EXHIBIT 12
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For further information contact:

Dennis E. Burke
Executive Vice President-Administration
Best Power Technology, Incorporated
(800) 365-6145

               BEST POWER TECHNOLOGY, INCORPORATED TO BE ACQUIRED
                         BY GENERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION

     NECEDAH, WI, May 10, 1995 ... Best Power Technology, Incorporated (NASDAQ:
BPTI) announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement with
General Signal Corporation (NYSE:GSX) under which General Signal will acquire
Best Power for $200 million, or $21.00 per share, in cash.

     The agreement, which was unanimously approved by Best's Board of Directors
today, provides for General Signal to make a cash tender offer for all
outstanding shares of common stock of Best Power at a price of $21.00 per
share. The tender offer is scheduled to commence early next week. The tender
offer will be followed as soon as possible by a second-step merger in which
each share of Best Power not acquired in the tender offer will be converted
into the right to receive $21.00 in cash.

     The tender offer is subject to customary terms and conditions, including
the valid tender of a majority of the outstanding shares and the expiration or
termination of any applicable waiting periods under the Hart-Scott-Rodino
Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976.

     "The Board of Directors views this tender offer as a distinct positive for
our shareholders, employees and customers and we are pleased that General
Signal recognized the value and strength of our market position," said Paul
Koeppe, Chairman of Best's Executive Committee. "The combination of Best with
General Signal's Sola/Hevi-Duty division will bring a series of benefits to the
marketplace, including a breadth of manufacturing technology and a critical
mass resulting in expanded value and quality for our customers' power
protection needs," Koeppe added.

     Best Power Technology, Incorporated, founded in 1977, is a recognized
leader in the design and manufacture of systems to protect computers and other
sensitive equipment from power irregularities.  Headquartered in Necedah,
Wisconsin, with 1994 sales of $149.4 million, the company has sales offices
worldwide and employs over 1,000 people.

     General Signal Corporation, with 1994 sales of $1.53 billion, is a leading
supplier of equipment and instrumentation for the process control, electrical, 
and industrial technology industries.























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