1 Exhibit 12 Continental Global Group, Inc. Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges (In thousands, except for ratios) Three months ended March 31 ------------------ 1998 1997 Computation of Earnings: Income before foreign income taxes $ 804 $1,925 Add: Interest expense 3,242 1,284 Portion of rent expense representative of an interest factor 184 112 ------------------ Earnings $4,230 $3,321 ================== Computation of Fixed Charges: Interest expense $3,242 $1,284 Portion of rent expense representative of an interest factor 184 112 ------------------ Fixed Charges $3,426 $1,396 ================== Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges 1.23 2.38 ==================