Document:

<PAGE>

                                                           Exhibit 10.8

                                  USI GUARANTY

            GUARANTY, dated as of March 24, 2000 (as amended, modified or
supplemented from time to time, this "Guaranty"), made by U.S. Industries, Inc.,
a Delaware corporation and USI Global Corp., a Delaware corporation (each a
"Guarantor" and collectively, the "Guarantors") for the benefit of the Secured
Creditors (as hereinafter defined). Except as otherwise defined herein,
capitalized terms used herein and defined in the Credit Agreement (as defined
below) shall be used herein as therein defined.

                            W I T N E S S E T H :
                            - - - - - - - - - -

            WHEREAS, Strategic Industries, Inc., Rexair, Inc. (the "Borrower"),
various lenders from time to time party thereto (the "Lenders"), DLJ Capital
Funding, Inc., as Syndication Agent (in such capacity, the "Syndication Agent")
and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent (together with any successor
administrative agent, the "Administrative Agent"), have entered into a Credit
Agreement, dated as of March 24, 2000, providing for the making of Loans as
contemplated therein (as used herein, the term "Credit Agreement" means the
Credit Agreement described above in this paragraph, as the same may be amended,
modified, extended, renewed, replaced or supplemented from time to time, and
including any agreement extending the maturity of, or restructuring all or any
portion of the Indebtedness under such agreement or any successor agreement)
(the Lenders, the Syndication Agent, the Administrative Agent and the Collateral
Agent are herein called the "Lender Creditors");

            WHEREAS, the Borrower may at any time and from time to time enter
into one or more interest rate protection agreements (each such agreement, to
the extent entered into in accordance with the provisions of Section 9.03(iii)
of the Credit Agreement, being referred to herein as an "Interest Rate
Protection Agreement" and all such agreements, collectively, being referred to
herein as "Interest Rate Protection Agreements") with one or more Lenders or any
affiliate thereof (each such Lender or affiliate, even if the respective Lender
subsequently ceases to be a Lender under the Credit Agreement for any reason,
together with such Lender's or affiliate's successors and assigns, if any,
collectively, the "Other Creditors," and together with the Lender Creditors, the
"Secured Creditors");

            WHEREAS, it is a condition precedent to the making of Loans under
the Credit Agreement that the Guarantors shall have executed and delivered this
Guaranty; and

            WHEREAS, the Guarantors will obtain benefits from the incurrence by
the Borrower and the Lenders of Loans, and issuance to the Borrower of Letters
of Credit, under the Credit Agreement and the entering into by the Borrower and
the Lenders of Interest Rate Protection Agreements and, accordingly, desire to
execute this Guaranty in order to satisfy the conditions described in the
preceding paragraph;

            NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and other benefits
accruing to the Guarantors, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby
acknowledged, the

<PAGE>

Guarantors on a joint and several basis, hereby make the following
representations and warranties to the Secured Creditors and hereby covenant and
agree with each Secured Creditor as follows:

            1. The Guarantors irrevocably and unconditionally guarantee: (i) to
the Lender Creditors the full and prompt payment when due (whether at the stated
maturity, by acceleration or otherwise) of (x) the principal of and interest on
the Loans made to the Borrower under the Credit Agreement and all reimbursement
obligations and Unpaid Drawings with respect to Letters of Credit issued under
the Credit Agreement and (y) all other obligations (including obligations which,
but for the automatic stay under Section 362(a) of the Bankruptcy Code, would
become due) and liabilities owing by the Borrower to the Lender Creditors under
the Credit Agreement or any other Credit Document to which the Borrower is a
party (including, without limitation, indemnities, Fees and interest thereon),
whether now existing or hereafter incurred under, arising out of or in
connection with the Credit Agreement or any such other Credit Document and the
due performance and compliance by the Borrower with all of the terms, conditions
and agreements contained in the Credit Documents (all such principal, interest,
liabilities and obligations being herein collectively called the "Credit
Document Obligations"); and (ii) to each Other Creditor the full and prompt
payment when due (whether at the stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise)
of all obligations (including obligations which, but for the automatic stay
under Section 362(a) of the Bankruptcy Code, would become due) and liabilities
owing by the Borrower under any Interest Rate Protection Agreement, whether now
in existence or hereafter arising, and the due performance and compliance by the
Borrower with all of the terms, conditions and agreements contained in the
Interest Rate Protection Agreements (all such obligations and liabilities being
herein collectively called the "Other Obligations," and together with the Credit
Document Obligations are herein collectively called the "Guaranteed
Obligations"). Each Guarantor understands, agrees and confirms that the Secured
Creditors may enforce this Guaranty up to the full amount of the Guaranteed
Obligations against the Guarantors without proceeding against the Borrower,
against any security for the Guaranteed Obligations, or under any other guaranty
covering all or a portion of the Guaranteed Obligations.

            2. Additionally, each Guarantor unconditionally and irrevocably
guarantees the payment of any and all Guaranteed Obligations to the Secured
Creditors whether or not due or payable by the Borrower upon the occurrence in
respect of the Borrower of any of the events specified in Section 10.05 of the
Credit Agreement, and unconditionally and irrevocably promises to pay such
Guaranteed Obligations to the Secured Creditors, or order, on demand, in lawful
money of the United States. This Guaranty shall constitute a guaranty of
payment, and not of collection.

            3. The liability of the Guarantors hereunder is exclusive and
independent of any security for or other guaranty of the indebtedness of the
Borrower whether executed by the Guarantors, any other guarantor or by any other
party, and the liability of the Guarantors hereunder shall not be affected or
impaired by any circumstance or occurrence whatsoever, including, without
limitation: (a) any direction as to application of payment by the Borrower or by
any other party, (b) any other continuing or other guaranty, undertaking or
maximum liability of a guarantor or of any other party as to the Guaranteed
Obligations, (c) any payment on or in reduction of any such other guaranty or
undertaking, (d) any dissolution, termination or increase,

                                       2
<PAGE>

decrease or change in personnel by the Borrower, (e) any payment made to any
Secured Creditor on the indebtedness which any Secured Creditor repays the
Borrower pursuant to court order in any bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement,
moratorium or other debtor relief proceeding, and each Guarantor waives any
right to the deferral or modification of its obligations hereunder by reason of
any such proceeding, (f) any action or inaction by the Secured Creditors as
contemplated in Section 6 hereof, or (g) any invalidity, irregularity or
unenforceability of all or part of the Guaranteed Obligations or of any security
therefor.

            4. The obligations of the Guarantors hereunder are independent of
the obligations of any other guarantor of the Borrower or the Borrower, and a
separate action or actions may be brought and prosecuted against the Guarantors
whether or not action is brought against any other guarantor of the Borrower or
the Borrower and whether or not any other guarantor of the Borrower or the
Borrower be joined in any such action or actions. Each Guarantor expressly
acknowledges and agrees that any payment by the Borrower or other circumstance
which operates to toll any statute of limitations as to the Borrower shall
operate to toll the statute of limitations as to the Guarantor.

            5. Each Guarantor hereby waives notice of acceptance of this
Guaranty and notice of any liability to which it may apply, and waives
promptness, diligence, presentment, demand of payment, protest, notice of
dishonor or nonpayment of any such liabilities, suit or taking of other action
by the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Creditor against, and any other
notice to, any party liable thereon (including the Guarantors, any other
guarantor or the Borrower).

            6. Any Secured Creditor may at any time and from time to time
without the consent of, or notice to, the Guarantors, without incurring
responsibility to the Guarantors, without impairing or releasing the obligations
of the Guarantors hereunder, upon or without any terms or conditions and in
whole or in part:

            (a) change the manner, place or terms of payment of, and/or change
      or extend the time of payment of, renew or alter, any of the Guaranteed
      Obligations (including any increase or decrease in the rate of interest
      thereon), any security therefor, or any liability incurred directly or
      indirectly in respect thereof, and the guaranty herein made shall apply to
      the Guaranteed Obligations as so changed, extended, renewed or altered;

            (b) take and hold security for the payment of the Guaranteed
      Obligations and sell, exchange, release, surrender, realize upon or
      otherwise deal with in any manner and in any order any property by
      whomsoever at any time pledged or mortgaged to secure, or howsoever
      securing, the Guaranteed Obligations or any liabilities (including any of
      those hereunder) incurred directly or indirectly in respect thereof or
      hereof, and/or any offset thereagainst;

            (c) exercise or refrain from exercising any rights against the
      Borrower or others or otherwise act or refrain from acting;

                                       3
<PAGE>

            (d) release or substitute any one or more endorsers, guarantors, the
      Borrower or other obligors;

            (e) settle or compromise any of the Guaranteed Obligations, any
      security therefor or any liability (including any of those hereunder)
      incurred directly or indirectly in respect thereof or hereof, and may
      subordinate the payment of all or any part thereof to the payment of any
      liability (whether due or not) of the Borrower to creditors of the
      Borrower other than the Secured Creditors;

            (f) apply any sums by whomsoever paid or howsoever realized to any
      liability or liabilities of the Borrower to the Secured Creditors
      regardless of what liabilities of the Borrower remain unpaid;

            (g) consent to or waive any breach of, or any act, omission or
      default under, any of the Interest Rate Protection Agreements, the Credit
      Documents or any of the instruments or agreements referred to therein, or
      otherwise amend, modify or supplement any of the Interest Rate Protection
      Agreements, the Credit Documents or any of such other instruments or
      agreements; and/or

            (h) act or fail to act in any manner referred to in this Guaranty
      which may deprive any Guarantor of its right to subrogation against the
      Borrower to recover full indemnity for any payments made pursuant to this
      Guaranty.

            7. No invalidity, irregularity or unenforceability of all or any
part of the Guaranteed Obligations or of any security therefor shall affect,
impair or be a defense to this Guaranty, and this Guaranty shall be primary,
absolute and unconditional notwithstanding the occurrence of any event or the
existence of any other circumstances which might constitute a legal or equitable
discharge of a surety or guarantor except payment in full of the Guaranteed
Obligations.

            8. This Guaranty is a continuing one and all liabilities to which it
applies or may apply under the terms hereof shall be conclusively presumed to
have been created in reliance hereon. No failure or delay on the part of any
Secured Creditor in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder shall
operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any
right, power or privilege hereunder preclude any other or further exercise
thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege. The rights and
remedies herein expressly specified are cumulative and not exclusive of any
rights or remedies which any Secured Creditor would otherwise have. No notice to
or demand on the Guarantors in any case shall entitle the Guarantors to any
other further notice or demand in similar or other circumstances or constitute a
waiver of the rights of any Secured Creditor to any other or further action in
any circumstances without notice or demand. It is not necessary for any Secured
Creditor to inquire into the capacity or powers of the Borrower or the officers,
directors, partners or agents acting or purporting to act on its behalf, and any
indebtedness made or created in reliance upon the professed exercise of such
powers shall be guaranteed hereunder.

                                       4
<PAGE>

            9. Any indebtedness of the Borrower now or hereafter held by any
Guarantor is hereby subordinated to the indebtedness of the Borrower to the
Secured Creditors, and such indebtedness of the Borrower to any Guarantor, if
the Administrative Agent, after an Event of Default has occurred, so requests,
shall be collected, enforced and received by the Guarantors as trustee for the
Secured Creditors and be paid over to the Secured Creditors on account of the
indebtedness of the Borrower to the Secured Creditors, but without affecting or
impairing in any manner the liability of the Guarantors under the other
provisions of this Guaranty. Prior to the transfer by the Guarantors of any note
or negotiable instrument evidencing any indebtedness of the Borrower to any
Guarantor, the Guarantors shall mark such note or negotiable instrument with a
legend that the same is subject to this subordination. Without limiting the
generality of the foregoing, each Guarantor hereby agrees with the Secured
Creditors that it will not exercise any right of subrogation which it may at any
time otherwise have as a result of this Guaranty (whether contractual, under
Section 509 of the Bankruptcy Code or otherwise) until all Guaranteed
Obligations have been irrevocably paid in full in cash.

            10. (a) Each Guarantor waives any right (except as shall be required
by applicable statute and cannot be waived) to require the Secured Creditors to:
(i) proceed against the Borrower, any other guarantor of the Guaranteed
Obligations or any other party; (ii) proceed against or exhaust any security
held from the Borrower, any other guarantor of the Guaranteed Obligations or any
other party; or (iii) pursue any other remedy in the Secured Creditors' power
whatsoever. Each Guarantor waives any defense based on or arising out of any
defense of the Borrower, any other guarantor of the Guaranteed Obligations or
any other party other than payment in full of the Guaranteed Obligations,
including, without limitation, any defense based on or arising out of the
disability of the Borrower, any other guarantor of the Guaranteed Obligations or
any other party, or the unenforceability of the Guaranteed Obligations or any
part thereof from any cause, or the cessation from any cause of the liability of
the Borrower other than payment in full of the Guaranteed Obligations. The
Secured Creditors may, at their election, foreclose on any security held by the
Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent or the other Secured Creditors by one
or more judicial or nonjudicial sales, whether or not every aspect of any such
sale is commercially reasonable (to the extent such sale is permitted by
applicable law), or exercise any other right or remedy the Secured Creditors may
have against the Borrower or any other party, or any security, without affecting
or impairing in any way the liability of the Guarantor hereunder except to the
extent the Guaranteed Obligations have been paid in full in cash. Each Guarantor
waives any defense arising out of any such election by the Secured Creditors,
even though such election operates to impair or extinguish any right of
reimbursement or subrogation or other right or remedy of any Guarantor against
the Borrower or any other party or any security.

            (b) Each Guarantor waives all presentments, demands for performance,
protests and notices, including, without limitation, notices of nonperformance,
notices of protest, notices of dishonor, notices of acceptance of this Guaranty,
and notices of the existence, creation or incurring of new or additional
indebtedness. Each Guarantor assumes all responsibility for being and keeping
itself informed of the Borrower's financial condition and assets, and of all
other circumstances bearing upon the risk of nonpayment of the Guaranteed
Obligations and the nature, scope and extent of the risks which the Guarantor
assumes and incurs hereunder, and

                                       5
<PAGE>

agrees that the Secured Creditors shall have no duty to advise the Guarantors of
information known to them regarding such circumstances or risks.

            11. In order to induce the Lenders to make Loans and issue Letters
of Credit pursuant to the Credit Agreement, and in order to induce the Other
Creditors to execute, deliver and perform the Interest Rate Protection
Agreements, each Guarantor makes the following representations, warranties and
agreements:

            (a) CORPORATE STATUS. Each Guarantor (i) is a duly organized and
      validly existing corporation in good standing under the laws of the
      jurisdiction of its organization, (ii) has the requisite power and
      authority to own its property and assets and to transact the business in
      which it is engaged and presently proposes to engage and (iii) is duly
      qualified and is authorized to do business and is in good standing in each
      jurisdiction where the ownership, leasing or operation of its property or
      the conduct of its business requires such qualifications, except for
      failures to be so qualified which, individually or in the aggregate, could
      not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the
      business, operations, property, assets, liabilities, condition (financial
      or otherwise) or prospects of any Guarantor or the Guarantors and the
      Guarantors' Subsidiaries taken as a whole.

            (b) POWER AND AUTHORITY. Each Guarantor has the requisite power and
      authority to execute, deliver and perform the terms and provisions of this
      Guaranty and each other Credit Document to which it is a party and has
      taken all necessary action to authorize the execution, delivery and
      performance by it of this Guaranty and each such other Credit Document.
      Each Guarantor has duly executed and delivered this Guaranty and each
      other Credit Document to which it is a party, and this Guaranty and each
      such other Credit Document constitutes its legal, valid and binding
      obligation, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except to the extent
      that the enforceability hereof or thereof may be limited by applicable
      bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws
      generally affecting creditors' rights and by equitable principles
      (regardless of whether enforcement is sought in equity or at law).

            (c) NO VIOLATION. Neither the execution, delivery or performance by
      the Guarantors of this Guaranty or any other Credit Document to which any
      Guarantor is a party, nor compliance by it with the terms and provisions
      hereof or thereof, (i) will contravene any provision of any law, statute,
      rule or regulation or any order, writ, injunction or decree of any court
      or governmental instrumentality, (ii) will conflict with or result in any
      breach of any of the terms, covenants, conditions or provisions of, or
      constitute a default under, or result in the creation or imposition of (or
      the obligation to create or impose) any Lien upon any of the property or
      assets of any Guarantor or any of the Guarantors' Subsidiaries pursuant to
      the terms of any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, credit agreement or
      loan agreement, or any other material agreement, contract or instrument,
      to which any Guarantor or any of the Guarantors' Subsidiaries is a party
      or by which it or any of its property or assets is bound or to which it
      may be subject or (iii) will violate any provision of the certificate of
      incorporation, partnership agreement, by-laws or

                                       6
<PAGE>

      equivalent organizational or charter documents of any Guarantor or any of
      the Guarantors' Subsidiaries.

            (d) GOVERNMENTAL APPROVALS. No order, consent, approval, license,
      authorization or validation of, or filing, recording or registration with
      (except as have been obtained or made prior to the Effective Date), or
      exemption by, any governmental or public body or authority, or any
      subdivision thereof, is required to authorize, or is required in
      connection with, (i) the execution, delivery and performance of this
      Guaranty or any other Credit Document to which any Guarantor is a party or
      (ii) the legality, validity, binding effect or enforceability of this
      Guaranty or any such other Credit Document.

            (e) LITIGATION. There are no actions, suits or proceedings pending
      or, to the best knowledge of any Guarantor, overtly threatened with
      respect to this Guaranty or any other Credit Document to which any
      Guarantor is a party.

            (f) TRUE AND COMPLETE DISCLOSURE. All factual information (taken as
      a whole) furnished by the Guarantors in writing to the Agents or any
      Lender for purposes of or in connection with this Guaranty, the other
      Credit Documents or any transaction contemplated herein or therein is, and
      all other such factual information (taken as a whole) hereafter furnished
      by the Guarantors in writing to the Administrative Agent or any Lender
      will be, true and accurate in all material respects on the date as of
      which such information is dated or certified and not incomplete by
      omitting to state any fact necessary to make such information (taken as a
      whole) not misleading in any material respect at such time in light of the
      circumstances under which such information was provided.

            (g) INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT. Neither Guarantor is an "investment
      company" or a company "controlled" by an "investment company," within the
      meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

            (h) PUBLIC UTILITY HOLDING COMPANY ACT. Neither Guarantor is a
      "holding company," or a "subsidiary company" of a "holding company," or an
      "affiliate" of a "holding company" or of a "subsidiary company" of a
      "holding company" within the meaning of the Public Utility Holding Company
      Act of 1935, as amended.

            12. Each Guarantor covenants and agrees that on and after the
Effective Date and for so long as the Credit Agreement is in effect and until
the Total Commitment and all Interest Rate Protection Agreements have terminated
and the Loans, together with interest, Fees and all other Guaranteed Obligations
incurred hereunder and thereunder are paid in full, it will:

            (a) LIENS. Not create, assume or suffer to exist any Lien upon any
property or assets of such Guarantor, to secure any Indebtedness without making
effective provision for securing the Guaranteed Obligations (and, if the
Guarantors shall so determine, any other Indebtedness of the Guarantors which is
not subordinate in right of payment to the Guaranteed Obligations) (x) equally
and ratably with (or prior to) such Indebtedness as to such property or

                                       7
<PAGE>

assets for so long as such Indebtedness shall be so secured, or (y) in the event
such Indebtedness is subordinate in right of payment to the Guaranteed
Obligations, prior to such Indebtedness as to such property or assets for so
long as such Indebtedness shall be so secured.

            The foregoing restrictions will not apply to:

            (i)   Liens securing only the Guaranteed Obligations;

            (ii)  Liens in favor of only the Guarantors,

            (iii) Liens permitted under this Guaranty;

            (iv) Liens permitted to be incurred under the Credit Agreement,
      dated as of December 12, 1996, among USI American Holdings, Inc., USI
      Atlantic Corp., USI Global Corp., U.S. Industries, Inc., various banks,
      Bank of America National Trust and Savings Association, and BA Securities,
      Inc., as the same is in effect on the Effective Date, without giving
      effect to any subsequent amendments or modifications thereto and
      regardless of whether or not such agreement remains in effect thereafter.

            (b) DISSOLUTION AND SALE OF ASSETS. Not wind up, liquidate or
dissolve its affairs or convey, sell, lease or otherwise dispose of (or agree to
do any of the foregoing at any future time) all or substantially all of its
property or assets to any Person (including, without limitation, any Affiliate)
other than a Guarantor.

            (c) INFORMATION COVENANTS. Furnish to the Administrative Agent (with
sufficient copies for distribution to the Lenders), copies of (i) all financial
information, proxy materials and other information and reports, if any, (A)
which the Guarantors shall file with the SEC, or (B) which either Guarantor
shall deliver to the holders of its capital stock, and (ii) such other
information or documents (financial or otherwise) in the possession of, or
otherwise available without material cost to, the Guarantors, as the Agents or
the Required Lenders may from time to time reasonably request.

            13. As used herein, the term "Guarantor Event of Default" shall mean
the occurrence of any of the following specified events:

            (a) PAYMENTS. The Guarantors shall fail to make any payment required
      to be made by it hereunder, and such failure has continued, in the case of
      payments other than principal, for three or more Business Days; or

            (b) REPRESENTATIONS, ETC. Any representation, warranty or statement
      made by the Guarantors herein or in any certificate delivered pursuant
      hereto or thereto shall prove to be untrue in any material respect on the
      date as of which made or deemed made; or

            (c) COVENANTS. The Guarantors shall default in the due performance
      or observance by it of any term, covenant or agreement contained herein
      and such default shall continue unremedied for a period of 30 days after
      written notice to the Guarantors by the Administrative Agent or the
      Required Lenders; or

                                       8
<PAGE>

            14. Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of
Default (such term to mean and include any "Event of Default" as defined in the
Credit Agreement or any payment default under any Interest Rate Protection
Agreement continuing after any applicable grace period) or any Guarantor Event
of Default, the Required Lenders shall have the right to take all action
permitted pursuant to Section 10 of the Credit Agreement as a result thereof and
to require the Guarantors to pay to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders in
cash any amounts then owed to them pursuant to the terms of this Guaranty.

            15. The Guarantors hereby jointly and severally agree to pay all
reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses of the Administrative Agent in
connection with any amendment, waiver or consent relating hereto and of the
Administrative Agent and each of the other Secured Creditors in connection with
any enforcement of this Guaranty (including in each case, without limitation,
the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel employed by the Administrative
Agent and each other Secured Creditor).

            16. This Guaranty shall be binding upon each Guarantor and its
successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of the Secured Creditors
and their successors and assigns.

            17. Neither this Guaranty nor any provision hereof may be changed,
waived, modified, discharged or terminated except with the written consent of
the Guarantors and with the written consent of the Required Lenders (or, to such
greater extent required by Section 13.12 of the Credit Agreement); PROVIDED,
that any change, waiver or modification affecting the rights and benefits of a
single Class (as defined below) of Secured Creditors (and not all Secured
Creditors in a like or similar manner) shall also require the written consent of
the Requisite Creditors (as defined below) of such Class of Secured Creditors.
For the purpose of this Guaranty the term "Class" shall mean the Lender
Creditors as holders of the Credit Document Obligations and the Other Creditors
as the holders of the Other Obligations, respectively, and the term "Requisite
Creditors" of any Class shall mean (x) with respect to the Credit Document
Obligations, the Required Lenders (or to such greater extent as required by
Section 13.12 of the Credit Agreement), and (y) with respect to the Other
Obligations, the holders of at least a majority of all obligations outstanding
from time to time under the Interest Rate Protection Agreements.

            18. Each Guarantor acknowledges that an executed (or conformed) copy
of each of the Credit Documents and Interest Rate Protection Agreements has been
made available to it and it is familiar with the contents thereof.

            19. In addition to any rights now or hereafter granted under
applicable law (including, without limitation, Section 151 of the New York
Debtor and Secured Creditor Law) and not by way of limitation of any such
rights, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default or
a Guarantor Event of Default, each Secured Creditor is hereby authorized at any
time or from time to time, without notice to any Guarantor or to any other
Person, any such notice being expressly waived, to set off and to appropriate
and apply any and all deposits (general or special) and any other indebtedness
at any time held or owing by such Secured Creditor to or for the credit or the
account of any Guarantor, against and on account of the obligations and
liabilities of such Guarantor to such Secured Creditor under this Guaranty,

                                       9
<PAGE>

irrespective of whether or not such Secured Creditor shall have made any demand
hereunder and although said obligations, liabilities, deposits or claims, or any
of them, shall be contingent or unmatured. Each Secured Creditor acknowledges
and agrees that the provisions of this Section 19 are subject to the sharing
provisions set forth in Section 13.06 of the Credit Agreement.

            20. All notices, requests, demands or other communications pursuant
hereto shall be deemed to have been duly given or made when delivered to the
Person to which such notice, request, demand or other communication is required
or permitted to be given or made under this Guaranty, addressed to such party at
(i) in the case of any Lender Creditor, as provided in the Credit Agreement,
(ii) in the case of any Guarantor, at its address set forth opposite its
signature below and (iii) in the case of any Other Creditor, at such address as
such Other Creditor shall have specified in writing to such Guarantor; or in any
case at such other address as any of the Persons listed above may hereafter
notify the others in writing.

            21. If claim is ever made upon any Secured Creditor for repayment or
recovery of any amount or amounts received in payment or on account of any of
the Guaranteed Obligations and any of the aforesaid payees repays all or part of
said amount by reason of (i) any judgment, decree or order of any court or
administrative body having jurisdiction over such payee or any of its property
or (ii) any settlement or compromise of any such claim effected by such payee
with any such claimant (including the Borrower), then and in such event each
Guarantor agrees that any such judgment, decree, order, settlement or compromise
shall be binding upon the Guarantors, notwithstanding any revocation hereof or
other instrument evidencing any liability of the Borrower, and the Guarantors
shall be and remain liable to the aforesaid payees hereunder for the amount so
repaid or recovered to the same extent as if such amount had never originally
been received by any such payee.

            22. (A) THIS GUARANTY AND THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE SECURED
CREDITORS AND OF THE UNDERSIGNED HEREUNDER SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. Any legal action or proceeding
with respect to this Guaranty or any other Credit Document to which any
Guarantor is a party may be brought in the courts of the State of New York
located within the City of New York or of the United States of America for the
Southern District of New York, and, by execution and delivery of this Guaranty,
each Guarantor hereby irrevocably accepts for itself and in respect of its
property, generally and unconditionally, the jurisdiction of the aforesaid
courts. Each Guarantor hereby further irrevocably waives any claim that any such
courts lack jurisdiction over such Guarantor, and agrees not to plead or claim,
in any legal action or proceeding with respect to this Guaranty brought in any
of the aforesaid courts, that any such court lacks jurisdiction over such
Guarantor. Each Guarantor further irrevocably consents to the service of process
out of any of the aforementioned courts in any such action or proceeding by the
mailing of copies thereof by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, to
such Guarantor at its address set forth opposite its signature below, such
service to become effective 30 days after such mailing. Nothing herein shall
affect the right of any of the Secured Creditors to serve process in any other
manner permitted by law or to commence legal proceedings or otherwise proceed
against any Guarantor in any other jurisdiction.

                                       10
<PAGE>

            (B) Each Guarantor hereby irrevocably waives any objection which it
may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any of the aforesaid actions
or proceedings arising out of or in connection with this Guaranty or any other
Credit Document to which such Guarantor is a party brought in the courts
referred to in clause (a) above and hereby further irrevocably waives and agrees
not to plead or claim in any such court that such action or proceeding brought
in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum.

            (C) EACH GUARANTOR HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ALL RIGHTS TO A TRIAL
BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO
THIS GUARANTY, THE OTHER CREDIT DOCUMENTS TO WHICH SUCH GUARANTOR IS A PARTY OR
THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY.

            23. It is the desire and intent of the Guarantors and the Secured
Creditors that this Guaranty shall be enforced against the Guarantors to the
fullest extent permissible under the laws and public policies applied in each
jurisdiction in which enforcement is sought. If, however, and to the extent
that, the obligations of the Guarantors under this Guaranty shall be adjudicated
to be invalid or unenforceable for any reason, then the amount of the Guaranteed
Obligations of the Guarantors shall be deemed to be reduced and the Guarantors
shall pay the maximum amount of the Guaranteed Obligations which would be
permissible under applicable law.

            24. This Guaranty may be executed in any number of counterparts and
by the different parties hereto on separate counterparts, each of which when so
executed and delivered shall be an original, but all of which shall together
constitute one and the same instrument. A set of counterparts executed by all
the parties hereto shall be lodged with each Guarantor and the Administrative
Agent.

            25. All payments made by the Guarantors hereunder will be made
without setoff, counterclaim or other defense and on the same basis as payments
are made by the Borrower under Sections 4.03 and 4.04 of the Credit Agreement.

            26. This Guaranty is made for the benefit of the Administrative
Agent, the Lenders and the other Secured Creditors (and their respective
successors and assigns), and may be enforced by them in accordance with the
terms hereof. Except for the parties described in the immediately preceding
sentence, no other person shall be entitled to the benefits of, or be entitled
to enforce the provisions of, this Guaranty.

                                      * * *

                                       11
<PAGE>

            IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each Guarantor has caused this Guaranty to be
executed and delivered as of the date first above written.

Addresses:                          U.S. INDUSTRIES, INC.

101 Wood Avenue South               By
Iselin, New Jersey 08830              ---------------------------------
Attention:  John W. Dean III          Title:
Telephone No.:
Facsimile No.:                      USI GLOBAL CORP.

Accepted and Agreed to:             By
                                      ---------------------------------
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,                Title:
  as Administrative Agent for the Lenders

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

                                       12<PAGE>

                                                                  Exhibit 10.10a

                          RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

                  RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT, dated as of August __, 1999, by
and between U.S. Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation, with its principal
office at 101 Wood Avenue South, Iselin, New Jersey 08830 ("USI"), and James
O'Leary, residing at _______________________________ ("Executive").

                              W I T N E S S E T H:
                              - - - - - - - - - -

                  WHEREAS, Executive and USI have previously entered into an
employment agreement (the "Employment Agreement");

                  WHEREAS, Executive is currently employed as Senior Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer of USI;

                  WHEREAS, USI and Executive desire to amend and restate the
Employment Agreement to establish a new title and add additional
responsibilities and to modify certain other terms of employment (the "Restated
Employment Agreement").

                           NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and
mutual covenants contained herein and for other good and valuable consideration,
the parties agree as follows:

                  1. TERM OF EMPLOYMENT. Executive's employment under this
Restated Employment Agreement commenced on February 22, 1995 (the "Commencement
Date") and will currently expire

<PAGE>

on February 21, 2001 (the "Employment Term"). Subject to earlier termination
pursuant to Section 7 hereof, the Employment Term shall be automatically
extended for additional terms of successive two (2) year periods unless USI
or Executive gives written notice to the other at least ninety (90) days
prior to the expiration of the then current Employment Term of the
termination of Executive's employment hereunder at the end of such current
Employment Term.

                  2. POSITIONS. Executive shall serve as the Executive Vice
President of USI. If requested by the Board of Directors of USI (the "Board") or
the Chairman and so elected by the stockholders of USI, Executive shall also
serve on the Board without additional compensation. Executive shall also serve,
if requested by the Board or the Chairman, as an executive officer and director
of subsidiaries and a director of associated companies of USI and shall comply
with the policy of the Compensation Committee of the Board (the "Compensation
Committee") with regard to retention or forfeiture of the director's fees.

                  (a) Executive shall report to the Chief Executive Officer of
USI or Chief Operating Officer of USI, as determined by the Board; provided that
so long as the current Chief Executive Officer of USI remains as such, Executive
shall report to such Chief Executive Officer of USI. Executive shall have such
duties and authority, consistent with his position as the Executive Vice
President of USI as shall be assigned to him from time to time by the Board, the
Chief Executive Officer of USI or, if he is reporting to him, the Chief
Operating Officer of USI.

                  (b) During the Employment Term, Executive shall devote
substantially all of his business time and efforts to the performance of his
duties hereunder; provided, however, that Executive

                                       2
<PAGE>

shall be allowed, to the extent that such activities do not materially interfere
with the performance of his duties and responsibilities hereunder, to manage his
passive personal investments and to serve on corporate, civic, or charitable
boards or committees. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive shall not serve
on any corporate board of directors if such service would be inconsistent with
his fiduciary responsibilities to USI.

                  3. BASE SALARY. During the Employment Term after the date
hereof, USI shall pay Executive a base salary at the annual rate of not less
than $385,000. Base salary shall be payable in each case in accordance with the
usual payroll practices of USI. Executive's Base Salary shall be subject to
annual review by the Board in December of each year and may be increased, but
not decreased, from time to time upon recommendation of the Compensation
Committee, except, prior to a Change in Control, as defined in Section 10
hereof, it may be decreased proportionately in connection with an across the
board decrease applying to all senior executives of USI. The base salary as
determined as aforesaid from time to time shall constitute "Base Salary" for
purposes of this Restated Employment Agreement.

                  4. INCENTIVE COMPENSATION. (a) BONUS. For each fiscal year or
portion thereof during the Employment Term which commences after the date
hereof, Executive shall be eligible to participate in an incentive pay plan of
USI established upon recommendation of the Compensation Committee that provides
an annualized cash bonus opportunity with a target bonus potential equal to at
least 85% of Base Salary (the "Target Bonus").

                                       3
<PAGE>

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

                  (c) OPTIONS. The options granted to Executive in 1995 (the
"Options") and all options that have or may hereafter be granted to Executive
shall fully vest upon a Change in Control. In addition, any option plan and/or
the grants thereunder shall provide that if Executive retires (voluntarily or
involuntarily other than for Cause) at or after his sixty-second (62nd) birthday
with ten (10) or more years of service with USI or its predecessors (including
without limitation HM) and,

                                        4
<PAGE>

in the case of voluntary retirement, Executive gives USI at least six (6) months
prior written notice of such retirement, all options granted to Executive shall
fully vest on the date of such retirement.

                  (d) OTHER COMPENSATION. USI may, upon recommendation of the
Compensation Committee, award to Executive such other bonuses and compensation
as it deems appropriate and reasonable.

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

                                       5
<PAGE>

compensation to Executive fringes and perquisites provided to Executive or the
items under Section 6 below.

                  (b) During the Employment Term, Executive shall be entitled to
vacation each year in accordance with USI's policies in effect from time to
time, but in no event less than four (4) weeks paid vacation per calendar year.
Executive shall also be entitled to such periods of sick leave as is customarily
provided by USI for its senior executive employees.

                  6. BUSINESS EXPENSES. USI shall reimburse Executive for the
travel, entertainment and other business expenses incurred by Executive in the
performance of his duties hereunder, in accordance with USI's policies as in
effect from time to time.

                  7. TERMINATION. (a) The employment of Executive under this
Restated Employment Agreement shall terminate upon the occurrence of any of the
following events:

                             (i)    the death of Executive;

                            (ii) the termination of Executive's employment by
                  USI due to Executive's Disability pursuant to Section 7(b)
                  hereof;

                           (iii) the termination of Executive's employment by
                  Executive for Good Reason pursuant to Section 7(c) hereof;

                            (iv) the termination of Executive's employment by
                  USI without Cause;

                                       6
<PAGE>

                             (v) the termination of employment by Executive
                  without Good Reason upon sixty (60) days prior written notice;

                            (vi) the termination of employment by Executive,
                  with or without Good Reason during the thirty (30) day period
                  commencing one (1) year after the Change in Control (such
                  thirty (30) day period being referred to herein as the "Change
                  in Control Protection Period"), provided that Executive shall
                  have a right to terminate employment pursuant to this Section
                  7(a)(vi) and receive the amounts under Section 8(c)(A)(i) and
                  (ii) unless, simultaneous with the Change in Control, USI or
                  the person or entity triggering the Change in Control delivers
                  to Executive an irrevocable direct pay letter of credit with
                  regard to the amounts under Section 8(c)(A)(i) and (ii) and
                  satisfying the requirements of Section 7(g) hereof (and
                  further provided that the foregoing shall in no way affect
                  full vesting of Restricted Stock and Options, as well as other
                  restricted stock and options, if any, upon a Change in Control
                  in accordance with Section 4 hereof);

                           (vii) the termination of Executive's employment by
                  USI for Cause pursuant to Section 7(e);

                           (viii) The retirement of Executive by USI at or after
                  his sixty-fifth birthday to the extent such termination is
                  specifically permitted as a stated exception from applicable
                  federal and state age discrimination laws based on position
                  and retirement benefits.

                                       7
<PAGE>

                  (b) DISABILITY. If, by reason of the same or related physical
or mental reasons, Executive is unable to carry out his material duties pursuant
to this Restated Employment Agreement for more than six (6) months in any twelve
(12) consecutive month period, USI may terminate Executive's employment for
Disability upon thirty (30) days prior written notice, by a Notice of Disability
Termination, at any time thereafter during such twelve (12) month period in
which Executive is unable to carry out his duties as a result of the same or
related physical or mental illness. Such termination shall not be effective if
Executive returns to the full time performance of his material duties within
such thirty (30) day notice period.

                  (c) TERMINATION FOR GOOD REASON. A Termination for Good
Reason means a termination by Executive by written notice given within ninety
(90) days after the occurrence of the Good Reason event. For purposes of this
Restated Employment Agreement, "Good Reason" shall mean the occurrence or
failure to cause the occurrence, as the case may be, without Executive's
express written consent, of any of the following circumstances, unless such
circumstances are fully corrected prior to the date of termination specified
in the Notice of Termination for Good Reason (as defined in Section 7(d)
hereof): (i) Any material demotion of Executive from his position as
Executive Vice President or any material diminution of Executive's duties or
responsibilities hereunder (except in each case in connection with the
termination of Executive's employment for Cause or Disability or as a result
of Executive's death, or temporarily as a result of Executive's illness or
other absence) or, after a Change in Control, the assignment to Executive of
duties or responsibilities that are inconsistent with Executive's position;
(ii) Removal of, or the nonreelection of, Executive from the officer
positions with USI specified herein without election to a materially
comparable or higher position; (iii) After a Change in Control, or prior to a
Change in Control without providing a relocation program at least

                                       8
<PAGE>

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

                  (d) NOTICE OF TERMINATION FOR GOOD REASON. A Notice of
Termination for Good Reason shall mean a notice that shall indicate the specific
termination provision in Section 7(c) relied upon and shall set forth in
reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for
Termination for Good Reason. The failure by Executive to set forth in the Notice
of Termination for

                                       9
<PAGE>

Good Reason any facts or circumstances which contribute to the showing of Good
Reason shall not waive any right of Executive hereunder or preclude Executive
from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing his rights hereunder. The
Notice of Termination for Good Reason shall provide for a date of termination
not less than ten (10) nor more than sixty (60) days after the date such Notice
of Termination for Good Reason is given, provided that in the case of the events
set forth in Section 7(c)(ii) or (iii) the date may be two (2) days after the
giving of such notice.

                  (e) CAUSE. Subject to the notification provisions of Section
7(f) below, Executive's employment hereunder may be terminated by USI for Cause.
For purposes of this Restated Employment Agreement, the term "Cause" shall be
limited to (i) willful misconduct by Executive with regard to USI or its
business; (ii) the refusal of Executive to follow the proper written direction
of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer of USI or, if he is reporting to him,
the Chief Operating Officer of USI provided that the foregoing refusal shall not
be "Cause" if Executive in good faith believes that such direction is illegal,
unethical or immoral and promptly so notifies the Board, the Chief Executive
Officer of USI or the Chief Operating Officer of USI (whichever is applicable);
(iii) substantial and continuing willful refusal by Executive to attempt to
perform the duties required of him hereunder (other than any such failure
resulting from incapacity due to physical or mental illness) after a written
demand for substantial performance is delivered to Executive by the Board, the
Chairman, the Chief Executive Officer or the Senior Operations Officer
specifically identifies the manner in which it is believed that Executive has
substantially and continually refused to attempt to perform his duties
hereunder; (iv) Executive being convicted of a felony (other than a felony
involving a motor vehicle); (v) the breach by Executive of any material

                                       10
<PAGE>

fiduciary duty owed by Executive to USI; or (vi) Executive's dishonesty,
misappropriation or fraud with regard to USI (other than good faith expense
account disputes).

                  (f) NOTICE OF TERMINATION FOR CAUSE. A Notice of Termination
for Cause shall mean a notice that shall indicate the specific termination
provision in Section 7(e) relied upon and shall set forth in reasonable detail
the facts and circumstances which provide for a basis for Termination for Cause.
Further, a Notification for Cause shall be required to include a copy of a
resolution duly adopted by at least two-thirds of the entire membership of the
Board at a meeting of the Board which was called for the purpose of considering
such termination and which Executive and his representative had the right to
attend and address the Board, finding that, in the good faith opinion of the
Board, Executive engaged in conduct set forth in the definition of Cause herein
and specifying the particulars thereof in reasonable detail. The date of
termination for a Termination for Cause shall be the date indicated in the
Notice of Termination. Any purported Termination for Cause which is held by a
court not to have been based on the grounds set forth in this Restated
Employment Agreement or not to have followed the procedures set forth in this
Restated Employment Agreement shall be deemed a Termination by USI without
Cause.

                  (g) The irrevocable direct pay letter of credit required to be
delivered pursuant to Section 7(a)(vi) shall be in an amount equal to the amount
Executive would be entitled to under Section 8(c)(A)(i) and (ii) hereof if he
was terminated without Cause upon the Change in Control (the "Occurrence") and
have an expiration date of no less than two (2) years after the Occurrence.
Executive shall be entitled to draw on the letter of credit upon presentation to
the issuing bank of a demand for payment signed by Executive that states that
(i) (A) a Good Reason event has occurred

                                       11
<PAGE>

and Executive would be entitled to payment under Section 8(c) of this Restated
Employment Agreement if he elected to terminate employment for Good Reason or
(B) one (1) year and not more than one (1) year and thirty (30) days has expired
since the Occurrence or (C) Executive is entitled to payment under Section 8(c)
of this Restated Employment Agreement and (ii) assuming the event set forth in
(i) entitled him to payment under Section 8(c) of this Restated Employment
Agreement, the amount USI would be indebted to him at the time of presentation
under Section 8(c)(A)(i) and (ii) if he then was eligible to receive payments
under Section 8(c). There shall be no other requirements (including no
requirement that Executive first makes demand upon USI or that Executive
actually terminates employment) with regard to payment of the letter of credit.
To the extent the letter of credit is not adequate to cover the amount owed to
Executive by USI under this Restated Employment Agreement, is not submitted by
Executive or is not paid by the issuing bank, USI shall remain liable to
Executive for the remainder owed Executive pursuant to the terms of this
Restated Employment Agreement. To the extent any amount is paid under the letter
of credit it shall be a credit against any amounts USI then or thereafter would
owe to Executive under Section 8(c) of this Restated Employment Agreement. The
letter of credit shall be issued by a national money center bank with a rating
of at least A by Standard and Poors. USI shall bear the cost of the letter of
credit.

                  8. CONSEQUENCES OF TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT. (a) DEATH. If
Executive's employment is terminated during the Employment Term by reason of
Executive's death, the employment period under this Restated Employment
Agreement shall terminate without further obligations to Executive's legal
representatives under this Restated Employment Agreement except for: (i) any
compensation earned but not yet paid, including and without limitation, any
declared but unpaid bonus, any amount of Base Salary or deferred compensation
accrued or earned but unpaid,

                                       12
<PAGE>

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

                  (b) DISABILITY. If Executive's employment is terminated by
reason of Executive's Disability, Executive shall be entitled to receive the
payments and benefits to which his representatives would be entitled in the
event of a termination of employment by reason of his death, provided that the
payment of Base Salary shall be reduced by the projected amount he would receive
under any

                                       13
<PAGE>

long-term disability policy or program maintained by USI during the six (6)
month period during which Base Salary is being paid. Section 11 hereof shall
also continue to apply.

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

                                       14
<PAGE>

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

                                       15
<PAGE>

Executive and his dependents under substitute arrangements. In the event that
the termination entitling Executive to payments under this Section 8(c) occurs
on or after February 22, 2001, but prior to a Change in Control, the amounts
payable under subparts (A)(i) and (ii) of this Section 8(c) beyond one times the
amounts specified shall not be paid in a lump sum, but shall be paid, subject to
Section 9 hereof, in twelve (12) equal monthly installments commencing one (1)
year after such termination. If there is a Change in Control thereafter, the
amounts, if any, remaining to be paid pursuant to the preceding sentence (and in
accordance with Section 9 hereof) shall be paid in a lump sum within five (5)
days thereafter. In the circumstances of (i) through (iv) above, Section 11
hereof shall also continue to apply.

                  (d) TERMINATION WITH CAUSE OR VOLUNTARY RESIGNATION WITHOUT
GOOD REASON OR RETIREMENT. If Executive's employment hereunder is terminated (i)
by USI for Cause, (ii) by Executive without Good Reason outside of the Change in
Control Protection Period, or (iii) by USI pursuant to Section 7(a)(viii)
hereof, Executive shall be entitled to receive only his Base Salary through the
date of termination, any earned but unpaid bonus, and any unreimbursed business
expenses payable pursuant to Section 6. Subject to Section 4 hereof, all other
benefits (including without limitation restricted stock and options) due
Executive following such termination of employment shall be determined in
accordance with the plans, policies and practices of USI.

                  9. NO MITIGATION; SET-OFF. In the event of any termination of
employment under Section 8, Executive shall be under no obligation to seek other
employment and prior to February 22, 2001 or after a Change in Control, there
shall be no offset against any amounts due Executive under this Restated
Employment Agreement on account of any remuneration attributable

                                       16
<PAGE>

to any subsequent employment that Executive may obtain. In the event of any
termination of employment entitling Executive to payments under Section 8(c)
hereof on or after February 22, 2001, and before a Change in Control, there
shall be no offset against any amounts due Executive under this Restated
Employment Agreement on account of any remuneration that Executive receives
during the one (1) year after Executive's employment terminates (the "One-Year
Period"); but if, at any time after the One-Year Period, but prior to a Change
in Control, Executive is employed on a substantially full time basis either as
an employee or independent contractor (other than self employed as an
independent contractor doing special projects for unrelated entities or
unrelated consulting firms with no project scheduled to extend, or extending on
a substantially full-time basis for more than sixty (60) days after the end of
the One-Year Period) the amounts payable to him under Section 8(c)(A)(i) and
(ii) hereof shall cease. Any amounts due under Section 8 are in the nature of
severance payments, or liquidated damages, or both, and are not in the nature of
a penalty. Such amounts are inclusive, and in lieu of any amounts payable under
any other salary continuation or cash severance arrangement of USI and to the
extent paid or provided under any other such arrangement shall be offset from
the amount due hereunder.

                  10. CHANGE IN CONTROL. For purposes of this Restated
Employment Agreement, the term "Change in Control" shall mean (i) any "person"
as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934 ("Act") (other than USI, any trustee or other fiduciary holding
securities under any employee benefit plan of USI, or any company owned,
directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of USI in substantially the same
proportions as their ownership of Common Stock of USI), becoming the "beneficial
owner" (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Act), directly or indirectly, of
securities of USI representing twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the

                                       17
<PAGE>

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

                                       18
<PAGE>

indirectly, at least fifty percent (50%) or more of the combined voting power of
the outstanding voting securities of USI at the time of the sale, including but
not limited, to any entity which is, directly or indirectly, owned (based on
normal issue voting interests or capital interests) after completion of the
transaction at least fifty percent (50%) by the ultimate shareholders of the
Company.

                  11. INDEMNIFICATION. (a) USI and any other entity that becomes
USI agree that if Executive is made a party to or threatened to be made a party
to any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or
investigative (a "Proceeding"), by reason of the fact that he is or was a
director or officer of USI, such other company and/or any other affiliate of any
of such companies, or is or was serving at the request of any of such companies
as a director, officer, member, employee, fiduciary or agent of another
corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise,
including, without limitation, service with respect to employee benefit plans,
whether or not the basis of such Proceeding is alleged action in an official
capacity as a director, officer, member, employee, fiduciary or agent while
serving as a director, officer, member, employee, fiduciary or agent, he shall
be indemnified and held harmless by the applicable company to the fullest extent
authorized by Delaware law (or, if other than USI, the law applicable to such
company), as the same exists or may hereafter be amended, against all Expenses
incurred or suffered by Executive in connection therewith, and such
indemnification shall continue as to Executive even if Executive has ceased to
be an officer, director, member, fiduciary or agent, or is no longer employed by
USI, and shall inure to the benefit of his heirs, executors and administrators.
This amendment and restatement shall not release Hanson PLC ("PLC"), HM or any
of their affiliates from any indemnity or other

                                       19
<PAGE>

obligation under Sections 11 of the Employment Agreement prior to this amendment
and restatement.

                  (b) As used in this Restated Employment Agreement, the term
"Expenses" shall include, without limitation, damages, losses, judgments,
liabilities, fines, penalties, excise taxes, settlements and costs, attorneys'
fees, accountants' fees, and disbursements and costs of attachment or similar
bonds, investigations, and any expenses of establishing a right to
indemnification under this Restated Employment Agreement.

                  (c) Expenses incurred by Executive in connection with any
Proceeding shall be paid by USI in advance upon request of Executive and the
giving by Executive of any undertakings required by applicable law.

                  (d) Executive shall give USI notice of any claim made against
him for which indemnity will or could be sought under this Restated Employment
Agreement. In addition, Executive shall give USI such information and
cooperation as it may reasonably require and as shall be within Executive's
power and at such times and places as are reasonably convenient for Executive.

                  (e) With respect to any Proceeding as to which Executive
notifies USI of the commencement thereof:

                      (i) USI will be entitled to participate therein at its own
         expense; and

                      (ii) Except as otherwise provided below, to the extent
         that it may wish, USI jointly with any other indemnifying party
         similarly notified will be entitled to assume the

                                       20
<PAGE>

         defense thereof, with counsel reasonably satisfactory to Executive.
         Executive also shall have the right to employ his own counsel in such
         action, suit or proceeding and the fees and expenses of such counsel
         shall be at the expense of USI.

                  (f) USI shall not be liable to indemnify Executive under this
Restated Employment Agreement for any amounts paid in settlement of any action
or claim effected without its written consent. USI shall not settle any action
or claim in any manner which would impose any penalty or limitation on Executive
without Executive's written consent. Neither USI nor Executive will unreasonably
withhold or delay their consent to any proposed settlement.

                  (g) The right to indemnification and the payment of expenses
incurred in defending a Proceeding in advance of its final disposition conferred
in this Section 11 shall not be exclusive of any other right which Executive may
have or hereafter may acquire under any statute, provision of the certificate of
incorporation or by-laws of USI, agreement, vote of stockholders or
disinterested directors or otherwise.

                  (h) Each entity which is or becomes USI hereunder agrees to
obtain Officer and Director liability insurance policies covering Executive and
shall maintain at all times following the Commencement Date and during the
Employment Term coverage under such policies in the aggregate with regard to all
officers and directors, including Executive, of an amount not less than $20
million. USI and each other entity which becomes USI shall maintain for a six
(6) year period commencing on the date Executive ceases to be an employee of
such entity, Officer and Director liability insurance coverage for events
occurring during the period Executive was an employee or director of such entity
in the same aggregate amount and under the same terms as are maintained for its
active officers and

                                       21
<PAGE>

directors. The phrase "in the same aggregate amount and under the same terms"
shall include the same level of self-insurance by PLC or USI as shall be
maintained for active officers and directors.

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

                                       22
<PAGE>

Payment is made or is to be made. The intent of this Section 12 is that (a)
Executive, after paying his federal, state and local income tax and any payroll
taxes on Executive, will be in the same position as if he was not subject to the
Excise Tax under Section 4999 of the Code and did not receive the extra payments
pursuant to this Section 12 and (b) that Executive should never be
"out-of-pocket" with respect to any tax or other amount subject to this Section
12, whether payable to any taxing authority or repayable to USI, and this
Section 12 shall be interpreted accordingly. For the avoidance of doubt, none of
PLC, HI nor HM shall in any event be liable for any payments due as a result of
a change in ownership (within the meaning of Code Section 280G(b)(2)) of USI
after the Spinoff.

                  (b) Except as otherwise provided in Section 12(a), for
purposes of determining whether any of the Covered Payments will be subject to
the Excise Tax and the amount of such Excise Tax,

                      (i) such Covered Payments will be treated as "parachute
         payments" (within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code) and
         such payments in excess of the Code Section 280G(b)(3) "base amount"
         shall be treated as subject to the Excise Tax, unless, and except to
         the extent that, USI's independent certified public accountants
         appointed prior to the change in ownership covered by Code Section
         280G(b)(2) or legal counsel (reasonably acceptable to Executive)
         appointed by such public accountants (or, if the public accountants
         decline such appointment and decline appointing such legal counsel,
         such independent certified public accountants as promptly mutually
         agreed on in good faith by USI and Executive) (the "Accountant"),
         deliver a written opinion to Executive, reasonably satisfactory to
         Executive's legal counsel, that Executive has a reasonable basis to
         claim that the Covered

                                       23
<PAGE>

         Payments (in whole or in part) (A) do not constitute "parachute
         payments", (B) represent reasonable compensation for services actually
         rendered (within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(4) of the Code) in
         excess of the "base amount" allocable to such reasonable compensation,
         or (C) such "parachute payments" are otherwise not subject to such
         Excise Tax (with appropriate legal authority, detailed analysis and
         explanation provided therein by the Accountants); and

                      (ii) the value of any Covered Payments which are non-cash
         benefits or deferred payments or benefits shall be determined by the
         Accountant in accordance with the principles of Section 280G of the
         Code.

                  (c) For purposes of determining the amount of the Tax
Reimbursement Payment, Executive shall be deemed:

                             (i) to pay federal, state and/or local income taxes
                  at the highest applicable marginal rate of income taxation for
                  the calendar year in which the Tax Reimbursement Payment is
                  made or is to be made, and

                            (ii) to have otherwise allowable deductions for
                  federal, state and local income tax purposes at least equal to
                  those disallowed due to the inclusion of the Tax Reimbursement
                  Payment in Executive's adjusted gross income.

                  (d) (i) (A) In the event that prior to the time Executive has
filed any of his tax returns for the calendar year in which the change in
ownership event covered by Code Section 280G(b)(2) occurred, the Accountant
determines, for any reason whatever, the correct amount of the

                                       24
<PAGE>

Tax Reimbursement Payment to be less than the amount determined at the time the
Tax Reimbursement Payment was made, Executive shall repay to USI, at the time
that the amount of such reduction in Tax Reimbursement Payment is determined by
the Accountant, the portion of the prior Tax Reimbursement Payment attributable
to such reduction (including the portion of the Tax Reimbursement Payment
attributable to the Excise Tax and federal, state and local income tax imposed
on the portion of the Tax Reimbursement Payment being repaid by Executive, using
the assumptions and methodology utilized to calculate the Tax Reimbursement
Payment (unless manifestly erroneous)), plus interest on the amount of such
repayment at the rate provided in Section 1274(b)(2)(B) of the Code.

                  (B) In the event that the determination set forth in (A) above
is made by the Accountant after the filing by Executive of any of his tax
returns for the calendar year in which the change in ownership event covered by
Code Section 280G(b)(2) occurred but prior to one (1) year after the occurrence
of such change in ownership, Executive shall file at the request of USI an
amended tax return in accordance with the Accountant's determination, but no
portion of the Tax Reimbursement Payment shall be required to be refunded to USI
until actual refund or credit of such portion has been made to Executive, and
interest payable to USI shall not exceed the interest received or credited to
Executive by such tax authority for the period it held such portion (less any
tax Executive must pay on such interest and which he is unable to deduct as a
result of payment of the refund).

                                       25
<PAGE>

                          (C) In the event Executive receives a refund pursuant
to (B) above and repays such amount to USI, Executive shall thereafter file for
refunds or credits by reason of the repayments to USI.

                          (D) Executive and USI shall mutually agree upon the
course of action, if any, to be pursued (which shall be at the expense of USI)
if Executive's claim for refund or credit is denied.

                  (ii) In the event that the Excise Tax is later determined by
the Accountants or the Internal Revenue Service to exceed the amount taken into
account hereunder at the time the Tax Reimbursement Payment is made (including
by reason of any payment the existence or amount of which cannot be determined
at the time of the Tax Reimbursement Payment), USI shall make an additional Tax
Reimbursement Payment in respect of such excess (plus any interest or penalties
payable with respect to such excess) once the amount of such excess is finally
determined.

                  (iii) In the event of any controversy with the Internal
Revenue Service (or other taxing authority) under this Section 12, subject to
subpart (i)(D) above, Executive shall permit USI to control issues related to
this Section 12 (at its expense), provided that such issues do not potentially
materially adversely affect Executive, but Executive shall control any other
issues. In the event the issues are interrelated, Executive and USI shall in
good faith cooperate so as not to jeopardize resolution of either issue, but if
the parties cannot agree Executive shall make the final determination with
regard to the issues. In the event of any conference with any taxing authority
as to the Excise Tax or associated income taxes, Executive shall permit the
representative of USI to accompany him and Executive and his representative
shall cooperate with USI and its representative.

                                       26
<PAGE>

                  (iv) With regard to any initial filing for a refund or any
other action required pursuant to this Section 12 (other than by mutual
agreement) or, if not required, agreed to by USI and Executive, Executive shall
cooperate fully with USI, provided that the foregoing shall not apply to actions
that are provided herein to be at the sole discretion of Executive.

         (e) The Tax Reimbursement Payment, or any portion thereof, payable by
USI shall be paid not later than the fifth (5th) day following the determination
by the Accountant, and any payment made after such fifth (5th) day shall bear
interest at the rate provided in Code Section 1274(b)(2)(B). USI shall use its
best efforts to cause the Accountant to promptly deliver the initial
determination required hereunder and, if not delivered, within ninety (90) days
after the change in ownership event covered by Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code,
USI shall pay Executive the Tax Reimbursement Payment set forth in an opinion
from counsel recognized as knowledgeable in the relevant areas selected by
Executive, and reasonably acceptable to USI, within five (5) days after delivery
of such opinion. The amount of such payment shall be subject to later adjustment
in accordance with the determination of the Accountant as provided herein.

         (f) USI shall be responsible for all charges of the Accountant and if
clause (e) above is applicable the reasonable charges for the opinion given by
Executive's counsel.

         (g) USI and Executive shall mutually agree on and promulgate further
guidelines in accordance with this Section 12 to the extent, if any, necessary
to effect the reversal of excessive or shortfall Tax Reimbursement Payments. The
foregoing shall not in any way be inconsistent with Section 12(d)(i)(D) hereof.

                                       27
<PAGE>

                  13. LEGAL AND OTHER FEES AND EXPENSES. In the event that a
claim for payment or benefits under this Restated Employment Agreement is
disputed, the Company shall pay all reasonable attorney, accountant and other
professional fees and reasonable expenses incurred by Executive in pursuing such
claim, provided Executive is successful with regard to a material portion of his
claim.

                  14. MISCELLANEOUS.

                  (a) GOVERNING LAW. This Restated Employment Agreement shall be
governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New Jersey
without reference to principles of conflict of laws.

                  (b) ENTIRE AGREEMENT/AMENDMENTS. This Restated Employment
Agreement, as amended and restated herein, and the instruments contemplated
herein, contain the entire understanding of the parties with respect to the
employment of Executive by USI from and after the date hereof and supersedes any
prior agreements between USI and Executive (but not the terms of, or rights
under, any equity or benefits plans or grants existing on the date hereof nor
the obligations of PLC, HM or their affiliates under Section 11 of this Restated
Employment Agreement prior to this amendment and restatement). There are no
restrictions, agreements, promises, warranties, covenants or undertakings
between the parties with respect to the subject matter herein other than those
expressly set forth herein and therein. This Restated Employment Agreement may
not be altered, modified, or amended except by written instrument signed by the
parties hereto.

                  (c) NO WAIVER. The failure of a party to insist upon strict
adherence to any term of this Restated Employment Agreement on any occasion
shall not be considered a waiver of such

                                       28
<PAGE>

party's rights or deprive such party of the right thereafter to insist upon
strict adherence to that term or any other term of this Restated Employment
Agreement. Any such waiver must be in writing and signed by Executive or an
authorized officer of USI, as the case may be.

                  (d) ASSIGNMENT. This Restated Employment Agreement shall not
be assignable by Executive. This Restated Employment Agreement shall be
assignable by USI only to an acquiror of all or substantially all of the assets
of USI, provided such acquiror promptly assumes all of the obligations hereunder
of USI in a writing delivered to Executive and otherwise complies with the
provisions hereof with regard to such assumption.

                  (e) SUCCESSORS; BINDING AGREEMENT; THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES.
This Restated Employment Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding
upon the personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators,
successors, heirs, distributees, devisees legatees and permitted assignees of
the parties hereto.

                  (f) COMMUNICATIONS. For the purpose of this Restated
Employment Agreement, notices and all other communications provided for in this
Restated Employment Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have
been duly given (i) when faxed or delivered, or (ii) two business days after
being mailed by United States registered or certified mail, return receipt
requested, postage prepaid, addressed to the respective addresses set forth on
the initial page of this Restated Employment Agreement, provided that all
notices to USI shall be directed to the attention of the Senior Vice President,
General Counsel and Secretary of USI, or to such other address as any party may
have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith. Notice of change
of address shall be effective only upon receipt.

                                       29
<PAGE>

                  (g) WITHHOLDING TAXES. USI may withhold from any and all
amounts payable under this Restated Employment Agreement such Federal, state and
local taxes as may be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or
regulation.

                  (h) SURVIVORSHIP. The respective rights and obligations of the
parties hereunder shall survive any termination of Executive's employment to the
extent necessary to the agreed preservation of such rights and obligations.

                  (i) COUNTERPARTS. This Restated Employment Agreement may be
signed in counterparts, each of which shall be an original, with the same effect
as if the signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument.

                  (j) HEADINGS. The headings of the sections contained in this
Restated Employment Agreement are for convenience only and shall not be deemed
to control or affect the meaning or construction of any provision of this
Restated Employment Agreement.

                  (k) EXECUTIVE'S REPRESENTATION. Executive represents and
warrants to USI that there is no legal impediment to him performing his
obligations under this Restated Employment Agreement and neither entering into
this Restated Employment Agreement nor performing his contemplated service
hereunder will violate any agreement to which he is a party or any other legal
restriction.

                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this
Restated Employment Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

                                       30
<PAGE>

                                        U.S. INDUSTRIES, INC.

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

                                         ---------------------------------
                                                 James O'Leary

                                       31
<PAGE>

                                                                       EXHIBIT 1

                               RELOCATION PROGRAM

This document describes the Executive relocation/reimbursement program (the
"Relocation Program") available to Executive.

         I.       The Executive will be reimbursed by the Company for the actual
                  costs associated with the sale of Executive's principal home
                  ("Former Home"), as follows:

                  A.       Generally:

                  (1)      Packing, shipping, moving, unpacking and insuring
                           household goods and common personal possessions
                           (carrier is typically prohibited from delivering
                           perishables, frozen foods, plants or shrubbery,
                           combustible items and paint, or articles of
                           extraordinary value such as jewelry, precious stones,
                           stamp collections, wills, stocks, etc.).

                  (2)      Reasonable (at least three roundtrips with Executive
                           and one dependent) pre-move travel, meals, etc. for
                           house hunting.

                  (3)      Selling expenses on Executive's Former Home as
                           follows:

                                    -   Reasonable attorney's fees
                                    -   Transfer tax
                                    -   Real estate commission, up to a maximum
                                        total of 6% of the gross sales price.

                  (4)      Disconnecting and connecting normal appliances at
                           origin and destination (not including installation or
                           overhauling of equipment).

         B.       The Company will pay for moving the following:

                  (1)      Automobiles (maximum two), registered in Executive's
                           (or spouse's) name.

                  (2)      One boat or trailer, registered in Executive's (or
                           spouse's) name.

         C.       The Company will not pay for moving firewood, building
                  materials, exclusive use of van, household cleaning and maid
                  service, assembly or disassembly of portable swimming pools or
                  items of a similar nature.

                                       32
<PAGE>

         D.       The Company will reimburse Executive for the following
                  incidental expenses reasonably incurred in connection with
                  Executive's relocation:

                  (1)      Travel expenses, including meals and lodging incurred
                           by Executive and dependents while traveling from
                           Former Home to Executive's new location via personal
                           car or common carrier, economy class.

                  (2)      Meals and lodging expenses temporarily incurred by
                           Executive and dependents, if any, until Executive
                           obtains permanent living quarters. Such reimbursement
                           shall not exceed such costs for two weeks or until
                           two days following delivery of Executive's personal
                           or household goods, whichever first occurs.
                           Extensions may be granted at the Company's discretion
                           as a result of extenuating circumstances.

         E.       The Company will reimburse Executive for the following
                  expenses in connection with purchasing a principal house/home
                  within a reasonable proximity to the new Company's
                  headquarters' location within twelve (12) months of the
                  relocation of Executive:

                  (1)      Reasonable attorney's fees;

                  (2)      Title search and any other filing fees;

                  (3)      Building and termite inspection;

                  (4)      Mortgage application, placement fee and points (up to
                           a maximum payment of the lesser of 1 1/2 points or
                           $6,000 for points).

         F.       The Company will make a payment to Executive equal to one
                  month's Base Salary to cover other incidental expenses
                  relating to moving. Executive is not required to submit a
                  claim for this payment. This payment will be made within
                  thirty (30) days of Executive's actual physical permanent
                  relocation, upon notice from Executive confirming the move.

         II.      Tax Issues

                  Federal Income Tax law generally requires the Company to file
                  forms with the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") indicating the
                  amount of moving and relocation expenses paid to Executive or
                  to others on behalf of Executive. Such amounts may include,
                  for example, the cost of moving household goods and real
                  estate commissions which are paid directly by the Company to
                  outside companies. The total of the amounts will generally be
                  reported to the IRS on Form W-2, a copy of which will be sent
                  to Executive.

                                       33
<PAGE>

                  The Company shall advise Executive of the details of the
                  moving expenses and reimbursements and will provide the
                  information to Executive in accordance with applicable IRS
                  Forms or Notices or, if no IRS Form or Notice is required, in
                  a format selected by the Company.

                  Executive generally will be required to include in taxable
                  income the amounts shown on Form W-2 and will be permitted to
                  claim certain moving expense deductions for amounts paid
                  directly by the Executive and not reimbursed by the Company by
                  filing Form 3903 - Moving Expense Adjustment, or other
                  applicable IRS forms. The Company will reimburse Executive for
                  additional federal taxes incurred as a result of reporting
                  income in excess of allowable deductions resulting from the
                  relocation other than that resulting from a termination by the
                  Executive without Good Reason or by the Company for Cause (the
                  "Excess Amount"). However, the income provided pursuant to
                  Section I.F. will be subtracted from the Excess Amount prior
                  to calculating the additional federal tax "gross-up". The
                  Company will also reimburse Executive for additional state and
                  other payroll taxes, if any, incurred as a result of paying
                  for expenses referred to above, subject to the same
                  limitations.

                  The Company is also required to withhold federal income taxes
                  from that portion of Executive's reimbursement which are
                  included in income and non-deductible. The amount of such
                  taxes withheld will be reimbursed to Executive.

                  Because the tax reimbursement(s) will also be taxable income
                  to Executive in the year received, the reimbursement(s) will
                  be "grossed-up" so that the amount received will substantially
                  equal the balance of the tax, as well as the tax on the
                  reimbursement, at Executive's marginal rate of federal tax
                  and, if applicable, any state tax and payroll taxes.

                                       34

Source: [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00018-of-00352.parquet"}, [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00018-of-00352.parquet"}]]