-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 ------------------------ FORM 10-K <TABLE> <C> <S> /X/ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 </TABLE> FOR THE FISCAL YEAR PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2000 OR <TABLE> <C> <S> / / TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 </TABLE> For the transition period from ______________ to ______________ Commission File Number 1-14557 ------------------------ U.S. INDUSTRIES, INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) <TABLE> <S> <C> DELAWARE 22-3568449 (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. employer incorporation or organization) identification number) 101 WOOD AVENUE SOUTH ISELIN, NEW JERSEY 08830 (Address of principal executive (Zip Code) offices) </TABLE> (732) 767-0700 (Registrant's telephone number, including area code) Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: ------------------------ <TABLE> <S> <C> TITLE OF EACH CLASS NAME OF EACH EXCHANGE ON WHICH REGISTERED Common Stock, par value $.01 per share New York Stock Exchange Preferred Stock Purchase Rights New York Stock Exchange </TABLE> 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 ninety days: Yes /X/ No / / Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. / / Aggregate market value of the voting stock of the registrant held by non-affiliates of the registrant at November 27, 2000 (based on the last reported sale price of such stock on the New York Stock Exchange on such date): $495,973,503. On November 27, 2000, the registrant had outstanding 77,094,868 shares of Common Stock. DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE Certain portions of the registrant's definitive proxy statement pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 in connection with the 2001 annual meeting of stockholders of the registrant are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Report. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TABLE OF CONTENTS <TABLE> <CAPTION> ITEM PAGE ---- -------- <C> <S> <C> Disclosure Concerning Forward-Looking Statements............ 1 PART I 1. Business.................................................... 1 2. Properties.................................................. 9 3. Legal Proceedings........................................... 9 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders......... 9 PART II 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters......................................... 10 6. Selected Financial Data..................................... 11 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations................................... 12 7a. Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures About Market Risk........................................................ 28 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data................. 29 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.................................... 77 PART III 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant.......... 77 11. Executive Compensation...................................... 77 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.................................................. 77 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.............. 77 PART IV 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K.................................................... 77 15. Signatures.................................................. 80 FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE Valuation and Qualifying Accounts........................... 81 </TABLE>

DISCLOSURE CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included in the Letter of the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer included in the Annual Report to Stockholders and in this Form 10-K, including without limitation the statements under "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Business", are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"). Various economic and competitive factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements, including factors which are outside the control of the Company, such as interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, instability in domestic and foreign financial markets, consumer spending patterns, availability of consumer and commercial credit, levels of residential and commercial construction and changes in raw material costs along with the other factors noted in this Report and in other documents filed by the Company or its predecessor with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, the Company's future results are subject to uncertainties relating to the Company's ability to consummate its business strategy, including realizing marketing synergies and cost savings from the integration of its acquired businesses. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to the Company are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing factors. PART I ITEM 1. BUSINESS GENERAL U.S. Industries, Inc. ("USI" and, together with its subsidiaries, the "Company") manufactures and distributes a broad range of building and home products, consumer products and industrial products through three business segments: Bath and Plumbing Products, Lighting Corporation of America and Hardware and Tools. Many of the Company's businesses have leading market share positions, well-known brand names and established manufacturing, sourcing and distribution capabilities. The Company's strategy is to focus on basic manufacturing businesses with long-term growth potential. In May 1995, USI Atlantic, Inc. ("USI Atlantic"), a Company predecessor then known as U.S. Industries, Inc., was spun-off from Hanson PLC ("Hanson") with 34 diverse businesses, a substantial amount of surplus real estate and other assets and significant indebtedness (the "Demerger"). The Company immediately commenced a program to reduce leverage and focus its operations through dispositions of non-strategic assets. By mid-1996, the Company had significantly reduced its debt level, enabling it to pursue selective acquisitions to broaden and enhance its core businesses. In June 1998, USI Atlantic merged with Zurn Industries, Inc. ("Zurn"), creating one of the leading bath and plumbing products companies in North America. To effect this transaction, USI was formed as a new holding company for USI Atlantic and Zurn. The total consideration for the Zurn merger (the "Merger") was valued at $784 million, consisting of 20.4 million shares of Common Stock issued to the former Zurn shareholders and the assumption by the Company of $220 million of debt. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis--Senior Notes and Credit Facilities". Each share of Zurn common stock was exchanged for 1.6 shares of the Company's common stock. Outstanding Zurn employee stock options were converted at the same exchange ratio into options to purchase approximately 2 million shares of the Company's common stock. The Merger was accounted for as a pooling of interest under Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 16. All prior period consolidated financial statements presented have been restated to include the results of operations, financial position and cash flows of USI and Zurn as a single entity. There were no transactions between USI and Zurn prior to the combination. Certain reclassifications were made to the Zurn financial statements to conform to USI's presentations. The Company made several strategic acquisitions during fiscal 1999. The assets of Gatsby Spas, Inc. ("Gatsby Spas"), a manufacturer and distributor of spas, and the stock of Spring Ram Corporation PLC 1

("Spring Ram"), a manufacturer of chinaware, bathroom fixtures and composite kitchen sinks in the UK, were acquired for Bath and Plumbing Products. The assets of True Temper Corporation ("True Temper"), a manufacturer of wheelbarrows and non-powered lawn and garden tools, were acquired for Hardware and Tools. The assets of Dual-Lite, Inc. ("Dual-Lite") a manufacturer of emergency and exit lighting, were acquired for the Lighting Corporation of America. The Company sold certain assets of its water resource business, a unit of Bath and Plumbing Products, in September 1999, certain assets of its ladder business, a unit of Hardware and Tools, in October 1999, its infant and children shoe division, a unit of Diversified in December 1999, its fire protection businesses, a unit of Bath and Plumbing, in January 2000, and its European HVAC business, a unit of Bath and Plumbing, in November 2000. On March 24, 2000, in two separate transactions (the "Diversified Transactions"), the Company disposed of a majority equity interest in its Diversified segment. The consideration for the Diversified Transactions included a combination of cash and notes. In the first transaction, the Company disposed of the following subsidiaries: Atech Turbine Components, Inc.; Bearing Inspection, Inc.; BiltBest Products, Inc.; EJ Footwear Corp. (including Georgia Boot Inc. and Lehigh Safety Shoe Co.); Garden State Tanning Inc.; Huron Inc.; Jade Holdings Pte Ltd (including Jade Technologies Singapore Ltd and FSM Europe B.V.); Leon Plastics Inc.; Native Textiles Inc.; and SCF Industries, Inc. The Company received gross proceeds of approximately $203 million and approximately $209 million aggregate principal amount of 12% (12.5% effective August 18, 2000) senior notes (the "Senior Notes") due 2007 issued by Strategic Industries, LLC ("SILLC"), and, in addition, SILLC assumed approximately $8 million of existing bank debt of USI. The Company retained a preferred equity interest in SILLC having a stated value of approximately $20 million and a 17.7% common equity interest in SILLC. The Company currently has a representative on the SILLC board. As of August 18, 2000, the Company has the right to market and sell the Senior Notes. At the date of the transaction the Senior Notes were recorded at their fair value and are included in the balance sheet caption "Other Assets". As a result of this transaction, the Company recorded a pre-tax gain of $38 million. In August 2000, the Company sold $25 million of the Senior Notes, approximately $2 million of the stated value of the retained preferred equity interest and approximately 1.9% of the retained common equity interest. This transaction resulted in a pre-tax gain of approximately $1 million. In the second transaction, Rexair, Inc. ("Rexair"), which manufactures "Rainbow" brand vacuum cleaners, sold newly issued shares to SILLC representing, after issuance, 75% of the equity interest in Rexair. The Company received approximately $195 million in cash and retained a 25% direct equity interest in Rexair. As part of the Rexair transaction, the Company guaranteed Rexair's new $200 million credit facility (the "Rexair Facility") that matures on March 24, 2005. However, Rexair is primarily responsible for the repayment of indebtedness under the Rexair Facility. The Rexair Facility provides that all Rexair free cash flow, as defined, must be used to repay the outstanding balance of the Rexair Facility. At September 30, 2000, the outstanding balance on the Rexair Facility was approximately $181 million. As a result of the Rexair transaction, the Company recorded a deferred gain, which will be deferred until the release of the guarantee of the Rexair Facility. The Company's 25% share of the net liabilities of Rexair and the deferred gain totaling $82 million are included in the balance sheet caption "Other liabilities". The Company's retained interest in SILLC and Rexair is accounted for under the equity method of accounting subsequent to the March 24, 2000 disposal date. On September 14, 2000 the Company announced that its Board of Directors authorized management to pursue a spin-off of its lighting segment and its industrial tools business. The lighting businesses include Columbia Lighting, Inc.; Dual-Lite, Inc.; Prescolite, Inc.; Kim Lighting, Inc.; Architectural Area Lighting, Inc.; Spaulding Lighting, Inc.; Progress Lighting, Inc. (which together comprise a major North American lighting fixture manufacturer); and SiTeco Holdings GmbH (a major European lighting fixture 2

manufacturer). The industrial tools business includes Spear & Jackson plc and Bowers Group plc, together an international manufacturer of industrial tools which are currently included in the Hardware and Tools segment. These entities had combined year ended September 30, 2000 and 1999 revenues of $934 million and $915 million, respectively, and operating income for those periods of $49 million and $52 million, respectively, excluding goodwill impairment charges of $84 million in fiscal 2000. Mr. James O'Leary, currently Executive Vice President of the Company, would become Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of LCA Group Inc. ("LCA Group"), the new company that would own and operate the lighting and industrial tools businesses upon the spin-off. A registration statement on Form 10 about LCA Group has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, providing additional details. The Form 10 is subject to completion and amendment, and has not yet become effective. Upon the spin-off, the Company anticipates receiving approximately $200 million from LCA Group as repayment of intercompany debt. LCA Group is in the process of obtaining third party financing in order to repay such intercompany debt. The Company received proceeds of $6 million, $28 and $14 million from the sale of surplus real estate in fiscal 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively. During fiscal 2000, the Company repurchased 7,767,500 million shares of common stock of the Company, amounting to approximately $99 million under the authorized share repurchase program. During June 2000, in a separate transaction authorized and undertaken outside the existing share repurchase program, the Company repurchased 3,685,520 shares which represented all of its common stock held by the former owners of Spear & Jackson plc ("Spear & Jackson") for $44 million. All fiscal year data contained herein reflect results of operations for the 52, 52 and 53 week periods ended September 30, 2000, October 2, 1999 and October 3, 1998, respectively, but are presented as of September 30 for convenience. This Report references trademarks of the Company such as JACUZZI, ZURN, ELJER, U.S. BRASS, AMES and TRUE TEMPER, as well as other trade names and product names. SIEMENS is a registered trademark of Siemens AG, of which the Company is a licensee. The Company's principal executive offices are located at 101 Wood Avenue South, Iselin, New Jersey 08830; its telephone number at that address is (732) 767-0700. FINANCIAL INFORMATION ABOUT INDUSTRY SEGMENTS The Company is comprised of three segments: Bath and Plumbing Products, Lighting Corporation of America and Hardware and Tools. The Company completed the disposition of a majority interest in the Diversified segment on March 24, 2000. The results of all operations sold or classified as discontinued operations are discussed separately in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Discontinued Operations and Extraordinary Loss". See Note 4. BATH AND PLUMBING PRODUCTS Bath and Plumbing Products is one of the leading bath and plumbing products businesses in North America. It manufactures and distributes a full line of bath and plumbing products under the brand names JACUZZI, ELJER and ZURN. During fiscal 1999, it acquired Spring Ram in order to expand its presence in Europe. Spring Ram is a leading U.K. manufacturer of acrylic baths, shower enclosures, shower trays, sanitary ware, stainless steel sinks, molded kitchen sinks and other bathroom fixtures under the brand names SANITAN and ASTRACAST. The Company's objective has been to combine acquired businesses to realize marketing synergies and cost savings and capitalize on domestic and international growth opportunities, including product extensions and expansion into new markets. The division's bath and plumbing products are sold in North America through wholesale distributors and home centers, and in certain international markets, including Europe, South America, the Middle East and Asia. 3

Jacuzzi is a leading worldwide manufacturer and distributor of whirlpool bath products, spas, shower systems, non-jetted baths, swimming pool equipment and water systems products. In the past three years, Jacuzzi acquired Sundance Spas and Gatsby Spas to increase its market position in the spa market. Sales of certain Jacuzzi products are seasonal as weather may affect outdoor installation. Eljer is a leading North American manufacturer of complementary vitreous china and cast iron plumbing, faucets and flexible plumbing systems. Zurn's plumbing products include drains, flush valves, pressure-reducing and regulating valves and other behind-the-wall plumbing products. Sales are seasonal as weather may affect commercial construction. Zurn, through its Selkirk operations, is a leading manufacturer and distributor of commercial and residential heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. LIGHTING CORPORATION OF AMERICA Lighting Corporation of America ("LCA") manufactures and distributes indoor and outdoor lighting fixtures for markets in North America and Europe. During fiscal 2000, sales of commercial/industrial and residential products accounted for approximately 80% and 20%, respectively, of LCA's revenues. LCA's size, broad range of quality products and strong distribution network allow it to compete as a full-line supplier in the commercial/industrial market. Its outdoor lighting products are sold under the KIM, SPAULDING, MOLDCAST, ARCHITECTURAL AREA LIGHTING, SIEMENS and SITECO brand names. These products include street, area, parking garage and landscape lighting. Outdoor lighting products are sold to electrical distributors, national accounts and utility companies. National customer accounts include service stations, automobile dealerships and fast food restaurants. Indoor commercial/industrial lighting products, which are sold under the COLUMBIA, PRESCOLITE, SIEMENS, DUAL LITE and SITECO brand names through electrical distributors and national accounts, include incandescent and compact fluorescent, down light fixtures, emergency and exit lighting, and other fluorescent lighting fixtures. Management believes that LCA is the largest residential lighting manufacturer in North America, principally selling under the PROGRESS brand name. Progress' products include chandeliers, hall and foyer sconces, pendants, bath and vanity, ceiling, fluorescent, under-cabinet, track, outdoor and landscape lighting. Residential lighting products are sold to home centers, lighting showrooms and electrical distributors, who sell to builders, electrical contractors and consumers. Sales of lighting products are seasonal to a degree, with weather affecting construction and outdoor installation. HARDWARE AND TOOLS Hardware and Tools manufactures and distributes hand tools, lawn and garden tools, wheeled goods and industrial products through Ames True Temper, Spear & Jackson and other companies. Ames True Temper is a leading manufacturer of non-powered lawn and garden tools, wheelebarrows and industrial hand and striking tools in North America. Ames True Temper primarily sells its products under the brand names AMES, TRUE TEMPER, JACKSON, EAGLE, WOODINGS-VERONA and GARANT and, to a lesser extent, under private labels. Ames True Temper's product lines include lawn, garden, and agricultural tools, snow shovels and other winter tools, as well as wheeled goods and garden hose reels. Sales of Ames True Temper products are seasonal in nature, with substantial quantities manufactured for sale in the spring and fall. Weather conditions may impact results materially. Spear & Jackson is a leading U.K. manufacturer and distributor of a broad line of hand tools, lawn and garden tools, industrial saws, industrial magnets and metrology tools. Products sold under the brand names SPEAR & JACKSON, NEILL TOOLS, ECLIPSE MAGNETICS and BOWERS include garden and agricultural tools, contractor hand tools, industrial cutting tools, industrial magnets and industrial calibration instruments. Ames, True Temper and Spear & Jackson distribute their products primarily through independent wholesale distributors, home centers, mass merchants and large buying groups including cooperatives. The sale of Ames and True Temper products and, to a lesser extent, Spear & Jackson products, have become 4

increasingly concentrated among home centers and other mass merchants. The Home Depot is the division's largest customer and accounted for 21%, 19% and 16% of the total revenues of Hardware and Tools in fiscal 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively. DIVERSIFIED Diversified manufactured a wide range of consumer, precision engineered and automotive interior products. On March 24, 2000, in two separate transactions (the "Diversified Transactions"), the Company completed the disposition of a majority equity interest in its Diversified segment to a Citicorp Venture Capital portfolio company. The consideration for the Diversified Transactions included a combination of cash and notes. The businesses that comprised the Diversified segment are described below. EJ FOOTWEAR is a designer, manufacturer and marketer of work, hiking, hunting and western boots and children's footwear. Its products are sold in niche markets through five companies. GEORGIA BOOT produces boots in the mid-range price segment of the industry and markets its products to sporting goods stores, and farm and ranch stores. LEHIGH SAFETY SHOE is a leading direct service provider of occupational safety footwear. NATIVE TEXTILES supplies warp knit fabrics to domestic manufacturers of activewear and intimate apparel. It also commission-dyes lace and other specialty fabrics for third parties. BILTBEST WINDOWS manufactures and distributes wood windows, aluminum-clad windows and patio doors. SCF INDUSTRIES manufactures folding and stacking chairs as a licensee of the SAMSONITE name. BEARING INSPECTION, INC. inspects and overhauls jet aircraft engine bearings for customers located worldwide. In January 1999, the Company acquired Atech Turbine Components, Inc., allowing Bearing Inspection to expand into the business of refurbishing the "hot sections" of turbo-prop engines. FSM EUROPE, acquired from Philips Components B.V. in May 1998, manufactures flat shadow masks, a component in color television picture tubes. JADE TECHNOLOGIES SINGAPORE LTD. is a public company based in Singapore and listed on the Stock Exchange of Singapore Dealing and Automated Quotation system. SILLC owns a majority of Jade, with the remainder owned by the public. Jade manufactures stamped and plated integrated circuit leadframes. HURON INC. manufactures value-added precision machined products for the automotive industry. Products include screw machined parts, tubular assemblies, dowels, fittings, shafts and air-conditioning and fuel manifolds. GARDEN STATE TANNING, INC. is a leading manufacturer of high quality leather upholstery products, primarily for installation as automotive seating and trim. LEON PLASTICS, INC. manufactures molded plastic parts and assemblies for the automotive industry. Its products range from plastic console and instrument panel components to functional components such as complete rear door panels. REXAIR INC. is a leading manufacturer of premium vacuum cleaner systems. Its RAINBOW vacuum cleaners collect dirt particles by means of a water filtration and separator system. Rexair distributes the RAINBOW and its accessories through a network of independent authorized distributors and subdistributors. Sales to consumers are made through in-home demonstrations by sales representatives and are typically arranged by referrals from other consumers. In fiscal 2000 and 1999, Rexair had sales of $110 million and $120 million, respectively. In fiscal 2000 and 1999, sales in the United States and Canada accounted for approximately 48% and 47%, respectively, of Rexair's total unit sales. The remaining sales were spread over a number of foreign markets, with significant sales made in Portugal, Austria, Japan and Poland. In the domestic market, the vacuum cleaner industry is mature and highly competitive. Rexair also experiences competition in recruiting its distributors. In addition, its distributors experience competition in recruiting and retaining sales representatives. The Company estimates that over 60% of the purchases of Rexair products in the United States are financed either by independent consumer finance companies or, to a lesser extent, by the independent distributors. The inability to maintain or increase its independent distribution network or the unavailability of consumer credit could have a material adverse effect on Rexair's business, financial condition and result of operations. On March 24, 2000, Rexair sold newly issued shares to SILLC representing, after issuance, 75% of the equity interest in Rexair. The Company received approximately $195 million in cash and retained a 25% direct equity interest in Rexair. 5

As part of the Rexair transaction, the Company guaranteed Rexair's new $200 million credit facility (the "Rexair Facility") that matures on March 24, 2005. However, Rexair is primarily responsible for the repayment of indebtedness under the Rexair Facility. The Rexair Facility provides that all Rexair free cash flow, as defined, must be used to repay the outstanding balance of the Rexair Facility. At September 30, 2000, the outstanding balance on the Rexair Facility was approximately $181 million. As a result of the Rexair transaction, the Company recorded a deferred gain, which will be deferred until the release of the guarantee of the Rexair Facility. The Company's 25% share of the net liabilities of Rexair and the deferred gain totaling $82 million are included in the balance sheet caption "Other liabilities". The Company's retained interest in Rexair is accounted for under the equity method of accounting subsequent to the March 24, 2000 disposal date. INVESTMENTS The Company has an equity interest in SILLC and Rexair. These investments were retained as part of the disposition of a majority equity interest in its Diversified segment on March 24, 2000. The Company has a 15.8% common equity interest in SILLC and a preferred equity interest with a stated value of approximately $18 million. This investment is included in the balance sheet caption "Other assets". The Company's 25% share of the net liabilities of Rexair and the deferred gain, totaling $82 million is included in the balance sheet caption "Other liabilities". The Company's retained interest in SILLC and Rexair is accounted for under the equity method of accounting subsequent to the March 24, 2000 disposal date. The Company recorded equity in earnings in investee of approximately $3 million in fiscal 2000. COMPETITION The Company competes in mature and highly competitive industries on the basis of brand identification, quality, price, marketing and distribution approaches. In some industries, certain competitors have greater market share or product breadth in a given market than the Company. BACKLOG ORDERS The Company's backlogs believed to be firm as of September 30, 2000 and 1999 were as follows: <TABLE> <CAPTION> AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, ------------------- 2000 1999 -------- -------- (IN MILLIONS) <S> <C> <C> Bath and Plumbing Products.................................. $ 68 $101 Lighting Corporation of America............................. 79 82 Hardware and Tools.......................................... 15 9 Diversified................................................. -- 55 ---- ---- Total Backlogs.............................................. $162 $247 ==== ==== </TABLE> The fiscal 1999 backlog information for Bath and Plumbing Products, Hardware and Tools and Diversified includes $29 million, $2 million and $55 million, respectively, relating to businesses which were sold in fiscal 2000. EXPORT AND INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS Certain of the Company's domestic businesses generate revenue from export sales and/or revenue from operations conducted outside the United States. Export sales amounted to 6%, 9% and 9% of total revenues in fiscal 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively, principally reflecting sales by Rexair to foreign distributors of Rainbow products in numerous countries, and sales by Garden State Tanning to Japanese automobile manufacturers prior to their March 24, 2000 disposal. Revenue from foreign operations amounted to 27%, 23% and 20% of total revenues in fiscal 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively, principally reflecting certain Jacuzzi operations, Spear & Jackson and SiTeco. Identifiable assets of foreign operations 6

represented approximately 22%, 31% and 23% of total identifiable assets at September 30, 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively. Foreign identifiable assets principally reflect certain assets of Jacuzzi, Spring Ram, SiTeco and Spear & Jackson. Certain businesses obtain a significant amount of finished goods from unaffiliated suppliers in East Asia. The Company's export sales and foreign manufacturing and sourcing are subject to certain risks including currency fluctuation, transportation delays, political and economic instability, restrictions on the transfer of funds, the imposition of duties, tariffs and import and export controls and changes in governmental policies. In particular, if China lost the "Most Favored Nation" status currently accorded to it by the United States or if the United States Trade Representative imposed retaliatory trade sanctions on China the cost of imports from China could increase significantly. EMPLOYEES As of September 30, 2000, the Company had approximately 18,505 employees (excluding employees of companies in which the Company holds equity interests). Approximately 39% of such employees were represented by unions. The Company believes that the relations of its operating subsidiaries with employees and unions are satisfactory. GOVERNMENTAL REGULATION The Company's operating units are subject to numerous federal, state and local laws and regulations concerning such matters as zoning, health and safety and protection of the environment. The Company believes that its operating units are currently operating in substantial compliance with, or under approved variances from, various federal, state and local laws and regulations. Certain present and former operating sites, or portions thereof, currently or previously owned and/or leased by current or former operating units of the Company are the subject of investigations, monitoring or remediation under the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 ("CERCLA" or "superfund"), the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act or comparable state statutes or agreements with third parties. These proceedings are in various stages ranging from initial investigations to active settlement negotiations to implementation of the clean-up or remediation of sites. No information currently available reasonably suggests that projected expenditures associated with these proceedings, whether for any single site or for those in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. A number of present and former operating units of the Company have been named as Potentially Responsible Parties ("PRPs") at 13 Superfund sites under CERCLA or comparable state statutes in a number of federal and state proceedings. In each of these matters the operating unit of the Company is working with the governmental agencies involved and other PRPs to address environmental claims in a responsible and appropriate manner. Under CERCLA and other similar statutes, any generator of hazardous waste sent to a hazardous waste disposal site is potentially responsible for the clean-up, remediation and response costs required for such site in the event the site is not properly closed by its owner or operator, irrespective of the amount of waste which the generator sent to the site. No information currently available reasonably suggests that projected expenditures associated with these proceedings, whether for any single site or for those in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. From time to time, the Company may receive notices of violation or may be denied its applications for certain licenses or permits on the basis that the practices of the operating unit are not consistent with regulations or ordinances. In some cases, the relevant operating unit may seek to meet with the agency to determine mutually acceptable methods of modifying or eliminating the practice in question. The Company believes that its operating units will comply with the applicable regulations and ordinances in a manner which will not have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. 7

The Company's subsidiaries have made capital and maintenance expenditures over time to comply with zoning, water, air and solid and hazardous waste regulations. While the amount of expenditures in future years will depend on legal and technological developments which cannot be predicted at this time, these expenditures may progressively increase if regulations become more stringent. Future costs for compliance cannot be predicted with precision and there can be no certainty with respect to any costs the Company may be forced to incur in connection with historical on-site or off-site waste disposal. No information currently available reasonably suggests that these expenditures will have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Laws and regulations protecting the environment may in certain circumstances impose "strict liability", rendering a person liable for environmental damage without regard to negligence or fault on the part of such person. At September 30, 2000, the Company had accrued approximately $11 million for various environmental related liabilities of which the Company is aware. The Company believes that the range of liability which is reasonable for such matters is between approximately $3 million and $13 million. The Company cannot predict whether future developments in laws and regulations concerning environmental protection or unanticipated enforcement actions, particularly with respect to environmental standards, will require material capital expenditures or otherwise affect its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows in a materially adverse manner, or whether its operating units will be successful in meeting future demands of regulatory agencies in a manner which will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. PATENTS AND TRADEMARKS The Company's subsidiaries have numerous United States and foreign patents, patent applications, registered trademarks and trade names, and licenses, that relate to various businesses. The Company believes that certain of the trademarks and trade names are of material importance to the businesses to which they relate and may be of material importance to the Company as a whole. None of the material trademarks or trade names are of limited duration. Although protection of the Company's patents and related technologies are important components of its business strategy, none of the individual patents is material to the Company. EXECUTIVE OFFICERS The executive officers of the Company are as follows: <TABLE> <CAPTION> NAME POSITION ---- ------------------------------------------------------------ <S> <C> David H. Clarke............... Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer James O'Leary................. Executive Vice President Dorothy E. Sander............. Senior Vice President--Administration John W. Dean III.............. Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer Steven C. Barre............... Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary Diana E. Burton............... Vice President--Investor Relations Nicola Rossi.................. Corporate Controller </TABLE> DAVID H. CLARKE, 59, has served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Company since the Demerger. Mr. Clarke was Vice Chairman of Hanson from 1993 until the Demerger, Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Hanson Industries, the U.S. arm of Hanson, from 1992 until the Demerger and a Director of Hanson from 1989 until May 1996. Mr. Clarke is a director of Fiduciary Trust International, a public company engaged in investment management and administration of assets for individuals. JAMES O'LEARY, 37, has served as Executive Vice President since September 1, 1999 and was Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from June 1998. He served as Corporate Controller of the 8

Company from the Demerger until June 1998 and was elected as a Vice President in January 1996. Mr. O'Leary served as Group Controller for certain consumer and industrial products businesses of Hanson Industries from September 1994 until the Demerger. DOROTHY E. SANDER, 47, has served as Senior Vice President--Administration since June 1998. Previously she had served as Vice President--Administration of the Company since the Demerger. Ms. Sander served as Vice President--Administration and Benefits of Hanson Industries from 1991 until the Demerger and as an Associate Director of Hanson PLC from 1993 until the Demerger. She is a member of the Advisory Board of the Bank of New York and the Board of Editors of "HR-Law and Practice" magazine. JOHN W. DEAN III, 44, has served as Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer since October 4, 1999. Previously, Mr. Dean was with Rubbermaid Incorporated from 1988 to 1999, where he served as Vice President and Treasurer since 1991. His most recent assignment was Vice President, Chief Financial Officer of Rubbermaid Europe. STEVEN C. BARRE, 41, has served as Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary since April 1, 2000. Previously, he served as Associate General Counsel since its 1995 demerger from Hanson. Prior thereto, Mr. Barre served as Associate General Counsel of Hanson Industries. DIANA E. BURTON, 55, has served as Vice President--Investor Relations of the Company since the Demerger. From January 1995 through the Demerger, Ms. Burton served as an investor relations consultant to Hanson Industries. For the balance of the past five years, she was a Vice President of Marine Harvest International, Inc. ("Marine Harvest"), a company engaged in the farming and distribution of seafood products, with principal responsibility for administration and investor relations. NICOLA ROSSI, 34, has served as Corporate Controller since April 1, 2000 and was Assistant Corporate Controller from June 1999. Previously, he was Director of Corporate Accounting for the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, Inc. from November 1995 through May 1999. ITEM 2. PROPERTIES The Company owns 116 and leases 164 properties, none of which has value that is significant in relation to the Company's assets as a whole. The Company develops, manages and disposes of its excess properties through its wholly-owned subsidiary, USI Properties, Inc. ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS The Company and its subsidiaries are parties to legal proceedings that are considered to be either ordinary, routine litigation incidental to the business of present and former operations or immaterial to the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. For information concerning environmental proceedings, see "Business--Governmental Regulation." ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS The Company did not submit any matter to a vote of its security holders during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2000. 9

PART II ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTTERS (a) Market Information. The Company's Common Stock is traded on the NYSE under the symbol USI. The following table sets forth, for the fiscal periods indicated, the high and low closing sales price per share of Common Stock as reported by the NYSE. <TABLE> <CAPTION> FISCAL 2000 FISCAL 1999 ------------------- ------------------- HIGH LOW HIGH LOW -------- -------- -------- -------- <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> First Quarter............................... $16.25 $13.06 $18.38 $11.81 Second Quarter.............................. $14.63 $10.75 $20.19 $16.00 Third Quarter............................... $15.00 $10.81 $19.19 $16.31 Fourth Quarter.............................. $14.19 $ 9.94 $17.06 $15.50 </TABLE> (b) Holders. As of November 27, 2000, there were approximately 20,818 record holders of Common Stock. The closing price per share of Common Stock as reported by the NYSE on such date was $6.75. (c) Dividends. The Board of Directors previously adopted a cash dividend policy under which USI paid cash quarterly dividends of $0.05 per share of Common Stock as listed below. The payment of dividends is subject to the Board of Directors' discretion and will depend upon the Company's overall performance, general business conditions, legal and contractual restrictions and other factors that the Board may deem relevant. <TABLE> <CAPTION> DIVIDEND RECORD DATE DIVIDEND PAYMENT DATE -------------------- --------------------- <S> <C> December 31, 1999........................................ January 21, 2000 March 31, 2000........................................... April 21, 2000 June 30, 2000............................................ July 21, 2000 September 29, 2000....................................... October 20, 2000 </TABLE> 10

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA The following tables sets forth the consolidated historical selected financial data of the Company. <TABLE> <CAPTION> FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, ---------------------------------------------------- 2000(1) 1999(2) 1998(3) 1997 1996 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- (IN MILLION, EXCEPT PER SHARE) <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> Income Statement Data: Net Sales........................................... $3,088 $3,429 $3,135 $2,521 $2,169 Operating income(4)................................. 88 303 142 268 238 Income from continuing operations................... 36 154 3 125 103 Net income (loss)................................... 36 141 (44) 252 138 Income from continuing operations per share Basic............................................. 0.44 1.67 0.03 1.35 1.08 Diluted........................................... 0.43 1.64 0.03 1.31 1.06 Net income (loss) per share Basic............................................. 0.44 1.53 (0.46) 2.73 1.45 Diluted........................................... 0.43 1.51 (0.45) 2.64 1.42 Cash dividend declared per share(5)................. 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.05 -- Balance Sheet Data (at period end): Cash and cash equivalents........................... $ 25 $ 58 $ 44 $ 67 $ 57 Working capital..................................... 546 834 876 731 779 Total assets........................................ 2,492 3,028 2,776 2,499 2,477 Total debt.......................................... 1,055 1,267 966 746 930 Stockholders' equity................................ 754 920 960 950 758 </TABLE> ------------------------ (1) Fiscal 2000 includes goodwill impairment, restructuring and other related after-tax charges of $120 million to 1) close the former Zurn Industries corporate office, 2) eliminate certain products lines, write-down inventory and other related costs at the U.S. Brass operations, 3) recognize goodwill and asset impairment at the European HVAC operations, and 4) recognize goodwill impairment at Spear & Jackson. Fiscal 2000 also includes after-tax credits of $25 million related to the gain on the Diversified Transactions. In addition, fiscal 2000 includes a $20 million reversal of tax contingencies related to the demerger from Hanson plc. (2) Fiscal 1999 includes $9 million after-tax restructuring and other related costs in conjunction with severance for certain senior executives, the closure of a manufacturing facility and the elimination of product lines. Fiscal 1999 also includes a $6 million tax benefit from the resolution of prior years tax issues. (3) Fiscal 1998 includes $131 million after-tax charges of goodwill impairment, restructuring and other related costs, $7 million after-tax charges to write-off interest rate protection agreements, $34 million after-tax charges to discontinue a business, and $5 million after-tax charges associated with the refinancing of Zurn's outstanding indebtedness, totaling $177 million. (4) The operating income for fiscal 1999 and 1998 includes $7 million and $3 million, respectively, of equity losses from the Company's investment in UPI. The equity losses noted above, include charges associated with impairments of UPI and its subsidiaries of $6 and $4 million, respectively. UPI was disposed of as part of the sale of the Diversified segment. (5) Cash dividends exclude dividends declared and paid by Zurn prior to the Merger. 11

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The Company's operations are grouped into three segments: Bath and Plumbing Products, Lighting Corporation of America and Hardware and Tools. The Company completed the disposition of a majority interest in the Diversified segment on March 24, 2000. During fiscal 1999, certain businesses were reclassified from Hardware and Tools to Diversified. This change reflects the Company's internal management reporting structure. Accordingly, all prior periods presented have been restated to conform to this presentation. The results of all operations sold and classified as discontinued are excluded from the table and discussion below. (See Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.) <TABLE> <CAPTION> FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, ------------------------------ 2000 1999 1998 -------- -------- -------- (IN MILLIONS) <S> <C> <C> <C> NET SALES Bath and Plumbing Products........................ $1,390 $1,303 $1,105 Lighting Corporation of America................... 812 805 766 Hardware and Tools................................ 472 462 375 Diversified....................................... 414 859 889 ------ ------ ------ TOTAL NET SALES................................. $3,088 $3,429 $3,135 ====== ====== ====== OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)(1)(2)(3) Bath and Plumbing Products........................ $ 71 $ 150 $ 93 Lighting Corporation of America................... 43 46 52 Hardware and Tools................................ (47) 37 (3) Diversified(4).................................... 35 88 32 ------ ------ ------ 102 321 174 Corporate expenses.................................. (14) (18) (32) ------ ------ ------ TOTAL OPERATING INCOME.......................... $ 88 $ 303 $ 142 ====== ====== ====== </TABLE> ------------------------ (1) Operating income for fiscal 2000 includes goodwill impairment, restructuring and other related costs of $164 million. Accordingly, operating income (loss) for Bath and Plumbing Products and Hardware and Tools includes charges of $80 and $84 million, respectively. (2) Operating income for fiscal 1999 includes restructuring and related charges of $15. Accordingly, operating income for Bath and Plumbing Products, Lighting Corporation of America, and Diversified includes charges of $5, $3 and $7 million, respectively. (3) Operating income (loss) for fiscal 1998 includes goodwill impairment and restructuring costs of $142 million and product costs in connection with the restructuring of approximately $11 million. Accordingly, operating income (loss) for Bath and Plumbing Products, Lighting Corporation of America, Hardware and Tools, Diversified and Corporate expenses include goodwill impairment, restructuring and other related charges of $40, $3, $32, $71 and $7 million, respectively. (4) Operating income for Diversified includes $7 million and $3 million, for fiscal 1999 and 1998, respectively, of equity losses from the Company's investment in UPI. The equity losses include charges associated with impairments of UPI and its subsidiaries of $6 and $4 million, respectively. UPI was disposed of as part of the sale of the Diversified segment. 12

FISCAL 2000 COMPARED TO FISCAL 1999 The Company had sales of $3,088 million in fiscal 2000, a decrease of $341 million (9.9%). The operating income for fiscal 2000 was $88 million compared to $303 million for fiscal 1999. The current year results include approximately six months of operations from the disposed Diversified segment compared to twelve months of operations in the same period of the prior years. The fiscal 2000 operating income includes restructuring, goodwill impairment and other related charges of $164 million and the fiscal 1999 operating income includes restructuring and other related charges of $15 million. Excluding these charges, operating income would have been $252 million in fiscal 2000 compared to $318 million in fiscal 1999, decrease of $66 million (20.8%). BATH AND PLUMBING PRODUCTS Bath and Plumbing Products had sales of $1,390 million and operating income of $71 million, which includes charges of $80 million to close the former Zurn Industries corporate office, goodwill and property, plant and equipment impairment, and restructuring charges related to the European HVAC and U.S. Brass operations. This compares to sales of $1,303 and operating income of $150 million in the prior year, which includes severance charges from the release of a senior executive of $5 million. Excluding these charges from both years, operating income would have been $151 million in the current year and $155 million in the prior year, a decrease of 2.6%. The increase in sales is primarily attributable to the full year inclusion of Spring Ram, acquired in July 1999, Gatsby Spas, acquired in June 1999, and an increase in the U.S. bath and spa businesses, partially offset by the lost contribution from the disposal of the water resource and fire protection businesses, and unfavorable currency translation. Operating income decreased due to lost contribution from the water resource and fire protection businesses, shortfalls from both the North American and European HVAC businesses as well as a shortfall at the Eljer operations, and unfavorable currency translation, partially offset by the full year inclusion of Spring Ram and Gatsby Spas. LIGHTING CORPORATION OF AMERICA Lighting Corporation of America had fiscal 2000 sales of $812 million and operating income of $43 million which includes $4 million of charges associated with the discontinuance of an unprofitable residential product line and SKU rationalization and other costs at the commercial indoor business. This compares to sales of $805 million and operating income of $46 million in fiscal 1999 which includes unusual charges of $3 million related to inventory losses in connection with exiting certain commercial product lines and executive severance costs. Excluding the above-mentioned charges, operating income was $47 million in the current year and $49 million in the prior year. The increase in sales is primarily due to the full year inclusion of Dual-Lite, acquired in March 1999, strength in the commercial and institutional outdoor lighting businesses partially offset by the discontinuance of a residential product line and unfavorable currency translation. The operating income increase is due to the full year inclusion of Dual-Lite and improvement at the European lighting business in spite of the effect of unfavorable currency translation, partially offset by lower profitability at the commercial indoor businesses. HARDWARE AND TOOLS Hardware and Tools had fiscal 2000 sales of $472 million and operating loss of $47 million. The fiscal 2000 operating loss includes a pretax goodwill impairment charge of $84 million at the U.K. operations. Excluding the $84 million goodwill impairment charge, operating income for fiscal 2000 was $37 million. This compares to fiscal 1999 sales of $462 million and an operating income of $37 million. The increase in sales is mainly attributable to the full year inclusion of True Temper, acquired in March 1999, partially offset by lost sales contribution from the divestiture of the ladder business. Operating income from the full year inclusion of True Temper and related synergies was fully offset by lower margins at Ames, weakness at the U.K. operations, and lost contribution from the ladder business. 13

DIVERSIFIED The Diversified results for fiscal 2000 was comprised of approximately six months of operations through the disposal date of March 24, 2000, as compared to the prior year results which included a full twelve months of operations. Diversified had fiscal 2000 sales of $414 million and operating income of $35 million. This compares to fiscal 1999 sales of $859 million and operating income of $88 million, which includes restructuring and other related charges of $7 million. The fiscal 1999 charges include (i) losses, closure and inventory and other related costs from exiting an unprofitable window operation and (ii) severance, impairment and obsolescence charges from the closure of a manufacturing facility which produced infant's and children's footwear. The fiscal 1999 charges are partially offset by favorable adjustments to the charges established in fiscal 1998 at the Company's vacuum cleaner and textile operations. Excluding these charges, operating income in fiscal 1999 would have been $95 million. The Company, for fiscal 2000, recorded equity earnings of approximately $3 million with respect to its retained interest in the Diversified segment and is included in the statement of operations caption "Equity earnings in investee." CORPORATE EXPENSES Corporate expenses include $2 million of costs in 1999 incurred in conjunction with the Company's previously planned spin-off of its Diversified segment which was abandoned in January 2000. The decrease in corporate expenses, excluding the above mentioned charges, reflects the reduction of corporate employees who became employed by SILLC as a result of the Diversified Transactions and the termination of the Company's previous President and Chief Operating Officer. GOODWILL IMPAIRMENT AND RESTRUCTURING During fiscal 2000, the Company conducted a strategic review of certain operations in the Bath and Plumbing segment. As a result of this strategic review, the Company decided to dispose of the European HVAC operation and to exit three product lines at its U.S. Brass operation. In reaching this decision, the Company considered the profitability of these operations, the fact that the Company was not a market leader in these businesses, and the fact that significant investment would be required in order to make these businesses competitive with no assurance of a reasonable return on this investment. In September 2000, the Company wrote down the net assets of its European HVAC operation by recording a charge of $42 million, comprised of $24 million of goodwill impairment and $18 million of fixed asset impairments. In addition, the Company also incurred $4 million in inventory related charges. The European HVAC operation was subsequently sold in November 2000 for approximately $8 million, which represented its approximate book value at that time. In September 2000, the Company announced that it was exiting its Valley line of faucets, the Eastman line of connectors and its Sanitary Dash line of under the sink pipes. Accordingly, the Company recorded severance and commitment costs of $4 million and a goodwill impairment charge of $1 million. In addition, the Company also recorded inventory charges of $16 million as a result of the discontinuance of the three product lines. The restructuring plan includes the closure of two manufacturing facilities in Abilene and Plano, Texas and the termination of approximately 335 employees. The Company anticipates selling its current inventory and will complete its remaining in-process inventory during the first quarter of fiscal 2001. Accordingly, the Company anticipates recording additional accelerated depreciation in the first quarter of fiscal 2001 of approximately $5 million related to the revised useful lives of fixed assets. Upon completion, all remaining machinery and equipment will be disposed of and the vacated facilities will be sold. In January 2000, a decision was made to close the former Zurn Industries corporate office in Dallas, Texas which resulted in the termination of 30 employees. The Company recorded a charge of $13 million relating to this decision, which included severance costs of $2 million, costs of $9 million for a lease 14

expiring November 2007, and a write-off of $2 million relating to leasehold improvements and other fixed assets. As a result, the Company anticipates annual savings of approximately $3 million. Due to indications of impairment based on the additional consideration paid for Spear & Jackson and its current operating results, the Company evaluated the recoverability of the Spear & Jackson goodwill in accordance with its accounting policy as described in Note 2. In evaluating for impairment under its accounting policy, the Company first reviewed for impairment under the requirements of SFAS No. 121. The Company's estimate of undiscounted future cash flows of Spear & Jackson indicated there was no impairment of Spear & Jackson's long-lived assets and associated goodwill; however, the enterprise level assessment of the recoverability of Spear & Jackson's goodwill indicated the goodwill was impaired. In arriving at the fair value of Spear & Jackson, the Company considered a number of factors including 1) competition from less expensive imports; 2) declining margins on exports; 3) general decline in the industrial sector in the United Kingdom 4) Spear & Jackson's long-term financial plan and 5) analysis of values for similar companies. In determining the amount of the impairment, the Company compared the net book value to the estimated fair values of Spear & Jackson. Based on the above, the Company recorded an impairment charge to the goodwill of Spear & Jackson of $84 million in September 2000. The effect of this charge will reduce future goodwill amortization by approximately $2 million per annum. During the third quarter of fiscal 1999, the Company's footwear operations expanded its 1998 restructuring plan and closed a second domestic manufacturing facility. The closure of the second facility was completed by June 1999, and production was outsourced to offshore vendors. The total charges amounted to $2 million and were comprised of the costs of terminating 110 employees and the write-off of impaired fixed assets. In addition, the Company incurred inventory obsolescence related costs of $1 million in connection with the closure of the manufacturing facility. In the first quarter of fiscal 2000, the Company sold certain assets of the footwear operations for approximately book value. Also, during fiscal 1999, the Company recorded an additional $13 million in non-recurring charges. The Bath and Plumbing segment recorded a $5 million severance charge relating to a senior executive, while the Lighting Corporation of America segment recorded a $1 million severance charge for a senior executive and a $2 million charge related to the discontinuance of the controls product line. The Diversified segment incurred $5 million in charges and losses related to the closure of an unprofitable window operation. The 1998 and 1999 restructuring at a number of facilities, which began during the third quarter of fiscal 1998, was substantially completed during fiscal 1999. In addition, during the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 1999, the Company reduced certain severance reserves by $1 million, primarily due to voluntary departures prior to final termination which resulted in lower severance costs. The restructuring did not have a significant impact on the ongoing operations during the periods that manufacturing was transitioned from the facilities to be closed. The expected benefits from the restructuring were primarily reduced depreciation, reduced fixed costs associated with leased facilities and reduced compensation costs. The final anticipated benefit will be approximately $8 million per annum and realized subsequent to the completion of all restructuring plans. The company realized approximately 50% of the annual benefit in fiscal 1999 and substantially all of the benefit in fiscal 2000. 15

The principal components of the goodwill impairment and restructuring costs are: <TABLE> <CAPTION> 2000 1999 -------- ---------- (IN MILLIONS) <S> <C> <C> Impairment of goodwill...................................... $109 $ -- Lease obligations and impairment of equipment............... 30 1 Severance and related costs................................. 5 -- ---- ---------- Total................................................... $144 $ 1 ==== ========== Cash charges................................................ $ 16 $ 1 Non-cash charges............................................ 128 -- ---- ---------- Total................................................... $144 $ 1 ==== ========== </TABLE> The accrued liabilities relating to the cash restructuring charges are detailed as follows: <TABLE> <CAPTION> LEASE AND MERGER CONTRACT SEVERANCE AND OTHER RELATED AND RELATED RELATED TOTAL COSTS COSTS COSTS COSTS --------- ----------- ---------- -------- (IN MILLIONS) <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> Balance at September 30, 1998........................ $ 4 $ 16 $ 2 $ 22 1999 activity: Cash payments...................................... (2) (11) (2) (15) Adjustments........................................ -- (1) -- (1) Fiscal 1999 charges................................ 1 1 -- 2 --- ---- ---- ---- Balance at September 30, 1999........................ 3 5 -- 8 2000 activity: Cash payments...................................... (4) (4) -- (8) Reserves of Diversified Companies sold............. -- (1) -- (1) Fiscal 2000 charges................................ 11 5 -- 16 --- ---- ---- ---- Balance at September 30, 2000........................ $10 $ 5 $ -- $ 15 === ==== ==== ==== </TABLE> The Company expects the remaining cash charges to be paid by the respective lease termination dates not to exceed seven years and severance agreements are expected to be paid within two years. In fiscal 2000, in addition to the $144 million of goodwill impairment and restructuring charges, the Company incurred $20 million of costs related to the elimination of product lines and the reduction of manufacturing facilities at the restructured operations. After an income tax benefit of $44 million, these charges reduced fiscal 2000 income from continuing operations by $120 million. At September 30, 2000, approximately $9 million of the reserve is included in the balance sheet caption "Accrued expenses and other liabilities", while the remaining $6 million is recorded in the balance sheet caption "Other liabilities". At September 30, 1999, approximately $7 million of the reserve is included in the balance sheet caption "Accrued expenses and other liabilities", while the remaining $1 million is recorded in the balance sheet caption "Other liabilities". OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE), NET Other income (expense), net was an (expense) of $4 million for fiscal 2000, compared to income of $14 million in fiscal 1999. Included in fiscal 2000 other income (expense), net are charges related to the ladder business disposed in October 2000, $1 million in charges related to the abandoned sale of the lighting segment, partially offset by $3 million gain on real estate sales. The prior year amount primarily relates to $14 million of real estate gains. 16

INTEREST AND TAXES Interest expense was $86 million for fiscal 2000, a $5 million (6.2%) increase from fiscal 1999. The increase is due to higher average levels of outstanding debt coupled with higher average interest rates. The increase in debt level is primarily attributable to the Company's share repurchase program, partially offset by proceeds from the sale of a majority equity interest in the Diversified segment. Interest income was $17 million for fiscal 2000, a $12 million increase from fiscal 1999. The increase in interest income is primarily due to interest earned on the 12% senior notes received from the sale of a majority equity interest in the Diversified segment. The provision for income taxes was $21 million on pre-tax income of $57 million (a 36.8% effective rate) for fiscal 2000 compared to $87 million on pre-tax income of $241 million (a 36.1% effective rate) for fiscal 1999. Fiscal 2000 includes a $20 million benefit relating to a reversal of tax contingencies related to the demerger from Hanson plc and no benefit from the goodwill write-off of the European HVAC business. The fiscal 1999 provision for income taxes includes a $6 million benefit relating to the settlement of certain fiscal 1998 tax issues. Excluding the benefits and non-deductible goodwill write-off, the effective rate would have been approximately 39% for both years. DISPOSITION OF BUSINESSES AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS In November 2000, the Company sold its European HVAC business. The cash consideration received for this business totaled $8 million, which approximated carrying value. On March 24, 2000, in two separate transactions (the "Diversified Transactions"), the Company disposed of a majority equity interest in its Diversified segment. The consideration for the Diversified Transactions included a combination of cash and notes. In the first transaction, the Company disposed of the following subsidiaries: Atech Turbine Components Inc.; Bearing Inspection, Inc.; BiltBest Products, Inc.; EJ Footwear Corp. (including Georgia Boot Inc. and Lehigh Safety Shoe Co.); Garden State Tanning Inc.; Huron Inc.; Jade Holdings Pte Ltd (including Jade Technologies Singapore Ltd and FSM Europe B.V.); Leon Plastics Inc.; Native Textiles Inc.; and SCF Industries Inc. The Company received gross proceeds of approximately $203 million and approximately $209 million aggregate principal amount of 12% (12.5% effective August 18, 2000) senior notes (the "Senior Notes") due 2007 issued by Strategic Industries, LLC ("SILLC"), and, in addition, SILLC assumed approximately $8 million of existing bank debt of USI. The Company retained a preferred equity interest in SILLC having a stated value of approximately $20 million and a 17.7% common equity interest SILLC. The Company currently has a representative on the SILLC board. As of August 18, 2000, the Company has the right to market and sell the Senior Notes. At the date of the transaction the Senior Notes were recorded at their fair value and are included in the balance sheet caption "Other Assets". As result of this transaction, the Company recorded a pre-tax gain of $38 million. In August 2000, the Company sold $25 million of the Senior Notes, approximately $2 million of the stated value of the retained preferred equity interest and approximately 1.9% of the retained common equity interest. This transaction resulted in a pre-tax gain of approximately $1 million. In the second transaction, Rexair, Inc. ("Rexair"), which manufactures "Rainbow" brand vacuum cleaners, sold newly issued shares to SILLC representing, after issuance, 75% of the equity interest in Rexair. The Company received approximately $195 million in cash and retained a 25% direct equity interest in Rexair. As part of the Rexair transaction, the Company guaranteed Rexair's new $200 million credit facility (the "Rexair Facility") that matures on March 24, 2005. However, Rexair is primarily responsible for the repayment of indebtedness under the Rexair Facility. The Rexair Facility provides that all Rexair free cash flow, as defined, must be used to repay the outstanding balance of the Rexair Facility. At September 30, 2000, 17

the outstanding balance on the Rexair Facility was approximately $181 million. As a result of the Rexair transaction, the Company recorded a deferred gain which will be deferred until the release of the guarantee of the Rexair Facility. The Company's 25% share of the net liabilities of Rexair and the deferred gain totalling $82 million are included in the balance sheet caption "Other liabilities". The Company's retained interest in SILLC and Rexair is accounted for under the equity method of accounting. The Company recorded equity earnings of approximately $3 million in fiscal 2000. In the second quarter of fiscal 2000, the Company sold its fire protection businesses. The cash consideration received for these businesses totaled approximately $23 million, which approximated their carrying value. The results of the fire protection businesses were included in the Bath and Plumbing segment until the date of disposal. During the first quarter of fiscal 2000, the Company disposed of assets relating to its ladder operations and the infant and children footwear operation. The total proceeds of these separate transactions were $17 million, which approximated their carrying value. The Company has retained certain product liabilities of the ladder operations. The results of the ladder operations and the infant and children footwear operations were included in the Hardware and Tools and Diversified segments, respectively, until the date of disposal. In September 1999, the Company sold the assets of the water resource construction business for approximately $11 million, which approximated book value. The results of the water resource businesses were included in the Bath and Plumbing segment until the date of disposal. The Company adopted a formal plan to dispose of The Ertl Company Inc. ("Ertl") in the second quarter of fiscal 1999. Ertl was sold in April 1999 for proceeds of approximately $95 million which resulted in an after-tax loss of $13 million. The Company has restated its financial statements to reflect this business as a discontinued operation. During April 1999, the Company completed the sale of its investment in Teardrop Golf which resulted in a $1 million after-tax gain. In January 1999, the Company completed the sale of its remaining interest in the Power Systems business for proceeds of approximately $30 million. No gain or loss was realized upon the transaction. FISCAL 1999 COMPARED TO FISCAL 1998 The Company had sales of $3,429 million in fiscal 1999, an increase of $294 million (9.4%). The operating income for fiscal 1999 was $303 million compared to $142 million for fiscal 1998. The fiscal 1999 operating income includes restructuring and other related charges of $15 million and the fiscal 1998 operating income includes goodwill impairment, restructuring and other related charges of $153 million. Excluding these charges, operating income would have been $318 million in fiscal 1999 compared to $295 million in fiscal 1998, an increase of $23 million (7.8%). BATH AND PLUMBING PRODUCTS Bath and Plumbing Products had sales of $1,303 million and operating income of $150 million, which includes severance charges from the release of a senior executive of $5 million. This compares to sales of $1,105 million and operating income of $93 million in fiscal 1998, which includes goodwill impairment, restructuring and related charges of $40 million. The fiscal 1998 charges of $40 million were incurred in connection with (i) the Merger, including investment banking, legal and accounting fees as well as change in control payments to certain Zurn employees, (ii) the closure of a manufacturing facility, (iii) the consolidation of several distribution centers between the Jacuzzi and Zurn operations and (iv) the cost of eliminating duplicate administrative functions resulting from the Merger. Excluding these charges from both years, operating income would have been $155 million in the fiscal 1999 and $133 million in fiscal 1998, an increase of 16.5%. The increases, before the above mentioned charges, were attributable to 18

significantly higher sales and operating income in the U.S. and European bath and spa operations, higher sales and operating income in behind-the-wall plumbing products particularly in Canada, the acquisitions of Gatsby Spas in June 1999 and Spring Ram in July 1999 and the full year inclusion of Sundance Spas, acquired in June 1998. These increases were partially offset by shortfalls in the South American bath operations due to economic conditions and in the European HVAC business. In September 1999, Bath and Plumbing sold certain assets of its water resource construction business for approximately book value. LIGHTING CORPORATION OF AMERICA Lighting Corporation of America had fiscal 1999 sales of $805 million and operating income of $46 million, which includes unusual charges of $3 million. This compares to sales of $766 million and operating income of $52 million in fiscal 1998 which includes restructuring charges of $3 million. The fiscal 1999 charges relate to inventory losses in connection with exiting certain commercial product lines and executive severance costs while the fiscal 1998 charges related to the closure of two manufacturing facilities. Excluding the above-mentioned charges, operating income would have been $49 million in fiscal 1999 compared to $55 million in fiscal 1998. The increase in sales was primarily due to the inclusion of the March 1999 Dual-Lite acquisition and the continued strength in the residential and architectural outdoor lighting business. The decrease in operating income was due to weakness in the commercial indoor and European lighting businesses partially offset by increases in the residential and architectural outdoor lighting business and the inclusion of Dual-Lite. HARDWARE AND TOOLS Hardware and Tools had fiscal 1999 sales of $462 million and operating income of $37 million. This compares to fiscal 1998 sales of $375 million and an operating loss of $3 million, which includes charges of $32 million. The fiscal 1998 charges include impairments of goodwill and property, plant and equipment in the Company's ladder operations and severance in connection with the consolidation of administrative functions at the ladder operations with Ames. Certain assets of the ladder operations were subsequently sold in October 1999 for approximately book value. Excluding the above-mentioned charges, Hardware and Tools would have had operating income of $29 million in fiscal 1998. The increase in sales was primarily attributable to the March 1999 True Temper acquisition. The increase in operating income was the result of the True Temper acquisition and the elimination of prior year losses at the ladder operation. DIVERSIFIED Diversified had fiscal 1999 sales of $859 million and operating income of $88 million, which includes unusual charges of $7 million. This compares to fiscal 1998 sales of $889 million and operating income of $32 million, which includes goodwill impairment, restructuring and related charges of $71 million. The fiscal 1999 charges include (i) closure and inventory and other related costs from exiting an unprofitable window operation and (ii) severance, impairment and obsolescence charges from the closure of a manufacturing facility which produced infant's and children's footwear. The fiscal 1999 charges are partially offset by favorable adjustments to the charges established in fiscal 1998 at the Company's vacuum cleaner and textile operations. The fiscal 1998 charges include (i) impairments of goodwill at the automotive leather tanning business, (ii) obsolescence, severance and impairment charges at the vacuum cleaner operations incurred in connection with management changes and the changeover to a new model, (iii) severance and impairment charges in the footwear operations incurred in connection with the closure of a manufacturing facility, (iv) severance and other charges in the Company's plastic automotive business incurred in connection with the discontinuance of a business line, (v) severance, impairment and obsolescence charges incurred in connection with the elimination of a product line in the Company's textile operations and (vi) obsolescence and other charges incurred in connection with the elimination of a product line at the Company's window operation. Excluding these charges, operating income in fiscal 1999 would have been $95 million, a decrease of $8 million from the fiscal 1998 amount of $103 million. Sales were lower due to the elimination of the unprofitable lace business in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1998, 19

lower sales of automotive leather, vacuum cleaners, and footwear, and the closure of the unprofitable window operation. These decreases were partially offset by increased sales of plastic and fabricated metal automotive parts, the full year inclusion of the shadow mask operation acquired in May 1998, and higher revenues at the aircraft overhaul operation. The decrease in operating income, excluding restructuring charges in both years, was mainly the result of lower profits at the textile business due to severe competitive pressures, and lower profit in the footwear and vacuum cleaner operation. The vacuum cleaner operation's results reflected difficulties associated with the introduction of its new product line and the recruitment of dealers by its distributors. Operating income in the footwear operations decreased due to competitive conditions in the market for safety shoes, and the loss of a key customer for certain lines of infant and children footwear. The infant and children footwear division was sold in December 1999 for approximately book value. These decreases were partially offset by higher operating income from the plastic and fabricated metal automotive parts operations, the favorable settlement of a warranty claim in the fabricated metal automotive business, reduction of goodwill amortization and higher cutting yields at the automotive leather business and the full year inclusion of the shadow mask operation. In addition, the fiscal 1999 operating income includes an impairment charge of the UPI equity investment and one of its subsidiaries which amounted to $6 million while the fiscal 1998 operating income includes a $4 million charge for an impairment of another UPI subsidiary. The comparability of operating income was also affected by a $4 million favorable settlement of environmental obligations at the footwear operation in fiscal 1998. CORPORATE EXPENSES Corporate expenses in fiscal 1999 include $2 million of costs incurred in conjunction with the Company's previous planned spin-off of its Diversified segment. Corporate expenses in fiscal 1998 include $7 million of charges for severance of certain executive staff and employment costs in connection with the Company's realignment of its business units. The decrease in corporate expenses, excluding the above mentioned charges, reflects the transfer of certain corporate functions to the operating companies. GOODWILL IMPAIRMENT AND RESTRUCTURING During fiscal 1998 the Company reviewed its long-term strategy for the newly combined entity resulting from the Merger and reviewed each operating company's performance and future prospects. As a result, the Company adopted a plan to improve efficiency and enhance competitiveness. The Company reorganized into four business units: - Bath and Plumbing Products - Lighting Corporation of America - Hardware and Tools - Diversified Each business unit has full operational and financial responsibility. In conjunction with the reorganization into four business units, due to indications of impairment, the Company evaluated the recoverability of certain long-lived assets, primarily goodwill at Garden State Tanning and Keller Ladders. In arriving at the fair value of Garden State Tanning the Company considered a number of factors including: (i) annual price concessions in the automotive industry and Garden State Tanning's inability to reduce costs due to antiquated facilities and equipment, (ii) a dramatic decline in scrap leather prices attributable to the Asian economic crisis, (iii) capital investment that would be required to make Garden State Tanning a lower cost manufacturer, (iv) Garden State Tanning's long-term financial plan and (v) analysis of values for similar companies. In arriving at the fair value of Keller Ladders the Company considered (i) the impact from the loss of a major customer, (ii) the inability to replace this business due to aggressive competition, (iii) continued pressure for price concessions from 20

mass merchants, (iv) Keller Ladder's long term financial plan and (iv) analysis of values for similar companies. In determining the amount of the impairment, the Company compared the net book values to the estimated fair values of Garden State Tanning and Keller Ladders. Based on the above, the Company determined that impairments to goodwill of $55 million and $28 million were necessary at Garden State Tanning and Keller, respectively. The reduced goodwill amortization at Garden State Tanning and Keller is $3 million per annum. In October 1999, the Company sold certain assets of Keller Ladders for approximately book value. In March 2000, the Company sold Garden State Tanning as part of the Diversified transactions. The 1998 restructuring plan included the closing of certain manufacturing and warehouse facilities in the bath and plumbing products, lighting and footwear operations. The closure of these facilities occurred at various dates throughout 1999. The production and distribution activities of these facilities were either outsourced, relocated off-shore, or consolidated into existing facilities. The restructuring plan included a reduction in the work force by approximately 700 employees which included salaried and administrative employees at the restructured facilities as well as administrative and executive employees. As of September 30, 1999 all employees had been terminated with some employees departing voluntarily prior to final termination. In certain cases severance and related benefits have been or will be paid subsequent to the termination date. During the third quarter of fiscal 1999, the Company's previously disposed footwear operations expanded its 1998 restructuring plan and closed a second domestic manufacturing facility. The closure of the second facility was completed by June 1999, with its production being outsourced to offshore vendors. The total charges amounted to $2 million and were comprised of the costs of terminating 110 employees and the write-off of impaired fixed assets. In addition, the Company incurred inventory obsolescence related costs of $1 million in connection with the closure of the manufacturing facility. Also, during fiscal 1999, the Company recorded an additional $13 million in non-recurring charges. The Bath and Plumbing segment recorded a $5 million severance charge relating to a senior executive, while the Lighting Corporation of America segment recorded a $1 million severance charge for a senior executive and a $2 million charge related to the discontinuance of the controls product line. The Diversified segment incurred $5 million in charges and losses related to the closure of an unprofitable window operation. The restructuring at a number of facilities, which began during the third quarter of fiscal 1998, was substantially completed during fiscal 1999. In addition, during the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 1999, the Company reduced certain severance reserves by $1 million, primarily due to voluntary departures prior to final termination which resulted in lower severance costs. The restructuring did not have a significant impact on the ongoing operations during the periods that manufacturing was transitioned from the facilities to be closed. The expected benefits from the restructuring were primarily reduced depreciation, reduced fixed costs associated with leased facilities and reduced compensation costs. The final anticipated benefit will be approximately $8 million per annum and realized subsequent to the completion of all restructuring plans. The Company realized approximately 50% of the annual benefit in fiscal 1999. 21

The principal components of the goodwill impairment and restructuring costs are: <TABLE> <CAPTION> 1999 1998 -------- -------- (IN MILLIONS) <S> <C> <C> Impairment of goodwill...................................... $-- $ 83 Lease obligations and impairment of equipment............... 1 11 Merger, integration and other costs......................... -- 26 Severance and related costs................................. -- 22 --- ---- Total................................................... $ 1 $142 === ==== Cash charges................................................ $ 1 $ 52 Non-cash charges............................................ -- 90 --- ---- Total................................................... $ 1 $142 === ==== </TABLE> The merger, integration and other costs also includes investment banking, legal and accounting fees and other miscellaneous costs, as well as costs related to change-in-control payments to certain Zurn employees. In fiscal 1998, in addition to the $142 million of merger, restructuring and other related costs, the Company incurred $11 million of costs related to the elimination of product lines and the reduction of manufacturing and warehouse facilities at its operations which were restructured. After an income tax benefit of $22 million, these charges reduced income from continuing operations for fiscal 1998 by $131 million. OTHER (INCOME) EXPENSE, NET Other (income) expense, net, in fiscal 1999 was income of $14 million primarily reflecting gains on the sale of real estate. Other (income) expense, net in fiscal 1998 was an expense of $3 million. During March and April 1998, in anticipation of the offering of senior notes, the Company entered into certain interest rate protection agreements. Due to subsequent market changes, the principal amount and term of the notes sold in the offering, which occurred in October 1998, varied from those originally anticipated. The portion of the costs of the agreements, in the amount of $10 million, related to the notes sold are amortized over the term of the notes. The Company recorded a pre-tax charge of $12 million ($7 million after-tax) to write-off the remainder of the costs of the agreements in other (income) expense, net. This charge was partially offset by, among other things, gains on sales of real estate and the Company's airplane. INTEREST AND TAXES Interest expense was $81 million for fiscal 1999, a $12 million (17.4%) increase from the prior fiscal year. The increase reflects higher average debt levels principally due to acquisitions and treasury share purchases during fiscal 1999. Interest income was $5 million for fiscal 1999, a $3 million decrease from fiscal 1998. The provision for income taxes was $87 million on pre-tax income of $241 million (a 36.1% effective rate) for fiscal 1999 compared to $75 million on pre-tax income of $78 million (a 96.1% effective rate) for fiscal 1998. Fiscal 1999 includes a $6 million benefit relating to the settlement of certain prior years tax issues. Excluding this benefit the effective rate would have been approximately 39%. Fiscal 1998 includes the impact of goodwill impairment and nondeductible non-recurring charges. Excluding these items the effective rate would have been approximately 41%. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS AND EXTRAORDINARY LOSS The Company disposed of The Ertl Company Inc. ("Ertl") in April 1999 for proceeds of approximately $95 million which resulted in an after-tax loss of $13 million. During April 1999, the Company completed the sale of its investment in TearDrop Golf which resulted in a $1 million after-tax gain. In 22

January 1999, the Company completed the sale of its remaining interest in the Power Systems business for proceeds of approximately $30 million. No gain or loss was realized upon the transaction. In fiscal 1998, the Company recorded an after-tax loss from discontinued operations of $42 million, which primarily consisted of the loss for the Company's outdoor furniture operations, SunLite Casual Furniture ("SunLite"), which was sold in September 1998, and the income of Ertl, the Company's toy operations. When the Company acquired SunLite, in March 1997 for $60 million, it anticipated it would have to reorganize SunLite's manufacturing operation and improve customer relations. SunLite was a seasonal business with a selling season primarily in the second and third fiscal quarters. As the business entered the 1998 selling season, the operations were negatively impacted by manufacturing problems arising from plant consolidations and customer reluctance to place orders. The Company conducted an assessment of the business to determine the future viability of SunLite during the third fiscal quarter. As a result of its assessment, the Company adopted a plan to dispose of SunLite. The Company sold SunLite for a nominal amount and recorded a pre-tax loss in conjunction with impairments of assets and the sale of $41 million. In conjunction with the repayment of all outstanding indebtedness of Zurn during the year ended September 30, 1998, a net-of-tax, non-cash, extraordinary charge of $5 million was incurred to write off unamortized deferred financing costs and for losses associated with interest rate swaps. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES The Company's primary sources of liquidity and capital resources are cash and cash equivalents, cash provided from operations and available borrowings under the Company's revolving credit facility, commercial paper program and uncommitted short-term lines of credit. Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations was $21 million and $228 million for fiscal 2000 and 1999, respectively. This reduction was partly due to the March 24, 2000 disposal of the Diversified segment. Due to the seasonal nature of the businesses, the Diversified operations require cash for working capital needs in the first six months of the fiscal year, while in the second six months of the fiscal year these operations generate cash. In addition, the Company experienced increased working capital needs at the Hardware and Tools segment due to a planned move into a new distribution center, while at the Bath and Plumbing segment increased working capital was needed to support sales growth. Cash provided by discontinued operations of $24 million for fiscal 1999 was a result of reduced working capital requirements at Ertl. Investing activities provided net cash of $277 million and used net cash of $276 million for fiscal 2000 and 1999, respectively. The net cash provided by investing activities for fiscal 2000 primarily consisted of cash proceeds of $402 million received from the sale of a majority interest in the Diversified segment and the sale of the fire protection, children footwear and ladder operations and $8 million from the sale of excess real estate and property, plant and equipment. This was partially offset by net cash of $79 million for capital expenditures, $71 million for the Spear & Jackson plc ("Spear & Jackson") payment and $7 million for other acquisitions. The net cash used by investing activities in fiscal 1999 primarily consisted of $335 million for acquisitions and $108 million for capital expenditures, partially offset by proceeds of $132 million from sales of Ertl, certain assets of the Power System business and the water resources construction business and $34 million in proceeds from the sale of excess real estate and property, plant and equipment. Financing activities used net cash of $313 million and provided net cash of $56 million for fiscal 2000 and 1999, respectively. The fiscal 2000 amount primarily consists of net repayments of long-term debt of $157 million, the purchase of $143 million of the Company's common stock for treasury and dividend payments of $16 million. The fiscal 1999 amount included proceeds from long-term debt and notes in excess of repayments of $283 million, offset by dividend payments of $19 million, settlement of an interest rate protection agreement payment of $22 million and the purchase of $190 million of the Company's common stock for treasury. The Company believes that cash provided by operations and availability under unused credit facilities and commercial paper program will adequately support cash needs for working capital, capital expenditures for existing businesses and future principal payments on outstanding borrowings. 23

Total stockholders' equity decreased $166 million principally due to $143 million in purchases of the Company's common stock for treasury, $36 million for the portion of the Spear & Jackson payment relating to the market value of the Company's common stock price, and dividends declared of $16 million, partially offset by net income of $36 million. During fiscal 2000, the Company paid approximately $8 million related to its restructuring plans announced in fiscal 1998, 1999 and 2000 and expects an additional $9 million to be paid in the next 12 months. There have been no material changes in the nature or costs of the restructuring. During fiscal 1999, the Board of Directors authorized share repurchase programs aggregating $300 million. In April 2000, the Board of Directors authorized an additional $50 million of share repurchases. As of September 30, 2000, the Company had purchased $289 million of its common stock for treasury under the program, of which $99 million was purchased in fiscal 2000. During June 2000, in a separate transaction authorized and undertaken outside the existing share repurchase program, the Company repurchased all of its common stock held by the former owners of Spear & Jackson for $44 million. During October 1999, the Company entered into equity instrument contracts that were utilized to purchase approximately $40 million of its common stock. At the discretion of the Company, such contracts can be settled in cash, shares or a combination of both, at anytime prior to June 30, 2001. The repurchase program has been and will continue to be, funded from cash provided from operations, proceeds received from the sale of a majority interest in the Diversified segment and available borrowings under the Company's existing credit facilities. Share repurchases are made at prices deemed acceptable to management. In December 1997, the Company purchased Spear & Jackson plc ("Spear & Jackson") for $11 million in cash and $96 million in the Company's common stock (3,685,520 shares), resulting in initial goodwill of approximately $63 million. Spear & Jackson manufactures and distributes hand tools, saws, cutting and industrial tools. The purchase price was subject to a cash contingency, payable on or before June 2000. The cash contingency was based upon certain performance criteria and the market value of the Company's stock. The results of Spear & Jackson are included in the Hardware and Tools segment. In June 2000, upon expiration of the contingency period related to the December 1997 acquisition of Spear & Jackson, the Company made additional cash payments of L47 million ($71 million), to the former owners of Spear & Jackson. The share purchase agreement provided for possible additional cash payments by the Company to the former shareholders of Spear & Jackson if the value of the Company's common stock issued as consideration in the transaction at the closing was not equal to the value of the Company's stock at the end of the thirtieth month after the transaction date (which period ended June 3, 2000) and (1) if Spear & Jackson met certain sales targets during that same thirty-month contingency period, or (2) upon certain other factors. The other factors included the failure (a) of the Company to use Spear & Jackson to distribute internationally the products of Ames, a subsidiary of the Company, (b) of Ames to use Spear & Jackson as a preferred supplier of products not manufactured by Ames, but manufactured by Spear & Jackson, or (c) of the Company to retain the services of a person approved by the former shareholders as the chief executive of Spear & Jackson. At the end of a thirty month contingency period, the market value of the Company's stock, which was computed in accordance with the stock purchase agreement by averaging the Company's stock price on the NYSE during the last five trading days of the contingency period, was below the guaranteed amount (i.e. the market value of the Company's stock at the acquisition date), which required the Company to make a $36 million payment. This portion of the payment was recorded as an adjustment to Paid in capital as it was based upon the market value of the Company's common stock price. The remainder of the cash payment ($35 million) was recorded as additional goodwill as it was made in satisfaction of additional contingent consideration based on other criteria set forth in the purchase agreement. 24

SENIOR NOTES AND CREDIT FACILITIES In October 1998, USI and USI American Holdings, Inc. ("USIAH"), a wholly owned subsidiary of USI Atlantic Corp. ("USI Atlantic") jointly issued $250 million of Senior Notes due October 15, 2003, which bear interest at 7.125%, payable semiannually (the "7.125% Notes"). The net proceeds were $247 million after transaction fees and discounts. On July 9, 1999, the Company exchanged its 7.125% Notes which were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, for registered 7.125% Notes having substantially the same terms. In fiscal 1997, USIAH issued $125 million of Senior Notes due December 1, 2006, which bear interest at 7.25%, payable semiannually (the "7.25% Notes"). The net cash proceeds were $123 million after transaction fees and discounts. In connection with the Merger, a supplemental indenture was executed adding USI as a co-obligor with USIAH under the 7.25% Notes. The 7.25% Notes and the 7.125% Notes (collectively, the "Notes"), along with the Credit Agreement and Credit Facility described below, are joint and several obligations of USI Global Corp. ("USI Global") and USIAH, and are guaranteed by USI Atlantic (see Note 14). USI Global and USI Atlantic are wholly-owned subsidiaries of USI. The Notes are redeemable at the option of the Company, in whole or in part, at a redemption price equal to the greater of (i) 100% of the principal amount to be redeemed, or (ii) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on the Notes to be redeemed, discounted at a rate based on the yield to maturity of the comparable U.S. Government securities plus a spread (10 basis points for the 7.25% Notes and 50 basis points for the 7.125% Notes) plus, in each case, accrued interest to the date of redemption. The Notes are unsecured but the indentures place restrictions on liens and subsidiary indebtedness. The Company has a five year revolving line of credit which had original availability of $750 million (the "Credit Agreement") that terminates on December 12, 2001. The Credit Agreement was permanently reduced by $100 million on December 12, 1999, and will be reduced by an additional $150 million on December 12, 2000. The Credit Agreement includes committed advances and uncommitted bid option advances. The committed advances bear interest based on, at the option of the Company, (i) specified spreads over London Interbank Offer Rate ("LIBOR") or (ii) the higher of the agent bank's reference rate or 50 basis points above the federal funds rate in effect on such date. The spreads on the LIBOR-based borrowings range between 15 and 62.5 basis points, based on the Company's senior unsecured debt rating for the relevant period. At September 30, 2000 three-month LIBOR was 6.811% per annum and the spread over LIBOR was 22.5 basis points. A facility fee, regardless of the amount utilized, is payable on a quarterly basis in arrears on the full amount of the Credit Agreement. The facility fee ranges between 7.5 and 25 basis points per annum, based upon the Company's senior unsecured debt ratings for the relevant period. At September 30, 2000, the facility fee was 10.0 basis points per annum. The Credit Agreement places restrictions on, among other things, liens, mergers, consolidations and additional indebtedness. Its financial covenants require USI to comply with maximum ratio of total funded debt to capital and a consolidated leverage ratio. The maximum ratios are .60:1.00 and 3.5:1.0, respectively. During fiscal 1998, the Company amended the Credit Agreement to allow a portion of the available facility to be used for borrowings in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, to eliminate the previous restriction limiting certain unsecured indebtedness to $200 million, to permit the Merger, and to add USI as a co-obligor. USIAH is the co-obligor, and USI Atlantic is the guarantor of the Credit Agreement. At September 30, 2000, the Company had long-term indebtedness of $53 million, $181 million and $5 million, denominated in German marks, British pounds and Dutch guilders, respectively. These borrowings hedge the Company's net investments in several operating companies. The total foreign denominated debt of $239 million was borrowed through the Company's Credit Agreement. In April 1999, the Company commenced a $300 million commercial paper program, of which $97 million was outstanding at September 30, 2000. The commercial paper is supported by a $300 million 25

364-day revolving line of credit ("the Credit Facility"). This Credit Facility was renewed in October 2000 and the new termination date is October 26, 2001. Accordingly, the Company has classified this borrowing as long term. Borrowings under the Credit Facility bear interest at either the agent bank's base rate or LIBOR, plus a margin. Spreads on LIBOR-based borrowing range between 60 and 155 basis points, based on the Company's senior unsecured debt rating for the relevant period. A facility fee, regardless of the amount utilized, is payable on a quarterly basis in arrears on the full amount of the 364-day facility. The facility fee ranges between 12.5 and 40 basis points per annum based on the Company's senior unsecured debt ratings for the relevant period. Other short-term borrowings at September 30, 2000 primarily consist of notes payable, which bear interest at a weighted average interest rate of 7.03%, with maturities due within one year. The Company intends to refinance these borrowings under the Credit Agreement and accordingly, the Company has classified these as long term. Uncommitted short-term lines of credit at September 30, 2000, used and unused, total $195 million. At September 30, 2000 the Company had current maturities of long-term debt and short-term notes payable aggregating $170 million. At September 30, 2000, subject to the financial covenants, the Company had $510 million of availability both in committed and uncommitted lines of credit. The committed availability amounted to $376 million and was comprised of $173 million of unused credit available under the Credit Agreement and $203 million of unused availability under its 364-day day facility expiring October 26, 2001. The availability under uncommitted short-term lines of credit amounted to $134 million. In August 1999, the Company's shelf registration statement on Form S-3 filed with the Commission in order to register $600 million in debt securities became effective. The Company expects to issue debt securities covered by this registration statement in future periods depending on market conditions. On September 14, 2000 the Company announced that its Board of Directors authorized management to pursue a spin-off of its lighting segment and its industrial tools business. The lighting businesses include Columbia Lighting, Inc.; Dual-Lite, Inc.; Prescolite, Inc.; Kim Lighting, Inc.; Architectural Area Lighting, Inc.; Spaulding Lighting, Inc.; Progress Lighting, Inc. (which together comprise a major North American lighting fixture manufacturer); and SiTeco Holdings GmbH (a major European lighting fixture manufacturer). The industrial tools business includes Spear & Jackson plc and Bowers Group plc, together an international manufacturer of industrial tools which are currently included in the Hardware and Tools segment. These entities had combined year ended September 30, 2000 and 1999 revenues of $934 million and $915 million, respectively, and operating income for those periods of $49 million and $52 million, respectively, excluding goodwill impairment charges of $84 million in fiscal 2000. Mr. James O'Leary, currently Executive Vice President of the Company, would become Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of LCA Group Inc. ("LCA Group"), the new company that would own and operate the lighting and industrial tools businesses upon the spin-off. A registration statement on Form 10 about LCA Group has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, providing additional details. The Form 10 is subject to completion and amendment, and has not yet become effective. Upon the spin-off, the Company anticipates receiving approximately $200 million from LCA Group as repayment of intercompany debt. LCA Group is in the process of obtaining third party financing in order to repay such intercompany debt. RISK MANAGEMENT In anticipation of an offering of debt securities, the Company entered into certain interest rate protection agreements in March and April 1998. Due to subsequent market changes, the principal amount and term of the 7.125% Notes that were ultimately sold in the offering varied from those originally anticipated. These interest rate protection agreements were terminated in September 1998 and settled with payments in October 1998 aggregating $22 million. The portion of the cost of the agreements deemed related to the 7.125% Notes of $10 million will be amortized over the term of the 7.125% Notes increasing 26

the effective interest rate to 8.4%. The Company recorded a non-recurring charge of $12 million ($7 million after-tax) to write-off the remainder of the cost of the agreements in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1998, which is included in other income (expense), net. Prior to the Merger, Zurn had entered into certain interest rate protection agreements. These agreements were settled via a cash payment of $6 million in connection with the repayment of the Zurn Facility as discussed above. To manage its interest rate exposure, the Company entered into interest rate swaps to receive a floating rate based on three-month LIBOR and pay a weighted average fixed rate. The fixed interest rates under the interest rate swaps currently outstanding is 5.59%. Net payments (receipts) under the agreements amounted to approximately $(1) million, $4 million and $3 million for fiscal 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively. The notional amount of these agreements were $100 million as of September 30, 2000 and $200 million as of September 30, 1999. Based upon the fair value of the interest rate swap agreements, if all outstanding agreements were settled the Company would have received approximately $1 million as of September 30, 2000 and September 30, 1999. The fair values are based upon estimates received from financial institutions. The notional amounts and maturities of the swaps relate to specific portions of outstanding debt, and accordingly, are accounted for as hedge transactions. The aggregate notional amount and periods covered by such agreements are as follows: <TABLE> <S> <C> October 1, 2000 through September 30, 2001.................. $100 million </TABLE> The Company had issued standby letters of credit aggregating $42 million at September 30, 2000. To protect the U.S. dollar value of its anticipated profits denominated in foreign currencies, the Company may purchase foreign currency put option contracts. The contracts are purchased and settled in U.S. dollars. The Company had no exposure with respect to these foreign currency options contracts other than the cost of such options. The cost of such foreign currency options was not material. There are no such options outstanding at September 30, 2000. The Company has also entered into foreign exchange forward contracts to manage certain foreign currency transactions. Such contracts have not been significant. The interest rate protection agreements, foreign exchange options and foreign exchange forward contracts described above were the only derivative instruments held or entered into by the Company at year end or during fiscal 2000 and 1999. See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. MARKET RISK EXPOSURES The Company, in the normal course of doing business, is exposed to the risks associated with changes in interest rates and currency exchange rates. To limit the risks from such fluctuations, the Company enters into various hedging transactions that have been authorized pursuant to the Company's policies and procedures. See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company does not engage in such transactions for trading purposes. To manage exposure to interest rate movements the Company uses interest rate protection agreements. Based on the Company's overall exposure to interest rate changes, at September 30, 2000 and 1999 a hypothetical change of 100 basis points across all maturities of the Company's floating rate debt obligations, after considering interest rate protection agreements, would change the Company's pre-tax earnings by $6 million in fiscal 2001 and $7 million in fiscal 2000. The Company utilizes foreign currency-denominated borrowings to selectively hedge its net investments in foreign subsidiaries. Such borrowings at September 30, 2000 are denominated in German marks, British pounds and Dutch guilders, while such borrowings at September 30, 1999 are denominated in German marks, British pounds, Dutch guilders and Hong Kong dollars. A 10% change in the relevant 27

currency exchange rates is estimated to have an impact on the fair value of such borrowings amounting to $26 million at September 30, 2000 and $32 million at September 30, 1999. This quantification of the Company's exposure to the market risk of foreign exchange sensitive financial instruments is necessarily limited, as it does not take into account the offsetting impact of the Company's underlying investment exposures. The Company is also exposed to foreign currency exchange risk related to its international operations as well as its U.S. businesses, which import or export goods. The company has made limited use of financial instruments to manage this risk. FOREIGN CURRENCY MATTERS The functional currency of each of the Company's foreign operations at September 30, 2000 is the local currency. Assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries are translated at the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet dates, while revenue, expenses and cash flows are translated at average exchange rates for the period. Translation gains and losses are reported as a component of Stockholders' Equity. EFFECT OF INFLATION Because of the relatively low level of inflation experienced in the Company's principal markets, inflation did not have a material impact on its results of operations in fiscal 2000, 1999 or 1998. ITEM 7A. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK See Item 7, "Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Liquidity and Capital Resources--Risk Management". 28

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of U.S. Industries, Inc. We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of U.S. Industries, Inc. (the "Company") as of September 30, 2000 and 1999 and the related consolidated statements of operations, cash flows, and changes in stockholders' equity for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2000. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the index at Item 14(a). These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company at September 30, 2000 and 1999, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2000, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Also, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule referred to above, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein. /s/ Ernst & Young LLP New York, New York November 14, 2000 29

U.S. INDUSTRIES, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (IN MILLIONS EXCEPT PER SHARE) <TABLE> <CAPTION> FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, ------------------------------ 2000 1999 1998 -------- -------- -------- <S> <C> <C> <C> Net Sales................................................... $3,088 $3,429 $3,135 Operating costs and expenses: Cost of products sold..................................... 2,135 2,389 2,202 Selling, general and administrative expenses.............. 721 736 649 Goodwill impairment and restructuring charges............. 144 1 142 ------ ------ ------ Operating income........................................ 88 303 142 Interest expense............................................ (86) (81) (69) Interest income............................................. 17 5 8 Gain on sale of Diversified businesses...................... 39 -- -- Equity earnings in investee................................. 3 -- -- Other income (expense), net................................. (4) 14 (3) ------ ------ ------ Income before income taxes, discontinued operations and extraordinary loss........................................ 57 241 78 Provision for income taxes.................................. (21) (87) (75) ------ ------ ------ Income from continuing operations......................... 36 154 3 Discontinued operations: Loss from operations (net of income taxes of $(-) and ($9))................................................... -- (1) (35) Loss on disposals (net of income taxes of ($10) and ($4))................................................... -- (12) (7) ------ ------ ------ Loss from discontinued operations......................... -- (13) (42) ------ ------ ------ Income (loss) before extraordinary loss..................... 36 141 (39) Extraordinary loss from early extinguishment of debt (net of income tax benefit of $3)................................. -- -- (5) ------ ------ ------ Net income (loss)........................................... $ 36 $ 141 $ (44) ====== ====== ====== Earnings (loss) per basic share: Income from continuing operations......................... $ 0.44 $ 1.67 $ 0.03 Loss from discontinued operations......................... -- (0.14) (0.44) Extraordinary loss........................................ -- -- (0.05) ------ ------ ------ Net income (loss)......................................... $ 0.44 $ 1.53 $(0.46) ====== ====== ====== Earnings (loss) per diluted share: Income from continuing operations......................... $ 0.43 $ 1.64 $ 0.03 Loss from discontinued operations......................... -- (0.13) (0.43) Extraordinary loss........................................ -- -- (0.05) ------ ------ ------ Net income (loss)......................................... $ 0.43 $ 1.51 $(0.45) ====== ====== ====== </TABLE> See notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 30

U.S. INDUSTRIES, INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (IN MILLIONS EXCEPT SHARE DATA) <TABLE> <CAPTION> AT SEPTEMBER 30, ------------------- 2000 1999 -------- -------- <S> <C> <C> ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents................................. $ 25 $ 58 Trade receivables, net.................................... 517 667 Inventories............................................... 494 631 Deferred income taxes..................................... 62 68 Other current assets...................................... 45 67 ------ ------ Total current assets.................................... 1,143 1,491 Property, plant and equipment, net.......................... 420 597 Deferred income taxes....................................... -- 6 Other assets................................................ 388 185 Goodwill, net............................................... 541 749 ------ ------ $2,492 $3,028 ====== ====== LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Notes payable............................................. $ 29 $ 33 Current maturities of long-term debt...................... 141 15 Trade accounts payable.................................... 196 278 Accrued expenses and other liabilities.................... 222 302 Income taxes payable...................................... 9 29 ------ ------ Total current liabilities............................... 597 657 Deferred income taxes....................................... 10 -- Long-term debt.............................................. 885 1,219 Other liabilities........................................... 246 232 ------ ------ Total liabilities....................................... 1,738 2,108 ------ ------ Commitments and contingencies Stockholders' equity Common stock (par value $.01) per share, authorized 300,000,000 shares; issued 99,096,734 and 99,095,941 respectively; outstanding 77,059,708 and 88,008,569 respectively............................................ 1 1 Paid in capital............................................. 661 702 Retained earnings........................................... 468 448 Unearned restricted stock................................... (9) (16) Accumulated other comprehensive loss........................ (45) (27) Treasury stock (22,037,026 and 11,087,372 shares, respectively) at cost..................................... (322) (188) ------ ------ Total stockholders' equity.............................. 754 920 ------ ------ $2,492 $3,028 ====== ====== </TABLE> See notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 31

U.S. INDUSTRIES, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (IN MILLIONS) <TABLE> <CAPTION> FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, ------------------------------ 2000 1999 1998 -------- -------- -------- <S> <C> <C> <C> OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Income from continuing operations......................... $ 36 $ 154 $ 3 Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations: Depreciation and amortization........................... 95 98 83 Provision (benefit) for deferred income taxes........... (13) 7 20 Provision for doubtful accounts......................... 4 6 8 Gain on sale of excess real estate...................... (3) (14) (4) (Gain) loss on sale of property, plant and equipment.... 1 -- (5) Equity earnings in investee............................. (3) -- -- Gain on sale of business................................ (39) -- -- Goodwill impairment and restructuring charges........... 128 -- 90 Changes in operating assets and liabilities, excluding the effects of acquisitions and dispositions: Decrease (Increase) in trade receivables................ (16) 1 (91) (Increase) in inventories............................... (15) (30) (24) Decrease (Increase) in other current assets............. (4) (5) 3 Decrease (Increase) in other assets..................... (32) 4 (12) Increase (Decrease) in trade accounts payable........... (39) 3 36 Increase (Decrease) in income taxes payable............. (12) 13 11 (Decrease) in other liabilities......................... (58) (10) (6) Increase (Decrease) in other liabilities................ (5) 1 (6) Other, net.............................................. (4) -- -- ------- ------- ------- NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES OF CONTINUING OPERATIONS................................................ 21 228 106 ------- ------- ------- Loss from discontinued operations........................... -- (13) (42) Adjustments to reconcile loss from discontinued operations to net cash povided by (used in) discontinued operations: Loss on disposal of discontinued operations............... -- 12 7 Decrease in net assets held for disposition............... -- 25 5 ------- ------- ------- NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS.... -- 24 (30) ------- ------- ------- NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES................. 21 252 76 ------- ------- ------- INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Proceeds from sale of businesses.......................... 402 132 11 Proceeds from sale of Senior Notes........................ 24 -- -- Acquisition of companies, net of cash acquired............ (78) (335) (173) Purchases of property, plant and equipment................ (79) (108) (99) Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment....... 2 6 34 Proceeds from sale of excess real estate.................. 6 28 14 Purchase of investment.................................... -- -- (7) Other investing activities................................ -- 1 (8) ------- ------- ------- NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES......... 277 (276) (228) ------- ------- ------- FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Proceeds from long-term debt.............................. 3,128 1,899 1,406 Repayment of long-term debt............................... (3,285) (1,623) (1,245) Proceeds from notes payable, net.......................... -- 7 5 Payment to settle interest rate protection agreements..... -- (22) -- Payment of dividends...................................... (16) (19) (21) Proceeds from exercise of stock options................... 3 4 20 Purchase of treasury stock................................ (143) (190) (35) ------- ------- ------- NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES....... (313) 56 130 ------- ------- ------- Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents............................................... (18) (18) (1) ------- ------- ------- INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS.......... (33) 14 (23) Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period............ 58 44 67 ------- ------- ------- CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD................ $ 25 $ 58 $ 44 ======= ======= ======= </TABLE> See notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 32

U.S. INDUSTRIES, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2000, 1999 AND 1998 (IN MILLIONS EXCEPT SHARE DATA) <TABLE> <CAPTION> ACCUMULATED UNEARNED OTHER COMMON PAID IN RETAINED RESTRICTED COMPREHENSIVE TREASURY COMPREHENSIVE STOCK CAPITAL EARNINGS STOCK INCOME STOCK INCOME TOTAL ---------- -------- -------- ---------- ------------- -------- ------------- -------- <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> Balance at September 30, 1997...................... $ 1 $612 $470 $(16) $ (6) $(111) $ 950 ---------- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----- ----- Net loss.................... (44) $(44) (44) Cash dividend declared ($0.20 per share)......... (20) (20) Amortization of unearned restricted stock.......... 6 6 Purchase of 1,260,900 shares of common stock........... (35) (35) Retirement of 348,603 shares of treasury stock......... (5) 5 -- Forfeiture of 373,709 shares of unearned restricted stock..................... 2 (4) (2) Treasury stock issued (1,303,118 shares) to employees, directors and upon exercise of options................... 4 (9) 15 10 Common stock issued (559,359 shares) upon exercise of options and to Zurn pension plans............. -- 12 12 Common stock issued (3,685,520 shares) for acquisition............... -- 96 96 Translation adjustment...... (9) (9) (9) Minimum pension liability adjustment................ (9) (9) (9) ---- Other comprehensive income.................... (18) ---- Total comprehensive income.................... $(62) ==== Income tax benefit relating to stock plans............ 5 5 ---------- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----- ----- Balance at September 30, 1998...................... $ 1 $724 $406 $(17) $(24) $(130) $ 960 ---------- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----- ----- Net Income.................. 141 $141 141 Cash dividend declared ($0.20 per share)......... (19) (19) Amortization of unearned restricted stock.......... 6 6 Purchase of 11,171,600 shares of common stock.... (190) (190) Treasury stock issued to employees and directors (125,107 shares).......... -- (2) 2 -- Common stock issued to employees (276,500 shares)................... -- 5 (5) Forfeiture of 73,162 shares of unearned restricted stock..................... 2 (2) -- Treasury stock issued (193,700 shares) upon exercise of options....... -- -- 3 3 Common stock issued (165,722 shares) upon exercise of options................... -- 2 2 Cancellation of 6,523,195 shares of treasury stock..................... -- (49) (80) 129 -- Demerger tax adjustment..... 16 16 Translation adjustment...... (9) (9) (9) Minimum pension liability adjustment................ 6 6 6 ---- Other comprehensive income.................... (3) ---- Total comprehensive income.................... $138 ==== Income tax benefit relating to stock plans............ 4 4 ---------- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----- ----- Balance at September 30, 1999...................... $ 1 $702 $448 $(16) $(27) $(188) $ 920 ========== ==== ==== ==== ==== ===== ===== Net Income.................. 36 $ 36 36 Cash dividend declared ($0.20 per share)......... (16) (16) Amortization of unearned restricted stock.......... 3 3 Purchase of 11,453,020 shares of common stock.... (143) (143) Treasury stock issued to employees and directors (223,753 shares).......... (1) (3) 4 -- Forfeiture of 148,698 shares of unearned restricted stock..................... 2 (2) -- Treasury stock issued (428,311 shares) upon exercise of options....... (4) 7 3 Common stock issued (793 shares) upon exercise of options................... -- -- -- Payment for guarantee of stock value for acquisition............... (36) (36) Sale of Diversified--accelerated amortization of unearned restricted stock.......... 5 5 Sale of Diversified--translation adjustment................ 5 5 5 Sale of Diversified--minimum pension liability adjustment................ 2 2 2 Translation adjustment...... (25) (25) (25) ---- Other comprehensive income.................... (18) ---- Total comprehensive income.................... $ 18 -- ---------- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----- ==== ----- Balance at September 30, 2000...................... $ 1 $661 $468 $ (9) $(45) $(322) $ 754 ========== ==== ==== ==== ==== ===== ===== </TABLE> See notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 33

U.S. INDUSTRIES, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE 1--BASIS OF PRESENTATION The Company manufactures and distributes a broad range of consumer and industrial products grouped into three segments: Bath and Plumbing Products, Lighting Corporation of America and Hardware and Tools. The Company completed the disposition of a majority equity interest in its Diversified segment, by means of two separate transactions, on March 24, 2000 (see Note 4). Subsequent to March 24, 2000, the Company accounts for its retained interest in its Diversified segment under the equity method of accounting. The Company is currently pursuing a spin-off of its Lighting Corporation of America business segment and industrial tools business ("LCA Group"). The lighting businesses include Columbia Lighting, Inc.; Dual-Lite, Inc.; Prescolite, Inc.; Kim Lighting, Inc.; Architectural Area Lighting, Inc.; Spaulding Lighting, Inc.; Progress Lighting, Inc.; and SiTeco Holdings GmbH. The industrial tools business include Spear & Jackson plc and Bowers Group plc, both of which are currently included in the Hardware and Tools segment. These entities had combined year ended September 30, 2000 and 1999 revenues of $934 million and $915 million, respectively, and operating income for those periods of $49 million and $52 million, respectively, excluding goodwill impairment charges of $84 million in fiscal 2000. NOTE 2--ACCOUNTING POLICIES FISCAL YEAR: Fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest to September 30. All fiscal year data contained herein reflect results of operations for the 52, 52 and 53 week periods ended September 30, 2000, October 2, 1999 and October 3, 1998, respectively, but are presented as of September 30 for convenience. PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated. Companies over which USI has the ability to exercise significant influence, are accounted for using the equity method. USE OF ESTIMATES: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. CASH EQUIVALENTS: Cash equivalents represent short-term investments which have maturities of ninety days or less when purchased. TRADE RECEIVABLES AND CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK: <TABLE> <CAPTION> AT SEPTEMBER 30, ----------------------- 2000 1999 -------- -------- (IN MILLIONS) <S> <C> <C> Trade receivables........................................... $547 $708 Allowance for doubtful accounts............................. (30) (41) ---- ---- $517 $667 ==== ==== </TABLE> The Company operates in the United States, Europe and, to a lesser extent, in other regions of the world. The Company performs periodic credit evaluations of its customers' financial condition and generally does not require collateral. Credit losses have been within management's expectations. 34

U.S. INDUSTRIES, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) NOTE 2--ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) INVENTORIES: <TABLE> <CAPTION> AT SEPTEMBER 30, ----------------------- 2000 1999 -------- -------- (IN MILLIONS) <S> <C> <C> Finished products........................................... $248 $301 In-process products......................................... 78 115 Raw materials............................................... 168 215 ---- ---- $494 $631 ==== ==== </TABLE> Inventories are valued at the lower of cost, determined under both the first-in, first-out and last-in, first-out methods, or market. The percentage of inventory under each method follows: <TABLE> <CAPTION> AT SEPTEMBER 30, ------------------------- 2000 1999 -------- -------- (IN MILLIONS) <S> <C> <C> First-in, first-out (FIFO) method.......................... 76% 84% Last-in, first-out (LIFO) method........................... 24% 16% </TABLE> The increase in the carrying value of the inventory if only the FIFO method, which approximates replacement costs, had been used, would be $1 million and $2 million at September 30, 2000 and 1999, respectively. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT: <TABLE> <CAPTION> AT SEPTEMBER 30, ----------------------- 2000 1999 -------- -------- (IN MILLIONS) <S> <C> <C> Land and buildings.......................................... $232 $310 Machinery, equipment and furniture.......................... 509 726 Accumulated depreciation.................................... (321) (439) ---- ---- $420 $597 ==== ==== </TABLE> Property, plant and equipment is stated on the basis of cost less accumulated depreciation. 35

U.S. INDUSTRIES, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) NOTE 2--ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION: <TABLE> <CAPTION> FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, ------------------------------ 2000 1999 1998 -------- -------- -------- (IN MILLIONS) <S> <C> <C> <C> Depreciation............................................... $70 $72 $59 Amortization of goodwill................................... 20 18 19 Amortization of deferred financing costs................... 4 4 1 Amortization of unearned restricted stock.................. 3 6 6 Amortization of deferred income............................ (2) (2) (2) --- --- --- $95 $98 $83 === === === </TABLE> Depreciation is provided on the straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Buildings are depreciated based on lives varying from twenty to fifty years, and machinery, equipment and furniture based on lives varying from three to ten years. OTHER ASSETS: Excess properties held for sale primarily consist of land and buildings no longer used in operations which are included in other assets and carried at the lower of cost or fair value less costs to sell. The carrying value of such properties was $15 million and $20 million as of September 30, 2000 and 1999, respectively. The income from excess properties of $2 million, $13 million and $3 million in fiscal 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively, is included in other income (expense), net and includes net gains on the sale of these properties, adjustments to net realizable value and the carrying costs incurred in the period. GOODWILL: Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired. The Company reviews operating results and other relevant facts every fiscal quarter for each of its businesses to determine if there are indications that the carrying value of its long-lived assets, including goodwill may be impaired. When there are indicators of impairment, the Company first assesses the recoverability of goodwill associated with long-lived assets in accordance with the requirements of SFAS No. 121, ACCOUNTING FOR THE IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS AND LONG-LIVED ASSETS TO BE DISPOSED OF, which requires impairment losses to be recorded when the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than the carrying amount of those assets. In addition, an enterprise level assessment of the recoverability of any remaining goodwill is performed using the fair value methodology, as permitted under APB No. 17. In the event that such fair value is below the carrying value of an enterprise, for those companies with goodwill, the Company reduces goodwill to the extent it is impaired based upon fair value. The fair value methodology is applied to determine the recoverable value for each business on a stand alone basis using ranges of fair values obtained from independent appraisers. In developing these ranges, the independent appraisers consider (a) publicly available information, (b) financial projections of each business based on management's best estimates, (c) the future prospects of each business as discussed with senior operating and financial management, (d) publicly available information regarding comparable publicly traded companies in each industry, (e) market prices, capitalizations and trading multiples of comparable public companies and (f) other information deemed relevant. In reviewing these valuations and considering the need to record a charge for impairment of enterprise value and goodwill to the extent 36

U.S. INDUSTRIES, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) NOTE 2--ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) it is part of the enterprise value, the Company also evaluates solicited and unsolicited bids for the businesses of the Company. Goodwill is amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated future periods to be benefited (ranging from 20 to 40 years, primarily forty years). Accumulated amortization aggregated $252 million and $292 million, at September 30, 2000 and 1999, respectively. ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER LIABILITIES: Accrued expenses and other liabilities (current) consist of the following: <TABLE> <CAPTION> AT SEPTEMBER 30, ----------------------- 2000 1999 -------- -------- (IN MILLIONS) <S> <C> <C> Compensation related........................................ $ 47 $ 81 Other....................................................... 175 221 ---- ---- $222 $302 ==== ==== </TABLE> FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION: The functional currency of each of the Company's foreign operations at September 30, 2000 is the local currency. Assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries are translated at the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet dates, while revenue, expenses and cash flows are translated at average exchange rates for the period. Translation gains and losses are reported as a component of Stockholders' equity. INCOME TAXES: Deferred tax assets and liabilities are computed based on the difference between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates and laws. Deferred income tax expense or benefit is based on the changes in the asset or liability from period to period. REVENUE RECOGNITION: Revenue is recognized upon shipment of product to the customer. Provisions are made for warranty and return costs at the time of sale. Such provisions have not been material. In December 1999, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin 101, "Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements". The Company believes the effect of the adoption will not be material to its results of operations, financial position or cash flows. ADVERTISING COSTS: Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Such amounts totaled $60 million, $51 million and $46 million for fiscal 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT COSTS: Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Such amounts totaled $14 million, $13 million and $14 million for fiscal 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively. 37

U.S. INDUSTRIES, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) NOTE 2--ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS: The fair value of the Company's senior notes are as follows: <TABLE> <CAPTION> 2000 1999 ------------------- ------------------- CARRYING FAIR CARRYING FAIR AMOUNT VALUE AMOUNT VALUE -------- -------- -------- -------- (IN MILLIONS) <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> 7.125% Senior Notes........................... $248 $237 $248 $245 7.25% Senior Notes............................ 123 113 123 119 ---- ---- ---- ---- $371 $350 $371 $364 ==== ==== ==== ==== </TABLE> The fair value of the Company's other debt and other financial instruments approximate their carrying value due to their floating rate and short maturity. The Company also has several interest rate swap agreements covering various periods. The notional amount of these agreements were $100 million as of September 30, 2000 and $200 million as of September 30, 1999. Based upon the fair value of the interest rate swap agreements, if all outstanding agreements were settled the Company would have received approximately $1 million as of September 30, 2000 and September 30, 1999. The fair values are based upon estimates received from financial institutions. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS: The Company uses from time to time interest rate swap and treasury lock agreements and foreign exchange option and forward contracts to manage exposure to fluctuating interest rates and foreign currencies. Interest rate differentials to be paid or received as a result of interest rate swap agreements are accrued and recognized as an adjustment of interest expense related to the designated debt. The fair values of interest rate swap agreements are not recognized in the financial statements as they qualify as hedge transactions. The value of treasury lock agreements are not recorded in the financial statements until such time as the agreements are terminated or the related anticipated transaction is no longer expected to occur. The foreign currency options and forward contracts are marked to market at the end of each period and any resulting gain or loss is recognized immediately in income. Realized and unrealized gains or losses at the time of maturity, termination, sale or repayment of a derivative contract are recorded in a manner consistent with the original designation of the derivative in view of the nature of the termination, sale or repayment transaction. Amounts arising at the settlement of interest rate swaps and treasury locks are deferred and amortized as an adjustment to interest expense over the period of interest rate exposure, provided the designated liability continues to exist or is probable of occurring. Changes in fair value of derivatives are recorded as a component of the gain or loss arising from the disposition of the designated item. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME AND ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME: Comprehensive income is net income and other items, which may include foreign currency translation adjustments, minimum pension liability adjustments and unrealized gains and losses on marketable securities classified as available-for-sale. 38

U.S. INDUSTRIES, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) NOTE 2--ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) Components of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consist of the following: <TABLE> <CAPTION> MINIMUM ACCUMULATED FOREIGN PENSION OTHER CURRENCY LIABILITY COMPREHENSIVE TRANSLATION ADJUSTMENT INCOME/(LOSS) ----------- ---------- ------------- (IN MILLIONS) <S> <C> <C> <C> September 30, 1997........................................ $ (5) $(1) $ (6) Fiscal 1998 change........................................ (9) (9) (18) ---- --- ---- September 30, 1998........................................ (14) (10) (24) Fiscal 1999 change........................................ (9) 6 (3) ---- --- ---- September 30, 1999........................................ (23) (4) (27) Fiscal 2000 change........................................ (20) 2 (18) ---- --- ---- September 30, 2000........................................ $(43) $(2) $(45) ==== === ==== </TABLE> The minimum pension liability adjustment is recorded net of a tax benefit of $2 million at September 30, 2000 and 1999. SEGMENT REPORTING: Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise for which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by chief operating decision makers in deciding how to allocate resources in assessing performance. At September 30, 2000, the Company's operations are classified into three reportable business segments, Bath and Plumbing Products, Lighting Corporation of America and Hardware and Tools. STOCK BASED COMPENSATION: In October 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement No. 123, ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION, ("SFAS 123") which establishes a fair value method of accounting for stock-based compensation plans. SFAS 123 encourages, but does not require, adoption of a fair value method; it allows for a company to continue to report under Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 ("APB 25"), "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees". The Company continues to account for its stock-based compensation under APB 25. (See Note 10). In March 2000, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued FIN No. 44 to APB 25 effective July 2000. Management anticipates that this new interpretation will not have an effect on earnings. 39

U.S. INDUSTRIES, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) NOTE 2--ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) EARNINGS PER SHARE: The following is a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted earnings from Continuing Operations per share calculation: <TABLE> <CAPTION> FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2000 ---------------------------------- INCOME FROM CONTINUING PER SHARE OPERATIONS SHARES AMOUNT ----------- -------- --------- (IN MILLIONS EXCEPT PER SHARE) <S> <C> <C> <C> Earnings per basic share........................ $36 81.4 $0.44 Effect of dilutive securities Stock options................................. 0.4 Nonvested stock............................... 0.7 Equity instrument contract.................... 0.5 --- ---- ----- Earnings per diluted share...................... $36 83.0 $0.43 === ==== ===== </TABLE> <TABLE> <CAPTION> FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1999 ---------------------------------- INCOME FROM CONTINUING PER SHARE OPERATIONS SHARES AMOUNT ----------- -------- --------- (IN MILLIONS EXCEPT PER SHARE) <S> <C> <C> <C> Earnings per basic share........................ $154 92.2 $1.67 Effect of dilutive securities Stock options................................. 0.7 Nonvested stock............................... 1.1 ---- ---- ----- Earnings per diluted share...................... $154 94.0 $1.64 ==== ==== ===== </TABLE> <TABLE> <CAPTION> FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1998 ---------------------------------- INCOME FROM CONTINUING PER SHARE OPERATIONS SHARES AMOUNT ----------- -------- --------- (IN MILLIONS EXCEPT PER SHARE) <S> <C> <C> <C> Earnings per basic share........................ $ 3 95.4 $0.03 Effect of dilutive securities Stock options................................. 1.5 Nonvested stock............................... 1.3 --- ---- ----- Earnings per diluted share...................... $ 3 98.2 $0.03 === ==== ===== </TABLE> Diluted common shares include shares that would be outstanding assuming the fulfillment of conditions that would remove the restriction on nonvested shares, the exercise of stock options and settlement of the equity instrument contract. Options to purchase 2.4 million, 1.8 million and 0.3 million shares in the years ended September 30, 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively, were not included in the computation of earnings per share because the option's exercise price was greater than the average market price of the common shares. 40

U.S. INDUSTRIES, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) NOTE 2--ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS: In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 133, "ACCOUNTING FOR DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES", which establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments and hedging activities. It requires the Company to recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the balance sheet and measure those instruments at fair value. It further provides criteria for derivative instruments to be designated as fair value, cash flow, or foreign currency hedges, and establishes accounting standards for reporting changes in the fair value of the derivative instruments. Upon adoption, the Company will be required to adjust hedging instruments to fair value in the balance sheet and recognize the offsetting gains or losses as adjustments to be reported in net income or other comprehensive income, as appropriate. The company will adopt SFAS No. 133 in the first quarter of fiscal 2001. Management does not believe the adoption of SFAS No. 133 will have a material effect on Company's results of operations or financial position. In March 2000, the Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") released Issue 00-07, Application of EITF Issue No. 96-13, 'Accounting for Derivative Financial Instruments Indexed to, and Potentially Settled in, a Company's Own Stock,' to 'Equity Derivative Transactions That Contain Certain Provisions That Require Cash Settlement If Certain Events Outside the Control of the Issuer Occur.' The EITF reached a consensus that equity derivative contracts that include any provision that could require net cash settlement can no longer be accounted for as equity. Such contracts are initially recorded at fair value and must be accounted for as an asset or liability with subsequent changes in the fair value of the derivative included in earnings. Similarly the EITF reached a consensus that equity derivative contracts with any provisions that could require physical settlement by a cash payment to the counterparty in exchange for the issuer's shares can no longer be accounted for as permanent equity. Instead, the contracts should be classified as temporary or mezzanine equity. Both of these conclusions do not allow for an evaluation of the likelihood that otherwise unlikely or remote events would trigger cash settlement. In September 2000, the EITF reached a consensus clarifying instances when it is appropriate to classify such contracts in stockholders' equity in Issue 00-19 "Determination of Whether Share Settlement is within the Control of the Company for Purposes of Applying Issue No. 96-13, 'Accounting for Derivative Financial Instruments Indexed to, and Potentially Settled in, a Company's Own Stock.' " The company has a forward stock purchase contract outstanding that is accounted for as permanent equity. See Note 10. Under the consensus reached by the EITF, if the Company's contract is not settled by December 31, 2000, the Company will be required to record temporary equity to the extent of the cash settlement amount. NOTE 3--ACQUISITIONS The pro forma effect of the acquisitions and the aggregate assets acquired and liabilities assumed detailed below is not material. These acquisitions have been accounted for as purchases and their results of operations are included in the financial statements from the date of acquisition. In July 1999, the Company acquired Spring Ram Corporation PLC ("Spring Ram") for approximately $131 million in cash, plus the assumption of $21 million in debt, resulting in goodwill of approximately $110 million. Spring Ram, located in Leeds, England, is a manufacturer of bathroom products. The operating results of Spring Ram are included in Bath and Plumbing Products. 41

U.S. INDUSTRIES, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) NOTE 3--ACQUISITIONS (CONTINUED) In June 1999, the Company purchased the assets of Gatsby Spas, Inc. ("Gatsby") for approximately $17 million in cash, resulting in goodwill of $10 million. Gatsby manufactures and distributes spas. The results of Gatsby are included in Bath and Plumbing Products. In April 1999, the Company purchased the assets of the Factory Built Chimney Division of GSW Inc., ("Supervent") in Canada and the assets of the DEC Group ("DEC") in the Netherlands for approximately $16 million in cash, resulting in goodwill of $11 million. Supervent and DEC manufacture factory built chimneys, chimney liners and flexible duct and related products. The results of Supervent and DEC are included in Bath and Plumbing Products. The DEC operations were sold in November 2000 as part of the European HVAC business. In March 1999, the Company purchased the assets of True Temper Hardware Company ("True Temper") for approximately $99 million in cash, resulting in goodwill of $27 million. True Temper manufactures lawn and garden tools and wheelbarrows. The results of True Temper are included in Hardware and Tools. In March 1999, the Company purchased the assets of the Dual-Lite business ("Dual-Lite") for approximately $46 million in cash, resulting in goodwill of $36 million. Dual-Lite manufactures emergency lights, and central inverter systems. The results of Dual-Lite are included in Lighting Corporation of America of which the Company is pursuing a spin-off. In January 1999, the Company purchased the Bowers Group PLC ("Bowers") for approximately $16 million in cash, resulting in goodwill of $10 million. Bowers manufactures metrology instruments. The results of Bowers are included in Hardware and Tools. Bowers is part of the industrial tools business in which the Company is pursuing a spin-off. In January 1999, the Company purchased Atech Turbine Components, Inc. ("Atech") for approximately $7 million in cash, resulting in goodwill of $6 million. Atech repairs and overhauls small aviation engines. The results of Atech are included in Diversified, which was sold in March 2000. In June 1998, the Company acquired Sundance Spas for approximately $32 million in cash, resulting in goodwill of $20 million. Sundance Spas, based in Chino, California, is a manufacturer of high quality self-contained spas. The results of Sundance Spas are included in the Bath and Plumbing Products operations. In May 1998, the Company purchased certain metal components assets from Philips Components B.V. ("Philips") for $31 million, resulting in goodwill of $12 million. The Company and Philips have entered into a multi-year supply agreement. The acquired operations are located in the Netherlands. The results of Philips are included in Diversified segment, which was sold in March 2000. In January 1998, the Company acquired certain semiconductor leadframe assets from Philips Electronics for $16 million in cash. The acquired operations facilities are located in the Netherlands. The results of Philips Electronics are included in the Diversified segment, which was sold in March 2000. In December 1997, the Company purchased Spear & Jackson plc ("Spear & Jackson") for $11 million in cash and $96 million in the Company's common stock (3,685,520 shares), resulting in initial goodwill of approximately $63 million. Spear & Jackson manufactures and distributes hand tools, saws, cutting and industrial tools. The purchase price was subject to a cash contingency, payable on or before June 2000. The cash contingency was based upon certain performance criteria and the market value of the Company's 42

U.S. INDUSTRIES, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) NOTE 3--ACQUISITIONS (CONTINUED) stock. The results of Spear & Jackson are included in the Hardware and Tools segment. In June 2000, upon expiration of the contingency period related to the December 1997 acquisition of Spear & Jackson, the Company made additional cash payments of L47 million ($71 million), to the former owners of Spear & Jackson. The share purchase agreement provided for possible additional cash payments by the Company to the former shareholders of Spear & Jackson if the value of the Company's common stock issued as consideration in the transaction at the closing was not equal to the value of the Company's stock at the end of the thirtieth month after the transaction date (which period ended June 3, 2000) and (1) if Spear & Jackson met certain sales targets during that same thirty-month contingency period, or (2) upon certain other factors. The other factors included the failure (a) of the Company to use Spear & Jackson to distribute internationally the products of Ames, a subsidiary of the Company, (b) of Ames to use Spear & Jackson as a preferred supplier of products not manufactured by Ames, but manufactured by Spear & Jackson, or (c) of the Company to retain the services of a person approved by the former shareholders as the chief executive of Spear & Jackson. At the end of a thirty-month contingency period, the market value of the Company's stock, which was computed in accordance with the stock purchase agreement by averaging the Company's stock price on the NYSE during the last five trading days of the contingency period, was below the guaranteed amount (i.e. the market value of the Company's stock at the acquisition date), which required the Company to make a $36 million payment. This portion of the payment was recorded as an adjustment to Paid in capital as it was based upon the market value of the Company's common stock price. The remainder of the cash payment ($35 million) was recorded as additional goodwill as it was made in satisfaction of additional contingent consideration based on other criteria set forth in the purchase agreement. (See Note 5). In October 1997, the Company purchased the assets of Siemens AG's European commercial lighting operations, for $67 million. The acquired business is a leading European manufacturer and marketer of standard and customized indoor and outdoor lighting products for commercial and industrial use. The business, renamed SiTeco, operates manufacturing facilities in Germany, Austria and Slovenia. The results of SiTeco are included in the Lighting Corporation of America segment, of which the Company is pursuing a spin-off. NOTE 4--DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS AND DISPOSITIONS OF BUSINESSES DISPOSITIONS OF BUSINESSES In November 2000, the Company sold its European HVAC business. The cash consideration received for this business totaled $8 million, which approximated its carrying value. On March 24, 2000, in two separate transactions (the "Diversified Transactions"), the Company disposed of a majority equity interest in its Diversified segment. The consideration for the Diversified Transactions included a combination of cash and notes. In the first transaction, the Company disposed of the following subsidiaries: Atech Turbine Components Inc.; Bearing Inspection, Inc.; BiltBest Products, Inc.; EJ Footwear Corp. (including Georgia Boot Inc. and Lehigh Safety Shoe Co.); Garden State Tanning Inc.; Huron Inc.; Jade Holdings Pte Ltd (including Jade Technologies Singapore Ltd and FSM Europe B.V.); Leon Plastics Inc.; Native Textiles Inc.; and SCF Industries Inc. 43

U.S. INDUSTRIES, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) NOTE 4--DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS AND DISPOSITIONS OF BUSINESSES (CONTINUED) The Company received gross proceeds of approximately $203 million and approximately $209 million aggregate principal amount of 12% (12.5% effective August 18, 2000) senior notes (the "Senior Notes") due 2007 issued by Strategic Industries, LLC ("SILLC"), and in addition, SILLC assumed approximately $8 million of existing bank debt of USI. The Company retained a preferred equity interest in SILLC having a stated value of approximately $20 million and a 17.7% common equity interest SILLC. The Company currently has a representative on the SILLC board. As of August 18, 2000, the Company has the right to market and sell the Senior Notes. At the date of the transaction the Senior Notes were recorded at their fair value and are included in the balance sheet caption "Other Assets". As result of this transaction, the Company recorded a pre-tax gain of $38 million. In August 2000, the Company sold $25 million of the Senior Notes, approximately $2 million of the stated value of the retained preferred equity interest and approximately 1.9% of the retained common equity interest. This transaction resulted in an pre-tax gain of approximately $1 million. In the second transaction, Rexair, Inc. ("Rexair"), which manufactures "Rainbow" brand vacuum cleaners, sold newly issued shares to SILLC representing, after issuance, 75% of the equity interest in Rexair. The Company received approximately $195 million in cash and retained a 25% direct equity interest in Rexair. As part of the Rexair transaction, the Company guaranteed Rexair's new $200 million credit facility (the "Rexair Facility") that matures on March 24, 2005. However, Rexair is primarily responsible for the repayment of indebtedness under the Rexair Facility. The Rexair Facility provides that all Rexair free cash flow, as defined, must be used to repay the outstanding balance of the Rexair Facility. At September 30, 2000, the outstanding balance on the Rexair Facility was approximately $181 million. As a result of the Rexair transaction, the Company recorded a deferred gain, which will be deferred until the release of the guarantee of the Rexair Facility. The Company's 25% share of the net liabilities of Rexair and the deferred gain totaling $82 million are included in the balance sheet caption "Other liabilities". The Company's retained interest in SILLC and Rexair is accounted for under the equity method of accounting. The Company recorded equity earnings in investee of approximately $3 million in fiscal 2000. In the second quarter of fiscal 2000, the Company sold its fire protection businesses. The cash consideration received for these businesses totaled approximately $23 million, which approximated their carrying value. The results of the fire protection businesses were included in the Bath and Plumbing segment until the date of disposal. During the first quarter of fiscal 2000, the Company disposed of assets relating to its ladder operations and the infant and children footwear operation. The total proceeds of these separate transactions were $17 million, which approximated their carrying value. The Company has retained certain product liabilities of the ladder operations. The results of the ladder operations and the infant and children footwear operations are included in the Hardware and Tools and Diversified segments, respectively, until the date of disposal. In September 1999, the Company sold the assets of the water resource construction business for approximately $11 million, which approximated book value. The results of the water resource businesses were included in the Bath and Plumbing segment until the date of disposal. 44

U.S. INDUSTRIES, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) NOTE 4--DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS AND DISPOSITIONS OF BUSINESSES (CONTINUED) DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS In the second quarter of fiscal 1999, the Company disposed of The Ertl Company Inc. ("Ertl"), for proceeds of approximately $95 million, which resulted in an after-tax loss of $13 million. Included in the sale of Ertl was Britains Petite Limited, a manufacturer of military soldier collectibles, metal and plastic models of agricultural vehicles, figures, animals, buildings and accessories and preschool plastic toys, which the Company acquired in May 1997 for $9 million in cash. During April 1999, the Company completed the sale of its investment in Teardrop Golf which resulted in a $1 million after-tax gain. In January 1999, the Company completed the sale of its remaining interest in the Power Systems operations for gross proceeds of approximately $30 million. No gain or loss was realized upon the transaction. In fiscal 1998, the Company sold the assets of Tommy Armour Golf for $10 million in cash and certain common stock of the purchaser. In April 1999, the Company completed the sale of this common stock which resulted in a realized $1 million net of tax gain. During the third quarter of fiscal 1998, the Company adopted a plan to dispose of SunLite Casual Furniture, Inc. ("SunLite"), its outdoor furniture operation and has reflected this business as a discontinued operation. In connection with this plan, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $38 million for the difference between the estimated net realizable value and the carrying value of long lived assets and an estimated loss of $3 million, for the disposal of other assets of this business. SunLite was acquired by the Company in April 1997 for $60 million in cash and had goodwill of approximately $14 million. Management believes that the resolution of the discontinued operations are not expected to have a material impact on the future operations and liquidity of the Company. The following summarizes the operating results of the businesses classified as discontinued operations: <TABLE> <CAPTION> FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, ------------------- 1999 1998 -------- -------- (IN MILLIONS) <S> <C> <C> Net sales................................................... $77 $227 Pre-tax loss................................................ (1) (44) </TABLE> NOTE 5--GOODWILL IMPAIRMENT AND RESTRUCTURING CHARGES During fiscal 2000, the Company conducted a strategic review of certain operations in the Bath and Plumbing segment. As a result of this strategic review, the Company decided to dispose of the European HVAC operation and to exit three product lines at its U.S. Brass operation. In reaching this decision, the Company considered the profitability of these operations, the fact that the Company was not a market leader in these businesses, and the fact that significant investment would be required in order to make these businesses competitive with no assurance of a reasonable return on this investment. 45

U.S. INDUSTRIES, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) NOTE 5--GOODWILL IMPAIRMENT AND RESTRUCTURING CHARGES (CONTINUED) In September 2000, the Company wrote down the net assets of its European HVAC operation by recording a charge of $42 million, comprised of $24 million of goodwill impairment and $18 million of fixed asset impairments. In addition, the Company also incurred $4 million in inventory related charges. The European HVAC operation was subsequently sold in November 2000 for approximately $8 million, which represented its approximate book value at that time. In September 2000, the Company announced that it was exiting its Valley line of faucets, the Eastman line of connectors and its Sanitary Dash line of under the sink pipes. Accordingly, the Company recorded severance and commitment costs of $4 million and a goodwill impairment charge of $1 million. In addition, the Company also recorded inventory charges of $16 million as a result of the discontinuance of the three product lines. The restructuring plan includes the closure of two manufacturing facilities in Abilene and Plano, Texas and the termination of approximately 335 employees. The Company anticipates selling its current inventory and will complete its remaining in-process inventory during the first quarter of fiscal 2001. Accordingly, the Company anticipates recording additional accelerated depreciation in the first quarter of fiscal 2001 of approximately $5 million related to the revised useful lives of fixed assets. Upon completion, all remaining machinery and equipment will be disposed of and the vacated facilities will be sold. In January 2000, a decision was made to close the former Zurn Industries corporate office in Dallas, Texas, which resulted in the termination of 30 employees. The Company recorded a charge of $13 million relating to this decision, which included severance costs of $2 million, costs of $9 million for a lease expiring November 2007, and a write-off of $2 million relating to leasehold improvements and other fixed assets. Due to indications of impairment based on the additional consideration paid for Spear & Jackson and its current operating results, the Company evaluated the recoverability of the Spear & Jackson goodwill in accordance with its accounting policy as described in Note 2. In evaluating for impairment under its accounting policy, the Company first reviewed for impairment under the requirements of SFAS No. 121. The Company's estimate of undiscounted future cash flows of Spear & Jackson indicated there was no impairment of Spear & Jackson's long-lived assets and associated goodwill; however, the enterprise level assessment of the recoverability of Spear & Jackson's goodwill indicated the goodwill was impaired. In arriving at the fair value of Spear & Jackson, the Company considered a number of factors including 1) competition from less expensive imports; 2) declining margins on exports; 3) general decline in the industrial sector in the United Kingdom 4) Spear & Jackson's long-term financial plan and 5) analysis of values for similar companies. In determining the amount of the impairment, the Company compared the net book value to the estimated fair values of Spear & Jackson. Based on the above, the Company recorded an impairment charge to the goodwill of Spear & Jackson of $84 million in September 2000. The effect of this charge will reduce future goodwill amortization by approximately $2 million per annum. During fiscal 1998 the Company reviewed its long-term strategy for the newly combined entity resulting from the Merger and reviewed each operating company's performance and future prospects. As a result, the Company adopted a plan to improve efficiency and enhance competitiveness. The Company reorganized into four business units: - Bath and Plumbing Products - Lighting Corporation of America - Hardware and Tools - Diversified 46

U.S. INDUSTRIES, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) NOTE 5--GOODWILL IMPAIRMENT AND RESTRUCTURING CHARGES (CONTINUED) Each business unit has full operational and financial responsibility. The Company completed the disposition of a majority interest in the Diversified segment on March 24, 2000. (See Note 4). In conjunction with the reorganization into four business units, due to indications of impairment, the Company evaluated the recoverability of certain long-lived assets, primarily goodwill at Garden State Tanning and Keller Ladders. In arriving at the fair value of Garden State Tanning the Company considered a number of factors including: (i) annual price concessions in the automotive industry and Garden State Tanning's inability to reduce costs due to antiquated facilities and equipment, (ii) a dramatic decline in scrap leather prices attributable to the Asian economic crisis, (iii) capital investment that would be required to make Garden State Tanning a lower cost manufacturer, (iv) Garden State Tanning's long-term financial plan and (v) analysis of values for similar companies. In arriving at the fair value of Keller Ladders the Company considered (i) the impact from the loss of a major customer, (ii) the inability to replace this business due to aggressive competition, (iii) continued pressure for price concessions from mass merchants, (iv) Keller Ladder's long term financial plan and (iv) analysis of values for similar companies. In determining the amount of the impairment, the Company compared the net book values to the estimated fair values of Garden State Tanning and Keller Ladders. Based on the above, the Company determined that impairments to goodwill of $55 million and $28 million were necessary at Garden State Tanning and Keller, respectively. The reduced goodwill amortization at Garden State Tanning and Keller was $3 million per annum. In October 1999, the Company sold certain assets of Keller for approximately book value. In March 2000, the Company disposed of Garden State Tanning as part of the disposition of a majority equity interest in its Diversified segment (See Note 4). The 1998 restructuring plan included the closing of certain manufacturing and warehouse facilities in the bath and plumbing products, shoe and lighting operations. The closure of these facilities occurred at various dates through 1999. The production and distribution activities of these facilities were either outsourced, relocated off-shore, or consolidated into existing facilities. The restructuring plan included a reduction in the work force by approximately 700 employees which included salaried and administrative employees at the restructured facilities as well as administrative and executive employees. As of September 30, 1999 all employees had been terminated with some employees departing voluntarily prior to final termination. In certain cases severance and related benefits have been or will be paid subsequent to the termination date. During the third quarter of fiscal 1999, the Company's footwear operations expanded its 1998 restructuring plan and closed a second domestic manufacturing facility. The closure of the second facility was completed by June 1999, with its production being outsourced to offshore vendors. The total charges amounted to $2 million and were comprised of the costs of terminating 110 employees and the write-off of impaired fixed assets. In addition, the Company incurred inventory obsolescence related costs of $1 million in connection with the closure of a manufacturing facility. During the first quarter of fiscal 2000, the Company sold of certain assets relating to the footwear operation for approximately book value. Also, during fiscal 1999, the Company recorded an additional $13 million in non-recurring charges. The Bath and Plumbing segment recorded a $5 million severance charge relating to a senior executive, while the Lighting Corporation of America segment recorded a $1 million severance charge for a senior executive and a $2 million charge related to the discontinuance of the controls product line. The Diversified segment incurred $5 million in charges and losses related to the closure of an unprofitable window operation. 47

U.S. INDUSTRIES, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) NOTE 5--GOODWILL IMPAIRMENT AND RESTRUCTURING CHARGES (CONTINUED) The restructuring at a number of facilities, which began during the third quarter of fiscal 1998, was substantially completed during fiscal 1999. In addition, during the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 1999, the Company reduced certain severance reserves by $1 million, primarily due to voluntary departures prior to final termination which resulted in lower severance costs. The restructuring did not have a significant impact on the ongoing operations during the periods that manufacturing was transitioned from the facilities to be closed. The expected benefits from the restructuring were primarily reduced depreciation, reduced fixed costs associated with leased facilities and reduced compensation costs. The final anticipated benefit will be approximately $8 million per annum and realized subsequent to the completion of all restructuring plans. The Company realized approximately 50% of the annual benefit in fiscal 1999 and substantially all of the benefit in fiscal 2000. The principal components of the goodwill impairment and restructuring charges are: <TABLE> <CAPTION> 2000 1999 1998 -------- -------- -------- (IN MILLIONS) <S> <C> <C> <C> Impairment of goodwill...................................... $109 $-- $ 83 Lease obligations and impairment of equipment............... 30 1 11 Merger, integration and other costs......................... -- -- 26 Severance and related costs................................. 5 -- 22 ---- --- ---- Total..................................................... $144 $ 1 $142 ==== === ==== Cash charges................................................ $ 16 $ 1 $ 52 Non-cash charges............................................ 128 -- 90 ---- --- ---- Total..................................................... $144 $ 1 $142 ==== === ==== </TABLE> The merger, integration and other costs also includes investment banking, legal and accounting fees and other miscellaneous costs, as well as costs related to change-in-control payments to certain Zurn employees. 48

U.S. INDUSTRIES, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) NOTE 5--GOODWILL IMPAIRMENT AND RESTRUCTURING CHARGES (CONTINUED) The accrued liabilities relating to the cash restructuring charges are detailed as follows: <TABLE> <CAPTION> LEASE AND MERGER AND CONTRACT SEVERANCE OTHER RELATED RELATED AND RELATED OTHER TOTAL COSTS COSTS COSTS COSTS --------- ----------- ------------- -------- (IN MILLIONS) <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> 1998 activity: Initial Charges.................................... $ 4 $ 22 $ 26 $ 52 Cash payments...................................... -- (6) (24) (30) --- ---- ---- ---- Balance at September 30, 1998........................ 4 16 2 22 1999 activity: Cash payments...................................... (2) (11) (2) (15) Adjustments........................................ -- (1) -- (1) Fiscal 1999 charges................................ 1 1 -- 2 --- ---- ---- ---- Balance at September 30, 1999........................ 3 5 -- 8 2000 activity: Cash payments...................................... (4) (4) -- (8) Reserves of Diversified Companies sold............. -- (1) -- (1) Fiscal 2000 charges................................ 11 5 -- 16 --- ---- ---- ---- Balance at September 30, 2000........................ $10 $ 5 $ -- $ 15 === ==== ==== ==== </TABLE> The Company expects the remaining cash charges to be paid by the respective lease termination dates not to exceed seven years and severance agreements are expected to be paid within two years. In fiscal 2000, in addition to the $144 million of goodwill impairment and restructuring charges, the Company incurred $20 million of costs related to the elimination of product lines and the reduction of manufacturing facilities at the restructured operations. After an income tax benefit of $44 million, these charges reduced fiscal 2000 income from continuing operations by $120 million. In fiscal 1998, in addition to the $142 million of goodwill impairment, merger and restructuring costs, the Company incurred $11 million of costs related to the elimination of product lines and the reduction of manufacturing and warehouse facilities at its operations which were restructured. After an income tax benefit of $22 million, these charges reduced income from continuing operations for fiscal 1998, by $131 million. At September 30, 2000, approximately $9 million of the reserve is included in the balance sheet caption "Accrued expenses and other liabilities", while the remaining $6 million is recorded in the balance sheet caption "Other liabilities". At September 30, 1999, approximately $7 million of the reserve is included in the balance sheet caption "Accrued expenses and other liabilities", while the remaining $1 million is recorded in the balance sheet caption "Other liabilities". 49

U.S. INDUSTRIES, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) NOTE 6--LONG-TERM DEBT Long-term debt consists of the following: <TABLE> <CAPTION> AT SEPTEMBER 30, ------------------- 2000 1999 -------- -------- (IN MILLIONS) <S> <C> <C> 7.125% Senior Notes, net.................................... $ 248 $ 248 7.25% Senior Notes, net..................................... 123 123 Revolving credit facility, US dollar........................ 238 300 Revolving credit facility, foreign currencies............... 239 279 Commercial paper............................................ 97 167 Other short-term borrowings................................. 62 55 Other long-term debt........................................ 19 62 ------ ------ 1,026 1,234 Less current maturities..................................... (141) (15) ------ ------ Long-term debt.............................................. $ 885 $1,219 ====== ====== </TABLE> Principal payments on long-term debt for the next five years ended September 30 are as follows: <TABLE> <CAPTION> (IN MILLIONS) ------------- <S> <C> 2001........................................................ $141 2002........................................................ $502 2003........................................................ $ 2 2004........................................................ $250 2005........................................................ $ 2 </TABLE> In October 1998, USI and USI American Holdings, Inc. ("USIAH"), a wholly owned subsidiary of USI Atlantic Corp. ("USI Atlantic") jointly issued $250 million of Senior Notes due October 15, 2003, which bear interest at 7.125%, payable semiannually (the "7.125% Notes"). The net proceeds were $247 million after transaction fees and discounts. On July 9, 1999, the Company exchanged its 7.125% Notes which were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, for registered 7.125% Notes having substantially the same terms. In fiscal 1997, USIAH issued $125 million of Senior Notes due December 1, 2006, which bear interest at 7.25%, payable semiannually (the "7.25% Notes"). The net cash proceeds were $123 million after transaction fees and discounts. In connection with the Merger, a supplemental indenture was executed adding USI as a co-obligor with USIAH under the 7.25% Notes. The 7.25% Notes and the 7.125% Notes (collectively, the "Notes"), along with the Credit Agreement and Credit Facility described below, are joint and several obligations of USI Global Corp. ("USI Global") and USIAH, and are guaranteed by USI Atlantic (see Note 14). USI Global and USI Atlantic are wholly-owned subsidiaries of USI. The Notes are redeemable at the option of the Company, in whole or in part, at a redemption price equal to the greater of (i) 100% of the principal amount to be redeemed, or (ii) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on the Notes to be redeemed, discounted at a rate based on the yield to maturity of the comparable U.S. Government securities plus a spread (10 basis points for the 7.25% Notes and 50 basis points for the 7.125% Notes) 50

U.S. INDUSTRIES, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) NOTE 6--LONG-TERM DEBT (CONTINUED) plus, in each case, accrued interest to the date of redemption. The Notes are unsecured but the indentures place restrictions on liens and subsidiary indebtedness. The Company has a five year revolving line of credit which had original availability of $750 million (the "Credit Agreement") that terminates on December 12, 2001. The Credit Agreement was permanently reduced by $100 million on December 12, 1999, and will be reduced by an additional $150 million on December 12, 2000. The Credit Agreement includes committed advances and uncommitted bid option advances. The committed advances bear interest based on, at the option of the Company, (i) specified spreads over London Interbank Offer Rate ("LIBOR") or (ii) the higher of the agent bank's reference rate or 50 basis points above the federal funds rate in effect on such date. The spreads on the LIBOR-based borrowings range between 15 and 62.5 basis points, based on the Company's senior unsecured debt rating for the relevant period. At September 30, 2000 three-month LIBOR was 6.811% per annum and the spread over LIBOR was 22.5 basis points. A facility fee, regardless of the amount utilized, is payable on a quarterly basis in arrears on the full amount of the Credit Agreement. The facility fee ranges between 7.5 and 25 basis points per annum, based upon the Company's senior unsecured debt ratings for the relevant period. At September 30, 2000, the facility fee was 10.0 basis points per annum. The Credit Agreement places restrictions on, among other things, liens, mergers, consolidations and additional indebtedness. Its financial covenants require USI to comply with maximum ratio of total funded debt to capital and a consolidated leverage ratio. The maximum ratios are .60:1.00 and 3.5:1.0, respectively. During fiscal 1998, the Company amended the Credit Agreement to allow a portion of the available facility to be used for borrowings in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, to eliminate the previous restriction limiting certain unsecured indebtedness to $200 million, to permit the Merger, and to add USI as a co-obligor. USIAH is the co-obligor, and USI Atlantic is the guarantor of the Credit Agreement. At September 30, 2000, the Company had long-term indebtedness of $53 million, $181 million and $5 million, denominated in German marks, British pounds and Dutch guilders, respectively. These borrowings hedge the Company's net investments in several operating companies. The total foreign denominated debt of $239 million was borrowed through the Company's Credit Agreement. In April 1999, the Company commenced a $300 million commercial paper program, of which $97 million was outstanding at September 30, 2000. The commercial paper is supported by a $300 million 364-day revolving line of credit ("the Credit Facility"). This Credit Facility was renewed in October 2000 and the new termination date is October 26, 2001. Accordingly, the Company has classified this borrowing as long term. Other short-term borrowings at September 30, 2000 primarily consist of notes payable, which bear interest at a weighted average interest rate of 7.03%, with maturities due within one year. The Company intends to refinance these borrowings under the Credit Agreement and accordingly, the Company has classified these as long term. Uncommitted short-term lines of credit at September 30, 2000, used and unused, total $195 million. At September 30, 2000 the Company had current maturities of long-term debt and short-term notes payable aggregating $170 million. At September 30, 2000, subject to the financial covenants, the Company had $510 million of availability both in committed and uncommitted lines of credit. The committed availability amounted to $376 million and was comprised of $173 million of unused credit available under the Credit Agreement and $203 million of unused availability under its 364-day day facility expiring October 26, 2001. The availability under uncommitted short-term lines of credit amounted to $134 million. 51

U.S. INDUSTRIES, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) NOTE 6--LONG-TERM DEBT (CONTINUED) Interest paid (received) during fiscal 2000, 1999 and 1998, including amounts under swap agreements of $(1) million, $4 million and $3 million, was $87 million, $73 million, and $71 million, respectively. In August 1999, the Company's shelf registration statement on Form S-3 filed with the Commission in order to register $600 million in debt securities became effective. The Company expects to issue debt securities covered by this registration statement in future periods depending on market conditions. In connection with the fiscal 1998 repayment of borrowings under a Zurn Facility, the Company recorded a net-of-tax extraordinary charge of $5 million to write-off unamortized deferred financing costs and to settle outstanding interest rate protection agreements. In anticipation of an offering of debt securities, the Company entered into certain interest rate protection agreements in March and April 1998. Due to subsequent market changes, the principal amount and term of the 7.125% Notes that were ultimately sold varied from those originally anticipated. These interest rate protection agreements were settled in September 1998 for $22 million. The portion of the costs of the agreements deemed related to the 7.125% Notes of $10 million will be amortized over the term of the 7.125% Notes bringing the effective interest rate to approximately 8.4%. The Company has recorded a non-recurring charge of $12 million ($7 million after-tax), to write-off the remainder of the costs of the agreements in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1998, which is included in other income (expense), net. The Company entered into interest rate protection agreements to receive a floating rate based on three-month LIBOR and pay a weighted average fixed rate. The fixed interest rate under the interest rate swap currently outstanding is 5.59% per annum. All interest rate swaps are of notional amounts and maturities that hedge specific portions of outstanding debt, and accordingly, are accounted for as hedge transactions. The aggregate notional amounts and periods covered by such agreements are as follows: <TABLE> <S> <C> October 1, 2000 through September 30, 2001.................. $100 million </TABLE> The Company had issued standby letters of credit aggregating $42 million at September 30, 2000. NOTE 7--PENSION AND RETIREMENT PLANS DOMESTIC BENEFIT ARRANGEMENTS The Company and its subsidiaries sponsor a number of noncontributory defined benefit pension plans covering substantially all of its United States employees. The benefits under these plans are based primarily on years of credited service and compensation as defined under the respective plan provisions. The Company's funding policy is to contribute amounts to the plans sufficient to meet the minimum funding requirements set forth in the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, plus such additional amounts as the Company may determine to be appropriate from time to time. The Company and certain of its subsidiaries also sponsor defined contribution plans and in the United States also participate in multi-employer plans, which provide defined benefits to union employees of the Company's subsidiaries. Contributions relating to defined contribution plans are made based upon the respective plans' provisions. Contributions relating to multi-employer plans are based on negotiated collective bargaining agreements. The Company also provides health care and life insurance benefits to certain groups of retirees. 52

U.S. INDUSTRIES, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) NOTE 7--PENSION AND RETIREMENT PLANS (CONTINUED) The assumptions used and the net periodic pension cost for the Company's defined benefit plans, as well as the total contributions charged to pension expense for the defined contribution and multi-employer plans covering employees in the United States are presented below: <TABLE> <CAPTION> PENSION BENEFITS OTHER BENEFITS ------------------------------------ ------------------------------ 2000 1999 1998 2000 1999 1998 -------- -------- -------------- -------- -------- -------- <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> WEIGHTED AVERAGE ASSUMPTIONS AS OF SEPTEMBER 30 Discount rate.............................. 8.0% 7.5% 6.75% 8.0% 7.5% 6.75% Rate of compensation increase.............. 4.5% 4.5% 4.50% to 5.75% -- -- -- Expected long-term rate of return on assets................................... 9.5% 9.5% 9.0% to 11.0% -- -- -- </TABLE> <TABLE> <CAPTION> PENSION BENEFITS OTHER BENEFITS ------------------------------ ------------------------------ 2000 1999 1998 2000 1999 1998 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- (IN MILLIONS) <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> COMPONENTS OF NET PERIODIC BENEFIT COST Defined benefit plans: Service cost............................................ $ 15 $ 17 $ 14 $ 1 $ 1 $1 Interest cost........................................... 30 32 30 4 4 4 Expected return on plan assets.......................... (55) (54) (50) -- -- -- Prior service cost...................................... 2 1 2 -- -- -- Amortization of unrecognized transition asset........... (1) (2) (3) -- -- -- Net actuarial gain...................................... (4) (1) -- (1) -- -- Curtailments............................................ (20) (1) -- -- (1) -- ---- ---- ---- --- --- -- Net periodic benefit (income) cost for defined benefit plans................................................... (33) (8) (7) 4 4 5 Defined contribution plans................................ 3 4 7 -- -- -- Multi-employer expense.................................... -- 1 2 -- -- -- ---- ---- ---- --- --- -- Net periodic (income) cost.................................. $(30) $ (3) $ 2 $ 4 $ 4 $5 ==== ==== ==== === === == </TABLE> The fiscal year 2000 curtailment gain of $20 million is primarily related to the Diversified Transactions and is included in the statement of operations caption "Gain on sale of Diversified businesses". 53

U.S. INDUSTRIES, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) NOTE 7--PENSION AND RETIREMENT PLANS (CONTINUED) The following table provides a reconciliation of changes in the projected benefit obligation, fair value of plan assets and the funded status of the Company's defined benefit pension and postretirement benefit plans with the amounts recognized in the Company's balance sheet at September 30: <TABLE> <CAPTION> OTHER PENSION BENEFITS BENEFITS ------------------- ------------------- 2000 1999 2000 1999 -------- -------- -------- -------- (IN MILLIONS) <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> CHANGE IN PROJECTED BENEFIT OBLIGATION: Benefit obligation at beginning of year..................... $ 461 $ 476 $ 57 $ 59 Service cost................................................ 15 17 1 1 Interest cost............................................... 30 32 4 4 Plan amendments............................................. 4 1 -- 1 Actuarial (gain) loss....................................... (4) (47) 1 (3) Curtailments................................................ (8) (2) -- (1) Benefits paid............................................... (31) (32) (5) (5) Acquisitions (divestitures)................................. (130) 16 (9) 1 ----- ----- ---- ---- Benefit obligation at end of year........................... $ 337 $ 461 $ 49 $ 57 ===== ===== ==== ==== CHANGE IN FAIR VALUE OF PLAN ASSETS Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year.............. $ 676 $ 603 $ -- $ -- Actual return on plan assets................................ 67 86 -- -- Employer contributions...................................... 9 4 5 5 Benefits paid............................................... (31) (32) (5) (5) Acquisitions (divestitures)................................. (127) 15 -- -- ----- ----- ---- ---- Fair value of plan assets at end of year.................... $ 594 $ 676 $ -- $ -- ===== ===== ==== ==== FUNDED STATUS OF PLANS: Plan assets in excess of (less than) projected benefit obligation................................................ $ 257 $ 215 $(49) $(57) Unrecognized net actuarial gains............................ (123) (119) (4) (7) Unrecognized prior service cost............................. 16 14 (1) (2) Unrecognized net transition asset........................... -- (3) -- -- ----- ----- ---- ---- Total recognized in the consolidated balance sheet.......... $ 150 $ 107 $(54) $(66) ===== ===== ==== ==== AMOUNTS RECOGNIZED IN THE BALANCE SHEET CONSIST OF: Prepaid benefits............................................ $ 163 $ 124 $ -- $ -- Accrued benefits............................................ (20) (27) (54) (66) Intangible assets........................................... 3 4 -- -- Accumulated other comprehensive income...................... 4 6 -- -- ----- ----- ---- ---- Total recognized in the consolidated balance sheet.......... $ 150 $ 107 $(54) $(66) ===== ===== ==== ==== </TABLE> The aggregate projected benefit obligation and the aggregate fair value of plan assets, for the plans that have a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets, are $111 million and $92 million, respectively, in 2000 and $162 million and $136 million, respectively, in 1999. 54

U.S. INDUSTRIES, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) NOTE 7--PENSION AND RETIREMENT PLANS (CONTINUED) The aggregate accumulated benefit obligation and the aggregate fair value of plan assets, for the plans that have an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets, are $65 million and $51 million, respectively, in 2000 and $91 million and $74 million, respectively, in 1999. The assets for the Company's U.S. plans are included in a master trust which principally invests in listed stocks and bonds, including common stock of the Company. The Company's common stock included in plan assets was 1,253,100 and 983,100 shares at September 30, 2000 and 1999, respectively, representing $13 million and $16 million of the master trust's assets at those dates. At September 30, 1999, approximately $9 million of the Company's plan assets were held by a master trust sponsored by Huffy Corp., the former owners of True Temper. These plan assets were transferred to the USI master trust in December 1999. The weighted average annual assumed rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered benefits (i.e., the health care cost trend rate) for the other postretirement benefit plans was 9.0% for 2000 and is assumed to decrease 0.5% a year to 5.5%. A one-percentage-point change in the assumed health care cost trend rate would have the following effects at and for the year ended September 30, 2000 (in millions): <TABLE> <S> <C> Effect of a 1% increase in the health care cost trend rate on: Service cost plus interest cost........................... $ -- Accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation............ 3 Effect of a 1% decrease in the health care cost trend rate on: Service cost plus interest cost........................... -- Accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation............ (3) </TABLE> FOREIGN BENEFIT ARRANGEMENTS The Company's foreign defined benefit pension plans cover substantially all SiTeco's employees in Germany and Austria, and the salaried employees of Spear and Jackson and Spring Ram. Spring Ram was acquired in July 1999. (See Note 3). 55

U.S. INDUSTRIES, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) NOTE 7--PENSION AND RETIREMENT PLANS (CONTINUED) The assumptions used and net periodic pension cost for the Company's foreign defined benefit plans are presented below. <TABLE> <CAPTION> PENSION BENEFITS ------------------------------------------- 2000 1999 1998 ------------ ------------- ------------ <S> <C> <C> <C> WEIGHTED-AVERAGE ASSUMPTIONS AS OF SEPTEMBER 30 Discount rate................... 6.0% to 6.5% 5.75% to 6.0% 6.0% to 6.5% Rate of compensation increase... 2.5% to 4.0% 2.5% to 4.0% 2.5% to 4.5% Expected long-term rate of return on assets.............. 8.5% to 9.0% 7.0% to 9.0% 9.0% </TABLE> <TABLE> <CAPTION> PENSION BENEFITS ------------------------------ 2000 1999 1998 -------- -------- -------- (IN MILLIONS) <S> <C> <C> <C> COMPONENTS OF NET PERIODIC BENEFIT COST Defined benefit plans: Service cost............................................. $ 4 $ 4 $ 3 Interest cost............................................ 10 9 7 Expected return on plan assets........................... (11) (9) (7) Curtailments............................................. (1) -- -- ---- ---- ---- Net periodic benefit cost................................ $ 2 $ 4 $ 3 ==== ==== ==== </TABLE> 56

U.S. INDUSTRIES, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) NOTE 7--PENSION AND RETIREMENT PLANS (CONTINUED) The following table provides a reconciliation of changes in the projected benefit obligation, the fair value of plan assets and the funded status of the Company's foreign defined benefit pension plans with the amounts recognized in the Company's balance sheet as of September 30: <TABLE> <CAPTION> PENSION BENEFITS ---------------------- 2000 1999 -------- -------- (IN MILLIONS) <S> <C> <C> CHANGE IN PROJECTED BENEFIT OBLIGATION: Benefit obligation at beginning of year..................... $182 $143 Service cost................................................ 4 4 Interest cost............................................... 10 9 Employee contributions...................................... 2 1 Foreign currency exchange rate changes...................... (21) (4) Actuarial (gain) loss....................................... (4) -- Settlements/curtailments.................................... (2) -- Benefits paid............................................... (7) (7) Acquisitions (divestitures)................................. -- 36 ---- ---- Benefit obligation at end of year........................... $164 $182 ==== ==== CHANGE IN FAIR VALUE OF PLAN ASSETS Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year.............. $151 $102 Actual return on plan assets................................ 13 15 Foreign currency exchange rate changes...................... (16) (1) Employer contributions...................................... 3 2 Employee contributions...................................... 1 1 Benefits paid............................................... (7) (7) Acquisitions (divestitures)................................. -- 39 ---- ---- Fair value of plan assets at end of year.................... $145 $151 ==== ==== FUNDED STATUS OF PLANS: Plan assets less than projected benefit obligation.......... $(19) $(31) Unrecognized net actuarial gains............................ 4 10 ---- ---- Total recognized in the consolidated balance sheet.......... $(15) $(21) ==== ==== AMOUNTS RECOGNIZED IN THE BALANCE SHEET CONSIST OF: Prepaid benefits............................................ $ 4 $ 3 Accrued benefits............................................ (19) (24) ---- ---- Total recognized in the consolidated balance sheet.......... $(15) $(21) ==== ==== </TABLE> The aggregate projected benefit obligation and the aggregate fair value of plan assets, for the plans that have a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets, are $131 million and $105 million, respectively, in 2000 and $144 million and $112 million, respectively, in 1999. Certain plans have accumulated benefit obligations with no corresponding plan assets. The accumulated benefit obligation related to these plans were $15 million and $19 million in 2000 and 1999, respectively. 57

U.S. INDUSTRIES, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) NOTE 8--LEASES Rental expense for operating leases was: <TABLE> <CAPTION> FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, ------------------------------------ 2000 1999 1998 -------- -------- -------- (IN MILLIONS) <S> <C> <C> <C> Minimum rentals........................................ $27 $32 $26 Contingent rentals..................................... 1 3 3 --- --- --- $28 $35 $29 === === === </TABLE> Future minimum rental commitments under noncancellable operating leases as of September 30, 2000 are: <TABLE> <CAPTION> (IN MILLIONS) ------------- <S> <C> 2001........................................................ $ 29 2002........................................................ 25 2003........................................................ 20 2004........................................................ 15 2005........................................................ 13 Thereafter.................................................. 55 ---- Total minimum lease payments................................ $157 ==== </TABLE> NOTE 9--INCOME TAXES Income before income taxes, discontinued operations and extraordinary loss consists of: <TABLE> <CAPTION> FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, ------------------------------------ 2000 1999 1998 -------- -------- -------- (IN MILLIONS) <S> <C> <C> <C> United States........................................ $ 136 $175 $10 Foreign.............................................. (79) 66 68 ----- ---- --- $ 57 $241 $78 ===== ==== === </TABLE> 58

U.S. INDUSTRIES, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) NOTE 9--INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED) The provisions (benefit) for federal, foreign, and state income taxes attributable to income from continuing operations consist of: <TABLE> <CAPTION> FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, ------------------------------------ 2000 1999 1998 -------- -------- -------- (IN MILLIONS) <S> <C> <C> <C> Current: Federal.............................................. $ 15 $49 $28 Foreign.............................................. 15 24 23 State................................................ 4 7 4 ---- --- --- 34 80 55 Deferred............................................. (13) 7 20 ---- --- --- $ 21 $87 $75 ==== === === </TABLE> The Company's effective income tax provision attributable to continuing operations differs from the statutory federal income tax provision as follows: <TABLE> <CAPTION> FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, ------------------------------------ 2000 1999 1998 -------- -------- -------- (IN MILLIONS) <S> <C> <C> <C> Statutory federal income tax provision............... $ 20 $ 84 $ 27 Foreign income tax differential...................... (1) (3) 2 State income taxes (net of federal benefit).......... 3 5 3 Goodwill amortization................................ 6 5 6 Goodwill impairment.................................. 7 -- 29 Resolution of tax contingencies...................... (20) (6) -- Non-deductible restructuring charges................. 4 -- 8 Miscellaneous........................................ 2 2 -- ---- ---- ---- $ 21 $ 87 $ 75 ==== ==== ==== </TABLE> 59

U.S. INDUSTRIES, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) NOTE 9--INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED) <TABLE> <CAPTION> AT SEPTEMBER 30, ---------------------- 2000 1999 -------- -------- (IN MILLIONS) <S> <C> <C> Deferred tax liabilities: Property, plant and equipment............................ $ 27 $ 33 Inventory................................................ 5 3 Net pension assets....................................... 18 19 Other.................................................... 3 3 ---- ---- Total deferred tax liabilities........................... 53 58 ---- ---- Deferred tax assets: Accruals and allowances.................................. 53 93 Postretirement benefits.................................. 13 16 Deductible goodwill...................................... 39 20 Other.................................................... -- 3 ---- ---- Total deferred tax assets................................ 105 132 ---- ---- Net deferred tax asset................................... $ 52 $ 74 ==== ==== </TABLE> The classification of the deferred tax balances is: <TABLE> <CAPTION> AT SEPTEMBER 30, ---------------------- 2000 1999 -------- -------- (IN MILLIONS) <S> <C> <C> Current asset.............................................. $ 67 $ 71 Current liabilities........................................ (5) (3) ---- ---- 62 68 ---- ---- Noncurrent asset........................................... 38 61 Noncurrent liabilities..................................... (48) (55) ---- ---- (10) 6 ---- ---- Net deferred tax asset..................................... $ 52 $ 74 ==== ==== </TABLE> The current year tax provision was reduced by approximately $20 million as a result of certain tax liabilities with respect to foreign subsidiaries, which arose as a result of the demerger from Hanson plc (the "Demerger") in 1995, being resolved in fiscal 2000. The fiscal 1999 tax provision was reduced by approximately $6 million as a result of the resolution of certain foreign tax matters and other miscellaneous items. Other tax liabilities with respect to undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries, which arose as a result of the Demerger in 1995, were resolved during fiscal 1999. These liabilities were originally recorded as a direct charge to paid in capital at the time of the Demerger. Accordingly, approximately $16 million of such tax reserves no longer required were credited directly to paid in capital in fiscal 1999. Income taxes paid during fiscal 2000, 1999 and 1998 were $62 million, $55 million, and $72 million, respectively. 60

U.S. INDUSTRIES, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) NOTE 10--STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY AND STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS The Company's stock-based compensation plans consist of USI's and Zurn's respective plans that were in effect prior to the Merger, as amended and as adjusted to give effect to the exchange ratio in the Merger. USI maintains stock incentive plans (the "Stock Plans") that provides for awards of restricted stock and options to purchase common stock to key employees at prices equal to the fair market value of the shares at the date of grant, and for formula grants of Common Stock to non-employee directors of USI. As holders of restricted stock have all the rights of other stockholders, subject to certain restrictions and forfeiture provisions, such restricted stock is considered to be issued and outstanding. Restrictions on shares will expire when vested (vesting either occurs in thirds; on the third year, fifth year, and seventh year anniversaries of the date of grant, or solely on the seventh year anniversary of the date of grant). The amount of restricted stock recorded is based upon the market value of the shares on the date of grant. This amount is subsequently amortized or earned in accordance with the respective expiration schedules. Unearned restricted stock is included as a separate component of stockholders' equity. At September 30, 2000, 1999 and 1998 the unamortized restricted stock outstanding was 1,091,336, 2,136,706, and 1,827,604 shares, respectively. In October 2000, the Company's Compensation Committee approved, upon a spinoff of LCA Group from the Company, the acceleration of vesting and the extension of terms for certain grants of the Company's options for LCA Group employees. In addition, the vesting of the Company's restricted stock awards held by LCA Group employees will be accelerated. The exercise price for all of the Company's options will be adjusted to reflect the value of LCA Group common stock at date of spin-off. Under the Company's stock compensation plans, the independent directors, officers and employees may be granted options to purchase the Company's stock at no less than the fair market value of the date of the option grant. The Company has adopted the disclosure-only provisions of SFAS 123. Accordingly, no compensation cost has been recognized for the stock option plans. Had compensation cost for the Company's stock option plan been determined based on the fair market value at the grant date for awards in fiscal 2000, 1999 and 1998, consistent with the provision of SFAS 123, the Company's net income and income per share would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts indicated below: <TABLE> <CAPTION> FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED ------------------------------------ 2000 1999 1998 -------- -------- -------- (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE) <S> <C> <C> <C> Net income (loss)-as reported...................... $ 36 $ 141 $ (44) Net income (loss)-pro forma........................ 33 138 (46) Net income (loss)-per share-as reported basic...... $0.44 $1.53 $(0.46) Net income (loss)-per share-as reported diluted.... 0.43 1.51 (0.45) Net income (loss)-per share-pro forma basic........ 0.41 1.50 (0.48) Net income (loss)-per share-pro forma diluted...... 0.40 1.48 (0.47) </TABLE> 61

U.S. INDUSTRIES, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) NOTE 10--STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY AND STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS (CONTINUED) The fair value for these options was estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes model with the following assumptions: <TABLE> <S> <C> Expected dividend yield at date of grant: 2000...................................................... 2% 1999 and 1998............................................. 1% Expected stock price volatility: 2000...................................................... 36% 1999...................................................... 37% 1998...................................................... 40% Risk-free interest rate: 2000...................................................... 6.55% 1999...................................................... 5.06% 1998...................................................... 5.42% Expected life of options.................................... 4 years </TABLE> The assumptions used for options issued under the Zurn plan in 1998 prior to the merger were as follows: expected dividend yield of 1%,; expected stock price volatility of 26%; risk-free interest rate of 5.80%; and expected life of options of 7 years. The weighted-average fair value of options, calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, granted during 2000, 1999 and 1998 is $4.02, $5.51 and $9.14, respectively. A summary of the Company's stock option activity and related information for the years ended September 30 follows: <TABLE> <CAPTION> 2000 1999 1998 -------------------- -------------------- --------------------- WEIGHTED WEIGHTED WEIGHTED AVERAGE AVERAGE AVERAGE NUMBER OF EXERCISE NUMBER OF EXERCISE NUMBER OF EXERCISE OPTIONS PRICE OPTIONS PRICE OPTIONS PRICE --------- -------- --------- -------- ---------- -------- <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> Outstanding-beginning of year.... 5,921,264 $14.75 4,836,897 $14.07 6,377,677 $13.45 Granted.......................... 2,168,125 12.25 1,656,850 16.75 280,353 25.02 Exercised........................ (429,104) 9.18 (359,422) 11.33 (1,401,231) 13.19 Cancelled/expired................ (847,867) 19.43 (213,061) 20.28 (419,902) 14.95 --------- ------ --------- ------ ---------- ------ Outstanding-end of year.......... 6,812,418 $13.72 5,921,264 $14.75 4,836,897 $14.07 ========= ====== ========= ====== ========== ====== Exercisable-end of year.......... 3,713,357 $13.50 3,976,611 $13.32 3,488,907 $13.73 ========= ====== ========= ====== ========== ====== </TABLE> 62

U.S. INDUSTRIES, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) NOTE 10--STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY AND STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS (CONTINUED) The following table summarizes the status of the stock options outstanding and exercisable at September 30, 2000: <TABLE> <CAPTION> STOCK OPTIONS STOCK OPTIONS OUTSTANDING EXERCISABLE ---------------------------------- -------------------- WEIGHTED WEIGHTED WEIGHTED REMAINING AVERAGE AVERAGE NUMBER OF CONTRACTUAL EXERCISE NUMBER OF EXERCISE RANGE OF EXERCISE PRICES OPTIONS LIFE PRICE OPTIONS PRICE ------------------------ --------- ----------- -------- --------- -------- <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> $8.75 to $12.97........................... 4,391,038 2.38 years $11.34 2,320,413 $10.50 $13.20 to $19.41.......................... 1,848,024 7.82 years $16.41 920,185 $16.10 $20.47 to $28.88.......................... 573,356 5.23 years $23.25 472,759 $23.12 --------- ---------- ------ --------- ------ Total..................................... 6,812,418 4.10 years $13.72 3,713,357 $13.50 ========= ========== ====== ========= ====== </TABLE> Options granted under the Stock Option Plan vest annually in four equal installments from the date of grant. The Company had authorization under the Stock Option Plan to grant 527,393 and 166,454 additional options at September 30, 2000 and 1999, respectively. The Company adopted a Stockholder Rights Plan (the "Plan") effective October 15, 1998, and declared a dividend of one Right on each outstanding share of Common Stock held by stockholders of record on October 29, 1998. Initially, the Rights will trade with the common stock of the Company and will not be exercisable. The Rights will separate from the common stock and become exercisable upon the occurrence of events typical for stockholder rights plans. In general, such separation will occur when any person or group of affiliated persons acquires or makes an offer to acquire 15% or more of the Company's Common Stock. Thereafter, separate Rights certificates will be distributed and each Right will entitle its holder to purchase such number of one one-hundredths of a share of the Company's Series A Junior preferred Stock having a market value equal to two times the exercise price for the Rights. Each one one-hundredth of a share of Preferred Stock has economic and voting terms equivalent to those of one share of the Company's Common Stock. If not redeemed earlier, the Rights will expire on October 15, 2008, or at the close of business on the 90th day following the date any person or group of affiliated persons acquires or makes an offer to acquire 15% or more of the Company's Common Stock. During fiscal 1999, the Board of Directors authorized share repurchase programs aggregating $300 million. In April 2000, the Board of Directors authorized an additional $50 million of share repurchases. As of September 30, 2000, the Company had purchased $289 million of its common stock for treasury under the program, of which $99 million was purchased in fiscal 2000. During June 2000, in a separate transaction authorized and undertaken outside the existing share repurchase program, the Company repurchased all of its common stock held by the former owners of Spear & Jackson for $44 million. During October 1999, the Company entered into equity instrument contracts that were utilized to purchase approximately $40 million of its common stock. At the discretion of the Company, such contracts can be settled in cash, shares or a combination of both, at anytime prior to June 30, 2001. The repurchase program has been and will continue to be, funded from cash provided from operations, proceeds received from the sale of a majority interest in the Diversified segment and available borrowings 63

U.S. INDUSTRIES, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) NOTE 10--STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY AND STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS (CONTINUED) under the Company's existing credit facilities. Share repurchases are made at prices deemed acceptable to management. NOTE 11--COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES The Company is subject to a wide range of environmental protection laws. The Company has remedial and investigatory activities underway at approximately 46 sites, of which, the Company has been named as a Potentially Responsible Party ("PRP") at 13 "superfund" sites pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 or comparable statutes. It is often difficult to estimate the future impact of environmental matters, including potential liabilities. The Company accrues for losses associated with environmental remediation obligations when such losses are probable and reasonably estimable. This practice is followed whether the claims are asserted or unasserted. Reserves for estimated losses from environmental remediation are, depending on the site, based primarily upon internal or third party environmental studies, and estimates as to the number, participation level and financial viability of any other PRP's, the extent of contamination and the nature of required remedial actions. Such accruals are adjusted as further information develops or circumstances change. Costs of future expenditures for environmental remediation obligations are not discounted to their present fair value. Recoveries of environmental remediation costs from other parties are recognized as assets when their receipt is deemed probable. Management expects that the amount reserved will be paid out over the periods of remediation for the applicable sites which range up to 30 years and that such reserves are adequate based on all current data. Each of the sites in question is at various stages of investigation or remediation; however, no information currently available reasonably suggests that projected expenditures associated with remedial action or compliance with environmental laws for any single site or for all sites in the aggregate, will have a material adverse affect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. At September 30, 2000, the Company had accrued approximately $11 million ($3 million accrued as current liabilities; $8 million as non-current liabilities) for various environmental related liabilities of which the Company is aware. The Company believes that the range of liability for such matters is between approximately $3 million and $13 million. Also, certain of the Company's subsidiaries are defendants or plaintiffs in lawsuits that have arisen in the normal course of business. While certain of these matters involve substantial amounts, it is management's opinion, based on the advice of counsel, that the ultimate resolution of such litigation and environmental matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. 64

U.S. INDUSTRIES, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) NOTE 12--SEGMENT DATA BATH AND PLUMBING PRODUCTS--whirlpools, spas, faucets, chinaware, bathtubs, shower tub enclosures, bath accessories, plumbing fittings, other behind the wall plumbing products and HVAC products. LIGHTING CORPORATION OF AMERICA--commercial and industrial lighting fixtures such as indoor, street, area, parking garage, landscape, emergency and exits lights. Residential lighting products such as chandeliers, hall foyers, track lighting. HARDWARE AND TOOLS--non-powered hand tools, long handled tools, lawn and garden tools, wheeled goods and industrial tools. DIVERSIFIED--automotive interiors, consumer products and precision engineered products for automotive, jet aviation and electronics industry. Products are primarily sold to the home improvement and home construction markets through mass merchandisers, hardware stores, home centers, distributors, wholesalers and other outlets. The diversified segment products were sold to mass merchandisers, wholesalers, distributors and original equipment manufacturers. The Company's operations are principally located in North America and Europe and to a lesser extent, in other regions of the world. The Company's country of domicile is the United States. Export sales represented 6%, 9% and 9% of the Company's total net sales for fiscal years 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively. Principal international markets served include Europe, South America, Canada and Asia. Corporate assets consist primarily of real property, cash and cash investments and other investments. The Company's segments are based on similarities in products and services and represent the aggregation of similar operating units for which financial information is regularly evaluated by the corporate operating executives in determining resource allocation and assessing performance and is periodically reviewed by the Board of Directors. Accounting policies for the segments are the same as those for the Company. The Company evaluates performance based on operating results and, other than general corporate expense, allocates specific corporate overhead to each segment. 65

U.S. INDUSTRIES, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) NOTE 12--SEGMENT DATA (CONTINUED) The following table presents information about the Company by segment and geographic area: <TABLE> <CAPTION> FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, --------------------------------------------------------------- 2000 1999 1998 2000(1) 1999(2) 1998(3) -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- NET SALES OPERATING INCOME (LOSS) ------------------------------ ------------------------------ (IN MILLIONS) <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> BUSINESS SEGMENTS: Bath and Plumbing Products................. $1,390 $1,303 $1,105 $ 71 $150 $ 93 Lighting Corporation of America............ 812 805 766 43 46 52 Hardware and Tools......................... 472 462 375 (47) 37 (3) Diversified(4)............................. 414 859 889 35 88 32 ------ ------ ------ ---- ---- ---- TOTALS................................... $3,088 $3,429 $3,135 102 321 174 ====== ====== ====== Corporate expenses........................... (14) (18) (32) ---- ---- ---- TOTAL OPERATING INCOME................... 88 303 142 Interest expense............................. (86) (81) (69) Interest income.............................. 17 5 8 Gain on sale of Diversified businesses....... 39 -- -- Equity earnings in investee.................. 3 -- -- Other income (expense), net.................. (4) 14 (3) ---- ---- ---- Income before income taxes, discontinued operations and extraordinary loss.......... 57 241 78 Provision for income taxes(5)................ (21) (87) (75) ---- ---- ---- Income from continuing operations............ $ 36 $154 $ 3 ==== ==== ==== </TABLE> ------------------------ (1) Operating income for fiscal 2000 includes goodwill impairment, restructuring and other related costs of $164 million. (See Note 5). Accordingly, operating income (loss) for Bath and Plumbing Products and Hardware and Tools includes charges of $80 and $84 million, respectively. (2) Operating income for the year ended September 30, 1999 includes restructuring and other related charges of $15 million. (See Note 5). Accordingly, operating income for Bath and Plumbing Products, Lighting Corporation of America, and Diversified includes charges of $5, $3 and $7 million, respectively. (3) Operating income (loss) for the year ended September 30, 1998 includes goodwill impairment and restructuring costs of $142 million and product change costs in connection with the restructuring of approximately $11 million. (See Note 5). Accordingly, operating income (loss) for Bath and Plumbing Products, Lighting Corporation of America, Hardware and Tools, Diversified and Corporate expenses include goodwill impairment, restructuring and other related charges of $40, $3, $32, $71 and $7 million, respectively. (4) Operating income for the Diversified includes $7 and $3 million, for 1999 and 1998, respectively of equity losses from the Company's investment in UPI. The equity losses include charges associated with impairments of UPI and its subsidiaries of $6 and $4 million, respectively. UPI was disposed of as part of the Diversified Transactions. 66

U.S. INDUSTRIES, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) NOTE 12--SEGMENT DATA (CONTINUED) (5) Provision for income taxes for the year ended September 30, 2000 include a $20 million benefit from the reversal of tax contingencies related to the demerger from Hanson plc. Provision for income taxes for the year ended September 30, 1999 includes a $6 million tax benefit from the resolution of prior years tax issues. <TABLE> <CAPTION> FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, ------------------------------ 2000 1999 1998 -------- -------- -------- (IN MILLIONS) <S> <C> <C> <C> TOTAL ASSETS Bath and Plumbing Products................................ $1,217 $1,357 $1,092 Lighting Corporation of America........................... 496 518 463 Hardware and Tools........................................ 494 448 338 Diversified............................................... -- 621 640 ------ ------ ------ 2,207 2,944 2,533 Corporate................................................. 285 84 100 ------ ------ ------ Total for continuing operations............................. 2,492 3,028 2,633 Net assets held for disposition............................. -- -- 143 ------ ------ ------ TOTAL ASSETS................................................ $2,492 $3,028 $2,776 ====== ====== ====== DEPRECIATION AND GOODWILL AMORTIZATION Bath and Plumbing Products................................ $ 38 $ 32 $ 28 Lighting Corporation of America........................... 21 19 18 Hardware and Tools........................................ 18 14 10 Diversified............................................... 13 25 22 ------ ------ ------ TOTAL DEPRECIATION AND GOODWILL AMORTIZATION................ $ 90 $ 90 $ 78 ====== ====== ====== CAPITAL EXPENDITURES Bath and Plumbing Products................................ 24 35 35 Lighting Corporation of America........................... 18 27 19 Hardware and Tools........................................ 25 21 17 Diversified............................................... 12 25 28 ------ ------ ------ TOTAL CAPITAL EXPENDITURES.................................. $ 79 $ 108 $ 99 ====== ====== ====== </TABLE> 67

U.S. INDUSTRIES, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) NOTE 12--SEGMENT DATA (CONTINUED) The following table presents certain data by geographic areas: <TABLE> <CAPTION> FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, ------------------------------ 2000 1999 1998 -------- -------- -------- (IN MILLIONS) <S> <C> <C> <C> NET SALES United States............................................... $2,268 $2,650 $2,490 Foreign..................................................... 820 779 645 ------ ------ ------ Total Net Sales............................................. $3,088 $3,429 $3,135 ====== ====== ====== OPERATING INCOME(1) United States............................................... $ 146 $ 237 $ 75 Foreign..................................................... (58) 66 67 ------ ------ ------ Total Operating Income...................................... $ 88 $ 303 $ 142 ====== ====== ====== LONG-LIVED ASSETS United States............................................... $ 692 $ 934 $ 813 Foreign..................................................... 269 412 244 ------ ------ ------ Total long-lived assets..................................... $ 961 $1,346 $1,057 ====== ====== ====== </TABLE> ------------------------ (1) Operating income for the year ended September 30, 2000 included goodwill impairment, restructuring and other related charges of $144 million and other related costs of $20 million. Of these charges, $34 million and $130 million relate to operating income of the United States and foreign locations, respectively. Operating income for the year ended September 30, 1998 included goodwill impairment and restructuring costs of $142 million and product change costs in connection with the restructuring of approximately $11 million. Of these charges, $149 million and $4 million relate to operating income of the United States and foreign locations, respectively. NOTE 13--QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) Summarized quarterly financial information for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2000 and 1999 is as follows (in millions, except per share): <TABLE> <CAPTION> 2000 1999 ------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------ QUARTER ENDED DEC. 31 MARCH 31 JUNE 30 SEPT. 30 DEC. 31 MARCH 31 JUNE 30 SEPT. 30 ------------- -------- --------- -------- -------- -------- --------- -------- -------- <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> Net sales............................... $ 791 $ 913 $ 729 $ 655 $ 750 $ 848 $ 915 $ 916 Gross profit............................ 245 274 240 194 224 254 273 289 Income (loss) from continuing operations............................ 20 35 35 (54) 22 32 45 55 Net Income (loss)....................... 20 35 35 (54) 23 18 45 55 Basic per share: Income (loss) from continuing operations............................ $0.23 $0.41 $0.44 $(0.72) $0.23 $0.33 $0.50 $0.64 Net Income (loss)....................... $0.23 $0.41 $0.44 $(0.72) $0.24 $0.19 $0.50 $0.64 Diluted per share: Income (loss) from continuing operations............................ $0.23 $0.40 $0.44 $(0.72) $0.22 $0.33 $0.49 $0.62 Net Income (loss)....................... $0.23 $0.40 $0.44 $(0.72) $0.23 $0.19 $0.49 $0.62 </TABLE> 68

U.S. INDUSTRIES, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) NOTE 14--SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION The following represents the supplemental consolidating condensed financial statements of USI, USI Global, and USIAH, which are the jointly obligated issuers of the Notes, and USI Atlantic, which is the guarantor of the Notes, and their non-guarantor subsidiaries, as of September 30, 2000 and 1999 and for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2000. Separate consolidated financial statements for USI, USI Global, USI Atlantic and USIAH are not presented, as management has determined that they would not be material to investors. In April of 1999, USIAH transferred substantially all of its assets and liabilities to a new wholly owned subsidiary of USI named USI Global in exchange for preferred stock in USI Global. In connection with the asset transfer, USI Global assumed joint and several obligations under the 7.25% Notes, the 7.125% Notes and the Credit Facility, equally with USI and USIAH. Neither USI nor USIAH, nor USI Atlantic as guarantor, was released from its obligations under the 7.25% Notes, the 7.125% Notes or the Credit Agreement in connection with the transfer of assets to USI Global. <TABLE> <CAPTION> FOR THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2000 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- USI USI NONGUARANTOR USI GLOBAL ATLANTIC USIAH SUBSIDIARIES ELIMINATIONS CONSOLIDATED -------- -------- -------- -------- ------------ ------------ ------------ (IN MILLIONS) <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> Net Sales............................ $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- $3,088 $ -- $3,088 Operating costs and expenses: Cost of products sold.............. -- -- -- -- 2,135 -- 2,135 Selling, general and administrative expenses......................... 16 (1) -- -- 706 -- 721 Goodwill impairment and restructuring charges............ -- -- -- -- 144 -- 144 ---- ---- ---- ---- ------ ----- ------ Operating income (loss).............. (16) 1 -- -- 103 -- 88 Interest expense..................... (40) (40) -- -- (6) -- (86) Interest income...................... 13 -- -- -- 4 -- 17 Management fee income (expense)...... 25 -- -- (25) -- -- Intercompany interest, net........... 10 51 -- (61) -- -- Other intercompany credits (charges).......................... -- (62) -- 62 -- -- -- Gain on the sale of Diversified businesses......................... -- -- -- -- 39 -- 39 Equity in earnings of investees, net................................ 41 72 37 -- -- (147) 3 Other income (expense), net.......... -- -- -- -- (4) -- (4) ---- ---- ---- ---- ------ ----- ------ Income before income taxes........... 33 22 37 62 50 (147) 57 (Provision) benefit for income taxes.............................. 3 21 -- (25) (20) -- (21) ---- ---- ---- ---- ------ ----- ------ Income from continuing operations.... 36 43 37 37 30 (147) 36 Discontinued operations, net of tax................................ -- -- -- -- -- -- -- ---- ---- ---- ---- ------ ----- ------ Net income........................... $ 36 $ 43 $ 37 $ 37 $ 30 $(147) $ 36 ==== ==== ==== ==== ====== ===== ====== </TABLE> 69

U.S. INDUSTRIES, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) NOTE 14--SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION (CONTINUED) <TABLE> <CAPTION> FOR THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1999 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- USI USI NONGUARANTOR USI GLOBAL ATLANTIC USIAH SUBSIDIARIES ELIMINATIONS CONSOLIDATED -------- -------- -------- -------- ------------ ------------ ------------ (IN MILLIONS) <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> Net Sales........................... $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- $3,429 $ -- $3,429 Operating costs and expenses: Cost of products sold............. -- -- -- -- 2,389 -- 2,389 Selling, general and administrative expenses......... 23 -- -- -- 713 -- 736 Goodwill impairment and restructuring charges........... -- -- -- -- 1 -- 1 ----- ---- ---- ---- ------ ----- ------ Operating income (loss)............. (23) -- -- -- 326 -- 303 Interest expense.................... (32) (16) -- (21) (12) -- (81) Interest income..................... -- -- -- -- 5 -- 5 Management fee income (expense)..... 38 (8) -- (11) (19) -- -- Intercompany interest, net.......... 12 25 -- 33 (70) -- -- Other intercompany credits (charges)......................... -- (26) -- 26 -- -- -- Other income (expense), net......... -- -- -- -- 14 -- 14 Equity in earnings of investees, net............................... 144 58 46 30 -- (278) -- ----- ---- ---- ---- ------ ----- ------ Income before income taxes and discontinued operations........... 139 33 46 57 244 (278) 241 (Provision) benefit for income taxes............................. 2 10 -- (11) (88) -- (87) ----- ---- ---- ---- ------ ----- ------ Income from continuing operations... 141 43 46 46 156 (278) 154 Discontinued operations, net of tax............................... -- -- -- -- (13) -- (13) ----- ---- ---- ---- ------ ----- ------ Net income (loss)................... $ 141 $ 43 $ 46 $ 46 $ 143 $(278) $ 141 ===== ==== ==== ==== ====== ===== ====== </TABLE> 70

U.S. INDUSTRIES, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) NOTE 14--SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION (CONTINUED) <TABLE> <CAPTION> FOR THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1998 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- USI NONGUARANTOR USI ATLANTIC USIAH SUBSIDIARIES ELIMINATIONS CONSOLIDATED -------- -------- -------- ------------ ------------ ------------ (IN MILLIONS) <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> Net Sales................................. $ -- $ -- $ -- $3,135 $ -- $3,135 Operating costs and expenses: Cost of products sold................... -- -- -- 2,202 2,202 Selling, general and administrative expenses.............................. 4 4 17 624 649 Goodwill impairment and restructuring charges............................... -- -- 7 135 142 ---- ---- ---- ------ ----- ------ Operating loss.......................... (4) (4) (24) 174 142 Interest expense.......................... -- (6) (44) (19) (69) Interest income........................... -- -- -- 8 8 Management fee income (expense)........... -- 27 28 (55) -- Intercompany interest, net................ -- 4 63 (67) -- Other income (expense), net............... -- (12) 3 6 (3) Equity in earnings of investees, net...... (41) (42) (58) -- 141 -- ---- ---- ---- ------ ----- ------ Income (loss) before income taxes, discontinued operations and extraordinary loss...................... (45) (33) (32) 47 141 78 (Provision) benefit for income taxes...... 1 (4) (10) (62) -- (75) ---- ---- ---- ------ ----- ------ Income (loss) from continuing operations.............................. (44) (37) (42) (15) 141 3 Discontinued operations, net of tax....... -- -- -- (42) -- (42) ---- ---- ---- ------ ----- ------ Income (loss) before extraordinary loss... (44) (37) (42) (57) 141 (39) Extraordinary loss, net of tax............ -- -- -- (5) -- (5) ---- ---- ---- ------ ----- ------ Net income (loss)......................... $(44) $(37) $(42) $ (62) $ 141 $ (44) ==== ==== ==== ====== ===== ====== </TABLE> 71

U.S. INDUSTRIES, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) NOTE 14--SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION (CONTINUED) <TABLE> <CAPTION> AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- USI USI NONGUARANTOR USI GLOBAL ATLANTIC USIAH SUBSIDIARIES ELIMINATION CONSOLIDATED -------- -------- -------- -------- ------------ ----------- ------------ (IN MILLIONS) <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents........ $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- $ 25 $ -- $ 25 Trade receivables, net........... -- -- -- -- 517 517 Inventories...................... -- -- -- -- 494 494 Deferred income taxes............ 61 -- -- -- 1 62 Other current assets............. 15 -- -- -- 30 45 ------ ------ ------ ---- ------ ------- ------- Total current assets........... 76 -- -- -- 1,067 -- 1,143 Property, plant and equipment, net............................ -- -- -- 420 420 Deferred income taxes............ (1) -- -- 1 -- Other assets..................... 185 -- -- 908 203 (908) 388 Goodwill, net.................... -- -- -- -- 541 541 Investments in subsidiaries...... 1,217 1,299 984 -- -- (3,500) -- Intercompany receivable (payable), net................. (98) 85 32 76 (95) -- ------ ------ ------ ---- ------ ------- ------- Total assets................... $1,379 $1,384 $1,016 $984 $2,137 $(4,408) $ 2,492 ====== ====== ====== ==== ====== ======= ======= LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Notes payable.................... $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- $ 29 $ -- $ 29 Current maturities of long-term debt........................... 158 -- -- -- (17) 141 Trade accounts payable........... -- -- -- -- 196 196 Accrued expenses and other liabilities.................... 29 5 -- -- 188 222 Income taxes payable............. 7 -- -- -- 2 9 ------ ------ ------ ---- ------ ------- ------- Total current liabilities...... 194 5 -- -- 398 -- 597 Deferred income taxes............ 6 -- -- -- 4 10 Long-term debt................... 307 543 -- -- 35 -- 885 Other liabilities................ 118 -- -- -- 128 246 ------ ------ ------ ---- ------ ------- ------- Total liabilities.............. 625 548 -- -- 565 -- 1,738 Total stockholders' equity....... 754 836 1,016 984 1,572 (4,408) 754 ------ ------ ------ ---- ------ ------- ------- Total liabilities and stockholders' equity......... $1,379 $1,384 $1,016 $984 $2,137 $(4,408) $ 2,492 ====== ====== ====== ==== ====== ======= ======= </TABLE> 72

U.S. INDUSTRIES, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) NOTE 14--SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION (CONTINUED) <TABLE> <CAPTION> AT SEPTEMBER 30, 1999 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- USI USI NONGUARANTOR USI GLOBAL ATLANTIC USIAH SUBSIDIARIES ELIMINATION CONSOLIDATED -------- -------- -------- -------- ------------ ----------- ------------ (IN MILLIONS) <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents........ $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- $ 58 $ -- $ 58 Trade receivables, net........... -- -- -- -- 667 667 Inventories...................... -- -- -- -- 631 631 Deferred income taxes............ 31 -- -- -- 37 68 Other current assets............. 6 -- -- -- 61 67 ------ ------ ---- ---- ------ ------- ------- Total current assets........... 37 -- -- -- 1,454 -- 1,491 Property, plant and equipment, net............................ -- 1 -- -- 596 597 Deferred income taxes............ (2) -- -- -- 8 6 Other assets..................... 7 6 -- 908 172 (908) 185 Goodwill, net.................... -- -- -- -- 749 749 Investments in subsidiaries...... 1,372 1,341 923 -- -- (3,636) -- Intercompany receivable (payable), net................. 24 444 33 15 (516) -- ------ ------ ---- ---- ------ ------- ------- Total assets................... $1,438 $1,792 $956 $923 $2,463 $(4,544) $ 3,028 ====== ====== ==== ==== ====== ======= ======= LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Notes payable.................... $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- $ 33 $ -- $ 33 Current maturities of long-term debt........................... -- -- -- -- 15 15 Trade accounts payable........... 2 -- -- -- 276 278 Accrued expenses and other liabilities.................... 10 38 -- -- 254 302 Income taxes payable............. 29 -- -- -- -- 29 ------ ------ ---- ---- ------ ------- ------- Total current liabilities...... 41 38 -- -- 578 -- 657 Long-term debt................... 477 695 -- -- 47 1,219 Other liabilities................ -- 51 -- -- 181 232 ------ ------ ---- ---- ------ ------- ------- Total liabilities.............. 518 784 -- -- 806 -- 2,108 Total stockholders' equity....... 920 1,008 956 923 1,657 (4,544) 920 ------ ------ ---- ---- ------ ------- ------- Total liabilities and stockholders' equity......... $1,438 $1,792 $956 $923 $2,463 $(4,544) $ 3,028 ====== ====== ==== ==== ====== ======= ======= </TABLE> 73

U.S. INDUSTRIES, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) NOTE 14--SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION (CONTINUED) <TABLE> <CAPTION> FOR THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2000 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- USI USI NONGUARANTOR USI GLOBAL ATLANTIC USIAH SUBSIDIARIES ELIMINATIONS CONSOLIDATED -------- -------- -------- -------- ------------ ------------ ------------ (IN MILLIONS) <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES............ $ (178) $(27) $ -- $ -- $226 $ -- $ 21 INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Proceeds from sale of businesses...................... -- -- -- 402 402 Proceeds from sale of Senior Notes........................... 24 -- -- -- -- -- 24 Acquisition of companies, net of cash acquired................... -- -- -- (78) (78) Purchases of property, plant and equipment....................... -- -- -- -- (79) (79) Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment............. -- -- -- -- 2 2 Proceeds from sale of excess real estate.......................... -- -- -- -- 6 6 Net transfers with subsidiaries... 322 488 -- -- -- (810) -- ------- ---- ---- ---- ---- ------- ------- NET CASH (USED IN) PROVIDED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES............ 346 488 -- -- 253 (810) 277 FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Proceeds from long-term debt...... 3122 -- 6 3,128 Repayment of long-term debt....... (3,131) (120) (34) (3,285) Payment of dividends.............. (16) -- -- -- -- (16) Proceeds from exercise of stock options......................... 3 -- -- -- -- 3 Purchase of treasury stock........ (143) -- -- -- -- (143) Net transfers with parent......... -- (307) -- -- (503) 810 -- ------- ---- ---- ---- ---- ------- ------- NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES............ (165) (427) -- -- (531) 810 (313) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents....... (3) (34) -- -- 19 -- (18) ------- ---- ---- ---- ---- ------- ------- INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS..................... -- -- -- -- (33) -- (33) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period............. -- -- -- -- 58 -- 58 ------- ---- ---- ---- ---- ------- ------- CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD....................... $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- $ 25 $ -- $ 25 ======= ==== ==== ==== ==== ======= ======= </TABLE> 74

U.S. INDUSTRIES, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) NOTE 14--SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION (CONTINUED) <TABLE> <CAPTION> FOR THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1999 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- USI USI NONGUARANTOR USI GLOBAL ATLANTIC USIAH SUBSIDIARIES ELIMINATIONS CONSOLIDATED -------- -------- -------- -------- ------------ ------------ ------------ (IN MILLIONS) <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES............ $ 6 $ (22) $(8) $ 37 $ 239 $ -- $ 252 INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Proceeds from sale of businesses...................... 132 -- -- -- -- -- 132 Acquisition of companies, net of cash acquired................... (335) -- -- -- -- -- (335) Purchases of property, plant and equipment....................... -- -- -- -- (108) -- (108) Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment............. -- -- -- -- 6 -- 6 Proceeds from sale of excess real estate.......................... -- -- -- -- 28 -- 28 Net transfers with subsidiaries... 195 138 13 -- -- (346) -- Other investing activities........ -- -- -- -- 1 1 ------- ----- --- ----- ----- ------- ------- NET CASH (USED IN) PROVIDED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES............ (8) 138 13 -- (73) (346) (276) FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Proceeds from long-term debt...... 1,487 147 -- 264 1 -- 1,899 Repayment of long-term debt....... (1,281) (73) -- (264) (5) -- (1,623) Proceeds from notes payable, net............................. -- -- -- -- 7 -- 7 Payment of dividends.............. (19) -- -- -- -- -- (19) Proceeds from exercise of stock options......................... 4 -- -- -- -- -- 4 Payment to settle interest rate protection agreements........... -- -- -- (22) -- -- (22) Purchase of treasury stock........ (190) -- -- -- -- -- (190) Net transfers with parent......... -- (190) (5) (13) (138) 346 -- ------- ----- --- ----- ----- ------- ------- NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES............ 1 (116) (5) (35) (135) 346 56 Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents....... 1 -- -- (2) (17) -- (18) ------- ----- --- ----- ----- ------- ------- INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS..................... -- -- -- -- 14 -- 14 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period............. -- -- -- -- 44 -- 44 ------- ----- --- ----- ----- ------- ------- CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD....................... $ -- $ -- $-- $ -- $ 58 $ -- $ 58 ======= ===== === ===== ===== ======= ======= </TABLE> 75

U.S. INDUSTRIES, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) NOTE 14--SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION (CONTINUED) <TABLE> <CAPTION> FOR THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1998 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- USI NONGUARANTOR USI ATLANTIC USIAH SUBSIDIARIES ELIMINATIONS CONSOLIDATED -------- -------- -------- ------------ ------------ ------------ (IN MILLIONS) <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES............................. $ (33) $ 12 $ 19 $ 78 $ -- $ 76 INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Proceeds from sale of businesses......... -- -- -- 11 11 Acquisition of companies, net of cash acquired............................... -- -- -- (173) (173) Purchases of property, plant and equipment.............................. -- -- -- (99) (99) Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment.......................... -- -- 20 14 34 Proceeds from sale of excess real estate................................. -- -- -- 14 14 Capital contributions to subsidiaries.... (10) -- (73) -- 83 -- Dividends from subsidiaries.............. 2 -- -- -- (2) -- Net transfers with subsidiaries.......... (193) (205) (303) -- 701 -- Purchase of investment................... -- -- -- (7) (7) Other investing activities............... -- -- -- (8) (8) ----- ----- ------ ----- ----- ------- NET CASH (USED IN) PROVIDED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES............................. (201) (205) (356) (248) 782 (228) FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Proceeds from long-term debt............. 270 -- 1,075 61 1,406 Repayment of long-term debt.............. -- -- (978) (267) (1,245) Proceeds from notes payable, net......... -- -- -- 5 5 Payment of dividends..................... (21) -- -- (2) 2 (21) Proceeds from exercise of stock options................................ 20 -- -- -- 20 Purchase of treasury stock............... (35) -- -- -- (35) Capital contributions to subsidiaries.... -- -- -- 83 (83) -- Net transfers with parent................ -- 193 205 303 (701) -- ----- ----- ------ ----- ----- ------- NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES............................. 234 193 302 183 (782) 130 Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents................... -- -- -- (1) -- (1) ----- ----- ------ ----- ----- ------- INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS.... -- -- (35) 12 -- (23) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period................................. -- -- 35 32 -- 67 ----- ----- ------ ----- ----- ------- CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD................................. $ -- $ -- $ -- $ 44 $ -- $ 44 ===== ===== ====== ===== ===== ======= </TABLE> 76

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE Not applicable. PART III ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT The information included under the caption "Executive Officers" in Item 1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K is incorporated herein by reference. The information to be included under the caption "Election of Directors" in the Company's definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 in connection with the 2001 annual meeting of the Company's stockholders (the "Proxy Statement") is incorporated herein by reference. ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION The information to be included under the caption "Execution Compensation" in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference. ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT The information to be included under the caption "Ownership of Common Stock" in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference. ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS None. PART IV ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K (A) Listing of Documents (1) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. The Company's Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 hereof, as required at September 30, 2000, 1999 and 1998, and for the years ended September 30, 2000, 1999 and 1998, consist of the following: Consolidated Statements of Operations Consolidated Balance Sheets Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (2) FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE. Financial Statement Schedule of the Company appended hereto, as required for the years ended September 30, 2000, 1999 and 1998, consists of the following: II. Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (3) MANAGEMENT CONTRACTS AND COMPENSATORY PLANS AND ARRANGEMENTS. Management Contracts and Compensatory Plans and Arrangements required to be filed as part of this annual report on Form 10-K are contained in the section titled Exhibits below. (B) Reports on Form 8-K. (C) Exhibits. 77

<TABLE> <C> <C> <S> 3.1(a) Form of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (filed as part of the Company's Registration Statement 333-47101 on Form S-4 (the "1998 S-4"), as Appendix B-1 to the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus(the "Merger Proxy") included therein).* (b) -- Form of Certificate of Designations of Series A Junior Preferred Stock (filed as Exhibit (c) within the Rights Agreement filed as Exhibit (4) to the Company's Report on Form 8-K dated October 15, 1998.* 3.2 Amended and Restated By-laws of the Company (filed as Exhibit 3(ii) to the Form 10-Q filed Feb 18, 1999).* 4.1 -- Specimen form of certificate representing shares of Common Stock of USI (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Form 10).* 4.2(a) -- Indenture, dated as of December 12, 1996 (the "1996 Indenture"), among USI American Holdings, Inc. ("USIAH"), USI Atlantic (then known as U.S. Industries, Inc.) and PNC Bank National Association, as Trustee ("PNC") (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Registration Statement No. 333-2083 on Form S-4 (the "1997 S-4")).* (b) -- First Supplemental Indenture to the 1996 Indenture, dated as of June 11, 1998, among USI, USIAH, USI Atlantic and PNC (filed as Exhibit 4.3 to the Form 10K filed December 15, 1998 (the "1998 10-K")).* (c) -- Second Supplemental Indenture to the 1996 Indenture, dated as of April 30, 1999, among the Company, USI Global Corp., USI American Holding, Inc., USI Atlantic Corp. and the The Chase Manhattan Bank as successor Trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.1 (b) to the Form 10-Q May 18, 1999).* 4.2(a) -- Indenture, dated as of October 27, 1998 (the "1998 Indenture), among USI, USIAH, USI Atlantic and the First National Bank of Chicago, as Trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.4 to the 1998 10-K).* (b) -- First Supplemental Indenture to the 1998 Indenture, dated as of April 30, 1999, among the Company, USI Global Corp., USI American Holdings, Inc., USI Atlantic Corp. and The First National Bank of Chicago, as Trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.1(a) to the Form 10-Q filed May 18, 1999).* 10.1 -- Subscription Agreement, dated May 31, 1995, between Hanson PLC andUSI Atlantic (filed as Exhibit 10.10 to the 1995 10-K).* 10.2 -- Tax Sharing and Indemnification Agreement, dated May 30, 1995, among HM Anglo-American Ltd., HM Holdings, Inc., Endicott Johnson Corporation, Kidde Industries, Inc., HMB Holdings Inc., Kaiser Cement Corporation, Spartus Corporation, USI Atlantic and USIAH (Filed as Exhibit 10.14 to the 1995 10-K).* 10.3 -- Tax Sharing and Indemnification Agreement, dated May 30, 1995, among HM Anglo-American Ltd., Quantum Chemical Corporation, Endicott Johnson Corporation, Spartus Corporation, USI Atlantic and USIAH (Filed as Exhibit 10.15 to the 1995 10-K).* 10.4 -- Amended and Restated Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 24, 2000, by and among U.S. Industries, Inc., JUSI Holdings, Inc., Strategic Industries, LLC and Automotive Interior Products LLC (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Report on Form 8-K filed April 10, 2000).* 10.5 -- Indemnification Agreement, dated as of March 24, 2000, by and among Strategic Industries, LLC, U.S. Industries, Inc. and JUSI Holdings, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Report on Form 8-K filed April 10, 2000).* 10.6 -- Amended and Restated Subscription Agreement, dated as of March 24, 2000, by and among U.S. Industries, Inc., JUSI Holdings, Inc., Strategic Industries, LLC, Strategic Industries, Inc. and Automotive Interior Products LLC (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Report on Form 8-K filed April 10, 2000).* </TABLE> 78

<TABLE> <C> <C> <S> 10.7 -- Rexair Indemnification Agreement, dated as of March 24, 2000, by and among U.S. Industries, Inc., JUSI Holdings, Inc., Strategic Industries, LLC and Strategic Industries, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company's Report on Form 8-K filed April 10, 2000).* 10.8 -- Guaranty by U.S. Industries, Inc. of Rexair Credit Facility dated March 24, 2000. 10.9(a) -- Employment Agreement, dated February 22, 1995, of David H. Clarke (filed as Exhibit 10.9 to the Form 10).* (b) -- First Amendment, dated June 12, 1995, to the Employment Agreement, dated February 22, 1995, of David H. Clarke (Filed as Exhibit 10.19(b) to the 1995 10-K).* 10.10(a) -- Employment Agreement, September 1, 1999, of James O'Leary. (b) -- Letter Agreement, dated November 3, 2000 between the Company and James O'Leary. 10.11 -- Employment Agreement, September 13, 1999 of John W. Dean III. 10.12(a) -- Employment Agreement, March 31, 2000, of Steven C. Barre. (b) -- Letter Agreement, dated November 3, 2000 between the Company and Steven C. Barre. 10.13 -- Restated Employment Agreement, dated June 17, 1998, of Dorothy E. Sander (filed as Exhibit 10.8 to the 1998 10-K).* 10.14 -- Amended U.S. Industries, Inc. Stock Option Plan, as restated June 11, 1998 (filed as Exhibit 10.9 to the 1998 10-K).* 10.15 -- U.S. Industries, Inc. Supplemental Retirement Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.14 to the Form 10).* 10.16 -- U. S. Industries, Inc. Restricted Stock Plan, as restated June 11, 1998 (filed as Exhibit 10.11 to the 1998 10K).* 10.17 -- U.S. Industries, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.15 to the Form 10).* 10.18 -- Credit Agreement, dated December 12, 1996, as amended through June 11, 1998 (the "Credit Agreement"),among USIAH, USI Atlantic, USI and Bank of America National Trust and Savings Association, as Agent, and BA Securities, Inc., as Arranger (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Report on Form 8-K filed on June 12, 1998).* 10.19 -- First Amendment and Consent, dated as of April 22, 1999, among the Company, USI American Holdings, Inc., USI Atlantic Corp., USI Global Corp., Various Banks named therein, Bank of America National Trust and Savings Association, as Issuing Bank, Swingline Bank and Agent, and BA Securities, Inc. as Arranger (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 10-Q filed May 18, 1999).* 10.20 -- Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated February 16, 1998, among USI, USI Atlantic, Zurn Industries, Inc. and certain other parties named therein (filed as Exhibit A-1 to the Merger Proxy).* 10.21 -- Rights Agreement dated as of October 15, 1998 between the Company and the Chase Manhattan Bank, as Rights Agent (filed as Exhibit (4) to the Company's Report on Form 8-K dated October 15, 1998).* 21.1 -- Subsidiaries of U.S. Industries, Inc. 23.1 -- Consent of Ernst & Young LLP 27.1 -- Financial Data Schedule </TABLE> (D) Financial Statement Schedule ------------------------ * Incorporated by reference + Denotes a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed as an exhibit pursuant to Item 14 (c) of this Report. 79

SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this amendment to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. <TABLE> <S> <C> <C> U.S. INDUSTRIES, INC. By: /s/ DAVID H. CLARKE ----------------------------------------- David H. Clarke CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER December 5, 2000 </TABLE> Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated, and on the date set forth above. Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated, and on the date set forth above. <TABLE> <CAPTION> SIGNATURE TITLE --------- ----- <C> <S> /s/ DAVID H. CLARKE Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive ---------------------------------------- Officer David H. Clarke (Principal Executive Officer) /s/ JAMES O'LEARY ---------------------------------------- Executive Vice President and Director James O'Leary /s/ BRIAN C. BEAZER ---------------------------------------- Director Brian C. Beazer /s/ WILLIAM E. BUTLER ---------------------------------------- Director William E. Butler /s/ JOHN J. MCATEE, JR. ---------------------------------------- Director John J. McAtee, Jr. /s/ THE HON. CHARLES H. PRICE II ---------------------------------------- Director The Hon. Charles H. Price II /s/ SIR HARRY SOLOMON ---------------------------------------- Director Sir Harry Solomon /s/ ROYALL VICTOR III ---------------------------------------- Director Royall Victor III /s/ MARK VORDER BRUEGGE ---------------------------------------- Director Mark Vorder Bruegge /s/ ROBERT R. WOMACK ---------------------------------------- Director Robert R. Womack /s/ JOHN W. DEAN III ---------------------------------------- Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and John W. Dean III Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer) /s/ NICOLA ROSSI ---------------------------------------- Corporate Controller Nicola Rossi (Principal Accounting Officer) </TABLE> 80

SCHEDULE II U.S.INDUSTRIES, INC. VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (IN MILLIONS) <TABLE> <CAPTION> COLUMN C COLUMN A COLUMN B ADDITIONS COLUMN D COLUMN E -------- ---------- ------------------- ---------- ---------- CHARGED BALANCE AT TO COSTS CHARGED BALANCE AT BEGINNING AND TO OTHER END OF DESCRIPTION OF PERIOD EXPENSES ACCOUNTS DEDUCTIONS PERIOD ----------- ---------- -------- -------- ---------- ---------- <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> Year ended September 30, 1998 Deducted from asset accounts: Allowance for doubtful accounts......... $31 $8 $ (1)(a) $38 Year ended September 30, 1999 Deducted from asset accounts: Allowance for doubtful accounts......... $38 $6 $ (3)(a) $41 Year ended September 30, 2000 Deducted from asset accounts: Allowance for doubtful accounts......... $41 $4 $(15)(a)(b) $30 </TABLE> ------------------------ (a) Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries (b) Amount in connection with acquisition and dispositions. 81

EXHIBIT INDEX <TABLE> <C> <C> <S> 10.8 -- Guaranty by U.S. Industries, Inc. of Rexair Credit Facility dated March 24, 2000. 10.10(a) -- Employment Agreement, September 1, 1999, of James O'Leary. (b) -- Letter Agreement, dated November 3, 2000 between the Company and James O'Leary. 10.11 -- Employment Agreement, September 13, 1999 of John W. Dean III. 10.12(a) -- Employment Agreement, March 31, 2000, of Steven C. Barre. (b) -- Letter Agreement, dated November 3, 2000 between the Company and Steven C. Barre. 21.1 -- Subsidiaries of U.S. Industries, Inc. 23.1 -- Consent of Ernst & Young LLP 27.1 -- Financial Data Schedule </TABLE>

Exhibit 10.8 USI GUARANTY GUARANTY, dated as of March 24, 2000 (as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, this "Guaranty"), made by U.S. Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation and USI Global Corp., a Delaware corporation (each a "Guarantor" and collectively, the "Guarantors") for the benefit of the Secured Creditors (as hereinafter defined). Except as otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms used herein and defined in the Credit Agreement (as defined below) shall be used herein as therein defined. W I T N E S S E T H : - - - - - - - - - - WHEREAS, Strategic Industries, Inc., Rexair, Inc. (the "Borrower"), various lenders from time to time party thereto (the "Lenders"), DLJ Capital Funding, Inc., as Syndication Agent (in such capacity, the "Syndication Agent") and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent (together with any successor administrative agent, the "Administrative Agent"), have entered into a Credit Agreement, dated as of March 24, 2000, providing for the making of Loans as contemplated therein (as used herein, the term "Credit Agreement" means the Credit Agreement described above in this paragraph, as the same may be amended, modified, extended, renewed, replaced or supplemented from time to time, and including any agreement extending the maturity of, or restructuring all or any portion of the Indebtedness under such agreement or any successor agreement) (the Lenders, the Syndication Agent, the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent are herein called the "Lender Creditors"); WHEREAS, the Borrower may at any time and from time to time enter into one or more interest rate protection agreements (each such agreement, to the extent entered into in accordance with the provisions of Section 9.03(iii) of the Credit Agreement, being referred to herein as an "Interest Rate Protection Agreement" and all such agreements, collectively, being referred to herein as "Interest Rate Protection Agreements") with one or more Lenders or any affiliate thereof (each such Lender or affiliate, even if the respective Lender subsequently ceases to be a Lender under the Credit Agreement for any reason, together with such Lender's or affiliate's successors and assigns, if any, collectively, the "Other Creditors," and together with the Lender Creditors, the "Secured Creditors"); WHEREAS, it is a condition precedent to the making of Loans under the Credit Agreement that the Guarantors shall have executed and delivered this Guaranty; and WHEREAS, the Guarantors will obtain benefits from the incurrence by the Borrower and the Lenders of Loans, and issuance to the Borrower of Letters of Credit, under the Credit Agreement and the entering into by the Borrower and the Lenders of Interest Rate Protection Agreements and, accordingly, desire to execute this Guaranty in order to satisfy the conditions described in the preceding paragraph; NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and other benefits accruing to the Guarantors, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the

Guarantors on a joint and several basis, hereby make the following representations and warranties to the Secured Creditors and hereby covenant and agree with each Secured Creditor as follows: 1. The Guarantors irrevocably and unconditionally guarantee: (i) to the Lender Creditors the full and prompt payment when due (whether at the stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise) of (x) the principal of and interest on the Loans made to the Borrower under the Credit Agreement and all reimbursement obligations and Unpaid Drawings with respect to Letters of Credit issued under the Credit Agreement and (y) all other obligations (including obligations which, but for the automatic stay under Section 362(a) of the Bankruptcy Code, would become due) and liabilities owing by the Borrower to the Lender Creditors under the Credit Agreement or any other Credit Document to which the Borrower is a party (including, without limitation, indemnities, Fees and interest thereon), whether now existing or hereafter incurred under, arising out of or in connection with the Credit Agreement or any such other Credit Document and the due performance and compliance by the Borrower with all of the terms, conditions and agreements contained in the Credit Documents (all such principal, interest, liabilities and obligations being herein collectively called the "Credit Document Obligations"); and (ii) to each Other Creditor the full and prompt payment when due (whether at the stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise) of all obligations (including obligations which, but for the automatic stay under Section 362(a) of the Bankruptcy Code, would become due) and liabilities owing by the Borrower under any Interest Rate Protection Agreement, whether now in existence or hereafter arising, and the due performance and compliance by the Borrower with all of the terms, conditions and agreements contained in the Interest Rate Protection Agreements (all such obligations and liabilities being herein collectively called the "Other Obligations," and together with the Credit Document Obligations are herein collectively called the "Guaranteed Obligations"). Each Guarantor understands, agrees and confirms that the Secured Creditors may enforce this Guaranty up to the full amount of the Guaranteed Obligations against the Guarantors without proceeding against the Borrower, against any security for the Guaranteed Obligations, or under any other guaranty covering all or a portion of the Guaranteed Obligations. 2. Additionally, each Guarantor unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees the payment of any and all Guaranteed Obligations to the Secured Creditors whether or not due or payable by the Borrower upon the occurrence in respect of the Borrower of any of the events specified in Section 10.05 of the Credit Agreement, and unconditionally and irrevocably promises to pay such Guaranteed Obligations to the Secured Creditors, or order, on demand, in lawful money of the United States. This Guaranty shall constitute a guaranty of payment, and not of collection. 3. The liability of the Guarantors hereunder is exclusive and independent of any security for or other guaranty of the indebtedness of the Borrower whether executed by the Guarantors, any other guarantor or by any other party, and the liability of the Guarantors hereunder shall not be affected or impaired by any circumstance or occurrence whatsoever, including, without limitation: (a) any direction as to application of payment by the Borrower or by any other party, (b) any other continuing or other guaranty, undertaking or maximum liability of a guarantor or of any other party as to the Guaranteed Obligations, (c) any payment on or in reduction of any such other guaranty or undertaking, (d) any dissolution, termination or increase, 2

decrease or change in personnel by the Borrower, (e) any payment made to any Secured Creditor on the indebtedness which any Secured Creditor repays the Borrower pursuant to court order in any bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, moratorium or other debtor relief proceeding, and each Guarantor waives any right to the deferral or modification of its obligations hereunder by reason of any such proceeding, (f) any action or inaction by the Secured Creditors as contemplated in Section 6 hereof, or (g) any invalidity, irregularity or unenforceability of all or part of the Guaranteed Obligations or of any security therefor. 4. The obligations of the Guarantors hereunder are independent of the obligations of any other guarantor of the Borrower or the Borrower, and a separate action or actions may be brought and prosecuted against the Guarantors whether or not action is brought against any other guarantor of the Borrower or the Borrower and whether or not any other guarantor of the Borrower or the Borrower be joined in any such action or actions. Each Guarantor expressly acknowledges and agrees that any payment by the Borrower or other circumstance which operates to toll any statute of limitations as to the Borrower shall operate to toll the statute of limitations as to the Guarantor. 5. Each Guarantor hereby waives notice of acceptance of this Guaranty and notice of any liability to which it may apply, and waives promptness, diligence, presentment, demand of payment, protest, notice of dishonor or nonpayment of any such liabilities, suit or taking of other action by the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Creditor against, and any other notice to, any party liable thereon (including the Guarantors, any other guarantor or the Borrower). 6. Any Secured Creditor may at any time and from time to time without the consent of, or notice to, the Guarantors, without incurring responsibility to the Guarantors, without impairing or releasing the obligations of the Guarantors hereunder, upon or without any terms or conditions and in whole or in part: (a) change the manner, place or terms of payment of, and/or change or extend the time of payment of, renew or alter, any of the Guaranteed Obligations (including any increase or decrease in the rate of interest thereon), any security therefor, or any liability incurred directly or indirectly in respect thereof, and the guaranty herein made shall apply to the Guaranteed Obligations as so changed, extended, renewed or altered; (b) take and hold security for the payment of the Guaranteed Obligations and sell, exchange, release, surrender, realize upon or otherwise deal with in any manner and in any order any property by whomsoever at any time pledged or mortgaged to secure, or howsoever securing, the Guaranteed Obligations or any liabilities (including any of those hereunder) incurred directly or indirectly in respect thereof or hereof, and/or any offset thereagainst; (c) exercise or refrain from exercising any rights against the Borrower or others or otherwise act or refrain from acting; 3

(d) release or substitute any one or more endorsers, guarantors, the Borrower or other obligors; (e) settle or compromise any of the Guaranteed Obligations, any security therefor or any liability (including any of those hereunder) incurred directly or indirectly in respect thereof or hereof, and may subordinate the payment of all or any part thereof to the payment of any liability (whether due or not) of the Borrower to creditors of the Borrower other than the Secured Creditors; (f) apply any sums by whomsoever paid or howsoever realized to any liability or liabilities of the Borrower to the Secured Creditors regardless of what liabilities of the Borrower remain unpaid; (g) consent to or waive any breach of, or any act, omission or default under, any of the Interest Rate Protection Agreements, the Credit Documents or any of the instruments or agreements referred to therein, or otherwise amend, modify or supplement any of the Interest Rate Protection Agreements, the Credit Documents or any of such other instruments or agreements; and/or (h) act or fail to act in any manner referred to in this Guaranty which may deprive any Guarantor of its right to subrogation against the Borrower to recover full indemnity for any payments made pursuant to this Guaranty. 7. No invalidity, irregularity or unenforceability of all or any part of the Guaranteed Obligations or of any security therefor shall affect, impair or be a defense to this Guaranty, and this Guaranty shall be primary, absolute and unconditional notwithstanding the occurrence of any event or the existence of any other circumstances which might constitute a legal or equitable discharge of a surety or guarantor except payment in full of the Guaranteed Obligations. 8. This Guaranty is a continuing one and all liabilities to which it applies or may apply under the terms hereof shall be conclusively presumed to have been created in reliance hereon. No failure or delay on the part of any Secured Creditor in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, power or privilege hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege. The rights and remedies herein expressly specified are cumulative and not exclusive of any rights or remedies which any Secured Creditor would otherwise have. No notice to or demand on the Guarantors in any case shall entitle the Guarantors to any other further notice or demand in similar or other circumstances or constitute a waiver of the rights of any Secured Creditor to any other or further action in any circumstances without notice or demand. It is not necessary for any Secured Creditor to inquire into the capacity or powers of the Borrower or the officers, directors, partners or agents acting or purporting to act on its behalf, and any indebtedness made or created in reliance upon the professed exercise of such powers shall be guaranteed hereunder. 4

9. Any indebtedness of the Borrower now or hereafter held by any Guarantor is hereby subordinated to the indebtedness of the Borrower to the Secured Creditors, and such indebtedness of the Borrower to any Guarantor, if the Administrative Agent, after an Event of Default has occurred, so requests, shall be collected, enforced and received by the Guarantors as trustee for the Secured Creditors and be paid over to the Secured Creditors on account of the indebtedness of the Borrower to the Secured Creditors, but without affecting or impairing in any manner the liability of the Guarantors under the other provisions of this Guaranty. Prior to the transfer by the Guarantors of any note or negotiable instrument evidencing any indebtedness of the Borrower to any Guarantor, the Guarantors shall mark such note or negotiable instrument with a legend that the same is subject to this subordination. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each Guarantor hereby agrees with the Secured Creditors that it will not exercise any right of subrogation which it may at any time otherwise have as a result of this Guaranty (whether contractual, under Section 509 of the Bankruptcy Code or otherwise) until all Guaranteed Obligations have been irrevocably paid in full in cash. 10. (a) Each Guarantor waives any right (except as shall be required by applicable statute and cannot be waived) to require the Secured Creditors to: (i) proceed against the Borrower, any other guarantor of the Guaranteed Obligations or any other party; (ii) proceed against or exhaust any security held from the Borrower, any other guarantor of the Guaranteed Obligations or any other party; or (iii) pursue any other remedy in the Secured Creditors' power whatsoever. Each Guarantor waives any defense based on or arising out of any defense of the Borrower, any other guarantor of the Guaranteed Obligations or any other party other than payment in full of the Guaranteed Obligations, including, without limitation, any defense based on or arising out of the disability of the Borrower, any other guarantor of the Guaranteed Obligations or any other party, or the unenforceability of the Guaranteed Obligations or any part thereof from any cause, or the cessation from any cause of the liability of the Borrower other than payment in full of the Guaranteed Obligations. The Secured Creditors may, at their election, foreclose on any security held by the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent or the other Secured Creditors by one or more judicial or nonjudicial sales, whether or not every aspect of any such sale is commercially reasonable (to the extent such sale is permitted by applicable law), or exercise any other right or remedy the Secured Creditors may have against the Borrower or any other party, or any security, without affecting or impairing in any way the liability of the Guarantor hereunder except to the extent the Guaranteed Obligations have been paid in full in cash. Each Guarantor waives any defense arising out of any such election by the Secured Creditors, even though such election operates to impair or extinguish any right of reimbursement or subrogation or other right or remedy of any Guarantor against the Borrower or any other party or any security. (b) Each Guarantor waives all presentments, demands for performance, protests and notices, including, without limitation, notices of nonperformance, notices of protest, notices of dishonor, notices of acceptance of this Guaranty, and notices of the existence, creation or incurring of new or additional indebtedness. Each Guarantor assumes all responsibility for being and keeping itself informed of the Borrower's financial condition and assets, and of all other circumstances bearing upon the risk of nonpayment of the Guaranteed Obligations and the nature, scope and extent of the risks which the Guarantor assumes and incurs hereunder, and 5

agrees that the Secured Creditors shall have no duty to advise the Guarantors of information known to them regarding such circumstances or risks. 11. In order to induce the Lenders to make Loans and issue Letters of Credit pursuant to the Credit Agreement, and in order to induce the Other Creditors to execute, deliver and perform the Interest Rate Protection Agreements, each Guarantor makes the following representations, warranties and agreements: (a) CORPORATE STATUS. Each Guarantor (i) is a duly organized and validly existing corporation in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, (ii) has the requisite power and authority to own its property and assets and to transact the business in which it is engaged and presently proposes to engage and (iii) is duly qualified and is authorized to do business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction where the ownership, leasing or operation of its property or the conduct of its business requires such qualifications, except for failures to be so qualified which, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the business, operations, property, assets, liabilities, condition (financial or otherwise) or prospects of any Guarantor or the Guarantors and the Guarantors' Subsidiaries taken as a whole. (b) POWER AND AUTHORITY. Each Guarantor has the requisite power and authority to execute, deliver and perform the terms and provisions of this Guaranty and each other Credit Document to which it is a party and has taken all necessary action to authorize the execution, delivery and performance by it of this Guaranty and each such other Credit Document. Each Guarantor has duly executed and delivered this Guaranty and each other Credit Document to which it is a party, and this Guaranty and each such other Credit Document constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligation, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except to the extent that the enforceability hereof or thereof may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws generally affecting creditors' rights and by equitable principles (regardless of whether enforcement is sought in equity or at law). (c) NO VIOLATION. Neither the execution, delivery or performance by the Guarantors of this Guaranty or any other Credit Document to which any Guarantor is a party, nor compliance by it with the terms and provisions hereof or thereof, (i) will contravene any provision of any law, statute, rule or regulation or any order, writ, injunction or decree of any court or governmental instrumentality, (ii) will conflict with or result in any breach of any of the terms, covenants, conditions or provisions of, or constitute a default under, or result in the creation or imposition of (or the obligation to create or impose) any Lien upon any of the property or assets of any Guarantor or any of the Guarantors' Subsidiaries pursuant to the terms of any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, credit agreement or loan agreement, or any other material agreement, contract or instrument, to which any Guarantor or any of the Guarantors' Subsidiaries is a party or by which it or any of its property or assets is bound or to which it may be subject or (iii) will violate any provision of the certificate of incorporation, partnership agreement, by-laws or 6

equivalent organizational or charter documents of any Guarantor or any of the Guarantors' Subsidiaries. (d) GOVERNMENTAL APPROVALS. No order, consent, approval, license, authorization or validation of, or filing, recording or registration with (except as have been obtained or made prior to the Effective Date), or exemption by, any governmental or public body or authority, or any subdivision thereof, is required to authorize, or is required in connection with, (i) the execution, delivery and performance of this Guaranty or any other Credit Document to which any Guarantor is a party or (ii) the legality, validity, binding effect or enforceability of this Guaranty or any such other Credit Document. (e) LITIGATION. There are no actions, suits or proceedings pending or, to the best knowledge of any Guarantor, overtly threatened with respect to this Guaranty or any other Credit Document to which any Guarantor is a party. (f) TRUE AND COMPLETE DISCLOSURE. All factual information (taken as a whole) furnished by the Guarantors in writing to the Agents or any Lender for purposes of or in connection with this Guaranty, the other Credit Documents or any transaction contemplated herein or therein is, and all other such factual information (taken as a whole) hereafter furnished by the Guarantors in writing to the Administrative Agent or any Lender will be, true and accurate in all material respects on the date as of which such information is dated or certified and not incomplete by omitting to state any fact necessary to make such information (taken as a whole) not misleading in any material respect at such time in light of the circumstances under which such information was provided. (g) INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT. Neither Guarantor is an "investment company" or a company "controlled" by an "investment company," within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. (h) PUBLIC UTILITY HOLDING COMPANY ACT. Neither Guarantor is a "holding company," or a "subsidiary company" of a "holding company," or an "affiliate" of a "holding company" or of a "subsidiary company" of a "holding company" within the meaning of the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, as amended. 12. Each Guarantor covenants and agrees that on and after the Effective Date and for so long as the Credit Agreement is in effect and until the Total Commitment and all Interest Rate Protection Agreements have terminated and the Loans, together with interest, Fees and all other Guaranteed Obligations incurred hereunder and thereunder are paid in full, it will: (a) LIENS. Not create, assume or suffer to exist any Lien upon any property or assets of such Guarantor, to secure any Indebtedness without making effective provision for securing the Guaranteed Obligations (and, if the Guarantors shall so determine, any other Indebtedness of the Guarantors which is not subordinate in right of payment to the Guaranteed Obligations) (x) equally and ratably with (or prior to) such Indebtedness as to such property or 7

assets for so long as such Indebtedness shall be so secured, or (y) in the event such Indebtedness is subordinate in right of payment to the Guaranteed Obligations, prior to such Indebtedness as to such property or assets for so long as such Indebtedness shall be so secured. The foregoing restrictions will not apply to: (i) Liens securing only the Guaranteed Obligations; (ii) Liens in favor of only the Guarantors, (iii) Liens permitted under this Guaranty; (iv) Liens permitted to be incurred under the Credit Agreement, dated as of December 12, 1996, among USI American Holdings, Inc., USI Atlantic Corp., USI Global Corp., U.S. Industries, Inc., various banks, Bank of America National Trust and Savings Association, and BA Securities, Inc., as the same is in effect on the Effective Date, without giving effect to any subsequent amendments or modifications thereto and regardless of whether or not such agreement remains in effect thereafter. (b) DISSOLUTION AND SALE OF ASSETS. Not wind up, liquidate or dissolve its affairs or convey, sell, lease or otherwise dispose of (or agree to do any of the foregoing at any future time) all or substantially all of its property or assets to any Person (including, without limitation, any Affiliate) other than a Guarantor. (c) INFORMATION COVENANTS. Furnish to the Administrative Agent (with sufficient copies for distribution to the Lenders), copies of (i) all financial information, proxy materials and other information and reports, if any, (A) which the Guarantors shall file with the SEC, or (B) which either Guarantor shall deliver to the holders of its capital stock, and (ii) such other information or documents (financial or otherwise) in the possession of, or otherwise available without material cost to, the Guarantors, as the Agents or the Required Lenders may from time to time reasonably request. 13. As used herein, the term "Guarantor Event of Default" shall mean the occurrence of any of the following specified events: (a) PAYMENTS. The Guarantors shall fail to make any payment required to be made by it hereunder, and such failure has continued, in the case of payments other than principal, for three or more Business Days; or (b) REPRESENTATIONS, ETC. Any representation, warranty or statement made by the Guarantors herein or in any certificate delivered pursuant hereto or thereto shall prove to be untrue in any material respect on the date as of which made or deemed made; or (c) COVENANTS. The Guarantors shall default in the due performance or observance by it of any term, covenant or agreement contained herein and such default shall continue unremedied for a period of 30 days after written notice to the Guarantors by the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders; or 8

14. Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default (such term to mean and include any "Event of Default" as defined in the Credit Agreement or any payment default under any Interest Rate Protection Agreement continuing after any applicable grace period) or any Guarantor Event of Default, the Required Lenders shall have the right to take all action permitted pursuant to Section 10 of the Credit Agreement as a result thereof and to require the Guarantors to pay to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders in cash any amounts then owed to them pursuant to the terms of this Guaranty. 15. The Guarantors hereby jointly and severally agree to pay all reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses of the Administrative Agent in connection with any amendment, waiver or consent relating hereto and of the Administrative Agent and each of the other Secured Creditors in connection with any enforcement of this Guaranty (including in each case, without limitation, the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel employed by the Administrative Agent and each other Secured Creditor). 16. This Guaranty shall be binding upon each Guarantor and its successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of the Secured Creditors and their successors and assigns. 17. Neither this Guaranty nor any provision hereof may be changed, waived, modified, discharged or terminated except with the written consent of the Guarantors and with the written consent of the Required Lenders (or, to such greater extent required by Section 13.12 of the Credit Agreement); PROVIDED, that any change, waiver or modification affecting the rights and benefits of a single Class (as defined below) of Secured Creditors (and not all Secured Creditors in a like or similar manner) shall also require the written consent of the Requisite Creditors (as defined below) of such Class of Secured Creditors. For the purpose of this Guaranty the term "Class" shall mean the Lender Creditors as holders of the Credit Document Obligations and the Other Creditors as the holders of the Other Obligations, respectively, and the term "Requisite Creditors" of any Class shall mean (x) with respect to the Credit Document Obligations, the Required Lenders (or to such greater extent as required by Section 13.12 of the Credit Agreement), and (y) with respect to the Other Obligations, the holders of at least a majority of all obligations outstanding from time to time under the Interest Rate Protection Agreements. 18. Each Guarantor acknowledges that an executed (or conformed) copy of each of the Credit Documents and Interest Rate Protection Agreements has been made available to it and it is familiar with the contents thereof. 19. In addition to any rights now or hereafter granted under applicable law (including, without limitation, Section 151 of the New York Debtor and Secured Creditor Law) and not by way of limitation of any such rights, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default or a Guarantor Event of Default, each Secured Creditor is hereby authorized at any time or from time to time, without notice to any Guarantor or to any other Person, any such notice being expressly waived, to set off and to appropriate and apply any and all deposits (general or special) and any other indebtedness at any time held or owing by such Secured Creditor to or for the credit or the account of any Guarantor, against and on account of the obligations and liabilities of such Guarantor to such Secured Creditor under this Guaranty, 9

irrespective of whether or not such Secured Creditor shall have made any demand hereunder and although said obligations, liabilities, deposits or claims, or any of them, shall be contingent or unmatured. Each Secured Creditor acknowledges and agrees that the provisions of this Section 19 are subject to the sharing provisions set forth in Section 13.06 of the Credit Agreement. 20. All notices, requests, demands or other communications pursuant hereto shall be deemed to have been duly given or made when delivered to the Person to which such notice, request, demand or other communication is required or permitted to be given or made under this Guaranty, addressed to such party at (i) in the case of any Lender Creditor, as provided in the Credit Agreement, (ii) in the case of any Guarantor, at its address set forth opposite its signature below and (iii) in the case of any Other Creditor, at such address as such Other Creditor shall have specified in writing to such Guarantor; or in any case at such other address as any of the Persons listed above may hereafter notify the others in writing. 21. If claim is ever made upon any Secured Creditor for repayment or recovery of any amount or amounts received in payment or on account of any of the Guaranteed Obligations and any of the aforesaid payees repays all or part of said amount by reason of (i) any judgment, decree or order of any court or administrative body having jurisdiction over such payee or any of its property or (ii) any settlement or compromise of any such claim effected by such payee with any such claimant (including the Borrower), then and in such event each Guarantor agrees that any such judgment, decree, order, settlement or compromise shall be binding upon the Guarantors, notwithstanding any revocation hereof or other instrument evidencing any liability of the Borrower, and the Guarantors shall be and remain liable to the aforesaid payees hereunder for the amount so repaid or recovered to the same extent as if such amount had never originally been received by any such payee. 22. (A) THIS GUARANTY AND THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE SECURED CREDITORS AND OF THE UNDERSIGNED HEREUNDER SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. Any legal action or proceeding with respect to this Guaranty or any other Credit Document to which any Guarantor is a party may be brought in the courts of the State of New York located within the City of New York or of the United States of America for the Southern District of New York, and, by execution and delivery of this Guaranty, each Guarantor hereby irrevocably accepts for itself and in respect of its property, generally and unconditionally, the jurisdiction of the aforesaid courts. Each Guarantor hereby further irrevocably waives any claim that any such courts lack jurisdiction over such Guarantor, and agrees not to plead or claim, in any legal action or proceeding with respect to this Guaranty brought in any of the aforesaid courts, that any such court lacks jurisdiction over such Guarantor. Each Guarantor further irrevocably consents to the service of process out of any of the aforementioned courts in any such action or proceeding by the mailing of copies thereof by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, to such Guarantor at its address set forth opposite its signature below, such service to become effective 30 days after such mailing. Nothing herein shall affect the right of any of the Secured Creditors to serve process in any other manner permitted by law or to commence legal proceedings or otherwise proceed against any Guarantor in any other jurisdiction. 10

(B) Each Guarantor hereby irrevocably waives any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any of the aforesaid actions or proceedings arising out of or in connection with this Guaranty or any other Credit Document to which such Guarantor is a party brought in the courts referred to in clause (a) above and hereby further irrevocably waives and agrees not to plead or claim in any such court that such action or proceeding brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum. (C) EACH GUARANTOR HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ALL RIGHTS TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS GUARANTY, THE OTHER CREDIT DOCUMENTS TO WHICH SUCH GUARANTOR IS A PARTY OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY. 23. It is the desire and intent of the Guarantors and the Secured Creditors that this Guaranty shall be enforced against the Guarantors to the fullest extent permissible under the laws and public policies applied in each jurisdiction in which enforcement is sought. If, however, and to the extent that, the obligations of the Guarantors under this Guaranty shall be adjudicated to be invalid or unenforceable for any reason, then the amount of the Guaranteed Obligations of the Guarantors shall be deemed to be reduced and the Guarantors shall pay the maximum amount of the Guaranteed Obligations which would be permissible under applicable law. 24. This Guaranty may be executed in any number of counterparts and by the different parties hereto on separate counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be an original, but all of which shall together constitute one and the same instrument. A set of counterparts executed by all the parties hereto shall be lodged with each Guarantor and the Administrative Agent. 25. All payments made by the Guarantors hereunder will be made without setoff, counterclaim or other defense and on the same basis as payments are made by the Borrower under Sections 4.03 and 4.04 of the Credit Agreement. 26. This Guaranty is made for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the other Secured Creditors (and their respective successors and assigns), and may be enforced by them in accordance with the terms hereof. Except for the parties described in the immediately preceding sentence, no other person shall be entitled to the benefits of, or be entitled to enforce the provisions of, this Guaranty. * * * 11

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each Guarantor has caused this Guaranty to be executed and delivered as of the date first above written. Addresses: U.S. INDUSTRIES, INC. 101 Wood Avenue South By Iselin, New Jersey 08830 --------------------------------- Attention: John W. Dean III Title: Telephone No.: Facsimile No.: USI GLOBAL CORP. Accepted and Agreed to: By --------------------------------- BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., Title: as Administrative Agent for the Lenders By ------------------------------------- Title: 12



Exhibit 10.10a RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT, dated as of August __, 1999, by and between U.S. Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation, with its principal office at 101 Wood Avenue South, Iselin, New Jersey 08830 ("USI"), and James O'Leary, residing at _______________________________ ("Executive"). W I T N E S S E T H: - - - - - - - - - - WHEREAS, Executive and USI have previously entered into an employment agreement (the "Employment Agreement"); WHEREAS, Executive is currently employed as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of USI; WHEREAS, USI and Executive desire to amend and restate the Employment Agreement to establish a new title and add additional responsibilities and to modify certain other terms of employment (the "Restated Employment Agreement"). NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants contained herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the parties agree as follows: 1. TERM OF EMPLOYMENT. Executive's employment under this Restated Employment Agreement commenced on February 22, 1995 (the "Commencement Date") and will currently expire

on February 21, 2001 (the "Employment Term"). Subject to earlier termination pursuant to Section 7 hereof, the Employment Term shall be automatically extended for additional terms of successive two (2) year periods unless USI or Executive gives written notice to the other at least ninety (90) days prior to the expiration of the then current Employment Term of the termination of Executive's employment hereunder at the end of such current Employment Term. 2. POSITIONS. Executive shall serve as the Executive Vice President of USI. If requested by the Board of Directors of USI (the "Board") or the Chairman and so elected by the stockholders of USI, Executive shall also serve on the Board without additional compensation. Executive shall also serve, if requested by the Board or the Chairman, as an executive officer and director of subsidiaries and a director of associated companies of USI and shall comply with the policy of the Compensation Committee of the Board (the "Compensation Committee") with regard to retention or forfeiture of the director's fees. (a) Executive shall report to the Chief Executive Officer of USI or Chief Operating Officer of USI, as determined by the Board; provided that so long as the current Chief Executive Officer of USI remains as such, Executive shall report to such Chief Executive Officer of USI. Executive shall have such duties and authority, consistent with his position as the Executive Vice President of USI as shall be assigned to him from time to time by the Board, the Chief Executive Officer of USI or, if he is reporting to him, the Chief Operating Officer of USI. (b) During the Employment Term, Executive shall devote substantially all of his business time and efforts to the performance of his duties hereunder; provided, however, that Executive 2

shall be allowed, to the extent that such activities do not materially interfere with the performance of his duties and responsibilities hereunder, to manage his passive personal investments and to serve on corporate, civic, or charitable boards or committees. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive shall not serve on any corporate board of directors if such service would be inconsistent with his fiduciary responsibilities to USI. 3. BASE SALARY. During the Employment Term after the date hereof, USI shall pay Executive a base salary at the annual rate of not less than $385,000. Base salary shall be payable in each case in accordance with the usual payroll practices of USI. Executive's Base Salary shall be subject to annual review by the Board in December of each year and may be increased, but not decreased, from time to time upon recommendation of the Compensation Committee, except, prior to a Change in Control, as defined in Section 10 hereof, it may be decreased proportionately in connection with an across the board decrease applying to all senior executives of USI. The base salary as determined as aforesaid from time to time shall constitute "Base Salary" for purposes of this Restated Employment Agreement. 4. INCENTIVE COMPENSATION. (a) BONUS. For each fiscal year or portion thereof during the Employment Term which commences after the date hereof, Executive shall be eligible to participate in an incentive pay plan of USI established upon recommendation of the Compensation Committee that provides an annualized cash bonus opportunity with a target bonus potential equal to at least 85% of Base Salary (the "Target Bonus"). 3

(b) RESTRICTED STOCK. Any restricted stock plan and/or grants shall provide that the restricted stock granted in 1995 (the "Restricted Stock") and any other restricted stock that may thereafter be granted to Executive, shall fully vest on a Change in Control. Furthermore, such plan and/or the grants shall provide that if Executive retires (voluntarily or involuntarily other than for Cause) at or after his sixty-second (62nd) birthday with ten (10) or more years of service with USI or its predecessors (including without limitation HM Anglo-American Ltd. ("HM")) and, in the case of voluntary retirement, Executive gives USI at least six (6) months prior written notice of such retirement, an additional portion of the Restricted Stock and any other restricted stock that may thereafter be granted to Executive shall become nonforfeitable upon such retirement. To determine such additional portion of each grant, Executive's years and partial years of employment with USI during the applicable vesting period shall be multiplied by two (2) and applied to the applicable vesting schedule. The additional portion of a grant that shall become nonforfeitable upon such retirement shall be equal to the amount calculated as aforesaid, less the portion of the applicable grant which previously became nonforfeitable. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Compensation Committee may, in accordance with the terms of the restricted stock plan, vest a larger portion of such restricted stock upon retirement. (c) OPTIONS. The options granted to Executive in 1995 (the "Options") and all options that have or may hereafter be granted to Executive shall fully vest upon a Change in Control. In addition, any option plan and/or the grants thereunder shall provide that if Executive retires (voluntarily or involuntarily other than for Cause) at or after his sixty-second (62nd) birthday with ten (10) or more years of service with USI or its predecessors (including without limitation HM) and, 4

in the case of voluntary retirement, Executive gives USI at least six (6) months prior written notice of such retirement, all options granted to Executive shall fully vest on the date of such retirement. (d) OTHER COMPENSATION. USI may, upon recommendation of the Compensation Committee, award to Executive such other bonuses and compensation as it deems appropriate and reasonable. 5. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS AND VACATION. (a) During the Employment Term, Executive shall be entitled to participate in all pension, retirement, savings, welfare and other employee benefit plans and arrangements and fringe benefits and perquisites generally maintained by USI from time to time for the benefit of the senior executives of USI of a materially comparable level, in accordance with their respective terms as in effect from time to time (other than any special arrangement entered into by contract with an executive). Notwithstanding the foregoing, after a Change in Control, during the Employment Term, Executive shall be entitled to (i) coverage and benefits at least equal in the aggregate to the benefits provided under the benefit plans and programs, including, without limitation, any life insurance, medical insurance, disability, pension, savings, incentive, retirement and other plans and programs, of USI applicable to Executive immediately prior to such Change in Control, and (ii) any fringe benefits and prerequisites of at least equal value to those provided by USI to Executive immediately prior to the Change in Control. If Executive is currently provided with a leased automobile or an automobile allowance, USI shall, as of the date hereof, continue the same arrangement that currently exists, but reserves the right, upon recommendation of the Compensation Committee, to modify the arrangement or change the level of allowances in the future. To the extent permitted under applicable law, USI shall not treat as 5

compensation to Executive fringes and perquisites provided to Executive or the items under Section 6 below. (b) During the Employment Term, Executive shall be entitled to vacation each year in accordance with USI's policies in effect from time to time, but in no event less than four (4) weeks paid vacation per calendar year. Executive shall also be entitled to such periods of sick leave as is customarily provided by USI for its senior executive employees. 6. BUSINESS EXPENSES. USI shall reimburse Executive for the travel, entertainment and other business expenses incurred by Executive in the performance of his duties hereunder, in accordance with USI's policies as in effect from time to time. 7. TERMINATION. (a) The employment of Executive under this Restated Employment Agreement shall terminate upon the occurrence of any of the following events: (i) the death of Executive; (ii) the termination of Executive's employment by USI due to Executive's Disability pursuant to Section 7(b) hereof; (iii) the termination of Executive's employment by Executive for Good Reason pursuant to Section 7(c) hereof; (iv) the termination of Executive's employment by USI without Cause; 6

(v) the termination of employment by Executive without Good Reason upon sixty (60) days prior written notice; (vi) the termination of employment by Executive, with or without Good Reason during the thirty (30) day period commencing one (1) year after the Change in Control (such thirty (30) day period being referred to herein as the "Change in Control Protection Period"), provided that Executive shall have a right to terminate employment pursuant to this Section 7(a)(vi) and receive the amounts under Section 8(c)(A)(i) and (ii) unless, simultaneous with the Change in Control, USI or the person or entity triggering the Change in Control delivers to Executive an irrevocable direct pay letter of credit with regard to the amounts under Section 8(c)(A)(i) and (ii) and satisfying the requirements of Section 7(g) hereof (and further provided that the foregoing shall in no way affect full vesting of Restricted Stock and Options, as well as other restricted stock and options, if any, upon a Change in Control in accordance with Section 4 hereof); (vii) the termination of Executive's employment by USI for Cause pursuant to Section 7(e); (viii) The retirement of Executive by USI at or after his sixty-fifth birthday to the extent such termination is specifically permitted as a stated exception from applicable federal and state age discrimination laws based on position and retirement benefits. 7

(b) DISABILITY. If, by reason of the same or related physical or mental reasons, Executive is unable to carry out his material duties pursuant to this Restated Employment Agreement for more than six (6) months in any twelve (12) consecutive month period, USI may terminate Executive's employment for Disability upon thirty (30) days prior written notice, by a Notice of Disability Termination, at any time thereafter during such twelve (12) month period in which Executive is unable to carry out his duties as a result of the same or related physical or mental illness. Such termination shall not be effective if Executive returns to the full time performance of his material duties within such thirty (30) day notice period. (c) TERMINATION FOR GOOD REASON. A Termination for Good Reason means a termination by Executive by written notice given within ninety (90) days after the occurrence of the Good Reason event. For purposes of this Restated Employment Agreement, "Good Reason" shall mean the occurrence or failure to cause the occurrence, as the case may be, without Executive's express written consent, of any of the following circumstances, unless such circumstances are fully corrected prior to the date of termination specified in the Notice of Termination for Good Reason (as defined in Section 7(d) hereof): (i) Any material demotion of Executive from his position as Executive Vice President or any material diminution of Executive's duties or responsibilities hereunder (except in each case in connection with the termination of Executive's employment for Cause or Disability or as a result of Executive's death, or temporarily as a result of Executive's illness or other absence) or, after a Change in Control, the assignment to Executive of duties or responsibilities that are inconsistent with Executive's position; (ii) Removal of, or the nonreelection of, Executive from the officer positions with USI specified herein without election to a materially comparable or higher position; (iii) After a Change in Control, or prior to a Change in Control without providing a relocation program at least 8

as favorable as the Relocation Program set forth in Exhibit 1 hereof, a relocation of USI's principal executive offices to a location more than both thirty-five (35) miles from Iselin, New Jersey and thirty-five (35) miles from Executive's residence at the time of the relocation, or a relocation of Executive to a location more than thirty-five (35) miles from USI's then principal executive offices; (iv) After a Change in Control, a failure by USI (A) to continue any bonus plan, program or arrangement in which Executive is entitled to participate immediately prior to the Change in Control (the "Bonus Plans"), provided that any such Bonus Plans may be modified at USI's discretion from time to time but shall be deemed terminated if (x) any such plan does not remain substantially in the form in effect prior to such modification and (y) if plans providing Executive with substantially similar benefits are not substituted therefor ("Substitute Plans"), or (B) to continue Executive as a participant in the Bonus Plans and Substitute Plans on at least the same basis as to potential amount of the bonus and substantially the same level of criteria for achievability thereof as Executive participated in immediately prior to any change in such plans or awards, in accordance with the Bonus Plans and the Substitute Plans; (v) Any material breach by USI of any provision of this Restated Employment Agreement, including without limitation Section 11 hereof; (vi) If on the Board at the time of a Change in Control, Executive's removal from or failure to be reelected to the Board thereafter; or (vii) Failure of any successor to assume in a writing delivered to Executive upon the assignee becoming such, the obligations of USI hereunder. (d) NOTICE OF TERMINATION FOR GOOD REASON. A Notice of Termination for Good Reason shall mean a notice that shall indicate the specific termination provision in Section 7(c) relied upon and shall set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for Termination for Good Reason. The failure by Executive to set forth in the Notice of Termination for 9

Good Reason any facts or circumstances which contribute to the showing of Good Reason shall not waive any right of Executive hereunder or preclude Executive from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing his rights hereunder. The Notice of Termination for Good Reason shall provide for a date of termination not less than ten (10) nor more than sixty (60) days after the date such Notice of Termination for Good Reason is given, provided that in the case of the events set forth in Section 7(c)(ii) or (iii) the date may be two (2) days after the giving of such notice. (e) CAUSE. Subject to the notification provisions of Section 7(f) below, Executive's employment hereunder may be terminated by USI for Cause. For purposes of this Restated Employment Agreement, the term "Cause" shall be limited to (i) willful misconduct by Executive with regard to USI or its business; (ii) the refusal of Executive to follow the proper written direction of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer of USI or, if he is reporting to him, the Chief Operating Officer of USI provided that the foregoing refusal shall not be "Cause" if Executive in good faith believes that such direction is illegal, unethical or immoral and promptly so notifies the Board, the Chief Executive Officer of USI or the Chief Operating Officer of USI (whichever is applicable); (iii) substantial and continuing willful refusal by Executive to attempt to perform the duties required of him hereunder (other than any such failure resulting from incapacity due to physical or mental illness) after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to Executive by the Board, the Chairman, the Chief Executive Officer or the Senior Operations Officer specifically identifies the manner in which it is believed that Executive has substantially and continually refused to attempt to perform his duties hereunder; (iv) Executive being convicted of a felony (other than a felony involving a motor vehicle); (v) the breach by Executive of any material 10

fiduciary duty owed by Executive to USI; or (vi) Executive's dishonesty, misappropriation or fraud with regard to USI (other than good faith expense account disputes). (f) NOTICE OF TERMINATION FOR CAUSE. A Notice of Termination for Cause shall mean a notice that shall indicate the specific termination provision in Section 7(e) relied upon and shall set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances which provide for a basis for Termination for Cause. Further, a Notification for Cause shall be required to include a copy of a resolution duly adopted by at least two-thirds of the entire membership of the Board at a meeting of the Board which was called for the purpose of considering such termination and which Executive and his representative had the right to attend and address the Board, finding that, in the good faith opinion of the Board, Executive engaged in conduct set forth in the definition of Cause herein and specifying the particulars thereof in reasonable detail. The date of termination for a Termination for Cause shall be the date indicated in the Notice of Termination. Any purported Termination for Cause which is held by a court not to have been based on the grounds set forth in this Restated Employment Agreement or not to have followed the procedures set forth in this Restated Employment Agreement shall be deemed a Termination by USI without Cause. (g) The irrevocable direct pay letter of credit required to be delivered pursuant to Section 7(a)(vi) shall be in an amount equal to the amount Executive would be entitled to under Section 8(c)(A)(i) and (ii) hereof if he was terminated without Cause upon the Change in Control (the "Occurrence") and have an expiration date of no less than two (2) years after the Occurrence. Executive shall be entitled to draw on the letter of credit upon presentation to the issuing bank of a demand for payment signed by Executive that states that (i) (A) a Good Reason event has occurred 11

and Executive would be entitled to payment under Section 8(c) of this Restated Employment Agreement if he elected to terminate employment for Good Reason or (B) one (1) year and not more than one (1) year and thirty (30) days has expired since the Occurrence or (C) Executive is entitled to payment under Section 8(c) of this Restated Employment Agreement and (ii) assuming the event set forth in (i) entitled him to payment under Section 8(c) of this Restated Employment Agreement, the amount USI would be indebted to him at the time of presentation under Section 8(c)(A)(i) and (ii) if he then was eligible to receive payments under Section 8(c). There shall be no other requirements (including no requirement that Executive first makes demand upon USI or that Executive actually terminates employment) with regard to payment of the letter of credit. To the extent the letter of credit is not adequate to cover the amount owed to Executive by USI under this Restated Employment Agreement, is not submitted by Executive or is not paid by the issuing bank, USI shall remain liable to Executive for the remainder owed Executive pursuant to the terms of this Restated Employment Agreement. To the extent any amount is paid under the letter of credit it shall be a credit against any amounts USI then or thereafter would owe to Executive under Section 8(c) of this Restated Employment Agreement. The letter of credit shall be issued by a national money center bank with a rating of at least A by Standard and Poors. USI shall bear the cost of the letter of credit. 8. CONSEQUENCES OF TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT. (a) DEATH. If Executive's employment is terminated during the Employment Term by reason of Executive's death, the employment period under this Restated Employment Agreement shall terminate without further obligations to Executive's legal representatives under this Restated Employment Agreement except for: (i) any compensation earned but not yet paid, including and without limitation, any declared but unpaid bonus, any amount of Base Salary or deferred compensation accrued or earned but unpaid, 12

any accrued vacation pay payable pursuant to USI's policies and any unreimbursed business expenses payable pursuant to Section 6 which amounts shall be promptly paid in a lump sum to Executive's estate; (ii) the product of (x) the target annual bonus for the fiscal year of Executive's death, multiplied by (y) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days of the current fiscal year during which Executive was employed by USI, and the denominator of which is 365, which bonus shall be paid when bonuses for such period are paid to the other executives; (iii) subject to Sections 4(b) and (c) hereof, full accelerated vesting under all outstanding equity-based and long-term incentive plans (with options remaining outstanding as provided under the applicable stock option plan and a pro rata payment under any long term incentive plans based on actual coverage under such plans at the time payments normally would be made under such plans); (iv) subject to Section 9 hereof, any other amounts or benefits owing to Executive under the then applicable employee benefit plans or policies of USI, which shall be paid in accordance with such plans or policies; (v) payment on a monthly basis of six (6) months of Base Salary, which shall be paid to Executive's spouse, or if he is not married or if she shall predecease him, then to Executive's estate; and (vi) payment of the spouse's and dependent's COBRA coverage premiums to the extent, and so long as, they remain eligible for COBRA coverage, but in no event more than three (3) years. Section 11 hereof shall also continue to apply. (b) DISABILITY. If Executive's employment is terminated by reason of Executive's Disability, Executive shall be entitled to receive the payments and benefits to which his representatives would be entitled in the event of a termination of employment by reason of his death, provided that the payment of Base Salary shall be reduced by the projected amount he would receive under any 13

long-term disability policy or program maintained by USI during the six (6) month period during which Base Salary is being paid. Section 11 hereof shall also continue to apply. (c) TERMINATION BY EXECUTIVE FOR GOOD REASON OR FOR ANY REASON DURING THE CHANGE IN CONTROL PROTECTION PERIOD OR TERMINATION BY USI WITHOUT CAUSE OR NONEXTENSION OF THE TERM BY USI. If (i) outside of the Change in Control Protection Period, Executive terminates his employment hereunder for Good Reason during the Employment Term, (ii) a Change in Control occurs and during the Change in Control Protection Period Executive terminates his employment for any reason, (iii) Executive's employment with USI is terminated by USI without Cause, or (iv) Executive's employment with USI terminates as a result of USI giving notice of nonextension of the Employment Term pursuant to Section 1 hereof, Executive shall be entitled to receive (A) subject to the second and third from last sentences of this Section 8(c), in a lump sum within five (5) days after such termination (i) two (2) times Base Salary, (ii) prior to a Change in Control, the highest annual bonus paid or payable to Executive for any of the previous two (2) completed fiscal years by the Company or its predecessor, or on or after a Change in Control, two (2) times the Target Bonus, (iii) any unreimbursed business expenses payable pursuant to Section 6, and (iv) any Base Salary, Bonus, vacation pay or other deferred compensation accrued or earned but not yet paid at the date of termination; (B) subject to Sections 4(b) and (c) hereof, (i) vesting of the number of restricted shares of each grant awarded to Executive equal to (I) the product of (x) the number of restricted shares awarded to Executive in the grant, multiplied by (y) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of months Executive is employed by USI during the applicable vesting period, and the denominator of which is the total number of months in the applicable vesting period, less (II) the number of restricted shares previously vested with regard to such grant, provided that, however, if Executive's employment 14

is terminated by the Company without Cause (but for no other reason) Executive shall be vested in the greater of the foregoing number of restricted shares and the number of restricted shares that would otherwise be vested on the next vesting date following Executive's termination of employment and notwithstanding the foregoing, the Compensation Committee may, at any time and in accordance with the terms of the restricted stock plan, vest a larger portion of the restricted shares granted to Executive, (ii) all other equity-based compensation, including Options, that has vested as of the date of termination in accordance with the applicable vesting schedule and (iii) all benefits payable under the long term incentive plans as determined in accordance with the terms of such plans; (C) subject to Section 9 hereof, any other amounts or benefits due Executive under the then applicable employee benefit plans of USI as shall be determined and paid in accordance with such plans, policies and practices; (D) two (2) years of additional service and compensation credit (at his then compensation level) for pension purposes under any defined benefit type qualified or nonqualified pension plan or arrangement of USI, which payments shall be made through and in accordance with the terms of the nonqualified defined benefit pension arrangement if any then exists, or, if not, in an actuarially equivalent lump sum (using the actuarial factors then applying in USI's defined benefit plan covering Executive); (E) two (2) years of the maximum Company contribution (assuming Executive deferred the maximum amount and continued to earn his then current salary) under any type of qualified or nonqualified 401(k) plan (payable at the end of each such year); and (F) payment by USI of the premiums for Executive and his dependents' health coverage for two (2) years under USI's health plans which cover the senior executives of USI or materially similar benefits. Payments under (F) above may at the discretion of USI be made by continuing participation of Executive in the plan as a terminee, by paying the applicable COBRA premium for Executive and his dependents, or by covering 15

Executive and his dependents under substitute arrangements. In the event that the termination entitling Executive to payments under this Section 8(c) occurs on or after February 22, 2001, but prior to a Change in Control, the amounts payable under subparts (A)(i) and (ii) of this Section 8(c) beyond one times the amounts specified shall not be paid in a lump sum, but shall be paid, subject to Section 9 hereof, in twelve (12) equal monthly installments commencing one (1) year after such termination. If there is a Change in Control thereafter, the amounts, if any, remaining to be paid pursuant to the preceding sentence (and in accordance with Section 9 hereof) shall be paid in a lump sum within five (5) days thereafter. In the circumstances of (i) through (iv) above, Section 11 hereof shall also continue to apply. (d) TERMINATION WITH CAUSE OR VOLUNTARY RESIGNATION WITHOUT GOOD REASON OR RETIREMENT. If Executive's employment hereunder is terminated (i) by USI for Cause, (ii) by Executive without Good Reason outside of the Change in Control Protection Period, or (iii) by USI pursuant to Section 7(a)(viii) hereof, Executive shall be entitled to receive only his Base Salary through the date of termination, any earned but unpaid bonus, and any unreimbursed business expenses payable pursuant to Section 6. Subject to Section 4 hereof, all other benefits (including without limitation restricted stock and options) due Executive following such termination of employment shall be determined in accordance with the plans, policies and practices of USI. 9. NO MITIGATION; SET-OFF. In the event of any termination of employment under Section 8, Executive shall be under no obligation to seek other employment and prior to February 22, 2001 or after a Change in Control, there shall be no offset against any amounts due Executive under this Restated Employment Agreement on account of any remuneration attributable 16

to any subsequent employment that Executive may obtain. In the event of any termination of employment entitling Executive to payments under Section 8(c) hereof on or after February 22, 2001, and before a Change in Control, there shall be no offset against any amounts due Executive under this Restated Employment Agreement on account of any remuneration that Executive receives during the one (1) year after Executive's employment terminates (the "One-Year Period"); but if, at any time after the One-Year Period, but prior to a Change in Control, Executive is employed on a substantially full time basis either as an employee or independent contractor (other than self employed as an independent contractor doing special projects for unrelated entities or unrelated consulting firms with no project scheduled to extend, or extending on a substantially full-time basis for more than sixty (60) days after the end of the One-Year Period) the amounts payable to him under Section 8(c)(A)(i) and (ii) hereof shall cease. Any amounts due under Section 8 are in the nature of severance payments, or liquidated damages, or both, and are not in the nature of a penalty. Such amounts are inclusive, and in lieu of any amounts payable under any other salary continuation or cash severance arrangement of USI and to the extent paid or provided under any other such arrangement shall be offset from the amount due hereunder. 10. CHANGE IN CONTROL. For purposes of this Restated Employment Agreement, the term "Change in Control" shall mean (i) any "person" as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Act") (other than USI, any trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under any employee benefit plan of USI, or any company owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of USI in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of Common Stock of USI), becoming the "beneficial owner" (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of USI representing twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the 17

combined voting power of USI's then outstanding securities; (ii) during any period of two (2) consecutive years individuals who at the beginning of such period constitute the Board, and any new director (other than a director designated by a person who has entered into an agreement with USI to effect a transaction described in clause (i), (iii), or (iv) of this paragraph) or a director whose initial assumption of office occurs as a result of either an actual or threatened election contest (as such terms are used in Rule 14a-11 of Regulation 14A promulgated under the Act) or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a person other than the Board) whose election by the Board or nomination for election by USI's stockholders was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the directors then still in office who either were directors at the beginning of the two-year period or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved, cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board; (iii) the stockholders of USI approve a merger or consolidation of USI with any other corporation, other than a merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of USI outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity) more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the voting securities of USI or such surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation; provided, however, that a merger or consolidation effected to implement a recapitalization of USI (or similar transaction) in which no person acquires more than twenty-five percent (25%) of the combined voting power of USI's then outstanding securities shall not constitute a Change in Control of USI; or (iv) the stockholders of USI approve a plan of complete liquidation of USI or an agreement for the sale or disposition by USI of all or substantially all of USI's assets other than the sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of USI to a person or persons who beneficially own, directly or 18

indirectly, at least fifty percent (50%) or more of the combined voting power of the outstanding voting securities of USI at the time of the sale, including but not limited, to any entity which is, directly or indirectly, owned (based on normal issue voting interests or capital interests) after completion of the transaction at least fifty percent (50%) by the ultimate shareholders of the Company. 11. INDEMNIFICATION. (a) USI and any other entity that becomes USI agree that if Executive is made a party to or threatened to be made a party to any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (a "Proceeding"), by reason of the fact that he is or was a director or officer of USI, such other company and/or any other affiliate of any of such companies, or is or was serving at the request of any of such companies as a director, officer, member, employee, fiduciary or agent of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, including, without limitation, service with respect to employee benefit plans, whether or not the basis of such Proceeding is alleged action in an official capacity as a director, officer, member, employee, fiduciary or agent while serving as a director, officer, member, employee, fiduciary or agent, he shall be indemnified and held harmless by the applicable company to the fullest extent authorized by Delaware law (or, if other than USI, the law applicable to such company), as the same exists or may hereafter be amended, against all Expenses incurred or suffered by Executive in connection therewith, and such indemnification shall continue as to Executive even if Executive has ceased to be an officer, director, member, fiduciary or agent, or is no longer employed by USI, and shall inure to the benefit of his heirs, executors and administrators. This amendment and restatement shall not release Hanson PLC ("PLC"), HM or any of their affiliates from any indemnity or other 19

obligation under Sections 11 of the Employment Agreement prior to this amendment and restatement. (b) As used in this Restated Employment Agreement, the term "Expenses" shall include, without limitation, damages, losses, judgments, liabilities, fines, penalties, excise taxes, settlements and costs, attorneys' fees, accountants' fees, and disbursements and costs of attachment or similar bonds, investigations, and any expenses of establishing a right to indemnification under this Restated Employment Agreement. (c) Expenses incurred by Executive in connection with any Proceeding shall be paid by USI in advance upon request of Executive and the giving by Executive of any undertakings required by applicable law. (d) Executive shall give USI notice of any claim made against him for which indemnity will or could be sought under this Restated Employment Agreement. In addition, Executive shall give USI such information and cooperation as it may reasonably require and as shall be within Executive's power and at such times and places as are reasonably convenient for Executive. (e) With respect to any Proceeding as to which Executive notifies USI of the commencement thereof: (i) USI will be entitled to participate therein at its own expense; and (ii) Except as otherwise provided below, to the extent that it may wish, USI jointly with any other indemnifying party similarly notified will be entitled to assume the 20

defense thereof, with counsel reasonably satisfactory to Executive. Executive also shall have the right to employ his own counsel in such action, suit or proceeding and the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of USI. (f) USI shall not be liable to indemnify Executive under this Restated Employment Agreement for any amounts paid in settlement of any action or claim effected without its written consent. USI shall not settle any action or claim in any manner which would impose any penalty or limitation on Executive without Executive's written consent. Neither USI nor Executive will unreasonably withhold or delay their consent to any proposed settlement. (g) The right to indemnification and the payment of expenses incurred in defending a Proceeding in advance of its final disposition conferred in this Section 11 shall not be exclusive of any other right which Executive may have or hereafter may acquire under any statute, provision of the certificate of incorporation or by-laws of USI, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise. (h) Each entity which is or becomes USI hereunder agrees to obtain Officer and Director liability insurance policies covering Executive and shall maintain at all times following the Commencement Date and during the Employment Term coverage under such policies in the aggregate with regard to all officers and directors, including Executive, of an amount not less than $20 million. USI and each other entity which becomes USI shall maintain for a six (6) year period commencing on the date Executive ceases to be an employee of such entity, Officer and Director liability insurance coverage for events occurring during the period Executive was an employee or director of such entity in the same aggregate amount and under the same terms as are maintained for its active officers and 21

directors. The phrase "in the same aggregate amount and under the same terms" shall include the same level of self-insurance by PLC or USI as shall be maintained for active officers and directors. 12. SPECIAL TAX PROVISION. (a) Anything in this Restated Employment Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, in the event that any amount or benefit paid, payable, or to be paid, or distributed, distributable, or to be distributed to or with respect to Executive by USI (whether pursuant to the terms of this Restated Employment Agreement or any other plan, arrangement or agreement with USI, any person whose actions result in a change of ownership covered by Internal Revenue Code (the "Code") Section 280G(b)(2) or any person affiliated with USI or such person) as a result of a change in ownership of USI or a direct or indirect parent thereof (other than in all instances PLC, Hanson Industries ("HI") or HM) covered by Code Section 280G(b)(2) (collectively, the "Covered Payments") is or becomes subject to the excise tax imposed by or under Section 4999 of the Code (or any similar tax that may hereafter be imposed), and/or any interest or penalties with respect to such excise tax (such excise tax, together with such interest and penalties, is hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Excise Tax"), USI shall pay to Executive an additional amount (the "Tax Reimbursement Payment") such that after payment by Executive of all taxes (including, without limitation, any interest or penalties and any Excise Tax imposed on or attributable to the Tax Reimbursement Payment itself), Executive retains an amount of the Tax Reimbursement Payment equal to the sum of (i) the amount of the Excise Tax imposed upon the Covered Payments, and (ii) without duplication, an amount equal to the product of (A) any deductions disallowed for federal, state or local income tax purposes because of the inclusion of the Tax Reimbursement Payment in Executive's adjusted gross income, and (B) the highest applicable marginal rate of federal, state or local income taxation, respectively, for the calendar year in which the Tax Reimbursement 22

Payment is made or is to be made. The intent of this Section 12 is that (a) Executive, after paying his federal, state and local income tax and any payroll taxes on Executive, will be in the same position as if he was not subject to the Excise Tax under Section 4999 of the Code and did not receive the extra payments pursuant to this Section 12 and (b) that Executive should never be "out-of-pocket" with respect to any tax or other amount subject to this Section 12, whether payable to any taxing authority or repayable to USI, and this Section 12 shall be interpreted accordingly. For the avoidance of doubt, none of PLC, HI nor HM shall in any event be liable for any payments due as a result of a change in ownership (within the meaning of Code Section 280G(b)(2)) of USI after the Spinoff. (b) Except as otherwise provided in Section 12(a), for purposes of determining whether any of the Covered Payments will be subject to the Excise Tax and the amount of such Excise Tax, (i) such Covered Payments will be treated as "parachute payments" (within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code) and such payments in excess of the Code Section 280G(b)(3) "base amount" shall be treated as subject to the Excise Tax, unless, and except to the extent that, USI's independent certified public accountants appointed prior to the change in ownership covered by Code Section 280G(b)(2) or legal counsel (reasonably acceptable to Executive) appointed by such public accountants (or, if the public accountants decline such appointment and decline appointing such legal counsel, such independent certified public accountants as promptly mutually agreed on in good faith by USI and Executive) (the "Accountant"), deliver a written opinion to Executive, reasonably satisfactory to Executive's legal counsel, that Executive has a reasonable basis to claim that the Covered 23

Payments (in whole or in part) (A) do not constitute "parachute payments", (B) represent reasonable compensation for services actually rendered (within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(4) of the Code) in excess of the "base amount" allocable to such reasonable compensation, or (C) such "parachute payments" are otherwise not subject to such Excise Tax (with appropriate legal authority, detailed analysis and explanation provided therein by the Accountants); and (ii) the value of any Covered Payments which are non-cash benefits or deferred payments or benefits shall be determined by the Accountant in accordance with the principles of Section 280G of the Code. (c) For purposes of determining the amount of the Tax Reimbursement Payment, Executive shall be deemed: (i) to pay federal, state and/or local income taxes at the highest applicable marginal rate of income taxation for the calendar year in which the Tax Reimbursement Payment is made or is to be made, and (ii) to have otherwise allowable deductions for federal, state and local income tax purposes at least equal to those disallowed due to the inclusion of the Tax Reimbursement Payment in Executive's adjusted gross income. (d) (i) (A) In the event that prior to the time Executive has filed any of his tax returns for the calendar year in which the change in ownership event covered by Code Section 280G(b)(2) occurred, the Accountant determines, for any reason whatever, the correct amount of the 24

Tax Reimbursement Payment to be less than the amount determined at the time the Tax Reimbursement Payment was made, Executive shall repay to USI, at the time that the amount of such reduction in Tax Reimbursement Payment is determined by the Accountant, the portion of the prior Tax Reimbursement Payment attributable to such reduction (including the portion of the Tax Reimbursement Payment attributable to the Excise Tax and federal, state and local income tax imposed on the portion of the Tax Reimbursement Payment being repaid by Executive, using the assumptions and methodology utilized to calculate the Tax Reimbursement Payment (unless manifestly erroneous)), plus interest on the amount of such repayment at the rate provided in Section 1274(b)(2)(B) of the Code. (B) In the event that the determination set forth in (A) above is made by the Accountant after the filing by Executive of any of his tax returns for the calendar year in which the change in ownership event covered by Code Section 280G(b)(2) occurred but prior to one (1) year after the occurrence of such change in ownership, Executive shall file at the request of USI an amended tax return in accordance with the Accountant's determination, but no portion of the Tax Reimbursement Payment shall be required to be refunded to USI until actual refund or credit of such portion has been made to Executive, and interest payable to USI shall not exceed the interest received or credited to Executive by such tax authority for the period it held such portion (less any tax Executive must pay on such interest and which he is unable to deduct as a result of payment of the refund). 25

(C) In the event Executive receives a refund pursuant to (B) above and repays such amount to USI, Executive shall thereafter file for refunds or credits by reason of the repayments to USI. (D) Executive and USI shall mutually agree upon the course of action, if any, to be pursued (which shall be at the expense of USI) if Executive's claim for refund or credit is denied. (ii) In the event that the Excise Tax is later determined by the Accountants or the Internal Revenue Service to exceed the amount taken into account hereunder at the time the Tax Reimbursement Payment is made (including by reason of any payment the existence or amount of which cannot be determined at the time of the Tax Reimbursement Payment), USI shall make an additional Tax Reimbursement Payment in respect of such excess (plus any interest or penalties payable with respect to such excess) once the amount of such excess is finally determined. (iii) In the event of any controversy with the Internal Revenue Service (or other taxing authority) under this Section 12, subject to subpart (i)(D) above, Executive shall permit USI to control issues related to this Section 12 (at its expense), provided that such issues do not potentially materially adversely affect Executive, but Executive shall control any other issues. In the event the issues are interrelated, Executive and USI shall in good faith cooperate so as not to jeopardize resolution of either issue, but if the parties cannot agree Executive shall make the final determination with regard to the issues. In the event of any conference with any taxing authority as to the Excise Tax or associated income taxes, Executive shall permit the representative of USI to accompany him and Executive and his representative shall cooperate with USI and its representative. 26

(iv) With regard to any initial filing for a refund or any other action required pursuant to this Section 12 (other than by mutual agreement) or, if not required, agreed to by USI and Executive, Executive shall cooperate fully with USI, provided that the foregoing shall not apply to actions that are provided herein to be at the sole discretion of Executive. (e) The Tax Reimbursement Payment, or any portion thereof, payable by USI shall be paid not later than the fifth (5th) day following the determination by the Accountant, and any payment made after such fifth (5th) day shall bear interest at the rate provided in Code Section 1274(b)(2)(B). USI shall use its best efforts to cause the Accountant to promptly deliver the initial determination required hereunder and, if not delivered, within ninety (90) days after the change in ownership event covered by Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code, USI shall pay Executive the Tax Reimbursement Payment set forth in an opinion from counsel recognized as knowledgeable in the relevant areas selected by Executive, and reasonably acceptable to USI, within five (5) days after delivery of such opinion. The amount of such payment shall be subject to later adjustment in accordance with the determination of the Accountant as provided herein. (f) USI shall be responsible for all charges of the Accountant and if clause (e) above is applicable the reasonable charges for the opinion given by Executive's counsel. (g) USI and Executive shall mutually agree on and promulgate further guidelines in accordance with this Section 12 to the extent, if any, necessary to effect the reversal of excessive or shortfall Tax Reimbursement Payments. The foregoing shall not in any way be inconsistent with Section 12(d)(i)(D) hereof. 27

13. LEGAL AND OTHER FEES AND EXPENSES. In the event that a claim for payment or benefits under this Restated Employment Agreement is disputed, the Company shall pay all reasonable attorney, accountant and other professional fees and reasonable expenses incurred by Executive in pursuing such claim, provided Executive is successful with regard to a material portion of his claim. 14. MISCELLANEOUS. (a) GOVERNING LAW. This Restated Employment Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New Jersey without reference to principles of conflict of laws. (b) ENTIRE AGREEMENT/AMENDMENTS. This Restated Employment Agreement, as amended and restated herein, and the instruments contemplated herein, contain the entire understanding of the parties with respect to the employment of Executive by USI from and after the date hereof and supersedes any prior agreements between USI and Executive (but not the terms of, or rights under, any equity or benefits plans or grants existing on the date hereof nor the obligations of PLC, HM or their affiliates under Section 11 of this Restated Employment Agreement prior to this amendment and restatement). There are no restrictions, agreements, promises, warranties, covenants or undertakings between the parties with respect to the subject matter herein other than those expressly set forth herein and therein. This Restated Employment Agreement may not be altered, modified, or amended except by written instrument signed by the parties hereto. (c) NO WAIVER. The failure of a party to insist upon strict adherence to any term of this Restated Employment Agreement on any occasion shall not be considered a waiver of such 28

party's rights or deprive such party of the right thereafter to insist upon strict adherence to that term or any other term of this Restated Employment Agreement. Any such waiver must be in writing and signed by Executive or an authorized officer of USI, as the case may be. (d) ASSIGNMENT. This Restated Employment Agreement shall not be assignable by Executive. This Restated Employment Agreement shall be assignable by USI only to an acquiror of all or substantially all of the assets of USI, provided such acquiror promptly assumes all of the obligations hereunder of USI in a writing delivered to Executive and otherwise complies with the provisions hereof with regard to such assumption. (e) SUCCESSORS; BINDING AGREEMENT; THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES. This Restated Employment Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees legatees and permitted assignees of the parties hereto. (f) COMMUNICATIONS. For the purpose of this Restated Employment Agreement, notices and all other communications provided for in this Restated Employment Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given (i) when faxed or delivered, or (ii) two business days after being mailed by United States registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to the respective addresses set forth on the initial page of this Restated Employment Agreement, provided that all notices to USI shall be directed to the attention of the Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of USI, or to such other address as any party may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith. Notice of change of address shall be effective only upon receipt. 29

(g) WITHHOLDING TAXES. USI may withhold from any and all amounts payable under this Restated Employment Agreement such Federal, state and local taxes as may be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation. (h) SURVIVORSHIP. The respective rights and obligations of the parties hereunder shall survive any termination of Executive's employment to the extent necessary to the agreed preservation of such rights and obligations. (i) COUNTERPARTS. This Restated Employment Agreement may be signed in counterparts, each of which shall be an original, with the same effect as if the signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument. (j) HEADINGS. The headings of the sections contained in this Restated Employment Agreement are for convenience only and shall not be deemed to control or affect the meaning or construction of any provision of this Restated Employment Agreement. (k) EXECUTIVE'S REPRESENTATION. Executive represents and warrants to USI that there is no legal impediment to him performing his obligations under this Restated Employment Agreement and neither entering into this Restated Employment Agreement nor performing his contemplated service hereunder will violate any agreement to which he is a party or any other legal restriction. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this Restated Employment Agreement as of the day and year first above written. 30

U.S. INDUSTRIES, INC. By: ------------------------------- Name: Title: --------------------------------- James O'Leary 31

EXHIBIT 1 RELOCATION PROGRAM This document describes the Executive relocation/reimbursement program (the "Relocation Program") available to Executive. I. The Executive will be reimbursed by the Company for the actual costs associated with the sale of Executive's principal home ("Former Home"), as follows: A. Generally: (1) Packing, shipping, moving, unpacking and insuring household goods and common personal possessions (carrier is typically prohibited from delivering perishables, frozen foods, plants or shrubbery, combustible items and paint, or articles of extraordinary value such as jewelry, precious stones, stamp collections, wills, stocks, etc.). (2) Reasonable (at least three roundtrips with Executive and one dependent) pre-move travel, meals, etc. for house hunting. (3) Selling expenses on Executive's Former Home as follows: - Reasonable attorney's fees - Transfer tax - Real estate commission, up to a maximum total of 6% of the gross sales price. (4) Disconnecting and connecting normal appliances at origin and destination (not including installation or overhauling of equipment). B. The Company will pay for moving the following: (1) Automobiles (maximum two), registered in Executive's (or spouse's) name. (2) One boat or trailer, registered in Executive's (or spouse's) name. C. The Company will not pay for moving firewood, building materials, exclusive use of van, household cleaning and maid service, assembly or disassembly of portable swimming pools or items of a similar nature. 32

D. The Company will reimburse Executive for the following incidental expenses reasonably incurred in connection with Executive's relocation: (1) Travel expenses, including meals and lodging incurred by Executive and dependents while traveling from Former Home to Executive's new location via personal car or common carrier, economy class. (2) Meals and lodging expenses temporarily incurred by Executive and dependents, if any, until Executive obtains permanent living quarters. Such reimbursement shall not exceed such costs for two weeks or until two days following delivery of Executive's personal or household goods, whichever first occurs. Extensions may be granted at the Company's discretion as a result of extenuating circumstances. E. The Company will reimburse Executive for the following expenses in connection with purchasing a principal house/home within a reasonable proximity to the new Company's headquarters' location within twelve (12) months of the relocation of Executive: (1) Reasonable attorney's fees; (2) Title search and any other filing fees; (3) Building and termite inspection; (4) Mortgage application, placement fee and points (up to a maximum payment of the lesser of 1 1/2 points or $6,000 for points). F. The Company will make a payment to Executive equal to one month's Base Salary to cover other incidental expenses relating to moving. Executive is not required to submit a claim for this payment. This payment will be made within thirty (30) days of Executive's actual physical permanent relocation, upon notice from Executive confirming the move. II. Tax Issues Federal Income Tax law generally requires the Company to file forms with the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") indicating the amount of moving and relocation expenses paid to Executive or to others on behalf of Executive. Such amounts may include, for example, the cost of moving household goods and real estate commissions which are paid directly by the Company to outside companies. The total of the amounts will generally be reported to the IRS on Form W-2, a copy of which will be sent to Executive. 33

The Company shall advise Executive of the details of the moving expenses and reimbursements and will provide the information to Executive in accordance with applicable IRS Forms or Notices or, if no IRS Form or Notice is required, in a format selected by the Company. Executive generally will be required to include in taxable income the amounts shown on Form W-2 and will be permitted to claim certain moving expense deductions for amounts paid directly by the Executive and not reimbursed by the Company by filing Form 3903 - Moving Expense Adjustment, or other applicable IRS forms. The Company will reimburse Executive for additional federal taxes incurred as a result of reporting income in excess of allowable deductions resulting from the relocation other than that resulting from a termination by the Executive without Good Reason or by the Company for Cause (the "Excess Amount"). However, the income provided pursuant to Section I.F. will be subtracted from the Excess Amount prior to calculating the additional federal tax "gross-up". The Company will also reimburse Executive for additional state and other payroll taxes, if any, incurred as a result of paying for expenses referred to above, subject to the same limitations. The Company is also required to withhold federal income taxes from that portion of Executive's reimbursement which are included in income and non-deductible. The amount of such taxes withheld will be reimbursed to Executive. Because the tax reimbursement(s) will also be taxable income to Executive in the year received, the reimbursement(s) will be "grossed-up" so that the amount received will substantially equal the balance of the tax, as well as the tax on the reimbursement, at Executive's marginal rate of federal tax and, if applicable, any state tax and payroll taxes. 34

EXHIBIT 10.10(b) November 3, 2000 Mr. James O'Leary Executive Vice President U. S. Industries, Inc. 101 Wood Avenue South Iselin, NJ 08830-0169 Dear Jim: As you know, the U. S. Industries, Inc. ("USI") Board of Directors (the "Board") has approved the spinoff of USI's Lighting Corporation of America business segment and the Spear & Jackson group (the "Spinoff"), with you as a senior executive of the Spinoff's parent company, LCA Group Inc. ("LCA"). Consequently, you shall cease employment with USI effective on the Spinoff and commence employment with LCA. Simultaneous with the execution of this letter (the "Letter Agreement"), you and LCA will have entered into an employment agreement with regard to your future employment with LCA (the "LCA Employment Agreement"). The LCA Employment Agreement becomes effective upon the Spinoff, provided you are employed by USI immediately prior to the Spinoff. Pending the Spinoff, your current employment agreement with USI (the "USI Employment Agreement") remains in full force and effect, including but not limited to the mutual rights of termination thereunder. This Letter Agreement will confirm your agreement that upon the Spinoff, your USI Employment Agreement shall terminate and be of no further force and effect, except for any rights with regard to indemnification as it relates to the period prior to the Spinoff. USI reserves the right to delay or abandon the Spinoff at any time with no obligations to you, other than any rights you have under your USI Employment Agreement. Accordingly, if the Spinoff does not occur prior to January 31, 2001, your USI Employment Agreement shall continue in effect and this Letter Agreement shall be null and void. To induce you to enter into the LCA Employment Agreement, surrender any entitlements under your USI Employment Agreement due to your termination of employment by USI upon the Spinoff, and execute a release of USI and related parties (the "Release"), the Compensation Committee of the Board has taken certain steps with regard to specific USI equity awards conditioned upon the completion of the Spinoff, the execution of the Release at that time, and your simultaneous execution of this Letter Agreement and the LCA Employment Agreement, and the future grant of LCA equity awards effective on the Spinoff, as detailed below:

Mr. James O'Leary U.S. Industries, Inc. Iselin, NJ 08830-0169 Page Two 1. The stock options granted to you by USI on September 1, 1999, February 11, 2000 and May 3, 2000 will fully vest upon the consummation of the Spinoff, and these options along with all other vested options as of the Spinoff with an exercise price equal or below $16.125, will remain exercisable until the second annual anniversary of the Spinoff; and 2. Your restricted stock previously awarded to you by USI will fully vest on the 90th day following the Spinoff provided you have not voluntarily terminated your employment with LCA; and 3. Effective on the Spinoff, grant you 95,000 options at market value pursuant to The LCA Stock Incentive Plan, with vesting to occur at the rate of 25% per year of employment, with full vesting on the fourth anniversary of the Spinoff, or a change-in-control of LCA, if earlier, as further detailed and expanded in the grant; and 4. Effective on the Spinoff, award you 90,000 shares of LCA restricted stock pursuant to the LCA plan which will provide for vesting to occur at the end of the seventh anniversary of the Spinoff, or a change-in-control of LCA, if earlier, as further detailed and expanded in the grant. Attached is a summary of the current status of your USI options and restricted stock (without effect of the Spinoff inducements above) under the USI stock programs, for your reference. Note that other than those options referred to in (1) above, all other vested USI options as of the Spinoff will remain exercisable for 90 days in accordance with the terms of the applicable plan. All other USI employment-related benefits, compensation or other entitlements provided to you prior to the Spinoff (e.g., pension, 401(k), LTIP, car policy, etc.) will be assumed by LCA effective on the Spinoff. Enclosed are the Release, two copies of your LCA Employment Agreement and a second copy of this Letter Agreement for your execution. Please review these documents carefully, especially the language in the Release which also provides for a time-restricted rescission period. Although these documents should remain strictly confidential (except for legal counsel), USI must advise you of the right to consult counsel regarding the waiving of your rights pursuant to the Release. Please acknowledge your concurrence with this Letter Agreement, execute both copies of the LCA Employment Agreement (one copy will be returned to you after execution by LCA) and return all three documents to Dorothy Sander. The Release should be executed on the day prior to the Spinoff and given to Dorothy at that time.

Mr. James O'Leary U.S. Industries, Inc. Iselin, NJ 08830-0169 Page Three Should you have any questions regarding any of these matters, please feel free to call either Dorothy or me. Regards, David H. Clarke Chairman and Chief Executive Agreed: ----------------------------------------- James O'Leary Date

EXHIBIT 10.11 EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT, made as of September 13, 1999 by and between, U.S. Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation, with its principal office at 101 Wood Avenue South, Iselin, New Jersey 08830 (the "Company"), and John W. Dean III, residing at 521 Golf Tee Lane #209, Longwood, Florida 32779 ("Executive"). W I T N E S S E T H: WHEREAS, effective October 4, 1999 (the "Commencement Date"), the Company desires to employ Executive as Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer and the Executive desires to accept such employment; and WHEREAS, the Company and Executive desire to enter into this agreement (the "Agreement") as to the terms of his employment by the Company. NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants contained herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the parties agree as follows: 1. TERM OF EMPLOYMENT. Except for earlier termination as provided in Section 7 hereof, Executive's employment under this Agreement shall be for a two-year term (the "Employment Term") commencing on the Commencement Date and ending two (2) years thereafter. Subject to Section 7 hereof, the Employment Term shall be automatically extended for additional terms of successive one (1) year periods unless the Company or Executive gives written notice to the other at least ninety (90) days prior to the expiration of the then current Employment Term of the termination of Executive's employment hereunder at the end of such current Employment Term.

2. POSITIONS. (a) Executive shall serve as a senior executive of the Company, initially, as the Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of the Company. If requested by the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board") or the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (the "Chief Executive Officer"), Executive shall also serve on the Board, as an executive officer and director of subsidiaries and a director of associated companies of the Company without additional compensation and subject to any policy of the Compensation Committee of the Company's Board (the "Compensation Committee") with regard to retention or turnover of the director's fees. (b) Executive shall have such duties and authority, consistent with his then position as shall be assigned to him from time to time by the Board or the Chief Executive Officer or his designee. (c) During the Employment Term, Executive shall devote all of his business time and efforts to the performance of his duties hereunder; provided, however, that Executive shall be allowed, to the extent that such activities do not materially interfere with the performance of his duties and responsibilities hereunder, to manage his passive personal interests and to serve on civic or charitable boards or committees, and subject to the next sentence, serve on corporate boards of directors. Executive may serve on corporate boards of directors only if approved in advance by the Board (which approval may be withdrawn at any time) and shall not serve on any corporate board of directors if such service would be inconsistent with his fiduciary responsibilities to the Company. 3. BASE SALARY. During the Employment Term, the Company shall pay Executive a base salary at the annual rate of not less than $230,000. Base salary shall be payable in accordance with the usual payroll practices of the Company. Executive's Base Salary shall be subject to annual review by the Board or the Compensation Committee during the Employment Term and may be increased, but not decreased, from time to time by the Board or the Compensation Committee, except that, prior to a Change in Control (as defined in Exhibit A), it may be decreased proportionately in connection with an 2

across the board decrease generally applying to senior executives of the Company. The base salary as determined as aforesaid from time to time shall constitute "Base Salary" for purposes of this Agreement. 4. INCENTIVE COMPENSATION. (a) BONUS. For each fiscal year or portion thereof during the Employment Term, Executive shall be eligible to participate in an incentive bonus plan of the Company in accordance with, and subject to, the terms of such plan, that provides an annualized cash target bonus opportunity equal to at least 60% of Base Salary (the "Target Bonus"). (b) EQUITY. (i) OPTIONS. The Company shall recommend to the Compensation Committee that Executive be granted nonqualified stock options to purchase 12,500 shares of common stock of the Company, upon such terms and conditions specified by the Compensation Committee. (ii) RESTRICTED STOCK. The Company shall recommend to the Compensation Committee that Executive be granted 25,000 restricted shares of common stock of the Company, upon such terms and conditions specified by the Compensation Committee. (c) SIGNING BONUS. Executive shall receive a signing bonus ("Signing Bonus") of $150,000, payable within ten (10) days following the Commencement Date, provided that the Signing Bonus (i) shall not be paid or payable if, prior to payment, Executive voluntarily terminates his employment hereunder without Good Reason or the Company terminates Executive's employment hereunder for Cause, as defined in Section 7(d) below (collectively, a "Disqualifying Event") and (ii) shall be repaid to the Company by Executive, on demand by the Company, in the event that a Disqualifying Event occurs within two (2) years after the Commencement Date. (d) OTHER COMPENSATION. The Company may, upon recommendation of the Compensation Committee, award to Executive such other bonuses and compensation as it deems appropriate and reasonable. 3

5. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS AND VACATION. (a) During the Employment Term, Executive shall be entitled to participate in all pension, long-term incentive compensation, retirement, savings, welfare and other employee benefit plans and arrangements and fringe benefits and perquisites generally maintained by the Company from time to time for the benefit of senior executive officers of the Company of a comparable level in each case in accordance with their respective terms as in effect from time to time. (b) During the Employment Term, Executive shall be entitled to vacation each year in accordance with the Company's policies in effect from time to time, but in no event less than four (4) weeks paid vacation per calendar year. Executive shall also be entitled to such periods of sick leave as is customarily provided by the Company to its senior executive employees. 6. BUSINESS EXPENSES. The Company shall reimburse Executive for the travel, entertainment and other business expenses incurred by Executive in the performance of his duties hereunder, in accordance with the Company's policies as in effect from time to time. 7. TERMINATION. (a) The employment of Executive and the Employment terms shall terminate as provided in Section 1 hereof or, if earlier, upon the earliest to occur of any of the following events: (i) the death of Executive; (ii) the termination of Executive's employment by the Company due to Executive's Disability (as defined in Exhibit A) pursuant to Section 7(b) hereof; (iii) the termination of Executive's employment by Executive for Good Reason (as defined in Exhibit A) pursuant to Section 7(c) hereof; 4

(iv) the termination of Executive's employment by the Company without Cause (as defined in Exhibit A) pursuant to Section 7(e) hereof; (v) the termination of employment by Executive without Good Reason upon sixty (60) days prior written notice pursuant to Section 7(e) hereof; (vi) the termination of Executive's employment by the Company for Cause pursuant to Section 7(d) hereof; or (vii) the retirement of Executive by the Company at or after his sixty-fifth birthday. (b) DISABILITY. If Executive incurs a Disability, the Company may terminate Executive's employment for Disability upon thirty (30) days written notice by a Notice of Disability Termination, at any time thereafter during such twelve (12) month period while Executive is unable to carry out his duties as a result of the same or related physical or mental illness or incapacity. Such termination shall not be effective if Executive returns to the full time performance of his material duties within such thirty (30) day period. (c) TERMINATION FOR GOOD REASON. A Termination for Good Reason means a termination by Executive by written notice given (i) within ninety (90) days after the occurrence of the Good Reason event (other than an Exhibit A (d)(iv) event), unless such circumstances are fully corrected prior to the date of termination specified in the Notice of Termination for Good Reason or (ii) pursuant to an Exhibit A (d)(iv) event. A Notice of Termination for Good Reason shall mean a notice that shall indicate the specific Good Reason event relied upon and shall set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for Termination for Good Reason. The failure by Executive to set forth in the Notice of Termination for Good Reason any facts or circumstances which contribute to 5

the showing of Good Reason shall not waive any right of Executive hereunder or preclude Executive from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing his rights hereunder. The Notice of Termination for Good Reason shall provide for a date of termination not less than ten (10) nor more than sixty (60) days after the date such Notice of Termination for Good Reason is given, provided that in the case of the events set forth in Section (d)(iii) of Exhibit A the date may be two (2) days after the giving of such notice and in the case of the event set forth in Section (d)(iv) of Exhibit A, the date of termination shall be immediate. (d) CAUSE. Subject to the notification provisions of this Section 7(d), Executive's employment hereunder may be terminated by the Company for Cause. A Notice of Termination for Cause shall mean a notice that shall indicate the specific termination provision in Section (a) of Exhibit A relied upon and shall set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances which provide for a basis for Termination for Cause. The date of termination for a Termination for Cause shall be the date indicated in the Notice of Termination. Any purported Termination for Cause which is held by a court not to have been based on the grounds set forth in this Agreement or not to have followed the procedures set forth in this Agreement shall be deemed a termination by the Company without Cause. (e) OTHER TERMINATIONS. The Executive's employment by the Company shall be at will. Accordingly, the Company may terminate the Executive at any time (with or without notice), for reasons other than Cause or for no reason. The Executive may terminate his employment with the Company at any time upon sixty (60) days prior written notice. 6

8. CONSEQUENCES OF TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT. (a) DEATH, DISABILITY, VOLUNTARY RESIGNATION WITHOUT GOOD REASON, RETIREMENT, FOR CAUSE, NONEXTENSION OF THE EMPLOYMENT TERM BY EXECUTIVE. If Executive's employment and the Employment Term are terminated by reason of (i) Executive's death or Disability, (ii) by Executive without Good Reason or as a result of a notice of Nonextension of the Employment Term by Executive or (iii) by the Company for Cause or pursuant to Section 7(a)(vi) hereof, the employment period under this Agreement shall terminate without further obligations to Executive or Executive's legal representatives under this Agreement except for: (i) any Base Salary earned but unpaid, any accrued but unused vacation pay payable pursuant to the Company's policies, and any unreimbursed business expenses payable pursuant to Section 6 (collectively "Accrued Amounts") and any unpaid Signing Bonus payable in accordance with Section 4(c) hereof (which, amounts shall, in the event of Executive's death, be promptly paid in a lump sum to Executive's estate) and (ii) any other amounts or benefits owing to Executive under the then applicable employee benefit plans, long term incentive plans or equity plans and programs of the Company which shall be paid in accordance with such plans and programs. (b) TERMINATION BY EXECUTIVE FOR GOOD REASON, TERMINATION BY THE COMPANY WITHOUT CAUSE, OR NONEXTENSION OF THE TERM BY THE COMPANY. If Executive's employment and the Employment Term are terminated (i) by the Executive for Good Reason, (ii) by the Company without Cause (and other than for Disability or pursuant to Section 7(a)(vi)) or (iii) Executive's employment with the Company terminates as a result of the Company giving notice of nonextension of the Employment Term pursuant to Section 1 hereof, Executive shall be entitled to receive the Accrued Amounts, any unpaid Signing Bonus and shall, subject to Sections 9(b), 9(c) and 10 hereof, be entitled to receive, (A) equal monthly payments of an amount equal to his then monthly rate of Base Salary, but off the employee payroll, for a period of twelve (12) months following the date of his termination; provided that if such termination occurs within two (2) years after a Change in Control, in lieu of the foregoing, Executive shall 7

receive in a lump sum within five (5) days after compliance with such Section 9(b), an amount equal to (i) two (2) times Base Salary and (ii) two (2) times the Target Bonus; (B) any other amounts or benefits owing to Executive under the then applicable employee benefit, long term incentive or equity plans and programs of the Company which shall be paid in accordance with such plans and programs; provided that, if such termination occurs within two (2) years after a Change in Control, Executive shall in any event receive any earned or declared annual bonus for any complete fiscal year which has not then been paid; (C) if such termination is within two (2) years after a Change in Control, two (2) years of additional service and compensation credit (at the compensation level in the fiscal year ending immediately prior to the Change in Control) for pension purposes under any defined benefit type qualified or nonqualified pension plan or arrangement of the Company, which payments shall be made through and in accordance with the terms of the nonqualified defined benefit pension arrangement if any then exists, or, if not, in an actuarially equivalent lump sum (using the actuarial factors then applying in the Company's defined benefit plan covering Executive); (D) if such termination is within two (2) years after a Change in Control, two (2) years of the maximum Company contribution (assuming Executive deferred the maximum amount and continued to earn his then current salary) under any type of qualified or nonqualified 401(k) plan; (E) if such termination is prior to, or after two (2) years following, a Change in Control, payment of Executive's and his dependents' COBRA coverage premiums to the extent, and so long as, they remain eligible for COBRA coverage for up to one (1) year; and (F) if such termination is within two (2) years after a Change in Control, payment by the Company of the premiums for Executive and his dependents' health coverage for two (2) years under the Company's health plans which cover the senior executives of the Company or materially similar benefits. Payments under (F) above may at the discretion of the Company be made by continuing participation of Executive in the plan as a terminee, by paying the applicable COBRA premium for Executive and his dependents, or by covering Executive and his dependents under substitute arrangements. 8

9. (a) NO MITIGATION; NO SET-OFF. In the event of any termination of employment under Section 8, Executive shall be under no obligation to seek other employment and there shall be no offset against any amounts due Executive under this Agreement on account of any remuneration attributable to any subsequent employment that Executive may obtain. Any amounts due under Section 8 are in the nature of severance payments and are not in the nature of a penalty. Such amounts are inclusive, and in lieu of any, amounts payable under any other salary continuation or cash severance arrangement of the Company and to the extent paid or provided under any other such arrangement shall be offset from the amount due hereunder. (b) Executive agrees that, as a condition to receiving the payments and benefits provided under Section 8(b) hereunder he will execute, deliver and not revoke (within the time period permitted by applicable law) a release of all claims of any kind whatsoever against the Company, its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, agents and shareholders in the then standard form being used by the Company for senior executives (but without release of the right of indemnification hereunder or under the Company's By-laws or rights under benefit or equity plans that by their terms are intended to survive termination of his employment). (c) Upon any termination of employment, Executive hereby resigns as an officer and director of the Company, any subsidiary and any affiliate and as a fiduciary of any benefit plan of any of the foregoing. Executive shall promptly execute any further documentation thereof as requested by the Company and, if the Executive is to receive any payments from the Company, execution of such further documentation shall be a condition thereof. 10. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION, NON-COMPETITION AND NON-SOLICITATION OF THE COMPANY. (a) (i) Executive acknowledges that as a result of his employment by the Company, Executive will obtain secret and confidential information as to the Company and its affiliates and create relationships with 9

customers, suppliers and other persons dealing with the Company and its affiliates and the Company and its affiliates will suffer substantial damage, which would be difficult to ascertain, if Executive should use such confidential information or take advantage of such relationship and that because of the nature of the information that will be known to Executive and the relationships created it is necessary for the Company and its affiliates to be protected by the prohibition against Competition as set forth herein, as well as the Confidentiality restrictions set forth herein. (ii) Executive acknowledges that the retention of nonclerical employees employed by the Company and its affiliates in which the Company and its affiliates have invested training and depends on for the operation of their businesses is important to the businesses of the Company and its affiliates, that Executive will obtain unique information as to such employees as an executive of the Company and will develop a unique relationship with such persons as a result of being an executive of the Company and, therefore, it is necessary for the Company and its affiliates to be protected from Executive's Solicitation of such employees as set forth below. (iii) Executive acknowledges that the provisions of this Agreement are reasonable and necessary for the protection of the businesses of the Company and its affiliates and that part of the compensation paid under this Agreement and the agreement to pay severance in certain instances is in consideration for the agreements in this Section 10. (b) Competition shall mean: participating, directly or indirectly, as an individual proprietor, partners, stockholder, officer, employee, director, joint venturer, investor, lender, consultant or in any capacity whatsoever (within the United States of America, or in any country where the Company or its affiliates do business) in a business in competition with any business conducted by the Company, provided, however, that such participation shall not include (i) the mere ownership of not more than one 10

percent (1%) of the total outstanding stock of a publicly held company; or (ii) any activity engaged in with the prior written approval of the Board. (c) Solicitation shall mean: recruiting, soliciting or inducing, of any nonclerical employee or employees of the Company or its affiliates to terminate their employment with, or otherwise cease their relationship with, the Company or its affiliates or hiring or assisting another person or entity to hire any nonclerical employee of the Company or its affiliates or any person who within six (6) months before had been a nonclerical employee of the Company or its affiliates and were recruited or solicited for such employment or other retention while an employee of the Company, provided, however, that solicitation shall not include any of the foregoing activities engaged in with the prior written approval of the Chief Executive Officer. (d) If any restriction set forth with regard to Competition or Solicitation is found by any court of competent jurisdiction, or an arbitrator, to be unenforceable because it extends for too long a period of time or over too great a range of activities or in too broad a geographic area, it shall be interpreted to extend over the maximum period of time, range of activities or geographic area as to which it may be enforceable. If any provision of this Section 10 shall be declared to be invalid or unenforceable, in whole or in part, as a result of the foregoing, as a result of public policy or for any other reason, such invalidity shall not affect the remaining provisions of this Section which shall remain in full force and effect. (e) During and after the Employment Term, Executive shall hold in a fiduciary capacity for the benefit of the Company and its affiliates all secret or confidential information, knowledge or data relating to the Company and its affiliates, and their respective businesses, including any confidential information as to customers of the Company and its affiliates, (i) obtained by Executive during his employment by the Company and its affiliates and (ii) not otherwise public knowledge or known within 11

the applicable industry. Executive shall not, without prior written consent of the Company, unless compelled pursuant to the order of a court or other governmental or legal body having jurisdiction over such matter, communicate or divulge any such information, knowledge or datato anyone other than the Company and those designated by it. In the event Executive is compelled by order of a court or other governmental or legal body to communicate or divulge any such information, knowledge or data to anyone other than the foregoing, he shall promptly notify the Company of any such order and he shall cooperate fully with the Company in protecting such information to the extent possible under applicable law. (f) Upon termination of his employment with the Company and its affiliates, or at any time as the Company may request, Executive will promptly deliver to the Company, as requested, all documents (whether prepared by the Company, an affiliate, Executive or a third party) relating to the Company, an affiliate or any of their businesses or property which he may possess or have under his direction or control other than documents provided to Executive in his capacity as a participant in any employee benefit plan, policy or program of the Company or any agreement by and between Executive and the Company with regard to Executive's employment or severance. (g) During the Employment Term and for two (2) years following a termination of Executive's employment for any reason whatsoever, whether by the Company or by Executive and whether or not for Cause, Good Reason or non-extension of the Employment Term, Executive will not engage in Solicitation. (h) During the Employment Term and for one (1) year following a termination of Executive's employment for any reason whatsoever, whether by the Company or by Executive and whether or not for Cause, Good Reason or non-extension of the Employment Term, Executive will not enter into Competition with the Company or its affiliates. 12

(i) In the event of a breach or potential breach of this Section 10, Executive acknowledges that the Company and its affiliates will be caused irreparable injury and that money damages may not be an adequate remedy and agree that the Company and its affiliates shall be entitled to injunctive relief (in addition to its other remedies at law) to have the provisions of this Section 10 enforced. It is hereby acknowledged that the provisions of this Section 10 are for the benefit of the Company and all of the affiliates of the Company and each such entity may enforce the provisions of this Section 10 and only the applicable entity can waive the rights hereunder with respect to its confidential information and employees. (j) Furthermore, in the event of breach of this Section 10 by Executive, while he is receiving amounts under Section 8(b) hereof, Executive shall not be entitled to receive any future amounts pursuant to Section 8(b) hereof. 11. INDEMNIFICATION. The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Executive to the extent provided in the Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws of the Company for any action or inaction of Executive while serving as an officer and director of the Company or, at the Company's request, as an officer or director of any other subsidiary or affiliate of the Company or as a fiduciary of any benefit plan. The Company shall cover Executive under directors and officers liability insurance both during and, while potential liability exists, after the Employment Term in the same amount and to the same extent as the Company covers its other officers and directors. 12. SPECIAL TAX PROVISION. (a) Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, in the event that any amount or benefit paid, payable, or to be paid, or distributed, distributable, or to be distributed to or with respect to Executive by the Company (whether pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any other plan, arrangement or agreement with the Company, any person whose actions result in a change of ownership covered by Section 280G(b)(2) of the Internal Revenue 13

Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") or any person affiliated with the Company or such person) as a result of a change in ownership of the Company or a direct or indirect parent thereof after the Spinoff covered by Code Section 280G(b)(2) (collectively, the "Covered Payments") is or becomes subject to the excise tax imposed by or under Section 4999 of the Code (or any similar tax that may hereafter be imposed), and/or any interest or penalties with respect to such excise tax (such excise tax, together with such interest and penalties, is hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Excise Tax"), the Company shall pay to Executive an additional amount (the "Tax Reimbursement Payment") such that after payment by Executive of all taxes (including, without limitation, any interest or penalties and any Excise Tax imposed on or attributable to the Tax Reimbursement Payment itself), Executive retains an amount of the Tax Reimbursement Payment equal to the sum of (i) the amount of the Excise Tax imposed upon the Covered Payments, and (ii) without duplication, an amount equal to the product of (A) any deductions disallowed for federal, state or local income or payroll tax purposes because of the inclusion of the Tax Reimbursement Payment in Executive's adjusted gross income, and (B) the highest applicable marginal rate of federal, state or local income taxation, respectively, for the calendar year in which the Tax Reimbursement Payment is made or is to be made. The intent of this Section 12 is that (a) the Executive, after paying his Federal, state and local income tax and any payroll taxes on Executive, will be in the same position as if he was not subject to the Excise Tax under Section 4999 of the Code and did not receive the extra payments pursuant to this Section 12 and (b) that Executive should never be "out-of-pocket" with respect to any tax or other amount subject to this Section 12, whether payable to any taxing authority or repayable to the Company, and this Section 12 shall be interpreted accordingly. (b) Except as otherwise provided in Section 12(a), for purposes of determining whether any of the Covered Payments will be subject to the Excise Tax and the amount of such Excise Tax, 14

(i) such Covered Payments will be treated as "parachute payments" (within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code) and such payments in excess of the Code Section 280G(b)(3) "base amount" shall be treated as subject to the Excise Tax, unless, and except to the extent that, the Company's independent certified public accountants appointed prior to the change in ownership covered by Code Section 280G(b)(2) or legal counsel (reasonably acceptable to Executive) appointed by such public accountants (or, if the public accountants decline such appointment and decline appointing such legal counsel, such independent certified public accountants as promptly mutually agreed on in good faith by the Company and the Executive) (the "Accountant"), deliver a written opinion to Executive, reasonably satisfactory to Executive's legal counsel, that Executive has a reasonable basis to claim that the Covered Payments (in whole or in part) (A) do not constitute "parachute payments", (B) represent reasonable compensation for services actually rendered (within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(4) of the Code) in excess of the "base amount" allocable to such reasonable compensation, or (C) such "parachute payments" are otherwise not subject to such Excise Tax (with appropriate legal authority, detailed analysis and explanation provided therein by the Accountants); and (ii) the value of any Covered Payments which are non-cash benefits or deferred payments or benefits shall be determined by the Accountant in accordance with the principles of Section 280G of the Code. (c) For purposes of determining the amount of the Tax Reimbursement Payment, Executive shall be deemed: (i) to pay federal, state, local income and/or payroll taxes at the highest applicable marginal rate of income taxation for the calendar year in which the Tax Reimbursement Payment is made or is to be made, and 15

(ii) to have otherwise allowable deductions for federal, state and local income and payroll tax purposes at least equal to those disallowed due to the inclusion of the Tax Reimbursement Payment in Executive's adjusted gross income. (d)(i)(A) In the event that prior to the time Executive has filed any of his tax returns for the calendar year in which the change in ownership event covered by Code Section 280G(b)(2) occurred, the Accountant determines, for any reason whatever, the correct amount of the Tax Reimbursement Payment to be less than the amount determined at the time the Tax Reimbursement Payment was made, the Executive shall repay to the Company, at the time that the amount of such reduction in Tax Reimbursement Payment is determined by the Accountant, the portion of the prior Tax Reimbursement Payment attributable to such reduction (including the portion of the Tax Reimbursement Payment attributable to the Excise Tax and federal, state and local income and payroll tax imposed on the portion of the Tax Reimbursement Payment being repaid by Executive, using the assumptions and methodology utilized to calculate the Tax Reimbursement Payment (unless manifestly erroneous)), plus interest on the amount of such repayment at the rate provided in Section 1274(b)(2)(B) of the Code. (B) In the event that the determination set forth in (A) above is made by the Accountant after the filing by Executive of any of his tax returns for the calendar year in which the change in ownership event covered by Code Section 280G(b)(2) occurred but prior to one (1) year after the occurrence of such change in ownership, Executive shall file at the request of the Company an amended tax return in accordance with the Accountant's determination, but no portion of the Tax Reimbursement Payment shall be required to be refunded to the Company until actual refund or credit of such portion has been made to Executive, and interest payable to the Company shall not exceed the interest received or credited to Executive by such tax authority for the period it held such portion (less any 16

tax Executive must pay on such interest and which he is unable to deduct as a result of payment of the refund). (C) In the event Executive receives a refund pursuant to (B) above and repays such amount to the Company, Executive shall thereafter file for refunds or credits by reason of the repayments to the Company. (D) Executive and the Company shall mutually agree upon the course of action, if any, to be pursued (which shall be at the expense of the Company) if Executive's claim for refund or credit is denied. (ii) In the event that the Excise Tax is later determined by the Accountants or the Internal Revenue Service to exceed the amount taken into account hereunder at the time the Tax Reimbursement Payment is made (including by reason of any payment the existence or amount of which cannot be determined at the time of the Tax Reimbursement Payment), the Company shall make an additional Tax Reimbursement Payment in respect of such excess (plus any interest or penalties payable with respect to such excess) once the amount of such excess is finally determined. (iii) In the event of any controversy with the Internal Revenue Service (or other taxing authority) under this Section 12, subject to subpart (i)(D) above, Executive shall permit the Company to control issues related to this Section 12 (at its expense), provided that such issues do not potentially materially adversely affect Executive, but Executive shall control any other issues. In the event the issues are interrelated, Executive and the Company shall in good faith cooperate so as not to jeopardize resolution of either issue, but if the parties cannot agree Executive shall make the final determination with regard to the issues. In the event of any conference with any taxing authority as to the Excise Tax or associated income taxes, Executive shall permit the representative of the Company to 17

accompany him and Executive and his representative shall cooperate with the Company and its representative. (iv) With regard to any initial filing for a refund or any other action required pursuant to this Section 12 (other than by mutual agreement) or, if not required, agreed to by the Company and Executive, the Executive shall cooperate fully with the Company, provided that the foregoing shall not apply to actions that are provided herein to be at the sole discretion of Executive. (e) The Tax Reimbursement Payment, or any portion thereof, payable by the Company shall be paid not later than the fifth (5th) day following the determination by the Accountant and any payment made after such fifth (5th) day shall bear interest at the rate provided in Code Section 1274(b)(2)(B). The Company shall use its best efforts to cause the Accountant, to promptly deliver the initial determination required hereunder and, if not delivered, within ninety (90) days after the change in ownership event covered by Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code, the Company shall pay Executive the Tax Reimbursement Payment set forth in an opinion from counsel recognized as knowledgeable in the relevant areas selected by Executive, and reasonably acceptable to the Company, within five (5) days after delivery of such opinion. The amount of such payment shall be subject to later adjustment in accordance with the determination of the Accountant as provided herein. (f) The Company shall be responsible for all charges of the Accountant and if (e) is applicable the reasonable charges for the opinion given by Executive's counsel. (g) The Company and Executive shall mutually agree on and promulgate further guidelines in accordance with this Section 12 to the extent, if any, necessary to effect the reversal of excessive or shortfall Tax Reimbursement Payments. The foregoing shall not in any way be inconsistent with Section 12(d)(i)(D) hereof. 18

13. LEGAL AND OTHER FEES AND EXPENSES. In the event that a claim for payment or benefits under this Agreement is disputed, the Company shall pay all reasonable attorney, accountant and other professional fees and reasonable expenses incurred by Executive in pursuing such claim, provided Executive is successful with regard to a material portion of his claim. 14. MISCELLANEOUS. (a) GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New Jersey without reference to principles of conflict of laws. (b) ENTIRE AGREEMENT/AMENDMENTS. This Agreement and the instruments contemplated herein, contain the entire understanding of the parties with respect to the employment of Executive by the Company from and after the Commencement Date and supersedes any prior agreements between the Company and Executive with respect thereto. There are no restrictions, agreements, promises, warranties, covenants or undertakings between the parties with respect to the subject matter herein other than those expressly set forth herein and therein. This Agreement may not be altered, modified, or amended except by written instrument signed by the parties hereto. (c) NO WAIVER. The failure of a party to insist upon strict adherence to any term of this Agreement on any occasion shall not be considered a waiver of such party's rights or deprive such party of the right thereafter to insist upon strict adherence to that term or any other term of this Agreement. Any such waiver must be in writing and signed by Executive or an authorized officer of the Company, as the case may be. (d) ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement shall not be assignable by Executive. This Agreement shall be assignable by the Company only to an entity which is owned, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part by the Company or by any successor to the Company or an acquirer of all or substantial 19

all of the assets of the Company or all or substantially all of the assets of a group of subsidiaries and divisions of the Company, provided such entity or acquirer promptly assumes all of the obligations hereunder of the Company in a writing delivered to Executive and otherwise complies with the provisions hereof with regard to such assumption. Upon such assignment and assumption, all references to the Company herein shall be to the assignee entity or acquirer, as the case may be. (e) SUCCESSORS; BINDING AGREEMENT; THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees legatees and permitted assignees of the parties hereto. In the event of the Executive's death while receiving amounts payable pursuant to Section 8(b) hereof, any remaining amounts shall be paid to Executive's estate. (f) COMMUNICATIONS. For the purpose of this Agreement, notices and all other communications provided for in this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given (i) when faxed or delivered, or (ii) two (2) business days after being mailed by United States registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to the respective addresses set forth on the initial page of this Agreement, provided that all notices to the Company shall be directed to the attention of the General Counsel and Secretary of the Company, or to such other address as any party may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith. Notice of change of address shall be effective only upon receipt. (g) WITHHOLDING TAXES. The Company may withhold from any and all amounts payable under this Agreement such Federal, state and local taxes as may be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation. 20

(h) SURVIVORSHIP. The respective rights and obligations of the parties hereunder, including without limitation Section 11 hereof, shall survive any termination of Executive's employment to the extent necessary to the agreed preservation of such rights and obligations. (i) COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be signed in counterparts, each of which shall be an original, with the same effect as if the signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument. (j) HEADINGS. The headings of the sections contained in this Agreement are for convenience only and shall not be deemed to control or affect the meaning or construction of any provision of this Agreement. (k) EXECUTIVE'S REPRESENTATION. Executive represents and warrants to the Company that there is no legal impediment to him entering into, or performing his obligations under this Agreement and neither entering into this Agreement nor performing his contemplated service hereunder will violate any agreement to which he is a party or any other legal restriction. Executive further represents and warrants that in performing his duties hereunder he will not use or disclose any confidential information of any prior employer or other person or entity. 21

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written. U.S. INDUSTRIES, INC. By: -------------------------------- Name: Title: ----------------------------------- John W. Dean III 21

EXHIBIT A --------- (a) CAUSE. For purposes of this Agreement, the term "Cause" shall be limited to: (i) Executive's refusal or willful failure to perform his duties; (ii) Executive's willful misconduct or gross negligence with regard to the Company or its affiliates or their business, assets or employees (including, without limitation, Executive's fraud, embezzlement or other act of dishonesty with regard to the Company or its affiliates); (iii) Executive's willful misconduct which has a material adverse impact on the Company or its affiliates, whether economic, or reputation wise or otherwise, as determined by the Board; (iv) Executive's conviction of, or pleading nolo contendere to, a felony or any crime involving fraud, dishonesty or moral turpitude; (v) Executive's refusal or willful failure to follow the lawful written direction of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or his designee; (vi) Executive's breach of a fiduciary duty owed to the Company or its affiliates, including but not limited to Section 10 hereof; (vii) the representations or warranties in Section 14(k) hereof prove false; or (vii) any other breach by Executive of this Agreement that remains uncured for ten (10) days after written notice thereof is given to Executive. (b) CHANGE IN CONTROL. For purposes of this Agreement, the term "Change in Control" shall mean the occurrence of any of the following (i) any "person" as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Act") (other than the Company, any trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under any employee benefit plan of the Company, or any company owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of Common Stock of the Company), is or becomes the "beneficial owner" (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the combined voting power of the Company's then outstanding securities; (ii) during any period of two (2) consecutive years, individuals who at the beginning of such period constitute the Board, and any new director (other than a director designated by a person who has entered into an agreement with the Company to effect a transaction described in clause (i), (iii), or (iv) of this paragraph) whose election by the Board or nomination for election by the Company's stockholders was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the directors then still in office who either were directors at the beginning of the two-year period or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved, cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board; (iii) a merger or consolidation of the Company with any other corporation, other than a merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity) more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation; provided, however, that a merger or consolidation effected to implement a recapitalization of the Company (or similar transaction) in which no person acquires more than twenty-five percent (25%) of the combined voting power of the Company's then outstanding securities shall not constitute a Change in Control of the Company; or (iv) the stockholders of the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation of the Company or the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company's assets other than (x) the sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company to a person or persons who beneficially own, directly or indirectly, at least fifty percent (50%) or more of the combined voting power of the outstanding voting securities of the Company at the time of the sale or (y) pursuant to a spinoff type transaction, directly or indirectly, of such assets to the stockholders of the Company. i

(c) DISABILITY. For purposes of this Agreement, "Disability" shall mean by reason of the same or related physical or mental illness or incapacity, Executive is unable to carry out his material duties pursuant to this Agreement for more than six (6) months in any twelve (12) month period. (d) GOOD REASON. For purposes of this Agreement, "Good Reason" shall mean the occurrence, without Executive's express written consent in the case of (i), (ii) or (iii) of any of the following circumstances: (i) any material demotion of Executive from his position as a Vice President (except in connection with the termination of Executive's employment for Cause or due to Disability or as a result of Executive's death, or temporarily as a result of Executive's illness or other absence); (ii) a failure by the Company to pay Executive's Base Salary in accordance with Section 3 hereof; (iii) within two (2) years after a Change in Control and if Executive is then based at the Company's principal executive office, a relocation of the Company's principal executive office to a location more than both thirty-five (35) miles from Executive's residence at the time of the relocation and the Company's then principal executive office or relocation of Executive from the principal executive office; (iv) any resignation by Executive during the thirty (30) day period after the first anniversary of a Change in Control; or (v) with regard to a Relocation not covered by (iii) above, a failure of the Company to provide Executive with a relocation program that is at least as favorable in aggregate as the Relocation Program set forth in Exhibit B hereof. For purposes of the foregoing, Relocation shall mean a relocation of Executive's office by the Company, at any time during the Employment Term, to a location more than thirty-five (35) miles further than Executive's then current principal residence is from Executive's then office. ii

Exhibit 10.12(a) EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT, made as of March ___, 2000 (the "Commencement Date") by and between, U.S. Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation, with its principal office at 101 Wood Avenue South, Iselin, New Jersey 08830 (the "Company"), and Steven C. Barre, residing at 48 Oak Avenue, Metuchen, New Jersey 08840 ("Executive"). W I T N E S S E T H: WHEREAS, Executive is currently employed by the Company as Associate General Counsel; WHEREAS, effective April 1, 2000, the Company desires to employ Executive as Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary and the Executive desires to accept such employment; and WHEREAS, the Company and Executive desire to enter into this agreement (the "Agreement") as to the terms of his employment by the Company. NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants contained herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the parties agree as follows: 1. TERM OF EMPLOYMENT. Except for earlier termination as provided in Section 7 hereof, Executive's employment under this Agreement shall be for a two-year term (the "Employment

Term") commencing on the Commencement Date and ending two (2) years thereafter. Subject to Section 7 hereof, the Employment Term shall be automatically extended for additional terms of successive one (1) year periods unless the Company or Executive gives written notice to the other at least ninety (90) days prior to the expiration of the then current Employment Term of the termination of Executive's employment hereunder at the end of such current Employment Term. 2. POSITIONS. (a) Executive shall serve as a senior executive of the Company, initially, as Associate General Counsel and then, effective on April 1, 2000, as the Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of the Company. If requested by the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board") or the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (the "Chief Executive Officer"), Executive shall also serve on the Board, as an executive officer and director of subsidiaries and a director of associated companies of the Company without additional compensation and subject to any policy of the Compensation Committee of the Company's Board (the "Compensation Committee") with regard to retention or turnover of the director's fees. (b) Executive shall have such duties and authority, consistent with his then position as shall be assigned to him from time to time by the Board or the Executive Vice President or his designee. (c) During the Employment Term, Executive shall devote all of his business time and efforts to the performance of his duties hereunder; provided, however, that Executive shall be allowed, to the extent that such activities do not materially interfere with the performance of his duties and responsibilities hereunder, to manage his passive personal interests and to serve on civic or 2

charitable boards or committees, and subject to the next sentence, serve on corporate boards of directors. Executive may serve on corporate boards of directors only if approved in advance by the Board (which approval may be withdrawn at any time) and shall not serve on any corporate board of directors if such service would be inconsistent with his fiduciary responsibilities to the Company. 3. BASE SALARY. During the Employment Term, the Company shall pay Executive a base salary at the annual rate of not less than the annual rate paid to Executive on the Commencement Date which, effective on April 1, 2000, shall be increased to a base salary of not less than an annual rate of $200,000. Base salary shall be payable in accordance with the usual payroll practices of the Company. Executive's base salary shall be subject to annual review by the Board or the Compensation Committee during the period of the Employment Term after March 31, 2000 and may be increased, but not decreased, from time to time by the Board or the Compensation Committee, except that, prior to a Change in Control (as defined in Exhibit A), it may be decreased proportionately in connection with an across the board decrease generally applying to senior executives of the Company. The base salary as determined as aforesaid from time to time shall constitute "Base Salary" for purposes of this Agreement. 4. INCENTIVE COMPENSATION. (a) BONUS. For each fiscal year or portion thereof after March 31, 2000 and during the Employment Term, Executive shall be eligible to participate in an incentive bonus plan of the Company in accordance with, and subject to, the terms of such plan, that provides an annualized cash target bonus opportunity equal to at least 60% of Base Salary (the "Target Bonus"). 3

(b) OTHER COMPENSATION. The Company may, upon recommendation of the Compensation Committee, award to Executive such other bonuses and compensation as it deems appropriate and reasonable. 5. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS AND VACATION. (a) During the Employment Term, Executive shall be entitled to participate in all pension, long-term incentive compensation, retirement, savings, welfare and other employee benefit plans and arrangements and fringe benefits and perquisites generally maintained by the Company from time to time for the benefit of senior executive officers of the Company of a comparable level in each case in accordance with their respective terms as in effect from time to time. (b) During the Employment Term, Executive shall be entitled to vacation each year in accordance with the Company's policies in effect from time to time, but in no event less than four (4) weeks paid vacation per calendar year. Executive shall also be entitled to such periods of sick leave as is customarily provided by the Company to its senior executive employees. 6. BUSINESS EXPENSES. The Company shall reimburse Executive for the travel, entertainment and other business expenses incurred by Executive in the performance of his duties hereunder, in accordance with the Company's policies as in effect from time to time. 7. TERMINATION. (a) The employment of Executive and the Employment Term shall terminate as provided in Section 1 hereof or, if earlier, upon the earliest to occur of any of the following events: 4

(i) the death of Executive; (ii) the termination of Executive's employment by the Company due to Executive's Disability (as defined in Exhibit A) pursuant to Section 7(b) hereof; (iii) the termination of Executive's employment by Executive for Good Reason (as defined in Exhibit A) pursuant to Section 7(c) hereof; (iv) the termination of Executive's employment by the Company without Cause (as defined in Exhibit A) pursuant to Section 7(e) hereof; (v) the termination of employment by Executive without Good Reason upon sixty (60) days prior written notice pursuant to Section 7(e) hereof; (vi) the termination of Executive's employment by the Company for Cause pursuant to Section 7(d) hereof; or (vii) the retirement of Executive by the Company at or after his sixty-fifth birthday. (b) DISABILITY. If Executive incurs a Disability, the Company may terminate Executive's employment for Disability upon thirty (30) days written notice by a Notice of Disability Termination, at any time thereafter during such twelve (12) month period while Executive is unable to carry out his duties as a result of the same or related physical or mental illness or incapacity. Such 5

termination shall not be effective if Executive returns to the full time performance of his material duties within such thirty (30) day period. (c) TERMINATION FOR GOOD REASON. A Termination for Good Reason means a termination by Executive by written notice given within ninety (90) days after the occurrence of the Good Reason event (other than an Exhibit A (d)(iv) event), unless such circumstances are fully corrected prior to the date of termination specified in the Notice of Termination for Good Reason or pursuant to an Exhibit A (d)(iv) event. A Notice of Termination for Good Reason shall mean a notice that shall indicate the specific Good Reason event relied upon and shall set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for Termination for Good Reason. The failure by Executive to set forth in the Notice of Termination for Good Reason any facts or circumstances which contribute to the showing of Good Reason shall not waive any right of Executive hereunder or preclude Executive from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing his rights hereunder. The Notice of Termination for Good Reason shall provide for a date of termination not less than ten (10) nor more than sixty (60) days after the date such Notice of Termination for Good Reason is given, provided that in the case of the events set forth in Section (d)(iii) of Exhibit A the date may be two (2) days after the giving of such notice and in the case of the event set forth in Section (d)(iv) of Exhibit A, the date of termination shall be immediate. (d) CAUSE. Subject to the notification provisions of this Section 7(d), Executive's employment hereunder may be terminated by the Company for Cause. A Notice of Termination for Cause shall mean a notice that shall indicate the specific termination provision in Section (a) of Exhibit A relied upon and shall set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances which provide for a basis 6

for Termination for Cause. The date of termination for a Termination for Cause shall be the date indicated in the Notice of Termination. Any purported Termination for Cause which is held by a court not to have been based on the grounds set forth in this Agreement or not to have followed the procedures set forth in this Agreement shall be deemed a termination by the Company without Cause. (e) OTHER TERMINATIONS. The Executive's employment by the Company shall be at will. Accordingly, the Company may terminate the Executive at any time (with or without notice), for reasons other than Cause or for no reason. The Executive may terminate his employment with the Company at any time upon sixty (60) days prior written notice. 8. CONSEQUENCES OF TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT. (a) DEATH, DISABILITY, VOLUNTARY RESIGNATION WITHOUT GOOD REASON, RETIREMENT, FOR CAUSE, NONEXTENSION OF THE EMPLOYMENT TERM BY EXECUTIVE. If Executive's employment and the Employment Term are terminated by reason of (i) Executive's death or Disability, (ii) by Executive without Good Reason or as a result of a notice of nonextension of the Employment Term by Executive or (iii) by the Company for Cause or pursuant to Section 7(a)(vi) hereof, the Employment Term under this Agreement shall terminate without further obligations to Executive or Executive's legal representatives under this Agreement except for: (i) any Base Salary earned but unpaid, any accrued but unused vacation pay payable pursuant to the Company's policies, and any unreimbursed business expenses payable pursuant to Section 6 (collectively "Accrued Amounts") (which, amounts shall, in the event of Executive's death, be promptly paid in a lump sum to Executive's estate) and (ii) any other amounts or benefits owing to Executive under the then applicable employee benefit plans, long term incentive plans or equity plans and programs of the Company which shall be paid in accordance with such plans and programs. 7

(b) TERMINATION BY EXECUTIVE FOR GOOD REASON, TERMINATION BY THE COMPANY WITHOUT CAUSE, OR NONEXTENSION OF THE TERM BY THE COMPANY. If Executive's employment and the Employment Term are terminated (i) by the Executive for Good Reason, (ii) by the Company without Cause (and other than for Disability or pursuant to Section 7(a)(vi)) or (iii) Executive's employment with the Company terminates as a result of the Company giving notice of nonextension of the Employment Term pursuant to Section 1 hereof, Executive shall be entitled to receive the Accrued Amounts, and shall, subject to Sections 9(b), 9(c) and 10 hereof, be entitled to receive, (A) equal monthly payments of an amount equal to his then monthly rate of Base Salary, but off the employee payroll, for a period of twelve (12) months following the date of his termination; provided that if such termination occurs within two (2) years after a Change in Control, in lieu of the foregoing, Executive shall receive in a lump sum within five (5) days after compliance with such Section 9(b), an amount equal to (i) two (2) times Base Salary and (ii) two (2) times the Target Bonus; (B) any other amounts or benefits owing to Executive under the then applicable employee benefit, long term incentive or equity plans and programs of the Company which shall be paid in accordance with such plans and programs; provided that, if such termination occurs within two (2) years after a Change in Control, Executive shall in any event receive any earned or declared annual bonus for any complete fiscal year which has not then been paid; (C) if such termination is within two (2) years after a Change in Control, two (2) years of additional service and compensation credit (at the compensation level in the fiscal year ending immediately prior to the Change in Control) for pension purposes under any defined benefit type qualified or nonqualified pension plan or arrangement of the Company, which payments shall be made through and in accordance with the terms of the nonqualified defined benefit pension arrangement if any then exists, or, if not, in an actuarially equivalent lump sum (using the actuarial factors then applying in the Company's 8

defined benefit plan covering Executive); (D) if such termination is within two (2) years after a Change in Control, two (2) years of the maximum Company contribution (assuming Executive deferred the maximum amount and continued to earn his then current salary) under any type of qualified or nonqualified 401(k) plan; (E) if such termination is prior to, or after two (2) years following, a Change in Control, payment of Executive's and his dependents' COBRA coverage premiums to the extent, and so long as, they remain eligible for COBRA coverage for up to one (1) year; and (F) if such termination is within two (2) years after a Change in Control, payment by the Company of the premiums for Executive and his dependents' health coverage for two (2) years under the Company's health plans which cover the senior executives of the Company or materially similar benefits. Payments under (F) above may at the discretion of the Company be made by continuing participation of Executive in the plan as a terminee, by paying the applicable COBRA premium for Executive and his dependents, or by covering Executive and his dependents under substitute arrangements. 9. (a) NO MITIGATION; NO SET-OFF. In the event of any termination of employment under Section 8, Executive shall be under no obligation to seek other employment and there shall be no offset against any amounts due Executive under this Agreement on account of any remuneration attributable to any subsequent employment that Executive may obtain. Any amounts due under Section 8 are in the nature of severance payments and are not in the nature of a penalty. Such amounts are inclusive, and in lieu of any, amounts payable under any other salary continuation or cash severance arrangement of the Company and to the extent paid or provided under any other such arrangement shall be offset from the amount due hereunder. 9

(b) Executive agrees that, as a condition to receiving the payments and benefits provided under Section 8(b) hereunder he will execute, deliver and not revoke (within the time period permitted by applicable law) a release of all claims of any kind whatsoever against the Company, its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, agents and shareholders in the then standard form being used by the Company for senior executives (but without release of the right of indemnification hereunder or under the Company's By-laws or rights under benefit or equity plans that by their terms are intended to survive termination of his employment). (c) Upon any termination of employment, Executive hereby resigns as an officer and director of the Company, any subsidiary and any affiliate and as a fiduciary of any benefit plan of any of the foregoing. Executive shall promptly execute any further documentation thereof as requested by the Company and, if the Executive is to receive any payments from the Company, execution of such further documentation shall be a condition thereof. 10. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION, NON-COMPETITION AND NON-SOLICITATION OF THE COMPANY. (a) (i) Executive acknowledges that as a result of his employment by the Company, Executive will obtain secret and confidential information as to the Company and its affiliates and create relationships with customers, suppliers and other persons dealing with the Company and its affiliates and the Company and its affiliates will suffer substantial damage, which would be difficult to ascertain, if Executive should use such confidential information or take advantage of such relationship and that because of the nature of the information that will be known to Executive and the relationships created it is necessary for the Company and its affiliates to be protected by the prohibition against Competition as set forth herein, as well as the Confidentiality restrictions set forth herein. 10

(ii) Executive acknowledges that the retention of nonclerical employees employed by the Company and its affiliates in which the Company and its affiliates have invested training and depends on for the operation of their businesses is important to the businesses of the Company and its affiliates, that Executive will obtain unique information as to such employees as an executive of the Company and will develop a unique relationship with such persons as a result of being an executive of the Company and, therefore, it is necessary for the Company and its affiliates to be protected from Executive's Solicitation of such employees as set forth below. (iii) Executive acknowledges that the provisions of this Agreement are reasonable and necessary for the protection of the businesses of the Company and its affiliates and that part of the compensation paid under this Agreement and the agreement to pay severance in certain instances is in consideration for the agreements in this Section 10. (b) Competition shall mean: participating, directly or indirectly, as an individual proprietor, partners, stockholder, officer, employee, director, joint venturer, investor, lender, consultant or in any capacity whatsoever (within the United States of America, or in any country where the Company or its affiliates do business) in a business in competition with any business conducted by the Company, provided, however, that such participation shall not include (i) the mere ownership of not more than one percent (1%) of the total outstanding stock of a publicly held company; (ii) any activity engaged in with the prior written approval of the Board; or (iii) practicing law as an employee or member of a law firm, as long as Executive does not personally represent an individual or entity engaged in Competition. 11

(c) Solicitation shall mean: recruiting, soliciting or inducing, of any nonclerical employee or employees of the Company or its affiliates to terminate their employment with, or otherwise cease their relationship with, the Company or its affiliates or hiring or assisting another person or entity to hire any nonclerical employee of the Company or its affiliates or any person who within six (6) months before had been a nonclerical employee of the Company or its affiliates and were recruited or solicited for such employment or other retention while an employee of the Company, provided, however, that solicitation shall not include any of the foregoing activities engaged in with the prior written approval of the Chief Executive Officer. (d) If any restriction set forth with regard to Competition or Solicitation is found by any court of competent jurisdiction, or an arbitrator, to be unenforceable because it extends for too long a period of time or over too great a range of activities or in too broad a geographic area, it shall be interpreted to extend over the maximum period of time, range of activities or geographic area as to which it may be enforceable. If any provision of this Section 10 shall be declared to be invalid or unenforceable, in whole or in part, as a result of the foregoing, as a result of public policy or for any other reason, such invalidity shall not affect the remaining provisions of this Section which shall remain in full force and effect. (e) During and after the Employment Term, Executive shall hold in a fiduciary capacity for the benefit of the Company and its affiliates all secret or confidential information, knowledge or data relating to the Company and its affiliates, and their respective businesses, including any confidential information as to customers of the Company and its affiliates, (i) obtained by Executive during his employment by the Company and its affiliates and (ii) not otherwise public knowledge or 12

known within the applicable industry. Executive shall not, without prior written consent of the Company, unless compelled pursuant to the order of a court or other governmental or legal body having jurisdiction over such matter, communicate or divulge any such information, knowledge or data to anyone other than the Company and those designated by it. In the event Executive is compelled by order of a court or other governmental or legal body to communicate or divulge any such information, knowledge or data to anyone other than the foregoing, he shall promptly notify the Company of any such order and he shall cooperate fully with the Company in protecting such information to the extent possible under applicable law. (f) Upon termination of his employment with the Company and its affiliates, or at any time as the Company may request, Executive shall promptly deliver to the Company, as requested, all documents (whether prepared by the Company, an affiliate, Executive or a third party) relating to the Company, an affiliate or any of their businesses or property which he may possess or have under his direction or control other than documents provided to Executive in his capacity as a participant in any employee benefit plan, policy or program of the Company or any agreement by and between Executive and the Company with regard to Executive's employment or severance. (g) During the Employment Term and for two (2) years following a termination of Executive's employment for any reason whatsoever, whether by the Company or by Executive and whether or not for Cause, Good Reason or non-extension of the Employment Term, Executive shall not engage in Solicitation. 13

(h) During the Employment Term and for one (1) year following a termination of Executive's employment for any reason whatsoever, whether by the Company or by Executive and whether or not for Cause, Good Reason or non-extension of the Employment Term, Executive shall not enter into Competition with the Company or its affiliates. (i) In the event of a breach or potential breach of this Section 10, Executive acknowledges that the Company and its affiliates will be caused irreparable injury and that money damages may not be an adequate remedy and agree that the Company and its affiliates shall be entitled to injunctive relief (in addition to its other remedies at law) to have the provisions of this Section 10 enforced. It is hereby acknowledged that the provisions of this Section 10 are for the benefit of the Company and all of the affiliates of the Company and each such entity may enforce the provisions of this Section 10 and only the applicable entity can waive the rights hereunder with respect to its confidential information and employees. (j) Furthermore, in the event of breach of this Section 10 by Executive, while he is receiving amounts under Section 8(b) hereof, Executive shall not be entitled to receive any future amounts pursuant to Section 8(b) hereof. 11. INDEMNIFICATION. The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Executive to the extent provided in the Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws of the Company for any action or inaction of Executive while serving as an officer and director of the Company or, at the Company's request, as an officer or director of any other subsidiary or affiliate of the Company or as a fiduciary of any benefit plan. The Company shall cover Executive under directors and officers liability insurance 14

both during and, while potential liability exists, after the Employment Term in the same amount and to the same extent as the Company covers its other officers and directors. 12. SPECIAL TAX PROVISION. (a) Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, in the event that any amount or benefit paid, payable, or to be paid, or distributed, distributable, or to be distributed to or with respect to Executive by the Company (whether pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any other plan, arrangement or agreement with the Company, any person whose actions result in a change of ownership covered by Section 280G(b)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") or any person affiliated with the Company or such person) as a result of a change in ownership of the Company or a direct or indirect parent thereof after the Spinoff covered by Code Section 280G(b)(2) (collectively, the "Covered Payments") is or becomes subject to the excise tax imposed by or under Section 4999 of the Code (or any similar tax that may hereafter be imposed), and/or any interest or penalties with respect to such excise tax (such excise tax, together with such interest and penalties, is hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Excise Tax"), the Company shall pay to Executive an additional amount (the "Tax Reimbursement Payment") such that after payment by Executive of all taxes (including, without limitation, any interest or penalties and any Excise Tax imposed on or attributable to the Tax Reimbursement Payment itself), Executive retains an amount of the Tax Reimbursement Payment equal to the sum of (i) the amount of the Excise Tax imposed upon the Covered Payments, and (ii) without duplication, an amount equal to the product of (A) any deductions disallowed for federal, state or local income or payroll tax purposes because of the inclusion of the Tax Reimbursement Payment in Executive's adjusted gross income, and (B) the highest applicable marginal rate of federal, state or local income taxation, respectively, for the calendar 15

year in which the Tax Reimbursement Payment is made or is to be made. The intent of this Section 12 is that (a) the Executive, after paying his Federal, state and local income tax and any payroll taxes on Executive, will be in the same position as if he was not subject to the Excise Tax under Section 4999 of the Code and did not receive the extra payments pursuant to this Section 12 and (b) that Executive should never be "out-of-pocket" with respect to any tax or other amount subject to this Section 12, whether payable to any taxing authority or repayable to the Company, and this Section 12 shall be interpreted accordingly. (b) Except as otherwise provided in Section 12(a), for purposes of determining whether any of the Covered Payments will be subject to the Excise Tax and the amount of such Excise Tax, (i) such Covered Payments will be treated as "parachute payments" (within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code) and such payments in excess of the Code Section 280G(b)(3) "base amount" shall be treated as subject to the Excise Tax, unless, and except to the extent that, the Company's independent certified public accountants appointed prior to the change in ownership covered by Code Section 280G(b)(2) or legal counsel (reasonably acceptable to Executive) appointed by such public accountants (or, if the public accountants decline such appointment and decline appointing such legal counsel, such independent certified public accountants as promptly mutually agreed on in good faith by the Company and the Executive) (the "Accountant"), deliver a written opinion to Executive, reasonably satisfactory to Executive's legal counsel, that Executive has a reasonable basis to claim that the Covered Payments (in whole or in part) (A) do not constitute "parachute payments", (B) represent reasonable compensation for services actually rendered (within the 16

meaning of Section 280G(b)(4) of the Code) in excess of the "base amount" allocable to such reasonable compensation, or (C) such "parachute payments" are otherwise not subject to such Excise Tax (with appropriate legal authority, detailed analysis and explanation provided therein by the Accountants); and (ii) the value of any Covered Payments which are non-cash benefits or deferred payments or benefits shall be determined by the Accountant in accordance with the principles of Section 280G of the Code. (c) For purposes of determining the amount of the Tax Reimbursement Payment, Executive shall be deemed: (i) to pay federal, state, local income and/or payroll taxes at the highest applicable marginal rate of income taxation for the calendar year in which the Tax Reimbursement Payment is made or is to be made, and (ii) to have otherwise allowable deductions for federal, state and local income and payroll tax purposes at least equal to those disallowed due to the inclusion of the Tax Reimbursement Payment in Executive's adjusted gross income. (d)(i)(A) In the event that prior to the time Executive has filed any of his tax returns for the calendar year in which the change in ownership event covered by Code Section 280G(b)(2) occurred, the Accountant determines, for any reason whatever, the correct amount of the Tax Reimbursement Payment to be less than the amount determined at the time the Tax Reimbursement 17

Payment was made, the Executive shall repay to the Company, at the time that the amount of such reduction in Tax Reimbursement Payment is determined by the Accountant, the portion of the prior Tax Reimbursement Payment attributable to such reduction (including the portion of the Tax Reimbursement Payment attributable to the Excise Tax and federal, state and local income and payroll tax imposed on the portion of the Tax Reimbursement Payment being repaid by Executive, using the assumptions and methodology utilized to calculate the Tax Reimbursement Payment (unless manifestly erroneous)), plus interest on the amount of such repayment at the rate provided in Section 1274(b)(2)(B) of the Code. (B) In the event that the determination set forth in (A) above is made by the Accountant after the filing by Executive of any of his tax returns for the calendar year in which the change in ownership event covered by Code Section 280G(b)(2) occurred but prior to one (1) year after the occurrence of such change in ownership, Executive shall file at the request of the Company an amended tax return in accordance with the Accountant's determination, but no portion of the Tax Reimbursement Payment shall be required to be refunded to the Company until actual refund or credit of such portion has been made to Executive, and interest payable to the Company shall not exceed the interest received or credited to Executive by such tax authority for the period it held such portion (less any tax Executive must pay on such interest and which he is unable to deduct as a result of payment of the refund). (C) In the event Executive receives a refund pursuant to (B) above and repays such amount to the Company, Executive shall thereafter file for refunds or credits by reason of the repayments to the Company. 18

(D) Executive and the Company shall mutually agree upon the course of action, if any, to be pursued (which shall be at the expense of the Company) if Executive's claim for refund or credit is denied. (ii) In the event that the Excise Tax is later determined by the Accountants or the Internal Revenue Service to exceed the amount taken into account hereunder at the time the Tax Reimbursement Payment is made (including by reason of any payment the existence or amount of which cannot be determined at the time of the Tax Reimbursement Payment), the Company shall make an additional Tax Reimbursement Payment in respect of such excess (plus any interest or penalties payable with respect to such excess) once the amount of such excess is finally determined. (iii) In the event of any controversy with the Internal Revenue Service (or other taxing authority) under this Section 12, subject to subpart (i)(D) above, Executive shall permit the Company to control issues related to this Section 12 (at its expense), provided that such issues do not potentially materially adversely affect Executive, but Executive shall control any other issues. In the event the issues are interrelated, Executive and the Company shall in good faith cooperate so as not to jeopardize resolution of either issue, but if the parties cannot agree Executive shall make the final determination with regard to the issues. In the event of any conference with any taxing authority as to the Excise Tax or associated income taxes, Executive shall permit the representative of the Company to accompany him and Executive and his representative shall cooperate with the Company and its representative. 19

(iv) With regard to any initial filing for a refund or any other action required pursuant to this Section 12 (other than by mutual agreement) or, if not required, agreed to by the Company and Executive, the Executive shall cooperate fully with the Company, provided that the foregoing shall not apply to actions that are provided herein to be at the sole discretion of Executive. (e) The Tax Reimbursement Payment, or any portion thereof, payable by the Company shall be paid not later than the fifth (5th) day following the determination by the Accountant and any payment made after such fifth (5th) day shall bear interest at the rate provided in Code Section 1274(b)(2)(B). The Company shall use its best efforts to cause the Accountant, to promptly deliver the initial determination required hereunder and, if not delivered, within ninety (90) days after the change in ownership event covered by Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code, the Company shall pay Executive the Tax Reimbursement Payment set forth in an opinion from counsel recognized as knowledgeable in the relevant areas selected by Executive, and reasonably acceptable to the Company, within five (5) days after delivery of such opinion. The amount of such payment shall be subject to later adjustment in accordance with the determination of the Accountant as provided herein. (f) The Company shall be responsible for all charges of the Accountant and if (e) is applicable the reasonable charges for the opinion given by Executive's counsel. (g) The Company and Executive shall mutually agree on and promulgate further guidelines in accordance with this Section 12 to the extent, if any, necessary to effect the reversal of excessive or shortfall Tax Reimbursement Payments. The foregoing shall not in any way be inconsistent with Section 12(d)(i)(D) hereof. 20

13. LEGAL AND OTHER FEES AND EXPENSES. In the event that a claim for payment or benefits under this Agreement is disputed, the Company shall pay all reasonable attorney, accountant and other professional fees and reasonable expenses incurred by Executive in pursuing such claim, provided Executive is successful with regard to a material portion of his claim. 14. MISCELLANEOUS. (a) GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New Jersey without reference to principles of conflict of laws. (b) ENTIRE AGREEMENT/AMENDMENTS. This Agreement and the instruments contemplated herein, contain the entire understanding of the parties with respect to the employment of Executive by the Company from and after the Commencement Date and supersedes any prior agreements between the Company and Executive with respect thereto, including, without limitation, the agreement between the Executive and the Company dated as of May 18, 1999 (but not the terms of, or rights under any equity or benefit plans or grants existing on the date hereof). There are no restrictions, agreements, promises, warranties, covenants or undertakings between the parties with respect to the subject matter herein other than those expressly set forth herein and therein. This Agreement may not be altered, modified, or amended except by written instrument signed by the parties hereto. (c) NO WAIVER. The failure of a party to insist upon strict adherence to any term of this Agreement on any occasion shall not be considered a waiver of such party's rights or deprive such party of the right thereafter to insist upon strict adherence to that term or any other term of this 21

Agreement. Any such waiver must be in writing and signed by Executive or an authorized officer of the Company, as the case may be. (d) ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement shall not be assignable by Executive. This Agreement shall be assignable by the Company only to an entity which is owned, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part by the Company or by any successor to the Company or an acquirer of all or substantial all of the assets of the Company or all or substantially all of the assets of a group of subsidiaries and divisions of the Company, provided such entity or acquirer promptly assumes all of the obligations hereunder of the Company in a writing delivered to Executive and otherwise complies with the provisions hereof with regard to such assumption. Upon such assignment and assumption, all references to the Company herein shall be to the assignee entity or acquirer, as the case may be. (e) SUCCESSORS; BINDING AGREEMENT; THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees legatees and permitted assignees of the parties hereto. In the event of the Executive's death while receiving amounts payable pursuant to Section 8(b) hereof, any remaining amounts shall be paid to Executive's estate. (f) COMMUNICATIONS. For the purpose of this Agreement, notices and all other communications provided for in this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given (i) when faxed or delivered, or (ii) two (2) business days after being mailed by United States registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to the respective addresses set forth on the initial page of this Agreement, provided that all notices to the Company shall 22

be directed to the attention of the Senior Vice President - Administration of the Company, or to such other address as any party may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith. Notice of change of address shall be effective only upon receipt. (g) WITHHOLDING TAXES. The Company may withhold from any and all amounts payable under this Agreement such Federal, state and local taxes as may be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation. (h) SURVIVORSHIP. The respective rights and obligations of the parties hereunder, including without limitation Section 11 hereof, shall survive any termination of Executive's employment to the extent necessary to the agreed preservation of such rights and obligations. (i) COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be signed in counterparts, each of which shall be an original, with the same effect as if the signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument. (j) HEADINGS. The headings of the sections contained in this Agreement are for convenience only and shall not be deemed to control or affect the meaning or construction of any provision of this Agreement. (k) EXECUTIVE'S REPRESENTATION. Executive represents and warrants to the Company that there is no legal impediment to him entering into, or performing his obligations under this Agreement and neither entering into this Agreement nor performing his contemplated service hereunder will violate any agreement to which he is a party or any other legal restriction. Executive further 23

represents and warrants that in performing his duties hereunder he will not use or disclose any confidential information of any prior employer or other person or entity. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written. U.S. INDUSTRIES, INC. By:________________________________ Name: Title: ___________________________________ Steven C. Barre 24

EXHIBIT A (a) CAUSE. For purposes of this Agreement, the term "Cause" shall be limited to: (i) Executive's refusal or willful failure to perform his duties; (ii) Executive's willful misconduct or gross negligence with regard to the Company or its affiliates or their business, assets or employees (including, without limitation, Executive's fraud, embezzlement or other act of dishonesty with regard to the Company or its affiliates); (iii) Executive's willful misconduct which has a material adverse impact on the Company or its affiliates, whether economic, or reputation wise or otherwise, as determined by the Board; (iv) Executive's conviction of, or pleading nolo contendere to, a felony or any crime involving fraud, dishonesty or moral turpitude; (v) Executive's refusal or willful failure to follow the lawful written direction of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or his designee; (vi) Executive's breach of a fiduciary duty owed to the Company or its affiliates, including but not limited to Section 10 hereof; (vii) the representations or warranties in Section 14(k) hereof prove false; or (vii) any other breach by Executive of this Agreement that remains uncured for ten (10) days after written notice thereof is given to Executive. (b) CHANGE IN CONTROL. For purposes of this Agreement, the term "Change in Control" shall mean the occurrence of any of the following (i) any "person" as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Act") (other than the Company, any trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under any employee benefit plan of the Company, or any company owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of Common Stock of the Company), is or becomes the "beneficial owner" (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the combined voting power of the Company's then outstanding securities; (ii) during any period of two (2) consecutive years, individuals who at the beginning of such period constitute the Board, and any new director (other than a director designated by a person who has entered into an agreement with the Company to effect a transaction described in clause (i), (iii), or (iv) of this paragraph) whose election by the Board or nomination for election by the Company's stockholders was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the directors then still in office who either were directors at the beginning of the two-year period or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved, cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board; (iii) a merger or consolidation of the Company with any other corporation, other than a merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity) more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation; provided, however, that a merger or consolidation effected to implement a recapitalization of the Company (or similar transaction) in which no person acquires more than twenty-five percent (25%) of the combined voting power of the Company's then outstanding securities shall not constitute a Change in Control of the Company; or (iv) the stockholders of the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation A-1

of the Company or the consummation of the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company's assets other than (x) the sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company to a person or persons who beneficially own, directly or indirectly, at least fifty percent (50%) or more of the combined voting power of the outstanding voting securities of the Company at the time of the sale or (y) pursuant to a spinoff type transaction, directly or indirectly, of such assets to the stockholders of the Company. (c) DISABILITY. For purposes of this Agreement, "Disability" shall mean by reason of the same or related physical or mental illness or incapacity, Executive is unable to carry out his material duties pursuant to this Agreement for more than six (6) months in any twelve (12) month period. (d) GOOD REASON. For purposes of this Agreement, "Good Reason" shall mean the occurrence, without Executive's express written consent in the case of (i), (ii) or (iii) of any of the following circumstances: (i) any material demotion of Executive on or after April 1, 2000 from his position as Vice President (except in connection with the termination of Executive's employment for Cause or due to Disability or as a result of Executive's death, or temporarily as a result of Executive's illness or other absence); (ii) a failure by the Company to pay Executive's Base Salary in accordance with Section 3 hereof; (iii) within two (2) years after a Change in Control and if Executive is then based at the Company's principal executive office, a relocation of the Company's principal executive office to a location more than both thirty-five (35) miles from Executive's residence at the time of the relocation and the Company's then principal executive office or relocation of Executive from the principal executive office; (iv) any resignation by Executive during the thirty (30) day period after the first anniversary of a Change in Control; or (v) with regard to a Relocation (as defined below) not covered by (iii) above, a failure of the Company to provide Executive with a relocation program that is at least as favorable in aggregate as the Relocation Program set forth in Exhibit B hereof. For purposes of the foregoing, Relocation shall mean a relocation of Executive's office by the Company, at any time during the Employment Term, to a location more than thirty-five (35) miles further than Executive's then current principal residence is from Executive's then office. A-2

EXHIBIT B RELOCATION PROGRAM This document describes the Executive relocation/reimbursement program (the "Relocation Program") available to the Executive. I. The Executive will be reimbursed by the Company for the actual costs associated with the sale of Executive's principal home ("Former Home"), as follows: A. Generally: Packing, shipping, moving, unpacking and insuring household goods and common personal possessions (carrier is typically prohibited from delivering perishables, frozen foods, plants or shrubbery, combustible items and paint, or articles of extraordinary value such as jewelry, precious stones, stamp collections, wills, stocks, etc.). Reasonable (at least three round trips with Executive and one dependent) pre- move travel, meals, etc. for house hunting. Selling expenses on Executive's Former Home as follows: - Reasonable attorney's fees - Transfer tax - Real estate commission, up to a maximum total of 6% of the gross sales price. Disconnecting and connecting normal appliances at origin and destination (not including installation or overhauling of equipment). B. The Company will pay for moving the following: (1) Automobiles (maximum two), registered in Executive's (or spouse's) name. (2) One boat or trailer, registered in Executive's (or spouse's) name. C. The Company will not pay for moving firewood, building materials, exclusive use of van, household cleaning and maid service, assembly or disassembly of portable swimming pools or items of a similar nature. B-1

D. The Company will reimburse Executive for the following incidental expenses reasonably incurred in connection with Executive's relocation: (1) Travel expenses, including meals and lodging incurred by Executive and dependents while traveling from Former Home to Executive's new location via personal car or common carrier, economy class. (2) Meals and lodging expenses temporarily incurred by Executive and dependents, if any, until Executive obtains permanent living quarters. Such reimbursement shall not exceed such costs for two weeks or until two days following delivery of Executive's personal or household goods, whichever first occurs. Extensions may be granted at the Company's discretion as a result of extenuating circumstances. E. The Company will reimburse Executive for the following expenses in connection with purchasing a principal house/home within a reasonable proximity to the new Company's headquarters' location within twelve (12) months of the relocation of Executive: (1) Reasonable attorney's fees; (2) Title search and any other filing fees; (3) Building and termite inspection; (4) Mortgage application, placement fee and points (up to a maximum payment of the lesser of 1 1/2 points or $6,000 for points). F. The Company will make a payment to Executive equal to one month's Base Salary to cover other incidental expenses relating to moving. Executive is not required to submit a claim for this payment. This payment will be made within thirty (30) days of Executive's actual physical permanent relocation, upon notice from Executive confirming the move. II. Tax Issues Federal Income Tax law generally requires the Company to file forms with the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") indicating the amount of moving and relocation expenses paid to Executive or to others on behalf of Executive. Such amounts may include, for example, the cost of moving household goods and real estate commissions which are paid directly by the Company to outside companies. The total of the amounts will generally be reported to the IRS on Form W-2, a copy of which will be sent to Executive. B-2

The Company shall advise Executive of the details of the moving expenses and reimbursements and will provide the information to Executive in accordance with applicable IRS Forms or Notices or, if no IRS Form or Notice is required, in a format selected by the Company. Executive generally will be required to include in taxable income the amounts shown on Form W-2 and will be permitted to claim certain moving expense deductions for amounts paid directly by the Executive and not reimbursed by the Company by filing Form 3903 - Moving Expense Adjustment, or other applicable IRS forms. The Company will reimburse Executive for additional federal taxes incurred as a result of reporting income in excess of allowable deductions resulting from the relocation other than that resulting from a termination by the Executive without Good Reason or by the Company for Cause (the "Excess Amount"). However, the income provided pursuant to Section I.F. will be subtracted from the Excess Amount prior to calculating the additional federal tax "gross-up". The Company will also reimburse Executive for additional state and other payroll taxes, if any, incurred as a result of paying for expenses referred to above, subject to the same limitations. The Company is also required to withhold federal income taxes from that portion of Executive's reimbursement which are included in income and non-deductible. The amount of such taxes withheld will be reimbursed to Executive. Because the tax reimbursement(s) will also be taxable income to Executive in the year received, the reimbursement(s) will be "grossed-up" so that the amount received will substantially equal the balance of the tax, as well as the tax on the reimbursement, at Executive's marginal rate of federal tax and, if applicable, any state tax and payroll taxes. B-3

EXHIBIT 10.12(b) November 3, 2000 Mr. Stephen C. Barre Vice President - General Counsel and Secretary U. S. Industries, Inc. 101 Wood Avenue South Iselin, NJ 08830-0169 Dear Steven: As you know, the U. S. Industries, Inc. ("USI") Board of Directors (the "Board") has approved the spinoff of USI's Lighting Corporation of America business segment and the Spear & Jackson group (the "Spinoff"), with you as a senior executive of the Spinoff's parent company, LCA Group Inc. ("LCA"). Consequently, you shall cease employment with USI effective on the Spinoff and commence employment with LCA. Simultaneous with the execution of this letter (the "Letter Agreement"), you and LCA will have entered into an employment agreement with regard to your future employment with LCA (the "LCA Employment Agreement"). The LCA Employment Agreement becomes effective upon the Spinoff, provided you are employed by USI immediately prior to the Spinoff. Pending the Spinoff, your current employment agreement with USI (the "USI Employment Agreement") remains in full force and effect, including but not limited to the mutual rights of termination thereunder. This Letter Agreement will confirm your agreement that upon the Spinoff, your USI Employment Agreement shall terminate and be of no further force and effect, except for any rights with regard to indemnification as it relates to the period prior to the Spinoff. USI reserves the right to delay or abandon the Spinoff at any time with no obligations to you, other than any rights you have under your USI Employment Agreement. Accordingly, if the Spinoff does not occur prior to January 31, 2001, your USI Employment Agreement shall continue in effect and this Letter Agreement shall be null and void. To induce you to enter into the LCA Employment Agreement, surrender any entitlements under your USI Employment Agreement due to your termination of employment by USI upon the Spinoff, and execute a release of USI and related parties (the "Release"), the Compensation Committee of the Board has taken certain steps with regard to specific USI equity awards conditioned upon the completion of the Spinoff, the execution of the Release at that time, and your simultaneous execution of this Letter Agreement and the LCA Employment Agreement, and the future grant of LCA equity awards effective on the Spinoff, as detailed below:

Mr. Steven C. Barre U.S. Industries, Inc. Iselin, NJ 08830-0169 Page Two 1. The stock options granted to you by USI on February 11, 2000 and May 3, 2000 will fully vest upon the consummation of the Spinoff, and these options along with all other vested options as of the Spinoff with an exercise price equal or below $16.125 will remain exercisable until the second annual anniversary of the Spinoff; and 2. Your restricted stock previously awarded to you by USI will fully vest on the 90th day following the Spinoff provided you have not voluntarily terminated your employment with LCA; and 3. Effective on the Spinoff, grant you 17,000 options at market value pursuant to The LCA Stock Incentive Plan, with vesting to occur at the rate of 25% per year of employment, with full vesting on the fourth anniversary of the Spinoff, or a change-in-control of LCA, if earlier, as further detailed and expanded in the grant; and 4. Effective on the Spinoff, award you 18,500 shares of LCA restricted stock pursuant to the LCA plan which will provide for vesting to occur at the end of the seventh anniversary of the Spinoff, or a change-in-control of LCA, if earlier, as further detailed and expanded in the grant. Attached is a summary of the current status of your USI options and restricted stock (without effect of the Spinoff inducements above) under the USI stock programs, for your reference. Note that other than those options referred to in (1) above, all other vested USI options as of the Spinoff will remain exercisable for 90 days in accordance with the terms of the applicable plan. All other USI employment-related benefits, compensation or other entitlements provided to you prior to the Spinoff (e.g., pension, 401(k), LTIP, car policy, etc.) will be assumed by LCA effective on the Spinoff. Enclosed are the Release, two copies of your LCA Employment Agreement and a second copy of this Letter Agreement for your execution. Please review these documents carefully, especially the language in the Release which also provides for a time-restricted rescission period. Although these documents should remain strictly confidential (except for legal counsel), USI must advise you of the right to consult counsel regarding the waiving of your rights pursuant to the Release. Please acknowledge your concurrence with this Letter Agreement, execute both copies of the LCA Employment Agreement (one copy will be returned to you after execution by LCA) and return all three documents to Dorothy Sander. The Release should be executed on the day prior to the Spinoff and given to Dorothy at that time.

Mr. Steven C. Barre U.S. Industries, Inc. Iselin, NJ 08830-0169 Page Three Should you have any questions regarding any of these matters, please feel free to call either Dorothy or me. Regards, David H. Clarke Chairman and Chief Executive Agreed: ----------------------------- Steven C. Barre Date

EXHIBIT 21.1 SUBSIDIARIES OF U.S. INDUSTRIES, INC. 758687 Ontario Limited Ames True Temper Properties, Inc. Ames True Temper, Inc. AMV S.A. Architectural Area Lighting Inc. Arrow Consolidated Corporation Artesanias Baja S.A. de C.V. Asteria Company Barbados Children's Wear Co. Ltd. Bathcraft, Inc. Baylis Brothers Inc. BB Investments Bowers Metrology Ltd. Bowers Metrology UK Ltd. Bruckner Manufacturing Corp. Carlsbad Corp. Columbia Lighting - LCA, Inc. Columbia Lighting Mfg. Co. Columbia Lighting Properties, Inc. Columbia Lighting, Inc. Columbia Materials, LLC Compax Corp. Convetry Gauge Limited CV Instruments Ltd. Dual-Lite Inc. Dual-Lite Manufacturing Inc. Eclipse Magnetics Limited Elektrokovina Svetilke d.o.o. Elektrokovina Technica d.o.o. Elgin Handles, Limited Eljer Industries, Inc. Eljer Industries, LTD Eljer Plumbingware, Inc. Environmental Energy Company EZ Holdings, Inc. Gary Concrete Products, Inc. Gatsby Spas, Inc. Gelre Byoux B.V. Hartwell Brothers Limited HL Capital Corp. Hypertechnic Engineering Sdn. Bhd. Industrias Eljer de Mexico S.A. de C.V. IXL Manufacturing, Inc.

Jacuzzi (Chile) S.A. Jacuzzi (Europe) S.p.A. Jacuzzi (Ireland) Ltd. Jacuzzi Asia Pacific Pty Ltd Jacuzzi do Brazil Industria e Commercio Ltda. Jacuzzi Inc. Jacuzzi Investments Ltd. Jacuzzi Leisure Products Inc. Jacuzzi Singapore Pte Ltd Jacuzzi Spain S.R.L. Jacuzzi UK Group plc Jacuzzi UK Predecessor Limited Jacuzzi Universal S.A. Jacuzzi Whirlpool Bath, Inc. Jacuzzi Whirlpool GmbH James Neill (New Zealand) Limited James Neill Canada Inc. James Neill Holdings Limited James Neill Sub Group Dormants James Neill U.S.A. Inc. JNU International (Australia) Pty Ltd JUSI Holdings, Inc. Kim Lighting Inc. KLI, Inc. Knoblich-Licht Ges. mbH LCA(NS) Inc. LCA Group Inc. Lighting Corporation of America Lighting Corporation of the Americas S.A. de C.V. Lokelani Development Corporation Luxor Industries Inc. Lynx Golf (Canada) Ltd. Lynx Golf (Scotland) Ltd. Magnacut Ltd. Maili Kai Land Development Corporation Markbalance plc Mobilite, Inc. Neill Tools Limited Nepco of Australia, Inc. Nepco of Canada, Inc. Nepco of Ford Heights Inc. Nepco of Fulton, Inc. Nepco of Pakistan, Inc. Nissen Universal Holdings Inc. O. Ames Argentina, S.A. Offertower plc Outdoor Products, LLC PH Property Development Company

Prescolite Lite Controls, Inc. Prescolite, Inc. Progress Lighting Inc. Progress Lighting Properties, Inc. Progressive Lighting Inc. Redmont, Inc. Sanitary Dash Manufacturing, Inc. SAWS International Inc. Selkirk Canada U.S.A., Inc. Selkirk Canada, Inc. Selkirk Europe U.S.A., Inc. Selkirk, Inc. SII Holdings Corp. Siteco Beleuchtungstechnik GmbH Siteco Holdings GmbH Societe Neill France S.A. Societe Rectilor S.A. Spaulding Lighting, Inc. Spear & Jackson Garden Products Limited Spear & Jackson Holdings Limited Spear & Jackson plc Spear & Jackson Sub. Group Dormants Spear & Jackson, Inc. Spear and Jackson International Limited St. Vincent Children's Wear Company Limited Strategic Capital Management, Inc. Streamwood Corporation Sundance Spas, Inc. SuperVent Products Inc. TA Liquidation Corp. TASG Limited Trimfoot Co. True Temper Ireland TT Liquidation Corp. Tubular Textile Machinery, Limited U.S. Industries, Inc. UGE Liquidation Inc. United States Brass Corporation USI American Holdings, Inc. USI Atlantic Corp. USI Canada Inc. USI Capital, Inc. USI C-Capital LP USI Export Inc. USI Funding, Inc. USI G-Kapital GbR USI Global Corp. USI Mayfair Limited

USI N-Capital CV USI Overseas Holdings Limited USI Plumbing plc USI Properties, Inc. USI Realty Corp. Val Industria e Commercio Ltda Zurco, Inc. Zurn (Cayman Islands), Inc. Zurn Asia Holdings Limited Zurn Constructors, Inc. Zurn Devco of the Philippines, Inc. Zurn Devco, Inc. Zurn EPC Services, Inc. Zurn Export, Inc. Zurn Golf Holding Corporation Zurn Industries (Thailand) Company Limited Zurn Industries Asia Holdings Limited Zurn Industries Limited Zurn Industries, Inc. Zurnacq of California, Inc.

EXHIBIT 23.1 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS We conset to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-8 Nos. 333-30976, 333-47101, 333-56615 and 333-56675 and Form S-3 No. 333-84461, of U.S. Industries, Inc. and subsidiaries, of our report dated November 14, 2000 with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of U.S. Industries, Inc. and subsidiaries included in its Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2000. New York, New York December 5, 2000

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