.
Reference is made to the


                                      1
<PAGE>   71

Credit Agreement for provisions for the prepayment hereof and the acceleration
of the maturity hereof.

                                               THOMAS & BETTS CORPORATION



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


                                       2
<PAGE>   72



                                 Note (cont'd)

                        LOANS AND PAYMENTS OF PRINCIPAL

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

                                         Amount of
              Amount of   Type of        Principal  Maturity  Notation
Date            Loan      Loan            Repaid        Date    Made By 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



                                       3
<PAGE>   73



                                                                       EXHIBIT B

                       Form of Money Market Quote Request


                                               [Date]

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

From: Thomas & Betts Corporation

Re:   Credit Agreement (the "Credit Agreement") dated as of March 29, 1995
      among the Borrower, the Banks listed on the signature pages thereof and
      the Agent We hereby give notice pursuant to Section 2.03 of the Credit
      Agreement that we request Money Market Quotes for the following proposed
      Money Market Borrowing(s):

Date of Borrowing:  
                    ------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Principal Amount**                       Interest Period***
- ----------------                         ---------------   
<S>                                      <C>
$
</TABLE>

         Such Money Market Quotes should offer a Money Market [Margin]
[Absolute Rate].  [The applicable base rate is the London Interbank Offered
Rate.]

 Terms used herein have the meanings assigned to them in the Credit Agreement.

                                      THOMAS & BETTS CORPORATION


                                      By                            
                                        ------------------------






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

     **Amount must be $10,000,000 or a larger multiple of $1,000,000.

     ***Not less than one month (LIBOR Auction) or not less than 14 days
(Absolute Rate Auction), subject to the provisions of the definition of
Interest Period.

                                      1
<PAGE>   74

                                                                      EXHIBIT C


                   Form of Invitation for Money Market Quotes

To:     [Name of Bank]

Re:     Invitation for Money Market Quotes
        to Thomas & Betts Corporation (the
        "Borrower")

         Pursuant to Section 2.03 of the Credit Agreement dated as of March 29,
1995 among the Borrower, the Banks parties thereto and the undersigned, as
Agent, we are pleased on behalf of the Borrower to invite you to submit Money
Market Quotes to the Borrower for the following proposed Money Market
Borrowing(s):

Date of Borrowing:  
                    ------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Principal Amount                         Interest Period
- ----------------                         ---------------
<S>                                      <C>
$
</TABLE>

         Such Money Market Quotes should offer a Money Market [Margin]
[Absolute Rate].  [The applicable base rate is the London Interbank Offered
Rate.]

         Please respond to this invitation by no later than 9:15 A.M. (New York
City time) on [date].


                                      MORGAN GUARANTY TRUST COMPANY
                                        OF NEW YORK


                                      By______________________
                                         Authorized Officer





                                       2
<PAGE>   75


                                                                EXHIBIT D

                           Form of Money Market Quote

To:  Morgan Guaranty Trust Company
        of New York, as Agent

Re:  Money Market Quote to
      Thomas & Betts Corporation (the "Borrower")

         In response to your invitation on behalf of the Borrower dated
             , 19  , we hereby make the following Money Market Quote on the
- -------------    --
following terms:

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

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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Principal     Interest              Money Market
 Amount**     Period***        [Margin****] [Absolute Rate*****]
- ---------     ---------        ---------------------------------
<S>           <C>
$

$
</TABLE>

      [Provided, that the aggregate principal amount of Money Market Loans for
      which the above offers may be accepted shall not exceed $            .]**
                                                               ------------
      ----------

      * As specified in the related Invitation.

      ** Principal amount bid for each Interest Period may not exceed principal
      amount requested.  Specify aggregate limitation if the sum of the
      individual offers exceeds the amount the Bank is willing to lend.   Bids
      must be made for $5,000,000 or a larger multiple of $1,000,000.

               (notes continued on following page)



                                      1
<PAGE>   76



                     We understand and agree that the offer(s) set forth above,
         subject to the satisfaction of the applicable conditions set forth in
         the Credit Agreement dated as of March 29, 1995 among the Borrower,
         the Banks listed on the signature pages thereof and yourselves, as
         Agent, irrevocably obligates us to make the Money Market Loan(s) for
         which any offer(s) are accepted, in whole or in part.

                                      Very truly yours,

                                      [NAME OF BANK]


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

- ----------

*** Not less than one month or not less than 30 days, as specified in the
related Invitation.  No more than five bids are permitted for each Interest
Period.

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

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



                                       2
<PAGE>   77



                                                                     EXHIBIT E-1

                [Letterhead of Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy]

                                                                [Effective Date]


Each of the Banks party
  to the Credit Agreement
  referred to below

Morgan Guaranty Trust Company
  of New York, as Agent
60 Wall Street
New York, New York

Ladies and Gentlemen:

         We have acted as special counsel to Thomas & Betts Corporation, a
corporation organized under the laws of New Jersey (the "Borrower"), in
connection with the Credit Agreement dated as of March 29, 1995 (the "Credit
Agreement") between the Borrower, the Banks party thereto and Morgan Guaranty
Trust Company of New York, in its capacity as agent for said Banks (the
"Agent"), providing for, among other things, the making of loans by the Banks
in an aggregate principal amount up to $500,000,000.  All capitalized terms
used but not defined herein have the respective meanings given to such terms in
the Credit Agreement.

         In rendering the opinions expressed below, we have examined:

      (i)   the Credit Agreement;

     (ii)   the Notes (collectively with the Credit Agreement, the "Credit
            Documents"); and

    (iii)   such corporate records of the Borrower and such other documents as
            we have deemed necessary as a basis for the opinions expressed
            below.

In our examination, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the
authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals and the conformity
with authentic original documents of all documents submitted to us as copies.
When relevant facts were not independently established, we have relied upon
statements of governmental officials and upon representations made in or
pursuant to the Credit Documents


                                       1
<PAGE>   78

and certificates of appropriate representatives of the Borrower.

         In rendering the opinions expressed below, we have assumed with
respect to the Credit Documents that:

      (i)   such documents have been duly authorized, executed and delivered
            by all of the parties to such documents, other than the Borrower;

     (ii)   such documents constitute valid and binding obligations of all of
            the parties to such documents, other than the Borrower; and

    (iii)   all of the parties to such documents, other than the Borrower, are
            duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the
            laws of their jurisdiction of incorporation and have the power and
            authority to execute, deliver and perform such documents.

         Based upon and subject to the foregoing and subject also to the
comments and qualifications set forth below, and having considered such
questions of law as we have deemed necessary as a basis for the opinions
expressed below, we are of the opinion that:

         1.  The execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower of each
      Credit Document require no action by or in respect of, or filing with,
      any governmental body, agency or official (other than as may be required
      of any particular Bank) and do not contravene, or constitute a default
      under, any provision of any law or regulation applicable to the Borrower.

         2.  Each Credit Document constitutes a valid and binding obligation of
      the Borrower, in each case enforceable in accordance with its terms,
      except as the same may be limited by (a) bankruptcy, insolvency or
      similar laws affecting creditors' rights generally, and (b) the
      application of the general principles of equity (regardless of whether
      enforcement is considered in proceedings at law or in equity).  We also
      wish to point out that the provisions of each Credit Document that permit
      the Agent or any of the Banks to take action or make determinations, or
      to benefit from indemnities and similar undertakings of the Borrower, may
      be subject to a requirement that such action be taken or such
      determinations be made, and that any such action or inaction by the Agent
      or any of the Banks that may give rise to a request for payment under
      such undertaking be taken or not taken, on a reasonable basis and in good
      faith.


                                       2
<PAGE>   79

         The foregoing opinions are limited to matters involving the Federal
laws of the United States and the laws of the State of New York, and we do not
express any opinion as to the laws of any other jurisdiction.

         Insofar as our opinion pertains to matters of New Jersey law, we have
relied upon the opinion of Riker, Danzig, Scherer, Hyland & Perretti, dated the
date hereof, a copy of which is attached hereto.

         This opinion letter is, pursuant to Section 3.01(c) of the Credit
Agreement, provided to you by us in our capacity as counsel to the Borrower and
may not be relied upon by any Person for any purpose other than in connection
with the transactions contemplated by the Credit Agreement without, in each
instance, our prior written consent.
                                        Very truly yours,



                                       3
<PAGE>   80


                                                                EXHIBIT E-2

           [Letterhead of Riker, Danzig, Scherer, Hyland & Perretti]


                                                           [Effective Date]


Each of the Banks party
  to the Credit Agreement
  referred to below

Morgan Guaranty Trust Company
  of New York, as Agent
60 Wall Street
New York, New York

Ladies and Gentlemen:

         We have acted as New Jersey counsel to Thomas & Betts Corporation, a
corporation organized under the laws of New Jersey (the "Borrower"), in
connection with the Credit Agreement dated as of March 29, 1995 (the "Credit
Agreement") between the Borrower, the Banks party thereto and Morgan Guaranty
Trust Company of New York, in its capacity as agent for said Banks (the
"Agent"), providing for, among other things, the making of loans by the Banks
in an aggregate principal amount up to $500,000,000.  All capitalized terms
used but not defined herein have the respective meanings given to such terms in
the Credit Agreement.

         In rendering the opinions expressed below, we have examined:

       (i) the Credit Agreement;

      (ii) the Notes (collectively with the Credit Agreement, the "Credit
           Documents"); and

     (iii) such corporate records of the Borrower and such other documents as we
           have deemed necessary as a basis for the opinions expressed below.

In our examination, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the
authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals and the conformity
with authentic original documents of all documents submitted to us as copies.
When relevant facts were not independently established, we have relied upon
statements of governmental officials and upon representations made in or
pursuant to the Credit Documents



                                       1
<PAGE>   81

and certificates of appropriate representatives of the Borrower.

         Based upon and subject to the foregoing and subject also to the
comments and qualifications set forth below, and having considered such
questions of law as we have deemed necessary as a basis for the opinions
expressed below, we are of the opinion that:

         1.  The Borrower is a corporation duly incorporated, validly existing
      and in good standing under the laws of New Jersey, and has all corporate
      powers and all material governmental licenses, authorizations, consents
      and approvals required to carry on its business as now conducted.

         2.  Each Credit Document has been duly authorized, executed and
      delivered by the Borrower.  The execution, delivery and performance by
      the Borrower of each Credit Document are within the Borrower's corporate
      powers, (i) have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action
      on the part of the Borrower, (ii) require no action by or in respect of,
      or filing with, any governmental body, agency or official (other than as
      may be required of any particular Bank) and (iii) do not contravene or
      constitute a default under (x) any provision of any law or regulation
      applicable to the Borrower, (y) the certificate of incorporation or
      by-laws of the Borrower or (z) any instrument or agreement evidencing or
      governing Debt of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries known to us or
      any material agreement, judgment, injunction, order, decree or other
      instrument known to us to be binding upon the Borrower, or result in the
      creation or imposition of any Lien on any asset of the Borrower or any of
      its Subsidiaries under any of the foregoing.

         3.  To the best of our knowledge, there is no action, suit or
      proceeding pending against, or threatened against or affecting, the
      Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries before any court or arbitrator or any
      governmental body, agency or official, in which there is a reasonable
      possibility of an adverse decision which could materially adversely
      affect the business, consolidated financial position or consolidated
      results of operations of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries,
      considered as a whole or which in any manner draws into question the
      validity of the Credit Documents.

         The foregoing opinions are limited to matters involving the Federal
laws of the United States and the laws 


                                       2
<PAGE>   82

of the State of New Jersey, and we do not express any opinion as to the laws of
any other jurisdiction.

         This opinion letter is, pursuant to Section 3.01(c) of the Credit
Agreement, provided to you by us in our capacity as New Jersey counsel to the
Borrower and may not be relied upon by any Person for any purpose other than in
connection with the transactions contemplated by the Credit Agreement without,
in each instance, our prior written consent.

                                        Very truly yours,



                                       3
<PAGE>   83

                                                                       EXHIBIT F


                                   OPINION OF
                     DAVIS POLK & WARDWELL, SPECIAL COUNSEL
                                 FOR THE AGENT
                                 -------------

                                                                [Effective Date]


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

Dear Sirs:

         We have participated in the preparation of the Credit Agreement (the
"Credit Agreement") dated as of March 29, 1995 among Thomas & Betts
Corporation, a New Jersey corporation (the "Borrower"), the banks listed on the
signature pages thereof (the "Banks") and Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New
York, as Agent (the "Agent"), and have acted as special counsel for the Agent
for the purpose of rendering this opinion pursuant to Section 3.01(d) of the
Credit Agreement.  Terms defined in the Credit Agreement are used herein as
therein defined.

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

         Upon the basis of the foregoing, we are of the opinion that the Credit
Agreement constitutes a valid and binding agreement of the Borrower and the
Notes constitute valid and binding obligations of the Borrower, in each case
enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as the same may be limited by
bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws affecting creditors' rights generally
and by general principles of equity.

         We are members of the Bar of the State of New York and the foregoing
opinion is limited to the laws of the State of New York and the federal laws of
the United States of America.  Insofar as the foregoing opinion involves
matters governed by the laws of New Jersey, we have relied, without independent
investigation, upon the opinion of



                                      1
<PAGE>   84

Riker, Danzig, Scherer, Hyland & Perretti, a copy of which has been delivered
to you.  In giving the foregoing opinion, we express no opinion as to the
effect (if any) of any law of any jurisdiction (except the State of New York)
in which any Bank is located which limits the rate of interest that such Bank
may charge or collect.

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

                               Very truly yours,



                                       2
<PAGE>   85




                                                                EXHIBIT G


                      ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT


         AGREEMENT dated as of          , 19   among [ASSIGNOR] (the
                               ---------    --
"Assignor"), [ASSIGNEE] (the "Assignee") and THOMAS & BETTS CORPORATION (the
"Borrower").

                              W I T N E S S E T H

         WHEREAS, this Assignment and Assumption Agreement (the "Agreement")
relates to the Credit Agreement dated as of March 29, 1995 among the Borrower,
the Assignor and the other Banks party thereto, as Banks, and Morgan Guaranty
Trust Company of New York, as Agent (the "Credit Agreement");

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

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

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

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

         SECTION 1.  Definitions.  All capitalized terms not otherwise defined
herein shall have the respective meanings set forth in the Credit Agreement.

         SECTION 2.  Assignment.  The Assignor hereby assigns and sells to the
Assignee all of the rights of the Assignor under the Credit Agreement to the
extent of the Assigned Amount, and the Assignee hereby accepts such assignment
from the Assignor and assumes all of the obligations of the Assignor under the
Credit Agreement to the extent of the Assigned Amount, and the Assignee hereby
accepts such


                                       1
<PAGE>   86

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

         SECTION 3.  Payments.  As consideration for the assignment and sale
contemplated in Section 2 hereof, the Assignee shall pay to the Assignor on the
date hereof in Federal funds the amount heretofore agreed between them*.  ****
It is understood that commitment and/or facility fees accrued to the date
hereof are for the account of the Assignor and such fees accruing from and
including the date hereof are for the account of the Assignee.  Each of the
Assignor and the Assignee hereby agrees that if it receives any amount under
the Credit Agreement which is for the account of the other party hereto, it
shall receive the same for the account of such other party to the extent of
such other party's interest therein and shall promptly pay the same to such
other party.

         [SECTION 4.  Consent of the Borrower.  This Agreement is conditioned
upon the consent of the Borrower pursuant to Section 9.06(c) of the Credit
Agreement.  The execution of this Agreement by the Borrower is evidence of this
consent.  Pursuant to Section 9.06(c) the Borrower agrees to execute and
deliver a Note payable to the order of the Assignee to evidence the assignment
and assumption provided for herein.]

         SECTION 5.  Non-Reliance on Assignor.  The Assignor makes no
representation or warranty in connection





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

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


                                       2
<PAGE>   87

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

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

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

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

                                      [ASSIGNOR]

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



                                      [ASSIGNEE]

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

                                      THOMAS & BETTS CORPORATION

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



                                       3
<PAGE>   88


                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.3

                           THOMAS & BETTS CORPORATION

                             1990 Stock Option Plan


1.  Purpose.  The purpose of the 1990 Stock Option Plan (hereinafter called the
"Plan") is to continue to secure for the Corporation and its shareholders the
benefits of the incentive inherent in the holding of options to purchase Common
Stock of the Corporation and in the ownership of such stock by key employees of
the corporation and its affiliates.

2.  Amount of Stock.  The stock for which options may be granted under the Plan
is the Common Stock of the Corporation, par value $.50 per share, (the "Common
Stock"), not exceeding a total of 800,000 shares except as adjusted in
accordance with paragraph 3 below, which may be either authorized and unissued
shares or issued shares acquired by the Corporation.  Options may be granted
pursuant to the Plan during the period from the date the Plan is approved by
the shareholders to April 15, 1995.  In the event that any option granted under
the Plan shall terminate or expire before April 15, 1995 without having been
exercised in full, new options may be granted covering such shares (as adjusted
in accordance with paragraph 3 below) in the same or future years.

     In the event the Corporation acquires another business entity (whether a
corporation, partnership, proprietorship or otherwise), any and all of the
Corporation's Common Stock issued under this Plan as a result of the assumption
or substitution of outstanding grants of the acquired entity, or issued as a
consequence of an acquisition, shall not be subtracted from the amount of
shares available for grant under the Plan.

3.  Adjustment in the Event of Change in Stock.  In the event of any change in
the outstanding Common Stock by reason of stock dividends, recapitalizations,
reorganizations, mergers, consolidations, split-ups, combinations or exchanges
of shares and the like, the number and kind of shares which thereafter may be
optioned and sold under the Plan, and the number and kind of shares under
option in outstanding option agreements pursuant to the Plan and the purchase
price per share thereof, shall be appropriately adjusted consistent with such
change.  The determination of the Committee, described in paragraph 4, as to
any adjustment shall be final and conclusive.

4.  Administration.  The plan shall be administered by a committee (the
"Committee") which shall be appointed by the Board of Directors and shall
consist of not less than three nonemployee members of the Board.  Vacancies
occurring in the membership of the Committee shall be filled by appointment by
the board.  No person may be a member of the Committee who is eligible to
receive options or stock awards pursuant to any plan of the Corporation, or who
has been so eligible within one year of the date of appointment to the
Committee.  A majority of the Committee shall constitute a quorum


<PAGE>   89



thereof and the actions of a majority of the Committee shall be the actions of
the Committee.  The Committee shall maintain written minutes of its meeting and
report the same to the Board.

     The Committee shall have the power (1) to interpret the Plan; (2) to
prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to it; (3) to
determine the terms (which need not be identical) of option agreements executed
and delivered under the Plan, including such terms and provisions as shall be
requisite in the judgment of the Committee to conform to any change in any law
or regulation applicable thereto; and (4) to make all other determinations
deemed necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan.  The
Committee determination on all matters relating to the Plan shall be final and
conclusive.

5.  Eligibility.  All key employees of the Corporation and its affiliates shall
be eligible to receive options under this Plan.  The Committee, in its sole
discretion, shall determine the key employees of the Corporation and its
affiliates to whom options shall be granted, the time or times when they shall
be granted, the terms and conditions of the options (in addition to those
provided in paragraph 6), whether such options shall be incentive stock
options, as defined in Section 422A(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the "Code"), nonqualified stock options, or a combination thereof, and
the number of shares to be covered by each option so granted, provided,
however, that no director who is not a key employee of the Corporation or an
affiliate thereof shall be eligible to receive options under the Plan, and that
no incentive stock option shall be granted hereunder to any person who
immediately after such option is granted would own, within the meaning of
Section 422A(b)(6) of the Code, stock possessing more than 10% of the total
voting power of all classes of stock of the Corporation or its affiliates (a
"10% Shareholder") unless the option price is at least 110% of the fair market
value of such stock on the date of grant and the term of the option does not
exceed five years.

6.  Terms and Conditions of Options.  All options granted by the Committee
under the Plan shall be evidenced by stock option agreements in writing
(hereinafter called "option agreements") in such form as the Committee may from
time to time approve, executed by the Corporation in accordance with its
By-Laws.  Each such agreement shall be subject to the Plan and, in addition to
such other terms and conditions as the Committee may deem desirable, shall
provide the following:


      (a) The number of shares of Common Stock as to which any option is
granted and the purchase price per share thereof, which price shall not be less
than 100% (or 110% in the case of an incentive stock option granted to a 10%
Shareholder) of the fair market value of the stock at the time such option is
granted.  Fair market value shall be the mean between the highest and lowest
quoted selling prices of such stock on the New York Stock Exchange Composite
Tape on the date on which such option is granted or, in the event that no sale
shall have taken place, the mean between the bid

<PAGE>   90



and asked prices on such day;

     (b) The period (as determined by the Committee) during which each option
is exercisable (the "option period") which shall not exceed ten years (or five
years in the case of an incentive stock option granted to a 10% Shareholder)
from the date the option was granted, and which shall be subject to earlier
termination as hereinafter provided;

     (c)  Subject to such other conditions and restrictions as the Committee
may deem desirable, that any option shall be exercisable only by giving in each
case written notice of exercise accompanied by tender of (1) payment in full of
the purchase price which may be made in whole or in part either in cash or by
the exchange of such number of whole shares of Common Stock owned by the
optionee whose fair market value, determined as of the close of the business
day immediately preceding the day on which the option is exercised, does not
exceed the purchase price; provided, however, that if the shares to be
exchanged were acquired by exercise of a stock option, such shares must have
been held by the optionee for such period of time as determined by the
Committee, and further provided that the Committee shall have the right to
modify, suspend or cancel the right to pay the purchase price in whole or in
part by exchange of shares at any time in the event of a change in tax or
accounting consequences to the Corporation or to any optionee upon prior notice
to the holders of options, and (2) an investment representation as provided in
subparagraph (h) of this paragraph 6 if required in accordance therewith;

      (d) That the number of shares subject to each option shall become
exercisable twelve months after the date the option was granted;

      (e) That each option not theretofore fully exercised or expired shall
automatically terminate with respect to the unexercised portion 30 days after
the termination of employment of an optionee otherwise than by reason of death,
disability or retirement (but in no event after the expiration of the option
period);

      (f) That if an employee to whom an option has been granted under the Plan
retires from the Corporation or one of its affiliates at normal retirement date
pursuant to any pension plan provided by the Corporation or its affiliates, or
retires earlier than the employee's normal retirement date with the prior
consent of the Corporation, such option may be exercised in full
notwithstanding the provisions of subparagraph (d) hereof and without regard to
the period of continuous employment with the Corporation or one of its
affiliates after the option was granted, within three years after such
retirement, but in no event after the expiration of the term of the option; and

     If an employee to whom an option has been granted under the Plan becomes
totally and permanently disabled within the meaning of applicable provisions of
the Code, such option may be exercised in full, notwithstanding the provisions
of subparagraph (d) hereof and without regard to the period of continuous
employment with the

<PAGE>   91



Corporation or one of its affiliates after the option was granted, within three
years after the date of termination of service of an optionee within the
meaning of regulations issued pursuant to Section 421 of the Code by reason of
being totally and permanently disabled, but in no event after the expiration of
the term of the option; and

      If an optionee dies while he is employed by the Corporation or one of its
affiliates, or within three years following retirement, such option may be
exercised in full, notwithstanding the provisions of subparagraph (d) hereof
and without regard to the period of continuous employment with the Corporation
or one of its affiliates, within one year after the date of such optionee's
death, but in no event after the expiration of the option period, by the legal
representative of the optionee or any person who acquired such option by
bequest or inheritance;

      (g) That any option granted under this Plan is not transferable by the
optionee otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and
that during the lifetime of the optionee it is exercisable only by the
optionee;

      (h) That if a registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933 is
not then in effect with respect to the shares issuable upon exercise of an
option, it shall be a condition precedent to the right to purchase such shares
that the person exercising the option deliver to the Committee a written
representation, satisfactory in form and substance to the Committee, that the
shares are being acquired for the person's own account for investment and not
with a view to the distribution thereof;

      (i) That a leave of absence granted in accordance with the Corporation's
usual procedure which does not operate to interrupt continuous employment for
other benefits granted by the Corporation shall not be considered a termination
of employment or an interruption of continuous employment hereunder, and an
employee who is granted such a leave of absence shall be considered to be
continuously employed during the period of such leave; provided, that if
regulations under the Code shall establish a more restrictive definition of a
leave of absence not so interpreting continuous employment, such definition
shall be substituted herein.

7.  Limitation on Aggregate Value of Incentive Stock Options.  The aggregate
purchase price of incentive stock options granted to any eligible employee that
become exercisable for the first time in any calendar year under this Plan or
any other plan of the Corporation and its affiliates shall not exceed $100,000
or such other amount as may be defined in section 422A(d) of the Code.

8.  Affiliate.  For the purpose of this Plan an affiliate of the corporation
shall be any corporation which at the time qualifies as a parent or subsidiary
thereof under the definitions of "parent corporation" and "subsidiary
corporation" contained in Sections 425(e) and (f) of the Code.  A transfer of
employment from the Corporation to such a parent or subsidiary or vice versa,
or between two such entities, shall not be deemed a termination of employment.

<PAGE>   92




9.  Employment Rights.  The granting of an option to purchase shares pursuant
to this Plan shall not constitute or be evidence of any agreement or
understanding, expressed or implied, on the part of the Corporation or any of
its affiliates, to employ the option holder for any specified period.  Further,
nothing in the Plan or in the instrument evidencing the grant of an option
shall in any manner be construed to limit in any way the right of the
Corporation or of an affiliate to terminate an employee's employment at any
time for any reason, nor is anything contained in this Plan or the instrument
evidencing the grant of the option to be construed as giving the employee the
right to continued employed.

10.  Amendment of the Plan.  The Board of Directors of the Corporation may
amend or suspend the Plan at any time and from time to time without approval of
the  shareholders; provided, however, that no such amendment of the Plan may
(a) extend the term of the Plan; (b) increase the number of shares to be
offered for sale under the Plan; (c)  make eligible under the Plan any member
of the Board not a key employee of the corporation or an affiliate thereof; (d)
permit the granting of an option at a price less than the fair market value of
the stock at the time the option is granted; or (e) permit the transfer of
stock before full payment therefor.  No amendment of the Plan may alter or
impair any option previously granted under the Plan without the written consent
of the optionee.

11.  Rights as Shareholder.  The holder of an option shall have none of the
rights of a shareholder with respect to the shares subject to option until such
shares, upon the exercise of the option, shall have been registered on the
transfer books of the Corporation in the name of the person or persons
exercising the option.

12.  Shareholder Approval.   The Plan shall terminate one year from the date of
the adoption of the Plan by the Board unless prior to such date the Plan shall
have been approved by majority of the votes cast by the holders of the Common
Stock of the Corporation at a meeting of shareholders.

<PAGE>   1

                                                                  EXHIBIT 10.2
                                                                  EXECUTION COPY



                      AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO CREDIT AGREEMENT




     AMENDMENT dated as of December 8, 1995 among THOMAS & BETTS CORPORATION,
the BANKS listed on the signature pages hereof and MORGAN GUARANTY TRUST
COMPANY OF NEW YORK, as Agent.


                             W I T N E S S E T H :


     WHEREAS, the parties hereto have heretofore entered into a Credit
Agreement dated as of March 29, 1995 (the "Agreement"); and

     WHEREAS, the parties hereto desire to amend the Agreement as set forth
below;

     NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto agree as follows:

     SECTION 1.  Definitions; References.  Unless otherwise specifically
defined herein, each term used herein which is defined in the Agreement shall
have the meaning assigned to such term in the Agreement.  Each reference to
"hereof", "hereunder", "herein" and "hereby" and each other similar reference
and each reference to "this Agreement" and each other similar reference
contained in the Agreement shall from and after the date hereof refer to the
Agreement as amended hereby.

     SECTION 2.  Amendment of the Agreement.

     (a)  The table in Section 5.07 is changed to read as follows:




                Date                             Minimum Ratio
                ----                             -------------
                                           
           January 1, 1995                             .15
           December 29, 1996                           .18
           December 28, 1997                           .20
           January 3, 1999                             .25


<PAGE>   2



     (b)  The second sentence of Section 5.09 is amended to read as follow:

          For this purpose, the "Compliance Level" is an amount initially equal
    to $100,000,000; the Compliance Level shall be increased effective at the
    end of (i) the second fiscal quarter of the fiscal year of the Borrower
    ending December 29, 1996 and (ii) the first fiscal quarter of each
    subsequent fiscal year, in each case by an amount equal to 50% of the
    consolidated net income of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries
    for the preceding fiscal year, but as to any particular such preceding year
    only if the consolidated net income of the Borrower and its Consolidated
    Subsidiaries for such year is a positive number.

     SECTION 3.  Governing Law.  This Amendment shall be governed by and
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

     SECTION 4.  Counterparts; Effectiveness.  This Amendment may be signed in
any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, with the same
effect as if the signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument.
This Amendment shall become effective as of the date hereof when the Agent
shall have received duly executed counterparts hereof signed by the Borrower
and the Required Banks (or, in the case of any party as to which an executed
counterpart shall not have been received, the Agent shall have received
telegraphic, telex or other written confirmation from such party of execution
of a counterpart hereof by such party).


                                      2


<PAGE>   3


     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be
duly executed as of the date first above written.


                                          THOMAS & BETTS CORPORATION



                                          By /s/
                                             -----------------------------
                                             Title: Vice President-Finance 
                                                    and Treasurer


                                          MORGAN GUARANTY TRUST COMPANY
                                          OF NEW YORK



                                          By /s/ Jeffrey
                                             -----------------------------
                                             Jeffrey
                                             Title: Vice President


                                          DEUTSCHE BANK AG, NEW YORK AND/OR
                                          CAYMAN ISLANDS BRANCHES



                                          By /s/ Christopher S. Hall
                                             ------------------------------
                                             Christopher S. Hall
                                             Title: Vice President


                                          By /s/ Thomas A. Faley
                                             ------------------------------
                                             Thomas A. Faley
                                             Title: Associate


                                          WACHOVIA BANK OF GEORGIA, N.A.



                                          By /s/ Charles Dee O'Dell II
                                             ------------------------------
                                             Charles Dee O'Dell II
                                             Title: Vice President


                                      3


<PAGE>   4


                                          ABN AMRO BANK N.V.        
                                          ATLANTA AGENCY            
                                                                    
                                                                    
                                                                    
                                          By /s/                       
                                             ----------------------------
                                             Title: Senior Vice President     
                                                                    
                                                                    
                                                                    
                                          By /s/ Steven L. Hissman
                                             -----------------------------
                                             Steven L. Hissman
                                             Title: Vice President          
                                                                    
                                                                    
                                                                    
                                          BANK OF AMERICA ILLINOIS  
                                                                    
                                                                    
                                                                    
                                          By /s/ Michelle Kaceria              
                                             -----------------------------
                                             Michelle Kaceria
                                             Title: Vice President           
                                                                    
                                                                    
                                                                    
                                          THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA   
                                                                    
                                                                    
                                                                    
                                          By /s/ F.C. Ashby                 
                                             -----------------------------
                                             F.C. Ashby
                                             Title: Senior Manager Loan     
                                                      Operator                
                                                                    
                                                                    
                                          CIBC, INC.                
                                                                    
                                                                    
                                                                    
                                          By /s/ Kathyrn W. Sax         
                                             -------------------------------
                                             Kathyrn W. Sax
                                             Title: Director                   
                                                                    
                                                                    
                                                                    
                                          NORTHERN TRUST COMPANY    
                                                                    
                                                                    
                                                                    
                                          By /s/ James F. T. Ganbert         
                                             -------------------------------
                                             James F. T. Ganbert
                                             Title: Vice President           
                                                                    
                                                      
                                      4


<PAGE>   5


                                         PNC BANK, KENTUCKY, INC.         
                                                                          
                                                                          
                                                                          
                                         By /s/Ralph A. Phillips              
                                            ---------------------------
                                            Ralph A. Phillips
                                            Title: Vice President           
                                                                          
                                                                          
                                                                          
                                         THE SUMITOMO BANK, LTD.          
                                                                          
                                                                          
                                                                          
                                         By /s/                              
                                            ----------------------------
                                            Title: Joint General Manager   
                                                                          
                                                                          
                                                                          
                                         FIRST FIDELITY BANK, N.A.        
                                                                          
                                                                          
                                                                          
                                         By /s/ A W J Dimmick  
                                            -----------------------------
                                            A W J Dimmick
                                            Title: Vice President           
                                                                          
                                                                          
                                                                          
                                         THE BANK OF NEW YORK             
                                                                          
                                                                          
                                                                          
                                         By /s/ Gregory L. Batson             
                                            -------------------------------
                                            Gregory L. Batson
                                            Title: Vice President           
                                                                          
                                                                          
                                                                          
                                         FIRST AMERICAN NATIONAL BANK     
                                                                          
                                                                          
                                                                          
                                         By /s/ David C. May                 
                                            -------------------------------
                                            David C. May
                                            Title: Executive Vice President  
                                                                          


                                      5


<PAGE>   6

                                          TORONTO DOMINION (NEW YORK), INC.   
                                                                              
                                                                              
                                                                              
                                          By /s/                      
                                             -------------------------------
                                             Title: Vice President           
                                                                              
                                                                              
                                                                              
                                          MORGAN GUARANTY TRUST COMPANY       
                                          OF NEW YORK, as Agent               
                                                                              
                                                                              
                                          By /s/                    
                                             -------------------------------
                                             Title: Vice President             
                                                                              
                                         

<PAGE>   1






                                                                      EXHIBIT 12

                           THOMAS & BETTS CORPORATION
               COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)





<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             For The Years Ended
                                              ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              December 31,       January 1,        January 2,        December 31,      December 31,
                                                 1995               1995              1994             1992               1991 
                                              ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                           <C>                 <C>              <C>               <C>               <C>        
Earnings from continuing operations
   before income taxes                        $117,170            $   494          $59,942           $52,983           $55,465

Add:
  Interest on indebtedness                      28,299             26,852           30,247            33,405            12,752
  Amortization of debt expense                   1,364              1,133            1,062             2,538                 0
  Portion of rents representative of
   the interest factor                           7,920              7,377            7,011             6,515             3,816

Deduct: Interest capitalized and
 undistributed earnings from less
 than 50 percent owned persons                  (2,848)            (1,863)               -                 -              (376)
                                              --------            -------          -------           -------           -------
Earnings as adjusted                          $151,905            $33,993          $98,262           $95,441           $71,657
                                              ========            =======          =======           =======           =======

Fixed charges:
  Interest on indebtedness                      28,299            $26,852          $30,247           $33,405           $12,752
  Amortization of debt expense                   1,364              1,133            1,062             2,538                 -
  Portion of rents representative of
   the interest factor                           7,920              7,377            7,011             6,515             3,816
                                              --------            -------          -------           -------           -------

Total fixed charges                           $ 37,583            $35,362          $38,320           $42,458           $16,568
                                              ========            =======          =======           =======           =======

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges                4.0x               .96x             2.6x              2.2x              4.3x
                                              ========            =======          =======           =======           =======
</TABLE>

   The ratio for the year ended January 1, 1995 of .96x was inadequate to cover
fixed charges by $1,369.  This was due to a provision for restructured 
operations of $79,011 provided in the third quarter of 1994.


                                    EX12-1
                                                                 
                                                                 

<PAGE>   1
                                                                      EXHIBIT 13


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Thomas & Betts Corporation

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
======================================================================================
Dollars in thousands                                                           Percent
(except per share data)                             1995          1994          Change
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                           <C>           <C>                  <C>
Net sales                                     $1,236,825    $1,076,165            15

Net earnings                                  $   80,902    $   67,820            19

  Net return on sales                                6.5%          6.3%

  Per common share(1)                         $     2.02    $     1.76            15

  Return on average shareholders'
    equity                                          14.0%         13.1%            

Cash dividends declared per
  common share(1)                             $     1.12    $     1.12             

Average shares outstanding (000)(1)               39,956        38,608             

Shareholders' equity                          $  600,574    $  553,043             9

Capital expenditures                          $  101,760    $   66,906            52

Employees                                          8,700         7,400            18

Shareholders of record                             3,787         3,978             
====================================================================================
</TABLE>

(1) Amounts have been restated to reflect a two-for-one stock split effective
    March 8, 1996.

                                     EX13-1

<PAGE>   2

FINANCIAL REVIEW

1995 VS. 1994
Sales in 1995 rose 15 percent to a record $1,236.8 million compared to 1994
sales of $1,076.2 million. Sales growth came equally from the expansion of
existing businesses and from new acquisitions. Overall, price increases and
currency effects were not significant in 1995.
     Total sales outside the U.S. represented 23 percent of consolidated sales
in 1995 and 22 percent in 1994.
     The additional sales volume, coupled with savings realized from the
Corporation's restructuring initiatives announced in the third quarter of 1994,
generated record net earnings of $80.9 million, or $2.02 per share, for 1995,
up 19 percent from $67.8 million, or $1.76 per share, recorded in 1994.
     On February 7, 1996, the Board of Directors approved a two-for-one stock
split to be distributed on April 9, 1996 to shareholders of record on March 8,
1996, at the rate of one additional share for each share held. All references
to number of shares, per share amounts, stock option data and market prices in
this annual report have been restated to reflect this two-for-one split.
     All three of the Corporation's business segments contributed year-over-year
improvements in sales and earnings.
     Electrical Construction and Maintenance Components' segment sales
increased 18 percent to $611.7 million in 1995, with solid growth generated
from existing products as well as from newly acquired businesses. Industrial,
commercial and residential construction and renovation activity was
particularly strong in the first half of the year. Restructuring-related
savings in this segment were offset in part by higher commodity costs and a
less favorable product sales mix than in the prior year, but 1995 earnings
still achieved 10 percent growth compared to 1994 earnings excluding one-time
charges.
     Electronic/OEM Components' segment sales increased 15 percent to $297.9
million in 1995, with two-thirds of the increase derived from existing products
and expansion of the customer base and one-third from strengthening currencies
in Europe and the Far East. Higher demand in the automotive, computer,
industrial automation and telecommunications markets drove strong volume gains
in all regions - North America, Europe and the Far East. The volume gains,
coupled with the restructuring-related cost savings, produced 61 percent higher
earnings in 1995 compared to 1994 earnings excluding one-time charges.
     The Other Products and Components' segment sales increased 9 percent to
$327.2 million in 1995, with two-thirds of the increase from existing products
and markets and one-third from acquisitions. Demand for heating products
continued strong in 1995 while demand for utility and telecommunication
products and components improved versus the prior year, resulting in 18 percent
earnings growth in 1995 compared to 1994 earnings excluding one-time charges.
     Consolidated gross margin improved to 34.3% in 1995 versus 33.9% in 1994.
The 1994 margin included $3.8 million of the one-time facilities-related


                                     EX13-2


<PAGE>   3

charge and the 1995 margin benefited from restructuring-related cost
reductions in North America and Europe that more than offset higher commodity
costs.
     Marketing, general and administrative expenses were 20.6 percent of sales
in 1995 compared to 21.4 percent in 1994. Expenses declined as a percent of
sales due to $6.8 million of the one-time facilities-related charge recorded in
1994 and the related savings realized in 1995. Research and development
expenses increased by 9 percent in 1995 and constituted 1.8 percent of sales.
Amortization expense declined by $1.2 million in 1995 due to intangibles that
became fully amortized during 1994.
     Other expense for 1995 was reduced by $3.8 million from the 1994 level
principally as a result of prior-year currency exchange losses, primarily in
Mexico, that did not recur in 1995, and a gain on the sale of certain assets of
the Electripak business. Increased interest expense, resulting from higher debt
levels to support restructuring initiatives and working capital needs to
support expanding businesses, was partially offset by higher investment income.
     The effective tax rate of 31.0 percent for 1995 was four points below the
U.S. statutory tax rate primarily due to tax benefits derived from the
Corporation's operations in Puerto Rico. The rate is not comparable to the 1994
rate because of the significant impact of the restructuring charge on pretax
earnings from continuing operations in 1994.
     The Corporation's net earnings as a percent of sales improved to 6.5
percent in 1995 compared to 6.3 percent in 1994. Return on average
shareholders' equity improved to 14.0 percent compared to 13.1 percent in 1994.

1994 VS. 1993
Net sales from continuing operations for 1994 were a record $1,076.2
million, up 12 percent from $957.5 million in 1993. Net earnings for 1994 were
up 20 percent to a record $67.8 million, or $1.76 per share, compared to $56.5
million, or $1.50 per share, in 1993. Net earnings for 1994 included a pretax
gain of $99.1 million from the sale of the Vitramon operation (which was
accounted for as a discontinued operation), a $79.0 million restructuring
charge and other facilities-related operating charges of $10.6 million. These
actions all occurred in the third quarter and were offsetting on an after-tax
basis. Earnings from continuing operations for 1994 were $1.9 million, or $0.05
per share, compared to $43.6 million, or $1.16 per share, in 1993, with 1994
results including the restructuring and facilities-related operating charges
and excluding the gain from the sale of Vitramon.
    The 12 percent increase in sales for 1994 was primarily the result of
additional sales volume, with overall pricing and currency effects not being
significant. All three business segments contributed to the increase.
     Total sales outside the U.S. represented 22 percent of consolidated sales
in 1994 and 21 percent in 1993.
     Electrical Construction and Maintenance Components' segment sales
increased 16 percent over 1993's level. Continued strength throughout the year
in most electrical markets, particularly the construction market, was a

                                     EX13-3


<PAGE>   4
major factor in the increase in sales of core products. Sales to lighting and
consumer markets were flat to down slightly from last year. Earnings in 1994,
before one-time charges, improved 13 percent compared to 1993 earnings.
     Electronic/OEM Components' segment sales for 1994 were up 5 percent over
1993, with strong results in the fourth quarter. Gains were experienced in all
North American markets due to increased volume, while net gains in the Far East
were primarily due to currency translation. European sales improved for the
first time in several years, as the economy there began to recover. Sales in
Europe were up 7 percent over the prior year, with 14 percent volume growth and
slightly stronger currencies offsetting the effects of lower pricing. Earnings
for 1994, before one-time charges, increased 79 percent compared to 1993
earnings.
     Other Products and Components' segment sales increased 12 percent over
1993. Demand for heating products was strong and sales of utility components
also increased. Earnings for 1994, before one-time charges, improved 20 percent
compared to 1993 earnings.
     Consolidated gross margin on continuing operations was 33.9 percent, down
from 34.4 percent in 1993 due to $3.8 million of the one-time facilities-
related charge taken in the third quarter. Otherwise, gross margin as a percent
of sales would have remained the same as in 1993, with the positive effect of
cost reductions in the Electronic/OEM segment and improved overhead absorption
in Europe offsetting certain price reductions made in non-U. S. markets.
     Marketing, general and administrative expenses for the year included $6.8
million of the one-time facilities-related charge taken in the third quarter of
1994. Including that charge, these expenses were 21.4 percent of sales compared
to 22.1 percent in 1993, and without the charge were 20.7 percent of sales. The
reduction was the result of administrative cost savings achieved in part by
consolidating headquarters and office operations in Memphis, Tennessee.
Research and development expense increased 11.4 percent and represented 1.9
percent of sales in both 1994 and 1993.
     Other expense was reduced by $3.0 million, due principally to lower net
interest expense on reduced borrowings made possible in part by the sale of
Vitramon. Partially offsetting lower net interest expense was a $1.5 million
foreign currency exchange loss recorded in the fourth quarter on the
Corporation's Mexico operations as a result of the peso devaluation.
     The Corporation's effective tax rate on continuing operations for 1994 was
a negative 282.0 percent compared to 27.3 percent for 1993. The negative tax
rate in 1994 resulted primarily from the tax benefits associated with
continuing operations (as Vitramon had no Puerto Rico operations). In absolute
dollar terms, however, this benefit decreased in 1994 compared to 1993 due to
recent tax law changes. The effective tax rate on earnings from discontinued
operations exceeded the statutory tax rate primarily due to higher tax rates
which applied to Vitramon's foreign operations. The effective tax rate on the
gain from the sale of discontinued operations exceeded the statutory rate
primarily as the result of state taxes on the gain.

                                     EX13-4


<PAGE>   5

     The Corporation's return on sales from continuing operations was 0.2
percent in 1994 compared to 4.6 percent in 1993. Net earnings as a percent of
sales were 6.3 percent in 1994 and 5.9 percent in 1993. Return on average
shareholders' equity was 13.1 percent compared to 12.0 percent in 1993.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
     Net cash flow from operating activities for the years 1993, 1994 and 1995
was $326.7 million. Earnings from continuing operations plus depreciation and
amortization for these three years totaled $283.6 million. These funds were
used for working capital needed to support sales growth, expenditures relating
to the restructuring activities that began in 1994, capital projects, business
acquisitions and dividend payments. Working capital needs included higher
levels of accounts receivable, relating to higher sales volume, and increased
inventory levels to support sales growth and to maintain service levels during
manufacturing and warehousing facility relocations undertaken as part of the
Corporation's restructuring actions. Payables declined from their unusually
high level at the end of 1994. Short-term and long-term accrued liabilities and
the corresponding deferred taxes declined as reserves established in 1994 for
restructuring activities were used.
      The Corporation has access to funds made available under a revolving
credit facility. In March 1995, this facility was renegotiated and increased
from $280.0 million to $500.0 million, making these funds available for a term
of five years from the renegotiation date. The covenants of this facility were
amended in December 1995 in anticipation of the Amerace acquisition. The
Corporation continues to fund its capital and operating needs with cash flows
from operations augmented by borrowing under this credit facility and from
other sources.
      In 1992, the Corporation established a $175.0 million medium-term note
program providing for the issuance of notes with maturities ranging from 9
months to 30 years. To date, the Corporation has not issued any notes pursuant
to this program.
     In January 1996, the Corporation completed the sale of $150.0 million of
10-year 6.50 percent senior notes. The net proceeds from the sale of these
securities were used to reduce borrowings under the Corporation's credit
facility incurred to finance the acquisition of Amerace.

ACQUISITIONS AND INVESTMENTS
      During 1995, the Corporation completed three acquisitions and negotiated
two others which were subsequently completed in January 1996. In February 1995,
certain assets (primarily inventories and equipment) relating to the
manufacture, sale and distribution of the Anchor Electric meter center business
were acquired for $3.5 million in cash. In July 1995, E. K. Campbell Company, a
custom industrial heating and cooling equipment manufacturer, was acquired for
28,090 shares of the Corporation's common stock having a market value of $1.0
million. In October 1995, Catamount Manufacturing, Inc., a manufacturer of
cable ties, wire connectors and

                                     EX13-5


<PAGE>   6

related electrical products, was acquired for approximately $35.0 million
consisting of 629,720 shares of the Corporation's common stock having a market
value of $22.0 million and the assumption of approximately $13.0 million of
Catamount's debt. The Anchor Electric acquisition was accounted for using the
purchase method of accounting and the E. K. Campbell and Catamount acquisitions
were accounted for using the pooling of interest method of accounting without
restating prior-years' results due to immateriality.
      On January 2, 1996, the Corporation acquired all of the outstanding stock
of Amerace for $220.6 million in cash. Amerace is a manufacturer of electrical
products for utility and industrial markets whose 1995 sales were $215.0
million. Its most significant products are underground power and distribution
connectors sold under its Elastimold brand name. Amerace will be accounted for
using the purchase method of accounting.
      On January 5, 1996, the Corporation acquired certain assets of Bowers
Manufacturing Corporation, primarily inventories and equipment relating to the
manufacture, sale and distribution of metallic and non-metallic electrical
outlet boxes and surface raceway systems, for $8.5 million in cash. Bowers will
be accounted for using the purchase method of accounting.
     During 1994, the Corporation made four acquisitions. Three were purchases
from Eaton Corporation involving primarily inventories and equipment: in
January, certain circuit protection products were purchased; in August,
Commander Electrical Products, Inc., a Canadian metal outlet box and fittings
business, was purchased; and in November, a U. S. non-metallic electrical
outlet box business was purchased. Separately, in February, the Corporation
purchased certain assets from Anford, Inc. in Canada relating to the
manufacture and sale of cable tray. The total purchase price of these
acquisitions was $72.8 million. In August 1994, the Corporation also purchased
a minority interest (approximately 29%) in Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc., the
leading U.S. manufacturer of wiring devices, for cash of $25.6 million and
common stock worth $25.0 million.
     Acquisitions in 1993 totaled $3.0 million and were accounted for as
purchase transactions.

CAPITAL SPENDING
      Capital spending increased significantly over the past three years, from
$38.6 million in 1993 to $66.9 million in 1994 to a record $101.8 million in
1995. Capital funds were used for restructuring projects to improve service and
reduce operating costs, to expand manufacturing capacity and produce new
products, and to increase efficiency in keeping with the Corporation's
strategic focus on core businesses and product lines. Projects in 1995 included
three new state-of-the-art warehouse facilities in Mississippi, Canada and
Belgium; the expansion of production capabilities in Puerto Rico; and new
equipment and efficiency-related improvements at facilities in Arkansas and
Mexico. In 1994, the Corporation began refurbishment of the newly leased
Arkansas manufacturing facility, completed a second expansion of its existing
Mississippi warehouse facility initiated in 1993, completed the refurbishment
and equipment upgrade at a newly leased warehouse facility

                                     EX13-6


<PAGE>   7

in Nevada and began construction of the new warehouse facility in Canada.

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
      The Corporation believes it is substantially in compliance with all
applicable environmental laws and regulations and that the cost of maintaining
substantial compliance with such laws and regulations will not be material to
its financial statements.
      With the acquisition of American Electric in 1992, the Corporation became
the owner of certain manufacturing facilities that were being remediated or
could potentially require remediation. As part of the acquisition, reserves
were provided and arrangements made with third parties to cover the cost of
remediation. In 1994, an additional $7.0 million was provided for potential
environmental remediation of a planned facility closing and was recorded as
part of the 1994 restructuring charge. The Corporation paid $1.4, $0.7 and $0.9
million for remediation and corrective matters for the years 1995, 1994 and
1993, respectively, with payments for Superfund-related matters being less than
$0.2 million in any year. The Corporation's policy is to accrue undiscounted
future remediation expenses to the extent known and determinable.

RESTRUCTURING
      Activities related to the $79.0 million restructuring charge taken in
1994 generally proceeded as anticipated. The timing of forecasted spending
relating to Mexican operations was revised as a result of uncertainties related
to the peso devaluation in late 1994, and is now expected to be completed in
1996. During 1995, the Corporation expended $21.8 million of the cash portion
of the restructuring reserve primarily for severance and other employee
benefits, and $16.1 million of the non-cash portion of the reserve for disposal
of assets. Total charges applied to the restructuring reserve through year-end
1995 were $25.3 million for cash spending activities and $32.4 million for
non-cash activities.
      The $13.5 million remaining reserve for cash restructuring activities is
for severance and other employee benefits and environmental clean-up and
carrying costs for closed facilities and is expected to be spent in 1996 and
thereafter. The balance of the $7.8 million reserve for non-cash restructuring
activities is expected to be consumed during 1996 to write down the carrying
values of plant, equipment and inventory at facilities to be closed or
realigned and to dispose of products to be discontinued. Anticipated total
proceeds from these disposals are not expected to be significant. The reserves
remaining at the end of 1995 are believed to be adequate for the purposes for
which they were established.

OTHER MATTERS
      The Corporation manages its foreign currency exchange rate risk by
entering into foreign exchange contracts to hedge currency exposures. It does
not trade in these instruments for speculative purposes.
      The Corporation maintains a portfolio of marketable securities and cash
equivalents in Puerto Rico, which at year-end 1995 was valued at $95.0

                                     EX13-7


<PAGE>   8

million. Although these investments represent currently available funds, they
remain invested so the Corporation can obtain favorable, partially tax-exempt
status on earnings generated in Puerto Rico.
     In March and October of 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board
issued Statements No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of," and No. 123, "Accounting for
Stock-Based Compensation." Both Statements are effective for fiscal years
beginning after December 15, 1995, and neither is expected to have a
significant effect on the financial statements of the Corporation.


DIVIDENDS AND RELATED SECURITY HOLDER MATTERS
      In 1995, the Corporation declared cash dividends of $1.12 per share, or
$44.2 million. These dividends represent 55 percent of net earnings in 1995
compared to dividends representing 64 percent of net earnings in 1994. Debt
covenants permit the Corporation to continue paying dividends at the current
rate, with increases allowed only if the dividend payout does not exceed 50
percent of earnings. Thomas & Betts has paid dividends for 62 consecutive
years.
      The Corporation's common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange.
Thomas & Betts had 40,076,000 shares of common stock outstanding at December
31, 1995 which were held by 3,787 shareholders of record.



                                     EX13-8


<PAGE>   9

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EARNINGS
Thomas & Betts Corporation

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
=================================================================================================
In thousands (except per share data)                            1995          1994           1993
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                      <C>           <C>            <C>
NET SALES                                                $ 1,236,825   $ 1,076,165    $   957,509
                                                         -----------    ----------     ----------
COSTS AND EXPENSES
Cost of sales                                                812,080       710,864        628,577
Marketing, general and administrative                        254,780       229,897        211,430
Research and development                                      22,698        20,787         18,664
Amortization of intangibles                                    9,796        11,040         11,780
Provision for restructured operations                              -        79,011              -
                                                         -----------    ----------     ----------
                                                           1,099,354     1,051,599        870,451
                                                         -----------    ----------     ----------
Earnings from operations                                     137,471        24,566         87,058
Other expense-net                                             20,301        24,072         27,116
                                                         -----------    ----------     ----------
Earnings from continuing operations
     before income taxes                                     117,170           494         59,942
Income taxes(benefit)                                         36,268        (1,393)        16,353
                                                         -----------    ----------     ----------
Earnings from continuing operations
     before cumulative effect of change
     in accounting for income taxes                           80,902         1,887         43,589
Earnings from discontinued operations,
     net of income taxes of $4,628
     for 1994 and $7,180 for 1993                                  -         7,350         11,322
Gain on sale of discontinued
     operations net of income taxes
     of $40,492                                                    -        58,583              -
                                                         -----------    ----------     ----------
Earnings before cumulative effect
     of change in accounting for
     income taxes                                             80,902        67,820         54,911
Cumulative effect of change in
     accounting for income taxes                                   -             -          1,628
                                                         -----------    ----------     ----------
NET EARNINGS                                             $    80,902   $    67,820    $    56,539
                                                         -----------    ----------     ----------
SHARE DATA(1)
Earnings from continuing operations
     before cumulative effect of change
     in accounting for income taxes                      $      2.02   $      0.05    $      1.16
Earnings from discontinued operations-                             -          0.19           0.30
Gain on sale of discontinued operations                            -          1.52              -
                                                         -----------    ----------     ----------
Earnings before cumulative effect
     of change in accounting for
     income taxes                                               2.02          1.76           1.46
Cumulative effect of change in
     accounting for income taxes                                   -             -           0.04
                                                         -----------    ----------     ----------
Net Earnings                                             $      2.02   $      1.76    $      1.50
                                                         -----------    ----------     ----------
Cash dividends declared                                  $      1.12          1.12    $      1.12
Average shares outstanding                                    39,956        38,608         37,674
=================================================================================================
</TABLE>
(1) Amounts have been restated to reflect a two-for-one stock split effective
    March 8, 1996.

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements




                                     EX13-9

<PAGE>   10

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
Thomas & Betts Corporation

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
===============================================================================
                                                      December 31,   January 1,
In thousands                                                 1995          1995
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>            <C>
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents                            $    44,411    $    69,671
Marketable securities                                     60,638         52,569
Receivables, less allowance for doubtful
  accounts and cash discounts of $5,942
  in 1995 and $4,556 in 1994                             186,585        168,077
Inventories                                              211,860        198,422
Deferred income taxes                                     19,486         40,059
Prepaid expenses                                           4,635          5,195
                                                     -----------    -----------
          Total Current Assets                           527,615        533,993
                                                    
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Land                                                      13,981          9,549
Buildings                                                144,194        110,435
Machinery and equipment                                  457,269        427,115
                                                     -----------    -----------
                                                         615,444        547,099
Less accumulated depreciation                            277,263        271,574
                                                     -----------    -----------
                                                         338,181        275,525
INTANGIBLE ASSETS-NET                                    314,423        323,228
INVESTMENTS AND OTHER ASSETS                              79,163         75,466
                                                     -----------    -----------
TOTAL ASSETS                                         $ 1,259,382    $ 1,208,212
                                                     ===========    ===========

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Short-term bank borrowings                           $    27,518    $    15,355
Current maturities of long-term debt                      19,840          3,304
Accounts payable                                         110,462        118,052
Accrued liabilities                                       99,180        116,875
Income taxes                                              14,700         15,779
Dividends payable                                         11,221         10,979
                                                     -----------    -----------
          Total Current Liabilities                      282,921        280,344

LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
Long-term debt                                           327,812        319,519
Other long-term liabilities                               35,510         40,408
Deferred income taxes                                     12,565         14,898

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock(1)                                           20,086         19,644
Additional paid-in capital(1)                            167,015        159,469
Retained earnings                                        411,984        373,011
Unrealized gain on marketable securities                     786            867
Foreign currency translation adjustment                    3,997          2,661
Cost of treasury stock                                    (3,294)        (2,609)
                                                     -----------    -----------
          Total Shareholders' Equity                     600,574        553,043
                                                     -----------    -----------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY            $1,259,382     $1,208,212
===============================================================================
</TABLE>

(1) Amounts have been restated to reflect a two-for-one stock split effective
    March 8, 1996.

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


                                    EX13-10


<PAGE>   11

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Thomas & Betts Corporation

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
======================================================================================================
(In thousands)                                                            1995        1994        1993
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                   <C>         <C>         <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Earnings from continuing operations                                  $  80,902    $  1,887    $ 43,589
Adjustments:
 Depreciation and amortization                                          54,676      53,532      48,998
 Provision for restructured operations                                       -      79,011           -
 Provision for facilities-related operating
   charges                                                                   -      10,632           -
 Deferred income taxes                                                  13,028     (38,498)      6,108
 Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net:
         Receivables                                                   (15,460)    (13,617)    (18,791)
         Inventories                                                    (7,779)    (20,740)     (5,321)
         Accounts payable                                               (9,904)     38,637      17,286
         Accrued liabilities                                           (19,941)      2,095         419
         Income taxes payable                                           (1,057)      7,934       3,643
 Cash from discontinued operations                                           -       7,606      18,766
 Other                                                                  (6,542)      1,751      (6,132)
                                                                     ---------   ---------    --------
Net cash provided by operating activities                               87,923     130,230     108,565
                                                                     ---------   ---------    --------

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchases of and investments in businesses                             (12,066)    (84,084)          -
Purchases of property, plant and equipment                            (101,760)    (59,109)    (28,044)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and
  equipment                                                              2,447       6,057      10,481
Marketable securities acquired                                         (50,925)    (30,509)    (22,486)
Proceeds from matured marketable securities                             49,500      19,292      50,219
Proceeds from sale of product line                                       4,900           -           -
Proceeds from sale of Vitramon, net of tax                                   -     144,700           -
Net investments in discontinued operations                                   -      (7,781)    (10,473)
Other                                                                     (398)      1,733      (1,280)
                                                                     ---------   ---------    --------
Net cash used in investing activities                                 (108,302)     (9,701)   $ (1,583)
                                                                     ---------   ---------    --------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Increase (decrease) in borrowings with original
  maturities less than 90 days                                          24,438      (9,543)      2,181
Proceeds from long-term debt and other borrowings                       24,789      43,998      27,447
Repayment of long-term debt and other borrowings                       (18,455)   (119,942)    (70,295)
Stock options exercised                                                  5,359       4,116       4,082
Cash dividends paid                                                    (43,996)    (42,996)    (42,158)
                                                                     ---------   ---------    --------
Net cash used in financing activities                                   (7,865)   (124,367)    (78,743)
                                                                     ---------   ---------    --------
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH                                  2,984       1,000       2,506
                                                                     ---------   ---------    --------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash
  equivalents                                                          (25,260)     (2,838)     30,745
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of year                           69,671      72,509      41,764
                                                                     ---------   ---------    --------
Cash and cash equivalents - end of year                              $  44,411    $ 69,671    $ 72,509
======================================================================================================
Cash payments for interest                                           $  27,890    $ 27,027    $ 29,900
Cash payments for taxes                                              $  23,848    $ 70,561    $ 14,024
======================================================================================================
</TABLE>

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

                                    EX13-11


<PAGE>   12

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

Thomas & Betts Corporation

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


===============================================================================================
                                                                                                  
                                                        Common Stock      Additional    
                                                     -----------------      Paid-In    Retained
In thousands (except per share data)                 Shares      Amount     Capital    Earnings   
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>      <C>         <C>         <C>         
Balance at December 31, 1992                         37,612   $  18,806   $ 109,647   $ 334,278   
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings                                              -           -           -      56,539   
Dividends declared ($1.12 per share)                      -           -           -     (42,220)  
Stock options and incentive awards                      240         120       6,290           -   
Translation adjustments,                                                                          
  net of taxes of $1,059                                  -           -           -           -   
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at January 2, 1994                           37,852      18,926     115,937     348,597   
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings                                              -           -           -      67,820   
Unrealized gain upon adoption of                                                                  
  SFAS 115, net of taxes of $839                          -           -           -           -   
Unrealized loss on marketable                                                                     
  securities, net of taxes of ($344)                      -           -           -           -   
Dividends declared ($1.12 per share)                      -           -           -     (43,406)  
Stock options and incentive awards                      190          95       4,872           -   
Business acquisition and investments                  1,246         623      38,660           -   
Translation adjustments,                                                                          
  net of taxes of $915                                    -           -           -           -   
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at January 1, 1995                           39,288      19,644     159,469     373,011   
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Poolings of interest                                    656         328       1,616       2,309   
Net earnings                                              -           -           -      80,902   
Unrealized loss on marketable                                                       
  securities, net of taxes of ($55)                       -           -           -           -   
Dividends declared ($1.12 per share)                      -           -           -     (44,238)  
Stock options and incentive awards                      228         114       5,930           -           
Translation adjustments,                                                                          
net of taxes of $ 719                                     -           -           -           -   
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at December 31, 1995                         40,172   $  20,086   $ 167,015   $ 411,984   
===============================================================================================
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Thomas & Betts Corporation
===================================================================================================
                                                     Unrealized
                                                    Gain (Loss)  Cumulative         Treasury Stock 
                                                  On Marketable Translation       ------------------               
In thousands(except per share data)                  Securities  Adjustment       Shares      Amount
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>         <C>               <C>     <C>
Balance at December 31, 1992                         $       -   $   3,054          (86)   $  (2,723)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings                                                 -           -            -            -
Dividends declared ($1.12 per share)                         -           -            -            -
Stock options and incentive awards                           -           -          (20)        (866)
Translation adjustments,                             
  net of taxes of $1,059                                     -      (2,093)           -            -
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at January 2, 1994                                   -         961         (106)      (3,589)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings                                                 -           -            -           -
Unrealized gain upon adoption of                     
  SFAS 115, net of taxes of $839                         1,556           -            -           -
Unrealized loss on marketable                        
  securities, net of taxes of ($344)                      (689)          -            -           -
Dividends declared ($1.12 per share)                         -           -            -           -
Stock options and incentive awards                           -           -           28          980
Business acquisition and investments                         -           -            -            -
Translation adjustments,                             
  net of taxes of $915                                       -       1,700            -            -
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at January 1, 1995                                 867       2,661          (78)      (2,609)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Poolings of interest                                         -           -            -            -
Net earnings                                                 -           -            -            -
Unrealized loss on marketable                          
  securities, net of taxes of ($55)                        (81)          -            -            -
Dividends declared ($1.12 per share)                         -           -            -            -
Stock options and incentive awards                           -           -          (18)        (685)
Translation adjustments,                             
net of taxes of $  719                                       -       1,336            -            -
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at December 31, 1995                         $     786   $   3,997          (96)   $  (3,294)
====================================================================================================
</TABLE>

Preferred Stock: Authorized 500,000 shares without par value.  To date none of
these shares has been issued.

Common Stock: Authorized 80,000,000 shares, par value $.50 per share.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amounts have been restated to reflect a two-for-one stock split effective
March 8, 1996.

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

                                    EX13-12


<PAGE>   13
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS

Thomas and Betts Corporation designs, manufactures, and markets, on a global
basis, electrical and electronic connectors and components as well as other
related products and accessories for construction and original equipment
manufacturer ("OEM") markets. In North America, the Corporation is one of the
largest manufacturers of electrical connectors and accessories for industrial,
commercial and residential construction, renovation and maintenance
applications, and is a leading supplier of transmission poles, towers and
industrial lighting products to the utility and telecommunications industries
and of products and components to the heating, mechanical and refrigeration
(HMR) markets. The Corporation is also a worldwide designer and manufacturer
of electronic connectors and flat cable, which are sold primarily to OEM's in
the automotive, computer, office equipment, test equipment, instrumentation,
industrial automation and telecommunications industries in North America,
Europe and the Far East.

2.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Corporation
and its wholly owned domestic and foreign subsidiaries. All significant
intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
The Corporation uses the equity method of accounting for its investments in 50
percent or less owned companies.

     The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

FISCAL YEAR
The Corporation's fiscal year ends on the Sunday closest to the end of the
calendar year. Results for 1995, 1994 and 1993 are for the 52 weeks ended
December 31, 1995, January 1, 1995 and January 2, 1994, respectively.

MARKETABLE SECURITIES
Effective January 3, 1994, the Corporation adopted statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 115, and changed from accounting for its marketable
securities on an amortized cost basis to a fair market value basis. See Note 7.


                                    EX13-13


<PAGE>   14

FOREIGN EXCHANGE
The Corporation becomes exposed to exchange rate risk when its U.S. and
non-U.S. subsidiaries enter into transactions denominated in currencies other
than their functional currency. The Corporation enters into foreign exchange
contracts to hedge, where possible, this risk. As exchange rates change, gains
and losses recorded on the exposed transactions are offset by those on the
hedging contracts. Both the exposed transactions and the hedging contracts are
marked to market monthly with gains and losses included in earnings. A high
correlation is maintained between the transactions and the hedges to minimize
currency risk, and the high creditworthiness of the counterparties to the
hedging contracts (financial institutions having at least a single-A credit
rating) minimizes non-performance risk. The Corporation does not enter into
foreign exchange contracts for trading purposes.

     At December 31, 1995 and January 1, 1995, the Corporation had outstanding
contracts to sell $76.9 and $69.5 million, respectively, of principally
Canadian and European currencies for U.S. dollars and to buy the equivalent of
$22.0 and $4.6 million, respectively, of European currencies, all maturing
within 180 days.

INVENTORIES
Inventories are stated at lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the
last-in, first-out (LIFO) method for most domestic inventories, and the
first-in, first-out (FIFO) method for other inventories.

     Inventories valued using the LIFO method represented approximately 69
percent of total inventories at December 31, 1995 and 73 percent at
January 1, 1995. The LIFO value of inventories held at December 31, 1995
approximated their current values.

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Expenditures for maintenance
and repair are charged to costs and expenses as incurred. Significant renewals
and betterments that extend the lives of assets are capitalized. Depreciation
is computed principally on the straight-line method over the estimated useful
lives of the assets which range principally from 10 to 25 years for land
improvements, 10 to 45 years for buildings, and 3 to 15 years for machinery and
equipment.

INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Intangible assets consist principally of the excess of cost over the fair value
of net assets (goodwill) acquired in business combinations accounted for as
purchases. These assets are being amortized on a straight-line basis over
periods of 15 to 40 years. Goodwill is reevaluated when business events and
circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.
Reevaluation is based on projections of related undiscounted future cash flows.

     As of December 31, 1995 and January 1, 1995, accumulated amortization of
intangible assets was $50.4 and $40.5 million, respectively.


                                    EX13-14


<PAGE>   15

INCOME TAXES
Effective January 1, 1993, the Corporation changed from the deferred method of
accounting for income taxes under APB Opinion No. 11 to the provisions of
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 109, "Accounting for
Income Taxes." Prior-years' financial statements were not restated. SFAS
No. 109 requires the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes.
This method recognizes the expected future tax consequences of temporary
differences between the book and tax bases of assets and liabilities.

     Deferred taxes are not provided on undistributed net earnings of foreign
subsidiaries, approximately $8.1 million at December 31, 1995, to the extent
that those earnings are expected to be permanently reinvested in the
subsidiaries. It is estimated that taxes ultimately payable on the distribution
of these earnings would not be significant.

INTEREST RATE SWAPS
The Corporation has two interest rate swap agreements to reduce the impact of
changes in interest rates on a portion of its floating-rate debt. The
differential to be paid or received under these agreements is accrued monthly
consistent with the terms of the agreements and market interest rates. These
agreements are with financial institutions having at least a double-A credit
rating, which minimizes non-performance risk.

EARNINGS PER SHARE
Earnings per share is computed by dividing net earnings by the weighted average
number of shares of common stock outstanding during the year. The effect on
earnings per share resulting from the assumed exercise of outstanding options
is not material.

CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Cash equivalents consist of investments with maturities at date of purchase of
less than 90 days that have a low risk of change in value due to interest rate
changes. Foreign currency cash flows have been converted to U.S. dollars at
appropriately weighted average exchange rates or the exchange rates in effect
at the time of the cash flows, where determinable.

3. ACQUISITIONS
On February 6, 1995, the Corporation acquired certain assets (primarily
inventories and equipment) of Anchor Electric Company, a manufacturer of
electrical meter centers, for $3.5 million in cash. On July 25, 1995, the
Corporation acquired all the outstanding stock of E. K. Campbell Company, a
custom industrial heating and cooling equipment manufacturer, in exchange for
28,090 shares of the Corporation's common stock. On October 27, 1995, the
Corporation acquired all the outstanding stock of Catamount Manufacturing,
Inc., a manufacturer of cable ties, wire connectors and related electrical
products, for 629,720 shares of the Corporation's common stock, and the
assumption of approximately $13.0 million of Catamount's debt. The Anchor
Electric acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting
and the E.K. Campbell and Catamount

                                    EX13-15


<PAGE>   16
acquisitions were accounted for using the pooling of interest method of
accounting without restating prior-year results due to immateriality. These
businesses represented $36.8 million of sales reported by the Corporation in
1995.

     In 1994 the Corporation made three separate purchases of assets from Eaton
Corporation, primarily inventories and equipment. On January 31, 1994, the
Corporation purchased certain circuit protection products in exchange for
447,432 shares of its common stock having a market value of $14.3 million; on
August 11, 1994 it purchased all the stock of Commander Electrical Products,
Inc., a Canadian metal outlet box and fittings business for $51.2 million in
cash; and on November 30, 1994, it purchased a U. S. non-metallic electrical
outlet box business for $4.4 million in cash. Separately, on February 18, 1994,
the Corporation purchased certain Canadian assets from Anford Inc., relating to
the manufacture, sale and distribution of Canadian cable tray, for $2.9 million
in cash. All of these acquisitions were accounted for using the purchase method
of accounting; therefore, the accompanying financial statements include the
results of these businesses since the dates of their respective acquisition.
These businesses represented approximately $54.0 million of sales reported by
the Corporation in 1994.

     On August 10, 1994 the Corporation completed the purchase of a minority
interest (approximately 29%) in Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc., the leading
U.S. manufacturer of wiring devices, for common stock having a market value of
$25.0 million and for cash of $25.6 million.

     Acquisitions totaling $3.0 million were made in 1993 and accounted for as
purchase transactions.

4. RESTRUCTURING

In the third quarter of 1994, the Corporation recorded a $79.0 million pretax
restructuring charge to consolidate and realign manufacturing facilities,
operations and service processes, to provide for the discontinuance of certain
products, and to reduce its overhead structure. The Corporation established a
liability of approximately $38.8 million for cash charges, primarily severance
benefits and other employee termination costs, ongoing carrying costs of closed
facilities, environmental clean-up costs at facilities to be closed, and other
related costs. In 1994 and 1995, the Corporation spent $3.5 million and $21.8
million, respectively, primarily on employee costs, with the remaining $13.5
million earmarked for environmental clean-up and facility carrying costs
expected to be spent in 1996 and thereafter. The Corporation also provided
approximately $40.2 million for non-cash restructuring charges to provide for
losses on the disposition of plant, equipment and inventory at facilities to be
closed or realigned and to dispose of products to be discontinued. In 1994 and
1995, the Corporation disposed of $16.3 million and $16.1 million worth of
assets, respectively, and it is estimated that the remaining $7.8 million
reserve will be used in 1996. Anticipated total proceeds from these disposals
are not expected to be significant.



                                    EX13-16


<PAGE>   17
5. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS AND BUSINESSES SOLD

On September 28, 1995, the Corporation sold its residential lighting, multiple
outlet center and surge protection consumer product lines. Annualized sales of
these products were about $20.0 million.

     On July 18, 1994, the Corporation sold its multilayer ceramic chip
capacitor subsidiary, Vitramon, Incorporated, for $184.0 million in cash
($144.7 million after tax payments) and realized a $58.6 million gain after
tax.

6. INCOME TAXES

The components of earnings from continuing operations before income taxes are
as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
=====================================================================================
In thousands                                              1995       1994        1993
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        <S>                                           <C>        <C>         <C>
        Domestic                                      $ 85,371   $ (1,301)   $ 54,036
        Foreign                                         31,799      1,795       5,906
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Total                                $117,170   $    494    $ 59,942
=====================================================================================
</TABLE>

        The components of income tax expense on continuing operations are as
follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

=====================================================================================
In thousands                                              1995       1994        1993
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                   <C>        <C>         <C>
     Current
        Federal                                       $ 10,916   $ 28,962    $  5,759
        Foreign                                         10,041      4,225       2,783
        State and local                                  1,173      2,098       1,957
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Total current                                   22,130     35,285      10,499
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Deferred
        Federal                                       $ 12,488    (36,599)      5,561
        Foreign                                          1,650        (79)        293
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Total deferred                                  14,138    (36,678)      5,854
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Income taxes (benefit)                        $ 36,268   $ (1,393)   $ 16,353
=====================================================================================
</TABLE>

     The reconciliation between the Federal statutory tax rate and the
Corporation's effective tax rate on continuing operations is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
======================================================================================
                                                          1995       1994         1993
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                       <C>    <C>            <C>
Federal statutory tax rate                                35.0%      35.0%       35.0%
Increase (reduction) resulting from:
     State tax - net of Federal tax
       benefit                                             0.8      331.6         2.1
     Partially tax-exempt income                          (5.3)  (1,312.8)      (18.0)
     Goodwill and other deductions                         2.6      594.6         4.7
     Donation of plant facility                           (1.5)         -           -
     Change in valuation allowance                        (1.5)      24.7         1.4
     Other                                                 0.9       44.9         2.1
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Effective tax rate                                        31.0%    (282.0)%      27.3%
=====================================================================================
</TABLE>



                                    EX13-17

<PAGE>   18

     The components of the Corporation's net deferred tax asset were:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
===============================================================================
                                                    December 31,     January 2,      
In thousands                                                1995           1995          
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                     <C>            <C>              
Deferred tax assets:                                                                    
  Restructuring reserves                                $  6,064       $ 22,794         
  Accrued employee benefits                               12,567         12,494         
  Other accruals                                          16,300         15,862         
  Asset reserves                                           8,981         10,414         
  Foreign tax credits and loss                                                          
    carryforwards                                          6,813          8,969         
  Other                                                    8,430          5,601         
  Valuation allowance                                     (6,813)        (8,524)        
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Net deferred tax assets                                 52,342         67,610         
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deferred tax liabilities:                                                               
  Property, plant and equipment                          (23,442)       (26,009)        
  Pension benefits                                        (4,174)        (4,174)        
  Unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries             (3,522)        (3,522)        
  Other                                                  (10,181)        (8,744)  
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total deferred tax liabilities                         (41,319)       (42,449)        
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net deferred tax asset                                  $ 11,023       $ 25,161         
===============================================================================
</TABLE>

    The valuation allowance for deferred tax assets was decreased by $1.7
million due to utilization of all previously reserved loss carryforwards. The
remaining valuation allowance at December 31, 1995 relates to a foreign tax
credit carryover.

    Non-U.S. deferred tax assets of $4.1 million are included in Investments
and Other Assets on the balance sheet at December 31, 1995.

7.  FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The estimated fair values of the Corporation's financial instruments were as
follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
=====================================================================================
                                         December 31, 1995            January 1, 1995
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       Carrying        Fair     Carrying         Fair
In thousands                             Amount       Value       Amount        Value
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                   <C>         <C>          <C>          <C>
Cash and cash equivalents             $  44,411   $  44,411    $  69,671    $  69,671
Marketable securities                    60,638      60,638       52,569       52,569
Long-term debt                         (347,652)   (302,574)    (322,823)    (318,069)
Interest rate swaps                           -        (393)           -          380
Foreign currency contracts            $     484   $     484    $    (290)   $    (290)
=====================================================================================
</TABLE>

         The fair value of marketable securities was based on quoted market
prices. The fair value of long-term debt was based on quoted market prices or
on the current market rates available to the Corporation for debt of the same
remaining maturity. The fair value of the interest rate swap agreements was
based on the current payments required for their settlement. Foreign currency
contracts are recorded at fair value, adjusted to reflect changes in exchange
rates.

                                    EX13-18


<PAGE>   19

     The cost basis and fair market value of these available-for-sale
securities at December 31, 1995 and January 1,1995 were:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
=============================================================================
                           Amortized         Gross         Gross         Fair
                                Cost    Unrealized    Unrealized       Market
In thousands                   Basis         Gains        Losses        value
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                          <C>           <C>           <C>          <C>       
   DECEMBER 31, 1995                                                            
Mortgage-Backed              $44,716       $ 1,236       $  (409)     $45,543   
Equity and Other              14,586           509             -       15,095   
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Total                   $59,302       $ 1,745       $  (409)     $60,638   
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
  JANUARY 1, 1995                                                               
Mortgage-backed              $49,739       $ 1,797       $(1,612)     $49,924   
Equity and other               1,468         1,177             -        2,645   
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Total                     $51,207       $ 2,974       $(1,612)     $52,569   
=============================================================================
</TABLE>

     There were no sales of available-for-sale securities during the year. The
mortgage-backed securities held at December 31, 1995 have expected maturities
ranging from one to nine years.

8.  LONG-TERM DEBT

The Corporation's long-term debt at December 31, 1995 and January 1, 1995 was
as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
===============================================================================
                                                      December 31,   January 1,
In thousands                                                  1995         1995
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                       <C>          <C>         
Revolving credit facility with                                                     
  a weighted average interest                                                      
  rate at December 31, 1995 of 6.00%(1)                   $ 92,500     $ 85,000    
Other borrowings with                                                              
  a weighted average interest                                                      
  rate at December 31, 1995 of 6.03%(1)(2)                  48,400       37,700    
Notes payable:                                                                     
  5.10%, due February 23, 1996(2)                           20,000       20,000    
  8.25%, due January 15, 2004                              124,383      124,307    
International borrowings with                                                      
  a weighted average interest                                                      
  rate of 5.61% at December 31,                                                    
  1995, due through 2002                                    30,897       31,910    
Industrial revenue bonds with a                                                    
  weighted average interest rate                                                   
  at December 31, 1995 of 5.31%,                                                   
  due from 2001-2013                                        26,400       18,405    
Other                                                        5,072        5,501    
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           347,652      322,823    
Less current portion                                        19,840        3,304    
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          $327,812     $319,519    
===============================================================================
</TABLE>

(1)      Two interest rate swaps act to the benefit of the Corporation if
         interest rates increase. The Corporation receives interest on $25.0
         million at the one-month LIBOR rate in exchange for 7.09% through
         April 1997 and interest on $25.0 million at the six-month LIBOR rate
         in exchange for 4.48% through December 1996.
(2)      Committed credit available under the revolving credit facility
         provides the ability to refinance this debt on a long-term basis.

         Principal payments on long-term debt in each of the five years
subsequent to December 31, 1995 are $19.8, $7.1, $5.3, $4.6 and $163.5 million,
respectively.


                                    EX13-19
<PAGE>   20

     In March 1995, the Corporation renegotiated and increased its revolving
credit facility to $500.0 million from $280.0 million, making these funds
available for a term of five years from the renegotiation date. The covenants
of this facility were amended in December 1995 in anticipation of the Amerace
acquisition. The Corporation has the option, at the time of drawing funds under
this revised facility, of selecting an interest rate based on a number of
benchmarks including LIBOR, the certificate of deposit rate and the prime rate
of Morgan Guaranty Trust Company. This credit facility includes covenants,
among which are limitations on the amount of future indebtedness and the
maintenance of certain financial ratios. Dividends are permitted to continue at
the current rate per share and may be increased, provided the payout does not
exceed 50 percent of net earnings.

     In January 1996, the Corporation completed the sale of $150.0 million of
10-year 6-1/2% senior notes. See Note 15.

9.  STOCK OPTION AND INCENTIVE PLANS

The Corporation has stock option plans that provide for the purchase of the
Corporation's common stock by its key employees.

         Following is a summary of the option transactions for the years 1993,
1994 and 1995:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
=================================================================
                                                          Average
                                                        Per Share
                                              Shares Option Price
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                        <C>          <C>
Balance at December 31, 1992               1,102,104    $   27.29
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Granted                                      303,250        34.78
Exercised                                   (240,266)       25.91
Terminated                                   (17,950)       33.21
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at January 2, 1994                 1,147,138        29.47
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Granted                                      580,250        32.27
Exercised                                   (189,890)       27.70
Terminated                                   (97,350)       32.65
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at January 1, 1995                 1,440,148        30.58
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Granted (1)                                  376,396        28.65
Exercised                                   (226,362)       26.90
Terminated                                  (116,746)       32.43
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at December 31, 1995               1,473,436        30.50
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Exercisable at December 31, 1995             833,936    $   29.00
=================================================================
</TABLE>

All amounts have been restated to reflect a two-for-one stock split effective
March 8, 1996. 
(1) Includes Catamount stock options converted into the Corporation's stock 
    options.

      Under the 1985 and 1990 stock option plans, no further options may be
granted and remaining options outstanding are exercisable at various dates
until 1999. The 1993 Management Stock Ownership Plan (MSOP) provides that, for
each calendar year, up to 1-1/4% of the issued and outstanding common stock of
the Corporation shall be available for issuance as grants or awards. This plan
provides for granting stock options at a price equal to the fair market value
on the date of grant with a term not to exceed ten years.


                                    EX13-20


<PAGE>   21

      At December 31, 1995 a total of 2,563,412 shares was reserved for
issuance under stock options already granted or available for future grant.

      The MSOP and, prior to 1994, the 1988 Restricted Stock Incentive Plan,
provided for the issuance of common stock as incentive compensation to key
employees. The awards are subject to certain restrictions, including one that
provides for full vesting if the recipient remains in the employ of the
Corporation three years after receipt of the award. The value of the awards is
deductible by the Corporation as compensation expense. Shares plus cash
payments for federal and state taxes awarded under these plans were 41,748
shares plus $0.6 million in 1995, 56,332 shares plus $0.9 million in 1994 and
38,154 shares plus $0.5 million in 1993.

      The Corporation has a Restricted Stock Plan for Nonemployee Directors
under which each director receives 200 restricted shares of common stock
annually for a full year of service. These shares remain restricted during the
director's term. Shares issued under this plan were 1,850 shares in 1995, 1,600
shares in 1994 and 1,884 shares in 1993.

10.   POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS

PENSION PLANS
The Corporation and its subsidiaries have several noncontributory pension plans
covering substantially all employees. These plans generally provide pension
benefits that are based on compensation levels and years of service. Annual
contributions to the plans are made according to the established laws and
regulations of the applicable countries. Plan assets are primarily invested in
equity securities, fixed income securities, cash equivalents and real estate.

     Net periodic pension cost for 1995, 1994 and 1993 for the Corporation's
defined benefit pension plans included the following components:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
=====================================================================================
In thousands                                 1995              1994              1993   
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                      <C>               <C>               <C>       
Service cost--benefits earned during                                                   
  the period                             $  4,961          $  5,150          $  4,852  
Interest cost on projected benefit                                                     
  obligation                               10,193             9,617             9,119  
Actual return on assets                   (17,145)           (2,346)           (9,971) 
Net amortization and deferral               4,833           (10,345)           (2,398) 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Net periodic pension cost              $  2,842          $  2,076          $  1,602  
=====================================================================================
</TABLE>

     Assumptions used in developing the net periodic pension cost were:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
====================================================================================
                                      U.S. Plans                  Non-U.S.Plans
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              1995      1994      1993      1995      1994      1993
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                            <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
Discount rate                  8.0%      7.5%      8.0%      7.4%      7.6%      8.2%
Rate of increase in
 compensation level            5.5%      5.0%      5.5%      5.0%      5.1%      6.0%
Expected long-term rate of
 return on plan assets         8.5%      8.5%      8.5%      8.5%      8.6%      8.9%
====================================================================================
</TABLE>

Non-U.S. rates are weighted averages.





                                    EX13-21


<PAGE>   22

The following table sets forth the funded status of the Corporation's
defined benefit plans as of December 31, 1995 and January 1, 1995 and amounts
recognized in the Corporation's balance sheet:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
===========================================================================
                                              December 31,       January 1,
In thousands                                          1995             1995     
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                              <C>              <C>          
Actuarial present value of projected                                           
  benefits based on employment service                                         
  to date and present pay levels:                                              
         Vested employees                        $ 129,380        $ 117,842    
         Non-vested employees                        5,120            4,302    
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Accumulated benefit obligation            134,500          122,144    
         Additional amounts related to                                         
           projected pay increases                   9,992           10,145    
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Projected benefit obligation                       144,492          132,289    
Plan assets at fair value                          144,356          136,592    
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Plan assets(less than)in excess of                                    
           projected benefit obligation               (136)           4,303    
         Unrecognized transition assets             (6,450)          (7,698)   
         Unrecognized net loss                       5,439            5,231    
         Unrecognized prior service cost             1,784            1,732    
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Prepaid pension cost (included in                                              
  other assets in the balance sheet)             $     637         $  3,568    
===========================================================================
</TABLE>                                                                     

         The present value of projected benefits for U.S. plans for December 1,
1995 was determined using a discount rate of 7.5% and an assumed rate of
increase in compensation of 4.5%. The present value of projected benefits for
U.S. plans for December 1, 1994 was determined using a discount rate of 8.0%
and an assumed rate of increase in compensation of 5.5%.

         During 1995 the Corporation incurred a pension plan curtailment loss
of $1.2 million resulting from the closing of its Elizabeth, N.J.  facility.
This loss was provided for as part of the 1994 restructuring charge.
See Note 4.

         The Corporation maintains a non-qualified supplemental pension plan
covering certain key executives, which provides for benefit payments in
addition to those subject to the limitations of income tax regulations, and a
retirement plan for Nonemployee Directors, which provides benefits to those
Board members based on compensation and years of service. The projected benefit
obligation relating to these unfunded plans was $13.3 million at December 31,
1995 and $12.0 million at January 1, 1995. Pension expense for these plans was
$2.4 million in each of 1995 and 1994 and $1.6 million in 1993.

OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS

The Corporation also sponsors defined contribution 401(k) savings plans for its
U.S. employees where the Corporation's contributions are based on a percentage
of employee contributions. The cost of these plans for continuing operations
was $3.0, $2.7 and $2.4 million in 1995, 1994, and 1993, respectively.

                                    EX13-22


<PAGE>   23

         The Corporation provides certain health care and life insurance
benefits to retired employees and certain active employees who meet age and
length of service requirements. The Corporation is recognizing the estimated
liability for these benefits over the lives of the individuals covered. The
Corporation is not funding this liability.

         The net periodic cost for postretirement health care and life
insurance benefits for continuing operations in 1995 and 1994 includes the
following components:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
===========================================================================
In thousands                                             1995          1994     
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                    <C>           <C>         
Service cost--benefits earned during the period        $  108        $  135     
Interest cost on accumulated benefit                    1,377         1,582     
Net amortization                                          590         1,066     
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Net cost                                      $2,075        $2,783     
===========================================================================
</TABLE>

         The following table shows the Corporation's accumulated postretirement
benefit obligation and the amount recognized in the balance sheet at December
31, 1995 and January 1, 1995:                          

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
===========================================================================
In thousands                                              1995         1994     
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                    <C>          <C>         
Retirees                                               $16,451      $18,756    
Fully eligible active participants                         424          661     
Other active participants                                1,585        1,832  
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
         Total                                          18,460       21,249     
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrecognized transition liability                      (16,936)     (17,945)   
Unrecognized net gain (loss)                             1,231       (1,045)    
Unrecognized prior service cost                           (203)        (244)    
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Accrued postretirement benefit costs          $ 2,552      $ 2,015     
===========================================================================
</TABLE>

         The weighted average discount rate used in determining the accumulated
postretirement benefit obligation was 7.25% in 1995 and 8.0% in 1994. An
increase in the cost of covered health care benefits of 10% was assumed for
1996 and the rate was assumed to decrease by 0.5% annually to 5.5% for 2005 and
future years. A 1% increase in the health care cost trend rate would increase
the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation by $1.8 million at December
31, 1995 and the net periodic cost by $0.2 million for the year then ended.

11. COMMITMENTS

     The Corporation and its subsidiaries are parties to various leases
relating to plants, warehouses, office facilities, automobiles and other
equipment, principally data processing. All leases expire prior to the year
2022. Real estate taxes, insurance and maintenance expenses are normally
obligations of the Corporation. It is expected that in the normal course of
business the majority of the leases will be renewed or replaced by other
leases. The Corporation has certain capitalized leases consisting principally
of leases for buildings and equipment. Assets capitalized under long-term
leases were $15.4 and $8.1 million at December 31, 1995 and January 1, 1995,
respectively.





                                    EX13-23


<PAGE>   24
     Future minimum payments under capital and noncancelable operating
leases of continuing operations consisted of the following at December 31,
1995:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
=============================================================
In thousands                            Capital     Operating
- -------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                      <C>          <C>
1996                                     $1,336       $16,609
1997                                      1,697         9,128
1998                                        764         7,792
1999                                        636         6,881
2000                                        544         6,088
Thereafter                                3,930        20,235
- -------------------------------------------------------------
Total minimum lease payments              8,907       $66,733
Less amounts representing interest        2,350
- -------------------------------------------------------------
Present value of future minimum 
  lease payments                         $6,557
=============================================================
</TABLE>

     Rent expense for operating leases of continuing operations was $23.8,
$22.1 and $21.0 million in 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively.

12. OTHER FINANCIAL DATA

     Other expense - net for continuing operations consists of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
===================================================================================
In thousands                                        1995        1994           1993
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                             <C>         <C>            <C>
Investment income                               $  6,508    $  6,103       $  4,840
Interest expense                                 (27,600)    (26,852)       (30,247)
Foreign currency losses                             (100)     (1,634)(1)     (1,984)
Foreign exchange contract gains(losses)             (104)     (1,195)         1,202
Other                                                995        (494)          (927)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                $(20,301)   $(24,072)      $(27,116)
===================================================================================
</TABLE>

(1) Includes loss on unhedged Mexican liabilities.

     Interest rate swaps reduced interest expense by $0.2 million in 1995 while
increasing interest expense by $1.5 and $2.4 million in 1994 and 1993,
respectively.
     The Corporation expenses the cost of advertising as it is incurred. Total
advertising expense was $15.1 million in 1995, $15.0 million in 1994 and $13.9
million in 1993.
     Accrued liabilities include salaries, fringe benefits and other
compensation amounting to $29.3 and $27.0 million in 1995 and 1994,
respectively.
     Inventories consisted of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
==================================================
                      December 31,      January 1,
In thousands                  1995            1995
- --------------------------------------------------
<S>                       <C>             <C>
Finished goods            $103,328        $ 96,159
Work in process             31,159          33,663
Raw materials               77,373          68,600
- --------------------------------------------------
                          $211,860        $198,422
==================================================
</TABLE>

13.  BUSINESS SEGMENTS
The Corporation operates in three business segments: Electrical
Construction and Maintenance Components ("Electrical"), Electronic/OEM
Components ("Electronic"), and Other Products and Components ("Other"). Net
sales comprise sales to unaffiliated customers; intersegment sales are
immaterial. Segment earnings from operations consist of net sales less 


                                    EX13-24


<PAGE>   25
cost of sales and operating expenses. General corporate expenses have
not been allocated to segments. General corporate assets not allocated to
segments are principally cash and investments.                              

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
==================================================================================
In thousands                                 1995           1994(1)           1993(1)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                   <C>            <C>               <C>
NET SALES
Electrical                            $   611,691    $   516,843       $   444,528
Electronic                                297,934        260,110           246,857
Other                                     327,200        299,212           266,124
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Total                            $ 1,236,825    $ 1,076,165       $   957,509
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EARNINGS FROM OPERATIONS(2)
Electrical                            $    92,064    $    29,862       $    74,025
Electronic                                 37,875            360            13,117
Other                                      34,211         24,813            24,268
General Corporate                         (26,679)       (30,469)          (24,352)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total                             $   137,471    $    24,566       $    87,058
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IDENTIFIABLE ASSETS
Electrical                            $   491,166    $   465,919       $   379,171
Electronic                                251,281        217,177           217,081
Other                                     326,128        319,969           324,201
General Corporate                         190,807        205,147           131,631
Discontinued Op's                               -              -            81,098
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Total                              $ 1,259,382    $ 1,208,212       $ 1,133,182
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
Electrical                            $    53,318    $    28,508       $    13,954
Electronic                                 31,917         16,738             9,010
Other                                      14,285         10,025             5,033
General Corporate                           2,240          3,838                47
Discontinued Op's                               -          7,797            10,511
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total                             $   101,760    $    66,906       $    38,555
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION
Electrical                            $    24,480    $    22,010       $    20,287
Electronic                                 15,363         17,042            15,623
Other                                      11,937         12,459            11,993
General Corporate                           2,896          2,021             1,095
Discontinued Op's                               -          4,726             8,908
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Total                              $    54,676    $    58,258       $    57,906
==================================================================================
</TABLE>

(1)  Certain prior-year amounts have been reclassified to conform to
     current-year presentation.
(2)  1994 includes restructuring charges of $52.7 million in Electrical, $23.1
     million in Electronic, $1.8 million in Other and $1.4 million in General
     Corporate and a write-down of $1.3 million in Electrical, $2.5 million in
     Other and $6.8 million in General Corporate for previously vacated
     facilities.

                                    EX13-25


<PAGE>   26

14. FINANCIAL INFORMATION RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN DIFFERENT GEOGRAPHIC AREAS
The Corporation's operations are conducted in three principal areas: Domestic,
Europe and Other-Non U.S. locations. Transfers between geographic areas were
priced on a basis that yields an appropriate rate of return based on assets
employed, risk and other factors.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
===================================================================================
In thousands                                     1995           1994           1993
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                       <C>            <C>            <C>
SALES TO UNAFFILIATED CUSTOMER
Domestic                                  $   953,490    $   844,066    $   761,053
Europe                                        134,148        113,173        105,666
Other Non-U.S                                 149,187        118,926         90,790
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total                                     $ 1,236,825    $ 1,076,165    $   957,509
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SALES OR TRANSFERS BETWEEN
GEOGRAPHIC AREAS
Domestic                                  $    52,715    $    45,074    $    43,146
Europe                                          8,186          5,285          3,600
Other Non-U.S                                  21,759         12,615          8,563
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total                                     $    82,660    $    62,974    $    55,309
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES(1)(2)
Domestic                                  $   115,875    $    38,653    $    90,257
Europe                                         18,389           (581)         7,040
Other Non-U.S                                  29,886         16,963         14,113
General Corporate                             (26,679)       (30,469)       (24,352)
                                          -----------------------------------------
  Earnings from
    operations                                137,471         24,566         87,058
Other expense - net                           (20,301)       (24,072)       (27,116)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total                                     $   117,170    $       494    $    59,942
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IDENTIFIABLE ASSETS
Domestic                                  $   827,449    $   787,180    $   771,120
Europe                                         83,397         72,066         69,645
Other Non-U.S                                 162,322        149,513         85,069
Corporate assets
    (principally cash
    and investments)                          190,807        205,147        131,631
Assets of discontinued
    operations                                      -              -         81,098
Adjustments and
    eliminations                               (4,593)        (5,694)        (5,381)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL                                     $ 1,259,382    $ 1,208,212    $ 1,133,182
===================================================================================
</TABLE>

(1) Certain prior-year amounts have been reclassified to conform to
    current-year presentation.
(2) Fiscal 1994 Domestic, European, Other Non-U.S. and General Corporate
    earnings include a restructuring charge and write-down of previously
    vacated facilities of $67.1, $12.2, $2.2 and $8.1 million, respectively.



                                    EX13-26


<PAGE>   27

15.   SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

ACQUISITIONS
On January 2, 1996, the Corporation acquired all of the outstanding stock of
Amerace Corporation for $220.6 million in cash. Amerace is a manufacturer of
electrical products for utility and industrial markets; its most significant
products are underground power and distribution connectors sold under its
Elastimold brand name. This acquisition will be accounted for using the
purchase method of accounting.

The Corporation's consolidated statement of earnings will not include the
revenues and expenses of Amerace until the year 1996. The following unaudited
proforma results, however, were developed assuming Amerace had been acquired on
January 2, 1995:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
========================================================================
In thousands (except per share data)                                1995
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                           <C>
Net sales                                                     $1,451,719
Net earnings                                                  $   86,077
Net earnings per share                                        $     2.15
========================================================================
</TABLE>

     This pro forma sales and earnings information is not necessarily
indicative of the combined results of operations that would have occurred had
the acquisition taken place on January 2, 1995, nor are they necessarily
indicative of results of operations for any future period.

     The Corporation is evaluating approaches to integrating the operations of
Amerace, but such studies have not yet been finalized. The costs of integrating
Amerace operations are expected to result in an increase in the amount of the
purchase price which will be allocated to goodwill.

     The acquisition of Amerace was initially financed with borrowings from the
Corporation's $500.0 million revolving credit facility. In January 1996, the
Corporation completed the sale of $150.0 million of 10-year 6-1/2% senior
notes. The net proceeds from the sale of these securities were used to reduce
bank debt incurred to finance the acquisition.

     On January 5, 1996, the Corporation acquired certain assets (primarily
inventories and equipment) from Bowers Manufacturing Corporation relating to
the manufacture, sale and distribution of metallic and non-metallic electrical
outlet boxes and surface raceway systems, for $8.5 million in cash. This
acquisition will be accounted for using the purchase method of accounting.

COMMON STOCK SPLIT
In February 1996, the Board of Directors approved a two-for-one stock split
payable on April 9, 1996, to be issued to shareholders of record on March 8,
1996, at the rate of one additional share for each share held. The stock split
has been reflected as of December 31, 1995, by a transfer of $10.0 million from
additional paid-in capital to common stock, representing a $0.50 par value for
each additional share to be issued. Also in February 1996 the Board of
Directors approved an amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation to increase
the authorized shares of common stock from 40 to 80 million. All share and per
share data included in this annual report have been restated to reflect this
stock split.


                                    EX13-27


<PAGE>   28

COMPANY REPORT ON FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF THOMAS & BETTS CORPORATION:
The accompanying financial statements, as well as all financial data in this
annual report, have been prepared by the Corporation in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied. As such, they
include certain amounts that are based on the Corporation's estimates and
judgments. The Corporation has systems of internal control that are designed to
provide reasonable assurance that the financial records are reliable for
preparing financial statements and maintaining accountability for assets and
that assets are safeguarded against loss from unauthorized use or disposition.
These systems are augmented by the positive attitude of management in
maintaining a sound control environment, communication of established written
policies and procedures, the maintenance of a qualified internal auditing
group, the selection and training of qualified personnel, and an organizational
structure that provides appropriate delegation of authority, segregation of
duties, and regular review of financial performance by management. In addition
to our systems of internal control, additional safeguards are provided by our
independent auditors and the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors. The
independent auditors, whose report is set forth opposite, perform an objective,
independent audit of our financial statements taken as a whole. The Audit
Committee, composed entirely of outside directors, meets periodically with our
independent auditors, director of internal auditing, and members of management
to review matters relating to the quality of financial reporting and internal
accounting control, and the nature, extent and results of audit efforts.

                                    EX13-28


<PAGE>   29

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT

TO THE SHAREHOLDERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THOMAS & BETTS CORPORATION:
We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of Thomas & Betts Corporation
and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1995 and January 1, 1995, and the related
consolidated statements of earnings, cash flows, and shareholders' equity for
each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1995. These
consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Corporation's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated
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 consolidated financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Thomas &
Betts Corporation and subsidiaries at December 31, 1995 and January 1, 1995 and
the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in
the three-year period ended December 31, 1995, in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles.

KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP
Memphis, Tennessee
February 8, 1996

                                    EX13-29


<PAGE>   30
QUARTERLY REVIEW
Thomas & Betts Corporation
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
==================================================================================================================
Dollars in thousands
(except per share data)                                                1995(6)           1994                 1993                
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                           <C>               <C>                  <C>             
FIRST QUARTER                                                                                                        
Net sales                                                          $310,328          $248,262             $235,193   
Gross profit                                                        103,398            81,276               80,882   
Earnings (loss) from continuing                                                                                      
  operations                                                         16,988            10,264               10,040   
Net earnings                                                         16,988            13,877               14,848(3)
Earnings (loss) per share - continuing operations(5)                    .43               .27                  .27   
Earnings per share(5)                                                   .43               .37                  .39(3)
Cash dividends declared per share(5)                                    .28               .28                  .28   
Market price range(5)                                         34 3/8-32 3/8         34-29 1/8        35 3/4-31 1/2   
                                                                                                                     
SECOND QUARTER                                                                                                       
Net sales                                                          $307,830          $261,707             $234,061   
Gross profit                                                        107,171            88,913               79,871   
Earnings from continuing operations                                  19,359            12,772                9,362   
Net earnings                                                         19,359            16,100               12,235   
Earnings per share - continuing operations(5)                           .48               .34                  .25   
Earnings per share(5)                                                   .48               .42                  .33   
Cash dividends declared per share(5)                                    .28               .28                  .28   
Market price range(5)                                         34 1/4-31 3/8         33-30 5/8                36-31   
                                                                                                                     
THIRD QUARTER                                                                                                        
Net sales                                                          $307,779          $277,407             $240,918   
Gross profit                                                        106,423            92,747               82,128   
Earnings (loss) from  continuing operations                          21,263           (40,715)              10,816       
Net earnings                                                         21,263            18,277(4)            13,201       
Earnings (loss) per share - continuing operations(5)                    .53             (1.06)                 .28       
Earnings per share(5)                                                   .53               .47(4)               .35       
Cash dividends declared per share(5)                                    .28               .28                  .28       
Market price range(5)                                         35 1/8-32 1/4     34 1/8-30 1/2        32 1/2-29 7/8   
                                                                                                                     
FOURTH QUARTER                                                                                                       
Net sales                                                          $310,888          $288,789             $247,337   
Gross profit                                                        107,753           102,365               86,051   
Earnings from continuing operations                                  23,292            19,566               13,371   
Net earnings                                                         23,292            19,566               16,255   
Earnings per share - continuing operations(5)                           .58               .50                  .36   
Earnings per share(5)                                                   .58               .50                  .43   
Cash dividends declared per share(5)                                    .28               .28                  .28   
Market price range(5)                                         37 5/8-31 1/4     35 5/8-32 5/8        31 3/8-28 1/2   
==================================================================================================================

<CAPTION>
==================================================================================================================
Dollars in thousands
(except per share data)                                                1992              1991                 1990         
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                          <C>                <C>                  <C>                   
FIRST QUARTER                                                                                                              
Net sales                                                         $ 231,439          $123,856             $128,304         
Gross profit                                                         78,756            53,003               56,595         
Earnings (loss) from continuing                                                                                            
  operations                                                         (2,427)(2)        11,608               12,416         
Net earnings                                                            132 (2)        14,294               15,500         
Earnings (loss) per share - continuing operations(5)                   (.06)(2)           .34                  .36         
Earnings per share(5)                                                     - (2)           .42                  .45         
Cash dividends declared per share(5)                                    .28               .27                  .25         
Market price range(5)                                         32 5/8-27 5/8     28 1/4-22 1/2        28 3/4-23 7/8         
                                                                                                                           
SECOND QUARTER                                                                                                             
Net sales                                                          $238,283          $117,571             $129,201         
Gross profit                                                         83,253            49,549               55,873         
Earnings from continuing operations                                  13,157            10,255               11,924         
Net earnings                                                         15,026            12,275               15,006         
Earnings per share - continuing operations(5)                           .35               .30                  .35         
Earnings per share(5)                                                   .40               .36                  .44         
Cash dividends declared per share(5)                                    .28               .28                  .26         
Market price range(5)                                         31 1/8-27 3/8     30 1/2-26 1/4            30 3/4-26         
                                                                                                                           
THIRD QUARTER                                                                                                              
Net sales                                                          $237,823          $113,346             $124,935         
Gross profit                                                         86,598            47,435               55,004         
Earnings (loss) from  continuing operations                          14,193             9,215                1,003(1)      
Net earnings                                                         16,842            10,700                5,096(1)      
Earnings (loss) per share - continuing operations(5)                    .38               .27                  .03(1)      
Earnings per share(5)                                                   .45               .31                  .15(1)      
Cash dividends declared per share(5)                                    .28               .28                  .27         
Market price range(5)                                         34 1/2-29 3/4     27 7/8-25 1/4            28-20 3/8         
                                                                                                                           
FOURTH QUARTER                                                                                                             
Net sales                                                          $232,003          $116,785             $124,220         
Gross profit                                                         85,424            46,655               52,847         
Earnings from continuing operations                                  15,657             9,434               11,467         
Net earnings                                                         18,923            11,181               12,798         
Earnings per share - continuing operations(5)                           .42               .28                  .34         
Earnings per share(5)                                                   .51               .33                  .38         
Cash dividends declared per share(5)                                    .28               .28                  .27         
Market price range(5)                                         34 1/2-31 1/8     29 1/8-25 3/8        23 5/8-20 1/8         
==================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
Prior-year results of operations reflect Vitramon as a discontinued
operation(sold July 1994).
Includes the results of American Electric from January 2, 1992(date acquired).
Per share amounts based on average shares outstanding in each quarter.
(1) Includes a pretax charge of $9.0 for consolidating manufacturing facilities
    and reducing operating expenses.
(2) Includes a pretax charge of $15.0 for restructured operations.
(3) Includes a one-time gain of $1.6 for the cumulative effect of change in
    accounting for income taxes.
(4) Includes a pretax gain of $99.1 from the sale of Vitramon, Inc., a pretax
    charge of $79.0 for restructuring,and a pretax operating write-down of
    $10.6 for previously vacated facilities.
(5) Amounts have been restated to reflect a two-for-one stock split effective
    March 8, 1996.
(6) The first three quarters of 1995 have been restated to include the results
    of Catamount and E. K. Campbell,accounted for as immaterial poolings of
    interest.
                                    EX13-30

<PAGE>   31


ELEVEN YEAR SUMMARY OF SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Thomas & Betts Corporation

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
==================================================================================================================
Dollars and shares in thousands (except per share data)                        1995           1994            1993
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                     <C>             <C>             <C>
OPERATIONAL DATA
Net sales                                                               $ 1,236,825     $ 1,076,165     $   957,509
                                                                        -------------------------------------------
Costs and expenses
  Cost of sales                                                             812,080         710,864         628,577
  Marketing, general and administrative                                     254,780         229,897         211,430
  Research and development                                                   22,698          20,787          18,664
  Amortization of intangibles                                                 9,796          11,040          11,780
  Provision for restructured operations                                           -          79,011               -
                                                                        -------------------------------------------
                                                                          1,099,354       1,051,599         870,451
                                                                        -------------------------------------------
Earnings from operations                                                    137,471          24,566          87,058
Other income (expense) - net                                                (20,301)        (24,072)        (27,116)
                                                                        -------------------------------------------
Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes                     117,170             494          59,942
Income taxes (benefit)                                                       36,268          (1,393)         16,353
                                                                        -------------------------------------------
Earnings from continuing operations before cumulative effect
  of change in accounting for income taxes                                   80,902           1,887          43,589
  Percent of sales                                                              6.5%            0.2%            4.6%
Earnings from discontinued operations net of income taxes                         -           7,350          11,322
Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of
  income taxes of $40,492                                                         -          58,583               -
                                                                        -------------------------------------------
Earnings before cumulative effect of change in
   accounting for income taxes                                               80,902          67,820          54,911
Cumulative effect of change in accounting for income taxes                        -               -           1,628
                                                                        -------------------------------------------
  Net earnings                                                          $    80,902        $ 67,820(1)  $    56,539
                                                                        -------------------------------------------
  Net return on sales                                                           6.5%            6.3%            5.9%
  Return on average shareholders' equity                                       14.0%           13.1%           12.0%

FINANCIAL POSITION (AT YEAR END)
Current assets                                                          $   527,615     $   533,933     $   489,091
Current liabilities                                                     $   282,921     $   280,344     $   205,465
Working capital                                                         $   244,694     $   253,649     $   283,626
Current ratio                                                              1.9 to 1        1.9 to 1        2.4 to 1
Property, plant and equipment - net                                     $   338,181     $   275,525     $   296,004
Long-term debt                                                          $   327,812     $   319,519     $   393,502
Shareholders' equity                                                    $   600,574     $   553,043     $   480,832
Total assets                                                            $ 1,259,382     $ 1,208,212     $ 1,133,182

COMMON STOCK DATA
Cash dividends declared                                                 $    44,238     $    43,406     $    42,220
  Percent of net earnings                                                        55%             64%             75%
Per share(2)
  Continuing operations                                                 $      2.02     $       .05     $      1.16
  Net earnings                                                          $      2.02     $      1.76(1)  $      1.50
  Cash dividends declared                                               $      1.12     $      1.12     $      1.12
  Shareholders' equity                                                  $     14.99     $     14.10     $     12.74
  Market price range                                                  37 5/8-31 1/4   35 5/8-29 1/8       36-28 1/2

OTHER DATA
  Capital expenditures                                                  $   101,760     $    66,906     $    38,555
  Depreciation                                                          $    44,880     $    46,558     $    46,126
  Employees                                                                   8,700           7,400           8,000
  Average shares outstanding(2)                                              39,956          38,608          37,674
===================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

Includes the results of Catamount and E. K. Campbell from January 2, 1995.
Prior years reflect Vitramon as a discontinued operation (sold July, 1994).
Includes results of American Electric from January 2, 1992 (date acquired).
(1)  Includes a pretax gain from the sale of Vitramon Inc. of $99.1, a pretax
     charge of $79.0 for restructuring, and a pretax operating write-down of
     $10.6 for previously vacated facilities.
(2)  Amounts have been restated to reflect a two-for-one stock split effective
     March 8, 1996.

                                    EX13-31


<PAGE>   32


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
==================================================================================================================================
         1992            1991            1990           1989              1988             1987              1986             1985
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
<S>               <C>              <C>             <C>               <C>              <C>               <C>              <C>
 $    939,548      $  471,558       $ 506,660      $ 470,481         $ 446,899        $ 380,773         $ 347,400        $ 318,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
      605,517         274,916         286,341        257,751           233,194          187,358           169,290          158,921
      201,818         118,028         124,553        120,441           118,257          110,806            99,795           90,591
       17,368          12,499          16,613         16,764            15,929           17,082            16,589           17,574
       13,498           4,154           4,106          3,075             2,627              283               273              269
       15,000               -           9,000              -                 -            4,995                 -                -
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
      853,201         409,597         440,613        398,031           370,007          320,524           285,947          267,355
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
       86,347          61,961          66,047         72,450            76,892           60,249            61,453           50,645
      (33,364)         (6,496)         (9,925)        (1,590)             (889)           5,870             1,869            2,336
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

       52,983          55,465          56,122         70,860            76,003           66,119            63,322           52,981
       12 403          14,953          19,312         22,295            24,267           23,229            25,322           19,581
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 


       40,580          40,512          36,810         48,565            51,736           42,890            38,000           33,400
          4.3%            8.6%            7.3%          10.3%             11.6%            11.3%             10.9%           10.5%
       10,343           7,938          11,590          5,170             6,914            5,610             2,215              862

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


       50,923          48,450          48,400         53,735            58,650           48,500            40,215           34,262
           -                -               -              -                -                 -                 -                -
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

 $     50,923      $   48,450       $  48,400      $  53,735         $  58,650        $  48,500         $  40,215         $  34,262
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

          5.4%           10.3%            9.6%         11.4%             13.1%            12.7%             11.6%             10.8%
         12.3%           13.6%           14.1%         16.5%             19.4%            17.8%             16.3%             15.0%


 $    463,463      $  334,889       $ 337,136      $ 331,636         $ 294,675        $ 259,808         $ 240,843         $ 209,659
 $    198,659      $  152,426       $ 167,103      $ 158,895         $ 124,335        $  88,582         $  80,721         $  65,626
 $    264,804      $  182,463       $ 170,033      $ 172,741         $ 170,340        $ 171,226         $ 160,122         $ 144,033
     2.3 to l        2.2 to l        2.0 to l       2.1 to l          2.4 to l         2.9 to l          3.0 to l          3.2 to l
 $    296,138      $  213,400       $ 206,283      $ 188,747         $ 165,630        $ 141,936         $ 114,358         $ 100,905
 $    420,345      $   68,270       $  48,763      $  57,579         $  40,590        $  19,441         $  16,281         $  13,625
 $    463,062      $  363,394       $ 350,590      $ 335,534         $ 314,819        $ 288,577         $ 257,627         $ 234,969
 $  1,117,063      $  599,672       $ 585,527      $ 564,309         $ 492,942        $ 410,087         $ 363,453         $ 319,827


 $     41,948      $   37,708       $  35,601      $  33,330         $  30,536        $  26,739         $  23,073         $   20,66
           82%             78%             74%           62%               52%              55%               57%               60%

 $       1.09      $     1.19       $    1.08      $    1.43        $    1.53        $    1.27         $    1.14          $    1.00
 $       1.36      $     1.42       $    1.42      $    1.58        $    1.73        $    1.44         $    1.20          $    1.03
 $       1.12      $     1.11       $    1.05      $     .98        $     .90        $     .82         $     .74          $     .67
 $      12.34      $    10.64       $   10.31      $    9.86        $    9.29        $    8.54         $    7.67          $    7.04
34 1/2-27 3/8   30 1/2-22 1/2   30 3/4-20 1/8     27 7/8-23     30 3/8-22 3/4    33 7/8-20 3/4     24 7/8-18 1/2      21 5/8-16 3/4 


 $     47,434      $   40,292       $  47,874      $  44,901        $  53,899         $  43,071        $  27,832          $  32,656
 $     41,233      $   30,993       $  30,782      $  25,558        $  24,156         $  21,561        $  16,764          $  15,138
        7,600           4,700           4,900          5,000            4,700             4,200            4,100              3,900
       37,434          34,106          34,060         33,996           33,906            33,730           33,494             33,378
===================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

                                    EX13-32


<PAGE>   1



                                                      EXHIBIT 21

                           SUBSIDIARIES OF REGISTRANT



                                                         Place of
           Name                                       Incorporation
           ----                                       -------------
    Blackburn Electric Canada Inc.                      Canada
    E.K. Campbell Company                               Missouri
    Catamount Manufacturing, Inc.                       Massachusetts
    Challenger Caribbean Corporation                    Delaware
    FL Amelec, Inc.                                     Texas
        Thomas & Betts Monterrey S.A. de C.V.           Mexico
        American Electric de Mexico, S.A. de C.V.       Mexico
    Thomas & Betts Caribe, Inc.                         Delaware
    Thomas & Betts FSC, Inc.                            U.S. Virgin Islands    
    Thomas & Betts International, Inc.                  Delaware
        Thomas & Betts Aktiebolag                       Sweden
        Thomas & Betts Euro Distribution S.A.           Belgium
        Thomas & Betts France                           France
        Thomas & Betts GmbH                             Germany
             Thomas & Betts GmbH & Co. KG               Germany
        Thomas & Betts Holdings (U.K.) Ltd.             United Kingdom
             Thomas & Betts Limited                     United Kingdom
             Thomas & Betts Manufacturing Limited       United Kingdom
        Thomas & Betts Hong Kong, Limited               Hong Kong
        Thomas & Betts Japan, Ltd.                      Japan
        Thomas & Betts (Luxembourg) S.A.                Luxembourg
        Thomas & Betts de Mexico S.de R.L. de C.V.      Mexico
        Thomas & Betts Pty. Limited                     Australia
        Thomas & Betts (S.E. Asia) Pte. Ltd.            Singapore
        Thomas & Betts S.p.A.                           Italy
             Thomas & Betts S.A.                        Spain
    Thomas & Betts Limited                              Canada
        T&B Commander Electrical Materials Inc.         Canada
        Thomas & Betts (Ontario) Ltd.                   Canada


      All subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements.
 Subsequent to December 31, 1995, the Corporation acquired Amerace Corporation.



                                  EX 21-1

<PAGE>   1
                                                                  
                                                               EXHIBIT 23 



                                                                    

                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS



The Shareholders and Board of Directors
Thomas & Betts Corporation:

We consent to incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements
(No. 33-1403 and No. 33-1404) on Form S-8 and in the Registration Statements
(No. 33-44153 and No. 33-64957) on Form  S-3 of Thomas & Betts Corporation of
our reports dated February 8, 1996, relating to the consolidated balance sheets
of Thomas & Betts Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1995 and
January 1, 1995 and the related consolidated statements of earnings, cash flows
and shareholders' equity for each of the years in the three-year period ended
December 31, 1995, and related schedule, which reports appear or are
incorporated by reference in the December 31, 1995 annual report on Form 10-K
of Thomas & Betts Corporation.




KPMG Peat Marwick LLP


Memphis, Tennessee
March 22, 1996

                                    EX23-1

<PAGE>   1
                                                                      EXHIBIT 24

                               POWER OF ATTORNEY

         KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints T. Kevin Dunnigan, Fred R. Jones, Jerry
Kronenberg, and each of them, his or her true and lawful attorney or
attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and
resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any
and all capacities, to sign the SEC Form 10-K of Thomas & Betts Corporation for
the year 1995, and any and all amendments and/or exhibits thereto, and to file
the same and any other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities
and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents full
power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite
and necessary to be done as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she
might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their or his substitute or
substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      Signature                         Title                     Date
      ---------                         -----                     ----
<S>                                     <C>                       <C>
/s/ T. Kevin Dunnigan                   Chairman of the Board,    March 7, 1996
- -------------------------------         Chief Executive 
 T. Kevin Dunnigan                      Officer and Director

/s/ Clyde R. Moore                      President, Chief          March 7, 1996
- -------------------------------         Operating Officer
 Clyde R. Moore                         and Director

/s/ Fred R. Jones                       Vice President-           March 7, 1996
- -------------------------------         Finance and Treasurer
 Fred R. Jones

/s/ Jerry Kronenberg                    Vice President-           March 7, 1996
- -------------------------------         General Counsel
 Jerry Kronenberg

/s/ Raymond B. Carey, Jr.               Director                  March 7, 1996
- -------------------------------
 Raymond B. Carey, Jr.

/s/ Ernest H. Drew                      Director                  March 7, 1996
- -------------------------------
 Ernest H. Drew                                                   
                                                                  
/s/ Jeananne K. Hauswald                Director                  March 7, 1996
- -------------------------------
 Jeananne K. Hauswald                                             
                                                                  
/s/ Thomas W. Jones                     Director                  March 7, 1996
- -------------------------------
 Thomas W. Jones                                                  
                                                                  
/s/ Robert A. Kenkel                    Director                  March 7, 1996
- -------------------------------
 Robert A. Kenkel                                                 
                                                                  
/s/ Kenneth R. Masterson                Director                  March 7, 1996
- -------------------------------
 Kenneth R. Masterson                                             
                                                                  
/s/ J. David Parkinson                  Director                  March 7, 1996
- -------------------------------
 J. David Parkinson                                               
                                                                  
/s/ Ian M. Ross                         Director                  March 7, 1996
- -------------------------------
 Ian M. Ross                                                      
                                                                  
/s/ William H. Waltrip                  Director                 March 21, 1996
- -------------------------------
 William H. Waltrip
</TABLE>



                                     EX24-1

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1995
<CASH>                                          44,411
<SECURITIES>                                    60,638
<RECEIVABLES>                                  192,527
<ALLOWANCES>                                    (5,942)
<INVENTORY>                                    211,860
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               527,615
<PP&E>                                         615,444
<DEPRECIATION>                                (277,263)
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               1,259,382
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          282,921
<BONDS>                                        327,812
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                        20,086
<OTHER-SE>                                     580,488
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 1,259,382
<SALES>                                      1,236,825
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                             1,236,825
<CGS>                                          812,080
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  287,274
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                  (791)
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              21,092
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                117,170
<INCOME-TAX>                                    36,268
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             80,902
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    80,902
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     2.02
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     2.02
        

</TABLE>


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