Note 10. Commitments and Contingencies

The Company and its subsidiaries have various facilities and equipment lease obligations. Total rental expense was approximately $165 million in 1997, $164 million in 1996 and $152 million in 1995 with minimum lease commitments under operating leases as follows:

(In thousands)

Years ending June 30,
1998
$158,000
1999
115,000
2000
67,000
2001
39,000
2002
29,000
Thereafter
65,000
$473,000

In addition to fixed rentals, certain leases require payment of maintenance and real estate taxes and contain escalation provisions based on future adjustments in price indices.

In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to various claims and litigation. The Company does not believe that the resolution of these matters will have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.