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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20459

FORM 10-K

[ X ] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934


For the Fiscal Year Commission
Ended August 31, 1998 File Number 0-288
- --------------------- -----------------
ROBBINS & MYERS, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

OHIO 31-0424220
- ------------------------ ----------------------
(State of incorporation) (I.R.S. employer
identification number)

1400 Kettering Tower, Dayton, Ohio 45423
- -------------------------------------- -----------------

Registrant's telephone number, including area code:-

(937) 222-2610
--------------

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Name of each exchange on
Title of each class which registered
- ------------------------- ------------------------


(1) Common Shares, without par value New York

(2) 6 1/2% Convertible Subordinated Notes, Due 2003

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 requirement for at least the past 90 days.
Yes [x] No [ ].

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



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At the close of business on October 23, 1998



Number of Common Shares, without
par value, outstanding .......................................10,914,259

Aggregate market value of Common
Shares, without par value, held
by non-affiliates of the Company............................$159,791,806



DOCUMENT INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
----------------------------------

Robbins & Myers, Inc., Proxy Statement, dated November 11, 1998, for
its Annual Meeting of Shareholders on December 9, 1998, definitive copies of the
foregoing have been filed with the Commission. Only such portions of the Proxy
Statement as are specifically incorporated by reference under Part III of this
Report shall be deemed filed as part of this Report.


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ITEM 1. BUSINESS.
- ------- ---------


BACKGROUND

Robbins & Myers, Inc., an Ohio corporation (the "Company"), designs,
manufactures and markets on a global basis high-performance, specialized fluids
management products for the process industries. The Company's primary product
platforms are Reactor Systems (43.9% and 43.0% of fiscal 1998 and 1997 sales,
respectively), Energy Systems (18.6% and 14.0% of fiscal 1998 and 1997 sales,
respectively), Industrial Mixers (17.8% and 22.0% of fiscal 1998 and 1997 sales,
respectively), Industrial Pump Products (15.5% and 16.2% of fiscal 1998 and 1997
sales, respectively) and Corrosion-Resistant Products (4.2% and 4.8% of fiscal
1998 and 1997 sales, respectively).

The Company has achieved a leading market share in each of its primary
product platforms: the Company believes that it is first worldwide in Reactor
Systems and in progressing cavity Industrial Pump Products, and second worldwide
in Industrial Mixers. In addition, with the acquisition of Flow Control
Equipment, Inc. ("FCE"), a manufacturer of wellhead equipment, rod guides,
pipeline closures and valves in fiscal 1998, the Company has broadened its
product offerings serving oil and gas exploration, production and pipeline
markets. The Company can now provide customers with a wide array of products and
systems in its Energy Systems product platform. The Company also believes that
its principal brand names, such as - Pfaudler(R), Moyno(R), Chemineer(R),
Edlon(R) Hercules(R), Patco(R), Resun(R) and Yale(R), are well-known in the
marketplace and are associated with quality products and extensive customer
support, including product application engineering, state-of-the-art customer
test facilities and strong aftermarket service and support.

The Company markets its products globally to end users where the
pumping, mixing, treatment, chemical processing, measurement and containment of
gases, fluids and particulates are important elements in their production
processes. The diverse industries with fluid management needs served by the
Company's products are specialty chemicals, pharmaceutical, oil and gas
exploration, production and pipeline, wastewater treatment, food and beverage,
pulp and paper and semiconductor.

The Company seeks to balance its mix of products and services and
maintain overall stability in its operating results principally through
increased levels of higher margin aftermarket sales, broad international
presence with manufacturing facilities in twelve countries, and end user market
diversification. In fiscal 1998 aftermarket sales to the Company's customers, as
well as customers of its competitors, accounted for 32.3% of total sales and
sales to non-U.S. customers accounted for 47.2% of total sales.

The Company seeks to continue to grow by (i) capitalizing on the
inherent growth of its end user markets, particularly longer-term, high-growth
markets such as oil and gas exploration, production and pipeline, specialty
chemicals, pharmaceutical, and food additives and supplements, which
collectively account for over 75% of the Company's sales; (ii) exploiting
acquisition opportunities for industry consolidation within existing markets,
specifically the highly fragmented positive displacement pump and industrial
mixer industries; (iii) expanding geographically, both internally and through
acquisitions, into emerging markets such as the Asia-Pacific Rim, South America
and Western Canada oilfields; and

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(iv) establishing new product lines through acquisitions of related fluids
management businesses such as valves, seals, filters and grinders.

The Company's business related to oil and gas exploration, production
and pipeline activities has been adversely impacted by the decline in crude oil
prices in the latter half of fiscal 1998. In addition, geographic expansion into
the Asia - Pacific Rim area has been slowed by the general economic
uncertainties in that region. In the long-term the Company believes these areas
will recover and be a source of growth for the Company.

The Company operates in one industry segment--fluids management.
Information concerning the Company's net sales, operating income and
identifiable assets by geographic area and export sales for the years ended
August 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 is set forth in the "Information by Geographic
Area" note to the Consolidated Financial Statements included at Item 8 and is
incorporated herein by reference.


ACQUISITIONS

On December 5, 1997, the Company acquired all of the outstanding
capital stock of Technoglass S.r.L. ("Technoglass") for $8,058,000 in cash and
notes. Technoglass, with sales of approximately $10,000,000, manufacturers
glass-lined storage and reactor vessels and related equipment and is located
near Venice, Italy.

On December 19, 1997, the Company acquired all of the outstanding
capital stock of FCE for $109,300,000 in cash (or approximately $106,030,000
after application of available FCE cash) at closing. FCE, with annual sales of
approximately $50,000,000, supplies a broad line of products for use in
artificial lift applications in the oil and gas exploration, production and
pipeline markets, including rod guides, wellhead equipment and valves. FCE also
supplies closures and valves for gas transmission and distribution applications.


REACTOR SYSTEMS

The Company's Reactor Systems business, consisting of its Pfaudler,
Tycon and Technoglass business units, manufactures and sells glass-lined reactor
and storage vessels, mixing systems and accessories, including instrumentation
and piping. These products are principally used in the pharmaceutical and
specialty chemicals end user markets. A reactor system performs critical
functions in batch production processes by providing a temperature, agitation
and pressure controlled environment for often complex chemical reactions. The
glass-lined vessel is made by lining a specially constructed steel vessel with
glass bonded to the inside steel surface. Substantial knowledge is required to
properly manufacture a glass-lined vessel. Special glasses are used to both bond
with the steel surface and provide an inert, corrosion-resistant surface that
will not contaminate the chemicals in the vessel. Reactor systems have vessels
with capacities between one and 15,000 gallons, are generally custom-ordered and
designed, and are often equipped with various accessories such as drives,
glass-lined agitators and baffles, and instruments. A fully equipped reactor
system can cost up to $300,000. The Reactor Systems business also manufactures
and sells glass-lined storage vessels with capacities up to 25,000 gallons to
mostly the same customers that use glass-lined reactor systems. A summary of the
Company's Reactor Systems business is as follows:

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End User Markets
---------------------------------------------
% of Major Principal
Market Position Markets 1998 Sales Competitors Brands
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

#1 Specialty Chemicals 52% DeDietrich Glasteel(R)
Pharmaceutical 38% Pfaudler(R)
Other 10% Tycon(R)
Technoglass(R)
GPS(R)
CRS(R)
UGE(R)


The Company believes that Pfaudler is the largest supplier of glass-lined
reactor systems with DeDietrich of France being the next largest supplier.
Outside of Japan, Tycon is the third largest supplier. The Japanese suppliers
largely supply only the Japanese market. In December 1997, Tycon purchased
Technoglass, which was the second largest Italian supplier. Pfaudler
manufactures its glass-lined reactor systems in seven countries, the U.S., the
U.K., Germany, India, Brazil, Mexico and China. Tycon and Technoglass
manufacture their glass-lined reactor systems in Italy.

Sales, Marketing And Distribution:

Pfaudler(R), Tycon(R) and Technoglass(R) glass-lined reactor vessels,
storage systems and accessories are sold directly to customers by a
Company-employed direct sales force of approximately 30 persons, approximately
20 of whom are based outside the United States and manufacturers'
representatives. Pfaudler and Tycon are particularly focused on continuing to
develop preferred supplier relationships with major pharmaceutical and specialty
chemical companies, as these companies continue to expand their production
operations in emerging markets.

Aftermarket Sales:

Pfaudler has a large installed base of glass-lined reactor systems
since it has been the leading supplier of these systems for more than 50 years.
Aftermarket products and services are an important part of Pfaudler's sales and
include field service, replacement parts, accessories and reconditioning used
vessels. Glass-lined vessels require regular maintenance and care because of
their harsh operating environments and strict purity requirements. The Company
has expanded the aftermarket capabilities of Pfaudler through acquisitions and
joint ventures in recent years to better meet the needs of its customers, as
many customers are reducing their internal engineering staffs and outsourcing
maintenance activities. Pfaudler established a joint venture with Universal
Process Equipment Inc. called Universal Glasteel Equipment ("UGE") to refurbish
and sell used, glass-lined vessels. For many customers, used vessels are a cost
effective alternative to new vessels. They are more affordable, warranted with
the same quality specifications and can often be delivered to a customer faster
than a new vessel.

Pfaudler acquired Pharaoh in 1995 to strengthen its U.S. aftermarket
business by combining Pharaoh with Pfaudler's aftermarket business to create a
new aftermarket organization, Glasteel Parts & Service ("GPS"). Pfaudler also
acquired Cannon in 1995 to

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strengthen the U.K. aftermarket business by combining Cannon with Chemical
Reactor Services ("CRS"), Pfaudler's U.K. aftermarket business. GPS and CRS are
the largest providers of aftermarket services to the U.S. and U.K. installed
base of glass-lined vessels, including the installed base of competitors.

Competition:

Pfaudler and Tycon compete principally with DeDietrich in all world
markets except Japan, China and India. Pfaudler has the leading market share and
installed base in all the countries in which it operates facilities. Tycon has
the leading share in Italy and has a significant presence in Switzerland and
Germany. DeDietrich has a dominant position in France, where its main facility
is located, and a significant presence in other continental European markets and
the U.S.

Pfaudler is the market leader in Mexico, South America and India. In
April 1996, the Company announced a 60% owned joint venture agreement with a
Chinese glass-lined equipment manufacturer. The joint venture has a small market
share of a fragmented Chinese market, but is upgrading its products to supply
Western quality glass-lined vessels to customers in China. The markets in Japan,
Taiwan and Korea are largely supplied by Japanese manufacturers that sell few
products to markets outside the region.

The Company believes that it will benefit from the long-term trend of
high levels of capital expenditures within the pharmaceutical industry. This
trend is driven by the significant industry growth rates from globalization of
manufacturing facilities to service emerging markets, development of innovative
drugs which often require new process facilities or retrofit of existing
facilities, and expiration of patents on certain drugs which will result in
greater production of generic equivalents.


ENERGY SYSTEMS

R&M Energy Systems ("Energy Systems") manufactures and sells a variety
of specialized products to the oil and gas exploration, production and pipeline
markets. These products are principally used either down a well hole or at a
wellhead. A summary of the Company's Energy Systems business is as follows:


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End User Markets
---------------------------------------------
% of Major Principal
Market Position Markets 1998 Sales Competitors Brands
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

N/A Oil & Gas 95% Halliburton Moyno(R)
Other 5% Baker-Hughes New Era(R)
Weatherford Patco(R)
Telford Hamer(R)
Hercules(R)
Magnum(R)
Resun(R)
Staytite(R)
Yale(R)


Energy Systems sells a line of power sections and down-hole progressing
cavity pumps. Moyno(R) power sections are used to drive the drill bit in
horizontal and directional drilling applications, often with multiple wells
drilled from a single location. Power sections utilize the same technology as is
used in progressing cavity pumps. Down-hole pumps are used primarily to lift
crude oil to the surface where there is not enough natural pressure and for
dewatering gas wells. The largest oilfields that benefit from using down hole
pumps are in Canada, the U.S., Venezuela and the Commonwealth of Independent
States ("CIS"). These products are manufactured in Fairfield, California and
Willis, Texas (near Houston). In addition, the Company operates a facility in
Belgium that relines power section stators for the European aftermarket.

Energy Systems, through its FCE acquisition, also has three additional
main product lines that also serve the oil and gas exploration, production and
pipeline markets. Rod guides are placed on down hole rods used to pump oil to
protect the rods and the well casings from damage during operations and to
enhance the flow of fluid to the surface. Wellhead products are used at the
wellhead to control the flow of oil, gas and other material from the well.
Closure products are used in oil and gas pipelines to allow access to a pipeline
at selected intervals. Rod guides are produced and applied at several rod guide
service centers located in the U.S. and Canadian oilfields. Wellhead products
and closure products are manufactured at two plants in Texas.

Sales, Marketing And Distribution:

Power sections are sold directly to oilfield service companies through
a sales office in Houston, Texas. In fiscal 1997, Energy Systems discontinued
selling downhole pumps through distributors in Canada and began selling direct
through service centers. Rod guides and wellhead equipment in the U.S. and
Canada are also sold through Company service centers in key oilfield locations.
Energy Systems currently operates nine service centers in the U.S. and nine
service centers in Alberta, Canada. Downhole pumps in the U.S. are sold through
three distributors, and several other distributors have been established in
South America, the CIS and Asia. Wellhead products and closure products are also
sold through a distributor network in the U.S.


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Aftermarket Sales:

Aftermarket sales are principally the relining of stators, a key
component of power sections and down-hole pumps. Power section and down-hole
pump rotors and rod guides wear out after regular usage, but replacement sales
of these items are not identifiable and are not classified as aftermarket sales.

Competition:

Energy Systems is the leading manufacturer of power sections. A few
potential customers have backward integrated and produce their own power
sections. Energy Systems is also the leading supplier of rod guides, wellhead
components and pipeline closure products and is the second leading supplier of
down-hole progressing cavity pumps. While the oil and gas exploration,
production and pipeline marketplace is highly fragmented, Energy Systems
believes that with its leading positions in these products, as well as the
introduction of its well drivehead product in fiscal 1998, it is positioned to
be a full line supplier with the capability to provide customers with complete
system sourcing.


INDUSTRIAL MIXERS

Chemineer manufactures industrial mixers that range from fractional
horsepower sizes to over 1,000 horsepower. Prices for mixers and agitators range
from hundreds of dollars for small portable mixers to more than $1 million for
large, customized mixers. Chemineer consists of a combination of four
acquisitions: JWI, Prochem, Chemineer and Greerco. A summary of the Company's
Industrial Mixers business is as follows:




End User Markets
---------------------------------------------
% of Major Principal
Market Position Markets 1998 Sales Competitors Brands
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

#2 Specialty Chemicals 57% Lightnin Chemineer(R)
Pharmaceutical 11% Ekato Valchem(R)
Pulp & Paper 8% Satake Kenics(R)
Wastewater 8% Greerco(R)
Other 16% Prochem(R)


Chemineer's product line consists of top-entry, side-entry,
gear-driven, belt-driven, and static mixers. The Company's Industrial Mixers are
used in a variety of applications, ranging from simple storage tank agitation to
critical applications in polymerization and fermentation processes.

Chemineer products include a line of high-quality turbine agitators.
These gear-driven agitators are available in various sizes, a wide selection of
mounting methods, and drive ranges from one to 1,000 horsepower. The
Chemineer(R) line also includes top-entry turbine agitators with drive ranges
from one-half to five horsepower, designed for less demanding applications, and
a line of portable gear-driven and direct drive mixers, which can be clamp
mounted to tanks

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to handle batch mixing needs. The principal end user markets for Chemineer(R)
products are speciality chemicals, pharmaceutical, food and beverage and
wastewater treatment.

Prochem(R) industrial mixers are principally belt-driven, side-entry
mixers used primarily in the pulp and paper and mineral process industries.
Kenics(R) mixers are continuous mixing and processing devices, with no moving
parts, which are used in specialized static mixing and heat transfer
applications. Static mixers in heat exchangers greatly increase the heat
transfer process in certain applications. Greerco(R) mixers are high-shear
mixers used primarily for paint, cosmetics, plastics and adhesive applications.
Mixers are manufactured in Dayton, Ohio and North Andover, Massachusetts in the
U.S. and Derby, England.

Sales, Marketing And Distribution:

Chemineer(R) industrial mixers are sold through regional sales offices
and through a network of approximately 125 U.S. and 30 non-U.S. manufacturers'
representatives. Chemineer maintains regional sales offices for such equipment
in Ohio, Texas, Canada, the U.K., Singapore, Taiwan and China.

Competition:

The mixer equipment industry is highly competitive. Three companies
account for a significant portion of U.S. sales, but compete with numerous
smaller manufacturers. The Company believes that Chemineer's application
engineering know-how, diverse products, product quality and customer support
allow it to compete effectively in the market place. Chemineer is expanding its
presence internationally, especially in Asia. To that end, Chemineer operates a
liaison office in Shanghai to establish contacts and relationships in China.
Chemineer established in March 1995 a majority-owned joint venture with General
Resources Company of Taipei, Taiwan operating in Singapore and Taiwan to provide
sales, marketing and product engineering for the entire line of Chemineer mixers
and agitators throughout East Asia.


INDUSTRIAL PUMP PRODUCTS

Moyno Industrial Products ("Moyno") manufactures and sells progressing
cavity pumps and related products into the wastewater treatment, speciality
chemicals, oil, food and beverage, and pulp and paper end user markets. Prices
range from several hundred dollars for small pumps to up to $200,000 for large
pumps such as those used in wastewater treatment applications. A summary of the
Company's progressing cavity Industrial Pump Products business is as follows:


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End User Markets
---------------------------------------------
% of Major Principal
Market Position Markets 1998 Sales Competitors Brands
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

#1 Wastewater 32% Netzsch Moyno(R)
Specialty Chemicals 14% Mono R&M(R)
Oil & Gas 9% Seepex Tri-Phaze(R)
Food & Beverage 9% PCM
Pulp & Paper 7%
Other 29%


Progressing cavity technology involves utilizing a motor-driven,
high-strength, single or multi-helix rod as a rotor within an elastomer-lined
stator. The spaces between the helixes created continual cavities which enable
the fluid to move from the suction end to the discharge end. The continuous seal
creates positive displacement and an even flow regardless of the speed of the
application. Progressing cavity pumps are versatile, as they can be positioned
at any angle and can deliver flow in either direction without modification or
accessories. These pumps are able to handle fluids ranging from high pressure
water and shear sensitive materials to heavy, viscous, abrasive, solid-laden
slurries and sludges. Pumps are manufactured in Springfield, Ohio and there are
pump assembly and service centers in the U.K. and Singapore.

Sales, Marketing And Distribution:

Industrial Pump Products are sold worldwide through approximately 55
U.S. and 30 non-U.S. distributors and 40 U.S. and 15 non-U.S. manufacturers'
representatives. These networks are managed by 11 regional sales offices in the
U.S., one office in the U.K. and one office in Singapore.

Competition:

Moyno has a large installed based and the leading market share in the
U.S., and a smaller presence in Europe and Asia. While the Company believes
Moyno is the world leader in the manufacture of progressing cavity pumps, the
market is competitive and includes many different types of similar equipment and
several competitors, none of which is dominant. In addition, there are several
other types of positive displacement pumps including gear, lobe and air-
operated diaphragm pumps that compete with progressing cavity pumps in certain
applications.


CORROSION-RESISTANT PRODUCTS

Edlon-PSI manufactures and sells lined pipe and fittings, coatings and
liners for process equipment, fluoropolymer roll covers for paper machines and
glass-lined reactor systems accessories. Edlon-PSI's products are used
principally in the specialty chemicals, pharmaceutical and semiconductor end
user markets to provide corrosion-resistant environments and in the paper
industry for release applications. A summary of the Company's Corrosion-
Resistant Products business is as follows:


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End User Markets
-----------------------------------------------
% of Major Principal
Market Position Markets 1998 Sales Competitors Brands
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

N/A Speciality Chemicals 53% Crane Resistoflex Edlon(R)
Pharmaceutical 14% Dow PSI(R)
Pulp & Paper 11% 3P
Semiconductors 7%
Other 15%


Edlon-PSI primarily competes by offering highly engineered products and
products made for special needs that are not readily supplied by competitors.
Edlon-PSI is able to compete effectively based on its extensive knowledge and
application experience with fluoropolymers. Products are made in Avondale,
Pennsylvania, Charleston, West Virginia and Leven, Scotland.

Sales, Marketing And Distribution:

Edlon(R) and PSI(R) products in the U.S. are sold through both a
distributor network for higher volume items such as lined pipe and pipe liners,
and a direct sales force and sales representatives for lower volume products.
Outside the U.S., products are sold through sales representatives except for the
U.K., where products are sold through a direct sales force.

Aftermarket Sales:

Edlon-PSI products do not typically have parts or components that
routinely wear out or need replacement, and therefore aftermarket sales are
insignificant.


BACKLOG

At August 31, 1998 and 1997, the Company's order backlog was $96.0
million and $110.1 November 20, 1998 million, respectively. Within the next
twelve months the Company expects to ship all of its backlog. Sales of the
Company's products are not subject to material seasonal fluctuations.

CUSTOMERS

Sales are not concentrated with any customer, as no customer
represented more than 5% of sales in fiscal years 1998, 1997 or 1996.

RAW MATERIALS

Raw materials are purchased from various vendors that generally are
located in the same country as the Company facility using the raw materials. The
supply of raw materials and components has been adequate and available without
significant delivery delays. No events are known or anticipated that would
change the sources and availability of raw materials. No supplier provides more
than 5% of the Company's raw materials.

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GENERAL

The Company owns a number of patents relating to the design and
manufacture of its products. While the Company considers these patents important
to its operations, it believes that the successful manufacture and sale of its
products depend more upon technological know-how and manufacturing skills. The
Company is committed to maintaining high quality manufacturing standards and has
completed ISO certification at several facilities.

During 1998, the Company spent approximately $2.0 million on research
and development activities compared to $2.0 million and $2.6 million in 1997 and
1996, respectively.
Compliance with federal, state and local laws regulating the discharge
of materials into the environment is not anticipated to have any material effect
upon the capital expenditures, earnings or competitive position of the Company.

At August 31, 1998, the Company had approximately 3,000 employees,
which includes approximately 200 at majority-owned joint ventures. Approximately
1,000 of these employees were covered by collective bargaining agreements at
various locations. In fiscal year 1999 the Company has two labor contracts
expiring related to approximately 240 employees at the Company's Pfaudler
facility in Rochester, New York and 200 employees at the Company's Moyno
facility in Springfield, Ohio. A three year labor agreement was reached with the
employees of the Pfaudler facility in September 1998. The current agreement with
the employees of the Moyno facility expires on February 1, 1999. The Company
considers labor relations at each of its locations to be good.


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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
- ------- ----------

FACILITIES

The Company's executive offices are located in Dayton, Ohio. The
executives offices are leased and occupy approximately 10,000 square feet. Set
forth below is certain information relating to the Company's principal operating
facilities.




SQUARE PRODUCTS MANUFACTURED OR
LOCATION FOOTAGE OTHER USE OF FACILITY
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NORTH AND SOUTH AMERICA:
Rochester, New York 500,000 Reactor Systems
Springfield, Ohio 272,800 Industrial Pump Products
Dayton, Ohio 160,000 (1) Industrial Mixers
Borger, Texas 116,000 Wellhead products for Energy Systems
Willis, Texas 110,000 Down-hole pumps and power sections for Energy Systems
Mexico City, Mexico 110,000 Reactor Systems
Taubate, Brazil 100,000 Reactor Systems
Charleston, West Virginia 75,000 Corrosion-Resistant Products
Tomball, Texas 72,900 (1) Valves and closures for Energy Systems
Fairfield, California 60,000 Down-hole pumps and power sections for Energy Systems
Avondale, Pennsylvania 50,000 Corrosion-Resistant Products
North Andover, Massachusetts 30,000 (1) Industrial Mixers
Sao Jose Dos Campos, Brazil 30,000 Reactor Systems
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada 25,000 to (2) Energy Systems, including three service centers
3 plants (2 leased, 1 owned) 30,000 each
Rochester, New York 10,000 (1) Reactor Systems

EUROPE:
Schwetzingen, Germany 400,000 Reactor Systems
Leven, Scotland 240,000 Reactor Systems and Corrosion-Resistant Products
Quanto D'Altino, Italy 120,000 Reactor Systems
San Dona di Piave, Italy 90,000 Reactor Systems
Bilston, England 50,000 Reactor Systems
Derby, England 20,000 (1) Industrial Mixers
Petit-Rechain, Belgium 15,000 Power sections for Energy Systems
Kearsley, England 14,000 Reactor Systems
Bolton, England 14,000 Reactor Systems
Southampton, England 10,000 (1) Industrial Pump Products








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SQUARE PRODUCTS MANUFACTURED OR
LOCATION FOOTAGE OTHER USE OF FACILITY
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASIA:

Gujurat, India 350,000 (3) Reactor Systems
Suzhou, China 150,000 (4) Reactor Systems
Singapore 5,000 (1) Industrial Pump Products

(1) Leased facility.

(2) R&M Energy Systems also operates an additional 15 (9 U.S., 6 Canada) Service Centers, primarily in leased
facilities between 5,000 and 10,000 square feet each. These locations are in the oil producing regions of the
U.S. and Canada and manufacture Rod Guides and distribute other of the Company's Energy Systems products.
Locations are: Bakersfield, California, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Odessa, Texas, Kilgore, Texas, Houston, Texas,
Casper, Wyoming, Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, Williston, North Dakota, Wooster, Ohio and in Alberta, Canada -
Bonnyville, Brooks, Elk Point, Provost, Sedgewick, and Taber.

(3) Facility of a 40%-owned affiliate. (4) Facility of a 60%-owned subsidiary.

(4) Facility of a 60%-owned subsidiary.





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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
- ------- -----------------

The Company is presently not a party to any material legal proceedings.

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

None.


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EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

Maynard H. Murch IV, age 54, has been Chairman of the Board of the Company
since July, 1979 and a director of the Company since 1977. Mr. Murch is also
President and Chief Executive Officer of Maynard H. Murch Co., Inc.
(investments), which is managing general partner of M.H.M. & Co., Ltd.
(investments). Mr. Murch is also Vice President (since June, 1976) of
Parker/Hunter Incorporated (dealer in securities), a successor firm to Murch and
Co., Inc., a securities firm which Mr. Murch had been associated with since
1968.

Daniel W. Duval, age 62, has been President and Chief Executive Officer of
the Company and a director of the Company since December 3, 1986. Prior to
joining the Company, he was President and Chief Operating Officer of
Midland-Ross Corporation (a manufacturer of electrical, electronic and aerospace
products and thermal systems) having held various positions with that company
since 1960.

Gerald L. Connelly, age 57, is Executive Vice President and Chief Operating
Officer of the Company, having been elected to that position on May 1, 1996. He
is also President of Pfaudler, Inc. He was President of the Process Industries
Group of Eagle Industries, Inc. from 1993 until joining the Company. Previously,
he served as President of Pulsafeeder, Inc. (metering pumps) for ten years.

Stephen R. Ley, age 42, is Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial
Officer of the Company, having been elected to that position on December 10,
1997. Since joining the Company in 1994, he has held the positions of Treasurer
and Director, Financial Planning and Accounting at Corporate and Vice President,
Finance and Chief Financial Officer at Pfaudler, Inc. From 1987 to 1994 he held
various positions with Eagle Industries in the areas of finance and accounting.
Prior to joining Eagle Industries, he was employed by the accounting firm of
Arthur Andersen LLP for nine years.

George M. Walker, age 61, is Vice President Development of the Company,
having been elected to that position on December 10, 1997. From 1972 to 1997 he
was Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and from 1968 to 1972, he held
various positions with the Company in the areas of finance and accounting,
including the position of Controller. Prior to 1968, he was employed by the
accounting firm of Ernst & Young LLP for eight years.

Kevin J. Brown, age 40, is Corporate Controller and Chief Accounting
Officer of the Company, having been elected to that position on December 12,
1995 after joining the Company on October 10, 1995. Prior to joining the
Company, he was employed by the accounting firm of Ernst & Young LLP for fifteen
years.

Joseph M. Rigot, age 55, is Secretary and General Counsel of the Company,
having been elected to that position in 1990. He has been a partner with the law
firm of Thompson Hine & Flory L.L.P. Dayton, Ohio, for more than five years.

The term of office of all executive officers of the Company is until the
next Annual Meeting of Directors (December 9, 1998) or until their respective
successors are elected.


16

17



PART II

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

(A) The Company's common shares began trading on the New York Stock
Exchange under the symbol RBN on December 16, 1997. Previously, the common
shares were traded on the NASDAQ/ National Market Systems. The prices presented
in the following table are the high and low sales prices for the common shares
for the periods presented.




Dividends
High Low Paid
----------------------------------------------------------------

Fiscal 1998
- ---------------------

1st Quarter $39.50 $32.00 .050

2nd Quarter 40.50 31.25 .055

3rd Quarter 39.63 29.50 .055

4th Quarter 30.38 23.00 .055

Fiscal 1997
- ---------------------
1st Quarter $25.00 $20.00 $.044

2nd Quarter 29.50 22.25 .050

3rd Quarter 34.75 24.25 .050

4th Quarter 36.75 32.00 .050


(B) As of October 23, 1998, the Company had approximately 650
shareholders of record. Based on requests from brokers and other nominees, the
Company estimates there are approximately an additional 2,700 shareholders.

(C) Dividends paid on common shares are presented in the table in Item
5(a). The Company's credit agreements include certain covenants which restrict
the Company's payment of dividends. The amount of cash dividends plus stock
repurchases the Company may incur in each fiscal year is restricted to the
greater of $2,500,000 or 20% of the Company's net income for the immediately
preceding fiscal year. For purposes of this test, stock repurchases related to
stock option exercises or in connection with withholding taxes due under any
stock plan in which employees or directors participate are not included. Under
this formula, such cash dividends and treasury stock purchases in fiscal 1999
are limited to $6,246,000.

17

18



ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
- ------- -----------------------


FIVE YEAR FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Robbins & Myers, Inc. and Subsidiaries
(In thousands, except per share, shareholder and employee data)



1998 (1) 1997 (1) 1996 1995 (1) 1994 (1)
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------

Operating Results
Net sales $ 436,474 $ 385,663 $ 350,964 $ 302,952 $ 121,647
Gross profit 158,713 138,781 119,030 101,304 44,981
Operating expenses 99,351 89,772 80,272 74,234 28,733
Operating income 60,142 49,521 39,455 26,320 12,102
Income before extraordinary items 31,230 28,866 20,338 11,825 6,355
Extraordinary items, net of tax (2) 0 0 (813) 1,332 0
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Net income $ 31,230 $ 28,866 $ 19,525 $ 13,157 $ 6,355
========= ========= ========= ========= =========

Depreciation and amortization $ 23,516 $ 15,963 $ 13,877 $ 12,401 $ 4,594
Capital expenditures 23,020 22,071 16,453 10,133 6,798
Cash flow from operating activities 48,574 35,246 32,060 33,017 14,601
Ending backlog 96,022 110,078 109,921 107,423 73,944

Financial Condition
Total assets $ 501,008 $ 372,354 $ 300,340 $ 270,407 $ 258,130
Total debt 206,242 116,083 73,533 67,901 83,790
Shareholders' equity 150,763 124,475 91,437 69,939 57,039
Total capitalization 357,005 240,558 164,970 137,840 140,829

Performance Statistics
Percent of net sales
Gross profit 36.4% 36.0% 33.9% 33.4% 37.0%
Operating expenses 22.8 23.3 22.9 24.5 23.6
Operating income 13.8 12.8 11.2 8.7 9.9
Income before extraordinary items 7.2 7.5 5.8 3.9 5.2
Net income 7.2 7.5 5.6 4.3 5.2
Debt as a % of total capitalization 57.8 48.3 44.6 49.3 59.5
Return on shareholders' equity (3) 22.7 26.7 25.2 18.6 11.6

Per Share Data (4)
Income per share, diluted:
Before extraordinary items $ 2.43 $ 2.29 $ 1.84 $ 1.10 $ 0.60
Extraordinary items, net of tax (2) 0 0 (0.07) 0.13 0
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Net income per share $ 2.43 $ 2.29 $ 1.77 $ 1.23 $ 0.60
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Shareholders' equity (book value) $ 13.68 $ 11.38 $ 8.63 $ 6.72 $ 5.55
Dividends declared 0.215 0.194 0.169 0.150 0.144
Market price of common stock:
High 40.50 36.75 26.50 14.38 10.38
Low 23.00 20.00 13.63 8.25. 7.75
Close 23.75 32.63 22.00 13.72 9.38
Price/earnings ratio at August 31, diluted 9.8 14.4 12.5 11.3 15.5


Other Data
Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted (4) 13,906 13,625 11,046 10,738 10,522
Number of shareholders (5) 3,326 2,723 1,632 1,520 1,098
Number of employees 3,083 2,947 2,459 2,337 2,226



Notes to Five-Year Financial Highlights

(1) 1998 reflects the acquisitions of Flow Control Equipment, Inc. and Technoglass S.r.L. and 1997 reflects the acquisitions
of Process Supply Inc., Spectrum Products, Inc., Greerco and Industrie Tycon, S.p.A., as discussed in the Business
Acquisitions note. 1995 reflects the acquisition of Pharaoh and Cannon and 1994 reflects the acquisition of Pfaudler,
Chemineer and Edlon.
(2) Extraordinary items are extinguishment of debt.
(3) Calculated using Income Before Extraordinary Items divided by average shareholders' equity.
(4) 1998 and 1997 reflect an additional 2,385,000 shares related to the convertible note issuance and 1995 and 1994 are
adjusted to reflect the 2 for 1 stock split effective July 31, 1996.
(5) As of September 1, 1998, the Company had 658 shareholders of record. Based on requests from brokers and other nominees,
the Company estimates there are an additional 2,668 shareholders.





18
19

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


OVERVIEW

The Company seeks to balance its mix of products and services and
maintain overall stability in its operating results principally through
increased levels of aftermarket sales, increased non-U.S. sales and end market
diversification. Aftermarket sales accounted for 32.3% of total company sales
for fiscal 1998, 34.0% for fiscal 1997 and 35.0% for fiscal 1996. Sales to
non-U.S. customers increased from 40.8% in 1996 to 47.2% in 1998 of total
Company sales. Sales to non-U.S. customers increased from 40.8% in 1996 to 47.2%
in 1998 of total Company sales. The Company's primary markets are specialty
chemicals, pharmaceuticals, oil and gas exploration and production, wastewater
treatment, food and beverage and pulp and paper.

The Company purchased Flow Control Equipment, Inc. ("FCE") and
Technoglass, S.r.L. ("Technoglass") in December 1997. The total cost of the
acquisitions was $117.4 million in cash, notes and assumed debt ($114.1 million
after application of available FCE cash at closing). These acquisitions
accounted for $41.0 million of sales and $6.6 million of operating income in
fiscal 1998. In fiscal 1997 the Company purchased Process Supply, Inc., Spectrum
Products, Inc. and the high shear mixer business of Greerco in February 1997 and
Industrie Tycon S.p.A. ("Tycon"), the largest of the acquisitions, in May 1997.
The total cost of these acquisitions was $48.3 million in cash, Company stock,
notes and debt assumed. These acquisitions accounted for $12.6 million of sales
and $3.1 million of operating income in fiscal 1997.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following table presents the components of the Company's statement
of income as a percent of net sales for fiscal 1998, 1997 and 1996.




Year Ended August 31,
1998 1997 1996
------ ------ ------

Net sales 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%

Cost of sales 63.6 64.0 66.1
------ ------ ------
Gross profit 36.4 36.0 33.9
Operating expenses 22.8 23.3 22.9
Other (income) (0.2) (0.1) (0.2)

------ ------ ------
Operating income 13.8 12.8 11.2
Interest expense 2.9 1.6 2.0
------ ------ ------
Income before income taxes and extraordinary item 10.9 11.2 9.2
Income taxes 3.7 3.7 3.4
------ ------ ------
Income before extraordinary item 7.2 7.5 5.8
Extraordinary item, net of tax 0.0 0.0 (0.2)
------ ------ ------
Net income 7.2% 7.5% 5.6%
====== ====== ======


FISCAL 1998 COMPARED TO FISCAL 1997---Net sales of $436.5 million for
fiscal 1998 were $50.8 million, or 13.2% higher than for fiscal 1997. This
increase was primarily attributable to the acquired businesses. Excluding the
effect of the acquired businesses, sales



19
20

have been relatively consistent with the prior year with increases in Reactor
Systems and Industrial Pump Products being offset by declines in Energy Systems
and Industrial Mixers. Net income of $31.2 million was 8.2% higher than for
fiscal 1997. Diluted income per share rose 6.1% to $2.43 compared to $2.29 for
fiscal 1997. Company backlog at the end of fiscal 1998 is $96.0 million, down
$14.1 million from the prior year. Most of the decrease was from a slow down in
large projects, especially large engineered systems orders within Reactor
Systems and multiple mixer orders in Industrial Mixers. The reduction in these
large orders represent delays in large capital expenditures due to the recent
economic uncertainty. There is also a backlog decrease in Energy Systems due to
the significant decline in oil prices in 1998. The businesses acquired in 1998
had little backlog at the time of acquisition.

The gross margin percent increased from 36.0% for fiscal 1997 to 36.4%
for fiscal 1998 due to cost containment and positive contribution from the 1998
acquisitions. Operating expenses as a percent of sales decreased slightly from
23.3% for fiscal 1997 to 22.8% for fiscal 1998. The acquired businesses
operating expenses as a percent of sales were similar to the Company's. The
decrease in operating expense percent at the base businesses was due to lower
levels of variable compensation and corporate cost reductions. Other (income)
for fiscal 1998 includes income from joint ventures of $2.1 million, or 0.5% of
net sales for fiscal 1998, and $2.3 million, or 0.6% of net sales for fiscal
1997.

Interest expense increased to $12.8 million for fiscal 1998 from $6.4
million for fiscal 1997. This was due to higher average debt levels related to
the acquisition costs of the acquired businesses, as the effective interest rate
has remained stable. The effective income tax rate was 34.0% for fiscal 1998
compared to 33.0% for fiscal 1997. This increase was due to a reduced benefit in
fiscal 1998 from the utilization of loss carryforwards outside the U.S. as these
loss carryforwards were fully realized in 1997 and 1998 in certain countries.
Net deferred income tax assets of $4.1 million at August 31, 1998 primarily
relate to U.S. operations. Future pretax income at fiscal 1998 levels would be
sufficient to realize these assets.

FISCAL 1997 COMPARED TO FISCAL 1996---Net sales of $385.7 million for
fiscal 1997 were $34.7 million, or 9.9% higher than for fiscal 1996. This
increase was due to strong demand for the Company's Industrial Mixers, Reactor
Systems and Energy Systems Products and $12.6 million attributed to fiscal 1997
acquisitions. Net income of $28.9 million was 47.8% higher than for fiscal 1996.
Diluted income per share rose 29.4% to $2.29 compared to $1.77 for fiscal 1996.
Incoming business was steady and the Company's backlog of $110.1 million at
August 31, 1997 was at the same level as the end of the prior year.

The gross margin percent increased from 33.9% for fiscal 1996 to 36.0%
for fiscal 1997 due to higher sales volume, cost containment and positive
contribution from the fiscal 1997 acquisitions. Operating expenses as a percent
of net sales increased slightly from 22.9% for fiscal 1996 to 23.3% for fiscal
1997 due to the establishment of a direct sales force to serve Energy Systems'
customers in Canada, start-up costs associated with Energy Systems' new
manufacturing plant in Houston, Texas and Reactor Systems' joint venture in
China. Other (income) for fiscal 1997 includes income from joint ventures of
$2.3 million, or 0.6% of net sales for fiscal 1997, and $2.0 million, or 0.6% of
net sales for fiscal 1996.

Interest expense decreased to $6.4 million for fiscal 1997 from $7.1
million for fiscal 1996. Interest expense was favorably impacted by lower
interest rates of approximately 1% associated with the $65.0 million of
convertible subordinated notes issued in September, 1996 and the new senior debt
agreement entered into in November, 1996. This was partially offset by higher
average debt balances related to the 1997 acquisitions. The effective income tax
rate was 33.0% for fiscal 1997 compared to 37.0% for fiscal 1996. The effective
income tax rate for



20
21

fiscal 1997 reflects the benefit of realization of non-U.S. loss carryforwards
and a greater proportion of income before taxes being generated in countries
outside the U.S. where the effective tax rate is lower than the U.S. rate. Net
deferred income tax assets of $6.4 million at August 31, 1997 primarily relate
to U.S. operations. Future pretax income at fiscal 1997 levels would be
sufficient to realize these assets.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The Company anticipates capital expenditures of $15.9 million for
fiscal 1999. The Company expects cash flow from operating activities to be
adequate for operating needs, including scheduled debt service, planned capital
expenditures, stock purchases and shareholder dividend requirements for fiscal
1999. There are no significant restrictions on the Company's ability to transfer
funds from its non-U.S. subsidiaries to the Company.

The Company started a twelve month program in July 1998 to purchase up
to 5% of the Company's outstanding shares, or about 550,000 shares. During
fiscal 1998, 96,600 shares were purchased by the Company at a cost of $2.8
million and 101,700 shares were purchased by the Company's U.S. defined benefit
pension plan Master Trust at a cost of $2.8 million. The Company expects
operating cash flows in fiscal 1999 to fund the remaining stock purchases. The
repurchased shares will be available for use in connection with employee benefit
plans and acquisitions.

In fiscal 1998, cash flow from operating activities of $48.6 million
and net debt borrowings of $88.3 million generated $136.9 million of cash.
Significant cash uses in fiscal 1998 were $112.3 million for acquisitions
capital expenditures of $23.0 million, $2.8 million to fund the purchase of
96,600 shares through the share repurchase program and dividend payments of $2.4
million.

In fiscal 1997, cash flow from operating activities of $35.2 million
and net debt borrowings of $31.5 million generated $66.7 million of cash. In
addition to an increase in cash balances of $3.2 million, significant cash uses
for the year were $36.4 million for acquisitions, $3.7 million for the purchase
of treasury stock used for a portion of the cost of the acquisitions, capital
expenditures of $22.1 million and dividend payments of $2.1 million.

On November 25, 1997 the Company entered into an Amended and Restated
Credit Agreement ("Bank Credit Agreement") that increased the Company's
borrowing capacity from $150.0 million to $200.0 million. On May 19, 1998, the
Company issued $100.0 million of Senior Notes. The proceeds from the Senior
Notes were used to repay borrowings under the Bank Credit Agreement resulting in
an increase in the Company's borrowing capacity under the Bank Credit Agreement.
At August 31, 1998, the Company had approximately $154.0 million available under
the Bank Credit Agreement which management believes is adequate to meet its
immediate needs.

YEAR 2000

Certain software and hardware systems are time sensitive. Older time
sensitive systems often use a two digit dating convention ("00" rather than
"2000") that could result in system failure and disruption of operations as the
Year 2000 approaches. This is referred to as the Year 2000 issue. The Year 2000
issue will impact the Company, its suppliers, customers and other third
parties that transact business with the Company.




21
22

Each business unit within the Company has a Year 2000 team. These teams
identified issues related to substantially all hardware and software systems
within the Company, products sold by the Company, and significant suppliers and
other third parties that transact business with the Company. Projects have been
established to address all significant Year 2000 issues. Each Year 2000 team
reports regularly to senior management on the progress of significant Year 2000
projects. Senior management reports to the Board of Directors quarterly on the
Company's progress with Year 2000 projects.

Most Year 2000 activities are to test hardware and software systems,
including non-information technology systems such as telephones and CNC
machines. The Company has determined that it needs to replace or modify some of
its software and hardware systems. The Company is replacing most of the systems
with Year 2000 issues and is reprogramming only a few software systems.

The Company believes it has no material exposure to contingencies
related to the Year 2000 issue for products sold as few Company products contain
time sensitive hardware or software systems.

The Company initiated communications with significant suppliers,
customers and other relevant third parties to identify and minimize disruptions
to the Company's operations from Year 2000 issues. However, there can be no
certainty that the impacted systems and products of other parties on which the
Company relies will be Year 2000 compliant.

The estimated costs for resolving Year 2000 issues are approximately
$1.6 million for fiscal 1998 and $1.8 million for fiscal 1999. Most of these
costs are to replace existing software and hardware systems. Estimates of Year
2000 costs are based on numerous assumptions; and actual costs could be greater
than estimated. Specific factors that might cause such differences include, but
are not limited to, the continuing availability of personnel trained in this
area and the ability to timely identify and correct all relevant software and
hardware systems.

The Company believes it is diligently addressing the Year 2000 issues
and that it will satisfactorily resolve significant Year 2000 problems. The
Company anticipates completing substantially all of its Year 2000 projects
during fiscal 1999, with major completion milestones being targeted for the
second and fourth quarters of fiscal 1999. In the event the Company falls short
of these milestones, additional internal resources will be focused on completing
these projects or implementing contingency plans.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

In addition to historical information, this Annual Report contains
various forward-looking statements and performance trends which are subject to
certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ
materially from these statements and trends. Such factors include, but are not
limited to, a significant decline in capital expenditure levels in the Company's
served markets, a major decline in oil and gas prices, foreign exchange rate
fluctuations, uncertainties surrounding the Year 2000 issues and the new Euro
currency, continued availability of acceptable acquisition candidates and
general economic conditions that can affect the demand in the process
industries. Any forward-looking statements are made based on known events and
circumstances at the time. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or
publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect events or
circumstances that arise after the date of this report.





22
23

ITEM 7A QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
- ------- ----------------------------------------------------------

MARKET RISK

In its normal operations the Company has market risk exposure to
foreign exchange rates. As a result of the Company's global operations, it has
assets, liabilities and cash flows in currencies other than U.S. dollars. The
Company's significant non-U.S. operations have their local currencies as their
functional currency and primarily buy and sell using that same currency. The
Company manages its exposure to its net assets and cash flows in currencies
other than U.S. dollars by minimizing its non-U.S. dollar net asset positions
through maintaining a portion of its bank debt in Italian Lira and matching net
asset positions in certain currencies with net liability positions in other
currencies that move in similar directions in relation to the U.S. dollar (for
example the Italian lira and the German mark). The Company also enters into
hedging transactions, primarily currency swaps under established policies and
guidelines, that enable it to mitigate the potential adverse impact of foreign
exchange rate risk. The Company does not engage in trading or other speculative
activities with these transactions, as established policies require that such
hedging transactions relate to specific currency exposures.

The Company's main foreign exchange rate exposures relate to assets,
liabilities and cash flows denominated in British pounds, German marks, Italian
lira and Canadian dollars and the general economic exposure that fluctuations in
these currencies could have on the dollar value of future non-U.S. cash flows.
To illustrate the potential impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates
on the Company as of August 31, 1998, the Company's net unhedged exposures in
each currency were remeasured assuming a 10% decrease in foreign exchange rates
compared to the U.S. dollar. Using this method the Company's operating income
and cash flow from operations for 1998 would have decreased by $1.8 million and
$1.2 million, respectively. This calculation assumes that each exchange rate
would change in the same direction relative to the U.S. dollar. In addition to
the direct effects of changes in exchange rates, such changes may also affect
the volume of sales or the foreign currency sales prices as competitor's
products become more or less attractive. The Company's sensitivity analysis of
the effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates does not include any
effects of such potential changes in sales levels or local currency prices.

The Company also has market risk exposure to interest rates. At August
31, 1998, the Company has $206.2 million in interest bearing debt obligations
that are subject to market risk exposure due to changes in interest rates. To
manage its exposure to changes in interest rates, the Company attempts to
maintain a balance between fixed and variable rate debt. Such a balance in the
debt profile is expected to moderate the Company's financing cost over time. If
long-term corporate interest rates were to drop substantially, the Company is
limited in its ability to refinance its fixed rate debt. However, the Company
does have the ability to change the characteristics of its fixed rate debt to
variable rate debt through interest rate swaps to achieve its objective of
balance. No such interest rate swaps are outstanding at August 31, 1998.




23
24

At August 31, 1998, $172.3 million of the outstanding debt is at fixed
rates with a weighted average interest rate of 6.72% and $33.9 million is at
variable rates with a weighted average interest rate of 6.50%. The estimated
fair value of the Company's debt at August 31, 1998, is equal to its carrying
amount. The following table presents the aggregate maturities and related
weighted average interest rates of the Company's debt obligations at August 31,
1998, by maturity dates ($ in thousands):




U. S. Dollar U. S. Dollar Italian Lira
Fixed Rate Variable Rate Variable Rate
--------------------- ------------------- ---------------------
Maturity Date
Amount Rate Amount Rate Amount Rate
-------- ------ -------- ----- -------- ------

1999 $2,808 8.00 % $1,331 6.39 %
2000 3,526 8.00 712 6.52
2001 145 7.71
2002 $700 8.50 % 169 7.71
2003 1,008 6.67 3,000 8.50 24,735 5.97
Thereafter 165,000 6.72 2,100 8.50 1,008 7.71
-------- ------ -------- ----- -------- ------
Total $172,342 6.72 % $5,800 8.50 % $28,100 6.09 %
======== ====== ======== ===== ======== ======






24
25

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
- ------- -------------------------------------------


CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
Robbins & Myers, Inc. and Subsidiaries
($ in thousands)


August 31,
1998 1997
--------- ---------

ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 6,822 $ 10,304
Accounts receivable 72,266 60,668
Inventories 61,894 50,489
Other current assets 4,669 2,491
Deferred taxes 6,966 6,376
--------- ---------
Total Current Assets 152,617 130,328
Goodwill, Net 202,153 125,231
Other Intangible Assets, Net 18,959 19,744
Other Assets 4,958 4,282
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net 122,321 92,769
--------- ---------
$ 501,008 $ 372,354
========= =========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable $ 31,051 $ 28,254
Accrued expenses 52,603 50,384
Current portion of long-term debt 4,139 4,085
--------- ---------
Total Current Liabilities 87,793 82,723
Long-Term Debt - Less Current Portion 202,103 111,998
Deferred Taxes 2,878 0
Other Long-Term Liabilities 57,471 53,158
Shareholders' Equity:
Common stock-without par value:
Authorized shares-40,000,000
Issued shares-11,225,950 (11,079,489 in 1997) 35,749 32,020
Treasury shares-204,436 (141,938 in 1997) (4,886) (2,211)
Retained earnings 122,580 93,735
Equity adjustment for foreign currency translation (1,779) 1,262
Equity adjustment to recognize minimum pension liability (901) (331)
--------- ---------
150,763 124,475
--------- ---------
$ 501,008 $ 372,354
========= =========

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

25
26

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
Robbins & Myers, Inc. and Subsidiaries
($ in thousands, except per share data)



Years ended August 31,
1998 1997 1996
--------- --------- ---------


Net sales $436,474 $385,663 $350,964
Cost of sales 277,761 246,882 231,934
--------- --------- ---------

Gross profit 158,713 138,781 119,030

Operating expenses 99,351 89,772 80,272
Other (income) (780) (512) (697)
--------- --------- ---------

Operating income 60,142 49,521 39,455

Interest expense 12,821 6,437 7,076
--------- --------- ---------

Income before income taxes and
extraordinary item 47,321 43,084 32,379

Income taxes 16,091 14,218 12,041
--------- --------- ---------

Income before extraordinary item 31,230 28,866 20,338

Extraordinary item, net of income taxes:
(Loss) on extinguishment of debt 0 0 (813)
--------- --------- ---------

Net income $31,230 $28,866 $19,525
========= ========= =========

Net income per share:
Basic:
Before extraordinary item $2.83 $2.67 $1.94
Extraordinary item, net of income taxes 0 0 (0.08)
--------- --------- ---------
Total $2.83 $2.67 $1.86
========= ========= =========

Diluted:
Before extraordinary item $2.43 $2.29 $1.84
Extraordinary item, net of income taxes 0 0 (0.07)
--------- --------- ---------
Total $2.43 $2.29 $1.77
========= ========= =========


See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements




26
27

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Robbins & Myers, Inc. and Subsidiaries
($ in thousands, except share data)



Foreign Minimum
Common Treasury Retained Currency Pension
Shares Shares Earnings Translation Liability Total
---------- ---------- ----------- ------------- ----------- ----------

Balance at September 1, 1995 $22,654 ($1,972) $49,254 $777 ($774) $69,939
Net income 19,525 19,525
Cash dividends declared, $0.169 per share (1,783) (1,783)
Stock options exercised, 113,066 shares 410 410
Proceeds from sale of 40,344 shares 295 370 665
Performance stock awards 1,050 1,050
Retirement of SAR's for common stock 1,700 1,700
Cost of 39,344 shares purchased (879) (879)
Tax benefits of stock options exercised 508 508
Change in foreign currency translation (122) (122)
Change in minimum pension liability 424 424
---------- ---------- ----------- ------------- ----------- ----------

Balance at August 31, 1996 26,617 (2,481) 66,996 655 (350) 91,437
Net income 28,866 28,866
Cash dividends declared, $0.194 per share (2,127) (2,127)
Stock options exercised, 91,750 shares 641 641
Proceeds from sale of 48,770 shares 446 627 1,073
Value of 238,000 shares used
for purchase of Process Supply, Inc. 2,751 3,706 6,457
Performance stock awards
(111,260 shares issued) 1,300 1,300
Cost of 149,621 shares purchased (4,063) (4,063)
Tax benefits of stock options exercised 265 265
Change in foreign currency translation 607 607
Change in minimum pension liability 19 19
---------- ---------- ----------- ------------- ----------- ----------
Balance at August 31, 1997 32,020 (2,211) 93,735 1,262 (331) 124,475
Net income 31,230 31,230
Cash dividends declared, $0.215 per share (2,385) (2,385)
Stock options exercised, 165,800 shares 774 787 1,561
Proceeds from sale of 34,632 shares 635 532 1,167
Performance stock awards
(15,313 shares issued) 581 581
Cost of 96,600 shares purchased through
the Stock Repurchase Program (2,774) (2,774)
Cost of 35,182 shares purchased (1,220) (1,220)
Tax benefits of stock options exercised 1,739 1,739
Change in foreign currency translation (3,041) (3,041)
Change in minimum pension liability (570) (570)
---------- ---------- ----------- ------------- ----------- ----------
Balance at August 31, 1998 $35,749 ($4,886) $122,580 ($1,779) ($901) $150,763
========== ========== =========== ============= =========== ==========

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements







27
28

STATEMENT OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS
Robbins & Myers, Inc. and Subsidiaries
($ in thousands)


Years Ended August 31,
1998 1997 1996
--------- --------- ---------

OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income $31,230 $28,866 $19,525
Adjustment required to reconcile net income to net cash
and cash equivalents provided by operating activities:
Depreciation 15,846 10,793 9,382
Amortization 7,670 5,170 4,495
Deferred taxes 3,493 889 (220)
Loss from extinguishment of debt 0 0 1,355
Performance stock awards 581 1,300 1,050
Changes in operating assets and liabilities - excluding the
effects of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable (320) (6,610) (1,804)
Inventories (495) 1,446 (5,302)
Other current assets (1,164) 551 308
Other assets (1,902) (1,710) 468
Accounts payable (985) (2,350) 3,036
Accrued expenses and other liabilities (5,380) (3,099) (233)
--------- --------- ---------
Net cash and cash equivalents provided by operating activities 48,574 35,246 32,060

INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures, net of nominal disposals (23,020) (22,071) (16,453)
Purchase of Flow Control Equipment and Technoglass (112,306) 0 0
Purchase of Process Supply, Spectrum Products, Greerco and Tycon 0 (36,422) 0
--------- --------- ---------
Net cash and cash equivalents used by investing activities (135,326) (58,493) (16,453)

FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from debt borrowings 248,382 148,939 92,565
Payments of long-term debt (160,102) (117,461) (90,781)
Retirement of SAR's and other financing costs (1,359) (837) (19,401)
Proceeds from sale of common stock 2,728 1,979 1,583
Purchase of common stock (3,994) (4,063) (879)
Dividends paid (2,385) (2,127) (1,783)
--------- --------- ---------
Net cash and cash equivalents provided (used) by financing activities 83,270 26,430 (18,696)
--------- --------- ---------
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents (3,482) 3,183 (3,089)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 10,304 7,121 10,210
--------- --------- ---------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $6,822 $10,304 $7,121
========= ========= =========


See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements




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29

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Robbins & Myers, Inc. and Subsidiaries

SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include accounts of the Company and its
subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been
eliminated upon consolidation. All of the Company's operations are conducted in
the fluids management industry.

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 consolidated financial statements and
accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable are stated net of allowances for doubtful accounts totaling
$1,539,000 and $1,097,000 at August 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively. Accounts
receivable relate primarily to customers located in North America and Western
Europe and are concentrated in the specialty chemical, pharmaceutical and oil
and gas industries. To reduce credit risk, the Company performs credit
investigations prior to accepting an order and, when necessary, requires letters
of credit to insure payment.

Inventories
U.S. inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market determined by the
last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method. At August 31, 1998 and 1997, the difference
between estimated current replacement cost and the stated LIFO value was
approximately $4,563,000 and $5,959,000, respectively.

Non-U.S. inventories are reported on the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") method and
amounted to $33,393,000 and $30,380,000 at August 31, 1998 and 1997,
respectively.

Inventories consisted of the following:




1998 1997
------------ ------------
(In thousands)

Finished products $22,785 $13,607

Work in process 14,883 17,708

Raw materials 24,226 19,174
------------ ------------
$61,894 $50,489
============ ============


Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill is the excess of the purchase price paid over the value of net assets
of businesses acquired. Amortization expense is calculated on a straight-line
basis over twenty to forty years. The carrying value of goodwill is reviewed
quarterly if the facts and circumstances suggest that it may be impaired. If
the review indicates that goodwill will not be recoverable, as determined by
the undiscounted cash flow method, the asset will be reduced to its estimated
recoverable value.




29
30

Other intangible assets consisted of the following:




1998 1997
------------ ------------
(In thousands)

Patents $1,184 $1,414

Non-compete agreements 5,757 6,984

Financing costs 3,172 2,661

Acquisition costs 4,782 4,360

Pension intangible 2,572 2,288

Other 1,492 2,037
------------ ------------

$18,959 $19,744
============ ============


Accumulated amortization of goodwill and other intangible assets totaled
$20,564,000 and $12,894,000 at August 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
Amortization is calculated on the straight-line basis using the following lives:

Patents 14 to 17 years
Non-compete agreements 3 to 5 years
Financing costs 5 years
Acquisition costs 20 to 40 years

Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation expense is
recorded over the estimated useful life of the asset on the straight-line method
using the following lives:

Land improvements 20 years
Buildings 40 years
Machinery and equipment 3 to 15 years

The Company's normal policy is to charge repairs and improvements made to
capital assets to expense as incurred. In limited circumstances, betterments
are capitalized and amortized over the estimated life of the new asset and any
remaining value of the old asset is written off. Repairs to machinery and
equipment must result in an addition to the useful life of the asset before the
costs are capitalized.

Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following:




1998 1997
------------ ------------
(In thousands)

Land and improvements $11,594 $11,471

Buildings 42,590 37,275

Machinery and equipment 132,146 94,210
------------ ------------
186,330 142,956

Less accumulated depreciation 64,009 50,187
------------ ------------
$122,321 $92,769
============ ============





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31

Equity Investments
The Company owns 40% of Gujarat Machinery Manufacturers, Ltd. ("GMM"). GMM is
located in India and manufactures and markets glass-lined storage and reactor
vessels and related equipment, primarily for the Indian market. In
addition, the Company owns 50% of Universal Glasteel Equipment ("UGE") located
in Robbinsville, New Jersey. UGE is a supplier of used and reconditioned
glass-lined storage and reactor vessels. The Company uses the equity method of
accounting for these investments. The net investments at August 31, 1998 and
1997 are $2,715,000 and $3,144,000, respectively, and are included in other
assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Foreign Currency Accounting
Gains and losses resulting from the settlement of a transaction in a currency
different from that used to record the transaction are charged or credited to
operations when incurred. Adjustments resulting from the translation of non-U.S.
financial statements into U.S. dollars are recognized as a separate component of
shareholders' equity for all non-U.S. units except the unit in Brazil. The U.S.
dollar is the functional currency for the Brazilian unit. As a result,
translation gains and losses for that operation are reflected in net income.

Research and Development
Research and development expenditures are expensed as incurred and amounted to
approximately $2,041,000, $2,001,000 and $2,602,000 for the years ended August
31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.

Income Taxes
Income taxes are provided for all items included in the Consolidated Income
Statement regardless of the period when such items are reported for income tax
purposes. Deferred income taxes reflect the net effects of temporary differences
between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting
purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes.

The Company's policy is to provide U.S. income taxes on current non-U.S. income
which the Company remits to the U.S. The Company does not provide U.S. income
taxes on the remaining undistributed non-U.S. income, as it is the Company's
intention to maintain its investments in these operations.

Statement of Consolidated Cash Flows
Cash and cash equivalents consist of working cash balances and temporary
investments having an original maturity of 90 days or less.

In 1998 the Company recorded the following non-cash investing and financing
transactions: $1,782,000 increase in goodwill and long-term debt related to the
acquisition of Technoglass S.r.L. and $1,739,000 increase in common stock and
decrease in income tax payable related to the tax benefits of stock options
exercised.

In 1997 the Company recorded the following non-cash investing and financing
transactions: $2,050,000 increase in other intangible assets and long-term debt
related to the underwriter's discount on the issuance of the convertible notes,
$2,952,000 increase in goodwill and long-term debt related to earn-out
provisions of the Pharoah acquisition in 1995, an increase in tangible and
intangible assets of $9,957,000, long-term debt of $3,500,000 and common stock
of $6,457,000 related to the acquisition of Process Supply, Inc. (see Business
Acquisitions note) and $265,000 increase in common stock and decrease in income
taxes payable related to the tax benefit of stock options exercised.




31
32

In 1996 the Company recorded the following non-cash investing and financing
transactions: $2,000,000 increase in goodwill and decrease in deferred taxes
related to purchase entry adjustments, $1,700,000 increase in goodwill and
common stock related to the retirement of certain of the stock appreciation
rights with the issuance of stock (see Common Stock note), $1,625,000 increase
in goodwill and long-term debt related to earn-out provisions of the Pharaoh
acquisition in 1995 and $508,000 increase in common stock and decrease in
income taxes payable related to the tax benefit of stock options exercised.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating the
fair value of financial instruments:

Cash and cash equivalents - The amounts reported approximate market
value.

Equity investments - The amounts reported approximate market value.

Long-term debt - The amounts reported are consistent with the terms,
interest rates and maturities currently available to the Company for
similar debt instruments.

Foreign exchange contracts - The amounts reported are estimated using
quoted market prices for similar instruments.

Classes of Products
The Company is an international manufacturer and marketer of high performance,
specialized fluid management products and systems for the process industries.
Sales by product platform were as follows:




1998 1997 1996
-------------- -------------- --------------
(In thousands)


Glass-lined reactor systems $175,080 $149,688 $137,398

Progressing cavity pump products 116,281 116,762 106,372

Industrial mixing equipment 78,132 85,090 77,969

Other 66,981 34,123 29,225
-------------- -------------- --------------
$436,474 $385,663 $350,964
============== ============== ==============


Reclassifications
Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with current year
presentation.



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33

BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS

On December 5, 1997, the Company acquired all of the outstanding capital stock
of Technoglass S.r.L. ("Technoglass") for $8,058,000 in cash and notes.
Technoglass supplies glass-lined storage and reactor vessels and related
equipment and is located near Venice, Italy.

On December 19, 1997, the Company acquired all of the outstanding capital stock
of Flow Control Equipment, Inc. ("FCE") for $109,300,000 in cash (or
approximately $106,030,000 after application of available FCE cash at closing).
FCE supplies a broad line of products for use in artificial lift applications in
the oil and gas exploration and production markets, including rod guides,
wellhead equipment and valves. FCE also supplies closures and valves for gas
transmission and distribution applications.

Following are the unaudited pro forma consolidated results of operations of the
Company assuming the acquisition of FCE had occurred at the beginning of each
respective period. In preparing the pro forma data adjustments have been made to
the historical financial information. These are primarily amortization and
depreciation relating to the purchase price allocation, interest cost related to
financing the transaction and adjustments to the corporate cost allocations from
FCE's former parent.




1998 1997
------------------ -------------------
(In thousands, except per share amounts)

Net sales $451,481 $441,517

Net income $31,754 $28,007

Basic income per share $2.88 $2.59

Diluted income per share $2.47 $2.22



On February 3, 1997, the Company acquired Process Supply, Inc., a manufacturer
of flouropolymer products and accessories for glass-lined equipment, and
Spectrum Products, Inc., an affiliated sales company, and on January 31, 1997,
the high shear industrial mixer business of Greerco Corp. These businesses were
purchased for a total of $18,557,000. The purchase price consisted of common
stock valued at $6,457,000, obligations directly payable to the seller of
$3,500,000, long-term debt assumed of $800,000 and cash borrowed under the
Company's existing senior debt agreement of $7,800,000. The common stock was
issued from treasury shares.

On May 2, 1997, the Company acquired Industrie Tycon, S.p.A., ("Tycon") a
manufacturer of glass-lined storage and reactor vessels and related equipment.
Tycon was purchased for $27,100,000 in cash, which was borrowed under the
Company's existing senior debt agreement and debt assumed of $2,600,000.

The operating results of the acquired businesses have been included in
consolidated operating results since the dates of each acquisition.



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34

ACCRUED EXPENSES

Accrued expenses consisted of the following:



1998 1997
------------ ------------
(In thousands)

Salaries, wages, payroll taxes and withholdings $10,833 $11,657

Customer advances 4,580 8,597

Pension benefits 4,135 5,557

Warranty costs 6,888 3,301

Income taxes 5,711 3,266

All other items 20,456 18,006
------------ ------------
$52,603 $50,384
============ ============



LONG-TERM DEBT

The Company's debt consisted of the following:




1998 1997
------------ ------------
(In thousands)

Senior debt:

Revolving credit loan $26,846 $34,650

Senior notes 100,000 0

Note payable 3,500 3,500

Other 4,562 5,614

Senior subordinated debt 6,334 7,319

6.50% Convertible subordinated notes 65,000 65,000
------------ ------------
Total debt 206,242 116,083

Less current portion 4,139 4,085
------------ ------------
$202,103 $111,998
============ ============


In connection with the purchase of FCE (see Business Acquisitions note), the
Company entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated November
25, 1997 ("Bank Credit Agreement"). The Bank Credit Agreement provides that the
Company may borrow on a revolving credit basis up to a maximum of $200,000,000.
All outstanding amounts under the agreement are due and payable on November 25,
2002. Interest is variable based upon prime or formulas tied to LIBOR, at the
Company's option, and is payable at least quarterly. At August 31, 1998, the
interest rate for all amounts outstanding ranged from 6.00% to 8.50%. Except for
guarantees by the Company's U.S. subsidiaries, the pledge of the stock of the
Company's U.S. subsidiaries and the pledge of stock of certain non-U.S.
subsidiaries, indebtedness under the Bank Credit Agreement is unsecured.




34
35
On May 19, 1998 the Company issued $100,000,000 of Senior Notes ("Senior
Notes"). The Senior Notes were issued in two series, Series A in the principal
amount of $70,000,000 has an interest rate of 6.76% and are due May 1, 2008 and
Series B in the principal amount of $30,000,000 has an interest rate 6.84% and
are due May 1, 2010. Interest is payable semi-annually on May 1 and November 1.

The above agreements have certain restrictive covenants including limitations
on cash dividends, treasury stock purchases and capital expenditures and
minimum requirements for interest coverage and leverage ratios. The amount of
cash dividends and treasury stock purchases other than in relation to stock
option exercises the Company may incur in each fiscal year is restricted to the
greater of $2,500,000 or 20% of the Company's consolidated net income for the
immediately preceding fiscal year.

On February 3, 1997, the Company issued a note for $3,500,000 in consideration
of a non-competition agreement signed as part of the acquisition of Process
Supply, Inc. The debt is payable in five annual installments beginning on
February 3, 2002, together with accrued interest compounded annually at the
prime rate.

The Company has senior subordinated debt of $6,334,000 with an interest rate of
8.00% that is payable in annual installments through January 31, 2000.

On September 23, 1996, the Company completed the sale of $65,000,000 of 6.50%
Convertible Subordinated Notes Due 2003 ("Subordinated Notes"). The
Subordinated Notes are due on September 1, 2003, and bear interest at 6.50%,
payable semi-annually on March 1 and September 1 and are convertible into
common stock at a rate of $27.25 per share. Holders may convert at any time
until maturity and the Company may call for redemption at any time on or after
September 1, 1999, at a price ranging from 103.25% in 1999 to 100% in 2001 and
thereafter. The Notes are subordinated to all other indebtedness of the
Company. If the Subordinated Notes had been issued at the beginning of 1996,
pro forma net income per share for 1996, on a diluted basis, would have been
$1.64 compared to $1.77.

During the fourth quarter of 1996, $25,000,000 of senior subordinated debt with
a book value of $23,300,000 was retired and the Company recorded an
extraordinary loss of $1,355,000 ($813,000 after taxes or $.07 per share).

Aggregate principal payments of long-term debt, for the five years subsequent to
August 31, 1998, are as follows:




(In thousands)
----------------

1999 $4,139

2000 4,238

2001 145

2002 869

2003 28,743

2004 and thereafter 168,108
----------------
Total $206,242
================


Interest paid on all outstanding debt amounted to $10,650,000 in 1998,
$5,032,000 in 1997 and $7,083,000 in 1996.




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36

RETIREMENT PLANS

The Company sponsors two defined contribution plans covering most U.S. salaried
employees and certain U.S. hourly employees. Contributions are made to the plans
based on a percentage of eligible amounts contributed by participating
employees.

The Company also has several defined benefit plans covering all U.S. employees
and certain non-U.S. employees. Plans covering salaried employees provide
benefits based on years of service and employees' compensation. Plans covering
hourly employees generally provide benefits of stated amounts for each year of
service. The Company's funding policy is consistent with the funding
requirements of applicable federal regulations. At August 31, 1998 and 1997
pension assets were invested in long-term interest bearing obligations and
equity securities, including 201,700 shares of the Company's common stock in
1998 and 100,000 shares in 1997.

Retirement plan costs for the above plans include the following components:




1998 1997 1996
------------ ------------ ------------

Defined benefit plans: (In thousands)

Service cost - benefits earned during

the period $2,800 $2,652 $2,292

Interest cost on projected benefit

obligation 4,501 3,947 3,692

Actual return on assets (388) (9,193) (6,560)

Net amortization and deferral (4,562) 5,571 3,198
------------ ------------ ------------
Total 2,351 2,977 2,622

Defined contribution plans 1,011 1,426 1,180
------------ ------------ ------------
$3,362 $4,403 $3,802
============ ============ ============






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37

The funded status of U.S. defined benefit plans was as follows:




Assets Exceed Accumulated

Accumulated Benefits

Benefits Exceed Assets

1998 1998
------------------ ----------------

Actuarial present value of: (In thousands)

Vested benefit obligation $15,001 $47,405

Accumulated benefit obligation 15,800 50,948

Projected benefit obligation 19,564 50,948

Plan assets at fair market value 17,558 43,699
------------------ ----------------
Plan assets less than projected
benefit obligation (2,006) (7,249)

Unrecognized net loss 1,404 1,040

Unrecognized prior service cost 855 1,477

Unreco