1 Exhibit 12 Continental Global Group, Inc. Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges (In thousands, except for ratios) Six months ended Three months ended June 30 June 30 -------------------------- --------------------- 1998 1997 1998 1997 Computation of Earnings: Income (loss) before foreign income taxes $ (189) $1,194 $ 615 $3,119 Add: Interest expense 3,065 3,320 6,307 4,604 Portion of rent expense representative of an interest factor 173 114 356 226 -------------------------- --------------------- Earnings $3,049 $4,628 $7,278 $7,949 ========================== ===================== Computation of Fixed Charges: Interest expense $3,065 $3,320 $6,307 $4,604 Portion of rent expense representative of an interest factor 173 114 356 226 -------------------------- --------------------- Fixed Charges $3,238 $3,434 $6,663 $4,830 ========================== ===================== Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges 0.94 1.35 1.09 1.65 ========================== =====================