Document 1QKE3QQEV9wn8yZ9r96n3z2d

Operations in the United States are conducted by unincorporated divisions and wholly-owned subsidiaries of Cooper, organized by the two business segments Activities outside the United States contribute significantly to the revenues and operating earnings of both segments of Cooper These activities are conducted m major commercial countries by wholly-owned subsidiaries and jointly-owned companies, the management of which is structured through Cooper's two busmess segments As a result of these international operations, sales and distribution networks are maintained throughout most of the industrialized world Cooper generally believes that there are no substantial differences m the busmess risks associated with these mtemational operations compared with domestic activities, although Cooper is subject to certain political and economic uncertainties encountered m activities outside the United States, mcludmg trade barriers, restrictions on foreign exchange and currency fluctuations As the U S dollar strengthens against foreign currencies at a rate greater than inflation in those countries, Cooper may experience lower segment revenues and operatmg earnings The five countries m which Cooper generates the most mtemational revenues are Canada, Germany, France, Mexico and the United Kingdom Cooper has operations in India and Malaysia and has several joint ventures with operations in China Investments m India, Malaysia and China are subject to greater risks related to economic and political uncertainties as compared to most countries where Cooper has operations Exhibit 21 0 contains a list of Cooper's subsidiaries Financial information with respect to Cooper's industry segments and geographic areas is contamed in Note 15 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements A discussion of acquisitions and divestitures is included in Notes 2, 3, 7 and 17 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements With its two busmess segments, Cooper serves three major markets industrial, construction and electrical power distribution Markets for Cooper's products and services are worldwide, though the Umted States is the largest market Within the United States, there is no material geographic concentration by state or region Cooper experiences substantial competition in both of its busmess segments The number and size of competitors vary considerably dependmg on the product line Cooper cannot specify with exactitude the number of competitors m each product category or their relative market position However, most operating units experience significant competition from both larger and smaller companies with the key competitive factors being price, quality, brand name and availability Cooper considers its reputation as a manufacturer of a broad lme of quality products and premier brands to be an important factor in its businesses Cooper believes that it is among the leadmg manufacturers m the world of electrical distribution equipment, wiring devices, support systems, hazardous duty electrical equipment, emergency hghtmg, lighting fixtures, fuses, nonpower hand tools and industrial power tools Cooper's research and development activities are for purposes of improving existmg products and services and ongmatmg new products During 2001, approximately $55 8 million was spent for research and development activities as compared with approximately $57 7 million in 2000 and $54 0 million in 1999 Cooper obtains and holds patents on products and designs in the United States and many foreign countries where operations are conducted or products are sold Although m the aggregate Cooper's patents are important m the operation of its busmesses, the loss by expiration or otherwise of any one patent or license or group of patents or licenses would not materially affect its business Cooper does not presently anticipate that compliance with currently applicable environmental regulations and controls will significantly change its competitive position, capital spendmg or earnings during 2002 Cooper has been a party to administrative and legal proceedings with governmental agencies that have arisen under statutory provisions regulating the discharge or potential discharge of material mto the environment Orders and decrees consented to by Cooper have contamed agreed-upon timetables for fulfilling reporting or remediation obligations or maintaining specified air and water discharge levels m connection with permits for the operations of various plants Cooper believes it is in compliance with the orders and decrees, and such compliance is not material to the business or financial condition of Cooper For additional information concerning Cooper's accruals for environmental liabilities, see Note 7 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 4