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                                  UNITED STATES
                       Securities and Exchange Commission
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM 10-K


[X]  Annual Report  Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the  Securities  Exchange
     Act of 1934 for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2001 or

[ ]  Transition  report  pursuant  to  Section  13  or  15(d) of  the Securities
     Exchange Act of 1934 for the transition period from          to           .
                                                        ----------  -----------

                          Commission File No. 001-9249

                                   Graco Inc.
             (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

        Minnesota                                         41-0285640
(State or other jurisdiction                (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 ofincorporation or organization)

                           88 - 11th Avenue Northeast
                              Minneapolis, MN 55413
               (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

                                (612) 623-6000
              (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

           Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
                     Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share
                         Preferred Share Purchase Rights
                Shares registered on the New York Stock Exchange.

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

As of March 8, 2002, 31,533,255 shares of Common Stock were outstanding.

Indicate  by a check  mark  whether  the  registrant  (1) has filed all  reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the  Securities  Exchange  Act of
1934  during  the  preceding  12 months  (or for such  shorter  period  that the
registrant was required to file such reports),  and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes  X  No     .

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

The  aggregate  market  value  of  approximately   28,551,784   shares  held  by
non-affiliates  of the  registrant  was  approximately  $1.2 billion on March 8,
2002.

                       DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the Company's  definitive  Proxy Statement for its Annual Meeting of
Shareholders to be held on May 7, 2002, are  incorporated by reference into Part
III, as specifically set forth in said Part III.
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GRACO INC. INDEX TO ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K ================================================================================ Page Part I Item 1 Business............................................................3 Item 2 Properties..........................................................7 Item 3 Legal Proceedings...................................................7 Item 4 Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.................7 Executive Officers of the Company...................................8 Part II Item 5 Market for the Company's Common Stock and Related Shareholder Matters..............................................9 Item 6 Selected Financial Data.............................................9 Item 7 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.............................10 Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data........................15 Item 9 Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure..........................32 Part III Item 10 Directors and Executive Officers of the Company....................32 Item 11 Executive Compensation.............................................32 Item 12 Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.....32 Item 13 Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.....................32 Part IV Item 14 Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedule, and Reports on Form 8-K....32 Signatures ...................................................................34 NOTE: Certain exhibits listed in the Index to Exhibits beginning on page 35, and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, have been omitted. Copies of such exhibits may be obtained upon written request directed to: Treasurer Graco Inc. P.O. Box 1441 Minneapolis, Minnesota 55440-1441

PART I Item 1. Business General Information Graco Inc. ("Graco" or "the Company") supplies equipment for the management of fluids in both industrial and commercial settings. The Company's products help customers solve difficult manufacturing problems, increase productivity, improve quality, conserve energy, save expensive material, control environmental emissions and reduce labor costs. Graco is the successor to Gray Company, Inc., which was incorporated in 1926 as a manufacturer of automobile lubrication equipment, and became a public company in 1969. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Graco serves customers around the world in the manufacturing, process, construction and maintenance industries. It designs, manufactures and markets products and pre-engineered packages to move, measure, control, dispense and spray a wide variety of fluids and viscous materials. Among Graco's strategic objectives is that of being the highest quality, lowest cost, most responsive supplier in the world for its principal products. In working to achieve this goal, Graco has organized its manufacturing operations around product-focused factories which contain product-based cells. Graco's strategic objectives include generating at least 30 percent of each year's sales from products introduced in the last three years, generating at least 5 percent of each year's sales from sales in markets entered in the last three years, expanding its distribution network and pursuing strategic acquisitions. Operating Segment Information Graco's businesses are classified by management into three operating segments: (1) Industrial/Automotive Equipment, (2) Contractor Equipment, and (3) Lubrication Equipment. Financial information concerning these operating segments is set forth in Part II, Item 7, at page 11, and in Note B to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Industrial/Automotive Equipment Graco's Industrial/Automotive Equipment segment focuses its product design and marketing efforts on four key areas of application: sealants and adhesives, process, liquid finishing and protective coatings. The markets served include automotive assembly and components plants, wood products, rail, marine, aerospace, farm and construction equipment, truck, bus and recreational vehicles, and approximately thirty other industries. Worldwide, the equipment designed and manufactured by this segment is sold through general and specialized distributors, integrators and robot manufacturers. Distributors promote and sell the equipment, provide product application expertise, and offer on-site service, technical support and integration capabilities. Integrators implement large individual installations in manufacturing plants where products and services from a number of different vendors are aggregated into a single system. Products marketed by the Industrial/Automotive Equipment segment are manufactured in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Sioux Falls, South Dakota and Bielefeld, Germany. Assembly of certain products for the European market is performed in Maasmechelen, Belgium. Important drivers of product development in the Industrial/Automotive segment are the desire by customers to control costs by reducing the amount of material used, the desire to improve quality and increase productivity by automating production processes, and the need to reduce volatile organic compounds ("VOCs") emissions in order to meet environmental regulations. Graco is developing new products for the global marketplace and expanding its distribution throughout the world in order to achieve optimum market coverage. Recent Developments. In 2001, Graco introduced the Pro(TM) Xs line of manual and automatic electrostatic spray guns. The Pro Xs, which replaces Graco's existing line of electrostatic guns, provides a better finish and has a lighter-weight body with more durable components and an ergonomically designed handle for better operator comfort. In addition, this new line offers more models in a broader price range. The PrecisionFlo XL(TM), a lower-priced electronically-controlled fluid metering system targeted at sealants and adhesives applications, was introduced in 2001. This system provides more precise control of fluid delivery, thereby reducing material consumption and improving quality. The Triton(TM) 308 spray package was introduced in 2001 for the finishing of wood and metal parts. It contains an air-operated diaphragm pump and versatile spray gun which can be used in air spray and high volume-low pressure ("HVLP") applications. This pump delivers a consistent spray pattern and provides an effective alternative to traditional pressure pots and standard diaphragm pumps. The Triton package allows Graco to expand its product offering to the low end of this market. Graco's product offering to the protective coatings markets was improved with the introduction of Xtreme(TM) pump lowers. These lowers contain features which make them much easier to maintain: a quick disconnect coupler, which permits quick and easy disconnect of the air motor rod from the pump rod without tools, and a QuikAccess(TM) intake, which allows quick on-the-job maintenance using only a hammer. The life of the pumps has been substantially extended by the addition of PlasmaCoat(TM) rods and XtremeSeal(TM) packings, which allow the pump to handle a wide variety of materials. In late summer 2001, most Industrial/Automotive manufacturing and distribution functions were consolidated on the Minneapolis campus as recently expanded space in the Riverside Plant became available. This move allowed the Company to more closely align its Industrial/Automotive distribution and manufacturing operations. Spray guns for Industrial/Automotive will continue to be manufactured in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Graco will close its manufacturing facility in Bielefeld, Germany by mid-year 2002. Some product lines manufactured there will be discontinued and the rest will be transferred to the manufacturing facilities in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In December 2000, Graco received TE 9000 certification. Automotive manufacturers established the TE 9000 supplement to ISO 9000 in the mid-1990's, to ensure that the machine tools they buy would perform as required. In order to obtain TE 9000 certification, suppliers must demonstrate that they are pursuing a plan that will meet customer requirements for product quality, reliability, maintainability and durability. Certification allows Graco to maintain its preferred business association with these customers. Products. Products offered by the Industrial/Automotive segment include air, electric and hydraulic-powered pumps that pressurize and transfer paints, stains, chemicals, sealants, adhesives, food, and other viscous materials through various application devices, including air, airless, air-assisted airless, electrostatic, and HVLP spray guns. Fluid pressures ranging from 20 to more than 6,000 pounds per square inch and flow rates from under 1 gallon to 275 gallons per minute are available. Sealant and adhesive, paint circulating and plural component packages and modules, and a complete line of parts and accessories, are also offered. Contractor Equipment Graco's Contractor Equipment segment designs and markets sprayers for the application of paint and other architectural coatings, and for the high-pressure cleaning of equipment and structures. The segment offers its equipment to distributors selling to contractors in the painting, roofing, texture, corrosion control and line striping markets. The segment offers equipment which gives contractors the opportunity to produce a higher quality finish at higher production rates with sprayers that are durable and easy to use. The equipment is sold primarily through retail stores which sell paint and other coatings, and secondarily through general equipment distributors. In 2000, Graco began marketing a limited line of sprayers through the home center channel. In 2001, sales to Home Depot, a home center retailer, totaled 11% of the Company's consolidated sales. Manufacturers' representatives are used to sell the ASM product line to general distribution and Graco-branded equipment to the rental market. Products for the contractor equipment markets are manufactured in Rogers and Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Recent Developments. In March 2001, Graco acquired the stock of ASM Company, Inc., a manufacturer and marketer of spray tips, guns, poles and other accessories for the professional painter, with its principal place of business in Orange, California. This acquisition brought Graco an expanded presence in the home center, hardware and rental markets. ASM operations were moved to Graco's South Dakota manufacturing facility over the balance of the year. Production in southern California ceased in November. Graco will continue to offer ASM products and has added several electric paint sprayers and pressure washers to the line since the acquisition. Manufacturers' representatives are used to sell the ASM line to the market. In late summer 2001, the division expanded its presence in Rogers, Minnesota to include the entire facility as Industrial/Automotive manufacturing and distribution functions were moved to the newly expanded Riverside Plant in Minneapolis. In 2001, Graco introduced the Ultra(R) Max, an upgraded Ultra(R) sprayer, and standardized construction across all models in the Ultra line. This sprayer line now has an interactive digital display on the SmartControl(TM) microprocessor which contains a pressure monitor, gallon counter, AutoClean(TM) Shut-off Timer and diagnostics. The AutoClean system stops the sprayer automatically after the system is cleaned by reverse flushing. A new line of gas hydaulic airless sprayers called the HydraMax(TM) was released in 2001. These sprayers, with an advanced design hydraulic motor, are designed to outperform the competition by offering the painter maximum pressure output, maximum tip size supported, maximum delivery rating and better control of pressure, all resulting in improved quality and productivity. The HydraMax contains a number of innovative features, including a digital tracking system and easy-to- remove parts for quick cleaning. The LineDriver(TM), introduced in 2001, is an innovative motorized ride-on accessory, that connects to a line striper and reduces operator fatigue, improves quality and allows a painter to increase speed and change directions instantly. In 2001, the Magnum(TM) line of airless sprayers, which is sold primarily through the home center channel, was extended by adding a new lower-priced product called the Magnum DX. The Magnum DX, a light-weight compact, low-flow piston pump, is targeted at the handyman who needs an airless sprayer for periodic use. Products. The segment's primary product lines are airless paint sprayers and associated accessories such as spray guns, filters, valves and tips. Also offered are pressure washers and specialized spraying equipment for the application of roofing materials, texture coatings and traffic paint. Fluid pressures ranging from 5 to more than 4,000 pounds per square inch and flow rates up to 4 gallons per minute are available. Pumps powered by electricity, air and gasoline are available. HVLP equipment provides the ability to spray with reduced overspray, a benefit where regulation of volatile emissions has increased. Replacement and maintenance parts, such as packings, seals and hoses, which must be replaced periodically in order to maintain efficiency and prevent loss of material, are also offered for sale. Lubrication Equipment The Lubrication Equipment segment designs and markets products for the lubrication and maintenance of vehicles and other equipment. The markets for the segment's products include fast oil change facilities, service garages, fleet service centers, automobile dealerships, the mining industry, and industrial lubrication. The purchase of vehicle lubrication equipment is often funded by major oil companies for their customers as a marketing tool. Products are distributed primarily through independent distributors worldwide, which are serviced by a network of independent sales representatives and direct sales generalists in foreign markets. Products for the Lubrication Equipment markets are manufactured in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Recent Developments. During 2001, the division outfitted Sears Auto Centers in the United States with oil change packages containing pumps, meters, oil tanks and used oil reservoirs, and supplied lubrication equipment to Wal-Mart Tire & Lube Express for pumping oil, gear lube, grease, and used oil. Graco supplied an Australian distributor with equipment to configure a mobile lubrication skid for the Australian army. This skid can be transported to remote areas and is used to lubricate trucks, tanks and other vehicles. Products. The Lubrication Equipment segment offers a full line of lubrication pumps (air and hydraulic-powered), hose reels, meters and dispense valves, fluid management systems, equipment for handling used oil, automatic lubrication equipment, and parts and accessories. Marketing and Distribution Graco sells its full line of products in each of the following major geographic markets: the Americas (North, Central and South America), Europe (including the Middle East and Africa), and Asia Pacific. Graco provides worldwide marketing, product design and application assistance to each of these geographic markets. Graco sells its equipment worldwide principally through independent distributors. In Japan, Korea, and Europe, Graco equipment is sold to distributors through sales subsidiaries. Manufacturers' representatives are used in the Lubrication Equipment and the Contractor Equipment segments. It is the Company's goal to generate at least 5 percent of each year's revenues from sales in markets entered in the last three years. The home center channel, into which the Contractor Equipment Division introduced the Magnum line of airless sprayers in 2000, is an example of the Company's efforts to reach this goal. In 2001, Graco's net sales in the Americas were $341.0 million or approximately 72 percent of the Company's consolidated net sales; in Europe net sales were $82.4 million or approximately 17 percent; and in the Asia Pacific Region, net sales were $49.4 million or approximately 11 percent. Research, Product Development and Technical Services Graco's research, development and engineering activities are organized by operating segment. The engineering group in each segment focuses on new product design, product improvements, applied engineering and strategic technologies for its specific customer base. In each of the last three years, the Company achieved its goal of generating at least 30 percent of each year's sales from products introduced in the prior three years. All major research and development activities are conducted in facilities located in Minneapolis, and Rogers, Minnesota. Total research and development expenditures were $20.8 million, $20.0 million and $19.7 million for 2001, 2000 and 1999 respectively. Intellectual Property Graco owns a number of patents and has patent applications pending both in the United States and in foreign countries, licenses its patents to others, and is licensed under patents owned by others. In the opinion of the Company, its business is not materially dependent upon any one or more of these patents or licenses. The Company also owns a number of trademarks in the United States and foreign countries, including the registered trademarks for "GRACO," several forms of a capital "G" and various product trademarks which are material to the business of the Company, inasmuch as they identify Graco and its products to its customers. Competition Graco faces substantial competition in all of its markets. The nature and extent of this competition varies in different markets due to the depth and breadth of the Company's product lines. Product quality, reliability, design, customer support and service, specialized engineering and pricing are the major competitive factors. Although no competitor duplicates all of Graco's products, some competitors are larger than the Company, both in terms of sales of directly competing products and in terms of total sales and financial resources. The Company faces competitors with different cost structures and expectations of profitability. Graco believes it is one of the world's leading producers of high-quality specialized fluid management equipment. It is impossible to determine its relative market position, because of the absence of reliable industry-wide third-party data. Environmental Protection The Company's compliance with Federal, State and local environmental laws and regulations did not have a material effect upon the capital expenditures, earnings or competitive position of the Company during the fiscal year ending December 28, 2001. Employees As of December 28, 2001, the Company employed approximately 1850 persons on a full-time basis. Of this total, approximately 280 were employees based outside the United States, and 800 were hourly factory workers in the United States. None of the Company's U.S. employees is covered by a collective bargaining agreement. Various national industry-wide labor agreements apply to certain employees in Europe. Compliance with such agreements has no material effect on the Company or its operations. Item 2. Properties As of December 28, 2001, the Company's principal operations that occupy more than 10,000 square feet were conducted in the following facilities: Gross Type of Facility Location Square Footage ---------------- -------- -------------- Owned ----- Manufacturing/Warehouse/Office Minneapolis, Minnesota 405,000 Manufacturing/Warehouse/ CED R&D and Marketing Rogers, Minnesota 333,000 Manufacturing/Office Minneapolis, Minnesota 202,000 Corporate Headquarters/Lube and Industrial/Automotive R&D and Marketing Minneapolis, Minnesota 139,000 Manufacturing/Office Sioux Falls, South Dakota 127,000 European Headquarters/Warehouse Maasmechelen, Belgium 75,000 Leased ------ Manufacturing/Office Bielefeld, Germany 69,000 Office/Warehouse Yokohama, Japan (2 facilities) 33,000 Office Plymouth, Michigan 21,000 Office/Warehouse Gwangju-Gun, Korea (2 facilities) 11,000 During 2001, a 163,000 square foot addition to one of the Company's plants in Minneapolis was completed. This addition permitted the Company to move all Industrial/Automotive and Lubrication distribution operations and some manufacturing production out of the Rogers, Minnesota facility, leaving room for the expansion of manufacturing capability for the Contractor Equipment segment in Rogers. A 72,000 square foot addition to the Sioux Falls, South Dakota facility was completed during 2001. Part of this space is being used to house the ASM operations that were moved from Orange, California during the latter part of the year. Leases on the two facilities in Orange, California vacated by ASM will expire late in 2002. Subtenants are being sought for this space. Manufacturing operations in Bielefeld, Germany will cease as of the end of June 2002, although the lease for the facility runs through the end of the year. The Company is looking for subtenants for the remainder of the year. The Company leases space for liaison offices in the People's Republic of China. With the expansion of its plant in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and one of its buildings in Minneapolis, Graco's facilities are in satisfactory condition, suitable for their respective uses and are sufficient and adequate to meet current needs. The Company's Main Plant manufacturing/office facility in Minneapolis, while functional, is an older structure and management is reviewing alternatives. Manufacturing capacity exceeded business demand in 2001. Production requirements in the immediate future are expected to be met through existing production capabilities, efficiency and productivity improvements, and the use of available subcontract services. Item 3. Legal Proceedings The Company is engaged in routine litigation incident to its business, which management believes will not have a material adverse effect upon its operations or consolidated financial position. Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders No issues were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of 2001. Executive Officers of the Company The following are all the executive officers of the Company as of March 8, 2002. David A. Roberts, 54, is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, a position he has held since June 25, 2001. Prior to joining Graco, from 1996 to 2001 he was Group Vice President of the Marmon Group, where Mr. Roberts had responsibility for a group of companies with approximately $600 million in revenue and products including grocery store refrigeration, retail store fixtures and fast food restaurant equipment. Mr. Roberts has been a director of Graco since June 2001. Stephen L. Bauman, 49, was elected Vice President, Human Resources, effective October 25, 2000. Prior to joining Graco in 2000, he held various positions with Alliant Techsystems, Inc. most recently as Vice President of Human Resources, Alliant Integrated Defense Company, a subsidiary. James A. Graner, 57, was elected Vice President and Controller in February 1994. He was Treasurer from May 1993 to February 1994. Prior to becoming Treasurer, he held various managerial positions in treasury, accounting and information systems departments. He joined the Company in 1974. Dale D. Johnson, 47, was appointed Vice President, Contractor Equipment Division on March 19, 2001. From January 14, 2000 to March 18, 2001 he served as President and Chief Operating Officer. From December 1996 to January 2000 he was Vice President, Contractor Equipment Division. Prior to becoming the Director of Marketing, Contractor Equipment Division in June 1996, he held various marketing and sales positions in the Contractor Equipment Division and the Industrial Equipment Division. He joined the Company in 1976. D. Christian Koch, 37, was appointed Vice President, Lubrication Equipment Division effective February 15, 2000. From August 1999 to February 2000, he was the Director, Industrial Global Sales and Marketing. From December 1998 to August 1999 he was Director, Lubrication Marketing. Prior to joining the Company in December 1998, he was employed by H.B. Fuller Company, where he held various positions, including President and Division Manager of TEC Incorporated and Vice President and Business Unit Manager of Foster Products Corporation. (Mr. Koch is not related to David A. Koch, Chairman Emeritus.) David M. Lowe, 46, became Vice President and General Manager, European Operations effective September 1, 1999. Mr. Lowe was Vice President, Lubrication Equipment Division from December 1996 to September 1999. From February 1995 to December 1996 he was Treasurer. He joined the Company in 1995. Robert M. Mattison, 54, was first elected Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, in January 1992, a position which he holds today. He joined the Company in 1992. Patrick J. McHale, 40, was appointed Vice President of Manufacturing effective March 19, 2001. From February 2000 to March 2001 he served as Vice President, Contractor Equipment Division. Mr. McHale was Vice President, Lubrication Equipment Division from September 1999 to February 2000. He was Contractor Equipment Manufacturing - Distribution Operations Manager from February 1998 to September 1999. From March 1997 to February 1998 he was Director of Michigan Operations. From February 1996 to March 1997 he was Contractor Equipment Manufacturing Operations Manager and from January 1994 to February 1996 he was the Sioux Falls Plant Manager. Mr. McHale joined the Company in 1989. Charles L. Rescorla, 50, was appointed Vice President of the Industrial/ Automotive Equipment Division effective March 19, 2001. From January 1995 through March 2001 he served as Vice President, Manufacturing and Distribution Operations. Prior to becoming the Director of Manufacturing in March 1994, he was the Director of Engineering, Industrial/Automotive Division, a position which he assumed in 1988 when he joined the Company. Mark W. Sheahan, 37, was elected Vice President and Treasurer on December 11, 1998. Effective December 17, 1996, he was elected Treasurer. He joined the Company in 1995. Fred A. Sutter, 41, was appointed Vice President, Asia Pacific and Latin America effective March 1, 1999. From March 1995 to February 28, 1999 he was Director of Industrial Marketing. He joined the Company in 1995. The Board of Directors elected Messrs. Bauman, Graner, Johnson, Koch, Lowe, Mattison, McHale, Rescorla, Sutter, and Sheahan on May 1, 2001, all to hold office until the next annual meeting of directors or until their successors are elected and qualify. PART II Item 5. Market for the Company's Common Stock and Related Shareholder Matters Graco Common Stock. Graco common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "GGG." As of March 8, 2002, the share price was $ 41.55 and there were 31,533,255 shares outstanding and 2,600 common shareholders of record, which includes nominees or broker dealers holding stock on behalf of an estimated 5,600 beneficial owners. Quarterly Financial Information (In thousands, except per share amounts) First Second Third Fourth 2001 Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter - ------------------------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Net sales $109,814 $130,873 $118,651 $113,481 Gross profit 55,138 64,253 59,156 56,215 Net earnings 13,120 18,248 16,760 17,138 Per common share: Basic net earnings 0.43 0.59 0.54 0.55 Diluted net earnings 0.42 0.58 0.53 0.54 Dividends declared 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.11 -------- -------- -------- -------- Stock price (per share) High $ 29.25 $ 33.00 $ 35.26 $ 39.05 Low 24.35 26.22 28.00 28.89 Close* 28.00 33.00 30.20 39.05 -------- -------- -------- -------- Volume (# of shares) 2,957 4,143 3,056 4,448 -------- -------- -------- -------- First Second Third Fourth 2000 Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter - ------------------------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Net sales $122,227 $132,768 $123,100 $116,278 Gross profit 62,129 66,102 62,949 59,672 Net earnings 14,975 18,331 18,073 18,729 Per common share: Basic net earnings 0.49 0.60 0.60 0.62 Diluted net earnings 0.48 0.59 0.59 0.61 Dividends declared 0.09 0.09 0.09 0.10 -------- -------- -------- -------- Stock price (per share) High $ 22.75 $ 23.33 $ 23.92 $ 27.67 Low 19.33 20.00 20.42 20.13 Close* 19.33 21.67 21.67 27.59 -------- -------- -------- -------- Volume (# of shares) 4,532 4,880 2,223 2,904 -------- -------- -------- -------- * As of the last trading day of the calendar quarter. Item 6. Selected Financial Data Graco Inc. & Subsidiaries (In thousands, except per share amounts) 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 - ---------------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Net sales $472,819 $494,373 $450,474 $440,585 $423,897 Net earnings 65,266 70,108 59,341 47,263 44,716 ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== Per common share: Basic net earnings $ 2.11 $ 2.31 $ 1.95 $ 1.37 $ 1.17 Diluted net earnings 2.07 2.27 1.90 1.34 1.14 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Total assets $276,113 $238,544 $236,033 $233,702 $264,532 Long-term debt (including current portion) 550 19,360 66,910 115,739 7,959 Cash dividends declared per common share 0.41 0.38 0.31 0.29 0.25 ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations MANAGEMENT'S REVIEW AND DISCUSSION Results of Operations The following discussion of the Company's financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and other financial information included elsewhere in this report. The table below reflects sales by segment and geography for the three most recent fiscal years and the percentage changes in those sales for such years. % Increase (Decrease) (In millions) 2001 2000 1999 2001 2000 - --------------------------------- ------ ------ ------ ---- ---- Segment Sales: Industrial/Automotive Equipment $199.5 $228.0 $227.8 (12) -- Contractor Equipment 225.1 221.5 178.6 2 24 Lubrication Equipment 48.2 44.9 44.1 7 2 ------ ------ ------ ---- ---- Consolidated $472.8 $494.4 $450.5 (4) 10 ====== ====== ====== ==== ==== Geographic Sales: Americas $341.0 $359.9 $313.9 (5) 15 Europe 82.4 84.7 90.1 (3) (6) Asia Pacific 49.4 49.8 46.5 (1) 7 ------ ------ ------ ---- ---- Consolidated $472.8 $494.4 $450.5 (4) 10 ====== ====== ====== ==== ==== The table below reflects the percentage relationship between income and expense items included in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the three most recent fiscal years and the percentage changes in those items for such years. As a Percentage of Net Sales % Increase (Decrease) 2001 2000 1999 2001 2000 - ----------------------------------- ----- ----- ----- ---- ---- Net Sales 100.0 100.0 100.0 (4) 10 ----- ----- ----- ---- ---- Cost of products sold 50.3 49.3 48.7 (2) 11 Product development 4.5 4.0 4.4 4 2 Selling, marketing and distribution 17.0 17.5 17.7 (7) 8 General and administrative 7.0 6.7 8.5 1 (14) ----- ----- ----- ---- ---- Operating profit 21.2 22.5 20.7 (10) 19 ----- ----- ----- ---- ---- Interest expense 0.3 0.8 1.6 (70) (41) Other expense (income), net 0.3 0.3 (0.6) 22 * ----- ----- ----- ---- ---- Earnings before income taxes 20.6 21.4 19.7 (8) 19 Income taxes 6.8 7.2 6.5 (10) 21 ----- ----- ----- ---- ---- Net Earnings 13.8 14.2 13.2 (7) 18 ===== ===== ===== ==== ==== * Not a meaningful figure. 2001 Compared to 2000. The Company reported net sales in 2001 of $472.8 million, a decrease of 4 percent from the prior year. The decline in sales for 2001 was the result of poor economic conditions in North America. This had an adverse impact on the Industrial/Automotive Equipment segment, whose worldwide sales of $199.5 million were 12 percent lower than last year. The Contractor Equipment segment reported sales of $225.1 million, a 2 percent increase over last year. This increase was due to a strong North American housing market despite the general economic downturn, the acquisition of ASM Company, Inc., and new product introductions. Sales for the Lubrication Equipment segment were $48.2 million, up 7 percent over last year. This increase was due to gaining market share in a mature North American market, particularly with two large customers. Consolidated backlog at year-end 2001 was the same as last year at $12 million. The Company's backlog is typically small and is not a good indicator of future business levels. Sales outside of the Americas represented 28 percent of total sales in 2001, up from 27 percent in 2000. In the Americas, sales were $341.0 million, a decrease of 5 percent from last year. European sales decreased 3 percent to $82.4 million and Asia Pacific sales were $49.4 million, a 1 percent decrease from last year. The decrease in the Americas sales was primarily due to poor economic conditions that resulted in lower sales for the Industrial/Automotive Equipment segment. When compared to 2000 exchange rates, 2001 exchange rates had a $7 million negative impact on 2001 sales. Measured in local currencies, European sales were flat compared to last year while Asia Pacific sales were 6 percent higher. The gross profit margin of 49.7 percent for 2001 decreased 1.0 percentage point from the prior year. This reduction resulted from lower sales of Industrial/Automotive products, product mix that included a greater percentage of sales from lower duty paint sprayers, lower production levels and the negative impact of exchange rates. The reduction was partially offset by a $1.6 million favorable impact from liquidation of LIFO inventory quantities carried at lower costs from prior years. Operating expense was down 4 percent from the prior year. Lower selling and marketing expenses, reflecting lower sales results in 2001, were responsible for the decline, while product development and general and administrative expenses increased slightly versus last year. As a percentage of sales, operating expense was 28.5 percent, up slightly from last year's 28.2 percent. The Company aggressively managed operating expense throughout the year to more closely match spending with sales. In particular, the rate of product development spending declined in the second half of the year as a result of management actions. The Company recorded pension income of $2.6 million in 2001 versus $3.8 million in 2000. These amounts resulted from recognition of investment gains attributable to pension plan assets. Pension expense/income is recorded in cost of products sold and operating expense based on salaries and wages. Operating earnings in 2001 decreased $11.1 million, or 10 percent, from the prior year. This was a result of several factors, including lower sales in the Industrial/Automotive segment, restructuring charges and adverse exchange rates. By segment, before unallocated corporate expense, operating earnings for the Industrial/Automotive Equipment segment decreased 16 percent, and declined slightly as a percentage of sales due to the fixed nature of some expenses and higher product development spending. Contractor Equipment segment operating earnings decreased 1 percent and declined slightly as a percentage of sales. The decline in profitability was primarily due to the mixture of products sold, including a greater percentage of sales from lower duty paint sprayers, as well as increased selling, general and administrative spending. Operating earnings for the Lubrication Equipment segment increased 14 percent and increased by 1.5 percentage points as a percent of sales. This improvement was due to higher sales revenues and disciplined spending. 2001 operating earnings include restructuring costs totaling approximately $1.4 million before income taxes. These restructuring costs are related to closing a facility and relocating production to Maasmechelen, Belgium and Minneapolis, MN. The costs are for items such as severance, lease termination and legal fees. Approximately 27 percent of the Company's sales in 2001, and 4 percent of its product costs are in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. The strong U.S. dollar in 2001 versus currencies in Europe and Asia reduced the Company's net earnings by approximately $3 million. Interest expense in 2001 was $1.2 million versus $4.1 million in 2000. This decrease was primarily the result of reductions in debt from the prior year. In 2001, other expense was $1.5 million compared to $1.2 million in 2000. Other expense (income) includes, among other things, cash discounts, foreign currency translation gains/losses and gains/losses from the sale of fixed assets. Other expense in 2000 includes a $2.2 million gain from the sale of the Company's former headquarters building in Golden Valley, MN. Foreign currency translation losses decreased by $1.5 million in 2001. The Company's net effective tax rate of 33 percent in 2001 and 34 percent in 2000 is lower than the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35 percent due primarily to earnings from sales outside the U.S. being taxed at rates lower than the federal statutory rate. 2000 Compared to 1999. The Company reached record sales of $494.4 million in 2000, a 10 percent increase over 1999. By segment, Contractor Equipment net sales increased by 24 percent to $221.5 million. Net sales in the Lubrication Equipment segment rose by 2 percent to $44.9 million. Net sales in Industrial/Automotive Equipment were $228.0 million, which was virtually flat versus 1999. The large sales increase in the Contractor Equipment segment was due primarily to the introduction of a new line of lower duty paint sprayers sold mainly through the home center channel. After experiencing sales growth in the first half of the year, the Industrial/Automotive Equipment segment sales declined in the second half of the year due to a slowing North American economy. Lubrication Equipment sales were relatively flat versus 1999, in a market that is mature and well served. Consolidated total backlog at the end of 2000 was $12 million versus backlog at the end of 1999 of $21 million. The decrease in the 2000 backlog reflected a return to normal order levels from the large backlog that resulted from orders in later 1999 for the home center channel products that were shipped in the first quarter of 2000. Sales outside of the Americas represented 27 percent of total sales in 2000, down from 30 percent in 1999. In the Americas sales were $359.9 million, an increase of 15 percent from 1999. European sales decreased 6 percent to $84.7 million and Asia Pacific sales increased 7 percent to $49.8 million. The increase in the Americas was primarily due to strong sales of a new product line for the Contractor Equipment segment sold through the home center channel. Overall, when compared to 1999 exchange rates, 2000 exchange rates had a $9 million negative impact on 2000 sales. Measured in local currencies, sales in Europe increased by 6 percent over the prior year while sales in the Asia Pacific Region increased 3 percent. Gross profit margin, expressed as a percentage of sales, was 50.7 percent in 2000 compared with 51.3 percent in 1999. The effects of higher production levels, enhanced pricing and improved manufacturing efficiencies were offset by the mix of products sold, including sales of new home center products, and the negative impact of foreign exchange rates. Operating expenses, expressed as a percentage of net sales, decreased 2.4 percentage points in 2000 versus 1999. Product development expense was $20.0 million in 2000 versus $19.7 million in 1999. Selling, marketing, distribution and general and administrative expenses were higher in 2000 due to higher sales, but decreased as a percentage of sales to 24.2 percent in 2000 from 26.2 percent in 1999. In 2000, selling, marketing and distribution expenses were higher than in 1999 due to higher sales and expenses related to the launch of the home center products. General and administrative expenses were lower than in 1999 due to corporate expense reduction initiatives and lower information systems expenditures. Operating earnings increased by $18.1 million in 2000 as a result of several factors, including higher sales, expense reduction initiatives and improved manufacturing efficiencies. By segment, before unallocated corporate expense, operating earnings for Industrial/Automotive increased by 20.1 percent versus 1999 and by 4.3 percentage points as a percentage of net sales primarily as a result of improved gross margin rates along with lower product development, marketing and sales-related expenses. Contractor Equipment operating profit increased by 14.9 percent over the prior year but decreased 1.8 percentage points as a percentage of net sales due to the mixture of products sold. Lubrication Equipment operating profit increased by 2.8 percent versus 1999 and increased by 0.2 percentage points as a percent of net sales. Approximately 27 percent of the Company's sales in 2000 and 5 percent of its product costs were in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. The strong U.S. dollar versus currencies in Europe reduced the Company's net earnings by approximately $3 million in 2000. In 2000, interest expense decreased to $4.1 million from $7.0 million in 1999. The decrease was due to the significant reduction in borrowings throughout the year. Other expense, net of other income, was $1.2 million in 2000 compared to other income of $2.6 million in 1999. In 2000, other expense included $1.6 million of foreign currency translation losses. In addition, other expense (income) included gains from property sales of $2.2 million and $3.2 million in 2000 and 1999, respectively. The Company's net effective income tax rate of 34 percent in 2000 and 33 percent in 1999 was lower than the U.S. federal tax rate of 35 percent due primarily to earnings from sales outside the U.S. being taxed at rates lower than the federal statutory rate. Liquidity and Capital Resources The following table highlights several key measures of asset performance. (In thousands) 2001 2000 - ------------------------------------ ------- ------- Cash and cash equivalents $26,531 $11,071 Working capital $82,244 $61,901 Current ratio 2.1 1.8 Average days receivables outstanding 66 63 Inventory turnover 7.8 7.4 Working capital increased $20.3 million, in 2001, to $82.2 million. As a result of strong cash flow from operations, the Company reduced its total debt by $25.0 million in 2001. Total debt at the end of 2001 was $10.1 million. Inventories decreased $2.7 million in 2001, compared to 2000, primarily as a result of inventory reduction initiatives in response to lower sales volumes. Cash provided by operations was $89.2 million in 2001, versus $82.2 million in 2000. Significant uses of cash in 2001 included capital expenditures with two plant expansions totaling $18.0 million, the acquisition of the ASM Company, Inc. for $15.9 million, dividends, share repurchases and the retirement of debt. Significant uses of cash in 2000 included the retirement of debt, capital expenditures, dividends and share repurchases. At year-end 2001 the Company's capital structure included $10.6 million of short-term debt, no long-term debt and $173.7 million of shareholders' equity. The ratio of total debt to total capital decreased to 5 percent at the end of 2001 from 24 percent at the end of 2000. The decrease was a result of the elimination of all long-term debt in 2001 through continued strong cash flow from operations. At December 28, 2001, Graco had various lines of credit totaling $74 million, of which $68 million was unused. The Company believes that the combination of present capital resources, internally generated funds and unused financing sources are adequate to meet cash requirements for 2002. In addition to the commitments described in Note K to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company could be required to perform under standby letters of credit totaling $3.6 million at December 28, 2001. The Company has also guaranteed the debt of its subsidiaries for up to $14.9 million. Shareholder Actions Periodically, the Company initiates measures aimed at enhancing shareholder value, broadening common stock ownership, improving the liquidity of its common shares and effectively managing its cash balances. A summary of recent actions follows: o a ten percent increase in the regular dividend in 2002; o a seven percent increase in the regular dividend in 2001; o a 27 percent increase in the regular dividend in 2000; o three-for-two stock splits in 2001, 1998 and 1996; o repurchase of 5.8 million shares in 1998 Critical Accounting Policies The Company believes that the selection and application of its accounting policies are appropriately reasoned. The following are the accounting policies that management believes require the most difficult, subjective or complex judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain. Sales Returns. An allowance is established for expenses and losses related to possible returns of products. The amount of the allowance is based on historical ratios of returns to sales, the historical average length of time between the sale and the return and other factors. Changes in customers' behavior versus historical experience or changes in the Company's return policies are among the factors that would result in materially different amounts for this item. Warranty Claims. A liability is established for estimated warranty claims to be paid in the future that relate to current and prior period sales. The amount of the warranty liability is based on historical ratios of warranty claims to sales, the historical average length of time between a sale and the resulting warranty claim and other factors. Changes in the Company's warranty policy or a significant change in product defects versus historical averages are among the factors that would result in materially different amounts for this item. Inventory Valuation. A reserve is established for estimated surplus and discontinued inventory items. The amount of the reserve is determined by analyzing historical and projected sales information, plans for discontinued products and other factors. Changes in sales volumes due to unexpected economic or competitive conditions are among the factors that would result in materially different amounts for this item. Doubtful Accounts Receivable. An allowance is established for estimated uncollectible accounts receivable. The required allowance is determined by reviewing customer accounts and making estimates of the amounts that may be uncollectible. Factors considered in determining the amount of the reserve include the age of the receivable, the financial condition of the customer, general business, economic and political conditions, and other relevant facts and circumstances. Unexpected changes in the aforementioned factors would result in materially different amounts for this item. Product Liability. The Company carries third-party insurance for what it believes to be a substantial amount of potential product liability exposures. The Company has established a liability for potential uninsured claims. The Company employs a third-party to evaluate its potential ultimate exposure for uninsured claims and then considers factors such as known outstanding claims, historical experience, sales trends and other relevant factors in setting the liability. A substantial change in the number and/or severity of claims would result in materially different amounts for this item. Accounting Changes In 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets", which is effective for the Company at the beginning of 2002. Upon adoption of SFAS No. 142, the Company will stop amortization of goodwill, which would have been $900,000 of general and administrative expense in 2002. Results of initial goodwill impairment testing indicate no impairment. See Note A to Consolidated Financial Statements for discussion of other recent and pending accounting changes that were not, or are not expected to be significant to the Company's financial position or operating results. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk Graco sells and purchases products and services in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Consequently, the Company is subject to profitability risk arising from exchange rate movements. Graco uses foreign exchange contracts to reduce risks associated with foreign currency net monetary asset and liability positions. These contracts typically have maturities of 90 days or less, and gains or losses from changes in market value of these contracts offset foreign exchange gains and losses on the underlying balance sheet items. At December 28, 2001, the foreign currencies to which the Company had the most significant balance sheet exchange rate exposure were the European euro, Canadian dollar, Japanese yen, British pound, and Korean won. The Company does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. To evaluate its currency exchange rate risks on its foreign exchange contracts, the Company uses sensitivity analysis, which measures the impact on earnings of hypothetical changes in the value of foreign currencies of its monetary assets and liabilities. At December 28, 2001, due to the short-term nature of the Company's hedging instruments, reasonably likely fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates in the near term would not materially affect Graco's consolidated operating results, financial position or cash flows. When appropriate, the Company utilizes interest rate swaps to manage its exposure to fluctuations in earnings due to changes in interest rates on its variable rate debt. The amount of such debt was not significant at December 28, 2001. For further discussion of the Company's foreign currency hedging strategy and position, see Note A to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Outlook Management believes that the tough economic environment will continue in 2002. The length and severity of the soft market conditions in North America, and the risk that it will spread, directly impacts the willingness and ability of Graco's customers to purchase its equipment. Sales growth will be difficult as long as the weakness continues in North America, and management is concerned about continued softness in Europe and Japan. Nonetheless, management remains committed to improved profitability while funding the Company's long-term growth strategies of introducing new products, entering new markets, expanding distribution coverage and pursuing strategic acquisitions. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements A forward-looking statement is any statement made in this report and other reports that the Company files periodically with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as in press or earnings releases, analyst briefings and conference calls, which reflects the Company's current thinking on market trends and the Company's future financial performance at the time they are made. All forecasts and projections are forward-looking statements. The Company desires to take advantage of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 by making cautionary statements concerning any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of the Company. The Company cannot give any assurance that the results forecasted in any forward-looking statement will actually be achieved. Future results could differ materially from those expressed, due to the impact of changes in various factors. These risk factors include, but are not limited to: economic conditions in the United States and other major world economies, currency fluctuations, political instability, changes in laws and regulations, and changes in product demand. Please refer to Exhibit 99 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 2001 for a more comprehensive discussion of these and other risk factors. Investors should realize that factors other than those identified above and in Exhibit 99 may prove important to the Company's future results. It is not possible for management to identify each and every factor that may have an impact on the Company's operations in the future as new factors can develop from time to time. Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data Page o Selected Quarterly Financial Data (See Part II, Item 5, Market for the Company's Common Stock and Related Shareholder Matters) 9 o Responsibility for Financial Reporting 15 o Independent Auditors' Report 16 o Consolidated Statements of Earnings for fiscal years 2001, 2000 and 1999 17 o Consolidated Balance Sheets for fiscal years 2001 and 2000 18 o Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for fiscal years 2001, 2000 and 1999 19 o Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity for fiscal years 2001, 2000 and 1999 20 o Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for fiscal years 2001, 2000 and 1999 20 o Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 21 Responsibility for Financial Reporting Management is responsible for the accuracy, consistency, and integrity of the information presented in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and, where necessary, include estimates based upon management's informed judgment. In meeting this responsibility, management believes that its comprehensive systems of internal control provide reasonable assurance that the Company's assets are safeguarded and transactions are executed and recorded by qualified personnel in accordance with approved procedures. Internal auditors periodically review these accounting and control systems. Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent certified public accountants, are retained to audit the consolidated financial statements and express an opinion thereon. Their opinion is included below. The Audit Committee of the Board is responsible for providing independent, objective oversight of the Company's accounting functions and internal controls. In performing its oversight function, the Audit Committee has relied upon advice and information which it has received in its discussions with the Company's management and independent auditors.

Independent Auditors' Report Shareholders and Board of Directors Graco Inc. Minneapolis, Minnesota We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Graco Inc. and Subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 28, 2001 and December 29, 2000 and the related consolidated statements of earnings, shareholders' equity, comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 28, 2001. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 14. These consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated 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, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Graco Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 28, 2001 and December 29, 2000 and the results of their operations and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 28, 2001, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein. /s/Deloitte & Touche LLP Deloitte & Touche LLP Minneapolis, Minnesota January 21, 2002

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS Graco Inc. and Subsidiaries Years Ended ----------------------------------------------------------- (In thousands, except per share amounts) December 28, 2001 December 29, 2000 December 31, 1999 - ---------------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- Net Sales $472,819 $494,373 $450,474 Cost of products sold 238,057 243,521 219,339 ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- Gross Profit 234,762 250,852 231,135 Product development 20,808 19,998 19,688 Selling, marketing and distribution 80,528 86,598 79,922 General and administrative 33,244 33,014 38,334 ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- Operating Earnings 100,182 111,242 93,191 Interest expense 1,247 4,127 7,016 Other expense (income), net 1,469 1,207 (2,666) ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- Earnings before Income Taxes 97,466 105,908 88,841 Income taxes 32,200 35,800 29,500 ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- Net Earnings $ 65,266 $ 70,108 $ 59,341 ================= ================= ================= Basic Net Earnings per Common Share $ 2.11 $ 2.31 $ 1.95 ================= ================= ================= Diluted Net Earnings per Common Share $ 2.07 $ 2.27 $ 1.90 ================= ================= ================= See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS Graco Inc. and Subsidiaries (In thousands, except share amounts) December 28, 2001 December 29, 2000 - ----------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- ASSETS Current Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 26,531 $ 11,071 Accounts receivable, less allowances of $4,500 and $4,700 85,440 85,836 Inventories 30,333 33,079 Deferred income taxes 11,710 11,574 Other current assets 1,483 2,182 ----------------- ----------------- Total current assets 155,497 143,742 Property, Plant and Equipment, net 98,944 83,989 Intangible Assets, net 14,274 5,576 Other Assets 7,398 5,237 ----------------- ----------------- Total Assets $276,113 $238,544 ================= ================= LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Current Liabilities Notes payable to banks $ 9,512 $ 15,713 Current portion of long-term debt 550 1,310 Trade accounts payable 10,676 12,899 Salaries, wages and commissions 10,620 14,532 Accrued insurance liabilities 10,380 10,622 Accrued warranty and service liabilities 6,091 5,320 Income taxes payable 6,014 4,642 Other current liabilities 19,410 16,803 ----------------- ----------------- Total current liabilities 73,253 81,841 Long-Term Debt, less current portion -- 18,050 Retirement Benefits and Deferred Compensation 27,359 27,230 Deferred Income Taxes 1,761 568 Commitments and Contingencies (Note K) Shareholders' Equity Common stock, $1 par value; 45,000,000 shares authorized' 31,113,144 and 20,273,561 shares outstanding in 2001 and 2002 31,113 20,274 Additional paid-in capital 54,269 39,954 Retained earnings 89,155 50,233 Accumulated comprehensive income (loss) and other (797) 394 ----------------- ----------------- Total shareholders' equity 173,740 110,855 ----------------- ----------------- Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity $276,113 $238,544 ================= ================= See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Graco Inc. and Subsidiaries Years Ended --------------------------------------------------------- (In thousands) December 28, 2001 December 29, 2000 December 31, 1999 - ----------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- Cash Flows from Operating Activities Net earnings $ 65,266 $ 70,108 $ 59,341 Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 18,494 15,452 14,701 Deferred income taxes 762 1,644 1,152 Tax benefit related to stock options exercised 3,365 1,503 1,890 (Gain) loss on sale of fixed assets 424 (1,561) (2,936) Change in: Accounts receivable 309 (8,287) 2,097 Inventories 5,329 4,161 3,309 Trade accounts payable (2,402) (516) 1,551 Salaries, wages and commissions (4,311) 1,921 (946) Retirement benefits and deferred compensation (2,624) (3,999) (2,112) Other accrued liabilities 3,062 1,416 (3,147) Other 1,507 367 1,248 ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- Net cash provided by operating activities 89,181 82,209 76,148 ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- Cash Flows from Investing Activities Property, plant and equipment additions (30,203) (14,523) (9,140) Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 267 4,845 9,695 Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired (15,949) -- (18,388) ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- Net cash used in investing activities (45,885) (9,678) (17,833) ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- Cash Flows from (for) Financing Activities Borrowing on notes payable and lines of credit 160,274 188,552 118,900 Payments on notes payable and lines of credit (165,937) (187,144) (119,201) Borrowings on long-term debt 21,000 43,665 25,001 Payments on long-term debt (39,810) (91,215) (73,711) Common stock issued 11,932 8,127 6,760 Common stock retired (3,761) (19,182) (5,077) Cash dividends paid (12,339) (11,361) (8,927) ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- Net cash used in financing activities (28,641) (68,558) (56,255) ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- Effect of exchange rate changes on cash 805 510 973 ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 15,460 4,483 3,033 Cash and cash equivalents Beginning of year 11,071 6,588 3,555 ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- End of year $ 26,531 $ 11,071 $ 6,588 ================= ================= ================= See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Graco Inc. and Subsidiaries Years Ended --------------------------------------------------------- (In thousands) December 28, 2001 December 29, 2000 December 31, 1999 - ------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- Common Stock Balance, beginning of year $ 20,274 $ 20,416 $ 20,097 Stock split 10,148 -- -- Shares issued 817 475 466 Shares repurchased (126) (617) (147) ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- Balance, end of year 31,113 20,274 20,416 ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- Additional Paid-In Capital Balance, beginning of year 39,954 31,755 23,892 Shares issued 11,115 7,652 6,294 Tax benefit related to stock 3,365 1,503 1,890 options exercised Shares repurchased (165) (956) (321) ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- Balance, end of year 54,269 39,954 31,755 ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- Retained Earnings Balance, beginning of year 50,233 9,279 (35,878) Net income 65,266 70,108 59,341 Dividends declared (12,721) (11,545) (9,575) Stock split (10,148) -- -- Shares repurchased (3,470) (17,609) (4,609) Change in accounting period (5) -- -- ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- Balance, end of year 89,155 50,233 9,279 ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Balance, beginning of year 394 1,490 1,817 Current period change (1,114) (1,096) (327) ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- Balance, end of year (720) 394 1,490 ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- Unearned Compensation Balance, beginning of year -- -- (615) Restricted stock issued (93) -- -- Charged to operations 16 -- 615 ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- Balance, end of year (77) -- -- ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- Total Shareholders' Equity $173,740 $110,855 $ 62,940 ================= ================= ================= See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Graco Inc. and Subsidiaries Years Ended --------------------------------------------------------- (In thousands) December 28, 2001 December 29, 2000 December 31, 1999 - -------------------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- Net Earnings $65,266 $70,108 $59,341 Other comprehensive income, net of tax: Foreign currency translation adjustments (759) (1,096) (327) Minimum pension liability adjustment (355) 16 (90) ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- Comprehensive Income $64,152 $69,028 $58,924 ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Graco Inc. and Subsidiaries Years Ended December 28, 2001, December 29, 2000 and December 31, 1999 A. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of Graco Inc. and Subsidiaries (the Company) is 52 or 53 weeks, ending on the last Friday in December. Years ended December 28, 2001 and December 29, 2000 were 52-week years. The year ended December 31, 1999 was a 53-week year. Basis of Statement Presentation. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the parent company and its subsidiaries after elimination of all significant intercompany balances and transactions. As of December 28, 2001, all subsidiaries are 100 percent owned. In 2000 and 1999, subsidiaries in Japan and Korea were included on the basis of fiscal years ended November 30. In 2001, the one-month reporting lag in Japan and Korea was eliminated and net earnings for December 2000 were recorded as adjustments to equity. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with 2001 presentation, but had no effect on previously reported net earnings or shareholders' equity. Foreign Currency Translation. The U.S. dollar is the functional currency for all foreign subsidiaries except Graco Verfahrenstechnik (GV) in Germany, whose functional currency is the euro. Accordingly, adjustments resulting from the translation of GV's financial statements into U.S. dollars are charged or credited to a separate component of shareholders' equity. Gains and losses from the translation of foreign currency balances and transactions of other foreign subsidiaries are included in other expense (income). Accounting Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. Such estimates and assumptions also affect the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Cash Equivalents. All highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase are considered to be cash equivalents. Inventory Valuation. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. The last-in, first-out (LIFO) cost method is used for valuing U.S. inventories. Inventories of foreign subsidiaries are valued using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) cost method. Property, Plant and Equipment. For financial reporting purposes, plant and equipment are depreciated over their estimated useful lives, primarily by using the straight-line method as follows: Buildings and improvements 10 to 30 years Leasehold improvements 5 to 10 years Manufacturing equipment 5 to 10 years Office, warehouse and automotive equipment 3 to 10 years Intangible Assets. In July 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 141, "Business Combinations," which requires the purchase method of accounting for all business combinations after June 30, 2001, and specifies criteria for recognizing intangible assets apart from goodwill. The Company's historical practices for recording intangible assets separately from goodwill are consistent with the new standard. Also in 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," which is effective for the Company at the beginning of 2002. Upon adoption of SFAS No. 142, the Company will stop amortization of goodwill, which would have been $900,000 of general and administrative expense in 2002. Results of initial goodwill impairment testing indicate no impairment. Components of intangible assets were: (In thousands) 2001 2000 - --------------------------------------------------------- ------- ------ Goodwill, net of accumulated amortization of $650 in 2001 $ 7,939 $ -- Other identifiable intangibles, net of accumulated amortization of $6,400 and $4,100 6,335 5,576 ------- ------ Total intangible assets, net $14,274 $5,576 ======= ====== Other identifiable intangibles includes values assigned to patents, trademarks, trade names, customer lists and noncompete agreements, which are being amortized on a straight-line basis over useful lives ranging from 2 to 10 years. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets. Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. There have been no write-downs of any long-lived assets in the periods presented. Restructuring. During the third quarter of 2001, the Company announced plans to relocate the operations of its German subsidiary, Graco Verfahrenstechnik, to other Company facilities in Belgium and the U.S. This included termination of approximately 50 employees, termination of leases and consolidation of product lines. General and administrative expense in 2001 includes a $1.4 million charge to establish a restructuring accrual for costs associated with termination of employees and lease termination. There were no significant payments charged against the accrual in 2001, but the Company expects that all amounts accrued will be paid in 2002. Self-Insurance. The Company is self-insured for certain losses relating to product liability, workers' compensation and employee medical benefits claims. The Company has purchased stop-loss coverage in order to limit its exposure to significant claims. Accrued insurance liabilities are based on claims filed and estimates of claims incurred but not reported. Revenue Recognition. The Company recognizes revenue when title passes, which is usually upon shipment. The Company records provisions for anticipated returns and warranty claims at the time revenue is recognized. Historically, sales returns have been between 2 and 3 percent of sales. Provisions for sales returns are recorded as a reduction of net sales, and provisions for warranty claims are recorded in selling, marketing and distribution expenses. Earnings Per Common Share. Basic net earnings per share is computed by dividing earnings available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the year. Diluted net earnings per share is computed after giving effect to the exercise of all dilutive outstanding option grants. Comprehensive Income. Comprehensive income is a measure of all changes in shareholders' equity except those resulting from investments by and distributions to owners, and includes such items as net earnings, certain foreign currency translation items, minimum pension liability adjustments and changes in the value of available-for-sale securities. Stock-Based Compensation. As allowed under SFAS No. 123 "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," the Company has elected to apply Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 and related interpretations in accounting for its stock option and purchase plans and adopt the "disclosure only" provisions of SFAS No. 123. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. At the beginning of fiscal 2001, the Company adopted SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," as amended by SFAS No. 138, "Accounting for Certain Derivative Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities." SFAS No. 133 establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments and for hedging activities. It requires that all derivatives, including those embedded in other contracts, be recognized as either assets or liabilities and that those financial instruments be measured at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on their intended use and designation. The adoption of SFAS No. 133 resulted in no transition adjustment. As part of its risk management program, the Company uses currency hedges and interest rate swaps to hedge known market exposures. Terms of derivative instruments are structured to match the terms of the risk being hedged and are generally held to maturity. The Company does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. All contracts that contain provisions meeting the definition of a derivative also meet the requirements of, and have been designated as, normal purchases or sales. The Company's policy is to not enter into contracts with terms that cannot be designated as normal purchases or sales. The Company periodically evaluates its monetary asset and liability positions denominated in foreign currencies. The Company enters into forward contracts or options, or borrows in various currencies, in order to hedge its net monetary positions. These hedges and net monetary positions are recorded at current market values and the gains and losses are included in other expense (income). The Company believes it uses strong financial counterparts in these transactions and that the resulting credit risk under these hedging strategies is not significant. The Company may periodically hedge anticipated transactions, generally with forward exchange contracts, which are designated as cash flow hedges. Gains and losses on the forward contract are initially recorded as a component of other comprehensive income and are subsequently reclassified into earnings when the hedged exposure affects earnings. Gains and losses on such transactions were not significant in 2001, and there were no such transactions outstanding as of December 28, 2001. Other Recent Accounting Pronouncements. In 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations," which requires the cost of legal obligations (as defined) associated with the retirement of long-lived assets to be recorded as liabilities in the period in which they are incurred. The FASB also issued SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets," which provides for a single accounting model to be used for long-lived assets to be disposed of, and broadens the presentation of discontinued operations to include more disposal transactions. The Company does not expect the adoption of these standards to have a material effect on its financial position or operating results. B. Segment Information The Company has three reportable segments: Industrial/Automotive, Contractor and Lubrication. The Industrial/Automotive segment markets equipment and pre-engineered packages for moving and applying paints, coatings, sealants, adhesives and other fluids. Markets served include automotive and truck assembly and components plants, wood products, rail, marine, aerospace, farm, construction, bus, recreational vehicles, and various other industries. The Contractor segment markets sprayers for architectural coatings for painting, roofing, texture, corrosion control and line striping and also high-pressure washers. The Lubrication segment markets products to move and dispense lubricants for fast oil change facilities, service garages, fleet service centers, automobile dealerships, the mining industry and industrial lubrication. All segments market parts and accessories for their products. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. The cost of manufacturing for each segment is based on product cost, and expenses are based on actual costs incurred along with cost allocations of shared and centralized functions. Certain products are sold across segments, in which case the segment marketing the product is credited with the sale. Assets of the Company are not tracked along reportable segment lines. Reportable segments are defined by product and type of customer. Segments are responsible for the sales, marketing and development of their products and market channel. This allows for focused marketing and efficient product development. The segments share common purchasing, manufacturing, distribution and administration functions. (In thousands) Reportable Segments 2001 2000 1999 - ---------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- Sales Industrial / Automotive $199,508 $227,963 $227,772 Contractor 225,110 221,538 178,616 Lubrication 48,201 44,872 44,086 -------- -------- -------- Total $472,819 $494,373 $450,474 ======== ======== ======== Segment operating earnings Industrial / Automotive $ 48,820 $ 57,798 $ 48,143 Contractor 47,297 47,935 41,736 Lubrication 12,119 10,600 10,307 Unallocated corporate expenses (8,054) (5,091) (6,995) -------- -------- -------- Total $100,182 $111,242 $ 93,191 ======== ======== ======== Geographic Information 2001 2000 1999 - ---------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- Sales (based on customer location) United States $308,535 $322,792 $280,685 Other countries 164,284 171,581 169,789 -------- -------- -------- Total $472,819 $494,373 $450,474 -------- -------- -------- Long-lived assets United States $109,819 $ 80,811 $ 80,259 Belgium 8,954 10,437 11,298 Other countries 1,843 3,554 5,972 -------- -------- -------- Total $120,616 $ 94,802 $ 97,529 ======== ======== ======== Sales to Major Customers In 2001, sales to a home center retailer in the Contractor segment totaled 11 percent of consolidated sales. No customer represented 10 percent or more of consolidated sales in 2000. In 1999, sales to a paint manufacturer and retailer in the Contractor segment totaled 11 percent of consolidated sales. C. Inventories Major components of inventories were as follows: (In thousands) 2001 2000 - ------------------------------------------------------- ------- ------- Finished products and components $23,863 $26,812 Products and components in various stages of completion 18,827 20,153 Raw materials and purchased components 18,899 19,259 ------- ------- 61,589 66,224 Reduction to LIFO cost (31,256) (33,145) ------- ------- Total $30,333 $33,079 ======= ======= Inventories valued under the LIFO method were $18,249,000 and $20,585,000 for 2001 and 2000. All other inventory was valued on the FIFO method. In 2001 and 2000, certain inventory quantities were reduced, resulting in liquidation of LIFO inventory quantities carried at lower costs from prior years. The effect in 2001 was to increase net earnings by approximately $1,000,000. In 2000, the effect on net earnings was not significant. D. Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment were as follows: (In thousands) 2001 2000 - ------------------------------------------ -------- -------- Land $ 5,815 $ 4,062 Buildings and improvements 65,648 50,512 Manufacturing equipment 114,605 105,509 Office, warehouse and automotive equipment 23,998 22,652 Construction in progress 1,457 4,137 -------- -------- Total property, plant and equipment 211,523 186,872 Accumulated depreciation (112,579) (102,883) -------- -------- Net property, plant and equipment $ 98,944 $ 83,989 ======== ======== E. Income Taxes Earnings before income tax expense consist of: (In thousands) 2001 2000 1999 - -------------- ------- -------- ------- Domestic $81,731 $ 95,440 $87,292 Foreign 15,735 10,468 1,549 ------- -------- ------- Total $97,466 $105,908 $88,841 ======= ======== ======= Income tax expense consists of: (In thousands) 2001 2000 1999 - ------------------ ------- -------- ------- Current: Domestic: Federal $23,725 $ 28,532 $23,081 State and local 2,105 2,164 2,323 Foreign 5,349 3,018 2,867 ------- -------- ------- 31,179 33,714 28,271 ------- -------- ------- Deferred: Domestic 55 2,414 1,778 Foreign 466 (328) (549) ------- -------- ------- 1,021 2,086 1,229 Total $32,200 $ 35,800 $29,500 ======= ======== ======= Income taxes paid were $25,888,000, $30,919,000 and $31,272,000 in 2001, 2000 and 1999. A reconciliation between the U.S. federal statutory tax rate and the effective tax rate is as follows: 2001 2000 1999 - ----------------------------------------------- ---- ---- ---- Statutory tax rate 35% 35% 35% Earnings from non-U.S. sales at lower tax rates (2) (1) (2) State taxes, net of federal effect 1 1 2 U.S. general business tax credits (1) (1) (2) ---- ---- ---- Effective tax rate 33% 34% 33% ==== ==== ==== Deferred income taxes are provided for all temporary differences between the financial reporting and the tax basis of assets and liabilities. The deferred tax assets (liabilities) resulting from these differences are as follows: (In thousands) 2001 2000 - -------------------------------------------------------- ------- ------- Inventory valuations $ 2,126 $ 2,847 Insurance accruals 2,842 3,247 Warranty reserve 2,030 1,089 Vacation accruals 1,331 1,435 Bad debt reserves 1,329 1,321 Net operating loss carryforward 509 334 Other 1,543 1,301 ------- ------- Current 11,710 11,574 ------- ------- Unremitted earnings of consolidated foreign subsidiaries (1,950) (1,950) Excess of tax over book depreciation (7,094) (7,494) Postretirement benefits 5,739 5,721 Pension and deferred compensation 741 1,880 Other 803 1,275 ------- ------- Non-current (1,761) (568) ------- ------- Net deferred tax assets $ 9,949 $11,006 ======= ======= Total deferred tax assets were $19,141,000 and $20,923,000 and total deferred tax liabilities were $9,192,000 and $9,917,000 on December 28, 2001 and December 29, 2000. F. Debt (In thousands) 2001 2000 - ---------------------------------- ---- ------- Reducing revolving credit facility -- $17,500 Other $550 1,860 ---- ------- Total long-term debt 550 19,360 Less current portion 550 1,310 ---- ------- Long-term portion -- $18,050 ==== ======= Interest paid on debt during 2001, 2000 and 1999 amounted to $1,288,000, $4,171,000 and $6,843,000. The fair value of the Company's long-term debt at December 28, 2001 and December 29, 2000 is not materially different than its recorded value. In July 1998, the Company entered into a five-year $190 million reducing revolving credit facility (the Revolver) with a syndicate of ten banks including the lead bank, U.S. Bank National Association. Available credit under the Revolver was subsequently reduced to $72 million by December 29, 2000, and was further reduced to $50 million by December 28, 2001. Outstanding balances bear interest at the London Interbank Offered Rate plus a spread of 0.45 percent. This spread changes as the ratio of total debt to earnings before interest, taxes and depreciation and amortization declines. The Revolver specifies quarterly reductions of the maximum amount of the credit line, and requires the Company to maintain certain financial ratios as to net worth, cash flow leverage and fixed charge coverage. The Revolver effectively restricts dividend payments that would cause a violation of the tangible net worth covenant. At December 28, 2001, the Company could have paid up to $74 million of dividends without violating the tangible net worth covenant. On December 28, 2001, the Company had lines of credit with U.S. and foreign banks of $74 million, including the $50 million Revolver. The unused portion of these credit lines was $68 million at December 28, 2001. Borrowing rates under these credit lines vary with the prime rate, rates on domestic certificates of deposit and the London interbank market. The weighted average short-term borrowing rates were 5.2 percent, 6.2 percent and 5.4 percent for the years ended December 28, 2001, December 29, 2000, and December 31, 1999. The Company pays commitment fees of up to 0.175 percent per annum on the daily average unused amounts on certain of these lines. No compensating balances are required. The Company is in compliance with the financial covenants of its debt agreements. G. Shareholders' Equity A three-for-two stock split was declared on December 8, 2000 and distributed February 6, 2001 for shares outstanding on January 15, 2001. All stock option, share and per share data reflects this split. At December 28, 2001, the Company had 22,549 authorized, but not issued, cumulative preferred shares, $100 par value. The Company also has authorized, but not issued, a separate class of 3 million shares of preferred stock, $1 par value. The Company maintains a plan in which one preferred share purchase right (Right) exists for each common share of the Company. Each Right will entitle its holder to purchase one four-hundredth of a share of a new series of junior participating preferred stock at an exercise price of $180, subject to adjustment. The Rights are exercisable only if a person or group acquires beneficial ownership of 15 percent or more of the Company's outstanding common stock. The Rights expire in March 2010 and may be redeemed earlier by the Board of Directors for $.001 per Right. H. Stock Option and Purchase Plans Stock Option and Award Plans. The Company has various stock incentive plans under which it grants stock options and restricted share awards to officers and other employees. Option price is the market price on the date of grant. Options become exercisable at such time and in such installments as set by the Company, and expire ten years from the date of grant. Restricted share awards of 966,914 common shares have been made to certain key employees under the plans, of which 3,000 shares remain restricted as of December 28, 2001. Compensation cost charged to operations for the restricted share awards was $16,000 in 2001, zero in 2000 and $615,000 in 1999. Options on common shares granted and outstanding, as well as the weighted average exercise price, are shown below: Weighted Average Options Weighted Average Options Exercise Price Exercisable Exercise Price - ------------------------------ --------- ---------------- ----------- ---------------- Outstanding, December 25, 1998 1,772,682 $10.86 766,329 $ 6.59 Granted 706,748 14.57 Exercised (424,580) 4.82 Canceled (55,705) 15.69 --------- ---------------- ----------- ---------------- Outstanding, December 31, 1999 1,999,145 $12.69 1,117,539 $10.00 Granted 438,000 20.59 Exercised (387,597) 10.69 Canceled (87,258) 15.39 --------- ---------------- ----------- ---------------- Outstanding, December 29, 2000 1,962,290 $14.74 943,151 $11.46 Granted 657,889 27.54 Exercised (571,655) 12.94 Canceled (58,557) 20.09 --------- ---------------- ----------- ---------------- Outstanding, December 28, 2001 1,989,967 $19.30 602,267 $12.88 ========= ================ =========== ================ Thefollowing table summarizes information for options outstanding and exercisable at December 28, 2001: Options Options Options Outstanding Outstanding Exercisable Range of Options Weighted Avg. Weighted Avg. Options Weighted Avg. Prices Outstanding Remaining Life Exercise Price Exercisable Exercise Price - -------- ----------- -------------- -------------- ----------- -------------- $ 4-10 275,163 2 $ 6.17 275,163 $ 6.17 11-18 460,985 7 14.16 100,276 13.63 19-25 624,430 7 20.44 219,628 20.47 26-32 629,389 9 27.67 7,200 27.90 ----------- -------------- -------------- ----------- -------------- $ 4-32 1,989,967 7 $19.30 602,267 $12.88 Stock Purchase Plans. Under the Company's Employee Stock Purchase Plan, the purchase price of the shares is the lesser of 85 percent of the fair market value on the first day or the last day of the plan year. The Nonemployee Director Stock Plan enables individual nonemployee directors of the Company to elect to receive or defer all or part of a director's annual retainer, and/or payment for attendance at Board or Committee meetings, in the form of shares of the Company's common stock instead of cash. The Company issued 6,006, 6,927 and 6,161 shares under this Plan during 2001, 2000 and 1999. The expense related to this Plan is not significant. Reserved Shares. Shares reserved for issuance under the various stock option and purchase plans are shown below: Remaining Total Shares Reserved as of Reserved December 28, 2001 - -------------------------------------- ------------ ----------------- Long-term Stock Incentive Plan 7,818,750 2,996,996 Employee Stock Incentive Plan 1,500,000 1,488,150 Stock Incentive Plan 1,500,000 1,497,000 Nonemployee Director Stock Option Plan 450,000 434,811 Employee Stock Purchase Plan 8,775,000 919,689 Nonemployee Director Stock Plan 337,500 304,331 ------------ ----------------- Total 20,381,250 7,640,977 ============ ================= Stock-Based Compensation. No compensation cost has been recognized for the Employee Stock Purchase Plan and stock options granted under the various stock incentive plans. Had compensation cost for the stock option plans been determined based upon fair value at the grant date for awards under these plans, the Company's net earnings and earnings per share would have been reduced as follows: (In thousands, except per share amounts) 2001 2000 1999 - ---------------------------------------- ------- ------- ------- Net earnings As reported $65,266 $70,108 $59,341 Pro forma 60,998 66,582 56,712 Net earnings per common share Basic as reported $ 2.11 $ 2.31 $ 1.95 Diluted as reported 2.07 2.27 1.90 Pro forma basic 1.97 2.19 1.87 Pro forma diluted 1.94 2.15 1.81 The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions: 2001 2000 1999 - ---------------------------------------- ------- ------- ------- Expected life in years 5.1 6.1 5.3 Interest rate 5.1% 6.4% 5.1% Volatility 37.4% 44.5% 43.5% Dividend yield 1.4% 1.8% 1.9% Based upon these assumptions, the weighted average fair value at grant date of options granted in 2001, 2000 and 1999 was $8.96, $8.16 and $5.19. The fair value of the employees' purchase rights under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions: 2001 2000 1999 - ---------------------------------------- ------- ------- ------- Expected life in years 1.0 1.0 1.0 Interest rate 5.1% 6.4% 5.2% Volatility 37.4% 45.2% 43.8% Dividend yield 1.5% 1.9% 2.0% The benefit of the 15 percent discount from the lesser of the fair market value per common share on the first day and the last day of the plan year was added to the fair value of the employees' purchase rights determined using Black-Scholes. The weighted average fair value of each purchase right per common share was $7.14, $5.95 and $4.08 in 2001, 2000 and 1999. I. Earnings per Share The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share: (In thousands, except per share amounts) 2001 2000 1999 - -------------------------------------------------------------------- ------- ------- ------- Numerator Net earnings available to common shareholders $65,266 $70,108 $59,341 ------- ------- ------- Denominators Denominator for basic earnings per share - weighted average shares 30,903 30,407 30,372 Dilutive effect of stock options computed based on the treasury stock method using the average market price 578 498 927 ------- ------- ------- Denominator for diluted earnings per share 31,481 30,905 31,299 ======= ======= ======= Basic earnings per share $ 2.11 $ 2.31 $ 1.95 ======= ======= ======= Diluted earnings per share $ 2.07 $ 2.27 $ 1.90 ======= ======= ======= J. Retirement Benefits The Company has a defined contribution plan, under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code, which provides additional retirement benefits to all U.S. employees who elect to participate. The Company matches employee contributions at a 100 percent rate, up to 3 percent of the employee's compensation. Employer contributions were $2,187,000, $2,162,000 and $2,008,000 in 2001, 2000 and 1999. The Company's postretirement medical plan provides certain medical benefits for retired employees. U.S. employees are eligible for these benefits upon retirement and fulfillment of other eligibility requirements as specified by the plan. The Company has noncontributory defined benefit pension plans covering substantially all U.S. employees, certain directors and some of the employees of the Company's non-U.S. subsidiaries. For the U.S. plans, the benefits are based on years of service and the highest five consecutive years' earnings in the ten years preceding retirement. The Company funds these plans annually in amounts consistent with minimum funding requirements and maximum tax deduction limits and invests primarily in common stocks and bonds, including the Company's common stock. The market value of the plans' investment in the common stock of the Company was $19,460,000 and $16,090,000 at December 28, 2001 and December 29, 2000. The following tables provide a reconciliation of the changes in the plans' benefit obligations and fair value of assets over the periods ending December 28, 2001 and December 29, 2000, and a statement of the funded status as of the same dates.

Pension Benefits Postretirement Medical Benefits ------------------- ------------------------------- (In thousands) 2001 2000 2001 2000 - ------------------------------------ -------- -------- --------- -------- Reconciliation of benefit obligation Obligation, beginning of year $109,582 $102,040 $ 16,298 $ 15,430 Service cost 3,825 3,733 493 459 Interest cost 7,452 6,961 1,126 1,063 Assumption changes -- -- 3,058 -- Actuarial loss 10 211 707 537 Benefit payments (3,977) (3,363) (1,381) (1,191) -------- -------- --------- -------- Obligation, end of year $116,892 $109,582 $ 20,301 $ 16,298 -------- -------- --------- -------- Reconciliation of fair value of plan assets Fair value, beginning of year $136,816 $135,997 $ -- $ -- Actual return on assets (3,813) 3,770 -- -- Employer contribution 438 412 1,381 1,191 Benefit payments (3,977) (3,363) (1,381) (1,191) -------- -------- --------- -------- Fair value, end of year $129,464 $136,816 $ -- $ -- -------- -------- --------- -------- Funded status Funded status over (under), end of year $ 12,572 $ 27,234 $(20,301) $(16,298) Unrecognized transition obligation (asset) (55) (64) -- -- Unrecognized prior service cost 1,559 1,734 -- -- Unrecognized loss (gain) (17,516) (35,946) 4,410 645 -------- -------- -------- -------- Net $ (3,440) $ (7,042) $(15,891) $(15,653) ======== ======== ======== ======== The following table provides the amounts included in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 28, 2001 and December 29, 2000. Pension Benefits Postretirement Medical Benefits ------------------- ------------------------------- (In thousands) 2001 2000 2001 2000 - ------------------------- ------- -------- -------- -------- Accrued benefit liability $(9,282) $(10,018) $(15,891) $(15,653) Other assets 5,842 2,976 -- -- ------- -------- -------- -------- Net $(3,440) $ (7,042) $(15,891) $(15,653) ======= ======== ======== ======== The components of net periodic benefit cost for the plans for 2001, 2000 and 1999 were as follows: Pension Benefits Postretirement Medical Benefits -------------------------------- ------------------------------- (In thousands) 2001 2000 1999 2001 2000 1999 - ---------------------------------------------- ------- ------- ------- ------ ------ ------ Service cost-benefits earned during the period $ 3,825 $ 3,733 $ 3,517 $ 493 $ 459 $ 482 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 7,452 6,961 6,267 1,126 1,063 995 Expected return on assets (12,139) (12,086) (11,189) -- -- -- Amortization of transition obligation (asset) (10) (3) (4) -- -- -- Amortization of prior service cost 174 220 231 -- -- -- Amortization of net loss (gain) (2,041) (2,707) (629) -- -- -- Cost of pension plans which are not significant and have not adopted SFAS No. 87 163 130 266 N/A N/A N/A Curtailment gain -- -- (541) -- -- -- ------- ------- ------- ------ ------ ------ Net periodic benefit cost (credit) $(2,576) $(3,752) $(2,082) $1,619 $1,522 $1,477 ======= ======= ======= ------ ------ ------ The Company's retirement medical plan limits the annual cost increase that will be paid by the Company. In measuring the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (APBO), the annual trend rate for health care costs was assumed to be 12 percent for 2002, decreasing by one percentage point each year to a constant rate of 5 percent in 2009 and thereafter, subject to the plan's 6 percent annual increase limitation. The other assumptions used in the measurement of the Company's benefit obligation are shown below: Pension Benefits Postretirement Medical Benefits ------------------------------ ------------------------------- (In thousands) 2001 2000 1999 2001 2000 1999 - ----------------------------- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- Discount rate 7.0% 7.0% 6.5% 7.0% 7.0% 6.5% Expected return on assets 9.0% 9.0% 11.0% N/A N/A N/A Rate of compensation increase 3.8% 3.6% 3.6% N/A N/A N/A ==== ==== ==== ==== ==== ==== At December 28, 2001, a one percent change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects: (In thousands) 1% Increase 1% Decrease - ---------------------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- Effect on total of service and interest cost components of net periodic postretirement health care benefit cost $ 259 $ (210) Effect on the health care component of the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation 189 (1,369) ----------- ----------- K. Commitments and Contingencies Lease Commitments. Aggregate annual rental commitments at December 28, 2001, under operating leases with noncancelable terms of more than one year, were $4,936,000, payable as follows: Vehicles & (In thousands) Buildings Equipment Total - -------------- --------- --------- ------ 2002 $ 931 $1,002 $1,933 2003 865 779 1,644 2004 791 335 1,126 2005 82 49 131 2006 87 15 102 Thereafter -- -- -- --------- --------- ------ Total $2,756 $2,180 $4,936 ========= ========= ====== Total rental expense was $2,416,000 for 2001, $2,499,000 for 2000 and $3,492,000 for 1999. Other Commitments. The Company is committed to pay suppliers under the terms of open purchase orders issued in the normal course of business. The Company also has commitments with certain suppliers to purchase minimum quantities, and under the terms of certain agreements, the Company is committed for certain portions of the supplier's inventory. The Company does not purchase, or commit to purchase quantities in excess of normal usage or amounts that cannot be used within one year. The Company estimates that the maximum commitment amount under such agreements does not exceed $5,000,000. Contingencies. The Company is party to various legal proceedings arising in the normal course of business activities, none of which, in management's opinion, is expected to have a material adverse impact on the Company's consolidated results of operations or its financial position. L. Acquisition On March 19, 2001, the Company purchased ASM Company, Inc. (ASM) for $16 million cash. ASM manufactures and markets spray tips, guns, poles and other accessories for the professional painter, and had sales of approximately $11 million in 2000. The Company used the purchase method to account for the acquisition. Based on the results of an independent appraisal, the purchase price was allocated to net tangible assets of $4 million (net of assumed liabilities totaling $2 million), identifiable intangible assets of $3 million and goodwill of $9 million. Identifiable intangible assets include patents, proprietary technologies, trade names, trademarks, customer list and a noncompete agreement. Intangibles and goodwill were amortized in 2001 on a straight-line basis, with useful lives ranging from 2 to 10 years. Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure None. PART III Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Company The information under the heading "Executive Officers of the Company" in Part I of this 2001 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the information under the headings "Election of Directors, Nominees and Other Directors" on pages 2 through 4 and under the heading "Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance" on page 16, of the Company's Proxy Statement for its 2001 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, to be held on May 7, 2002 (the "Proxy Statement"), is incorporated herein by reference. Item 11. Executive Compensation The information contained under the heading "Executive Compensation" on pages 6 through 8 of the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference, other than the subsection thereunder entitled "Report of the Management Organization and Compensation Committee" and "Comparative Stock Performance Graph." Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management The information contained under the heading "Beneficial Ownership of Shares" on pages 14 through 15 of the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference. Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions The information under the heading "Certain Business Relationships" on page 14 of the Company's Proxy Statement for its 2001 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, to be held on May 7, 2002 (the "Proxy Statement"), is incorporated herein by reference. PART IV Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedule, and Reports on Form 8-K (a) The following documents are filed as part of this report: (1) Financial Statements See Part II (2) Financial Statement Schedule Page ---- o Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts..............33 All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable, or not required, or because the required information is included in the Consolidated Financial Statements or Notes thereto. (3) Management Contract, Compensatory Plan or Arrangement. (See Exhibit Index) ..............................................35 Those entries marked by an asterisk are Management Contracts, Compensatory Plans or Arrangements. (b) Reports on Form 8-K There were no reports on Form 8-K for the thirteen weeks ended December 28, 2001. (c) Exhibit Index ..........................................................35

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Graco Inc. and Subsidiaries Additions Balance at charged to Deductions Change Balance beginning costs and from Add at end of Description of year expenses Reserves (Deduct) year - ----------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -------- --------- Year ended December 28, 2001 Allowance for doubtful accounts $2,300 $ 100 $ 500 $100 $2,000 Allowance for returns and credits 2,400 7,000 7,000 100 2,500 ---------- ---------- ---------- -------- --------- $4,700 $7,100 $7,500 $200 $4,500 ========== ========== ========== ======== ========= Year ended December 29, 2000: Allowance for doubtful accounts $2,500 $ 100 $ 300 $2,300 Allowance for returns and credits 2,000 8,100 7,700 2,400 ---------- ---------- ---------- -------- --------- $4,500 $8,200 $8,000 $4,700 ========== ========== ========== ======== ========= Year ended December 31, 1999: Allowance for doubtful accounts $2,600 $ 300 $ 600 $200 $2,500 Allowance for returns and credits 1,800 6,000 5,800 2,000 ---------- ---------- ---------- -------- --------- $4,400 $6,300 $6,400 $200 $4,500 ========== ========== ========== ======== ========= 1 Accounts determined to be uncollectible and charged against reserve, net of collections on accounts previously charged against reserves. 2 Credits issued and returns processed. 3 Assumed or established in connection with acquisition

Signatures Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. Graco Inc. /s/DAVID A. ROBERTS March 22, 2002 - ------------------------------ -------------- David A. Roberts President and Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. /s/DAVID A. ROBERTS March 22, 2002 - ------------------------------ -------------- David A. Roberts President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) /s/MARK W. SHEAHAN March 22, 2002 - ------------------------------ -------------- Mark W. Sheahan Vice President and Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer) /s/JAMES A. GRANER March 22, 2002 - ------------------------------ -------------- James A. Graner Vice President and Controller (Principal Accounting Officer) G. Aristides Director, Chairman of the Board D. A. Koch Chairman Emeritus R. O. Baukol Director R. G. Bohn Director W. J. Carroll Director J. Kevin Gilligan Director L. R. Mitau Director J. H. Moar Director M. A.M. Morfitt Director M. H. Rauenhorst Director D. A. Roberts Director W. G. Van Dyke Director David A. Roberts by signing his name hereto, does hereby sign this document on behalf of himself and each of the above named directors of the Registrant pursuant to powers of attorney duly executed by such persons. /s/DAVID A. ROBERTS March 22, 2002 - ------------------- -------------- David A. Roberts (For himself and as attorney-in-fact)

Exhibit Index Exhibit Number Description ------- ----------- 3.1 Restated Articles of Incorporation as amended December 8, 2000. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's 2000 Annual Report on Form 10-K.) 3.2 Restated Bylaws as amended September 29, 2000. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's 2000 Annual Report on Form 10-K.) 4.1 Rights Agreement dated as of February 25, 2000, between the Company and Wells Fargo, formerly known as Norwest Bank Minnesota, National Association, as Rights Agent, including as Exhibit A the form of the Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Shares. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 to the Company's Report on Form 8-K dated February 25, 2000.) 4.2 Credit Agreement dated July 2, 1998, between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, as Agent for a combination of banks. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 to the Company's Report on Form 10-Q for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 25, 1998.) *10.1 2001 Corporate and Business Unit Annual Bonus Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 to the Company's Report on Form 10-Q for the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2001.) *10.2 Executive Officer Annual Incentive Bonus Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.35 to the Company's 1999 Annual Report on Form 10-K.) *10.3 Nonemployee Director Stock Option Plan, as amended and restated February 23, 2001. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Report on Form 10-Q for the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2001.) *10.4 Nonemployee Director Stock Plan, as amended and restated June 18, 1999. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 to the Company's Report on Form 10-Q for the twenty-six weeks ended June 25, 1999.) *10.5 Long Term Stock Incentive Plan, as amended and restated December 10, 1999. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company's 1999 Annual Report on Form 10-K.) *10.6 Graco Inc. Stock Incentive Plan, dated May 1, 2001. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Report on Form 10-Q for the thirteen weeks ended June 29, 2001.) *10.7 Deferred Compensation Plan Restated, effective December 1, 1992. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2 to the Company's Report on Form 8-K dated March 11, 1993.) Amendment 1 dated September 1, 1996. (Incorporated by reference to the Company's Report on Form 10-Q for the twenty-six weeks ended June 27, 1997.) *10.8 Chairman's Award Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3 to the Company's Report on Form 8-K dated March 7, 1988.) *10.9 Retirement Plan for Nonemployee Directors. (Incorporated by reference to Attachment C to Item 5 to the Company's Report on Form 10-Q for the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 1991.) *10.10 Restoration Plan 1998 Restatement. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Company's 1997 Annual Report on Form 10-K.) *10.11 Stock Option Agreement. Form of agreement used for award of nonstatutory stock options to nonemployee directors under the Nonemployee Director Stock Option Plan with schedule of awards current as of December 28, 2001. *10.12 Stock Option Agreement. Form of agreement used for award of non-incentive stock options to executive officers under the Long Term Stock Incentive Plan with schedule of awards current as of December 28, 2001. *10.13 Stock Option Agreement. Form of agreement used for award of non-incentive stock options to executive officers under the Graco Inc. Stock Incentive Plan with schedule of awards current as of December 28, 2001. *10.14 Executive Deferred Compensation Agreement. Form of supplementary agreement entered into by the Company which provides a retirement benefit to selected executive officers, as amended by Amendment 1, effective September 1, 1990. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3 to the Company's Report on Form 8-K dated March 11, 1993.) *10.15 Key Employee Agreement. Form of agreement with officers and other key employees relating to change of control. *10.16 Executive Long Term Incentive Agreement. Form of agreement used for award of restricted stock to one executive officer, dated June 25, 2001. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Report on Form 10-Q for the thirteen weeks ended June 29, 2001.) *10.17 Trust Agreement dated September 30, 1997, between the Company and Wells Fargo, formerly known as Norwest Bank Minnesota, N.A. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Report on Form 10-Q for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 26, 1997.) *10.18 Letter Agreement with President and Chief Executive Officer, dated June 5, 2001. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Report on Form 10-Q for the thirteen weeks ended June 29, 2001.) *10.19 Form of salary protection arrangement between the Company and executive officers. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to the Company's 1995 Annual Report on Form 10-K.) 11 Statement of Computation of Earnings per share included in Note I on page 29. 21 Subsidiaries of the Registrant included herein on page 38. 23 Independent Auditors' Consent included herein on page 38. 24 Power of Attorney included herein on page 39. 99 Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements in- cluded herein on page 40. *Management Contracts, Compensatory Plans or Arrangements. Pursuant to Item 601(b)(4)(iii) of Regulation S-K, copies of certain instruments defining the rights of holders of certain long-term debt of the Company and its subsidiaries are not filed as exhibits because the amount of debt authorized under any such instrument does not exceed 10 percent of the total assets of the Company and its subsidiaries. The Company agrees to furnish copies thereof to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.

Exhibit 21 Subsidiaries of Graco Inc. The following are subsidiaries of the Company: Jurisdiction Percentage of Voting of Securities Owned by Subsidiary Organization the Company - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Equipos Graco Argentina S.A. Argentina 100%* Graco Barbados FSC Limited Barbados 100% Graco Canada Inc. Canada 100% Graco do Brasil Limitada Brazil 100%* Graco Europe N.V. Belgium 100%* Graco GmbH Germany 100% Graco Hong Kong Limited Hong Kong 100%* Graco K.K. Japan 100% Graco Korea Inc. Korea 100% Graco Limited England 100%* Graco Minnesota Inc. United States 100% Graco N.V. Belgium 100%* Graco S.A.S. France 100% Graco South Dakota Inc. United States 100%** Graco Verfahrenstechnik GmbH Germany 100%*** - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- * Includes shares held by selected directors and/or executive officers of the Company or the relevant subsidiary to satisfy the requirements of local law. ** Shares 100% held by Graco Minnesota Inc. *** Shares 100% held by Graco N.V. Exhibit 23 Independent Auditors' Consent We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statements No. 333-17691, No. 333-17787, No. 33-54205, No. 333-03459, No. 333-75307, and No. 333-63128 on Form S-8 of our report dated January 21, 2002, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Graco Inc. for the year ended December 28, 2001. /s/Deloitte & Touche LLP Deloitte & Touche LLP Minneapolis, Minnesota March 22, 2002

Exhibit 24 Power of Attorney Know all by these presents, that each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints David A. Roberts or Mark W. Sheahan, that person's true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution for that person and in that person's name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign the Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2001, of Graco Inc. (and any and all amendments thereto) and to file the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite or necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as that person might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent, or his substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. In witness whereof, this Power of Attorney has been signed by the following persons on the date indicated. Date ------------------ /s/G. ARISTIDES February 22, 2002 ------------------------ ------------------ G. Aristides /s/R. O. BAUKOL February 22, 2002 ------------------------ ------------------ R. O. Baukol /s/R. G. BOHN February 22, 2002 ------------------------ ------------------ R. G. Bohn /s/W. J. CARROLL February 22, 2002 ------------------------ ------------------ W. J. Carroll /s/J. K. GILLIGAN February 22, 2002 ------------------------ ------------------ J. K. Gilligan /s/D. A. KOCH February 22, 2002 ------------------------ ------------------ D. A. Koch /s/L. R. MITAU February 22, 2002 ------------------------ ------------------ L. R. Mitau /s/J. H. MOAR February 22, 2002 ------------------------ ------------------ J. H. Moar /s/M. A.M. MORFITT February 22, 2002 ------------------------ ------------------ M. A.M. Morfitt /s/M. H. RAUENHORST February 22, 2002 ------------------------ ------------------ M. H. Rauenhorst /s/D. A. ROBERTS February 22, 2002 ------------------------ ------------------ D. A. Roberts /s/W. G. VAN DYKE February 22, 2002 ------------------------ ------------------ W. G. Van Dyke

Exhibit 99 Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Graco Inc. (the "Company") wishes to take advantage of the "safe harbor" provisions regarding forward-looking statements of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is filing this Cautionary Statement in order to do so. From time to time various forms filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company's Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and Form 8-K, its Annual Report to Shareholders, and other written documents or oral statements released by the Company, may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements generally use words such as "expect," "foresee," "anticipate," "believe," "project," "should," "estimate," "will", and similar expressions, and reflect the Company's expectations concerning the future. Such statements are based upon currently available information, but various risks and uncertainties may cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those expressed in these statements. Among the factors which management believes could affect the Company's operating results are the following: o With respect to the Company's business as a whole, the Company's prospects and operating results may be affected by: - changing economic conditions in the United States and other major world economies, including economic expansions, downturns or recessions; fluctuations in capital goods investment activity, interest rates, and foreign currency exchange rates; - international trade factors, including changes in international trade policy, such as export controls, trade sanctions, increased tariff barriers and other restrictions; weaker protection of the Company's proprietary technology in certain foreign countries; the burden of complying with foreign laws and standards; and potentially burdensome taxes; - the ability of the Company to develop new products and technologies; maintain and enhance its market position relative to its competitors; maintain and enhance its distribution channels; identify and enter into new markets; successfully conclude and integrate acquisitions; realize productivity and product quality improvements; and continue to control expenses. - disruption in operations, transportation, communication, customer operations, distribution, payment or sources of supply, including the cost and availability of skilled labor, raw materials and energy, caused by political or economic instability, acts of God, labor disputes, war, embargo, fire or other cause beyond its reasonable control. - changes in the markets in which the Company participates, including consolidation of competitors and major customers, price competition, and alteration in mix of products desired; - changes in accounting standards or in the application by the Company of critical accounting policies; and - changes in the return on investments in the Company's retirement plan. o The prospects and operating results of the Company's Contractor Equipment Division may be affected by: variations in the level of residential, commercial and institutional building and remodeling activity; the availability and cost of financing; changes in the environmental regulation of coatings; consolidation in the paint equipment manufacturing industry and paint manufacturing industry; changes in the technology of paint and coating application; changes in the buying and channel preferences of the end user; changes in the business practices (including inventory management) of the major distributors of contractor equipment; changes in construction materials and techniques; changes in the cost of labor in foreign markets; the regional market strength of certain competitors; the level of government spending on infrastructure development and road construction, maintenance and repair; and the nature and extent of highway safety regulation. o The prospects and operating results of the Company's Industrial/Automotive Equipment Division may be affected by: the capital equipment spending levels of industrial customers; the availability and cost of customer financing; changes in the environmental regulation of coatings; changes in the technical characteristics of materials; changes in application technology; the ability of the Company to meet changing customer requirements; consolidation in the distribution channels; consolidation in the fluid handling equipment manufacturing industry; the equipment purchase plans of major automobile manufacturers worldwide (which are in turn impacted by the level of automotive sales worldwide); changes in automotive manufacturing processes; the pricing strategies of competitors; significant penetration of the North American market by low cost foreign manufacturers of competitive equipment; and consolidation in the automobile manufacturing industry worldwide. o The prospects and operating results of the Company's Lubrication Equipment Division may be affected by consolidation in the oil production industry; the development of extended life lubricants for vehicles; the reduction in the need for changing vehicle lubricants; consumer trends in "do-it-yourself" vs. "do-it-for-me" oil changes; significant penetration of the North American market by low cost foreign manufacturers of competitive equipment; consolidation of automotive dealerships; trends in spending by state and local governments, and variations in the equipment spending levels of the major oil companies.

                                                                   Exhibit 10.11

                              NONEMPLOYEE DIRECTOR
                       NONSTATUTORY STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
                                      (NSO)


     THIS  AGREEMENT,  made this        day of          _,  2     by and between
                                --------       ----------    ----
Graco  Inc.,  a  Minnesota   corporation   (the  "Company")  and
                                                                 ---------------
(the "Nonemployee Director").

     WITNESSETH THAT:

     WHEREAS, the Company pursuant to its Nonemployee Director Stock Option Plan
wishes to grant this stock option to Nonemployee Director.

     NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the mutual covenants
herein contained, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

1.   Grant of Option
     ---------------

     The Company  hereby grants to  Nonemployee  Director,  the right and option
     (the "Option") to purchase all or any part of an aggregate of        common
                                                                   -------
     shares,  par value $1.00 per share, at the price of $      per share on the
                                                          -----
     terms and conditions set forth herein.  This is a nonstatutory stock Option
     which does not qualify for special tax treatment  under Sections 421 or 422
     of the Internal Revenue Code.

2.   Duration and Exercisability

     a.   This Option may not be exercised by Employee  until the  expiration of
          one (1) year  from the date of  grant,  and this  Option  shall in all
          events  terminate  ten (10) years after the date of Grant.  During the
          first year from the date of grant of this  Option,  no portion of this
          Option  may  be  exercised.   Thereafter   this  Option  shall  become
          exercisable in four cumulative installments of 25% as follows:

                                                      Total Portion of
                     Date                        Option Which is Exercisable
          ---------------------------            ---------------------------
          One Year after Date of Grant                       25%
          Two Years after Date of Grant                      50%
          Three Years after Date of Grant                    75%
          Four Years after Date of Grant                    100%

          In the event that  Nonemployee  Director  does not purchase in any one
          year the full number of shares of common stock of the Company to which
          he/she is entitled under this Option, he/she may, subject to the terms
          and  conditions  of Section 3 hereof,  purchase  such shares of common
          stock in any subsequent year during the term of this Option.

     b.   During the lifetime of the Nonemployee Direction,  the Option shall be
          exercisable   only  by  him/her  and  shall  not  be   assignable   or
          transferable by him/her  otherwise than by will or the laws of descent
          and distribution.

3.   Effect of Termination of Membership on the Board

     a.   In the event a  Nonemployee  Director  ceases  being a director of the
          Company for any reason other than the reasons identified in section 3b
          below,  the Nonemployee  Director shall have the right to exercise the
          Option as follows,  subject to the  condition  that no Option shall be
          exercisable after the expiration of the term of the Option:

          (1)  If  the  Nonemployee  Director  was a  member  of  the  Board  of
               Directors  of the Company for five (5) or more years,  the option
               becomes  immediately  exercisable  upon the date the  Nonemployee
               Director ceases being a director.  The  Nonemployee  Director may
               exercise  the Option for a period of thirty six (36)  months from
               the  date  the  Nonemployee  Director  ceased  being a  director,
               provided  that  if  the  Nonemployee  Director  dies  before  the
               thirty-six  (36)  month  period  has  expired,  the Option may be
               exercised by the Nonemployee  Director's legal  representative or
               any person who acquires the right to exercise an Option by reason
               of the Nonemployee  Director's  death for a period of twelve (12)
               months from the date of the Nonemployee Director's death.

          (2)  If  the  Nonemployee  Director  was a  member  of  the  Board  of
               Directors  of the  Company  for less  than  five (5)  years,  the
               Nonemployee  Director may exercise the Option,  to the extent the
               Option  was  exercisable  at the  date the  Nonemployee  Director
               ceases  being a member of the Board,  for a period of thirty (30)
               days following the date the  Nonemployee  Director ceased being a
               director,  provided that, if the Nonemployee Director dies before
               the  thirty  (30) day  period  has  expired,  the  Option  may be
               exercised by the Nonemployee Director's legal representative,  or
               any person who acquires the right to exercise an Option by reason
               of the Nonemployee  Director's death, for a period of twelve (12)
               months from the date of the Nonemployee Director's death.

          (3)  If the  Nonemployee  Director dies while a member of the Board of
               Directors of the Company,  the Option, to the extent  exercisable
               by  the  Nonemployee  Director  at  the  date  of  death,  may be
               exercised by the Nonemployee Director's legal representative,  or
               any person who acquires the right to exercise an Option by reason
               of the Nonemployee  Director's death, for a period of twelve (12)
               months from the date of the Nonemployee Director's death.

          (4)  In  the  event  the  Option  is  exercised   by  the   executors,
               administrators,  legatees,  or  distributees  of the  estate of a
               deceased  optionee,  the Company  shall be under no obligation to
               issue stock thereunder  unless and until the Company is satisfied
               that the  person or  persons  exercising  the Option are the duly
               appointed legal representatives of the deceased optionee's estate
               or the proper legatees or distributees thereof.

     b.   If a Nonemployee  Director  ceases being a director of the Company due
          to an  act  of  (a)  fraud  or  intentional  misrepresentation  or (b)
          embezzlement,    misappropriation   or   conversion   of   assets   or
          opportunities  of the Company or any  Affiliate  of the Company or (c)
          any other gross or willful misconduct,  as determined by the Board, in
          its  sole  and  conclusive  discretion,  the  Option  granted  to such
          Nonemployee  Director shall immediately be forfeited as of the date of
          the misconduct.

4.   Manner of Exercise

     a.   The Option can be  exercised  only by  Nonemployee  Director  or other
          proper party within the Option period by delivering  written notice to
          the Company at its principal office in Minneapolis, Minnesota, stating
          the  number of shares as to which the Option is being  exercised  and,
          except as provided in sections  4b(2) and 4b(3) below,  accompanied by
          payment in full of one hundred percent (100%) of the Option price.

     b.   The  Nonemployee  Director  may, at his/her  election,  pay the Option
          price as follows:

          (1)  by cash or by certified check,

          (2)  by delivery of shares of common stock to the Company, which shall
               have  been  owned  for at least  six (6)  months  and have a fair
               market  value  per  share on the date of  surrender  equal to the
               exercise price, or

          (3)  by delivery  to Company of a properly  executed  exercise  notice
               together with  irrevocable  instructions  to a broker to promptly
               deliver  to the  Company  from sale or loan  proceeds  the amount
               required to pay the exercise price.

          For purposes of subsection 4b(2) hereunder,  the fair market value per
          share is the last sale price reported on the composite tape by the New
          York Stock Exchange on the business day immediately preceding the date
          as of which fair market value is being determined or, if there were no
          sales  of  shares  of  the  Company's  common  stock  reported  on the
          composite  tape on such day,  on the most  recently  preceding  day on
          which there were sales,  or if the shares of the  Company's  stock are
          not listed or  admitted  to trading on the New York Stock  Exchange on
          the day as of which the  determination is made, the amount  determined
          by the Board or its delegate to be the fair market value of a share on
          such day.

     c.   Such  Option  price  shall be subject to  adjustment  as  provided  in
          Section 6 hereof.

5.   Change of Control

     a.   Notwithstanding  Section 2(a) hereof, all outstanding  Options not yet
          exercisable shall become  immediately and fully exercisable on the day
          following a "Change of Control"  and shall  remain  fully  exercisable
          until  either  exercised  or  expiring  by their  terms.  A "Change of
          Control" means:

          (1)  acquisition  by any  individual,  entity,  or group  (within  the
               meaning of Section  13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the  Exchange  Act of
               1934), (a "Person"),  of beneficial ownership (within the meaning
               of Rule 13d-3 under the 1934 Act) which results in the beneficial
               ownership by such Person of 25% or more of either

               (a)  the then  outstanding  shares of common stock of the Company
                    (the "Outstanding Company Common Stock") or

               (b)  the  combined  voting power of the then  outstanding  voting
                    securities of the Company  entitled to vote generally in the
                    election  of  directors  (the  "Outstanding  Company  Voting
                    Securities");

               provided,  however,  that  the  following  acquisitions  will not
               result in a Change of Control:

                    (i)  an acquisition directly from the Company,

                    (ii) an acquisition by the Company,

                    (iii)an acquisition by an employee  benefit plan (or related
                         trust)  sponsored or  maintained  by the Company or any
                         corporation controlled by the Company,

                    (iv) an  acquisition  by any  Person  who is  deemed to have
                         beneficial  ownership  of the Company  common  stock or
                         other  Company  voting  securities  owned by the  Trust
                         Under the Will of  Clarissa L. Gray  ("Trust  Person"),
                         provided that such  acquisition  does not result in the
                         beneficial  ownership  by such Person of 32% or more of
                         either  the  Outstanding  Company  Common  Stock or the
                         Outstanding  Company  Voting  Securities,  and provided
                         further  that for  purposes of this  Section 9, a Trust
                         Person shall not be deemed to have beneficial ownership
                         of the Company  common  stock or other  Company  voting
                         securities   owned  by  The  Graco  Foundation  or  any
                         employee  benefit  plan  of  the  Company,   including,
                         without limitations, the Graco Employee Retirement Plan
                         and the Graco Employee Stock Ownership Plan,

                    (v)  an acquisition by the Nonemployee Director or any group
                         that includes the Nonemployee Director, or

                    (vi) an  acquisition  by  any  corporation   pursuant  to  a
                         transaction  that  complies  with clauses (a), (b), and
                         (c) of subsection (4) below; and

               provided,  further,  that if any Person's beneficial ownership of
               the  Outstanding  Company  Common  Stock or  Outstanding  Company
               Voting  Securities  is 25% or more as a result  of a  transaction
               described   in  clause  (i)  or  (ii)  above,   and  such  Person
               subsequently   acquires   beneficial   ownership  of   additional
               Outstanding  Company Common Stock or  Outstanding  Company Voting
               Securities as a result of a transaction other than that described
               in clause (i) or (ii) above, such subsequent  acquisition will be
               treated as an  acquisition  that causes such Person to own 25% or
               more of the  Outstanding  Company  Common  Stock  or  Outstanding
               Company Voting Securities and be deemed a Change of Control;  and
               provided  further,  that in the  event any  acquisition  or other
               transaction  occurs which results in the beneficial  ownership of
               32% or more of either the Outstanding Company Common Stock or the
               Outstanding  Company Voting  Securities by any Trust Person,  the
               Incumbent  Board may by  majority  vote  increase  the  threshold
               beneficial ownership percentage to a percentage above 32% for any
               Trust Person; or

          (2)  Individuals  who, as of the date hereof,  constitute the Board of
               Directors of the Company (the  "Incumbent  Board")  cease for any
               reason to constitute at least a majority of said Board; provided,
               however,  that any individual  becoming a director  subsequent to
               the date hereof whose election, or nomination for election by the
               Company's  shareholders,  was  approved  by a vote of at  least a
               majority of the directors  then  comprising  the Incumbent  Board
               will be considered as though such individual were a member of the
               Incumbent  Board,  but  excluding,  for  this  purpose,  any such
               individual  whose  initial  membership  on the Board  occurs as a
               result of an actual or threatened  election  contest with respect
               to the  election  or  removal  of  directors  or other  actual or
               threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of
               a Person other than the Board; or

          (3)  The commencement or announcement of an intention to make a tender
               offer or exchange offer,  the  consummation of which would result
               in the  beneficial  ownership  by a Person  of 25% or more of the
               Outstanding  Company Common Stock or  Outstanding  Company Voting
               Securities; or

          (4)  The   approval   by  the   shareholders   of  the  Company  of  a
               reorganization,  merger, consolidation,  or statutory exchange of
               Outstanding  Company Common Stock or  Outstanding  Company Voting
               Securities or sale or other  disposition of all or  substantially
               all of the assets of the Company ("Business  Combination") or, if
               consummation of such Business Combination is subject, at the time
               of  such  approval  by  stockholders,   to  the  consent  of  any
               government or governmental  agency, the obtaining of such consent
               (either  explicitly  or implicitly  by  consummation)  excluding,
               however, such a Business combination pursuant to which

               (a)  all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who
                    were the beneficial owners of the Outstanding Company Common
                    Stock or Outstanding  Company Voting Securities  immediately
                    prior  to  such  Business   Combination   beneficially  own,
                    directly or indirectly, more than 80% of, respectively,  the
                    then  outstanding  shares of common  stock and the  combined
                    voting  power  of the  then  outstanding  voting  securities
                    entitled to vote generally in the election of directors,  as
                    the case may be,  of the  corporation  resulting  from  such
                    Business  Combination  (including,   without  limitation,  a
                    corporation  that as a result of such  transaction  owns the
                    Company or all or substantially  all of the Company's assets
                    either  directly  or through  one or more  subsidiaries)  in
                    substantially  the  same  proportions  as  their  ownership,
                    immediately  prior  to  such  Business  Combination  of  the
                    Outstanding  Company  Common  Stock or  Outstanding  Company
                    Voting Securities,

               (b)  no Person  [excluding any employee  benefit plan (or related
                    trust) of the  Company or such  corporation  resulting  from
                    such Business  Combination]  beneficially owns,  directly or
                    indirectly,  25% or more of the then  outstanding  shares of
                    common stock of the corporation resulting from such Business
                    Combination  or  the  combined  voting  power  of  the  then
                    outstanding  voting securities of such corporation except to
                    the extent that such ownership existed prior to the Business
                    Combination, and

               (c)  at least a majority of the members of the board of directors
                    of the corporation  resulting from such Business Combination
                    were  members  of the  Incumbent  Board  at the  time of the
                    execution of the initial agreement,  or of the action of the
                    Board, providing for such Business Combination; or

          (5)  approval  by  the  stockholders  of  the  Company  of a  complete
               liquidation or dissolution of the Company.

     b.   A Change of Control  shall not be deemed to have occurred with respect
          to a Nonemployee Director if:

          (1)  the  acquisition  of the 25% or greater  interest  referred to in
               subsection  a(1) of  this  Section  5 is by a  group,  acting  in
               concert, that includes the Nonemployee Director or

          (2)  if at least 25% of the then outstanding  common stock or combined
               voting power of the then  outstanding  company voting  securities
               (or voting equity  interests) of the surviving  corporation or of
               any corporation (or other entity)  acquiring all or substantially
               all of the assets of the  Company  shall be  beneficially  owned,
               directly  or  indirectly,  immediately  after  a  reorganization,
               merger, consolidation,  statutory share exchange,  disposition of
               assets, liquidation or dissolution referred to in subsections (4)
               or (5) of this  section  by a  group,  acting  in  concert,  that
               includes that Nonemployee Director.

6.   Adjustments and Changes in the Stock

     a.   If  Nonemployee  Director  exercises  all or any portion of the Option
          subsequent  to any change in the common stock of the Company by reason
          of any  stock  dividend,  stock  split,  spin-off,  split-up,  merger,
          consolidation,  recapitalization,   reclassification,  combination  or
          exchange  of  shares,  or  any  other  similar  corporate  event,  the
          aggregate  number of shares  available  under the Plan, and the number
          and the price of shares of common stock subject to outstanding Options
          shall be appropriately adjusted automatically.

     b.   No  right  to  purchase   fractional  shares  shall  result  from  any
          adjustment in the Option  pursuant to subsection 6a of this Agreement.
          In case of any such adjustment, the shares subject to the Option shall
          be rounded down to the nearest whole share.

     c.   Notice of any adjustment  shall be given by the Company to Nonemployee
          Director  for the Option  which shall have been so  adjusted  and such
          adjustment  (whether or not such notice is given)  shall be  effective
          and binding for all purposes of the Plan.

7.   Miscellaneous

     a.   This Option is issued pursuant to the Company's  Nonemployee  Director
          Stock Option Plan and is subject to its terms.  A copy of the Plan has
          been given to the Nonemployee Director. The terms of the Plan are also
          available  for  inspection  during  business  hours  at the  principal
          offices of the Company.

     b.   This  Agreement  shall not  confer on  Nonemployee  Director  or other
          person  any claim or right to be  granted  an  Option  under the Plan,
          except as  expressly  provided  in the Plan.  Neither the Plan nor any
          action  taken  hereunder  shall be  construed  as  giving  Nonemployee
          Director any right to be retained in the service of the Company.

     c.   Neither  Nonemployee  Director,   the  Nonemployee   Director's  legal
          representative, nor any person who acquires the right to exercise this
          Option by reason of the Nonemployee  Director's death shall be or have
          any of the rights or privileges  of, a  shareholder  of the Company in
          respect of any shares of common stock  receivable upon the exercise of
          this Option,  in whole or in part,  unless and until  certificates for
          such shares shall have been issued upon exercise of this Option.

     d.   The Company  shall at all times during the term of the Option  reserve
          and keep  available  such  number of shares as will be  sufficient  to
          satisfy the requirements of this Agreement.

     e.   This  Agreement  will be governed by and  constructed  exclusively  in
          accordance with the laws of the State of Minnesota.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed
on the day and year first above written.

                                          GRACO INC.




                                          By:
                                            ------------------------------------
                                            Its
                                             Vice President, General
                                             Counsel and Secretary





                                                                      .
                                            ------------------------------------
                                            Name
                                            Nonemployee Director

Nonemployee Director Stock Option Plan Schedule Identifying Non-Statutory Stock Option Agreements Executed and Material Details in which Executed Agreements Differ from Agreement Copy Filed Current as of December 28, 2001 DATE NAME SHARES PRICE ------------------- ---------------- ------ ------ *May 7, 1996 Ronald Baukol 4,500 $ 8.39 *May 7, 1996 Lee Mitau 4,500 $ 8.39 *May 7, 1996 Martha Morfitt 4,500 $ 8.39 *May 7, 1996 William VanDyke 4,500 $ 8.39 *May 6, 1997 Ronald Baukol 3,375 $11.78 *May 6, 1997 Lee Mitau 3,375 $11.78 *May 6, 1997 Martha Morfitt 3,375 $11.78 *May 6, 1997 William VanDyke 3,375 $11.78 *May 5, 1998 Ronald Baukol 3,375 $23.21 *May 5, 1998 Lee Mitau 3,375 $23.21 *May 5, 1998 Martha Morfitt 3,375 $23.21 *May 5, 1998 William VanDyke 3,375 $23.21 *May 4, 1999 Ronald Baukol 3,375 $21.04 *May 4, 1999 Lee Mitau 3,375 $21.04 *May 4, 1999 Martha Morfitt 3,375 $21.04 *May 4, 1999 William VanDyke 3,375 $21.04 *June 1, 1999 Robert Bohn 4,500 $21.79 *June 1, 1999 William Carroll 4,500 $21.79 *May 2, 2000 Ronald Baukol 3,375 $22.67 *May 2, 2000 Robert Bohn 3,375 $22.67 *May 2, 2000 William Carroll 3,375 $22.67 *May 2, 2000 Lee Mitau 3,375 $22.67 *May 2, 2000 Martha Morfitt 3,375 $22.67 *May 2, 2000 William VanDyke 3,375 $22.67 *September 28, 2000 Mark Rauenhorst 4,500 $21.00 February 23, 2001 J. Kevin Gilligan 3,000 $26.35 May 1, 2001 Ronald Baukol 2,500 $27.40 May 1, 2001 Robert Bohn 2,500 $27.40 May 1, 2001 William Carroll 2,500 $27.40 May 1, 2001 J. Kevin Gilligan 2,500 $27.40 May 1, 2001 Lee Mitau 2,500 $27.40 May 1, 2001 Martha Morfitt 2,500 $27.40 May 1, 2001 Mark Rauenhorst 2,500 $27.40 May 1, 2001 William VanDyke 2,500 $27.40 May 1, 2001 James Moar 3,000 $27.40 *Share data has been adjusted to reflect stock splits.

                                                                   Exhibit 10.12

                             STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
                                    (NON-ISO)


     THIS AGREEMENT, made this           day of          , 2    , by and between
                              -----------      ----------   ----
Graco Inc., a Minnesota corporation (the "Company") and (the "Employee").

     WITNESSETH THAT:

     WHEREAS,  the Company pursuant to its Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan wishes
to grant this stock option to Employee;

     NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the mutual covenants
herein contained, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

     1.   Grant of Option

          The  Company   hereby  grants  to  Employee,   the  right  and  option
          (hereinafter  called the  "option")  to purchase all or any part of an
          aggregate of             shares of Common  Stock of the  Company,  par
                      -------------
          value $1.00 per share, at the price of $       per share on  the terms
                                                  -------
          and conditions set forth herein.

     2.   Duration and Exercisability

          A.   This option may not be exercised by Employee until the expiration
               of one (1) year from the date of grant,  and this option shall in
               all  events  terminate  ten (10)  years  after the date of grant.
               During the first year from the date of grant of this  option,  no
               portion of this option may be exercised.  Thereafter  this option
               shall become  exercisable in four cumulative  installments of 25%
               as follows:

                                                    Total Portion of Option
                            Date                     Which is Exercisable
               -------------------------------      -----------------------
               One Year after Date of Grant                   25%
               Two Years after Date of Grant                  50%
               Three Years after Date of Grant                75%
               Four Years after Date of Grant                100%


               In the event that  Employee does not purchase in any one year the
               full  number of shares of Common  Stock of the  Company  to which
               he/she is entitled under this option,  he/she may, subject to the
               terms and conditions of Section 3 hereof, purchase such shares of
               Common  Stock  in any  subsequent  year  during  the term of this
               option.

          B.   During  the  lifetime  of  the  Employee,  the  option  shall  be
               exercisable  only by  him/her  and  shall  not be  assignable  or
               transferable  by  him/her  otherwise  than by will or the laws of
               descent and distribution.

     3.   Effect of Termination of Employment

          A.   In the event that  Employee  shall  cease to be  employed  by the
               Company or its  subsidiaries  for any reason  other than  his/her
               gross and willful  misconduct,  death,  retirement (as defined in
               Section 3. D. below),  or disability (as defined in Section 3. D.
               below),  Employee  shall have the right to exercise the option at
               any time within one month after such termination of employment to
               the extent of the full  number of shares  he/she was  entitled to
               purchase under the option on the date of termination,  subject to
               the  condition  that no  option  shall be  exercisable  after the
               expiration of the term of the option.

          B.   In the event that  Employee  shall  cease to be  employed  by the
               Company  or its  subsidiaries  by  reason  of  his/her  gross and
               willful  misconduct  during  the  course of  his/her  employment,
               including  but not limited to wrongful  appropriation  of Company
               funds  or  the  commission  of a  felony,  the  option  shall  be
               terminated as of the date of the misconduct.

          C.   If the Employee shall die while in the employ of the Company or a
               subsidiary  or within one month after  termination  of employment
               for any reason other than gross and willful  misconduct and shall
               not have fully exercised the option,  all remaining  shares shall
               become  immediately  exercisable and such option may be exercised
               at any time  within  twelve  months  after  his/her  death by the
               executors or  administrators  of the Employee or by any person or
               persons  to  whom  the  option  is  transferred  by  will  or the
               applicable laws of descent and  distribution,  and subject to the
               condition  that  no  option  shall  be   exercisable   after  the
               expiration of the term of the option.

          D.   If the Employee's  termination of employment is due to retirement
               (either  after  attaining  age 55 with 10  years of  service,  or
               attaining age 65), or due to disability within the meaning of the
               provisions of the Graco Long-Term  Disability Plan subject to the
               conditions  that  no  option  shall  be  exercisable   after  the
               expiration of the terms of the option, all remaining shares shall
               become immediately exercisable and the option may be exercised by
               the  Employee  at any time within  three years of the  Employee's
               retirement,  subject  to the  condition  that no option  shall be
               exercisable  after the  expiration of the term of the option.  In
               the  event of the death of the  Employee  within  the  three-year
               period after retirement,  the option may be exercised at any time
               within  twelve  months after  his/her  death by the  executors or
               administrators  of the  Employee  or by any  person or persons to
               whom the option is transferred by will or the applicable  laws of
               descent  and  distribution,  to the extent of the full  number of
               shares  he/she was  entitled to purchase  under the option on the
               date of death,  and subject to the condition that no option shall
               be exercisable after the expiration of the term of the option.

          E.   Notwithstanding  anything  to  the  contrary  contained  in  this
               Section  3,  if  the  Employee   chooses  to  terminate   his/her
               employment by retirement  (as defined in Section 3. D. above) and
               has not given the Company written notice,  by  correspondence  to
               his/her immediate  supervisor and the Chief Executive Officer, of
               said  intention  to retire not less than six (6) months  prior to
               the date of his/her  retirement,  then in such event for purposes
               of this Agreement said  termination of employment shall be deemed
               to  be  not  a  retirement  but  a  termination  subject  to  the
               provisions of Section 3. A. above, provided, however, that in the
               event  that  the  Chief  Executive   Officer,   in  his/her  sole
               discretion  and  judgement,   determines   that   termination  of
               employment by  retirement of the Employee  without six (6) months
               prior  written  notice is in the best  interests  of the Company,
               then such retirement shall be subject to Section 3. D. above.

     4.   Manner of Exercise

          A.   The option can be  exercised  only by  Employee  or other  proper
               party within the option period  delivering  written notice to the
               Company  at  its  principal  office  in  Minneapolis,  Minnesota,
               stating  the  number of  shares  as to which the  option is being
               exercised and,  except as provided in Section 4. C.,  accompanied
               by  payment-in-full of the option price for all shares designated
               in the notice.

          B.   The Employee  may, at Employee's  election,  pay the option price
               either by check (bank check,  certified check, or personal check)
               or by delivering to the Company for cancellation shares of Common
               Stock of the Company which have been held by the Employee for not
               less than six (6) months  with a fair  market  value equal to the
               option price.  For these  purposes,  the fair market value of the
               Company's  Common Stock shall be the closing  price of the Common
               Stock on the date of exercise on the New York Stock Exchange (the
               "NYSE") or on the principal national securities exchange on which
               such  shares are traded if the shares are not then  traded on the
               NYSE.  If there is not a quotation  available  for such day, then
               the  closing  price on the next  preceding  day for which  such a
               quotation  exists shall be determinative of fair market value. If
               the shares are not then  traded on an  exchange,  the fair market
               value shall be the average of the closing bid and asked prices of
               the Common  Stock as  reported  by the  National  Association  of
               Securities  Dealers  Automated  Quotation  System.  If the Common
               Stock is not then  traded on NASDAQ or on an  exchange,  then the
               fair  market  value  shall be  determined  in such  manner as the
               Company shall deem reasonable.

          C.   The Employee may, with the consent of the Company, pay the option
               price by arranging for the  immediate  sale of some or all of the
               shares issued upon exercise of the option by a securities  dealer
               and the  payment to the Company by the  securities  dealer of the
               option exercise price.

     5.   Payment of Withholding Taxes

          Upon exercise of any portion of this option, Employee shall pay to the
          Company an amount  sufficient to satisfy any federal,  state, or local
          withholding tax  requirements  which arise as a result of the exercise
          of the option or provide the Company with satisfactory indemnification
          for such payment.  If the Committee,  as defined in the Company's Long
          Term Stock Incentive  Plan, has in its discretion  determined that the
          Employee  may do so,  such  amount  may be  paid  by the  Employee  by
          delivering to the Company for  cancellation  shares of Common Stock of
          the Company  with a fair market  value equal to the minimum  amount of
          such  withholding  tax requirement by (i) electing to have the Company
          withhold  common shares  otherwise to be delivered  with a fair market
          value equal to the amount of such tax obligation,  or (ii) electing to
          surrender to the Company  previously  owned common  shares with a fair
          market value equal to the amount of such minimum tax obligation.

     6.   Change of Control

          A.   Notwithstanding  Section  2(a)  hereof,  the entire  option shall
               become  immediately and fully  exercisable on the day following a
               "Change of Control"  and shall  remain  fully  exercisable  until
               either  exercised or expiring by its terms. A "Change of Control"
               means:

               (1)  acquisition by any individual,  entity, or group (within the
                    meaning of Section  13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act
                    of 1934), (a "Person"),  of beneficial ownership (within the
                    meaning of Rule 13d-3  under the 1934 Act) which  results in
                    the  beneficial  ownership  by such Person of 25% or more of
                    either

                    (a)  the then  outstanding  shares  of  Common  Stock of the
                         Company (the "Outstanding Company Common Stock") or

                    (b)  the  combined  voting  power  of the  then  outstanding
                         voting  securities  of the  Company  entitled  to  vote
                         generally   in   the   election   of   directors   (the
                         "Outstanding Company Voting Securities");

                         provided, however, that the following acquisitions will
                         not result in a Change of Control:

                         (i)   an acquisition directly from the Company,
                         (ii)  an acquisition by the Company,
                         (iii) an acquisition by  an employee  benefit plan  (or
                               related  trust)  sponsored  or maintained by  the
                               Company  or  any  corporation  controlled  by the
                               Company,
                         (iv)  an acquisition  by any  Person who  is deemed  to
                               have beneficial  ownership of the  Company common
                               stock or other Company voting securities owned by
                               the  Trust  Under  the  Will  of  Clarissa L.Gray
                               ("Trust Person"), provided  that such acquisition
                               does not result  in the beneficial  ownership  by
                               such  Person  of  32%  or  more  of  either   the
                               Outstanding  Company  Common  Stock  or  the Out-
                               standing Company Voting Securities,  and provided
                               further that  for purposes of  this Section 6,  a
                               Trust  Person  shall  not   be  deemed  to   have
                               beneficial ownership of the Company common  stock
                               or other Company  voting  securities owned by The
                               Graco Foundation or any employee benefit  plan of
                               the Company, including, without limitations,  the
                               Graco  Employee  Retirement  Plan and  the  Graco
                               Employee Stock Ownership Plan,

                         (v)   an acquisition by the Employee  or any group that
                               includes the Employee, or

                         (vi)  an acquisition  by any corporation pursuant to  a
                               transaction that complies with  clauses (a), (b),
                               and (c) of subsection (4) below; and

                         provided,  further,  that  if any  Person's  beneficial
                         ownership of the  Outstanding Company  Common Stock  or
                         Outstanding Company  Voting  Securities  is 25% or more
                         as a result of a transaction described in clause (i) or
                         (ii) above,  and  such  Person  subsequently   acquires
                         beneficial ownership  of additional Outstanding Company
                         Common Stock  or Outstanding  Company Voting Securities
                         as a result of a transaction other than that  described
                         in clause (i) or (ii) above,such subsequent acquisition
                         will be treated  as an  acquisition that   causes  such
                         Person  to  own 25% or more of the Outstanding  Company
                         Common  Stock or Outstanding Company Voting  Securities
                         and  be deemed  a  Change  of  Control;   and  provided
                         further,  that  in  the event any  acquisition or other
                         transaction  occurs  which  results  in  the beneficial
                         ownership  of  32% or more of  either  the  Outstanding
                         Company  Common Stock or the Outstanding Company Voting
                         Securities by any Trust Person, the Incumbent Board may
                         by  majority  vote  increase  the threshold  beneficial
                         ownership percentage to a  percentage above 32% for any
                         Trust Person; or

               (2)  Individuals who, as of the date hereof, constitute the Board
                    of Directors of the Company (the  "Incumbent  Board")  cease
                    for any reason to  constitute  at least a  majority  of said
                    Board;  provided,  however,  that any individual  becoming a
                    director  subsequent to the date hereof whose  election,  or
                    nomination for election by the Company's  shareholders,  was
                    approved by a vote of at least a majority  of the  directors
                    then  comprising  the Incumbent  Board will be considered as
                    though such individual were a member of the Incumbent Board,
                    but excluding,  for this purpose,  any such individual whose
                    initial  membership  on the  Board  occurs as a result of an
                    actual or  threatened  election  contest with respect to the
                    election  or  removal  of   directors  or  other  actual  or
                    threatened  solicitation  of  proxies or  consents  by or on
                    behalf of a Person other than the Board; or

               (3)  The  commencement  or announcement of an intention to make a
                    tender offer or exchange  offer,  the  consummation of which
                    would result in the beneficial  ownership by a Person of 25%
                    or  more  of  the   Outstanding   Company  Common  Stock  or
                    Outstanding Company Voting Securities; or

               (4)  The  approval  by  the  shareholders  of  the  Company  of a
                    reorganization, merger, consolidation, or statutory exchange
                    of Outstanding  Company Common Stock or Outstanding  Company
                    Voting  Securities  or sale or other  disposition  of all or
                    substantially  all of the assets of the  Company  ("Business
                    Combination")   or,  if   consummation   of  such   Business
                    Combination  is  subject,  at the time of such  approval  by
                    stockholders,   to  the   consent  of  any   government   or
                    governmental  agency,  the obtaining of such consent (either
                    explicitly  or  implicitly   by   consummation)   excluding,
                    however, such a Business combination pursuant to which

                    (a)  all  or  substantially   all  of  the  individuals  and
                         entities  who  were  the   beneficial   owners  of  the
                         Outstanding Company Common Stock or Outstanding Company
                         Voting  Securities  immediately  prior to such Business
                         Combination  beneficially  own, directly or indirectly,
                         more than 80% of,  respectively,  the then  outstanding
                         shares of common stock and the combined voting power of
                         the then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote
                         generally in the election of directors, as the case may
                         be, of the  corporation  resulting  from such  Business
                         Combination   (including,    without   limitation,    a
                         corporation  that as a result of such  transaction owns
                         the  Company  or  all  or  substantially   all  of  the
                         Company's assets either directly or through one or more
                         subsidiaries) in substantially  the same proportions as
                         their  ownership,  immediately  prior to such  Business
                         Combination of the Outstanding  Company Common Stock or
                         Outstanding Company Voting Securities,

                    (b)  no Person  [excluding  any  employee  benefit  plan (or
                         related  trust)  of the  Company  or  such  corporation
                         resulting from such Business Combination]  beneficially
                         owns,  directly or indirectly,  25% or more of the then
                         outstanding  shares of common stock of the  corporation
                         resulting   from  such  Business   Combination  or  the
                         combined  voting power of the then  outstanding  voting
                         securities  of such  corporation  except to the  extent
                         that  such  ownership  existed  prior  to the  Business
                         Combination, and

                    (c)  at least a  majority  of the  members  of the  board of
                         directors  of  the  corporation   resulting  from  such
                         Business  Combination  were  members  of the  Incumbent
                         Board  at the  time  of the  execution  of the  initial
                         Agreement, or of the action of the Board, providing for
                         such Business Combination; or

               (5)  approval  by the  stockholders  of the Company of a complete
                    liquidation or dissolution of the Company.

          B.   A Change of  Control  shall not be deemed to have  occurred  with
               respect to an Employee if:

               (1)  the acquisition of the 25% or greater  interest  referred to
                    in  subparagraph  A.(1)  of this  Section  6 is by a  group,
                    acting in concert, that includes the Employee or

               (2)  if at least  25% of the  then  outstanding  common  stock or
                    combined voting power of the then outstanding Company voting
                    securities  (or voting  equity  interests)  of the surviving
                    corporation  or  of  any   corporation   (or  other  entity)
                    acquiring  all or  substantially  all of the  assets  of the
                    Company shall be beneficially owned, directly or indirectly,
                    immediately after a reorganization,  merger,  consolidation,
                    statutory share exchange, disposition of assets, liquidation
                    or dissolution referred to in subsections (4) or (5) of this
                    section by a group,  acting in concert,  that  includes that
                    Employee.

     7.   Adjustments

          If there shall be any change in the number or  character of the Common
          Stock of the Company  through merger,  consolidation,  reorganization,
          recapitalization,  dividend in the form of stock (of whatever amount),
          stock split or other change in the corporate structure of the Company,
          and all or any portion of the option shall then be unexercised and not
          yet expired,  appropriate  adjustments in the outstanding option shall
          be made by the Company, in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of
          option rights.  Such  adjustments  shall include,  where  appropriate,
          changes  in the  number of  shares  of Common  Stock and the price per
          share subject to the outstanding option.

     8.   Miscellaneous

          A.   This  option  is  issued  pursuant  to  the  Company's  Long-Term
               Incentive  Stock Plan and is subject to its terms.  A copy of the
               Plan has been  given to the  Employee.  The terms of the Plan are
               also  available  for  inspection  during  business  hours  at the
               principal offices of the Company.

          B.   This  Agreement  shall not  confer  on  Employee  any right  with
               respect to continuance of employment by the Company or any of its
               subsidiaries,  nor will it interfere in any way with the right of
               the Company to terminate  such  employment at any time.  Employee
               shall have none of the rights of a  shareholder  with  respect to
               shares  subject to this option  until such shares shall have been
               issued to him/her upon exercise of this option.

          C.   The  Company  shall at all times  during  the term of the  option
               reserve  and keep  available  such  number  of  shares as will be
               sufficient to satisfy the requirements of this Agreement.


     IN WITNESS  WHEREOF,  the parties  hereto have caused this  Agreement to be
executed on the day and year first above written.

                                         GRACO INC.





                                         By:
                                            ------------------------------------
                                            Its Chief Executive Officer




                                        ----------------------------------------
                                        Employee


Long Term Stock Incentive Plan Schedule Identifying Non-ISO Stock Option Agreements Executed and Material Details in which Executed Agreements Differ from Agreement Copy Filed Current as of December 28, 2001 DATE NAME SHARES PRICE - ------------------ ------------ ------ ------ *December 17, 1992 Dale Johnson 4,050 $ 4.59 *December 17, 1992 Charles Rescorla 6,075 $ 4.59 *May 2, 1994 David Koch 22,370 $ 6.70 *May 2, 1994 Robert Mattison 3,672 $ 6.70 *December 15, 1994 Dale Johnson 6,750 $ 5.59 *December 15, 1994 Robert Mattison 10,125 $ 5.59 *December 15, 1994 Patrick McHale 10,125 $ 5.59 *December 15, 1994 Charles Rescorla 16,875 $ 5.59 *February 23, 1995 David Lowe 16,875 $ 7.00 *March 1, 1995 David Koch 22,370 $ 6.96 *March 1, 1995 Robert Mattison 3,672 $ 6.96 *March 1, 1996 James Graner 11,250 $ 8.89 *March 1, 1996 Robert Mattison 2,460 $ 8.89 *February 28, 1997 James Graner 11,250 $13.83 *February 28, 1997 Dale Johnson 6,750 $13.83 *February 28, 1997 David Lowe 22,500 $13.83 *February 28, 1997 Robert Mattison 11,250 $13.83 *February 28, 1997 Charles Rescorla 6,750 $13.83 *February 28, 1997 Mark Sheahan 6,750 $13.83 *February 18, 1998 Fred Sutter 6,000 $19.71 *February 18, 1998 Patrick McHale 4,500 $19.71 *February 27, 1998 James Graner 7,500 $19.67 *February 27, 1998 Dale Johnson 15,000 $19.67 *February 27, 1998 David Lowe 7,500 $19.67 *February 27, 1998 Robert Mattison 7,500 $19.67 *February 27, 1998 Charles Rescorla 7,500 $19.67 *February 27, 1998 Mark Sheahan 5,250 $19.67 *February 22, 1999 James Graner 7,500 $14.33 *February 22, 1999 Dale Johnson 15,000 $14.33 *February 22, 1999 David Lowe 11,250 $14.33 *February 22, 1999 Robert Mattison 7,500 $14.33 *February 22, 1999 Charles Rescorla 11,250 $14.33 *February 22, 1999 Mark Sheahan 7,500 $14.33 *February 22, 1999 Fred Sutter 7,500 $14.33 *February 9, 2000 Dale Johnson 30,000 $20.46 *February 23, 2000 James Graner 7,500 $20.46 *February 23, 2000 David Lowe** 11,250 $20.46 *February 23, 2000 Robert Mattison 7,500 $20.46 *February 23, 2000 Patrick McHale 11,250 $20.46 *February 23, 2000 Charles Rescorla 11,250 $20.46 *February 23, 2000 Mark Sheahan 7,500 $20.46 *February 23, 2000 Fred Sutter 11,250 $20.46 *October 23, 2000 Stephen Bauman 7,500 $22.33 February 22, 2001 George Aristides 40,000 $26.35 February 22, 2001 George Aristides 60,000 $26.35 February 22, 2001 Stephen Bauman 5,000 $26.35 February 22, 2001 James Graner 5,000 $26.35 February 22, 2001 Dale Johnson 20,000 $26.35 February 22, 2001 David Lowe** 7,500 $26.35 February 22, 2001 Robert Mattison 5,000 $26.35 February 22, 2001 Patrick McHale 7,500 $26.35 February 22, 2001 Charles Rescorla 10,000 $26.35 February 22, 2001 Mark Sheahan 5,000 $26.35 February 22, 2001 Fred Sutter 7,500 $26.35 April 19, 2001 Robert Mattison 5,000 $27.85 April 19, 2001 Mark Sheahan 5,000 $27.85 * Share data has been adjusted to reflect stock splits. **The stock option becomes exercisable in one installment, three years after the date of the grant NOTE: (1) All options granted prior to 2000 become exercisable in four equal annual installments, commencing two years after the date of the grant. Options granted in 2000 and later become exercisable in four equal annual installments, commencing one year after the date of the grant. (2) Option agreements prior to 1999 did not contain Section 3. E.

                                                                   Exhibit 10.13
                             STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
                                    (NON-ISO)


     THIS  AGREEMENT, made this     day of              , 2    , by and  between
                               -----      --------------   ----
Graco Inc., a Minnesota corporation (the "Company") and
                                                        ------------------------
(the "Employee").

     WITNESSETH THAT:

     WHEREAS,  the Company  pursuant to the Graco Inc. Stock Incentive Plan (the
"Plan") wishes to grant this stock option to Employee;

     NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the mutual covenants
herein contained, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

     1.   Grant of Option

          The  Company   hereby  grants  to  Employee,   the  right  and  option
          (hereinafter  called the  "option")  to purchase all or any part of an
          aggregate of             shares of Common  Stock of the  Company,  par
                      -------------
          value $1.00 per share, at the price of $    per share on the terms and
                                                  ----
          conditions set forth herein.

     2.   Duration and Exercisability

          A.   This option may not be exercised by Employee until the expiration
               of one (1) year from the date of grant,  and this option shall in
               all  events  terminate  ten (10)  years  after the date of grant.
               During the first year from the date of grant of this  option,  no
               portion of this option may be exercised.  Thereafter  this option
               shall become  exercisable in four cumulative  installments of 25%
               as follows:
                                                   Total Portion of Option
                              Date                  Which is Exercisable
                              ----                  --------------------
                 One Year after Date of Grant                25%
                 Two Years after Date of Grant               50%
                 Three Years after Date of Grant             75%
                 Four Years after Date of Grant             100%

               In the event that  Employee does not purchase in any one year the
               full  number of shares of Common  Stock of the  Company  to which
               he/she is entitled under this option,  he/she may, subject to the
               terms and conditions of Section 3 hereof, purchase such shares of
               Common  Stock  in any  subsequent  year  during  the term of this
               option.

          B.   During  the  lifetime  of  the  Employee,  the  option  shall  be
               exercisable  only by  him/her  and  shall  not be  assignable  or
               transferable  by  him/her  otherwise  than by will or the laws of
               descent and distribution.

     3.   Effect of Termination of Employment

          A.   In the event that  Employee  shall  cease to be  employed  by the
               Company or its  subsidiaries  for any reason  other than  his/her
               gross and willful  misconduct,  death,  retirement (as defined in
               Section 3. D. below),  or disability (as defined in Section 3. D.
               below),  Employee  shall have the right to exercise the option at
               any time within one month after such termination of employment to
               the extent of the full  number of shares  he/she was  entitled to
               purchase under the option on the date of termination,  subject to
               the  condition  that no  option  shall be  exercisable  after the
               expiration of the term of the option.

          B.   In the event that  Employee  shall  cease to be  employed  by the
               Company  or its  subsidiaries  by  reason  of  his/her  gross and
               willful  misconduct  during  the  course of  his/her  employment,
               including  but not limited to wrongful  appropriation  of Company
               funds  or  the  commission  of a  felony,  the  option  shall  be
               terminated as of the date of the misconduct.

          C.   If the Employee shall die while in the employ of the Company or a
               subsidiary  or within one month after  termination  of employment
               for any reason other than gross and willful  misconduct and shall
               not have fully exercised the option,  all remaining  shares shall
               become  immediately  exercisable and such option may be exercised
               at any time  within  twelve  months  after  his/her  death by the
               executors or  administrators  of the Employee or by any person or
               persons  to  whom  the  option  is  transferred  by  will  or the
               applicable laws of descent and  distribution,  and subject to the
               condition  that  no  option  shall  be   exercisable   after  the
               expiration of the term of the option.

          D.   If the Employee's  termination of employment is due to retirement
               (either  after  attaining  age 55 with 10  years of  service,  or
               attaining age 65), or due to disability within the meaning of the
               provisions of the Graco Long-Term  Disability Plan subject to the
               conditions  that  no  option  shall  be  exercisable   after  the
               expiration of the terms of the option, all remaining shares shall
               become immediately exercisable and the option may be exercised by
               the  Employee  at any time within  three years of the  Employee's
               retirement,  subject  to the  condition  that no option  shall be
               exercisable  after the  expiration of the term of the option.  In
               the  event of the death of the  Employee  within  the  three-year
               period after retirement,  the option may be exercised at any time
               within  twelve  months after  his/her  death by the  executors or
               administrators  of the  Employee  or by any  person or persons to
               whom the option is transferred by will or the applicable  laws of
               descent  and  distribution,  to the extent of the full  number of
               shares  he/she was  entitled to purchase  under the option on the
               date of death,  and subject to the condition that no option shall
               be exercisable after the expiration of the term of the option.

          E.   Notwithstanding  anything  to  the  contrary  contained  in  this
               Section  3,  if  the  Employee   chooses  to  terminate   his/her
               employment by retirement  (as defined in Section 3. D. above) and
               has not given the Company written notice,  by  correspondence  to
               his/her immediate  supervisor and the Chief Executive Officer, of
               said  intention  to retire not less than six (6) months  prior to
               the date of his/her  retirement,  then in such event for purposes
               of this Agreement said  termination of employment shall be deemed
               to  be  not  a  retirement  but  a  termination  subject  to  the
               provisions of Section 3. A. above, provided, however, that in the
               event  that  the  Chief  Executive   Officer,   in  his/her  sole
               discretion  and  judgement,   determines   that   termination  of
               employment by  retirement of the Employee  without six (6) months
               prior  written  notice is in the best  interests  of the Company,
               then such retirement shall be subject to Section 3. D. above.

     4.   Manner of Exercise

          A.   The option can be  exercised  only by  Employee  or other  proper
               party within the option period  delivering  written notice to the
               Company  at  its  principal  office  in  Minneapolis,  Minnesota,
               stating  the  number of  shares  as to which the  option is being
               exercised and,  except as provided in Section 4. C.,  accompanied
               by  payment-in-full of the option price for all shares designated
               in the notice.

          B.   The Employee  may, at Employee's  election,  pay the option price
               either by check (bank check,  certified check, or personal check)
               or by delivering to the Company for cancellation shares of Common
               Stock of the Company which have been held by the Employee for not
               less than six (6) months  with a fair  market  value equal to the
               option price.  For these  purposes,  the fair market value of the
               Company's  Common Stock shall be the closing  price of the Common
               Stock on the date of exercise on the New York Stock Exchange (the
               "NYSE") or on the principal national securities exchange on which
               such  shares are traded if the shares are not then  traded on the
               NYSE.  If there is not a quotation  available  for such day, then
               the  closing  price on the next  preceding  day for which  such a
               quotation  exists shall be determinative of fair market value. If
               the shares are not then  traded on an  exchange,  the fair market
               value shall be the average of the closing bid and asked prices of
               the Common  Stock as  reported  by the  National  Association  of
               Securities  Dealers  Automated  Quotation  System.  If the Common
               Stock is not then  traded on NASDAQ or on an  exchange,  then the
               fair  market  value  shall be  determined  in such  manner as the
               Company shall deem reasonable.

          C.   The Employee may, with the consent of the Company, pay the option
               price by arranging for the  immediate  sale of some or all of the
               shares issued upon exercise of the option by a securities  dealer
               and the  payment to the Company by the  securities  dealer of the
               option exercise price.

     5.   Payment of Withholding Taxes

          Upon exercise of any portion of this option, Employee shall pay to the
          Company an amount  sufficient to satisfy any federal,  state, or local
          withholding tax  requirements  which arise as a result of the exercise
          of the option or provide the Company with satisfactory indemnification
          for  such  payment.  Such  amount  may  be  paid  by the  Employee  by
          delivering to the Company for  cancellation  shares of Common Stock of
          the Company  with a fair market  value equal to the minimum  amount of
          such  withholding  tax requirement by (i) electing to have the Company
          withhold  common shares  otherwise to be delivered  with a fair market
          value equal to the minimum  statutory amount of such taxes required to
          be withheld by the  Company,  or (ii)  electing  to  surrender  to the
          Company  previously owned common shares with a fair market value equal
          to the amount of such minimum tax obligation.

     6.   Change of Control

          A.   Notwithstanding  Section  2(a)  hereof,  the entire  option shall
               become  immediately and fully  exercisable on the day following a
               "Change of Control"  and shall  remain  fully  exercisable  until
               either  exercised or expiring by its terms. A "Change of Control"
               means:

               (1)  acquisition by any individual,  entity, or group (within the
                    meaning of Section  13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act
                    of 1934), (a "Person"),  of beneficial ownership (within the
                    meaning of Rule 13d-3  under the 1934 Act) which  results in
                    the  beneficial  ownership  by such Person of 25% or more of
                    either

                    (a)  the then  outstanding  shares  of  Common  Stock of the
                         Company (the "Outstanding Company Common Stock") or

                    (b)  the  combined  voting  power  of the  then  outstanding
                         voting  securities  of the  Company  entitled  to  vote
                         generally   in   the   election   of   directors   (the
                         "Outstanding Company Voting Securities");

                         provided, however, that the following acquisitions will
                         not result in a Change of Control:

                         (i)   an acquisition directly from the Company,
                         (ii)  an acquisition by the Company,
                         (iii) an  acquisition by  an employee  benefit plan (or
                               related  trust) sponsored  or  maintained by  the
                               Company  or  any  corporation  controlled  by the
                               Company,
                         (iv)  an  acquisition by any  Person who is  deemed  to
                               have beneficial  ownership of the  Company common
                               stock or other Company voting securities owned by
                               the  Trust Under  the  Will  of  Clarissa L. Gray
                               ("Trust Person"),  provided that such acquisition
                               does  not result in the  beneficial ownership  by
                               such  Person of 32%  or  more  of either the Out-
                               standing Company Common Stock  or the Outstanding
                               Company Voting  Securities, and  provided further
                               that for  purposes  of this  Section 6,  a  Trust
                               Person shall  not  be  deemed to  have beneficial
                               ownership  of the  Company common  stock or other
                               Company  voting  securities  owned  by  The Graco
                               Foundation  or  any  employee benefit plan of the
                               Company,  including,  without  limitations,   the
                               Graco  Employee  Retirement  Plan  and the  Graco
                               Employee Stock Ownership Plan,
                         (v)   an acquisition  by the Employee or any group that
                               includes the Employee, or
                         (vi)  an acquisition  by any corporation  pursuant to a
                               transaction that  complies with clauses (a), (b),
                               and (c) of subsection (4) below; and

                         provided,  further,  that if  any  Person's  beneficial
                         ownership of the Outstanding  Company Common  Stock  or
                         Outstanding Company  Voting  Securities  is 25% or more
                         as a result of a transaction described in clause (i) or
                         (ii)  above,  and  such  Person  subsequently  acquires
                         beneficial ownership of additional Outstanding  Company
                         Common Stock or Outstanding  Company Voting  Securities
                         as a result of a transaction other than that  described
                         in clause (i) or (ii)  above, such  subsequent acquisi-
                         tion will be treated as an acquisition that causes such
                         Person to own  25%  or more of the Outstanding  Company
                         Common Stock or Outstanding  Company Voting  Securities
                         and be deemed a Change of Control; and provided further
                         that in the event any acquisition or other  transaction
                         occurs which results in the beneficial ownership of 32%
                         or more of either the Outstanding  Company Common Stock
                         or  the  Outstanding  Company Voting  Securities by any
                         Trust Person, the Incumbent Board may by majority  vote
                         increase the threshold  beneficial ownership percentage
                         to a percentage above 32% for any Trust Person; or

               (2)  Individuals who, as of the date hereof, constitute the Board
                    of Directors of the Company (the  "Incumbent  Board")  cease
                    for any reason to  constitute  at least a  majority  of said
                    Board;  provided,  however,  that any individual  becoming a
                    director  subsequent to the date hereof whose  election,  or
                    nomination for election by the Company's  shareholders,  was
                    approved by a vote of at least a majority  of the  directors
                    then  comprising  the Incumbent  Board will be considered as
                    though such individual were a member of the Incumbent Board,
                    but excluding,  for this purpose,  any such individual whose
                    initial  membership  on the  Board  occurs as a result of an
                    actual or  threatened  election  contest with respect to the
                    election  or  removal  of   directors  or  other  actual  or
                    threatened  solicitation  of  proxies or  consents  by or on
                    behalf of a Person other than the Board; or

               (3)  The  commencement  or announcement of an intention to make a
                    tender offer or exchange  offer,  the  consummation of which
                    would result in the beneficial  ownership by a Person of 25%
                    or  more  of  the   Outstanding   Company  Common  Stock  or
                    Outstanding Company Voting Securities; or

               (4)  The  approval  by  the  shareholders  of  the  Company  of a
                    reorganization, merger, consolidation, or statutory exchange
                    of Outstanding  Company Common Stock or Outstanding  Company
                    Voting  Securities  or sale or other  disposition  of all or
                    substantially  all of the assets of the  Company  ("Business
                    Combination")   or,  if   consummation   of  such   Business
                    Combination  is  subject,  at the time of such  approval  by
                    stockholders,   to  the   consent  of  any   government   or
                    governmental  agency,  the obtaining of such consent (either
                    explicitly  or  implicitly   by   consummation)   excluding,
                    however, such a Business combination pursuant to which

                    (a)  all  or  substantially   all  of  the  individuals  and
                         entities  who  were  the   beneficial   owners  of  the
                         Outstanding Company Common Stock or Outstanding Company
                         Voting  Securities  immediately  prior to such Business
                         Combination  beneficially  own, directly or indirectly,
                         more than 80% of,  respectively,  the then  outstanding
                         shares of common stock and the combined voting power of
                         the then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote
                         generally in the election of directors, as the case may
                         be, of the  corporation  resulting  from such  Business
                         Combination   (including,    without   limitation,    a
                         corporation  that as a result of such  transaction owns
                         the  Company  or  all  or  substantially   all  of  the
                         Company's assets either directly or through one or more
                         subsidiaries) in substantially  the same proportions as
                         their  ownership,  immediately  prior to such  Business
                         Combination of the Outstanding  Company Common Stock or
                         Outstanding Company Voting Securities,

                    (b)  no Person  [excluding  any  employee  benefit  plan (or
                         related  trust)  of the  Company  or  such  corporation
                         resulting from such Business Combination]  beneficially
                         owns,  directly or indirectly,  25% or more of the then
                         outstanding  shares of common stock of the  corporation
                         resulting   from  such  Business   Combination  or  the
                         combined  voting power of the then  outstanding  voting
                         securities  of such  corporation  except to the  extent
                         that  such  ownership  existed  prior  to the  Business
                         Combination, and

                    (c)  at least a  majority  of the  members  of the  board of
                         directors  of  the  corporation   resulting  from  such
                         Business  Combination  were  members  of the  Incumbent
                         Board  at the  time  of the  execution  of the  initial
                         Agreement, or of the action of the Board, providing for
                         such Business Combination; or

               (5)  approval  by the  stockholders  of the Company of a complete
                    liquidation or dissolution of the Company.

          B.   A Change of  Control  shall not be deemed to have  occurred  with
               respect to an Employee if:

               (1)  the acquisition of the 25% or greater  interest  referred to
                    in  subparagraph  A.(1)  of this  Section  6 is by a  group,
                    acting in concert, that includes the Employee or

               (2)  if at least  25% of the  then  outstanding  common  stock or
                    combined voting power of the then outstanding Company voting
                    securities  (or voting  equity  interests)  of the surviving
                    corporation  or  of  any   corporation   (or  other  entity)
                    acquiring  all or  substantially  all of the  assets  of the
                    Company shall be beneficially owned, directly or indirectly,
                    immediately after a reorganization,  merger,  consolidation,
                    statutory share exchange, disposition of assets, liquidation
                    or dissolution referred to in subsections (4) or (5) of this
                    section by a group,  acting in concert,  that  includes that
                    Employee.

     7.   Adjustments

          If there shall be any change in the number or  character of the Common
          Stock of the Company  through merger,  consolidation,  reorganization,
          recapitalization,  dividend in the form of stock (of whatever amount),
          stock split or other change in the corporate structure of the Company,
          and all or any portion of the option shall then be unexercised and not
          yet expired,  appropriate  adjustments in the outstanding option shall
          be made by the Company, in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of
          option rights.  Such  adjustments  shall include,  where  appropriate,
          changes  in the  number of  shares  of Common  Stock and the price per
          share subject to the outstanding option.

     8.   Miscellaneous

          A.   This option is issued  pursuant to the Plan and is subject to its
               terms.  A copy of the Plan has been  given to the  Employee.  The
               terms  of the  Plan  are also  available  for  inspection  during
               business hours at the principal offices of the Company.

          B.   This  Agreement  shall not  confer  on  Employee  any right  with
               respect to continuance of employment by the Company or any of its
               subsidiaries,  nor will it interfere in any way with the right of
               the Company to terminate  such  employment at any time.  Employee
               shall have none of the rights of a  shareholder  with  respect to
               shares  subject to this option  until such shares shall have been
               issued to him/her upon exercise of this option.

          C.   The  Company  shall at all times  during  the term of the  option
               reserve  and keep  available  such  number  of  shares as will be
               sufficient to satisfy the requirements of this Agreement.


     IN WITNESS  WHEREOF,  the parties  hereto have caused this  Agreement to be
executed on the day and year first above written.

                                         GRACO INC.

                                         By:
                                            ------------------------------------
                                            Its Chief Executive Officer








                                         ---------------------------------------
                                         Employee

Stock Incentive Plan Schedule Identifying Non-ISO Stock Option Agreements Executed and Material Details in which Executed Agreements Differ from Agreement Copy Filed Current as of December 28, 2001 DATE NAME SHARES PRICE - ------------- ---------------- ------ ------ June 25, 2001 David A. Roberts 50,000 $31.20

                                                                   Exhibit 10.15


                        GRACO INC. KEY EMPLOYEE AGREEMENT


AGREEMENT, by and between Graco Inc., a Minnesota corporation (the "Company")
and                  (the "Executive"), dated as of the     day of       , 2   .
   ------------------                                  -----      -------   ---

The Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board"),  has determined  that it is
in the best  interests  of the Company and its  shareholders  to assure that the
Company will have the continued dedication of the Executive, notwithstanding the
possibility,  threat or occurrence of a Change of Control (as defined in Section
2 below) of the Company.  The Board  believes it is  imperative  to diminish the
inevitable  distraction of the Executive by virtue of the personal uncertainties
and risks created by a pending or threatened Change of Control, to encourage the
Executive's  full attention and  dedication to the Company  currently and in the
event of any threatened or pending Change of Control,  to provide inducement for
the  Executive  to  remain  an  employee  of the  Company  in the  event  of any
threatened or pending Change of Control, and to facilitate an orderly transition
in the event of a Change of Control.  Therefore,  in order to  accomplish  these
objectives, the Board has caused the Company to enter into this Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY AGREED AS FOLLOWS:

1.   Certain   Definitions:   "Effective  Date;"  "Change  of  Control  Period;"
     "Company;" "Affiliated Companies."

     (a)  The  "Effective  Date"  shall mean the first date during the Change of
          Control  Period  (as  defined  in  Section  l(b)) on which a Change of
          Control (as defined in Section 2) occurs.  Anything in this  Agreement
          to the contrary notwithstanding,  if a Change of Control occurs and if
          the Executive's employment with the Company is terminated prior to the
          date on which the Change of Control  occurs,  and if it is  reasonably
          demonstrated by the Executive that such  termination of employment (i)
          was at the  request of a third  party who has taken  steps  reasonably
          calculated to effect the Change of Control or (ii) otherwise  arose in
          connection with or anticipation of the Change of Control, then for all
          purposes of this  Agreement the  "Effective  Date" shall mean the date
          immediately prior to the date of such termination of employment.

     (b)  The "Change of Control Period" shall mean the period commencing on the
          date  hereof  and  ending  on the  second  anniversary  of such  date,
          provided, however, that commencing on the date one year after the date
          hereof,  and on each  annual  anniversary  of such date (such date and
          each annual  anniversary  thereof shall be hereinafter  referred to as
          the  "Renewal   Date"),   the  Change  of  Control   Period  shall  be
          automatically  extended so as to terminate two years from such Renewal
          Date,  unless at least 60 days prior to the  Renewal  Date the Company
          shall give notice to the Executive  that the Change of Control  Period
          shall not be so extended.

     (c)  The "Company" shall mean the Company as  hereinbefore  defined and any
          successor to its  business  and/or  assets which  assumes or agrees to
          perform this Agreement by operation of law or otherwise.

     (d)  As used in this  Agreement,  the  term  "affiliated  companies"  shall
          include any company controlled by, controlling or under common control
          with the Company.


2.   Change of Control. For the purpose of this Agreement

     (a)  A "Change of Control" means:

          (i)  acquisition  by any  individual,  entity  or  group  (within  the
               meaning of Section  13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the  Exchange  Act of
               1934), (a "Person"),  of beneficial ownership (within the meaning
               of Rule 13d-3 under the 1934 Act) which results in the beneficial
               ownership by such Person of 25% or more of either

               A.   the then  outstanding  shares of Common Stock of the Company
                    (the "Outstanding Company Common Stock") or

               B.   the  combined  voting power of the then  outstanding  voting
                    securities of the Company  entitled to vote generally in the
                    election  of  directors  (the  "Outstanding  Company  Voting
                    Securities");

                    provided,  however, that the following acquisitions will not
                    result in a Change of Control:

                    (1)  an acquisition directly from the Company,

                    (2)  an acquisition by the Company,

                    (3)  an acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related
                         trust)  sponsored or  maintained  by the Company or any
                         corporation controlled by the Company,

                    (4)  an  acquisition  by any  Person  who is  deemed to have
                         beneficial  ownership  of the Company  common  stock or
                         other Company voting securities owned immediately after
                         said  acquisition  by  the  Trust  Under  the  Will  of
                         Clarissa L. Gray ("Trust  Person"),  provided that such
                         acquisition does not result in the beneficial ownership
                         by such Person of 32% or more of either the Outstanding
                         Company Common Stock or the Outstanding  Company Voting
                         Securities,  and provided  further that for purposes of
                         this  Section 2, a Trust  Person shall not be deemed to
                         have  beneficial  ownership of the Company common stock
                         or other Company voting  securities  owned by The Graco
                         Foundation or any employee benefit plan of the Company,
                         including   without   limitation   the  Graco  Employee
                         Retirement  Plan and the Graco Employee Stock Ownership
                         Plan,

                    (5)  an  acquisition  by the  Executive  or any  group  that
                         includes the Executive, or

                    (6)  an  acquisition  by  any  corporation   pursuant  to  a
                         transaction that complies with clauses (A), (B) and (C)
                         of Section 2 (a)(iii) below; and

                    provided, further, that if any Person's beneficial ownership
                    of the  Outstanding  Company  Common  Stock  or  Outstanding
                    Company  Voting  Securities  is 25% or more as a result of a
                    transaction  described in clause (1) or (2) above,  and such
                    Person  subsequently   acquires   beneficial   ownership  of
                    additional  Outstanding  Company Common Stock or Outstanding
                    Company Voting Securities as a result of a transaction other
                    than  that  described  in  clause  (1)  or (2)  above,  such
                    subsequent  acquisition  will be treated  as an  acquisition
                    that   causes  such  Person  to  own  25%  or  more  of  the
                    Outstanding  Company  Common  Stock or  Outstanding  Company
                    Voting  Securities  and be deemed a Change of  Control;  and
                    provided further, that in the event any acquisition or other
                    transaction occurs which results in the beneficial ownership
                    of 32% or more of  either  the  Outstanding  Company  Common
                    Stock or the  Outstanding  Company Voting  Securities by any
                    Trust  Person,  the  Incumbent  Board may by  majority  vote
                    increase the threshold  beneficial ownership percentage to a
                    percentage above 32% for any Trust Person; or

          (ii) Individuals  who, as of the date hereof,  constitute the Board of
               Directors of the Company (the  "Incumbent  Board")  cease for any
               reason to constitute at least a majority of said Board; provided,
               however,  that any individual  becoming a director  subsequent to
               the date hereof whose election, or nomination for election by the
               Company's  shareholders,  was  approved  by a vote of at  least a
               majority of the directors  then  comprising  the Incumbent  Board
               will be considered as though such individual were a member of the
               Incumbent  Board,  but  excluding,  for  this  purpose,  any such
               individual  whose  initial  membership  on the Board  occurs as a
               result of an actual or threatened  election  contest with respect
               to the  election  or  removal  of  directors  or other  actual or
               threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of
               a Person other than the Board, or

          (iii)The   approval   by  the   shareholders   of  the  Company  of  a
               reorganization,  merger,  consolidation or statutory  exchange of
               Outstanding  Company Common Stock or  Outstanding  Company Voting
               Securities or sale or other  disposition of all or  substantially
               all of the assets of the Company ("Business  Combination") or, if
               consummation of such Business Combination is subject, at the time
               of  such  approval  by  stockholders,   to  the  consent  of  any
               government or governmental  agency, the obtaining of such consent
               (either  explicitly or implicitly  by  consummation);  excluding,
               however, such a Business Combination pursuant to which

               A.   all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who
                    were the beneficial owners of the Outstanding Company Common
                    Stock or Outstanding  Company Voting Securities  immediately
                    prior  to  such  Business   Combination   beneficially  own,
                    directly or indirectly, more than 80% of, respectively,  the
                    then  outstanding  shares of common  stock and the  combined
                    voting  power  of the  then  outstanding  voting  securities
                    entitled to vote generally in the election of directors,  as
                    the case may be,  of the  corporation  resulting  from  such
                    Business  Combination  (including,   without  limitation,  a
                    corporation  that as a result of such  transaction  owns the
                    Company or all or substantially  all of the Company's assets
                    either  directly  or through  one or more  subsidiaries)  in
                    substantially  the  same  proportions  as  their  ownership,
                    immediately  prior  to  such  Business  Combination  of  the
                    Outstanding  Company  Common  Stock or  Outstanding  Company
                    Voting Securities,

               B.   no Person  [excluding any employee  benefit plan (or related
                    trust) of the  Company or such  corporation  resulting  from
                    such Business  Combination]  beneficially owns,  directly or
                    indirectly,  25% or more of the then  outstanding  shares of
                    common stock of the corporation resulting from such Business
                    Combination  or  the  combined  voting  power  of  the  then
                    outstanding  voting securities of such corporation except to
                    the extent that such ownership existed prior to the Business
                    Combination, and

               C.   at least a majority of the members of the board of directors
                    of the corporation  resulting from such Business Combination
                    were  members  of the  Incumbent  Board  at the  time of the
                    execution of the initial agreement,  or of the action of the
                    Board, providing for such Business Combination; or

          (iv) approval  by  the  stockholders  of  the  Company  of a  complete
               liquidation or dissolution of the Company.

3.   Employment  Period.  For purposes of this Agreement,  the term  "Employment
     Period" shall mean the period  commencing on the Effective  Date and ending
     on the earlier of (i) the  termination  by the Company or the  Executive of
     the Executive's employment with the Company, or (ii) the second anniversary
     of the Effective  Date." As provided in Section  10(f),  nothing  stated in
     this Agreement  shall restrict the right of the Company or the Executive at
     any time to terminate the Executive's employment with the Company,  subject
     to the  obligations  of the Company  provided for in this  Agreement in the
     event of such termination.

4.   Terms of Employment.

     (a)  Position and Duties.

          (i)  During  the  Employment  Period,  (A)  the  Executive's  position
               (including offices and titles), duties and responsibilities shall
               be at least  commensurate in all material  respects with the most
               significant  of those held,  exercised  and  assigned at any time
               during the 90-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date
               and  (B) the  Executive's  services  shall  be  performed  at the
               location where the Executive was employed  immediately  preceding
               the  Effective  Date or any office or location less than 50 miles
               from such location.

          (ii) Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement,  during
               the Employment  Period, and excluding any periods of vacation and
               sick leave to which the  Executive  is  entitled,  the  Executive
               agrees to devote  reasonable  attention  and time  during  normal
               business hours to the business and affairs of the Company. During
               the  Employment  Period  it  shall  not be a  violation  of  this
               Agreement for the  Executive to (A) serve on corporate,  civic or
               charitable boards or committees,  (B) deliver  lectures,  fulfill
               speaking engagements or teach at educational institutions and (C)
               manage  personal  investments,  so long as such activities do not
               significantly  interfere with the  performance of the Executive's
               responsibilities as an employee of the Company in accordance with
               this Agreement.  To the extent that any such activities have been
               conducted  by the  Executive  prior to the  Effective  Date,  the
               continued   conduct  of  such   activities  (or  the  conduct  of
               activities similar in nature and scope thereto) subsequent to the
               Effective  Date shall not  thereafter be deemed to interfere with
               the  performance  of  the  Executive's  responsibilities  to  the
               Company.

     (b)  Compensation.

          (i)  Base Salary.  During the Employment  Period,  the Executive shall
               receive an annual base salary  ("Annual Base Salary") which shall
               be paid at a monthly  rate,  at least  equal to twelve  times the
               highest  monthly base salary paid or payable to the  Executive by
               the  Company  and its  affiliated  companies  in  respect  of the
               twelve-month period immediately  preceding the month in which the
               Effective Date occurs.  During the Employment  Period, the Annual
               Base  Salary  shall be reviewed  at least  annually  and shall be
               increased  at any  time  and  from  time  to  time  as  shall  be
               substantially  consistent with increases in base salary generally
               awarded  in  the  ordinary  course  of  business  to  other  peer
               executives of the Company. The term Annual Base Salary as used in
               this Agreement shall refer to Annual Base Salary as so increased.
               The Executive's Annual Base Salary shall not be reduced after any
               such increase. Any increase in Annual Base Salary shall not serve
               to limit or reduce any other  obligation to the  Executive  under
               this Agreement.

          (ii) Annual Incentive Payments. In addition to Annual Base Salary, the
               Executive  shall be  awarded,  for each  fiscal  year  during the
               Employment  Period,  an annual bonus ("Annual Bonus") in cash, in
               accordance  with the  Company's  Annual Bonus Plan, or other plan
               instituted in lieu of the Annual Bonus Plan which provides for an
               annual  incentive  payment  in  addition  to Annual  Base  Salary
               ("Substitute  Plan").  The  Executive  shall  participate  in the
               Annual Bonus Plan or  Substitute  Plan at the same level at which
               the  Executive  participated  immediately  prior to the Effective
               Date, or if more favorable, at the level of other peer executives
               of the Company and its affiliated companies.  Any Substitute Plan
               instituted by the Company  after the  Effective  Date shall be at
               least as  favorable,  in the  aggregate,  as the  most  favorable
               Annual Bonus Plan or Substitute Plan in effect at any time during
               the 90-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date

          (iii)Savings and Retirement Plans.  During the Employment  Period, the
               Executive  shall be  entitled to  participate  in all savings and
               retirement  plans,  practices,  policies and programs  applicable
               generally  to  other  peer  executives  of the  Company  and  its
               affiliated   companies,   but  in  no  event  shall  such  plans,
               practices,  policies  and  programs  provide the  Executive  with
               savings  opportunities and retirement benefit  opportunities,  in
               each  case,  less  favorable,  in the  aggregate,  than  the most
               favorable  of those  provided by the  Company and its  affiliated
               companies for the Executive under such plans, practices, policies
               and  programs  as in effect at anytime  during the 90-day  period
               immediately preceding the Effective Date or, if more favorable to
               the  Executive,  those  provided  generally at any time after the
               Effective  Date to other peer  executives  of the Company and its
               affiliated companies.

          (iv) Welfare  Benefit  Plans.   During  the  Employment   Period,  the
               Executive and/or the Executive's family, as the case maybe, shall
               be eligible for  participation  in and shall receive all benefits
               under welfare  benefit  plans,  practices,  policies and programs
               provided by the Company and its affiliated companies  (including,
               without limitation,  medical,  prescription,  dental, disability,
               salary continuance,  employee life, group life,  accidental death
               and travel  accident  insurance plans and programs) to the extent
               applicable  generally to other peer executives of the Company and
               its  affiliated  companies,  but in no event  shall  such  plans,
               practices,  policies  and  programs  provide the  Executive  with
               benefits which are less  favorable,,  in the aggregate,  than the
               most favorable of such plans, practices, policies and programs in
               effect  for the  Executive  at anytime  during the 90-day  period
               immediately preceding the Effective Date or, if more favorable to
               the  Executive,  those  provided  generally at any time after the
               Effective  Date to other peer  executives  of the Company and its
               affiliated companies.

          (v)  Expenses.  During the Employment  Period,  the Executive shall be
               entitled  to  receive  prompt  reimbursement  for all  reasonable
               expenses  incurred by the Executive in  accordance  with the most
               favorable  policies,  practices and procedures of the Company and
               its affiliated  companies in effect for the Executive at any time
               during the 90-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date
               or, if more favorable to the Executive, as in effect generally at
               any time  thereafter with respect to other peer executives of the
               Company and its affiliated companies.

          (vi) Perquisites. During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be
               entitled to  perquisites  in accordance  with the most  favorable
               plans,  practices,  programs  and policies of the Company and its
               affiliated  companies  in effect  for the  Executive  at any time
               during the 90-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date
               or, if more favorable to the Executive, as in effect generally at
               any time  thereafter with respect to other peer executives of the
               Company and its affiliated companies.

          (vii)Office and  Support  Staff.  During the  Employment  Period,  the
               Executive shall be entitled to an office or offices of a size and
               with furnishings and other  appointments,  and to secretarial and
               other  assistance,  at least equal to the most  favorable  of the
               foregoing  provided to the  Executive  by the Company at any time
               during the 90-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date
               or, if more favorable to the Executive,  as provided generally at
               any time  thereafter with respect to other peer executives of the
               Company.

          (viii)Vacation.  During the Employment  Period, the Executive shall be
               entitled to paid vacations in accordance  with the most favorable
               plans,  policies,  programs and  practices of the Company and its
               affiliated  companies as in effect for the  Executive at any time
               during the 90-day period immediately preceding the Effective Date
               or, if more favorable to the Executive, as in effect generally at
               any time  thereafter with respect to other peer Executives of the
               Company and its affiliated companies.

5.   Termination of Employment.

     (a)  Death  or  Disability.  The  Executive's  employment  shall  terminate
          automatically upon the Executive's death during the Employment Period.
          If the Company  determines  in good faith that the  Disability  of the
          Executive has occurred during the Employment  Period  (pursuant to the
          definition  of  Disability  set  forth  below),  it  may  give  to the
          Executive  written  notice in  accordance  with Section  10(b) of this
          Agreement of its intention to terminate the Executive's employment. In
          such  event,  the  Executive's   employment  with  the  Company  shall
          terminate  effective  on the 30th day after  receipt of such notice by
          the Executive (the "Disability Effective Date"), provided that, within
          the 30 days after such receipt,  the Executive shall not have returned
          to full-time  performance of the Executive's  duties.  For purposes of
          this Agreement,  "Disability"  shall mean the absence of the Executive
          from the Executive's  duties with the Company on a full-time basis for
          180  consecutive  days as a result  of  incapacity  due to  mental  or
          physical  illness  which is  determined to be total and permanent by a
          physician  selected by the Company or its insurers and  acceptable  to
          the Executive or the Executive's legal  representative (such agreement
          as to acceptability not to be withheld unreasonably).

     (b)  Cause. The Company may terminate the Executive's employment during the
          Employment  Period for Cause. For purposes of this Agreement,  "Cause"
          shall mean (i) repeated violations by the Executive of the Executive's
          obligations  under  Section  4(a) of this  Agreement  (other than as a
          result of  incapacity  due to  physical or mental  illness)  which are
          demonstrably willful and deliberate on the Executive's part, which are
          committed  in bad  faith  or  without  the  belief  on the part of the
          Executive  that  such  violations  are in the  best  interests  of the
          Company  and which are not  remedied  in a  reasonable  period of time
          after  receipt of written  notice  from the  Company  specifying  such
          violations  or  (ii)  the  conviction  of the  Executive  of a  felony
          involving moral turpitude.

     (c)  Good Reason.  The  Executive's  employment  may be  terminated  by the
          Executive  for Good  Reason.  For  purposes of this  Agreement,  "Good
          Reason" shall mean:

          (i)  the  assignment  to  the  Executive  of  any  duties   materially
               inconsistent  in  any  respect  with  the  Executive's   position
               (including  offices and titles),  duties or  responsibilities  as
               contemplated  by  Section  4(a) of this  Agreement,  or any other
               action by the Company which  results in a material  diminution in
               such  position,  duties or  responsibilities,  excluding for this
               purpose an isolated,  insubstantial  and  inadvertent  action not
               taken in bad faith and which is remedied by the Company  promptly
               after receipt of notice thereof given by the Executive;

          (ii) any failure by the  Company to comply with any of the  provisions
               of  Section  4(b)  of this  Agreement,  other  than an  isolated,
               insubstantial and inadvertent  failure not occurring in bad faith
               and which is remedied by the Company  promptly  after  receipt of
               notice thereof given by the Executive;

          (iii)the  Company's  requiring the Executive to be based at any office
               or  location  other than that  described  in  Section  4(a)(i)(B)
               hereof or the  Company's  requiring  the  Executive  to travel on
               Company business to a substantially  greater extent than required
               immediately prior to the Effective Date;

          (iv) any  purported  termination  by the  Company  of the  Executive's
               employment   otherwise  than  as  expressly   permitted  by  this
               Agreement; or

          (v)  any failure by the  Company to comply  with and  satisfy  Section
               9(c) of this Agreement.

          For purposes of this Section  5(c),  any good faith  determination  of
          "Good Reason" made by the Executive shall be conclusive.

     (d)  Notice of Termination. Any termination by the Company for Cause, or by
          the  Executive  for Good Reason,  shall be  communicated  by Notice of
          Termination to the other party hereto given in accordance with Section
          10(b) of this Agreement.  For purposes of this Agreement, a "Notice of
          Termination"  means a written  notice which (i) indicates the specific
          termination  provision  in this  Agreement  relied  upon,  (ii) to the
          extent  applicable,  sets  forth in  reasonable  detail  the facts and
          circumstances  claimed  to  provide  a basis  for  termination  of the
          Executive's  employment  under the provision so indicated and (iii) if
          the Date of  Termination  (as defined below) is other than the date of
          receipt of such notice,  specifies  the  termination  date (which date
          shall be not more than fifteen days after the giving of such  notice).
          The failure by the Executive or the Company to set forth in the Notice
          of Termination any fact or circumstance which contributes to a showing
          of Good Reason or Cause shall not waive any right of the  Executive or
          the Company  hereunder or preclude  the  Executive or the Company from
          asserting such fact or  circumstance  in enforcing the  Executive's or
          the Company's rights hereunder.

     (e)  Date  of  Termination.   "Date  of  Termination"   means  (i)  if  the
          Executive's  employment is terminated by the Company for Cause,  or by
          the  Executive  for Good Reason,  the date of receipt of the Notice of
          Termination or any later date specified  therein,  as the case may be,
          (ii) if the Executive's  employment is terminated by the Company other
          than for Cause or Disability or death,  the Date of Termination  shall
          be the  date on which  the  Company  notifies  the  Executive  of such
          termination and (iii) if the  Executive's  employment is terminated by
          reason of death or Disability,  the Date of  Termination  shall be the
          date of death of the Executive or the  Disability  Effective  Date, as
          the case may be.

6.   Obligations of the Company upon Termination.

     (a)  Good Reason; Other Than for Cause, Death or Disability. If, within two
          years after the  Effective  Date,  the  Company  shall  terminate  the
          Executive's  employment other than for Cause, death or Disability,  or
          the Executive shall terminate  employment for Good Reason,  in lieu of
          further  payments  pursuant  to Section  4(b) with  respect to periods
          following the Date of Termination:

          (i)  except as provided in Section 6(e) below,  the Company  shall pay
               to the Executive,  in a lump sum in cash,  within 30 days (except
               as  provided  in  subsection  6(a)(i)A  below)  after the Date of
               Termination,   the  aggregate  of  the  following  amounts  (such
               aggregate  shall  be  hereinafter  referred  to as  the  "Special
               Termination Amount"):

               A.   the sum of (1) the  Executive's  Annual Base Salary  through
                    the Date of Termination to the extent not theretofore  paid,
                    and,  (2) the product of (x) the higher of (I) the  midpoint
                    between the minimum and the maximum  bonus payment under the
                    Annual  Bonus  Plan or  Substitute  Plan  applicable  to the
                    Executive   for  the  fiscal  year  in  which  the  Date  of
                    Termination occurs, or (II) the amount that would be payable
                    to the  Executive  for the fiscal  year in which the Date of
                    Termination occurs under the Annual Bonus Plan or Substitute
                    Plan had the termination not so occurred (which amount shall
                    be payable pursuant to this clause 2 within 30 days after it
                    is calculated),  and (y) a fraction,  the numerator of which
                    is the number of days in the current fiscal year through the
                    Date of  Termination,  and the  denominator  of which is 365
                    (the sum of the  amounts  described  in clauses  (1) and (2)
                    shall   be   hereinafter   referred   to  as  the   "Accrued
                    Obligations"); and

               B.   the amount  equal to the  product of (1) two and (2) the sum
                    of (x)  the  Executive's  Annual  Base  Salary  and  (y) the
                    midpoint  between  the maximum  and  minimum  bonus  payment
                    applicable to the Executive for the fiscal year in which the
                    Date of  Termination  occurs  under the Annual Bonus Plan or
                    Substitute Plan; and

          (ii) for two years  following the Date of  Termination  or such longer
               period as any plan, program,  practice or policy may provide, the
               Company  shall  continue  benefits  to the  Executive  and/or the
               Executive's  family at least equal to those which would have been
               provided to them in accordance with the plans programs, practices
               and policies  described in Section  4(b)(iv) of this Agreement if
               the Executive's employment had not been terminated, in accordance
               with the most favorable plans, practices, programs or policies of
               the Company and its affiliated  companies applicable generally to
               other peer executives and their families during the 90-day period
               immediately preceding the Effective Date or, if more favorable to
               the Executive, as in effect generally at any time thereafter with
               respect  to  other  peer   executives  of  the  Company  and  its
               affiliated companies and their families,  provided, however, that
               if the Executive becomes re-employed with another employer and is
               eligible to receive medical or disability  welfare benefits under
               another  employer  provided  plan,  the  medical  and  disability
               welfare benefits  described herein shall cease upon the Executive
               and the  Executive's  family  becoming  eligible under such other
               plan.  For purposes of  determining  eligibility of the Executive
               for retiree benefits pursuant to such plans, practices,  programs
               and policies,  the Executive shall be considered to have remained
               employed  until two years  after the Date of  Termination  and to
               have retired two years after the Date of Termination.

     (b)  Death.  If the  Executive's  employment is terminated by reason of the
          Executive's  death  within two years after the  Effective  Date,  this
          Agreement   shall  terminate   without  further   obligations  to  the
          Executive's legal representatives under this Agreement, other than for
          payment of the Accrued  Obligations.  The Accrued Obligations shall be
          paid to the  Executive's  estate or beneficiary,  as applicable,  in a
          lump  sum in cash  within  30 days of the Date of  Termination,  or as
          otherwise provided in Section 6(a)(i)(A). In addition, the Executive's
          family  shall be  entitled  to receive  benefits at least equal to the
          most  favorable  benefits  provided  by  the  Company  and  any of its
          affiliated companies to surviving families of deceased peer executives
          of the  Company  and  such  affiliated  companies  under  such  plans,
          programs, practices and policies relating to family death benefits, if
          any, as in effect with respect to other  deceased peer  executives and
          their  families  at any time  during  the  90-day  period  immediately
          preceding  the Effective  Date or, if more  favorable to the Executive
          and/or  the  Executive's  family,  as in  effect  on the  date  of the
          Executive's  death with respect to other  deceased peer  executives of
          the Company and its affiliated companies and their families.

     (c)  Disability.  If the Executive's  employment is terminated by reason of
          the Executive's  Disability within two years after the Effective Date,
          this Agreement  shall  terminate  without  further  obligations to the
          Executive,  other than for  payment of the  Accrued  Obligations.  The
          Accrued  Obligations  shall be paid to the  Executive in a lump sum in
          cash  within  30  days  of the  Date of  Termination  or as  otherwise
          provided in Section  6(a)(i)(A).  In addition,  the Executive shall be
          entitled after the Disability Effective Date to receive disability and
          other benefits at least equal to the most favorable of those generally
          provided  by the  Company  and its  affiliated  companies  to disabled
          executives  and/or  their  families  in  accordance  with such  plans,
          programs,  practices, and policies relating to disability,  if any, as
          in effect generally with respect to other disabled peer executives and
          their  families  at any time  during  the  90-day  period  immediately
          preceding  the Effective  Date or, if more  favorable to the Executive
          and/or the  Executive's  family,  as in effect at any time  thereafter
          generally  with  respect  to other  disabled  peer  executives  of the
          Company and its affiliated companies and their families.

     (d)  Cause; Other than for Good Reason. If the Executive's employment shall
          be  terminated  for Cause within two years after the  Effective  Date,
          this Agreement  shall  terminate  without  further  obligations to the
          Executive  other than the  obligation to pay to the  Executive  Annual
          Base  Salary  through the Date of  Termination  plus the amount of any
          compensation previously deferred by the Executive, in each case to the
          extent  theretofore  unpaid. If the Executive  voluntarily  terminates
          employment  within two years  after the  Effective  Date,  excluding a
          termination for Good Reason,  this Agreement  shall terminate  without
          further  obligations to the  Executive,  other than Annual Base Salary
          through the Date of  Termination  plus the amount of any  compensation
          previously  deferred  by the  Executive,  in each  case to the  extent
          theretofore unpaid, and any payment that may be due under the terms of
          the Annual Bonus Plan or any Successor  Plan.  In such case,  all such
          amounts shall be paid to the Executive in a lump sum in cash within 30
          days of the Date of  Termination  or, in the case of any payment under
          the Annual  Bonus Plan or any  Successor  Plan,  pursuant to the terms
          thereof.

     (e)  Possible Payment Reduction.

          (i)  Notwithstanding  any provision to the contrary  contained in this
               Agreement,  if the  lump  sum  cash  payment  due and  the  other
               benefits  to which the  Executive  shall  become  entitled  under
               Section 6(a) hereof, either alone or together with other payments
               in  the  nature  of  compensation  to  the  Executive  which  are
               contingent on a change in the  ownership or effective  control of
               the Company or in the ownership of a  substantial  portion of the
               assets of the Company or otherwise, would constitute a "parachute
               payment" (as defined in Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code
               of 1986,  as  amended  (the  "Code") or any  successor  provision
               thereto),  such lump sum payment  shall be reduced (but not below
               zero)  to the  largest  aggregate  amount  as will  result  in no
               portion  thereof  being  subject to the excise tax imposed  under
               Section 4999 of the Code (or any successor  provision thereto) or
               being  non-deductible  to the  Company  for  Federal  Income  Tax
               purposes  pursuant to Section 280G of the Code (or any  successor
               provision  thereto),  provided,  however,  that no such reduction
               shall occur,  and this Section 6(e) shall not apply, in the event
               that the amount of such reduction would be more than $25,000. The
               Executive  in  good  faith  shall  determine  the  amount  of any
               reduction  to be made  pursuant  to this  Section  6(e) and shall
               select from among the foregoing benefits and payments those which
               shall be reduced.  No modification of, or successor provision to,
               Section  280G or  Section  4999  subsequent  to the  date of this
               Agreement  shall,  however,  reduce  the  benefits  to which  the
               Executive  would be entitled  under this Agreement in the absence
               of this  Section  6(e) to a greater  extent  than they would have
               been  reduced  if  Section  280G  and  Section  4999 had not been
               modified or superseded  subsequent to the date of this Agreement,
               notwithstanding  anything to the  contrary  provided in the first
               sentence of this Section 6(e)(i).

          (f)  Certain Additional Payments by the Company.

               (i)  Anything in this Agreement to the contrary  notwithstanding,
                    in the event it shall be determined  that Section 6(e) above
                    does  not  apply  and any  payment  or  distribution  by the
                    Company to or for the benefit of the Executive (whether paid
                    or payable or distributed or  distributable  pursuant to the
                    terms of this Agreement, any stock option,  restricted stock
                    agreement or otherwise, but determined without regard to any
                    additional  payments  required  under this Section 16(f)) (a
                    "Payment")  would be subject  to the  excise tax  imposed by
                    Section  4999  of the  Internal  Revenue  Code of  1986,  as
                    amended  (the  "Code")  or any  interest  or  penalties  are
                    incurred by the  Executive  with  respect to such excise tax
                    (such  excise  tax,  together  with  any such  interest  and
                    penalties,  are hereinafter  collectively referred to as the
                    "Excise  Tax"),  then the  Executive  shall be  entitled  to
                    receive an additional  payment (a "Gross-Up  Payment") in an
                    amount such that after payment by the Executive of all taxes
                    (including any interest or penalties imposed with respect to
                    such taxes), including, without limitation, any income taxes
                    (and  any  interest  and  penalties   imposed  with  respect
                    thereto) and Excise Tax imposed  upon the Gross-Up  Payment,
                    the  Executive  retains  an amount of the  Gross-Up  Payment
                    equal to the Excise Tax imposed upon the Payments.

               (ii) Subject  to  the  provisions  of  Section   6(f)(iii),   all
                    determinations  required to be made under this Section 6(f),
                    including  whether  and when a Gross-Up  Payment is required
                    and the amount of such Gross-Up  Payment and the assumptions
                    to be utilized in arriving at such  determination,  shall be
                    made by  Deloitte  and Touche  LLP or such  other  certified
                    public accounting firm as may be designated by the Executive
                    (the   "Accounting   Firm")  which  shall  provide  detailed
                    supporting   calculations   both  to  the  Company  and  the
                    Executive  within 15 business  days of the receipt of notice
                    from the  Executive  that there has been a Payment,  or such
                    earlier time as is  requested  by the Company.  In the event
                    that the Accounting Firm is serving as accountant or auditor
                    for the individual,  entity or group effecting the Change of
                    Control,  the  Executive  shall appoint  another  nationally
                    recognized   accounting  firm  to  make  the  determinations
                    required  hereunder  (which  accounting  firm  shall then be
                    referred to as the Accounting Firm hereunder).  All fees and
                    expenses of the Accounting Firm shall be borne solely by the
                    Company.  Any Gross-Up  Payment,  as determined  pursuant to
                    this  Section  6(f),  shall  be paid by the  Company  to the
                    Executive  within five days of the receipt of the Accounting
                    Firm's determination. If the Accounting Firm determines that
                    no Excise Tax is payable by the Executive,  it shall furnish
                    the Executive with a written  opinion that failure to report
                    the Excise Tax on the Executive's  applicable federal income
                    tax  return  would  not  result  in  the   imposition  of  a
                    negligence  or similar  penalty.  Any  determination  by the
                    Accounting  Firm shall be binding  upon the  Company and the
                    Executive. As a result of the uncertainty in the application
                    of  Section  4999  of the  Code at the  time of the  initial
                    determination  by  the  Accounting  Firm  hereunder,  it  is
                    possible  that  Gross-Up  Payments  which will not have been
                    made by the Company should have been made  ("Underpayment"),
                    consistent  with  the  calculations   required  to  be  made
                    hereunder.  In the  event  that  the  Company  exhausts  its
                    remedies  pursuant to Section  6(f)(iii)  and the  Executive
                    thereafter  is required to make a payment of any Excise Tax,
                    the  Accounting  Firm  shall  determine  the  amount  of the
                    Underpayment  that has  occurred  and any such  Underpayment
                    shall be promptly  paid by the Company to or for the benefit
                    of the Executive.

               (iii)The  Executive  shall  notify the  Company in writing of any
                    claim by the Internal  Revenue  Service that, if successful,
                    would  require the  payment by the  Company of the  Gross-Up
                    Payment.  Such  notification  shall  be  given  as  soon  as
                    practicable  but no later than ten  business  days after the
                    Executive  is  informed  in writing of such claim  (provided
                    that any delay in so informing  the Company  within such ten
                    business day period shall not affect the  obligations of the
                    Company  under this  Section  6(f) except to the extent that
                    such delay materially and adversely affects the Company) and
                    shall  apprise  the  Company of the nature of such claim and
                    the date on which such claim is  requested  to be paid.  The
                    Executive  shall not pay such claim prior to the  expiration
                    of the 30-day  period  following  the date on which it gives
                    such notice to the Company (or such shorter period ending on
                    the date that any  payment  of taxes  with  respect  to such
                    claim is due).  If the Company  notifies  the  Executive  in
                    writing  prior  to the  expiration  of such  period  that it
                    desires to contest such claim, the Executive shall:
                    (A)  give the Company any information  reasonably  requested
                         by the Company relating to such claim,
                    (B)  take such action in  connection  with  contesting  such
                         claim  as  the  Company  shall  reasonably  request  in
                         writing   from   time  to  time,   including,   without
                         limitation, accepting legal representation with respect
                         to such claim by an attorney reasonably selected by the
                         Company,
                    (C)  cooperate  with the  Company  in good faith in order to
                         effectively contest such claim, and
                    (D)  permit the Company to  participate  in any  proceedings
                         relating to such  claim;  provided,  however,  that the
                         Company  shall  bear and pay  directly  all  costs  and
                         expenses (including  additional interest and penalties)
                         incurred  in  connection  with such  contest  and shall
                         indemnify  and  hold  the  Executive  harmless,  on  an
                         after-tax  basis,  for any  Excise  Tax or  income  tax
                         (including interest and penalties with respect thereto)
                         imposed as a result of such  representation and payment
                         of  costs  and  expenses.  Without  limitation  on  the
                         foregoing  provisions  of this Section  6(f)(iii),  the
                         Company   shall  control  all   proceedings   taken  in
                         connection  with such  contest and, at its sole option,
                         may pursue or forgo any and all administrative appeals,
                         proceedings,  hearings and conferences  with the taxing
                         authority in respect of such claim and may, at its sole
                         option,  either  direct  the  Executive  to pay the tax
                         claimed  and sue for a refund or  contest  the claim in
                         any  permissible  manner,  and the Executive  agrees to
                         prosecute  such contest to a  determination  before any
                         administrative   tribunal,   in  a  court  of   initial
                         jurisdiction  and in one or more appellate  courts,  as
                         the Company shall determine; provided, however, that if
                         the Company directs the Executive to pay such claim and
                         sue for a refund,  the Company shall advance the amount
                         of such payment to the Executive,  on an  interest-free
                         basis,  and  shall  indemnify  and hold  the  Executive
                         harmless, on an after-tax basis, from any Excise Tax or
                         income  tax  (including   interest  or  penalties  with
                         respect  thereto)  imposed with respect to such advance
                         or with  respect to any imputed  income with respect to
                         such advance;  and further  provided that any extension
                         of the  statute of  limitations  relating to payment of
                         taxes  for  the  taxable  year  of the  Executive  with
                         respect to which such contested amount is claimed to be
                         due  is  limited  solely  to  such  contested   amount.
                         Furthermore, the Company's control of the contest shall
                         be limited to issues  with  respect to which a Gross-Up
                         Payment  would be payable  hereunder  and the Executive
                         shall be entitled to settle or contest, as the case may
                         be,  any other  issue  raised by the  Internal  Revenue
                         Service or any other taxing authority.

               (iv) If, after the receipt by the Executive of an amount advanced
                    by the Company pursuant to Section 6(f)(iii),  the Executive
                    becomes  entitled to receive any refund with respect to such
                    claim,   the  Executive  shall  (subject  to  the  Company's
                    complying  with  the  requirements  of  Section   6(f)(iii))
                    promptly  pay to the  Company  the  amount  of  such  refund
                    (together  with any interest paid or credited  thereon after
                    taxes  applicable  thereto).  If,  after the  receipt by the
                    Executive of an amount  advanced by the Company  pursuant to
                    Section   6(f)(iii),   a  determination  is  made  that  the
                    Executive  shall not be entitled to any refund with  respect
                    to such claim and the Company does not notify the  Executive
                    in writing of its  intent to contest  such  denial of refund
                    prior to the expiration of 30 days after such determination,
                    then  such  advance  shall  be  forgiven  and  shall  not be
                    required to be repaid and the amount of such  advance  shall
                    offset,  to the  extent  thereof,  the  amount  of  Gross-Up
                    Payment required to be paid.

7.   Non-exclusivity of Rights. Nothing in this Agreement shall prevent or limit
     the Executive's  continuing or future  participation in any plan,  program,
     policy  or  practice  provided  by the  Company  or  any of its  affiliated
     companies  and for which the  Executive  may  qualify,  nor shall  anything
     herein  limit or  otherwise  affect such rights as the  Executive  may have
     under any contract or agreement  with the Company or any of its  affiliated
     companies.  Amounts  which are vested  benefits or which the  Executive  is
     otherwise entitled to receive under any plan,  policy,  practice or program
     of or any contract or agreement  with the Company or any of its  affiliated
     companies at or subsequent to the Date of  Termination  shall be payable in
     accordance  with such plan,  policy,  practice  or program or  contract  or
     agreement except as explicitly modified by this Agreement.

8.   Full  Settlement;  No Mitigation;  Legal Fees. The Company's  obligation to
     make the payments  provided for in this  Agreement and otherwise to perform
     its   obligations   hereunder   shall  not  be  affected  by  any  set-off,
     counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other claim, right or action which the
     Company may have  against the  Executive  or others.  In no event shall the
     Executive be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by
     way of mitigation of the amounts  payable to the Executive under any of the
     provisions of this Agreement and such amounts shall not be reduced  whether
     or not the Executive obtains other  employment.  The Company agrees to pay,
     to the full extent  permitted by law, all legal fees and expenses which the
     Executive may  reasonably  incur as a result of any contest  (regardless of
     the  outcome  thereof)  by the  Company,  the  Executive  or  others of the
     validity or  enforceability  of, or liability  under, any provision of this
     Agreement or any guarantee of performance thereof (including as a result of
     any contest by the  Executive  about the amount of any payment  pursuant to
     this  Agreement),  plus in each case interest on any delayed payment at the
     applicable  Federal  rate  provided  for in  Section  7872(f)(2)(A)  of the
     Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code").

9.   Successors.

     (a)  This  Agreement  is  personal to the  Executive  and without the prior
          written  consent  of  the  Company  shall  not  be  assignable  by the
          Executive   otherwise  than  by  will  or  the  laws  of  descent  and
          distribution.  This  Agreement  shall  inure to the  benefit of and be
          enforceable by the Executive's legal representatives.

     (b)  This  Agreement  shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the
          Company and its successors and assigns.

     (c)  The Company will require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by
          purchase, merger,  consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially
          all of the business  and/or assets of the Company to assume  expressly
          and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same
          extent  that the  Company  would be  required to perform it if no such
          succession had taken place.

10.  Miscellaneous.

     (a)  This Agreement  shall be governed by and construed in accordance  with
          the laws of the State of Minnesota, without reference to principles of
          conflict of laws.  The captions of this  Agreement are not part of the
          provisions  hereof and shall have no force or effect.  This  Agreement
          may not be amended or modified  otherwise than by a written  agreement
          executed  by the parties  hereto or their  respective  successors  and
          legal representatives.

     (b)  All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and
          shall be given by hand delivery to the other party or by registered or
          certified mail, return receipt requested,  postage prepaid,  addressed
          as follows:

                  If to the Executive:

                  ----------------
                  c/o Graco Inc.
                  88 11th Ave. N.E.
                  Minneapolis, Mn.  55413

                  If to the Company:

                  Graco Inc.
                  88 11th Ave. N.E.
                  Minneapolis, Mn.  55413
                  Attention:  Vice President, Human Resources

          or to such other  address as either party shall have  furnished to the
          other in writing in  accordance  herewith.  Notice and  communications
          shall be effective when actually received by the addressee.

     (c)  The invalidity or  unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement
          shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision
          of this Agreement.

     (d)  The Company may withhold from any amounts payable under this Agreement
          such Federal, state or local taxes as shall be required to be withheld
          pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.

     (e)  The  Executive's  or the  Company's  failure  to  insist  upon  strict
          compliance  with any provision  hereof or any other  provision of this
          Agreement  or the  failure  to assert any right the  Executive  or the
          Company may have hereunder,  including,  without limitation, the right
          of the Executive to terminate  employment for Good Reason  pursuant to
          Section  5(c)(i)(v)  of this  Agreement,  shall  not be deemed to be a
          waiver of such  provision or right or any other  provision or right of
          this Agreement.

     (f)  The  Executive  and  the  Company  acknowledge  that,  except  as  may
          otherwise be provided  under any other written  agreement  between the
          Executive  and the Company,  the  employment  of the  Executive by the
          Company may be  terminated  by either the  Executive or the Company at
          any time prior to the Effective Date or, subject to the obligations of
          the  Company  provided  for  in  this  Agreement  in  the  event  of a
          termination  after the  Effective  Date,  at  anytime  on or after the
          Effective  Date.  Moreover,  if  prior  to  the  Effective  Date,  the
          Executive's employment with the Company terminates, then the Executive
          shall have no further rights under this Agreement.  From and after the
          Effective  Date,  this Agreement  shall  supersede any other agreement
          between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof.

IN WITNESS  WHEREOF,  the Executive has hereunto set the  Executive's  hand and,
pursuant  to the  authorization  from its Board of  Directors,  the  Company has
caused these presents to be executed in its name on its behalf.



Executive                                       Graco Inc.



- -----------------------------------             --------------------------------
                                                By:  George Aristides,
                                                      Chairman