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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, 1996

or

[ ] Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 .

Commission File No. 1-9973

THE MIDDLEBY CORPORATION
------------------------
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware 36-3352497
-------- ----------
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation (IRS Employer Identification
or organization) Number)

1400 Toastmaster Drive, Elgin, Illinois 60120
- --------------------------------------- -----
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 847-741-3300

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

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Title of each class
-------------------
Common stock,
par value $0.01 per share

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

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

The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by nonaffiliates of the
Registrant as of March 14, 1997 was approximately $29,025,000. The number of
shares outstanding of the Registrant's class of common stock, as of March 14,
1997, was 8,470,938 shares.

Documents Incorporated by Reference
-----------------------------------
Part III of Form 10-K incorporates by reference the Company's definitive proxy
statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A in connection with the 1997
annual meeting of stockholders.





THE MIDDLEBY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
DECEMBER 28, 1996
FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I
Page

Item 1. Business......................................................... 1

Item 2. Properties....................................................... 7

Item 3. Legal Proceedings................................................ 8

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.............. 8

Item 4A. Executive Officers of the Registrant............................. 8

PART II

Item 5 Market for Registrant's Common Equity and
Related Stockholder Matters................................. 9

Item 6. Selected Financial Data..........................................10

Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations.........................11

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data......................14

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on
Accounting and Financial Disclosure.........................37

PART III

Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant...............37

Item 11. Executive Compensation...........................................37

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners
and Management..............................................37

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions...................37

PART IV

Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports
on Form 8-K................................................37





PART 1

Item 1. Business
- ----------------

General
- -------

The Middleby Corporation ("Middleby" or the "Company"), through its operating
subsidiary Middleby Marshall Inc. ("Middleby Marshall") and Middleby Marshall's
subsidiaries and their operating divisions, is engaged in the design,
manufacture and sale of commercial and institutional foodservice equipment. The
Company designs, develops, manufactures and markets a broad line of equipment
used for the cooking and preparation of food for commercial and institutional
kitchens and restaurants throughout the world.

On January 23, 1997, the Company sold substantially all of the assets of its
Victory Refrigeration Company ("Victory") subsidiary to an investor group led by
local management at Victory. Proceeds from the sale, as well as from the sale
and leaseback of the Victory facility to an unrelated third party which was
completed on December 27, 1996, were expected to amount to $11.8 million, less
amounts for retained liabilities and transaction costs aggregating $2.6 million.
The net proceeds, which were used to reduce debt, are subject to post closing
adjustments. The following discussion of the Company excludes Victory.

Principal Products and Operating Divisions
- ------------------------------------------

The Company's operations are conducted principally through two domestic and two
international business units. Each of the business units operates independently
of the others with its own management, marketing, manufacturing and product
development capabilities. The business unit Presidents or General Managers
report to the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer, and the Company's
corporate staff performs cash management, capital expenditure authorization,
financial reporting, planning, corporate accounting, and certain other
marketing, service and operations management, and administrative functions.

Middleby Cooking Systems Group, Elgin, IL
-------------------------------

The principal product lines manufactured at this operating division are
Middleby Marshall-Registered Trademark- conveyor ovens, CTX-Registered
Trademark- infrared ovens, Toastmaster-Registered Trademark- counterline
cooking and warming equipment, and Titan-Registered Trademark- mixers. The
Middleby Marshall and CTX products and the Toastmaster and Titan products
are handled through two distinct independent sales and marketing
divisions within the Cooking Systems Group.

Middleby Marshall is one of the leading producers of conveyor cooking equipment
in the world. Its conveyor ovens utilize a patented process, "Jet-Sweep"-TM- air
impingement, that forces heated air at high velocities through a system of
nozzles above and below the food product which is placed on a moving conveyor
belt. This process achieves faster baking times and greater consistency of bake
than conventional ovens. As a manufacturer of baking and cooking equipment since
1888, Middleby Marshall is renowned for quality and durability. Its ovens are
used by the majority of major global and domestic pizza chains and other
restaurants and institutions.

1



The CTX line of conveyor ovens utilizes patented infrared cooking and precision
control technology.

Toastmaster commercial electric cooking and warming equipment includes
toasters, hot food servers, foodwarmers, griddles, fryers, convection
ovens and ranges. Toastmaster products feature energy saving and food safety
technologies such as that offered in the Accumiser-TM- griddle. As a
long-term supplier to major restaurant chains, Toastmaster has developed
the capabilities to provide customized equipment for a chain's
particular needs. An example is the development of a conveyor toaster
for a major quick service chain, resulting in improved operating
efficiencies and less food waste. Toastmaster also has distribution
arrangements with a European manufacturer of rotisserie cooking and
merchandising display equipment. In 1996, Toastmaster entered into
another arrangement with the same European manufacturer to distribute
the RoFry-Registered Trademark- oil-less fryer on an exclusive basis in
North and South America and on a non-exclusive basis in certain other
areas of the world. The RoFry trademark is owned by its European manufacturer.

The Company also has a distribution agreement with a European manufacturer to
distribute Rational Combi-Steamers in North America.

The Company does not produce consumer products under the
Toastmaster-Registered Trademark- name, as the rights to the Toastmaster
brand name for consumer markets are owned by an unaffiliated company,
Toastmaster, Inc.

Southbend, Fuquay-Varina, NC
----------
Southbend-Registered Trademark- designs, manufactures and markets core
cooking equipment specified for use by the professional chef, as well as
standardized equipment for general use in restaurants and institutions.
Principal products are heavy duty gas ranges, convection ovens, broilers,
fryers and griddles. Southbend also offers a broad line of steam cooking
equipment under the SteamMaster-Registered Trademark- name, some of which
it produces and some of which is produced for it by other manufacturers.

Asbury Associates, Inc., Miramar, FL
------------------------

Asbury Associates ("Asbury") is an export management and distribution
company engaged in the representation and distribution of foodservice
equipment. Asbury sells the Company's product lines and certain
non-competing product lines of other American and European manufacturers
throughout the world (except for Canada, where the Company has a
distribution company division under the name of Escan). Asbury is
headquartered in Miramar, Florida with Asian sales and administrative
operations based in Manila, the Philippines. Asbury has sales offices in
Bilbao, Spain; Paris, France; Taipei, Taiwan; Shanghai, China; Tokyo, Japan;
Jakarta, Indonesia; Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Mexico City, Mexico; and Sao Paulo,
Brazil. The Company acquired a majority interest in Asbury in April, 1990,
which was increased to 80% in 1991. Asbury has established three additional
business units: ICES, a foodservice equipment dealer in the Philippines,
Asbury S.L., a foodservice equipment distributor in Spain and France, and
Asbury Taiwan Co. Ltd., a foodservice equipment distributor in Taiwan.
Distribution companies in Mexico, Japan and Korea are expected to be
established in 1997.

2





Asbury has the ability to offer customers a complete package of equipment,
delivered and installed in over 100 countries throughout the world. For a local
country distributor or dealer, Asbury provides centralized sourcing of a broad
line of American and European equipment with complete export management
services, including export documentation, freight forwarding, equipment
warehousing and consolidation, installation, warranty service and parts support.

Middleby Philippines Corporation, the Philippines
---------------------------------
Middleby Philippines Corporation ("MPC") was incorporated in 1995 as part of a
major expansion of the Company's manufacturing capabilities in the Philippines.
The Company owns 80% of MPC, with the remaining 20% being owned by local
management. Its operations were moved in April, 1996 into a newly constructed
54,000 square foot facility outside of Manila. At that facility, MPC designs,
engineers, fabricates and installs semi-custom kitchen equipment units used
primarily in conjunction with standard equipment manufactured in the United
States to make a complete kitchen installation. This operation also manufactures
certain kitchen equipment for sale in Asian markets. MPC's customers are
primarily Asian operations of major foodservice chains and hotels.

MPC's predecessor, Fab-Asia, Inc. ("Fab-Asia"), was formed in 1991 at which time
the Company acquired a majority interest. The Company increased its ownership
interest in MPC to 80% in 1994. The operating assets of Fab-Asia were
transferred to MPC on January 1, 1996.


The Market and Customers
- ------------------------

The Company's products are sold primarily through independent dealers and
distributors for use in the commercial and institutional foodservice industry.
Certain large restaurant and hotel chain customers own purchasing organizations
that manage product procurement for their own systems. End-user customers
include full service restaurants, quick service restaurants, cafeterias, hotels
and resorts, recreational and sports facilities, retail outlets such as
supermarkets and convenience stores, and private and public institutions, such
as schools, hospitals, long-term care facilities, correctional facilities,
military establishments and government agencies. The products are marketed in
the United States and in over 100 countries through a combination of the
Company's own sales personnel and international marketing subsidiaries, and an
extensive network of independent dealers, distributors, consultants, sales
representatives and agents.

During the past several decades, growth in the foodservice market in the United
States has been driven primarily by population growth, economic growth and
demographic changes, including the emergence of families with multiple
wage-earners and growth in the number of higher-income households, leading to a
demand for convenience in food preparation and consumption. Eating out and carry
out continue to be on an upward trend in the U.S., though slower than the 1970's
and 1980's due to lower economic growth. Higher growth is evidenced in the
international markets as U.S. national restaurant concepts, particularly quick
service chains, increasingly enter those markets. Aggressive expansion in


3


international markets is expected to be driven by the explosive population
growth and economic development in nonindustrialized and industrializing
nations, along with the favorable operating economics for the foodservice
operator.

The foodservice equipment market generally has grown in response to the primary
growth factors of the foodservice industry noted above. However, large
foodservice chains generally have a greater influence on the equipment market as
a result of new store openings, remodeling and upgrade programs and equipment
purchases to support new menu items. According to published industry sources,
the foodservice equipment market in the U.S. increased 6.2% to $6.21 billion in
1996 and is expected to grow by 6.6% in 1997. The industry's top 50 specifying
chain giants, per a leading publication, grew by an even larger percentage
during 1996 led by new construction and nontraditional site development.

The United States has had only moderate growth in the foodservice equipment
market since the economic downturn of 1991-1992. The international foodservice
equipment market, however, has grown more substantially. The Company believes
that the ability to support the domestic and international growth of foodservice
and hotel chains through worldwide sales and service networks will be a key
element in establishing its market position.

International sales accounted for approximately 37% of total sales in fiscal
1996, 36% of total sales in fiscal 1995 and 35% of total sales in fiscal 1994.
No customer accounted for more than 10% of sales in fiscal 1996, 1995 or 1994.

The backlog of orders was $15,017,000 at December 28, 1996, all of which is
expected to be filled during 1997. The Company's backlog was $11,253,000 at
December 30, 1995. The backlog is not necessarily indicative of the level of
business expected for the year, as there is generally a short time between order
receipt and shipment for the majority of the Company's products.


Marketing and Distribution
- --------------------------

Each of the Company's business units is responsible for the marketing of its
products, under the direction of the unit's President or General Manager, Sales
Manager and supporting personnel. Each business unit manages its own sales,
promotion and marketing programs with coordination and support from corporate
sales and marketing functions.

The Company's marketing strategy is conducted through each of the principal
distribution channels to reach the worldwide foodservice market. These are:
direct sales to the major foodservice chains; sales to foodservice equipment
dealers for distribution to the broader foodservice market; sales through
consultant-specifiers representing large project equipment installations; and
international sales primarily through the Asbury distribution organization. The
Company's relationships with major national restaurant chains is primarily
handled through an integrated effort of top-level executive and sales management
at the corporate and division level to best service the customers' needs.
Management believes that its extensive capabilities in engineering,
manufacturing, field service and technical sales support enables the Company to
respond effectively to a chain's requirements.

4



There is a broad base of non-exclusive foodservice equipment dealers in the U.S.
serving the independent end-users. The Company's products are marketed through a
combined network of approximately 2,000 foodservice equipment dealers, who in
turn are supported by over 300 manufacturers' marketing representatives.
International sales are primarily made through Asbury's distribution network to
larger end-users and to independent local country distributors and dealers. The
Company's products are serviced by independent service agencies, and supported
through a factory training and certification program for technicians.


Competition
- -----------

In general, the foodservice equipment industry is highly competitive and
fragmented. Within a given product line, the industry remains fairly
concentrated, with typically a small number of competitors accounting for the
bulk of the line's industry-wide sales. Industry competition includes companies
who manufacture a broad line of commercial foodservice equipment products and
those who specialize in a particular product line. Competition in the industry
is based upon many factors, including name recognition, product features and
design, quality, price, serviceability, after-market service and deliverability.
The Company attempts to differentiate its products through advanced
technological features and benefits. Management believes that the demand for
labor saving, energy efficient and flexible equipment will increase, driven by
quick service chains that face labor supply issues, space limitations and
increasing operating costs. The Company also focuses on the user interface and
serviceability factors across its global product markets.

In the international markets, the Company competes with U.S. manufacturers and
numerous local competitors. Management believes the Company's international
export management and distribution capabilities uniquely position it to provide
value-added services to the U.S. and international based chains, as well as to
local country distributors offering a complete line of kitchen equipment.

The Company believes it is among the largest multiple-line manufacturers of
foodservice equipment, both in the United States and worldwide, though some of
its competitors are units of operations which are larger than the Company and
possess greater financial and personnel resources. Among the Company's major
domestic competitors are Welbilt Corporation (a subsidiary of Berisford
International plc), Specialty Equipment Companies, Inc., G.S. Blodgett Corp.,
and Hobart and Vulcan Hart (which are both units of Premark International,
Inc.).

Sources of Supply
- -----------------

The Company purchases its raw materials and component parts from a number of
suppliers. The majority of the Company's material purchases are standard
commodity-type materials, such as stainless steel, electrical components,
hardware and various components. Such materials and parts generally are
available in adequate quantities from numerous suppliers. Some component parts
are obtained from sole sources of supply for reasons the Company deems
advantageous. In such instances, management believes it can substitute other
suppliers as it may require. The majority of the required fabrication is done
internally through the use of automated equipment. Certain equipment and
accessories are

5


manufactured by other suppliers for sale by the Company. The Company believes it
enjoys good relationships with its suppliers and considers the present sources
of supply to be adequate for its present and anticipated future requirements.


Licenses, Patents, and Trademarks
- ---------------------------------

Middleby Marshall has an exclusive license from Patentsmith II, Inc. to
manufacture, use and sell in the United States Jetsweep(TM) air impingement type
ovens for commercial food applications in which the interior length or width of
a rectangular cooking area, or in which the diameter of a circular cooking area,
equals or exceeds 36 inches. The Patentsmith II license covers numerous patents,
some of which extend beyond the year 2000. Middleby Marshall also holds an
exclusive sublicense from Lincoln Foodservice Products, Inc., a division of
Welbilt Corporation, to manufacture, use and sell throughout the world, other
than the United States and Japan, impingement type ovens of the above-described
dimensions for commercial food applications. This sublicense covers the foreign
analogues of the patents covered by the Patentsmith II license and grants
Middleby Marshall rights of first refusal for a similar sublicense in Japan. The
Patentsmith II license and the Lincoln sublicense expire upon the expiration of
the last patented improvement covered by the license. While the loss of the
Patentsmith II license would have an adverse effect on the Company, management
believes it is capable of designing, manufacturing and selling similar
equipment, although not as technologically advanced. Lincoln and Fuji Chubo
Setsubi Company, Ltd. are the only other foodservice equipment manufacturers
licensed under the Patentsmith II patents.

The Company holds numerous patents covering technology and applications related
to various products, equipment and systems. Management believes the expiration
of any one of these patents would not have a material adverse effect on the
overall operations or profitability of the Company.

The Company owns numerous trademarks and trade names; among them,
Middleby Marshall-Registered Trademark-, CTX-Registered Trademark-,
Southbend-Registered Trademark-, SteamMaster-Registered Trademark-,
Toastmaster-Registered Trademark- and Titan-Registered Trademark- are
registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and in various foreign
countries.

Employees
- ---------

As of December 28, 1996, the Company employed 965 persons. Of this amount,
approximately 325 were management, administrative, sales, engineering and
supervisory personnel; approximately 386 were hourly production non-union
workers; and approximately 254 were hourly production union members. Included in
these totals were 315 individuals employed outside of the United States, of
which 97 were management, sales, administrative and engineering personnel, and
218 were hourly production non-union workers. The Company's Elgin, Illinois
facility has a union contract with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
The current three year contract expires on May 1, 1997. It is management's
opinion that the relationships between its employees, union and management are
good.


6


Item 2. Properties
- ------------------

The Company's principal executive offices are located in the Elgin, Illinois
manufacturing facility. The Company's property, plant and equipment are
encumbered pursuant to its current credit agreements. (See Note 4 of the Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements.)

The principal properties of the Company are listed below:

Building
Division and Principal Square Owned/
Location Function Footage Leased
-------- -------- ------- ------

Middleby Cooking Manufacturing 207,000 Owned
Systems Group Warehousing and
Elgin, Illinois Offices

Southbend Manufacturing, 131,000 Owned
Fuquay-Varina, Warehousing and
North Carolina Offices

Asbury Assoc., Inc. Offices and 18,000 Leased(a)
Miramar, Florida Warehousing

Middleby Philippines Manufacturing and 54,000 Owned
Corporation Warehousing
Laguna, the
Philippines

Note:

(a) Lease expires October 2002, with payments of approximately $12,000 per
month.

At various other locations the Company leases small amounts of office space for
administrative and sales functions, and in certain instances limited short-term
inventory storage; these principal locations are in Manila, the Philippines;
Bilbao, Spain; Paris, France; Taipei, Taiwan; Shanghai, China; Tokyo, Japan;
Jakarta, Indonesia; Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Mexico City, Mexico; Sao Paulo,
Brazil and Toronto, Canada.

Management believes that all of these facilities are adequate for the operation
of the Company's business as presently conducted.


7



Item 3. Legal Proceedings
- -------------------------

The Company is routinely involved in litigation incidental to its business,
including product liability actions which are generally covered by insurance.
Such routine claims are being vigorously contested and management does not
believe that the outcome of any such litigation will have a material adverse
effect upon the financial condition of the Company.


Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
- -----------------------------------------------------------

No matters were submitted to a vote of the security holders in the fourth
quarter of the year ended December 28, 1996.


Item 4A. Executive Officers of the Registrant
- ---------------------------------------------

Principal Occupation and
Principal Position and
Name Age Office with the Company
---- --- -----------------------

William F. Whitman, Jr. 57 Chairman of the Board of
the Company and Middleby Marshall

David P. Riley 50 President and Chief Executive
Officer of the Company and
Middleby Marshall

John J. Hastings 41 Executive Vice President, Chief
Financial Officer, Secretary and
Treasurer

The officers of the Company are elected annually by the Board of Directors,
hold office until their successors are chosen and qualify, and may be
removed by the Board of Directors at any time, at a duly convened
meeting of the Board of Directors or by written consent. The Company has
employment agreements with Messrs. Whitman and Riley. Laura B. Whitman, a
director of the Company, is the daughter of Mr. Whitman.

8



PART II


Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and
- -------------------------------------------------
Related Stockholder Matters
---------------------------

On November 28, 1995, the Company's common stock became listed on the NASDAQ
National Market under the symbol "MIDD". Prior to that date, the Company's stock
was listed on the American Stock Exchange under the symbol "MBY". Set forth
below for the calendar quarters indicated are the high and low closing prices.

1996 1995
----------------- -------------
High Low High Low
---- --- ---- ---

1st Quarter 8-5/8 7 6-3/4 3-7/8
2nd Quarter 13-15/16 7-3/8 8-3/4 5-1/4
3rd Quarter 8 5-3/4 8-1/8 5-3/8
4th Quarter 6-3/4 4-3/4 9-3/4 5-3/8

As of December 28, 1996, the Company estimates there were approximately 2,500
beneficial owners of the Company's common stock.

The Company has not paid a dividend since 1991. Its current financing agreements
preclude payment of dividends for the foreseeable future.

During the fiscal year ended December 28, 1996, the Company issued an aggregate
of 74,500 shares of the Company's common stock to current and former employees
and directors, pursuant to the exercise of stock options, for an aggregate
consideration of $179,000. Such options were granted under the Company's Amended
and Restated 1989 Stock Incentive Plan, or outside of any plan, and had exercise
prices ranging between a maximum of $4.38 and a minimum of $1.25. The issuance
of such shares was exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, pursuant to Section 4(2) thereof, as transactions by an issuer not
involving a public offering.

9



PART II

Item 6. Selected Financial Data
- -------------------------------


Restated Restated Restated Restated
1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
(In thousands except per share amounts)

Net sales..................... $124,765 $106,348 $94,158 $85,789 $90,415
Income from
operations............... 8,677 6,896 6,593 (246) 3,814
Earnings (loss)
before taxes............. 4,472 2,605 2,849 14,682 (950)
Earnings (loss) from
continuing operations.... $ 3,083 $ 2,745 $ 2,235 $14,441 $(1,281)
====== ====== ====== ======= =======

Per common share from
continuing operations:

Primary earnings
(loss).............. $ .35 $ .31 $ .26 $ 1.72 $ (.15)
Fully diluted
earnings (loss)..... .35 .31 .26 1.72 (.15)
Cash dividends................ - - - - -


At year-end:
Total assets............. $85,968 $85,231 $76,700 $73,394 $76,148
Total debt............... 41,268 43,028 44,472 47,401 59,545
Shareholders'
equity.............. $22,450 $21,758 $14,657 $10,100 $(3,823)
======= ======= ======= ======= =======



Notes:

(1) Results relating to the Company's former Seco Division are included
for the period until its sale on August 21, 1992.

(2) The above selected financial data excludes the Victory Refrigeration
Company which has been accounted for as a discontinued operation (see
Note 3 to the Financial Statements).

(3) Certain amounts in the prior years' financial data have been
reclassified to be consistent with the fiscal 1996 presentation.


10





Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
- ----------------------------------------------------------
Condition and Results of Operations
-----------------------------------


Informational Note
- ------------------

This report contains forward-looking statements subject to the safe harbor
created by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Company
cautions readers that these projections are based upon future results or events
and are highly dependent upon a variety of important factors which could cause
such results or events to differ materially from any forward-looking statements
which may be deemed to have been made in this report, or which are otherwise
made by or on behalf of the Company. Such factors include, but are not limited
to, changing market conditions; the availability and cost of raw materials; the
impact of competitive products and pricing; the timely development and market
acceptance of the Company's products; foreign exchange risks affecting
international sales; and other risks detailed herein and from time-to-time in
the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings.


Results of Operations
- ---------------------

Fiscal 1996 vs. Fiscal 1995
---------------------------

Net sales increased $18,417,000 or 17.3% to $124,765,000 in fiscal 1996 as
compared to $106,348,000 in fiscal 1995. Net sales for the Company's domestic
cooking and warming equipment manufacturing divisions increased 11.8% in 1996
compared to 1995. Domestic sales increased 15.8% in 1996 compared to 1995.
International sales increased 20.0% in 1996 as compared to 1995, primarily from
increased sales of distributed products. International sales represented 37.0%
of total sales in 1996 as compared to 36.2% in 1995. The continued strong growth
in international sales is attributable to the Company's continued strategy of
expanding its sales and distribution presence in overseas markets.

Gross margin increased $4,928,000 or 15.2% to $37,435,000 in fiscal 1996 as
compared to $32,507,000 in fiscal 1995. As a percent to sales, gross margin
declined slightly to 30.0% in 1996 as compared to 30.6% in 1995. The decline in
gross margin percentage is attributable to the Company's direct service program
which was initiated at the end of 1995 and terminated during the fourth quarter
of 1996, and to start-up costs associated with the Company's Philippines
manufacturing facility.

Selling, distribution, general and administrative expenses increased
$4,047,000 or 16.4% to $28,758,000 in fiscal 1996 from $24,711,000 in
fiscal 1995. As a percent of sales, expenses decreased slightly to 23.0%
from 23.2% in 1995. The increased expenses were largely due to the increased
sales, additional support for the Company's expanding international
operations and costs associated with dealer promotional programs.

Income from operations increased $1,781,000 or 25.8% to $8,677,000 in fiscal
1996 as compared to $6,896,000 in fiscal 1995. The improvement in income from
operations is primarily due to increased sales.

11


Interest expense and deferred financing amortization increased $24,000 or 0.6%
to $4,351,000 in fiscal 1996 compared to $4,327,000 in fiscal 1995. Stable
interest rates and average outstanding balances contributed to the consistent
expense amount.

The Company recorded a net tax provision of $1,389,000 in 1996 compared to a
net tax benefit of $140,000 in 1995. The tax provision includes a benefit of
$865,000 related to the utilization of tax loss carry-forwards as
compared to a benefit of $1,710,000 in 1995 associated with NOL
utilization and valuation allowance reductions.

The Company recorded earnings from continuing operations of $3,083,000 in 1996,
as compared to $2,745,000 in 1995. Net earnings were $473,000 in 1996, as
compared to $3,164,000 in 1995.


Fiscal 1995 vs. Fiscal 1994
---------------------------

Net sales increased $12,190,000 or 12.9% to $106,348,000 compared to $94,158,000
in fiscal 1994. Several new products contributed to the gain, including
Toastmaster's new conveyor toaster for a large international fast-food chain and
Middleby Marshall's extra wide belt conveyor oven introduced in late 1994. The
Company's international sales increased 15.9% over 1994 and represented 36.2% of
total sales, evidencing the tremendous demand for foodservice equipment in
global markets, particularly in the emerging markets of the world where major
U.S. restaurant chains are quickly developing their concepts.

The Company improved gross margins as a percent of net sales to 30.6.% in 1995
as compared to 30.3% in 1994. This increase resulted from increased sales
volumes, improved operating efficiencies and improved margins on products
distributed internationally.

Selling, distribution, general and administrative expenses increased
$2,740,000 or 12.5% to $24,711,000 compared to $21,971,000 in fiscal 1994.
As a percent of net sales, expenses decreased slightly to 23.2% in fiscal
1995 from 23.3% in fiscal 1994. The increase in expenses is attributable to
expenses associated with a new line of combi-steamers the Company began
distributing in January, 1995, start-up expenses for a new direct service
program which began operation in the fourth quarter of 1995, increased
promotional expenses and higher commissions due to increased sales.

Income from operations, including a $900,000 provision for the discontinuance of
a product line discussed in Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements,
increased $303,000 or 4.6%, to $6,896,000 in 1995 as compared to $6,593,000 in
1994. Excluding the $900,000 provision, income from operations increased
$1,203,000 or 18.2%. The improvement in income from operations is primarily due
to increased sales and margin improvement.

12




Interest expense and deferred financing amortization increased $1,065,000 or
32.6% to $4,327,000 in 1995 as compared to $3,262,000 in 1994, primarily from
higher interest rates and deferred financing costs associated with the Company's
January 10, 1995 refinancing.

The Company recorded a net tax benefit of $140,000. The tax benefit includes
a credit of $1,710,000 resulting from utilization of NOL carryforwards and
the reduction of tax valuation allowances. The reduction in the valuation
allowance reflected management's increased confidence in the future
utilization of the Company's net operating loss carry-forwards.

The Company recorded earnings from continuing operations of $2,745,000 in 1995,
as compared to $2,235,000 in 1994. Net earnings were $3,164,000 in 1995, as
compared to $2,740,000 in 1994.


Financial Condition and Liquidity
- ---------------------------------

Cash flow provided from operations before balance sheet changes, including the
utilization of net operating tax loss carry-forwards, was $3,323,000 in fiscal
1996 compared to $6,051,000 in fiscal 1995. Changes in current assets and
liabilities of continuing operations resulted in cash usage of $6,829,000 in
fiscal 1996 and cash provided of $1,499,000 in fiscal 1995. Additions to
property, plant and equipment amounted to $2,966,000 and $2,728,000 in fiscal
1996 and 1995, respectively.

The Company's total long-term debt, including current maturities, decreased
during fiscal 1996 by $1,760,000 to $41,268,000 at fiscal year end. This
decrease was largely due to proceeds received from the sale and leaseback of the
Victory facility in December 1996, offset in part by expenditures associated
with the opening of the new Middleby Philippines Corporation facility during the
first half of the year. Long-term debt, including current maturities, as a
percentage of total capitalization was 64.8% at December 28, 1996 and 66.4% at
December 30, 1995.

On January 10, 1995, the Company's subsidiaries consummated a $57,500,000
financing package to replace existing bank debt of $44,000,000 and provide
working capital for future growth. The financing includes a $42,500,000 senior
secured credit facility from a group of lenders led by an affiliate of a major
international bank and a $15,000,000 senior secured note placement with a major
insurance company. The credit facility includes a $15,000,000 five-year term
loan, a $25,000,000 revolving credit line and a $2,500,000 capital expenditure
facility renewable annually. The senior secured notes have an eight-year term
with payments beginning in the sixth year and bear interest at 10.99%. There was
$23,650,000 available to borrow under the revolving credit facility, of which
$14,575,000 was outstanding at December 28, 1996. The outstanding term loan
balance was $8,362,000 at December 28, 1996.

13





Management believes the Company has sufficient financial resources available to
meet its anticipated requirements for funds for operations in the current fiscal
year and can satisfy the obligations under its credit and note agreements.


Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
- ---------------------------------------------------
Page

Report of Independent Public Accountants......................... 15
Consolidated Balance Sheets...................................... 16
Consolidated Statements of Earnings.............................. 17
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity....... 18
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows............................ 19
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements....................... 21

The following consolidated financial statement schedule
is included in response to Item 14(d).

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves..... 36

All other schedules for which provision is made to applicable
regulation of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not
required under the related instruction or are inapplicable and,
therefore, have been omitted.


14



REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
----------------------------------------


To the Shareholders and Board of Directors
of The Middleby Corporation


We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of THE
MIDDLEBY CORPORATION (a Delaware corporation) and Subsidiaries as of
December 28, 1996, and December 30, 1995, and the related consolidated
statements of earnings, changes in shareholders' equity and cash flows for
each of the three years in the period ended December 28, 1996. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management.
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements
based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of
The Middleby Corporation and Subsidiaries as of December 28, 1996, and December
30, 1995, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of
the three years in the period ended December 28, 1996, in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles.

Our audit was made for the purpose of forming an opinion on the basic
financial statements taken as a whole. The data on Schedule II is presented
for purposes of additional analysis and is not a required part of the
basic financial statements. This information has been subjected to the
auditing procedures applied in our audit of the basic financial statements
and, in our opinion, is fairly stated in all material respects in
relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole.

Arthur Andersen LLP

Chicago, Illinois
February 17, 1997

15





THE MIDDLEBY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
DECEMBER 28, 1996 AND DECEMBER 30, 1995
---------------------------------------
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)




Restated
ASSETS 1996 1995
- ------ ---- ----

Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents............................ $ 1,410 $ 972
Accounts receivable, net............................. 19,859 14,058
Inventories, net..................................... 20,956 18,320
Prepaid expenses and other........................... 939 879
Net assets of discontinued operations................ 4,082 12,803
Current deferred taxes............................... 2,086 2,086
----- -----
Total Current Assets............................ 49,332 49,118
Property, Plant and Equipment, net........................ 18,843 17,305
Excess Purchase Price Over Net Assets Acquired, net....... 13,339 13,796
Deferred Taxes............................................ 2,950 2,930
Other Assets.............................................. 1,504 2,082
----- -----
Total Assets.................................... $85,968 $85,231
======= =======

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt................. $ 3,916 $ 1,710
Accounts payable..................................... 10,369 10,587
Accrued expenses..................................... 10,001 8,075
------ -----
Total Current Liabilities....................... 24,286 20,372
Long-Term Debt............................................ 37,352 41,318
Minority Interest and Other Non-current Liabilities....... 1,880 1,783
Shareholders' Equity:
Preferred stock, $.01 par value;
none issued..................................... - -
Common stock, $.01 par value;
8,468,000 and 8,388,000 shares issued
and outstanding in 1996 and 1995,
respectively.................................... 85 84
Paid-in capital...................................... 28,108 27,934
Cumulative translation adjustment.................... (184) (228)
Accumulated deficit.................................. (5,559) (6,032)
------ ------
Total Shareholders' Equity...................... 22,450 21,758
------ ------
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity...... $85,968 $85,231
======= =======


The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
are an integral part of these statements.

16


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 28, 1996, DECEMBER 30, 1995
AND DECEMBER 31, 1994
---------------------
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)



Restated Restated
1996 1995 1994
---- ---- ----

Net Sales...................................... $124,765 $106,348 $ 94,158

Cost of Sales.................................. 87,330 73,841 65,594
------ ------ ------

Gross Margin......................... 37,435 32,507 28,564

Selling and Distribution Expenses.............. 18,319 15,385 13,398
General and Administrative Expenses............ 10,439 9,326 8,573
Provision for Product Line Discontinuance...... - 900 -
------ --- ------

Income from Operations............... 8,677 6,896 6,593

Interest Expense and Deferred
Financing Amortization.................... 4,351 4,327 3,262
Other (Income) Expense, net.................... (146) (36) 482
---- --- ---
Earnings Before Income Taxes......... 4,472 2,605 2,849

Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes........... 1,389 (140) 614

Earnings from Continuing Operations.. 3,083 2,745 2,235

Discontinued Operations, Net of Income Tax:

(Loss) Earnings from Discontinued
Operations.......................... (744) 419 505
Loss on Disposal Including Operating
Losses During the Phase Out Period.. (1,866) - -
------ ------ ------

Net Earnings......................... $ 473 $ 3,164 $ 2,740
======== ======== ========

Net Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share:

Continuing Operations................ $ .35 $ .31 $ .26
Discontinued Operations.............. (.30) .05 .06
---- --- ---

Net Earnings Per Common Share........ $ .05 $ .36 $ .32
======== ======== ========


The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
are an integral part of these statements.

17



THE MIDDLEBY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 28, 1996, DECEMBER 30, 1995
AND DECEMBER 31, 1994
---------------------
(In Thousands)



Common Paid-in Accumulated
Stock Capital Deficit CTA Total
----- ------- ------- --- -----

BALANCE,
January 1,1994 (Restated)...... $83 $22,207 $(11,936) $(254) $10,100
--- ------- -------- ----- -------
Net Earnings................... - - 2,740 - 2,740
NOL Utilization and Change in
Tax Asset Valuation
Allowance................. - 1,924 - - 1,924
Exercise of Employee
Stock Options............. - 23 - - 23
Change in Cumulative
Translation Adjustment.... - - - (130) (130)
BALANCE,
December 31, 1994 (Restated)... $83 $24,154 $(9,196) $(384) $14,657
--- ------- -------- ----- -------
Net Earnings................... - - 3,164 - 3,164
NOL Utilization and Change in
Tax Asset Valuation
Allowance................. - 3,409 - - 3,409
Exercise of Employee
Stock Options............. 1 121 - - 122
Issuance of Deferred
Warrant................... - 250 - - 250
Change in Cumulative
Translation Adjustment.... - - - 156 156
BALANCE,
December 30, 1995 (Restated)... $84 $27,934 $(6,032) $(228) $21,758
--- ------- ------- ----- =======
Net Earnings................... - - 473 - 473
Exercise of Employee
Stock Options............. 1 174 - - 175
Change in Cumulative
Translation Adjustment.... - - - 44 44
BALANCE
December 28, 1996.............. $85 $28,108 $(5,559) $(184) $22,450
=== ======= ======== ====== =======



The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
are an integral part of these statements.

18


THE MIDDLEBY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 28, 1996, DECEMBER 30, 1995
AND DECEMBER 31, 1994
---------------------
(In Thousands)




Restated Restated
1996 1995 1994
---- ---- ----

Cash Flows From Operating
Activities -
Net Earnings................................. $ 473 $ 3,164 $ 2,740
Adjustments to reconcile net
earnings to net cash provided by
continuing operating activities-
Depreciation and
amortization....................... 2,752 3,024 2,107
Utilization of N.O.L.'s................. 98 (137) 601
Discontinued Operations................. 2,610 (419) (505)

Cash effects of changes in -
Accounts receivable................ (5,801) 862 (2,782)
Inventories........................ (2,636) (3,147) 812
Prepaid expenses and
other assets.................. (99) 911 28
Accounts payable................... (218) 3,071 (785)
Accrued expenses and
other liabilities............. 1,925 (198) 2,463
----- ----- -----

Net Cash (Used in) Provided by
Continuing Operating Activities......... (896) 7,131 4,679
Net Cash Provided by (Used in)
Discontinued Operating Activities....... 1,311 (2,268) 408
Net Cash Provided by Operating
Activities.............................. 415 4,863 5,087
--- ----- -----

Cash Flows From Investing
Activities -
Additions to property and
equipment............................... $(2,966) $(2,728) $(1,922)
Proceeds from Sale and Leaseback
of Discontinued Operations............. 4,800 - -
Net cash received from
sale of investment...................... - 1,337 -
------ ----- ------

Net Cash Provided by (Used in)
Investing Activities.................... 1,834 (1,391) (1,922)
------- ------- -------


19



THE MIDDLEBY CORPORATION AND SDUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 28, 1996, DECEMBER 30, 1995
AND DECEMBER 31, 1994
---------------------

(In Thousands)
(Continued)



Restated Restated
1996 1995 1994
---- ---- ----

Cash Flows From Financing
Activities -
Proceeds from senior
secured note............................ $ - $ 15,000 $ -
Proceeds from credit facility................ - 31,000 -
Extinguishment of bank debt.................. - (44,055) -
Reduction in revolving credit
line, net............................... (425) (1,000) (3,366)
Reduction in term loans...................... (3,597) (2,932) (20)
Proceeds from foreign bank debt.............. 2,233 1,200 -
Cost of financing activities................. - (1,726) -
Other financing activities, net.............. (22) (640) 457
-- ---- ---

Net Cash Used in
Financing Activities.................... (1,811) (3,153) (2,929)
------- ------ ------

Changes in Cash and Cash Equivalents -
Net increase in cash
and cash equivalents............... $ 438 $ 319 $ 236
Cash and cash equivalents
at beginning of year............... 972 653 417
--- --- ---

Cash and Cash Equivalents
at end of year..................... $ 1,410 $ 972 $ 653
======= ======== =======




The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
are an integral part of these statements.


20



THE MIDDLEBY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


(1) NATURE OF OPERATIONS

The Middleby Corporation (the "Company") is engaged in the design,
manufacture and sale of commercial and institutional foodservice equipment.
Its major lines of products consist of conveyor ovens, toasters,
counter-top cooking and warming equipment, heavy duty gas ovens, convection
ovens, broilers, steamers and semi-custom fabrication units. The Company
manufactures and assembles most of this equipment at two factories in the
United States and one operation in the Philippines. The Company conducts
its business principally through two domestic and two international
business units. Each unit operates primarily on a decentralized basis.

The Company's products are sold primarily to independent dealers and
distributors and are marketed primarily through the Company's sales
personnel and network of independent manufacturers' representatives. End
user customers include quick service restaurant chains, general full
service restaurants, cafeterias, hotels, resorts, supermarkets, convenience
stores and certain healthcare, educational and correctional institutions.
Included in these customers are several large multi-national restaurant
chains which account for a significant portion of the company's business,
although no single customer accounts for more than 10% of net sales.

The Company purchases raw materials and component parts, the majority of
which are standard commodity type materials, from a number of suppliers.
Although certain component parts are procured from a sole source, the
Company can purchase such parts from alternate vendors.

The Company has numerous licenses and patents to manufacture, use and sell
its products and equipment. Certain of these licenses begin to expire in
the year 2000. Management believes the loss of any one of these licenses or
patents would not have a material adverse effect on the financial and
operating results of the Company.


(2) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

(a) Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company
and its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries. All significant
intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in
consolidation.

The Company's fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest December 31. Fiscal
years 1996, 1995 and 1994 ended on December 28, 1996, December 30, 1995 and
December 31, 1994, respectively, and each included 52 weeks.


21



(b) Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable, as shown in the consolidated balance sheets, is net of
allowances for doubtful accounts of $495,000 and $413,000 at December 28,
1996 and December 30, 1995, respectively.

(c) Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined
utilizing the first-in-first-out (FIFO) inventory method. Inventories, as
of December 28, 1996 and December 30, 1995, are as follows:

(In Thousands)
1996 1995
---- ----

Raw materials and parts......... $ 6,492 $ 6,338
Work in process................. 4,621 4,652
Finished goods.................. 9,843 7,330
----- -----
$20,956 $18,320
======= =======

The amounts shown above are net of inventory reserves of $946,000 and
$1,016,000 as of December 28, 1996 and December 30, 1995, respectively.

(d) Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost as follows:

(In Thousands)
1996 1995
---- ----

Land and improvements...... $ 3,322 $ 3,293
Building and improvements.. 11,012 10,206
Machinery and equipment.... 16,250 14,516
------ ------
$30,584 $28,015

Less accumulated
depreciation.......... (11,741) (10,710)
-------- --------

Property, Plant and
Equipment, net........ $18,843 $17,305
======= =======


22




Depreciation is provided for financial statement purposes using the
straight-line method and amounted to $1,594,000, $1,543,000 and $1,547,000
in fiscal 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. Following is a summary of the
estimated useful lives:

Description Life
----------- ----
Land improvements................ 7 years
Building and improvements........ 20 to 40 years
Machinery and equipment.......... 3 to 10 years

Expenditures which significantly extend useful lives are capitalized.
Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred.

(e) Excess Purchase Price Over Net Assets Acquired

The excess purchase price over net assets acquired is being amortized using
a straight-line method over 40 years. Amounts presented are net of
accumulated amortization of $4,216,000 in fiscal 1996 and $3,759,000 in
fiscal 1995. The Company periodically evaluates the useful life and
realizability of the excess purchase price over net assets acquired based
on current events and circumstances. Impairments are measured utilizing an
undiscounted forecasted income method pertaining to business units and are
recorded at the time management deems an impairment has occurred.

(f) Intangible Assets

Trademarks, patents, license agreements and other intangibles, included in
other assets in the consolidated balance sheets, are being amortized on a
straight-line basis over estimated useful lives ranging from 5 to 14 years.
Net recorded intangible assets of $243,000 and $364,000 are presented net
of accumulated amortization of $2,314,000 and $2,193,000 in fiscal 1996 and
1995, respectively.

(g) Accrued Expenses

Accrued expenses consist of the following:

(In Thousands)
1996 1995
---- ----
Accrued payroll and
related expenses.... $ 3,567 $3,200
Accrued commissions...... 1,392 1,190
Accrued warranty......... 1,252 879
Other accrued expenses... 3,790 2,806
----- -----
$10,001 $8,075
======= ======

23



(h) Research and Development Costs

Research and development costs, included in cost of sales in the
consolidated statements of earnings, are charged to expense when incurred.
These costs were $1,515,000, $1,438,000 and $1,295,000 in fiscal 1996, 1995
and 1994, respectively.

(i) Earnings Per Share

Primary earnings per share is based upon the weighted average number of
outstanding shares of common stock and common stock equivalents. The
weighted average number of shares outstanding was 8,666,000, 8,678,000 and
8,434,000 shares for the fiscal years 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
Fully diluted earnings per common and common equivalent shares are not
presented, since dilution is less than 3%.

(j) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

For purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, the Company
considers all highly liquid instruments with a maturity of three months or
less to be cash equivalents. Cash paid for interest was $4,397,000,
$4,076,000 and $4,060,000 in fiscal 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. Cash
payments totaling $256,000, $371,000 and $192,000 were made for income
taxes during fiscal 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

(k) Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the
financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses
during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those
estimates.

(l) Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying value of all assets and liabilities approximates the fair
value of those financial instruments.

(m) Adoption of Accounting Standards

In fiscal 1996, the Company adopted "SFAS 121: Accounting for the
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Long-Lived Assets To Be Disposed Of"
and "SFAS 123: Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation." The adoption of
these accounting standards did not have a material impact on the financial
statements.

24




(n) Restatements

Sale of Discontinued Operations:

The financial statements presented have been restated for all periods
presented to exclude the Victory Refrigeration Company which has been
accounted for as a discontinued operation (see Note 3 to the Financial
Statements).

Litigation Settlement Accounting:

During 1996, the Company determined that a better technical interpretation
of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) existed for its 1993
accounting for the proceeds from its legal settlement with Hussmann
Corporation. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has concurred
with this revised accounting treatment. The effect of this change was to
record a greater gain from the settlement and restore certain assets
related to the 1989 acquisition that were written-off in the original
accounting for the settlement in 1993. This accounting has been reflected
in the historical financial statements. The net effect on the 1993 balance
sheet was to increase excess purchase price over net assets acquired and
fixed assets by $6,930,000 and increase equity by $6,930,000. The effect
on the statement of earnings was to increase non-cash amortization charges
by $276,000 for each year since 1993.


(3) DISCONTINUED OPERATION

On January 23, 1997, the Company completed the sale of substantially all of
the assets of its Victory Refrigeration Company ("Victory") subsidiary to
an investor group led by local management at Victory. Gross proceeds from
the sale are expected to amount to approximately $7,300,000, less amounts
for retained liabilities and transaction costs aggregating approximately
$2,600,000. The proceeds are subject to post-closing adjustments. The terms
of the sale were the results of arms-length negotiations. This sale was
announced on November 1, 1996, concluding the sale of all of the assets of
Victory. The sale and leaseback of the Victory facility to an unrelated
third party had previously been completed on December 27, 1996 for net
proceeds of approximately $4,556,000. Proceeds from these transactions were
used to pay down debt.

The results of the Victory Refrigeration Company subsidiary have been
reported separately as a discontinued operation in the consolidated
financial statements for all periods presented. The results of the
discontinued operations are not necessarily indicative of the results which
may have been obtained had the continuing and


25




discontinuing operations been operating independently. Summarized results
of the Victory Refrigeration Company are as follows:

(In Thousands)
1996 1995 1994
---- ---- ----
Net Sales............................. $27,261 $32,841 $35,809

Operating (Loss) Income............... (458) 1,642 1,572

(Loss) Earnings Before Taxes.......... (1,111) 603 754

Provision for Taxes................... (367) 184 249
----- --- ---

(Loss) Earnings from Discontinued
Operations...................... (744) 419 505

Estimated Loss on Disposal Including
Operating Results During the
Phase-out Period................. (1,866) - -
------- ---- ----

Total (Loss) Earnings Related to
Discontinued Operations.......... $(2,610) $ 419 $ 505
======== ======= =======


During the fourth quarter of 1996, the Company provided for additional
losses on disposal of $495,000 net of taxes. The additional provision was
required due to higher than anticipated operating losses prior to the sale
of Victory. The loss on disposal of Victory consists primarily of operating
losses of $1,409,000 during the fourth quarter of 1996 and $457,000 during
1997 until the sale was completed. The effective tax rate included in
these amounts differs from the U.S. statutory rate due to permanent book
vs. tax differences.

Interest expense of $809,000, $771,000 and $818,000 for 1996, 1995 and
1994, respectively, has been allocated based upon the ratio of the net
assets of the discontinued operations to the consolidated capitalization of
the Company. Continuing operations and discontinued operations reflect the
net tax expense or tax benefit generated by the respective operations,
limited, however, by the income tax benefit recognized in the Company's
historical financial statements. No general corporate expenses have been
allocated to the discontinued operations.

The net assets of discontinued operations included in the Consolidated
Balance Sheets at December 28, 1996 and December 30, 1995 amounted to
$4,082,000 and $12,803,000, respectively, and consist primarily of
receivables, inventory, and property, plant and equipment related to the
discontinued operations, net of accounts payable, accrued liabilities and
closing costs associated with the sale. Property and plant are not included
in the December 28, 1996 amount, as the sale and leaseback transaction was
completed on December 27, 1996.


26




(4) FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS

The following is a summary of long-term debt as of December 28, 1996 and
December 30, 1995.

(In Thousands)
1996 1995
---- ----

Senior secured credit facility:
Revolving credit line............ $14,575 $15,000
Term loans....................... 8,362 11,959
Senior secured note................... 15,000 15,000
Other................................. 3,331 1,069
----- -----

$41,268 $43,028

Less current maturities of
long-term debt................... 3,916 1,710
----- -----

Total long-term debt... $37,352 $41,318
======= =======


On January 10, 1995, the Company's subsidiaries consummated a $57,500,000
financing package to replace the existing bank debt and provide working
capital for future growth. The financing included a $42,500,000 senior
secured credit facility from a group of lenders led by an affiliate of a
major international bank and a $15,000,000 senior secured note placement
with a major insurance company.

The senior secured credit facility included a $15,000,000 five-year term
loan, a $2,500,000 capital expenditure facility renewable annually, and a
$25,000,000 revolving credit line expiring in January, 2000. Borrowings
under the revolving credit line are limited to specified percentages of
defined accounts receivable and inventories. The credit agreement initially
permitted borrowings for the term loan and revolving credit line at
floating rates of 2.5% above LIBOR rate or 1% above base rate. The interest
rate can be adjusted quarterly based on the Company's achievement of
defined coverage ratios on a rolling four quarter basis. As of December 28,
1996, borrowings under LIBOR contracts were at 2.5% above the LIBOR rate
and borrowings under prime rate contracts were at 1% above the base rate. A
facility fee of .0625% is payable annually and a commitment fee of .375% is
charged on the unused portion of the revolving credit facility and capital
expenditure facility. The term loan is repayable in quarterly installments
that total $2,325,000 in 1997, plus a one-time payment of $1,470,000
related to the sale of Victory due also in 1997. Additional scheduled
repayments towards the term loan will total $2,625,000 in 1998 and
$1,517,000 in 1999. The outstanding capital expenditure loans of $425,000
are repayable in quarterly installments that total $100,000 in each of
1997, 1998, and 1999 with a lump sum payment of $125,000 or the remaining
balance on January 2,

27




2000. Mandatory prepayments are required in the case of any excess cash
flow, as defined, or in the event of any sale or disposition of assets. The
credit facility is secured by a senior security interest of substantially
all property, plant and equipment and all accounts receivable and inventory
of the Company's domestic subsidiaries.

As of December 28, 1996, the Company's revolving credit facility provided
$23,650,000 of total borrowing availability. There was $14,575,000
outstanding under that facility at December 28, 1996. The Company had
executed letters of credit of $632,000 against this facility, leaving an
available line of credit of $8,443,000 at December 28, 1996. As of December
28, 1996, the assets of Victory Refrigeration Company provided $5,412,000
of the $23,650,000 total borrowing availability of the revolving credit
facility.

The senior secured note bears interest at 10.99% and has an eight-year term
maturing January, 2003 with semi-annual payments of $2,500,000 beginning in
July, 2000. A warrant for the purchase of 250,000 shares of common stock of
the Company at an exercise price of $3 per share was issued in conjunction
with the note. Alternatively, the terms of the warrant provide for the
purchase of 200,000 shares at $.01 per share. The note agreement is secured
by a senior security interest in substantially all the intellectual
property collateral of the Company's subsidiaries.

The terms of the credit and note agreements prohibit the paying of
dividends, limit capital expenditures and leases, and require, among other
terms, a minimum amount, as defined, of shareholders' equity, and minimum
ratios of current assets to current liabilities, cash flow coverage
indebtedness and fixed charged coverage. The credit and note agreements
also provide that if a material adverse change in the Company's business
operations or conditions occurs, the lender and noteholder could declare an
event of default. The Company was in compliance with all covenants as
amended for the period ending December 28, 1996.

A foreign subsidiary of the Company had borrowings of $3,433,000 at
December 28, 1996, including a $1,700,000 term loan and a $1,733,000
omnibus revolving credit line. The term loan is secured by the real
property of the foreign subsidiary. The revolving credit line is guaranteed
by the Company. Interest on both the term loan and the revolving credit
line are at the prevailing bank rate. The term loan is repayable in twenty
equal quarterly installments starting on March 31, 1998 and the revolving
credit line is payable in full on January 1, 1998 if not renewed for an
additional one-year period.

The weighted average interest rates under credit agreements during fiscal
1996, 1995 and 1994 were 9.3%, 9.5% and 8.7%, respectively.


28



The aggregate amount of long-term debt payable during each of the next five
years is as follows:

(In Thousands)
1997.......................$ 3,916
1998.......................$ 4,819
1999.......................$ 1,963
2000.......................$17,390
2001.......................$ 5,340
Thereafter.................$ 7,840
-------
Total................$41,268
=======



(5) COMMON AND PREFERRED STOCK

(a) Shares Authorized

At December 28, 1996 and December 30, 1995, the Company had 20,000,000
shares of common stock and 2,000,000 shares of Non-voting Preferred Stock
authorized.

(b) Warrant

In conjunction with the issuance of the senior secured notes in January,
1995 (see Note 4), the Company issued a transferrable warrant to the
noteholders for the purchase of 250,000 shares of common stock at an
exercise price of $3 per share. Alternatively under certain conditions,
which have been met, the terms of the warrant provide for the purchase of
200,000 shares at $.01 per share. The warrant provides for adjustment of
the exercise price if the Company issues additional shares at a purchase
price below the then current market price, as defined, and for adjustment
of the number of shares if the Company declares a stock dividend. The
warrant became exercisable on February 10, 1995 and expires July 10, 2003.

(c) Stock Options

The Company maintains an Amended and Restated 1989 Stock Incentive Plan
(the "Plan"), effective as of February 16, 1989, which provides key
employees of the Company rights to purchase shares of common stock at the
fair market value of the stock on the date of grant. The Plan was amended
in 1996, by shareholder approval, to increase the maximum amount that can
be issued under the Plan to 400,000 shares from 200,000 shares. Options may
be exercised upon certain vesting requirements being met but expire, to the
extent unexercised, within a maximum of ten years from the date of grant.
147,075 shares remain available for issue at December 28, 1996 under the
Plan. The weighted average exercise price of options outstanding under the
Plan was $4.43 at December 28, 1996 and $3.10 at December 30, 1995.

29


In addition to the above Plan, the directors of the Company have options
for 7,000 shares exercisable at $1.875 per share and 75,000 shares
exercisable at $7.50 per share.

A summary of stock option activity is presented below.

Key Option
Stock Option Activity Employees Directors Price Per Share
--------------------- --------- --------- ---------------
Outstanding at
December 31, 1994......... 140,000 9,000 $1.25 to $4.38

Granted................... 39,000 - $5.63

Exercised................. (22,000) - $1.25 to $4.38

Forfeited................. (2,000) - $3.00
------- ---

Outstanding at
December 30, 1995......... 155,000 9,000 $1.25 to $5.63

Granted................... 60,000 75,000 $5.25 to $7.50

Exercised............... (72,500) (2,000) $1.25 to $4.38

Forfeited............... (5,900) - $3.00 to $5.63
------- ---

Outstanding at
December 28, 1996......... 136,600 82,000 $1.25 to $7.50
======= ======

The weighted average fair value of options granted was $5.78 and $3.82 in
1996 and 1995, respectively. The Company accounts for options under APB
Opinion No. 25, under which no compensation cost has been recognized. Had
compensation cost for

30




these options been recorded, the Company's net income and earnings per
share would have been reduced as follows:




1996 1995
---- ----

Earnings from Continuing Operations: As Reported $3,083,000 $2,745,000
Pro Forma $2,893,000 $2,671,000

Net Earnings: As Reported $ 473,000 $3,164,000
Pro Forma $ 283,000 $3,090,000

Continuing Operations EPS: As Reported $ 0.35 $ 0.31
Pro Forma $ 0.33 $ 0.31

EPS: As Reported $ 0.05 $ 0.36
Pro Forma $ 0.03 $ 0.36


Under SFAS 123, the fair value of each option grant is estimated on the
date of grant using the following general assumptions for 1995 and 1996:
risk-free interest rate of 6.5 percent, no expected dividend yield,
expected lives of four to five years, and an expected annual increase in
stock value of ten percent.


(6) PROVISION FOR PRODUCT LINE DISCONTINUANCE AND
RESTRUCTURING CHARGE

Company management made the decision to discontinue the production of a
unique line of mixers during the fourth quarter of 1995. A provision of
$900,000 was recorded for this product line discontinuance. The charge
related to the disposal and rationalization of assets associated with the
product line and its operations. No changes in operating personnel were
made as a result of this decision.


(7) INCOME TAXES

The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 109 "Accounting for Income
Taxes."

The provision for income taxes for continuing operations is summarized as
follows:

(In Thousands)
1996 1995 1994
---- ---- ----
Federal $1,153 $ (385) $ 460
State and Local 188 183 144
Foreign 48 62 10
------ ------ ------
Total $1,389 $ (140) $ 614
====== ====== ======


31



Although the Company is not a Federal taxpayer due to its NOL
carry-forwards, a tax provision is still required to be recorded. The
majority of the NOL carry-forwards expiring prior to 1998 relate to a 1983
quasi-reorganization and were not recorded as a credit to the tax
provision, but were directly credited to paid-in-capital. NOL's expiring in
1998 and thereafter will be recorded entirely as a credit to the tax
provision as they are recognized. Reconciliation of the differences between
income taxes computed at the Federal statutory rate and effective rate are
as follows:

(In Thousands)
1996 1995 1994
---- ---- ----
U.S. Federal statutory tax rate........ 34.0% 34.0% 34.0%
Utilizations of NOL and reductions
in valuation allowance............ (19.3) (65.6) (18.1)
Permanent book vs. tax
differences....................... 1.2 15.5 7.6
Foreign tax losses and rate
differentials..................... 11.0 3.7 (7.0)
State taxes, net of federal
benefit........................... 4.2 7.0 5.1
--- --- ---
Consolidated effective tax rate for
continuing operations............. 31.1% (5.4%) 21.6%
===== ====== =====

As of December 28, 1996 and December 30, 1995, the Company had recorded the
following deferred tax assets and liabilities which were comprised of the
following:

(In Thousands)
1996 1995
---- ----
Deferred Tax Assets:
Net operating loss carry-forwards... $12,073 $13,736
Tax credit carry-forwards........... 1,503 1,426
Accrued pension benefits............ 703 606
Accrued warranty.................... 641 469
Other............................... 1,141 960
Valuation allowance................. (9,437) (10,515)
------- -------
Deferred Tax Assets....... 6,624 6,682
Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Depreciation........................ (1,588) (1,666)
------ ------
Net Deferred Tax Assets....................... $ 5,036 $ 5,016
======= =======


32



As of December 28, 1996, the consolidated tax loss carry-forwards for
Federal income tax purposes were approximately $12,073,000 on a tax
effected basis. These carry-forwards expire as follows: $6,849,000 in 1997;
$3,000 in 1998; $264,000 in 2001; $508,000 in 2004; $1,619,000 in 2005;
$1,913,000 in 2006; and $917,000 in 2007. Consolidated business tax credit
carry-forwards available at December 28, 1996 to reduce future tax
liabilities were approximately $898,000 and expire from 1996 through 2000.
The Company also has tax credits of approximately $605,000 resulting from
Federal AMT payments which do not expire.

The decrease in the gross tax asset and the related Valuation allowance was
primarily due to the utilization of NOL carryforwards during the year. The
utilization of the net operating loss and credit carry-forwards depend
on future taxable income during the applicable carry-forward periods.
Management evaluates and adjusts the valuation allowance, based on the
Company's expected taxable income as part of the annual budgeting process.
These adjustments reflect management's judgment as to the Company's ability
to generate taxable income which will, more likely than not, be sufficient
to recognize these tax assets.


(8) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

The Company leases office and plant facilities and equipment under
operating leases which expire in fiscal 1997 through 2001. Rental expense
was $692,000, $816,000 and $897,000 in fiscal 1996, 1995, and 1994,
respectively. Future minimum rental payments under these leases are as
follows:

(In Thousands)
1997................. $782,000
1998................. 709,000
1999................. 550,000
2000................. 552,000
2001................. 405,000
Thereafter....... -
--------
$2,998,000
==========

In addition to the above, the Company entered into an agreement with the
landlord of the Victory Refrigeration Company facility (before that
subsidiary was sold - see Note 3) to guarantee Victory's lease payments.
The duration of this lease guarantee is 19 months. The contingent liability
related to this guarantee totals approximately $996,000 at December 28,
1996. This contingent liability is scheduled to decrease by approximately
$52,400 per month during fiscal 1997.

33



(9) SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company is engaged in the manufacture and sale of commercial and
institutional food cooking and preparation equipment for the foodservice
industry. The Company's principal operations are in the United States, with
a majority of sales made to domestic dealers and distributors. No customer
accounted for 10% or more of sales during fiscal 1996, 1995 and 1994.

Sales outside the United States, based on dealer locations, are given
below. These export sales represented 37%, 36% and 35% of the Company's net
sales in fiscal 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. Additionally, a small
amount of sales to U.S. customers are transshipped by those customers for
installation at their international locations.

The following represents net sales as reported by each major geographic
region:

Restated Restated
1996 1995 1994
---- ---- ----
United States $ 78,594 $ 67,878 $60,971

Asia/Pacific 25,606 20,161 13,641
Europe/Other 11,248 10,430 8,986
Latin America 5,281 4,036 6,790
Canada 4,036 3,843 3,770
----- ----- -----
Total International 46,171 38,470 33,187

Total Net Sales $124,765 $106,348 $94,158
======== ======== =======


(10) EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

The Company has a discretionary profit sharing plan and a 401(k) savings
plan for salaried and non-union hourly employees. The company had profit
sharing expense of $350,000, $325,000 and $300,000 in fiscal 1996, 1995 and
1994, respectively.

The Company has a defined benefit pension plan for union hourly plant
employees at the Elgin, Illinois facility. The company's funding policy is
to contribute the minimum required by the Employee Retirement Income
Security Act of 1974. The plan had projected benefit obligations of
$1,911,000 and $1,653,000 at December 28, 1996 and December 30, 1995,
respectively. The market values of plan assets were $1,549,000 and
$1,371,000 at December 28, 1996 and December 30, 1995, respectively. The
discount rates used to determine the projected benefit obligations were
7.5% and 7.5% for 1996 and 1995, respectively. The net pension expense for
this plan was $155,000, $140,000 and $185,000 for fiscal 1996, 1995 and
1994, respectively.


34


In fiscal 1993, the Company adopted a non-qualified defined benefit pension
plan for certain officers of the Company and entered into a retirement
benefit agreement with its President. The Company also has a retirement
benefit agreement with its Chairman. The retirement benefit is based on a
percentage of the officer's final base salary and the number of years of
employment. The projected benefit obligations under these agreements were
$2,067,000 and $1,812,000 at December 28, 1996 and December 30, 1995,
respectively, and is currently unfunded. The discount rates used to
determine the projected benefit obligations were 7.5% and 7.5% for 1996 and
1995, respectively. Retirement benefit expense was $255,000, $255,000 and
$259,000 in fiscal 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.


(11) QUARTERLY DATA (UNAUDITED)



(In thousands, except per share data)
Restated Restated Restated Restated
1st 2nd 3rd 4th
--- --- --- ---

1996
----
Net sales...................... $29,510 $28,661 $31,400 $35,194
Gross margin................... 8,567 8,529 9,373 10,966
Operating income............... 2,288 1,671 2,062 2,656
Earnings from continuing
operations................ 766 401 624 1,292
(Loss) earnings from
discontinued operations... (80) (432) (1,603) (495)
Net earnings (Loss)............ 686 (31) (979) 797
Net earnings (loss) per share:
Continuing operations..... .09 .04 .07 .15
Discontinued operations... (.01) (.04) (.19) (.06)
Net earnings (Loss) per common
share..................... .08 .00 (.12) .09
=== === ==== ===


1995
----
Net sales...................... $25,743 $25,646 $27,558 $27,401
Gross margin................... 7,667 7,492 8,389 8,959
Operating income............... 1,836 1,484 2,117 1,459
Earnings from continuing
operations................ 497 437 739 1,072
(Loss) earnings from
discontinued operations... 168 180 144 (73)
Net earnings................... 665 617 883 999
Net earnings (loss) per share:
Continuing operations..... .06 .05 .08 .12
Discontinued operations... .02 .02 .02 (.01)
Net earnings per common
share..................... .08 .07 .10 .11
==== ==== === ===


35





THE MIDDLEBY CORPORATION

SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES
FISCAL YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 28, 1996, DECEMBER 30, 1995,
AND DECEMBER 31, 1994
---------------------


Balance Additions Write-Offs Balance
Beginning Charged During the At End
Of Period Expense the Period Of Period
--------- ------- ---------- ---------

Allowance for
doubtful accounts;
deducted from
accounts receiv-
able on the
balance sheets-

1994 $345,000 $202,000 $(205,000) $342,000

1995 $342,000 $170,000 $ (99,000) $413,000

1996 $413,000 $117,000 $ (35,000) $495,000


Reserve for
inventory
obsolescence;
deducted from
inventories on
the balance
sheets-

1994 $940,000 $457,000 $(882,000) $515,000

1995 $515,000 $783,000 $(282,000) $1,016,000

1996 $1,016,000 $209,000 $(279,000) $946,000



36




Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on
- ------- ------------------------------------------------
Accounting and Financial Disclosure
-----------------------------------

None.



PART III

The information required by Part III (Items 10, 11, 12 and 13) is incorporated
by reference, to the extent necessary, in accordance with General Instruction
G(3), from the Company's definitive proxy statement filed pursuant to Regulation
14A in connection with the 1997 annual meeting of stockholders.



PART IV

Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K

(a) 1. Financial statements.

The financial statements listed on Page 14 are filed as part of this
Form 10-K.


3. Exhibits.

(3)(i) Unofficial Restated Certificate of Incorporation of The
Middleby Corporation (as amended to August 23, 1996),
incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 10-Q/A,
Amendment No. 1, Exhibit 3(i), for the fiscal quarter ended
June 29, 1996, filed on August 23, 1996;

(3)(ii) Unofficial Amended and Restated Bylaws of The Middleby
Corporation (as amended to August 23, 1996), incorporated by
reference to the Company's Form 10-Q/A, Amendment No. 1,
Exhibit 3(ii), for the fiscal quarter ended June 29, 1996,
filed on August 23, 1996;

(4)(a) Certificate of Designations dated October 30, 1987, and
specimen stock certificate relating to the Company's
Preferred Stock, incorporated by reference from the
Company's Form 10-K, Exhibit (4), for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1988, filed on March 15, 1989;


37





(4)(b) Loan and Security Agreement dated January 9, 1995, by and
among Middleby Marshall Inc. and Asbury Associates, Inc., as
Borrowers, certain lenders named therein, as Lenders, and
Sanwa Business Credit Corporation, as Agent and Lender,
incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 10-K,
Exhibit (4) (b), for the fiscal year ended December 31,
1994, filed on March 31, 1995;

(4)(b)(i) First Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, incorporated
by reference to the Company's Form 10-Q, Exhibit (4)(b)(i),
for the fiscal quarter ended June 29, 1996, filed on
August 13, 1996;

(4)(b)(ii) Second Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated as
of December 26, 1996;

(4)(b)(iii) Third Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of
January 22, 1997;

(4)(c) Note Agreement dated as of January 1, 1995, among Middleby
Marshall Inc. and Asbury Associates, Inc. as Obligors,
incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 10-K,
Exhibit (4) (c), for the fiscal year ended December 31,
1994, filed on March 31, 1995;

(4)(c)(i) Amendment No. 1 to Note Agreement, incorporated by reference
to the Company's Form 10-Q, Exhibit (4)(c)(i), for the
fiscal quarter ended June 29, 1996, filed August 13, 1996;

(4)(c)(ii) Amendment No. 2 to Note Agreement, incorporated by reference
to the Company's Form 10-Q, Exhibit (4)(c)(ii), for the
fiscal quarter ended June 29, 1996, filed on August 13,
1996;

(4)(c)(iii) Amendment No. 3 to Note Agreement, dated as of August 15,
1996;

(4)(c)(iv) "Second Amendment" (Amendment No. 4) to Note Agreement,
dated as of January 15, 1997;

(4)(d) Warrant to purchase common stock of The Middleby Corporation
dated January 10, 1995, incorporated by reference to the
Company's Form 10-K, Exhibit (4) (d), for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 1994, filed on March 31, 1995;

38


(4)(e) Intercreditor Agreement dated as of January 10, 1995, by and
among Sanwa Business Credit Corporation, as Agent, the
Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, as the Senior
Noteholder, and First Security Bank of Utah, National
Association, as Security Trustee and collateral Agent,
incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 10-K,
Exhibit (4) (e), for the fiscal year ended December 31,
1994, filed on March 31, 1995;

(4)(e)(i) Amendment No. 1 to Intercreditor Agreement, incorporated by
reference to the Company's Form 10-Q, Exhibit (4)(e)(i), for
the fiscal quarter ended June 29, 1996, filed on August 13,
1996;

(4)(e)(ii) Amendment No. 2 to Intercreditor Agreement, incorporated by
reference to the Company's Form 10-Q, Exhibit (4)(e)(ii),
for the fiscal quarter ended June 29, 1996, filed on
August 13, 1996;

(10)(iii)(a)* Amended and Restated Employment Agreement of William F.
Whitman, Jr., dated January 1, 1995, incorporated by
reference to the Company's Form 10-Q, Exhibit (10)(iii)(a),
for the fiscal quarter ended April 1, 1995;

(10)(iii)(b)* Amended and Restated Employment Agreement of David P. Riley,
dated January 1, 1995, incorporated by reference to the
Company's 10-Q, Exhibit (10) (iii) (b) for the fiscal
quarter ended April 1, 1995;

(10)(iii)(c)* Amended and Restated Employment Agreement of independent
directors adopted as of January 1, 1995, incorporated by
reference to the Company's Form 10-Q, Exhibit (10)(iii)(c),
for the fiscal quarter ended April 1, 1995;

(10)(iii)(d)* The Middleby Corporation Amended and Restated 1989 Stock
Incentive Plan, as amended, incorporated by reference to the
Company's Form 10-Q, Exhibit (10)(iii)(d), for the fiscal
quarter ended June 29, 1996, filed on August l3, 1996;

(10)(iii)(e)* 1993 Performance Bonus Plan (Corporate Vice Presidents)
incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 10-K,
Exhibit 10 (iii) (g), for the fiscal year ended January 1,
1994, filed on March 31, 1994;

39



(10)(iii)(f)* 1996 Management Incentive Plan (Corporate Vice Presidents),
incorporated by reference to Company's Form 10-Q,
Exhibit 10(iii)(f), for the fiscal quarter ended
June 29, 1996, filed on August 13, 1996;

(10)(iii)(g)* Description of Supplemental Retirement Program, incorporated
by reference to Amendment No. 1 to the Company's Form 10-Q,
Exhibit 10 (c), for the fiscal quarter ended July 3, 1993,
filed on August 25, 1993;

(10)(iii)(h)* The Middleby Corporation Stock Ownership Plan, incorporated
by reference to the Company's Form 10-K,
Exhibit (10)(iii)(m), for the fiscal year ended
January 1, 1994, filed on March 31, 1994;

(10)(iii)(i)* Amendment to The Middleby Corporation Stock Ownership Plan
dated as of January 1, 1994; incorporated by reference to
the Company's Form 10-K, Exhibit (10) (iii) (n), for the
fiscal year ended December 31,1994, filed on March 31, 1995;

(10)(iii)(j) Agreement of Purchase and Sale of the Company's Cherry Hill,
New Jersey facility, with attached lease, incorporated by
reference to the Company's Form 10-Q, Exhibit (10)(iii)(j),
for the fiscal quarter ended September 28, 1996, filed on
November 12, 1996;

(10)(iii)(k) Asset Purchase Agreement among Middleby Marshall Inc.,
Victory Refrigeration Company and Victory Acquisition Group
dated December 27, 1996, incorporated by reference to the
Company's Form 8-K, Exhibit (10)(iii)(k), filed on February
7, 1997;

(22) List of subsidiaries;

(27) Financial Data Schedules (EDGAR only);

(99) Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information, incorporated by
reference to the Company's Form 8-K, Exhibit (99), filed on
September 7, 1995;

* Designates management contract or compensation plan.

(b) There were no reports on Form 8-K in the fiscal fourth quarter of 1996.
Subsequent to the end of the period, on February 10, 1997, the Company
filed a Current Report on Form 8-K to report the completion of its sale of
the Victory Refrigeration Company subsidiary.

(c) See the financial statement schedule included under Item 8.

40


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, on the 28th of March,
1997.

THE MIDDLEBY CORPORATION

BY: /s/ David P. Riley
------------------
David P. Riley
President, Chief Executive
Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
Registrant and in the capacities indicated on March 28, 1997.

Signatures Title
---------- -----

PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER

/s/ David P. Riley President, Chief Executive Officer,
------------------- and Director
David P. Riley


PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL AND
ACCOUNTING OFFICER

/s/ John J. Hastings Executive Vice President, Chief
--------------------- Financial Officer, Secretary and
John J. Hastings Treasurer



DIRECTORS

/s/ William F. Whitman, Jr. Chairman of the Board and Director
----------------------------
William F. Whitman, Jr.

/s/ Newell Garfield, Jr. Director
-------------------------
Newell Garfield, Jr.

/s/ Robert R. Henry Director
--------------------
Robert R. Henry

/s/ A. Don Lummus Director
------------------
A. Don Lummus

41




/s/ John R. Miller, III Director
------------------------
John R. Miller, III

/s/ Philip G. Putnam Director
---------------------
Philip G. Putnam

/s/ Sabin C. Streeter Director
----------------------
Sabin C. Streeter

/s/ Joseph G. Tompkins Director
-----------------------
Joseph G. Tompkins

/s/ Laura B. Whitman Director
----------------------
Laura B. Whitman

/s/ Robert L. Yohe Director
-------------------
Robert L. Yohe


42