EXHIBIT 12.1 COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES FOR THE PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 ----------------- EARNINGS Loss before extraordinary item and taxes....................................................... $ (24,718) Add (Subtract): Fixed Charges.............................................................................. 10,012 Share of loss in Equity Investments........................................................ 151 Gain on sale of business................................................................... 60 -------- Adjusted Earnings.............................................................................. (14,495) -------- -------- FIXED CHARGES Interest Charges............................................................................... 8,576 Rent Expense................................................................................... 1,436 -------- Total Fixed Charges............................................................................ $ 10,012 -------- -------- Ratio of Earnings to fixed charges............................................................. -- -------- -------- Earnings insufficient to cover fixed charges................................................... $ 24,507 -------- --------