FIRST SOUTH AFRICA CORP LTD
S-1/A, 1998-02-10
GENERAL INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT
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    As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 10, 1998
    


                                                      Registration No. 333-33561
================================================================================

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                            ------------------------


   
                                 AMENDMENT NO. 3
                                       TO
                                    FORM S-1
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                      Under
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                            ------------------------
                         FIRST SOUTH AFRICA CORP., LTD.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
    


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

             Bermuda                            3599                  Not Applicable
 -------------------------------    ----------------------------     ----------------
<S>     <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>
 (State or other jurisdiction of    (Primary Standard Industrial     (I.R.S. Employer
 incorporation or organization)      Classification Code Number)    Identification No.)
</TABLE>

             Clarendon House, Church Street, Hamilton HM CX, Bermuda
                                 (441) 295-1422
       (Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area
               code, of registrant's principal executive offices)

                                Clive Kabatznik,
                                    President
                       First South Africa Management Corp.
                         2665 South Bayshore, Suite 702
                          Coconut Grove, Florida 33133
                                 (305) 857-5009
       (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including
                        area code, of agent for service)
                            ------------------------
                                   Copies to:
                             HENRY I. ROTHMAN, ESQ.
                       Parker Chapin Flattau & Klimpl, LLP
                           1211 Avenue of the Americas
                            New York, New York 10036
                               Tel: (212) 704-6000
                               Fax: (212) 704-6288
                            ------------------------
     APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO PUBLIC: As soon as
                     practicable after the effective date of
                          this Registration Statement.
                  If any of the securities being registered on
                   this Form are to be offered on a delayed or
                   continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under
                      the Securities Act of 1933, check the
                               following box. |X|
             If this Form is filed to register additional securities
                for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the
             Securities Act, please check the following box and list
             the Securities Act registration statement number of the
              earlier effective registration statement for the same
                                  offering. |_|
            If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant
               to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the
             following box and list the Securities Act registration
             statement number of the earlier effective registration
                       statement for the same offering.|_|
              If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made
            pursuant to Rule 434, please check the following box. |_|

                            ------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              PROPOSED MAXIMUM    PROPOSED MAXIMUM
  TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF                       AMOUNT TO       OFFERING PRICE         AGGREGATE           AMOUNT OF
SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED                BE REGISTERED(1)     PER SHARE(2)       OFFERING PRICE      REGISTRATION FEE
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                             <C>              <C>                 <C>                <C>       

9% Senior Subordinated Convertible
Debentures due June 15, 2004 (Debentures)       10,000           $1,000.00           $10,000,000        $ 3,030.30
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stock, $.01 par value per share                                              
("Common Stock")(3)                          1,666,667             $6.00             $10,000,002        $ 3,030.30
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stock(4)                              1,578,948             $9.50             $15,000,006        $ 4,425.00
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stock(5)                                135,000             $6.00             $   810,000        $   245.46
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stock(6)                                 25,000             $3.75             $    93,750        $    28.41
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total                                                                                $35,903,758        $10,762.47(7)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

(1)  Pursuant  to Rule 416,  there are also  being  registered  such  additional
     shares of Common  Stock as may become  issuable  pursuant to  anti-dilution
     provisions of the Company's 9% Senior Subordinated  Convertible  Debentures
     (the  "Debentures"),  the  Company's  Increasing  Rate Senior  Subordinated
     Convertible  Debentures  (the  "Increasing  Rate  Debentures"),   Placement
     Warrants and Purchase Options (as defined herein).

(2)  Estimated  solely for the  purposes of  calculating  the  registration  fee
     pursuant to Rule 457.
(3)  Issuable upon conversion of the Debentures.

(4)  Issuable upon conversion of the Company's Increasing Rate Debentures.
(5)  Issuable upon exercise of the Placement Warrants.
(6)  Issuable upon exercise of the Purchase Options.
   
(7)  $6,337.47 was previously paid upon filing of the Registration Statement and
     $4,425.00  was paid upon  filing  of  Amendment  No. 2 to the  Registration
     Statement.
    


     THE REGISTRANT  HEREBY AMENDS THIS  REGISTRATION  STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL
FILE A FURTHER  AMENDMENT  WHICH  SPECIFICALLY  STATES  THAT  THIS  REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL  THEREAFTER  BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(A) OF
THE SECURITIES  ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THIS  REGISTRATION  STATEMENT  SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION,  ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(A),
MAY DETERMINE.
================================================================================

<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INFORMATION   CONTAINED  HEREIN  IS  SUBJECT  TO  COMPLETION  OR  AMENDMENT.   A
REGISTRATION  STATEMENT  RELATING  TO THESE  SECURITIES  HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE
SECURITIES  AND EXCHANGE  COMMISSION.  THESE  SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY
OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION  STATEMENT  BECOMES
EFFECTIVE.  THIS  PROSPECTUS  SHALL  NOT  CONSTITUTE  AN  OFFER  TO  SELL OR THE
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE  SECURITIES
IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER,  SOLICITATION  OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR
TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY SUCH STATE.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


   
                 SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED FEBRUARY 10, 1998
    
PROSPECTUS

                         FIRST SOUTH AFRICA CORP., LTD.


              10,000 9% Senior Subordinated Convertible Debentures
                        1,666,667 Shares of Common Stock
               (Underlying the Conversion of Outstanding 9% Senior
                      Subordinated Convertible Debentures)
                        1,578,948 Shares of Common Stock
        (Underlying the Conversion of Outstanding Increasing Rate Senior
                      Subordinated Convertible Debentures)
                         135,000 Shares of Common Stock
     (Underlying the Conversion of a certain outstanding Placement Warrant)
                          25,000 Shares of Common Stock
         (Underlying the exercise of certain outstanding Stock Options)

     This Prospectus  relates to the following  securities  which may be sold by
certain  securityholders  (the "Selling  Securityholders") of First South Africa
Corp.,  Ltd.,  a  Bermuda  corporation  (the  "Company"):  (i)  10,000 9% Senior
Subordinated Convertible Debentures due June 15, 2004 issued by the Company in a
private  placement  which was  consummated  upon a number of  separate  closings
during  April 1997 to August  1997 (the  "Private  Placement"),  (ii)  1,666,667
shares  of  Common  Stock  of the  Company,  $.01  par  value  ("Common  Stock")
underlying the conversion of the Debentures;  (iii)  1,578,948  Shares of Common
Stock  underlying  the  conversion of the  Increasing  Rate Senior  Subordinated
Convertible  Debentures due October 31, 2001 (the "Increasing Rate Debentures");
(iv) 135,000 shares of Common Stock underlying the exercise of a certain warrant
issued to the  placement  agent  with  respect  to the  Private  Placement  (the
"Placement  Warrant") entitling the holder thereof to purchase 135,000 shares of
Common Stock at an exercise price of $6.00 per share, subject to adjustment,  at
any time during the ten year period ending July 31, 2007,  and (v) certain stock
purchase  options,  granted to a third  party in exchange  for certain  services
rendered for the Company (the "Purchase  Options")  entitling the holder thereof
to purchase  25,000  shares of Common  Stock at an  exercise  price of $3.75 per
share,  subject to  adjustment.  Each Debenture was sold at an offering price of
$1,000  and is  convertible  into  shares  of  Common  Stock  at any  time  at a
conversion price of $6.00 per share, subject to adjustment.  See "Description of
Securities - Debentures".

   
     Prior to this offering,  there has been no public market for the Debentures
and there can be no assurance that any trading  market for the  Debentures  will
develop  or be  sustained.  The Common  Stock is listed on the  Nasdaq  SmallCap
Market  ("Nasdaq")  under the symbol FSACF. The Company does not intend to apply
for listing of the Debentures on Nasdaq. The conversion price and other terms of
the Debentures and Placement Warrant were determined by negotiation  between the
Company and Value Investing  Partners,  Inc. (the "Placement Agent") pursuant to
which it was agreed that the  conversion  price of the  Debentures and Placement
Warrant  would  equal 120% of the  average  closing  bid price of the  Company's
Common Stock on the NASDAQ for the sixty trading days immediately  preceding the
initial closing of the Private Placement,  but not less than $4.00 nor more than
$6.00 per share of Common  Stock.  The  conversion  price and other terms of the
Increasing Rate  Debentures  were determined by negotiation  between the Company
and the  holders of the  Increasing  Rate  Debentures  pursuant  to which it was
agreed that the conversion  price of such debentures would be $9.50 per share of
Common  Stock.  The  exercise  price of the  Purchase  Options  was  arbitrarily
determined by negotiation  between the Company and Barretto Pacific  Corporation
and was not related to the Company's asset value, net worth, financial condition
or other  established  criteria of value. On February 3, 1998, the closing sales
price for Common Stock was $5.875.
    


     The securities  offered by the Selling  Securityholders  by this Prospectus
may be  sold  from  time  to time by the  Selling  Securityholders  or by  their
transferees.  The  distribution  of the  Debentures and the Common Stock offered
hereby  by  the  Selling   Securityholders  may  be  effected  in  one  or  more
transactions  that may  take  place on the  over-the-counter  market,  including
ordinary brokers'  transactions,  privately  negotiated  transactions or through
sales to one or more dealers for resale of such  securities  as  principals,  at
market  prices  prevailing  at the  time of  sale,  at  prices  related  to such
prevailing  market  prices  or at  negotiated  prices.  Usual and  customary  or
specifically negotiated brokerage fees or commissions may be paid by the Selling
Securityholders.

     The  Selling   Securityholders,   and  intermediaries   through  whom  such
securities  are sold , may be deemed  underwriters  within  the  meaning  of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities  Act"),  with respect to the
securities  offered,  and any profits  realized or  commissions  received may be
deemed underwriting compensation.

     The  Company  will  not  receive  any of the  proceeds  from  the  sale  of
securities by the Selling  Securityholders.  In the event the Placement  Warrant
and Purchase  Options are exercised,  the Company will receive gross proceeds of
$810,000 and $93,750,  respectively.  See "Selling Securityholders" and "Plan of
Distribution."


THE SECURITIES OFFERED HEREBY INVOLVE A HIGH DEGREE OF RISK.  SEE "RISK FACTORS"
BEGINNING ON PAGE 10.


THESE  SECURITIES  HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR  DISAPPROVED  BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES  COMMISSION,  NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND  EXCHANGE  COMMISSION  OR ANY STATE  SECURITIES  COMMISSION  PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE .


                The date of this Prospectus is           , 1998




<PAGE>



                               PROSPECTUS SUMMARY


   
           The  following  summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to,
and  should be read in  conjunction  with,  the more  detailed  information  and
financial  statements  (including the notes thereto) appearing elsewhere in this
Prospectus.  Unless otherwise indicated, the information in this Prospectus does
not give effect to (i) the  conversion of the  Debentures,  (ii) the exercise of
the  Placement  Warrant  and  Purchase  Options,   (iii)  the  exercise  of  the
outstanding Redeemable Class A Warrants and Class B Warrants of the Company (the
"Warrants"), (iv) the exercise of the Unit Purchase Options issued in connection
with the Company's  Initial Public Offering in January 1996, (v) the exercise of
the options to purchase  shares of Common Stock  reserved for issuance under the
Company's  Stock Option Plan,  (vi) 500,000  shares of Common Stock reserved for
issuance upon exercise of certain  additional stock options granted by the Board
of Directors of the Company,  and (vii) the  conversion of the  Increasing  Rate
Debentures.   See  "Description  of  Securities."  Unless  otherwise  indicated,
references  in this  Prospectus  to "Rand" or "R" are to South  African Rand. On
February 3, 1998, the market average exchange rate was  approximately  4.93 Rand
per U.S.  dollar.  See "Risk  Factors - Risks  Relating to  Operations  in South
Africa,  Currency  Considerations."  Unless  otherwise  indicated,  U.S.  dollar
equivalent  information  in South  African  Rand  for a  period  is based on the
average of the daily exchange rates for the days in the period,  and U.S. dollar
information  for  South  African  Rand as of a  specified  date is  based on the
exchange rate for that date unless otherwise indicated.  Certain numbers in this
Prospectus have been rounded.
    


                                   The Company


           First South Africa  Corp.,  Ltd.,  (the  "Company")  was organized to
acquire, own and operate seasoned,  closely-held  companies in South Africa with
annual sales in the range of  approximately  $5 to $50 million.  The Company has
acquired through its wholly-owned subsidiary, First South African Holdings (Pty)
Ltd.  ("FSAH"),  sixteen  businesses based in South Africa ("the  Acquisitions")
that are as a group engaged in the following industry segments:

           1.        Processed foods.
           2.        Lifestyle Products.
           3.        Plastic packaging materials and machinery.
           4.        Air conditioning and refrigeration machinery components.
           5.        Metal washers used in the fastener industry.


           Upon  completion of its initial public  offering in January 1996, the
Company  acquired  Starpak  (Pty) Limited  ("Starpak"),  which is engaged in the
manufacture of high quality plastic  packaging  machinery;  L.S.  Pressing (Pty)
Limited ("L.S.  Pressings"),  which is engaged in the manufacture of washers for
use in the fastener industry; and Europair Africa (Pty) Ltd. ("Europair"), which
is engaged in the manufacture and supply of air conditioning  products. In April
1996,  L.S.  Pressings  acquired  the  assets  and  business  of  Paper  & Metal
Industries,  a small  manufacturer  of  rough  washers  for use in the  fastener
industry.  In April 1996, Europair acquired the assets and business of Universal
Refrigeration,  an agent and supplier of refrigeration  products.  In June 1996,
FSAH acquired Piemans Pantry (Pty) Limited  ("Piemans  Pantry"),  a manufacturer
and  distributor  of high  quality meat pies.  In October  1996,  FSAH  acquired
Astoria Bakery  ("Astoria  Bakery") and Astoria Bakery Lesotho  Proprietary Ltd.
("Astoria Bakery  Lesotho"),  manufacturers and distributors of speciality baked
breads and  confectionary  products.  In November 1996, the Company acquired the
assets of Alfapak (Pty) Ltd.  ("Alfapak"),  a  manufacturer  of plastic film and
printed plastic bags.


                                        2

<PAGE>




   
In November 1996, Europair acquired the assets and business of First Strut (Pty)
Ltd. ("First Strut"), a manufacturer of electrical trunking conduits. In January
1997,  FSAH  acquired  Seemann's  Meat  Products  (Pty)  Ltd.  ("Seemanns"),   a
manufacturer  and  distributor of a wide range of processed  meat  products.  In
March 1997, the Company acquired Pakmatic Company (Pty),  Ltd., a distributor of
automatic  process and  packaging  machinery.  In April 1997,  FSAH acquired the
business and assets of Gull Foods (Pty) Ltd. ("Gull  Foods"),  a manufacturer of
value-added  prepared foods. In June 1997, FSAH transferred all of the shares of
Piemans Pantry, Astoria, Seemanns and Gull Foods to First S.A. Food Holdings Ltd
("FSA Food") and completed  (i) the initial  public  offering,  effected only in
South Africa,  of 5,000,000  ordinary shares of common stock of FSA Food,  which
shares are listed on the  Johannesburg  Stock  Exchange,  (ii) an  institutional
private placement in South Africa of 20,000,000  ordinary shares of common stock
of FSA Food,  and (iii) a private  placement of  12,500,000  ordinary  shares of
common stock to management and staff.  As of December 2, 1997, FSAH owned 70% of
the  issued  and  outstanding  shares of FSA Food.  In July  1997,  the  Company
acquired  Fifers Bakery  (Proprietary)  Limited  ("Fifers"),  a manufacturer  of
confectionary  products.  In the quarter ended  December 31, 1997,  the Company,
through a  subsidiary,  acquired  S.A.  Leisure  (Pty) Ltd.  ("SA  Leisure"),  a
manufacturer of a broad range of injection molded plastic furniture,  household,
luggage,   and   do-it-yourself   products;   Republic   Umbella   Manufacturers
("Republic"),  an assembler and  distributor  of a wide variety of umbrellas and
other related outdoor products;  Galactex Outdoor (Pty) Ltd.  ("Galactex"),  the
sole distributor of the Weber-Stephens range of outdoor products in South Africa
as well as a broad range of other barbecue products;  and Pacforce (Pty) Ltd., a
company specializing in the production and sale of plastic packaging materials.
    


           FSAH manages the Company's business  interests in South Africa.  FSAH
monitors  the  operational   performance  of  its  subsidiaries  and  seeks  out
prospective   acquisition  candidates  in  businesses  that  complement  or  are
otherwise related to the Company's existing businesses,  and in other businesses
that may be identified by the Company's management.

           The Company was formed in September  1995.  The  Company's  principal
executive offices are located at Clarendon House, Church Street,  Hamilton HM II
Bermuda,  and its telephone number at such location is: (441) 295-1422.  Certain
management,  shareholder  relations and administrative  services are provided to
the Company by First South Africa Management Corp., a Delaware  corporation that
is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company ("FSAM"). FSAM's principal executive
offices are located at 2665 South Bayshore,  Suite 702,  Coconut Grove,  Florida
33133, and its telephone number at such location is (305) 857-5009.


                               RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

           The Company  recently  completed a number of  acquisitions,  three of
which  (SA  Leisure,  Republic  and  Galactex)  have  expanded  the scope of the
Company's operations into the lifestyle products industry.

   
           In the quarter ended December 31, 1997,  First SA Life Style Holdings
(a subsidiary of the Company) acquired

           (i)  SA Leisure, a manufacturer of a broad range of injection  molded
plastic furniture,  household, luggage and do-it-yourself products (the terms of
the acquisition  call for a payment of  approximately  $5.36 million in cash and
142,918  shares of common stock as well as an additional $2 million in shares of
First SA Lifestyle Holdings);

           (ii) Republic Umbrella Manufacturers, an assembler and distributor of
a wide variety of umbrellas and other related outdoor products (the terms of the
acquisition call for a payment of approximately $4.33 million in cash as well as
an additional $640,000 in
    




                                        3

<PAGE>




   
shares of First SA Lifestyle Holdings; an additional payment, the value of which
is contingent on future performances, shall be made over the next year);

           (iii)  Galactex  Outdoor  (Pty)  Ltd.,  the sole  distributor  of the
Weber-Stephens  range of  outdoor  products  in South  Africa as well as a broad
range of other  barbecue  products  (the  terms  of the  acquisition  call for a
payment of  approximately  $2.3  million in cash as well as an  additional  $1.1
million in shares of First SA Lifestyle Holdings).

           In the quarter  ended  December 31, 1997,  the Company also  acquired
Pacforce, a company specializing in the production and sale of plastic packaging
materials.  The  terms  of the  acquisition  call  for  an  initial  payment  of
approximately  $205,000  in cash,  and  approximately  34,000  shares  of stock.
Additional  payments  contingent upon future  performance shall be made over the
next three and a half years.
    






                                        4

<PAGE>



                                  THE OFFERING


Securities Offered by the Selling
   Securityholders..........................(i)    10,000    Debentures,    (ii)
                                            1,666,667  shares  of  Common  Stock
                                            underlying  the  conversion  of  the
                                            Debentures,  (iii) 1,578,948  shares
                                            of  Common  Stock   underlying   the
                                            conversion  of the  Increasing  Rate
                                            Debentures;  (iv) 135,000  shares of
                                            Common Stock underlying the exercise
                                            of the Placement  Warrant,  and (iv)
                                            25,000   shares  of   Common   Stock
                                            underlying   the   exercise  of  the
                                            Purchase Options. The Debentures are
                                            subject  to  redemption  in  certain
                                            circumstances.  See  "Description of
                                            Securities."

Number of Shares of Common Stock
  Outstanding:
Before the offering (1).....................5,181,443  shares  of  Common  Stock
                                            (2)(3)  1,822,500  shares of Class B
                                            Common Stock (4)

After the offering (1)(5)...................8,587,058  shares  of  Common  Stock
                                            (2)(3)  1,822,500  shares of Class B
                                            Common Stock (4)


Nasdaq Symbols..............................Units - FSAUF
                                            Common Stock - FSACF
                                            Class A Warrants - FSAWF
                                            Class B Warrants - FSAZF

Risk Factors................................An  investment  in  the   securities
                                            offered   hereby   involves  a  high
                                            degree of risk. See "Risk Factors."

Use of Proceeds.............................Any net proceeds  received  from the
                                            exercise  of the  Placement  Warrant
                                            and Purchase Options are intended to
                                            be used for additional  acquisitions
                                            and for general corporate  purposes.
                                            See "Use of Proceeds."

Description of Debentures:

Maturity Date...............................June 15, 2004

Interest Rate...............................6   percent   per   annum,   payable
                                            quarterly.

Conversion Price............................Convertible   into   Shares  of  the
                                            Company's  Common Stock at $6.00 per
                                            share of  Common  Stock  subject  to
                                            adjustment in certain circumstances.

Ranking.....................................The  Debentures  shall be  junior to
                                            all  senior  bank  debt  owed by the
                                            Company but senior to all Common and
                                            Preferred Shares and any junior debt
                                            securities  issued  by  the  Company
                                            subsequent  to the  issuance  of the
                                            Debentures.   As  of  September  30,
                                            1997,  the amount of short-term  and
                                            long-term   debt   senior   to   the
                                            Debenture was $5,196,509.  As of the
                                            date of this Prospectus, the Company
                                            has no indebtedness  that ranks pari
                                            passu with the Debentures.


                                        5

<PAGE>



Redemption..................................Non-redeemable  for  the  first  two
                                            years   following   issuance  unless
                                            after  the  first   year   following
                                            issuance  the  closing  bid price of
                                            the Company's  Common Stock is equal
                                            to or greater  than 150% of the then
                                            applicable  Conversion  Price of the
                                            Debentures ("Early Redemption").

                                            Redeemable   at  109%  of  the  face
                                            amount  on  or  after   the   second
                                            anniversary  following  the issuance
                                            of the  Debentures,  or in the event
                                            of   an   Early   Redemption,    and
                                            declining   to  107%  on  the  third
                                            anniversary      and      thereafter
                                            proratably to par in year 7.

Voting Rights...............................The  shares of Common  Stock  issued
                                            upon  conversion  of the  Debentures
                                            shall have the same voting rights as
                                            existing shares of Common Stock.

                                            The holders of the Debentures  shall
                                            have the right to vote as a separate
                                            class to  enforce  their  rights  as
                                            Debenture  holders  or in the  event
                                            the Company desires to: (i) amend or
                                            change the terms of the  Debentures;
                                            (ii)  take any  action  which  would
                                            impair  or alter  the  rights of the
                                            Debentureholders in any way.


Sinking Fund................................The  Debentures  are  subject to two
                                            equal    mandatory    sinking   fund
                                            payments on June 15, 2002,  and June
                                            15, 2003 which will  provide for the
                                            redemption of 67% of the issue prior
                                            to maturity,  with the balance being
                                            redeemed at maturity.


Anti-Dilution...............................In  the  event  the  Company  issues
                                            either   equity  or   equity-related
                                            securities  at a price  per share of
                                            Common  Stock  less  than  the  then
                                            applicable  Conversion  Price of the
                                            Debentures, then the Debentures will
                                            benefit  from  a  weighted   average
                                            ratchet-down   adjustment   in   the
                                            Conversion Price. This anti-dilution
                                            provision,  however, excludes shares
                                            issued  in  certain   circumstances,
                                            including shares issued to employees
                                            under  the  Company's  stock  option
                                            plans, shares issued in acquisitions
                                            by the  Company,  and shares  issued
                                            upon  exercise  or  exchange  of the
                                            Company's    outstanding   Class   A
                                            Warrants or Class B Warrants.

                                            The Debentures  will also be subject
                                            to standard antidilution adjustments
                                            for stock  dividends,  stock splits,
                                            reverse stock splits, etc.

Covenants...................................The   Debentures   are   subject  to
                                            certain  covenants of the Company as
                                            set forth in the Indenture including
                                            dividend  and  payment  restrictions
                                            affecting subsidiaries, restrictions
                                            on  payment of  dividends  and stock
                                            repurchase   and   restrictions   on
                                            transactions  with  affiliates.  See
                                            "Description    of    Securities   -
                                            Debentures."

 -----------



                                        6

<PAGE>



(1)  For a  description  of the voting and other  rights of the Common Stock and
     Class B Common Stock, see "Description of Securities."


(2)  Excludes (i) an aggregate of 2,591,301  shares of Common Stock reserved for
     issuance  upon  exercise  of  certain   Redeemable  Class  A  Warrants  and
     Redeemable  Class B Warrants  issued by the Company  ("Warrants")  and upon
     exercise of the Warrants  included in the Units offered in connection  with
     the Company's initial public offering (the "Offering"); (ii) 800,000 shares
     issuable  upon  exercise  of the Unit  Purchase  Options  and the  Warrants
     included in the Units underlying the Unit Purchase  Options;  (iii) 850,000
     shares  reserved for issuance  under the Company's  1995 Stock Option Plan,
     (iv) 500,000  Shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance upon exercise of
     certain  additional  stock options granted by the Board of Directors of the
     Company,  (v) 1,666,667 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the conversion
     of the Debentures (and such additional  number of shares of Common Stock as
     may be required to be issued pursuant to applicable adjustment provisions),
     (vi)  135,000  shares of Common  Stock  issuable  upon the  exercise of the
     Placement  Warrant,  (vii) 25,000 shares of Common Stock  issuable upon the
     exercise of the  Purchase  Options,  and (viii) an  aggregate  of 1,578,948
     shares of Common  Stock  (and  such  additional  number of shares of Common
     Stock as may be required to be issued  pursuant  to  applicable  adjustment
     provisions)  reserved for  issuance  with  respect to the  Increasing  Rate
     Debentures. See "Management - Executive Compensation",  "Management - Stock
     Option Plan,"  "Description  of  Securities"  and "Certain  Transactions  -
     Escrow Agreements." Includes 1,276,588 shares of Common Stock issued to the
     American Stock Transfer & Trust Company (the "FSAH Escrow Agent")  pursuant
     to certain escrow  agreements (the "FSAC Escrow  Agreements")  entered into
     between the Company, FSAH, the FSAH Escrow Agent and certain other parties.
     See "Certain Transactions."


(3)  Includes  1,175,345 shares of Common Stock issued by the Company subsequent
     to the Company's Warrant Exchange offer which expired on November 25, 1997.

(4)  Includes   729,979   shares  of  Class  B  Common  Stock  issued  upon  the
     consummation of the Offering to the FSAH Escrow Agent pursuant to an escrow
     agreement  entered into by and among certain holders of FSAH Class B Stock,
     the FSAH Escrow  Agent,  FSAH and the  Company  prior to the closing of the
     Offering  (the  "FSAH  Escrow  Agreement"),  pursuant  to which  such  FSAH
     shareholders  may  tender  their  shares of FSAH  Class B Stock to the FSAH
     Escrow Agent against payment by the FSAH Escrow Agent of the purchase price
     therefor,  which  payment  may be made  through the sale by the FSAH Escrow
     Agent of an equal  number of shares of Class B Common Stock (which shall be
     automatically  converted  to  shares of Common  Stock  upon such  sale) and
     delivery of the net  proceeds  thereof.  See "Certain  Transactions  - FSAH
     Escrow Agreement" and "Principal Shareholders."


(5)  Assumes  exercise  of  all  the  Debentures,  Increasing  Rate  Debentures,
     Placement  Warrant and Purchase  Options and no exercise or exchange of the
     outstanding  Class  A  Warrants  and  Class  B  Warrants.  Excludes  (i) an
     aggregate of 2,591,301  shares of Common Stock  reserved for issuance  upon
     exercise of certain Warrants and upon exercise of the Warrants  included in
     the Units offered in connection with the Company's initial public offering;
     (ii) 800,000 shares issuable upon exercise of the Unit Purchase Options and
     the Warrants  included in the Units  underlying the Unit Purchase  Options;
     (iii) 850,000  shares  reserved for issuance under the Company's 1995 Stock
     Option Plan, (iv) 500,000 Shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance upon
     exercise  of  certain  additional  stock  options  granted  by the Board of
     Directors of the Company,  and (v) 142,918 shares of Common Stock which the
     Company has issued to the prior shareholders of SA Leisure. See "Management
     -



                                        7

<PAGE>




     Executive Compensation",  "Management - Stock Option Plan," "Description of
     Securities"  and  "Certain  Transactions  -  Escrow  Agreements."  Includes
     1,276,588  shares of Common Stock issued to the FSAH Escrow Agent  pursuant
     to the FSAC Escrow Agreements  entered into between the Company,  FSAH, the
     FSAH Escrow Agent and certain other  parties.  See "Certain  Transactions."
     Inasmuch as the Company has received no firm commitments  therefore,  there
     can be no assurances,  however, as to the number of Debentures,  Increasing
     Rate  Debentures,  Placement  Warrant and  Purchase  Options  which will be
     converted or exercised, as the case may be.


                                        8

<PAGE>

                          SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION
[TABLE 1 OF 2]
                                             PREDECESSOR COMPANY (1)          
                                     ---------------------------------------  
                                                                              
                                                                              
                                            YEARS ENDED FEBRUARY 28,          
                                     ---------------------------------------  
                                         1993          1994          1995     
                                          $             $             $       
                                     -----------   -----------   -----------  
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
Net sales ........................     6,256,667     6,851,457     8,826,856  
Total operating expenses .........     5,818,092     6,414,144     8,179,083  
Operating income .................       438,575       437,313       647,773  
Interest paid ....................       223,314       180,960       152,163  
Net income before tax and
   Minority interest .............       269,251       321,319       536,440  
Net income after tax .............       138,839       207,916       313,882  

EARNINGS PER SHARE (6)
Basic ............................   $       .25   $       .38   $       .57  
Fully diluted ....................           .25           .38           .57  

Ratio of Earnings to fixed charges           2.1          1.67           4.0  
                                     ===========   ===========   ===========  

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
[TABLE 2 OF 2]
                                                                     THE COMPANY
                                     ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        MARCH 1,   JULY 1,1995       JULY 1,1996      JULY 1, 1996   JULY 1, 1997
                                        1995 TO         TO                TO              TO             TO
                                         JUNE          JUNE              JUNE          SEPTEMBER      SEPTEMBER
                                       30, 1995      30, 1996          30, 1997         30, 1996       30, 1997
                                     -----------   -----------       -----------      -----------    -----------
                                          $             $                 $                $              $
                                     -----------   -----------       -----------      -----------    -----------
<S>                                    <C>          <C>               <C>              <C>            <C>       
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
Net sales ........................     3,297,507    14,911,097        66,575,931       11,690,884     21,461,433
Total operating expenses .........       292,806    19,833,942(2)     61,134,362       10,468,001     20,014,736
Operating income .................       334,701    (4,922,845)        5,441,569        1,222,883      1,446,697
Interest paid ....................        18,801       865,733(3)        858,067         (215,087)      (175,741)
Net income before tax and
   Minority interest .............       359,045    (5,248,942)        8,379,511(4)     1,207,706      1,865,520(5)
Net income after tax .............       213,829    (5,737,560)        6,683,165          829,135        988,626

EARNINGS PER SHARE (6)
Basic ............................   $       .39   ($     3.03)      $      1.30      $       .18    $       .18
Fully diluted ....................           .39         (1.39)             1.22              .18            .17

Ratio of Earnings to fixed charges          14.1            (A)              8.9                             4.3
                                     ===========   ===========       ===========                     ===========
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               PREDECESSOR COMPANY (1)                               THE COMPANY
                        ------------------------------------   ----------------------------------------------------------
                                    FEBRUARY 28,                JUNE 30,     JUNE 30      JUNE 30             SEPTEMBER 30
                                    ------------                --------     -------      --------            ------------
                            1993         1994         1995         1995         1996         1997                  1997
                             $            $            $            $            $            $                     $
                        ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------            ----------
                                                                                                             
<S>                      <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>                   <C>       
BALANCE SHEET DATA                                                                                           
Total assets ........    3,976,769    3,976,974    5,161,709    5,917,394   23,604,994   64,197,149            66,072,160
Long term liabilities    1,140,244    1,112,391    1,123,665      954,718    2,361,372   13,341,758            13,690,750
Net working capital .    1,177,250    1,194,931    1,366,602    1,524,129    4,624,417   26,196,023            23,792,502
Stockholder's equity     1,527,356    1,580,826    1,828,656    2,017,995   12,792,376   23,220,014            24,872,524
</TABLE>

- ---------------

(1)  Represents the combined results for Starpak and L.S.  Pressings,  which are
     deemed to be the predecessor of the Company due to the common ownership and
     control of such entities. The Company's fiscal year end is June 30.

(2)  Includes a one time non-cash escrow shares charge of $6,314,000  related to
     the  release of 1.1  million  shares  under the terms of an Earnout  Escrow
     Agreement,  as amended,  between the Company,  certain  shareholders of the
     Company and American Stock Transfer and Trust Company.

(3)  Includes  a non-cash  charge of  $396,500  relating  to costs  incurred  in
     connection with a November 1995 Bridge Note Financing.

(4)  Includes a net gain of $3,327,478 on the sale of investment in FSA Food, as
     well as a minority interest of $135,224.

(5)  Includes a minority interest of $430,701.

(A)  As a result of the loss in the fiscal year ended June 30, 1996, the Company
     was not able to cover the fixed charges by $6,253,280.

(6)  For  periods  prior to July 1,  1995,  pro  forma  earnings  per  share are
     presented  giving effect to the Company's shares issued in exchange for the
     predecessor's previously outstanding shares.



                                        9

<PAGE>



           CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

           Certain  statements  contained  under  "Management's  Discussion  and
Analysis  of  Financial  Condition  and  Results of  Operations,"  such as those
concerning future revenues,  certain statements contained under "Business," such
as statements  concerning the effect of market conditions,  and other statements
contained in this Prospectus regarding matters that are not historical facts are
forward-looking  statements  (as such term is defined  in the rules  promulgated
pursuant to the  Securities  Act of 1933,  as amended (the  "Securities  Act")).
Because such forward-looking statements include risks and uncertainties,  actual
results  may  differ  materially  from  those  expressed  in or  implied by such
forward-looking  statements.  Factors that could cause actual  results to differ
materially  include,  but are not limited to, those discussed herein under "Risk
Factors",  (political risks, risks related to currency exchange, economic risks,
government regulatory considerations, absence of substantive disclosure relating
to acquisitions, risks related to operations of FSA Foods, possible fluctuations
in  operating  results,  competition,   labour  relations,   dependence  on  key
personnel,  control by  insiders,  potential  adverse  effect of  redemption  of
warrants, absence of public market for Debentures,  current prospectus and state
registration   requirements,   shares  eligible  for  future  sales,   potential
anti-takeover  effects of preferred  stock,  and limited rights of  shareholders
under Bermuda law). The Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly the
result of any revisions to these forward-looking  statements that may be made to
reflect  events  or  circumstances  after  the date  hereof  or to  reflect  the
occurrence of unanticipated events.

                                  RISK FACTORS

           An investment in the  securities  offered  hereby is  speculative  in
nature and involves a high degree of risk. In addition to the other  information
contained in this Prospectus,  prospective  investors should carefully  consider
the following risk factors before purchasing the securities offered hereby.

RISKS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN SOUTH AFRICA

           The  Company's  operations  are  conducted  through  its  direct  and
indirect  subsidiaries  located in South Africa. For the foreseeable future, the
Company  expects to continue to focus all of its  efforts in South  Africa.  The
conduct of the Company's business in South Africa exposes the Company to certain
risks, including the following:

           Political Risks.  Historically,  the social structure of South Africa
was governed according to the apartheid system.  Racial tensions in South Africa
have  from time to time  resulted  in social  unrest,  strikes,  riots and other
sporadic  localized  violence.   The  apartheid  system  also  resulted  in  the
imposition of international  financial and trade sanctions against South Africa.
Although a new interim constitution was adopted providing for universal suffrage
and the first national  election under the new constitution  took place in April
1994,  there can be no  assurance  that  social  unrest,  which  could  range in
magnitude from civil  disobedience  to civil war, will not occur.  The Company's
businesses in South Africa have experienced  politically-related  work stoppages
in the past,  although  since 1994 no such  disturbance  has been  material.  In
addition, certain other countries in the region are currently engaged in or have
had  civil  war  with the  corresponding  severe  adverse  economic  and  social
conditions and effects.  Moreover,  there can be no assurance as to the economic
and tax policies which the South African government may pursue and whether those
policies may include  nationalization,  expropriation and confiscatory taxation.
Nationalization,  expropriation  or confiscatory  taxation,  as well as currency
blockage, political changes, government regulation, strikes, political or social
instability or diplomatic  developments  could  adversely  affect the economy of
South Africa and could have a material adverse effect on the Company.



                                       10

<PAGE>




   
           Risks Related to Currency  Exchange.  All of the Company's  operating
subsidiaries  do business in South African Rand and the  Company's  revenues are
generally  received in such currency.  Historically,  there has been significant
inflation  in South  Africa  (averaging  10-15%  per annum in recent  years) and
significant fluctuations in the exchange rate of the South African Rand. Because
South  Africa's  inflation rate would impact its economy both  domestically  and
internationally, and higher levels of inflation have frequently reduced the real
return on capital and investment  (thereby lowering the demand for capital goods
including  the  types  that  the  Company  produces),  South  Africa's  level of
inflation may increase the Company's risk related to currency  fluctuation.  The
U.S.  Dollar  equivalent  of the  Company's net assets and results of operations
will be adversely  affected by  reductions  in the value of the Rand relative to
the U.S. Dollar.  Similarly,  if the exchange rate declines between the time the
Company incurs expenses in other currencies and the time cash expenses are paid,
the  amount of South  African  Rand  required  to be  converted  into such other
currencies  in order to pay such expenses  could be greater than the  equivalent
amount of such  expenses in South  African Rand at the time they were  incurred.
The exchange rate for South African Rand against the U.S. dollar declined during
fiscal year 1997 during  which  period the average rate of exchange for the Rand
against  the dollar was $1.00 to Rand 4.53 as compared  with an average  rate of
$1.00 to Rand 3.85 for fiscal year 1996.  As of  February 3, 1998,  the Rand was
trading at approximately 4.93 Rand to the Dollar.  See "Management's  Discussion
and Analysis of Financial  Condition and Results of Operations" and "Certain Tax
Considerations - South African Taxation."
    


           Economic  Risks.  The economy of South Africa may differ  unfavorably
from the U.S.  economy in such respects as growth of gross  domestic  product or
gross  national  product,  rate of inflation,  taxation,  capital  reinvestment,
resource  self-sufficiency and balance of payments position. South Africa may be
particularly susceptible to changes in the world price of gold and other primary
commodities as these  represent a majority of South Africa's  exports.  Any such
unfavorable aspects of the South African economy may materially adversely affect
the financial condition of the Company.

           Government Regulatory Considerations.  Generally, the making of loans
by the Company to its subsidiaries,  the ability of those subsidiaries to borrow
from South  African  sources and the  repatriation  of  dividends,  interest and
royalties by those  subsidiaries is regulated by the Exchange Control Department
of the South African  Reserve Bank (the "Reserve  Bank").  South Africa formerly
operated a dual currency system comprising the commercial rand and the financial
rand,  which  was  abolished  in 1995.  The  financial  rand was the  investment
currency, which traded at a discount to the commercial rand. No guarantee can be
given  that the  financial  rand will not be  reintroduced  in the  future  with
possible  adverse  consequences  on the  U.S.  dollar  value  of  the  Company's
investments in South Africa.  Current South African Exchange Control Regulations
provide that, subject to any exemption which may be granted by the South African
Treasury  (the  "Treasury"),  no  non-resident  of South Africa and no "affected
person"  (which  includes any entity (i) that may  distribute 50% or more of its
capital,  assets or earnings to a  non-resident  of South  Africa or (ii) 50% or
more of the  voting  power of which is  controlled  by a  non-resident  of South
Africa) may provide any "financial  assistance"  to any South African  resident.
"Financial  assistance"  is broadly  defined to include  any loans,  guarantees,
sale/leasebacks,  etc.  Because FSAH will be deemed to be an "affected  person,"
the Company is generally required to obtain the permission of the Treasury prior
to loaning money to, providing  guarantees on behalf of, or otherwise  providing
"financial  assistance"  to FSAH.  Notwithstanding  the above,  a South  African
company such as FSAH is  permitted a certain  level of local  borrowing  without
reference to the exchange  control  authorities  and without prior consent.  The
amount which any affected person may borrow is calculated in accordance with the
following formula:

                     100%+ (PERCENTAGE SOUTH AFRICAN INTEREST X 100%)
                           ------------------------------------------
                              (percentage non-resident interest).


                                       11

<PAGE>



In  addition,  the terms of  repayment  of any such loan and the  interest  rate
(which is generally market-related) will be
regulated.

           Under other regulations,  no person may, without permission,  acquire
any security from a non-resident or make any entry in a security  register which
involves the transfer of a security  into or out of the name of a  non-resident.
The  control is  exercised  by placing  the  endorsement  "non-resident"  on all
securities owned by non-residents  or in which  non-residents  have an interest.
The non-resident  endorsement is placed on the share  certificates by a bank and
is in practice easy to obtain.

           Certain  other  regulations  impact the  remittance  of dividends and
interest  from South Africa,  including  any potential  dividends to the Company
from a South African  subsidiary.  In practice,  the South African  Reserve Bank
does not restrict the  remittance  of genuine  dividends  from income  earned by
South African companies although approval must be obtained.  As a result,  there
can be no  assurance  that a South  African  subsidiary  would be  permitted  to
declare and pay a dividend to the Company.  See "South  Africa - Foreign  Direct
Investment."

ABSENCE OF SUBSTANTIVE DISCLOSURE RELATING TO ACQUISITIONS

           Although  management  of the Company  will  endeavor to evaluate  the
risks inherent in any particular acquisition, there can be no assurance that the
Company will properly  ascertain all such risks.  Management of the Company will
have virtually unrestricted flexibility in identifying and selecting prospective
acquisition candidates. The Company does not intend to seek stockholder approval
for any  acquisitions  unless  required by  applicable  law or  regulations  and
stockholders  will most  likely  not have an  opportunity  to  review  financial
information on an acquisition candidate prior to consummation of an acquisition.
See "Description of Securities - Differences in Corporate Law."

           South  African  companies  that may be  acquired  by the  Company are
subject to South African GAAP which, in certain instances,  may differ from U.S.
GAAP. Although the Company intends to prepare financial statements in accordance
with U.S.  GAAP, the Company can provide no assurance that it will be able to do
so. Although the Company is unaware of any South African GAAP  requirement  that
would  adversely  affect  it,  there  can be no  assurance  that  the  Company's
financial  condition  or  the  ability  of  the  Company  to  consummate  future
acquisitions will not be adversely affected by differences between South African
GAAP and U.S. GAAP.

RISKS RELATED TO MANAGING NEWLY ACQUIRED BUSINESSES

           Acquisitions may involve  difficulties  related to the integration of
acquired  businesses,  some of which  may  have  different  cultures,  operating
methodologies,  margins or business risks.  The failure to timely  integrate the
Company's  business  with that of an  acquired  entity  may result in a material
adverse effect on the Company's  results of operations and financial  condition.
Further, acquisitions may involve a number of special risks, including diversion
of management's attention, failure to retain key acquired personnel and clients,
unanticipated  events or  circumstances,  legal  liabilities and amortization of
acquired  intangible assets,  some or all of which could have a material adverse
effect on the Company's  results of operations and financial  condition.  Client
satisfaction  or  performance  problems at a single  acquired  firm could have a
material adverse impact on the reputation of the Company as a whole.



                                       12

<PAGE>



HOLDING COMPANY STRUCTURE

           The Company is a holding  company with no operations  or  significant
assets  other than its  ownership  of equity  interests  in direct and  indirect
subsidiaries  as described in this Prospectus (and cash on hand in the amount of
$3,625,000 as of September 30,  1997).  The Company will rely on cash  dividends
and  other  permitted  payments  from  its  subsidiaries,  as well  as its  cash
holdings, to make principal and interest payments on outstanding indebtedness of
the Company. See -- "Risks Relating to Operations in South Africa."

RISKS RELATED TO OPERATIONS OF FSA FOODS

           Two of the operating  subsidiaries of FSA Foods each rely on a single
major customer for a substantial portion of their respective revenues.  The loss
of any such major  customer may have a material  adverse effect on the financial
condition of the Company.  There can be no assurance  that such major  customers
will continue to purchase the products of such FSA Foods subsidiaries.

POSSIBLE FLUCTUATIONS IN OPERATING RESULTS

           There can be no assurance that the Company's  operating  subsidiaries
will continue to operate profitably,  or that prior trends will be indicative of
future  results of  operations.  Future  results  of  operations  may  fluctuate
significantly  based upon  factors  such as  increases  in  competition,  losses
incurred  by new  businesses  that  may be  acquired  in  the  future,  currency
fluctuations,   political   changes,   macroeconomic   factors,   the  continued
availability of new materials and other circumstances that may not be reasonably
foreseeable at this time.

COMPETITION

           The Company  competes with a number of  companies,  from South Africa
and from other countries,  offering similar products and services,  some of whom
may have  substantially  greater  financial,  management,  technical  and  other
resources  than the  Company.  As a result of South  Africa's  recent  political
transformation,  some South  African  businesses  may be  adversely  affected by
increased  competition  from foreign firms doing  business in South  Africa.  In
addition,  South Africa has historically  imposed  significant tariffs against a
number of industrial products. To the extent such tariffs are reduced or removed
to comply with international treaty requirements or otherwise, the Company would
face much greater  pressure from  globally  competitive  firms.  There can be no
assurance that the Company will compete effectively with such other companies or
that  other  companies  will not  develop  products  which are  superior  to the
Company's or which achieve greater market penetration.  In addition, the Company
may  experience  competition  from  other  companies  seeking  to  identify  and
consummate acquisitions of South African companies.  Such competition may result
in the loss of an acquisition  candidate or an increase in the price the Company
would be required to pay for any such acquisition. See "Business - Competition."

LABOUR RELATIONS

           A  significant  number  of South  Africa's  workers  belong to either
registered or unregistered  trade unions,  and most of the major  industries are
unionized.  A number of the trade  unions have close links to various  political
parties.  In the past,  trade unions have had a  significant  influence in South
Africa as vehicles  for social and  political  reform as well as the  collective
bargaining  process.  It is uncertain  whether labor disruptions will be used to
advocate  political causes in the future.  Significant  labor  disruptions could
have a material adverse effect on the financial condition of the Company.



                                       13

<PAGE>



           South Africa has also recently  enacted a new Labour  Relations  Act.
The Act  entrenches  the rights of  employees  to belong to trade unions and the
rights of representative trade unions to have access to the workplace. The right
to strike is guaranteed, as is the right to participate in secondary strikes, in
certain prescribed circumstances.  The right to picket has also been entrenched.
The Act recognizes the rights of employers to belong to employers' associations.
Importantly,  the Act envisages an increased  role for employees in the decision
making of companies by providing,  where a majority trade union so requests, for
the compulsory  establishment  of workplace forums to represent the interests of
employees where a company  employs more than 100 employees.  The range of issues
on which the workplace  forum must be consulted  include  restructurings  of the
workplace,  partial or total plant closures,  mergers and transfers of ownership
insofar as these affect employees, and retrenchments.  The implementation of the
Labour  Relations  Act's  provisions  may have a material  adverse effect on the
Company's  cost of  labor  and  consequently  on its  financial  condition.  New
legislation is currently being proposed  regarding minimum  conditions of labor.
Such legislation, if enacted, is expected to increase South African labor costs.

DEPENDENCE ON KEY PERSONNEL

           The Company's success depends upon the continued contributions of its
executive officers, most of whom are also principal stockholders of the Company,
and the continued  contributions of the management of Starpak,  L.S.  Pressings,
Europair, FSA Foods and the FSA Foods Subsidiaries. The Company has obtained key
man  insurance in the amounts of $2,000,000 on the lives of each of Michael Levy
and Clive Kabatznik.  The business of the Company could be adversely affected by
the loss of services  of, or a material  reduction in the amount of time devoted
to the Company by, its executive officers. See "Management."

CONTROL BY INSIDERS; OWNERSHIP OF SHARES HAVING DISPROPORTIONATE
VOTING RIGHTS; POSSIBLE DEPRESSIVE EFFECT ON THE PRICE OF THE
COMPANY'S SECURITIES


           The Company's  founders and certain other  shareholders own 1,822,500
shares of Class B Common  Stock  (excluding  certain  shares of Common Stock and
options),  representing approximately 26.2% of the Company's outstanding capital
stock and approximately  63.8% of the total voting power (assuming no conversion
of the  Debentures  and the  Increasing  Rate  Debentures and no exercise of the
Placement  Warrant  and  Purchase  Options)  and are  able to  elect  all of the
Company's  directors  and  otherwise  control  the  Company's  operations.   See
"Principal  Shareholders."  Furthermore,  the disproportionate vote afforded the
Class B Common  Stock  could also serve to impede or prevent a change of control
of the Company. As a result, potential acquirers may be discouraged from seeking
to acquire  control of the Company  through the purchase of Common Stock,  which
could have a depressive effect on the price of the Company's securities and will
make it less likely that  shareholders  receive a premium for their  shares as a
result of any such attempt. See "Principal Shareholders," "Certain Transactions"
and "Description of Securities."


DIVIDENDS UNLIKELY

           The Company has not paid any cash  dividends and does not  anticipate
paying any such cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Earnings, if any, will
be retained to finance future growth. See "Dividend Policy."

POTENTIAL ADVERSE EFFECT OF REDEMPTION OF WARRANTS

           The Class A Warrants and the Class B Warrants are  redeemable  by the
Company at a redemption  price of $.05 per Warrant  upon 30 days' prior  written
notice if the  average  bid price per share of the Common  Stock  exceeds  $9.10
(subject to adjustment) with respect to the Class A Warrants and $12.25 (subject
to adjustment) with respect


                                       14

<PAGE>




to the Class B Warrants,  for 30 consecutive  trading days ending within 15 days
of the notice of redemption.  Redemption of the Warrants could force the holders
to exercise the Warrants and pay the exercise  price  therefor at a time when it
may be  disadvantageous  for the  holders to do so, to sell the  Warrants at the
then current  market price when they might  otherwise wish to hold the Warrants,
or to accept the redemption  price,  which,  at the time the Warrants are called
for redemption,  is likely to be substantially less than the market value of the
Warrants. The average bid price per share of Common Stock for the 30 consecutive
trading  days ending  January 14, 1998 was $6.74,  and the average bid price per
Class A Warrant  for such  period was $2.28 per  Warrant.  See  "Description  of
Securities - Warrants."


ABSENCE OF PUBLIC MARKET FOR DEBENTURES

           Prior to this  offering,  there has not been a public  market for the
Debentures  and there can be no assurance  that an active trading market will be
developed or be sustained after this offering.

CURRENT PROSPECTUS AND STATE REGISTRATION REQUIRED TO CONVERT
DEBENTURES AND EXERCISE PLACEMENT WARRANT AND PURCHASE OPTIONS

           Holders of Debentures,  Placement  Warrant and Purchase  Options will
only be able to convert the  Debentures  and exercise the Placement  Warrant and
the  Purchase  Options  if (i) a current  prospectus  under the  Securities  Act
relating to the shares of Common  Stock  underlying  the  Debentures,  Placement
Warrant and Purchase  Options is then in effect,  and (ii) such shares of Common
Stock are qualified for sale or exempt from  qualification  under the applicable
securities  laws of the states.  There can be no assurance that the Company will
be able to maintain  the  effectiveness  of a current  prospectus  covering  the
shares of Common Stock underlying the Debentures, Placement Warrant and Purchase
Options. The value of the Debentures, Placement Warrant and Purchase Options may
be greatly reduced if a current prospectus,  covering the shares of Common Stock
issuable upon the exercise of such securities,  is not kept effective or if such
securities are not qualified or exempt from qualification under applicable state
securities laws. See "Description of Securities."

SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALES; POSSIBLE DEPRESSIVE EFFECT OF
FUTURE SALES OF COMMON STOCK; REGISTRATION RIGHTS


           Future  sales of Common  Stock by existing  stockholders  pursuant to
Rule 144 under the  Securities  Act, or  otherwise,  including  with  respect to
outstanding  Class A Warrants and Class B Warrants,  or the  possibility of such
sales in the public market,  could have a material  adverse affect on the market
price of the securities offered hereby.  Immediately following the effectiveness
of this offering, there will be an aggregate of 5,181,443 shares of Common Stock
and 1,822,500  Class B Common Stock  outstanding  (assuming no conversion of the
Debentures  and  Increasing  Rate  Debentures  and no exercise of the  Placement
Warrant and Purchase Options).  In addition, an aggregate of 2,591,301 shares of
Common  Stock are  issuable  upon  exercise  of certain  Warrants  issued by the
Company  and  upon  exercise  of the  Warrants  included  in the  Units  sold in
connection with the Offering.  The 2,300,000  shares of Common Stock included as
part of the Units sold  pursuant to the Offering were freely  tradeable  without
restriction  under the Securities Act  immediately  following the Offering.  All
other  shares  of  Common  Stock and the  shares  of Class B Common  Stock,  are
"restricted securities" as that term is defined under the Securities Act, and in
the future may be sold in compliance  with Rule 144 under the  Securities Act or
pursuant  to a  Registration  Statement  filed  under the  Securities  Act.  See
"Description  of Securities - Class B Common Stock." Of the 5,181,443  shares of
Common Stock issued and outstanding as of the date of this Prospectus, 1,276,588
shares were issued to the FSAH  Escrow  Agent  pursuant to the terms of the FSAC
Escrow  Agreements.  In addition the Company has issued 142,918 shares of Common
Stock to the prior shareholders of SA Leisure subject to a two-year



                                       15

<PAGE>




lock-up  period.  Of the  1,822,500  shares of Class B Common  Stock  issued and
outstanding upon the date of this Prospectus,  729,979 shares were issued to the
FSAH  Escrow  Agent  pursuant  to the terms of the FSAH  Escrow  Agreement.  See
"Certain  Transactions."  Such shares of Common  Stock and Class B Common  Stock
(issued  with  respect  to the  FSAC  Escrow  Agreements  and  the  FSAH  Escrow
Agreement)  are  "restricted  securities"  which  in the  future  may be sold in
compliance with Rule 144 or pursuant to a registration statement filed under the
Securities  Act.  All the shares of Common  Stock  issued  pursuant  to the FSAC
Escrow  Agreements will be eligible for sale under Rule 144 in July 1998. All of
the shares of Class B Common  Stock are  currently  eligible for sale under Rule
144. Rule 144 generally provides that a person holding restricted securities for
a period  of one year may sell  every  three  months in  brokerage  transactions
and/or market-maker  transactions an amount not to exceed the greater of (a) one
percent (1%) of the Company's  issued and  outstanding  Common Stock, or (b) the
average weekly trading volume of the Common Stock during the four calendar weeks
prior to such sale. Rule 144 also permits, under certain circumstances, the sale
of shares without any quantity limitation by a person who is not an affiliate of
the Company and who has satisfied a two-year holding period.


           As of January 24, 1997,  D.H. Blair  Investment  Banking  Corp.,  the
Company's  Underwriter  in connection  with its Initial Public  Offering  ("D.H.
Blair")and  certain other holders have the right to two demand  registrations of
the Units underlying the Unit Purchase Options. The holders of the Unit Purchase
Options also will have certain piggyback  registration  rights.  The exercise of
registration  rights may involve  substantial  expense to the Company and have a
depressive  effect  on  the  market  price  of  the  Company's  securities.  See
"Description of Securities--Shares Eligible for Future Sale."

POTENTIAL ANTI-TAKEOVER EFFECTS OF PREFERRED STOCK

           The Company's  Memorandum of  Association  authorizes the issuance of
5,000,000  shares  of  preferred  stock  with  such  designations,   rights  and
preferences  as may be  determined  from time to time by the Board of Directors.
Accordingly,  the Board of Directors is empowered,  without shareholder approval
(but  subject  to  applicable  government  regulatory  restrictions),  to  issue
preferred stock with dividend,  liquidation,  conversion, voting or other rights
which could adversely  affect the voting power or other rights of the holders of
the Company's Common Stock. In the event of issuance,  the preferred stock could
be utilized, under certain circumstances, as a method of discouraging,  delaying
or  preventing a change in control of the  Company.  Although the Company has no
present  intention to issue any shares of its preferred  stock,  there can be no
assurance  that the Company will not do so in the future.  See  "Description  of
Securities."

LIMITED RIGHTS OF SHAREHOLDERS UNDER BERMUDA LAW AND BYE-LAWS OF THE COMPANY

           The  Company's  corporate  affairs are governed by its  Memorandum of
Association  and  bye-laws,  as well as the common law of  Bermuda  relating  to
companies and the Companies Act 1981. The Company's  bye-laws limit the right of
securityholders  to  bring an  action  against  officers  and  directors  of the
Company.  The laws of Bermuda  relating to  shareholder  rights,  protection  of
minorities,  fiduciary  duties of directors and  officers,  matters of corporate
governance,   corporate   restructurings,   mergers  and  similar  arrangements,
takeovers,  shareholder  suits,  indemnification  of directors and inspection of
corporate  records,  may differ from those that would apply if the Company  were
incorporated  in  a  jurisdiction  within  the  United  States.  The  rights  of
shareholders  in a Bermuda  company may not be as  extensive  as the rights of a
shareholder  of a United  States  company and,  accordingly,  the holders of the
Company's shares of Common Stock may be more limited in their ability to protect
their interests in the Company.  In addition,  there is uncertainty  whether the
courts of Bermuda  would  enforce  judgements of the courts of the United States
and of other foreign jurisdictions. There is also uncertainty whether the courts
of Bermuda would enforce  actions  brought in Bermuda which are predicated  upon
the securities laws of the United


                                       16

<PAGE>



States. See "Enforceability of Civil Liabilities,"  "Description of Securities -
Differences in Corporate Law" and "Certain Provisions of Bermuda Law."








                                       17

<PAGE>



                                 USE OF PROCEEDS

           The  proceeds  which may be realized by the Company upon the exercise
of the Placement  Warrant and the Purchase Options will be up to an amount equal
to  $903,750  less  certain  expenses  with  respect  to the  offering  of  such
securities.  No  assurance  can be given  that any of the  Placement  Warrant or
Purchase Options will be exercised.

           Net proceeds  received from the exercise of the Placement  Warrant or
the Purchase Options,  if any, are intended to be used for further  acquisitions
(70%  of the  net  proceeds)  and  general  corporate  purposes  (30% of the net
proceeds).


                                 DIVIDEND POLICY

           The Company has not paid any cash  dividends  on its Common Stock and
does not anticipate paying cash dividends in the foreseeable future. The Company
currently  intends to retain  earnings,  if any,  to  finance  the growth of the
Company.  The Board of Directors of the Company will review its dividend  policy
from  time to time to  determine  the  feasibility  and  desirability  of paying
dividends,  after giving  consideration  to the  Company's  earnings,  financial
condition, capital requirements and such other factors as the Board of Directors
deems relevant.







                                       18

<PAGE>



                                 CAPITALIZATION

           The following table sets forth the  capitalization of the Company (i)
at September  30,  1997;  and (ii) as adjusted to give effect to the proceeds of
the Increasing Rate Debenture  offering net of issue costs. This table should be
read in conjunction with the Financial Statements and the Notes thereto included
elsewhere in this Prospectus.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                       SEPTEMBER 30, 1997
                                                                                                         (IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                                                     ACTUAL      AS ADJUSTED
                                                                                                     ------      -----------
<S>                                                                                                  <C>           <C>   

Long term debt ...................................................................................   13,691        13,691
                                                                                                     ------        ------
Increasing Rate Debentures .......................................................................                 14,200
Minority Interest in Subsidiary ..................................................................   13,446        13,446
                                                                                                     ------        ------
Stockholders' Equity:                                                                                             
Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value; 5,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding...     --            --
    Common Stock, $0.01 par value; 23,000,000 shares authorized; 3,780,315 shares issued and                      
    outstanding actual(1)(2)(3) ..................................................................       38            38
    Class B Common Stock, $0.01 par value; 2,000,000 shares authorized; 1,822,500 shares issued                   
    and outstanding; actual and as adjusted(4) ...................................................       19            19
    Additional paid-in capital ...................................................................   24,659        24,659
    Deficit/Retained Income ......................................................................    3,792         3,792
    Foreign currency translation adjustments .....................................................    3,634         3,634
    Total Stockholders' Equity ...................................................................   24,874        24,874
                                                                                                     ------        ------
Total capitalization .............................................................................   52,011        66,211
                                                                                                     ======        ======
</TABLE>

- ------------------
(1)  Excludes  1,175,345 shares of Common Stock issued by the Company subsequent
     to the Company's Warrant Exchange offer which expired on November 25, 1997.

(2)  The Common Stock and Class B Common Stock are essentially  identical except
     that each share of Common  Stock is  entitled to one vote and each share of
     Class B  Common  Stock is  entitled  to five  votes.  See  "Description  of
     Securities".


(3)  Excludes (i) an aggregate of 2,591,301  shares of Common Stock reserved for
     issuance  upon  exercise  of  certain   Redeemable  Class  A  Warrants  and
     Redeemable  Class B Warrants  issued by the Company  ("Warrants")  and upon
     exercise of the Warrants  included in the Units offered in connection  with
     the  Company's  initial  public  offering that was effective on January 24,
     1996;  (iii)  800,000  shares  issuable  upon exercise of the Unit Purchase
     Options and the Warrants included in the Units underlying the Unit Purchase
     Options; (iv) 850,000 shares reserved for issuance under the Company's 1995
     Stock  Option  Plan ; (v)  500,000  shares of  Common  Stock  reserved  for
     issuance upon exercise of certain  additional  stock options granted by the
     Board of Directors of the Company;  (vi)  1,276,588  shares of Common Stock
     issued to the FSAH Escrow Agent pursuant to the FSAC Escrow Agreements. See
     "Certain Transactions,"  "Management - Executive Compensation," "Management
     -  Stock  Option   Plan,"   "Description   of   Securities"   and  "Certain
     Transactions."


(4)  Includes   729,979   shares  of  Class  B  Common  Stock  issued  upon  the
     consummation  of the Offering to the FSAH Escrow Agent pursuant to the FSAH
     Escrow Agreement, pursuant to which such FSAH shareholders may tender their
     shares of FSAH Class B Stock to the FSAH Escrow  Agent  against  payment by
     the FSAH Escrow Agent of the purchase price therefor,  which payment may be
     made through the sale by the FSAH Escrow Agent of an equal number of shares
     of Class B Common Stock (which shall be  automatically  converted to shares
     of Common Stock upon such sale) and delivery of the


                                       19

<PAGE>



     net proceeds thereof.  See "Certain  Transactions - FSAH Escrow Agreements"
     and "Principal Shareholders."

     MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

           On January 24, 1996 , the  Company's  Common  Stock,  Units,  Class A
Warrants and Class B Warrants were listed for  quotation on the SmallCap  Market
on  the  Nasdaq  System  under  the  symbols  FSAUF,  FSACF,  FSAWF  and  FSAZF,
respectively. The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated the high
and low bid prices for the Common  Stock,  Units,  Class A Warrants  and Class B
Warrants as reported  by Nasdaq.  Quotations  reflect  prices  between  dealers,
without  retail  mark-up,  mark  down or  commissions  and  may not  necessarily
represent actual transactions.


                                        HIGH BID                       LOW BID
                                        --------                       -------
COMMON STOCK
1996
3rd Quarter                             $ 4.75                         $ 2.88
4th Quarter                             $ 6.00                         $ 3.00

1997
1st Quarter                             $ 6.50                         $ 4.50
2nd Quarter                             $ 5.75                         $ 4.00
3rd Quarter                             $ 7.38                         $ 3.50
4th Quarter                             $ 8.75                         $ 4.63


1998
1st Quarter                             $ 8.75                         $ 7.13
2nd Quarter                             $ 8.75                         $ 6.125
3rd Quarter (through January 8, 1998)   $ 6.25                         $ 5.81


UNITS
1996
3rd Quarter                             $ 6.50                         $ 5.38
4th Quarter                             $10.00                         $ 5.25

1997
1st Quarter                             $ 9.72                         $ 6.75
2nd Quarter                             $11.00                         $ 8.25
3rd Quarter                             $ 9.75                         $ 6.75
4th Quarter                             $14.13                         $ 6.38


1998
1st Quarter                             $14.00                         $10.00
2nd Quarter                             $13.50                         $ 8.625
3rd Quarter (through January 8, 1998)   $ 9.00                         $ 8.625


CLASS A WARRANTS
1996
3rd Quarter                             $ 3.00                         $ 1.50
4th Quarter                             $ 2.87                         $ 1.58



                                       20

<PAGE>



                                        HIGH BID                       LOW BID
                                        --------                       -------

1997
1st Quarter                             $ 3.28                         $ 2.25
2nd Quarter                             $ 5.00                         $ 2.75
3rd Quarter                             $ 2.38                         $ 1.25
4th Quarter                             $ 3.88                         $ 1.06


1998
1st Quarter                             $ 3.625                        $ 2.00
2nd Quarter                             $ 3.75                         $ 1.9375
3rd Quarter (through January 8, 1998)   $ 1.9375                       $ 1.81


CLASS B WARRANTS
1996
3rd Quarter                             $ 1.62                         $  .62
4th Quarter                             $  .88                         $  .62

1997
1st Quarter                             $ 1.25                         $  .25
2nd Quarter                             $ 1.50                         $  .63
3rd Quarter                             $ 1.50                         $  .59
4th Quarter                             $ 1.94                         $  .39


1998
1st Quarter                             $ 1.625                        $ 1.00
2nd Quarter                             $ 1.75                         $ 1.25
3rd Quarter (through January 8, 1998)   $ 1.31                         $ 1.25


           As of November 25, 1997, there were approximately  1,730 shareholders
both of record and beneficial, of the Company's Common Stock.



                                       21

<PAGE>



                        SELECTED HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA
                        CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL DATA

           The following selected financial data for Starpak and L.S. Pressings,
the Company's predecessor, as of and for the periods presented have been derived
from the combined audited  financial  statements of Starpak and L.S.  Pressings.
The  unaudited  financial  data,  in the  opinion  of  management,  contain  all
adjustments  (consisting only of normal and recurring adjustments) necessary for
a fair  presentation  of such data.  The results of the interim  periods are not
necessarily  indicative of the results of a full year. All of the financial data
set forth below should be read in  conjunction  with the  information  appearing
under the caption  "Management's  Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations."

                         SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION


[TABLE 1 OF 2]
                                             PREDECESSOR COMPANY (1)(2)       
                                     ---------------------------------------  
                                                                              
                                                                              
                                            YEARS ENDED FEBRUARY 28,          
                                     ---------------------------------------  
                                         1993          1994          1995     
                                          $             $             $       
                                     -----------   -----------   -----------  
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
Net sales ........................     6,256,667     6,851,457     8,826,856  
Total operating expenses .........     5,818,092     6,414,144     8,179,083  
Operating income .................       438,575       437,313       647,773  
Interest paid ....................       223,314       180,960       152,163  
Net income before tax and
   Minority interest .............       269,251       321,319       536,440  
Net income after tax .............       138,839       207,916       313,882  

EARNINGS PER SHARE(7)
Basic ............................   $       .25   $       .38   $       .57  
Fully diluted ....................           .25           .38           .57  

Ratio of Earnings to fixed charges           2.1          1.67           4.0  
                                     ===========   ===========   ===========  


<TABLE>

<CAPTION>
[TABLE 2 OF 2]
                                                                     THE COMPANY(2)
                                     ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        MARCH 1,   JULY 1,1995       JULY 1,1996      JULY 1, 1996   JULY 1, 1997
                                        1995 TO         TO                TO              TO             TO
                                         JUNE          JUNE              JUNE          SEPTEMBER      SEPTEMBER
                                       30, 1995      30, 1996          30, 1997         30, 1996       30, 1997
                                     -----------   -----------       -----------      -----------    -----------
                                          $             $                 $                $              $
                                     -----------   -----------       -----------      -----------    -----------
<S>                                    <C>          <C>               <C>              <C>            <C>       
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
Net sales ........................     3,297,507    14,911,097        66,575,931       11,690,884     21,461,433
Total operating expenses .........       292,806    19,833,942(3)     61,134,362       10,468,001     20,014,736
Operating income .................       334,701    (4,922,845)        5,441,569        1,222,883      1,446,697
Interest paid ....................        18,801       865,733(4)        858,067         (215,087)      (175,741)
Net income before tax and
   Minority interest .............       359,045    (5,248,942)        8,379,511(5)     1,207,706      1,865,520(6)
Net income after tax .............       213,829    (5,737,560)        6,683,165          829,135        988,626

EARNINGS PER SHARE(7)
Basic ............................   $       .39   ($     3.03)      $      1.30      $       .18    $       .18
Fully diluted ....................           .39         (1.39)             1.22              .18            .17

Ratio of Earnings to fixed charges          14.1            (A)              8.9                             .43
                                     ===========   ===========       ===========                     ===========
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               PREDECESSOR COMPANY (1)                           THE COMPANY
                        ------------------------------------   ----------------------------------------------
                                    FEBRUARY 28,                JUNE 30            JUNE 30        SEPTEMBER 30
                                    ------------                -------            --------       ------------
                            1993         1994         1995         1996               1997             1997
                             $            $            $            $                  $                $
                        ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------         ----------       ----------
<S>                      <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>                <C>              <C>       
BALANCE SHEET DATA                                                                                
Total assets ........    3,976,769    3,976,974    5,161,709   23,604,994         64,197,149       66,072,160
Long term liabilities    1,140,244    1,112,391    1,123,665    2,361,372         13,341,758       13,690,750
Net working capital .    1,177,250    1,194,931    1,366,602    4,624,417         26,196,023       23,792,502
Stockholder's equity     1,527,356    1,580,826    1,828,656   12,792,376         23,220,014       24,872,524
</TABLE>                                                      
                                                              
- -----------

(1)  Represents the combined results for Starpak and L.S.  Pressings,  which are
     deemed to be the predecessor of the Company due to the Common ownership and
     control of such entities. The Company's fiscal year end is June 30.
(2)  No dividends were declared or paid during the periods presented.
(3)  Includes a one time non cash escrow shares charge of $6,314,000  related to
     the  release of 1.1  million  shares  under the terms of an Earnout  Escrow
     Agreement between the Company,  certain shareholders and the Underwriter of
     the Company's Initial Public Offering.
(4)  Includes  a non cash  charge of  $396,000  relating  to costs  incurred  in
     connection with a November 1995 Bridge Note Financing.
(5)  Includes a net gain of  $3,327,478 on the sale of investment in FSA Food as
     well as a minority interest of $135,224.
(6)  Includes a minority interest of $430,701.




                                       22

<PAGE>



(7)  For  periods  prior to July 1,  1995,  pro  forma  earnings  per  share are
     presented  giving effect to the Company's shares issued in exchange for the
     predecessor's previously outstanding shares.
(A)  As a result of the loss in the fiscal year ended June 30, 1996, the Company
     was not able to cover the fixed charges by $6,253,280.


                         PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION

           The  pro-forma  information  has  been  prepared  assuming  that  the
acquisitions  (except for Fifers Bakery  (Proprietary)  Limited) had taken place
and that operations had commenced on July 1, 1996.

           The  pro-forma  information  does not purport to be indicative of the
results that would have been  obtained if the  acquisitions  had occurred at the
beginning of the period, nor is it indicative of future results.


                   PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                        FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1997
                                   (unaudited)



                                                      Proforma (Unaudited)
                                                      --------------------

                                                           Year ended
                                                          June 30, 1997
                                                               $
                                                          -----------

   
Revenues                                                   78,596,647
                                                          -----------

Operating  expenses
   Cost of sales                                           46,006,407
   Selling, general and administrative costs               26,646,844
                                                          -----------

                                                           72,653,251
                                                          -----------
Operating (loss)/income                                     5,943,396

Gain on disposal of subsidiary stock                        3,327,478
Other income                                                  577,408
Interest (expense) income                                  (1,201,912)
                                                          -----------
(Loss)/income from consolidated companies before
income taxes and minority interests                         8,646,370
Provision for taxes on income                              (1,663,366)
                                                          -----------
                                                            6,983,004
Minority interest in consolidated subsidiary
   companies                                                 (135,224)
                                                          -----------
Net (loss)/income from consolidated companies               6,847,780
Equity in net earings of affiliated companies                  10,927
                                                          -----------
Net (loss)/income                                           6,858,707
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges                                5.9
    


                                       23

<PAGE>



                     MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                  FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


INTRODUCTION


           The Company was  incorporated  in September 1995 to acquire,  own and
operate closely held companies in South Africa with annual sales in the range of
approximately $5 million to $50 million.  In this regard,  the Company,  through
its South African  subsidiaries  has acquired  sixteen  South African  companies
engaged in the
following industry segments.

           1. Packaging   equipment  and  materials   through   Starpak,
              Alfapak, Pakmatic and Pacforce.
           2. Metal  washers  used in the fastener  industry  through LS
              Pressings and Paper and Metal.
           3. Air conditioning and  refrigeration  machinery  components
              though Europair Refrigeration and First Strut.
           4. Processed foods through  Piemans  Pantry,  Astoria Bakery,
              Seemanns, Gull Foods and Fifers Bakery.
           5. Lifestyle  products  through  SA  Leisure,   Republic  and
              Galactex.


           The Company has funded itself since inception  primarily  through the
proceeds if its initial public offering completed in January 1996, the FSA Foods
initial public offering,  as well as the issuance of $25 million of subordinated
convertible debentures.

           The annual  rate of  inflation  in South  Africa for the  periods set
forth below was as follows:

                      FISCAL YEAR 1996              FISCAL YEAR 1997
                      ----------------              ----------------
                           6.9%                           8.8%

           The average  annual rate of  inflation  in South Africa in the period
commencing  September 30, 1996 and ending  September 30, 1997 was  approximately
8.6 %

           The average rate for the South  African Rand against the U.S.  dollar
for the periods under discussion were as follows:

                       THREE MONTHS                    THREE MONTHS
                    ENDED SEPTEMBER 30              ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
                          1996                            1997
                    ------------------              -------------------
                         $1=R4.59                        $1=R4.66
           Depreciation of 1.5%

                      FISCAL YEAR 1996              FISCAL YEAR 1997
                      ----------------              ----------------
                         $1 = R3.85                    $1 = R4.53
           Depreciation of 17.7%



           As the Company's results are reported in U.S.  dollars,  but revenues
and earnings are primarily  generated in South African Rand, the local inflation
rate and the  depreciation of the South African Rand against the U.S. dollar for
the periods in  question  are  important  to further  the  understanding  of the
Company's results. In general, if the



                                       24

<PAGE>



rate of  depreciation  of the  South  African  Rand to the U.S.  dollar  for any
comparable  period is greater than the South  African rate of inflation for that
same period  then the Company  would have had to  generate  local  revenues  and
earnings  in excess of the South  African  inflation  rate in order to  maintain
dollar parity. For the period ended June 30, 1997, the depreciation of the South
African Rand to the dollar  equaled 17.7% while the annual rate of inflation was
8.8%.  In order for the Company to report dollar growth in revenues and earnings
it would  need to have  generated  growth  of over  8.9% in  inflation  adjusted
numbers through its local South African operations. The results,  therefore, for
the  period  indicated  above as  reflected  in U.S.  dollars,  is in  excess of
inflation adjusted South African Rand for revenue and earnings growth.

Results of Operations

           This  discussion  should  be read in  conjunction  with the  Selected
Historical  and Pro Forma Combined  Financial Data and the financial  statements
and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this document. In this discussion, "Pro
Forma"  includes all the combined  results for the Company's  acquisitions  that
have been  consummated  since the Company's  Initial Public Offering in January,
The "Pro Forma"  results may not be  representative  of the actual  results that
would have been achieved had such events  actually  occurred at the beginning of
the periods indicated.

           Due to the lack of comparative prior financial periods,  and in order
to provide a  meaningful  reference  point in the  Management's  Discussion  and
Analysis,  comparative  twelve  month pro forma  results have been added for the
periods  ended  June 30,  1996 and 1997  respectively.  These pro forma  results
include the results for all of the Company's acquisitions,  including those made
after January 24, 1996.  Attention is drawn to the  Management's  Discussion and
Analysis for the Pro Forma periods  mentioned  above.  This section provides the
most meaningful analysis of the Company's performance on a broader time scale.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  PROFORMA (UNAUDITED)            (UNAUDITED)
                                                                Year Ended    Year Ended       Three Months Ended
                                                                 June 30,      June 30,    September 30, September 30,
                                                                   1996          1997          1996         1997
                                                                   ----          ----          ----         ----
<S>                                                               <C>            <C>           <C>          <C>   
Costs of sales ..............................................     59.2%          58.5%         53.1%        59.2% 
Gross profit ................................................     40.8%          41.5%         49.9%        40.8%
                                                                                                          
Selling, general and administrative expenses ................     33.1%          33.8%         36.4%        34.1%
                                                                                                          
Interest expense ............................................      2.1%           1.0%          1.8%        (0.8%)
                                                                                                          
Operating income (pre non cash escrow charge) ...............      7.7%           7.7%         10.5%         6.8%
                                                                                                          
Other income (net of other expenses) ........................      1.2%           5.0%          1.7%         1.1%
Income before income taxes( pre non cash escrow                                                           
    charge) .................................................      6.8%          11.4          10.3%         8.7%
Income before income taxes ..................................     (2.1%)         11.4%         10.3%         8.7%

</TABLE>

Three Months Ended September 30, 1996 Compared to Three Months Ended
September 30, 1997

           Sales for the three months ended  September 30, 1997 increased  83.6%
to $21,461,433  from  $11,690,884  for the  comparable  period in 1996. In local
currency this reflects a net increase after inflation of 76.5%. This


                                       25

<PAGE>




increase is primarily due to the  acquisitions  the Company has completed  since
September 30, 1996. Included in the results for the three months ended September
30, 1996 were the  operations  of L.S.  Pressings,  Starpak,  Europair,  Piemans
Pantry and Astoria Bakery which were the only significant operating subsidiaries
of the Company as of such date.

           The results for the three months ended  September  30, 1997,  include
the operations of L.S. Pressings,  Starpak, Pakmatic, Europair and First SA Food
Holdings Limited (which includes Piemans Pantry, Astoria Bakery,  Seemanns, Gull
Foods and Fifers Bakery) which were the only significant operating  subsidiaries
of the Company on such date. For the three months ended  September 30, 1997, the
Company's  processed foods  operations  contributed  approximately  66.9% of the
Company's sales versus 56% for the comparable  period in 1996. The Company's air
conditioning and refrigeration  operations  contributed  approximately  16.3% of
sales for the  three  months  ended  September  30,  1997  versus  21.9% for the
comparable  period  in 1996.  The  Company's  packaging  operations  contributed
approximately  11.4% of sales for the three  months  ended  September  30,  1997
versus  12.2%  for  the  comparable  period  in  1996.  The  Company's  fastener
operations  contributed  approximately  5.3% of sales for the three months ended
September 30, 1997 versus 10% for the  comparable  period in 1996.  Sales in all
business  segments  increased.  The overall  increase  can be  explained in some
segments by additional acquisitions,  but in general the overall increase can be
attributed to increasing  demand for the Company's  products as the middle-class
base of consumers  continues to grow as South Africa's  transition to more broad
based  economic   participation  moves  forward.  In  addition,   the  Company's
subsidiaries  have continued to purchase  additional  manufacturing  capacity to
take advantage of this demand.


           Cost of goods sold for the three months ended September 30, 1997 were
$12,698,212,  or 59.2 % of sales versus  $6,213,717 or 53.1%, for the comparable
period in 1996. For the three months ended  September 30, 1997 the cost of goods
for the Company's  processed food operations were approximately 56.2% versus 48%
in the comparable  period in 1996.  Cost of sales for the air  conditioning  and
refrigeration operations were approximately 61.2% versus 60.1% in the comparable
period in 1996. Cost of sales for the packaging  operations  were  approximately
73.1%  versus  58% in the  comparable  period  in 1996.  Cost of  sales  for the
fastener  operations  were  approximately  58.8% versus 60.6% in the  comparable
period in 1996.The  overall increase in the percentage of cost of goods sold can
therefore be primarily explained by increases in the cost of goods ratios in the
processed  food and  packaging  operations.  The  processed  foods cost of goods
percentage  is in line with its full  fiscal  1997  ratio.  The  increase in the
packaging  operations' cost of goods is due primarily to the poor performance of
one  company in this  segment as well as a new  acquisition  that  traditionally
generates lower gross margins than those  generated by the packaging  operations
owned by the Company during the three months ended September 30, 1996.

           Sales,  general and administrative  costs increased to $7,316,524 for
the three months ended  September 30, 1997 from  $4,254,284  for the  comparable
period in 1996 or 34.1% of sales  versus  36.4% of sales.  For the three  months
ended  September  30, 1997 SG and A expenses for the  Company's  processed  food
operations  were  approximately  34.2% versus 40.3% in the comparable  period in
1996. SG and A expenses for the air  conditioning and  refrigeration  operations
were  approximately  30% versus 31.3% in the comparable period in 1996. SG and A
expenses for the packaging  operations were  approximately 33% versus 18% in the
comparable  period in 1996. SG and A expenses for the fastener  operations  were
approximately  19% versus 20.9% in the comparable  period in 1996. The Company's
corporate SG and A expenses were approximately $329,000 or 1.5% of sales for the
three months ended September 30, 1997 versus  approximately  $316,000 or 2.7% of
sales for the comparable  period in 1996. The overall decrease in the percentage
SG and A expenses can  therefore  be primarily  explained by decreases in the SG
and A ratios in the  Company's  processed  foods  operations.  SG&A  costs  have
increased as a gross number  during the three months ended  September  30, 1997,
compared to the three months ended September 30, 1996 due to the increase in the
Company's size as a result of certain acquisitions that were completed by the


                                       26

<PAGE>




Company.  Specifically,  the Company acquired an additional three processed food
companies in the period after  September 30, 1996.  These  additional  companies
have lower SG&A ratios than the two  original  processed  food  companies  owned
during the  comparable  period in 1996. As a result,  the overall  ratios of the
Company's  processed food  operations have declined and this decline has further
reduced the Company's consolidated SG&A cost ratios.


           Interest  received was $175,741 for the three months ended  September
30, 1997 versus an interest  expense of $215,087  for the  comparable  period in
1996.  The  interest  income for the 1997 period is  primarily  attributable  to
interest   earned  on  the  Company's  cash  balances  in  its  processed  foods
businesses.  In addition,  during the three months ended September 30, 1997, the
Company incurred a net interest  expense of approximately  $250,000 for interest
on the 9% convertible debentures issued between April and August 1997.

           Other  income  for the three  months  ended  September  30,  1997 was
$243,082  versus  $199,909 in the comparable  period in 1996.  This is primarily
made up of rebates and discounts earned by the Company's operating subsidiaries.

           Net profit for the three month  period ended  September  30, 1997 was
$988,626  or a gain of $.18 a share as  compared  to a net profit of $829,135 or
$.18 a share in the comparable  period in 1996 During the period ended September
30, 1997 the Company's net earnings included a provision of $430,701 for the 30%
minority  interests in its publicly  traded  subsidiary  First SA Food Holdings,
Ltd.  For  purposes of its earning per share  calculation  for the three  months
ended  September  30,  1997,  the Company had  5,495,119  shares  outstanding  (
includes 84,751 shares to be issued in fulfilment of acquisition  agreements and
contingent  acquisition  payments  entered into during the past three months) as
opposed to 4,679,356 for the comparable period in 1996.

           Pro Forma Twelve Months Ended June 30, 1997 Compared to
           Pro Forma Twelve Months Ended June 30, 1996

           Pro-forma sales for the 12 months ended June 30, 1997 increased 10.1%
to  $78,596,647  from  $71,374,856  for the period ended June 30, 1996. In local
currency,  this  increase was equal to  approximately  28% which  reflects a net
growth after  inflation of  approximately  19%. For the year ended June 30, 1997
the Company's processed foods operations contributed  approximately 65.7% of the
Company's  sales  versus  67.7% for 1996.  Air  conditioning  and  refrigeration
segment for 1997 contributed  approximately  15.8% of sales versus 12% for 1996.
The packaging  equipment  segment for 1997  contributed  approximately  12.9% of
sales versus 12.8% for 1996.  While the  fastener  segment for 1997  contributed
approximately 5.6% of sales versus 7.5% for 1996. Sales in all business segments
increased,  except  for  the  fastener  segment.  The  overall  increase  can be
attributed to increasing  demand for the Company's  products as the middle class
base of consumers  continues to grow as South Africa continues its transition to
more broad based economic participation. In addition, the Company's subsidiaries
have continued to purchase additional  manufacturing  capacity to take advantage
of this demand.

           Pro-forma cost of goods sold were $46,006,407 and $42,259,173 for the
twelve months ended June 30, 1997 and 1996 respectively.  This represented 58.5%
of sales  for the  twelve  months  ended  June 30,  1997  versus  59.2 % for the
corresponding  period in 1996.  For the year ended June 30,  1997 the  pro-forma
cost of goods for the Company's processed foods operations was approximately 56%
versus 58% for 1996. Air  conditioning  and  refrigeration  segment for 1997 was
approximately 66% versus 60% for 1996. The packaging  equipment segment for 1997
was  approximately  59% versus 56% for 1996. While the fastener segment for 1997
was approximately 62% versus 60% for 1996. The overall decrease can therefore be
primarily  explained  by  improved  productivity  in the food  companies  due to
increased automation.



                                       27

<PAGE>



           Pro-forma  sales,  general  and  administrative  costs  increased  to
$26,575,103  from $23,636,005 for the twelve months ended June 30, 1997 and 1996
respectively.  This represented  33.8% of sales for the twelve months ended June
30, 1997 versus 33.1% for the corresponding  period a year earlier. For the year
ended June 30,  1997 the SG and A expenses  for the  Company's  processed  foods
operations  was  approximately  34.5%  of  sales  versus  34.4%  for  1996.  Air
conditioning  and  refrigeration  for 1997  was 30%  versus  33.5% in 1996.  The
packaging  equipment  segment for 1997 was 29.2% versus 31.6% in 1996. While the
fastener  segment for 1997 was 14.1%  versus  13.2% for 1996.  This  increase is
primarily  attributable to the Company's net corporate expenses. The Company was
formed in September 1995 and completed its Initial Public Offering in January of
1996.  As a result the  pro-forma  results for fiscal 1996 do not reflect a full
charge for the Company's  corporate  overhead.  During fiscal 1996,  the Company
expended approximately $400,000 in corporate overhead, while in 1997 this number
increased to approximately $1.4 million. In addition, under the terms of certain
executive employment agreements,  the Company recorded approximately $300,000 in
bonuses related to the gain on the sale of 30% of First SA Food Holdings,  Ltd.,
as part of its general SG&A expense.

           Pro-forma  Interest  expenses  decreased to 823,912 during the twelve
months ended June 30, 1997 from  $1,524,827 for the twelve months ended June 30,
1996.  Most of this decrease can be attributed to a non-cash  charge of $396,000
that the Company took in connection with its November 1995 private  placement of
Bridge Notes. In addition some of the Company's operating subsidiaries generated
interest on net cash balances which reduced the
Company's consolidated net interest.

           Proforma  other  income was  $3,904,884  and  $872,766 for the twelve
months ended June 30, 1997 and 1996,  respectively.  This  increase is primarily
attributable to a net gain of $3,327,478 on the sale of the Company's investment
in First SA Food Holdings Ltd. In June 1997,  the Company  completed the Initial
Public  Offering of 5,000,000  ordinary shares of common stock of its subsidiary
First SA Food  Holdings,  which  shares  are  listed on the  Johannesburg  Stock
Exchange;  an  institutional  private  placement in South  Africa of  20,000,000
ordinary  shares  of  common  stock of FSA  Food,  and a  private  placement  of
12,500,000  ordinary  shares of common  stock to  management  and  staff.  As of
September 30, 1997 the Company owned 70% of FSA Food.

           The Company recorded a non-cash escrow share charge of $6,314,000 for
the year ended June 30,  1996.  This charge  relates to the release of 1,100,000
shares of Class B Common Stock from an Earnout Escrow Agreement that the Company
entered  into with the  underwriter  of its  January  24,  1996  Initial  Public
Offering. Under the terms of this agreement,  1,100,000 shares were deposited in
escrow  subject to the Company  achieving  certain  pre-tax  Pro Forma  earnings
results. As the pro forma results for June 30, 1996 met the earnout requirements
of this  agreement,  the Company  took this one time  non-cash  charge which was
calculated by multiplying  1,100,000 shares by the then current bid price of the
Company's  Common  Stock.  The  $6,314,000  charge was  reflected as  additional
Capital in Excess of Par in the June 30, 1996 Balance Sheets.

MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS - PREDECESSOR COMPANY.

           The annual rate of inflation in South Africa for the period set forth
below was as follows:


         1993                    1994                   1995
         ----                    ----                   ----
         13.9%                   9.7%                   8.6%



                                       28

<PAGE>



           The average rate for the South  African Rand against the U.S.  dollar
for the periods under discussion were as follows:


      FISCAL YEAR 1993          FISCAL YEAR 1994       FISCAL YEAR 1995
      ----------------          ----------------       ----------------
         $1 = R2.90                $1 = R3.32             $1 = R3.53
      Depreciation of                14.48%                  6.3%

           Based on these  figures,  in  evaluating  the  comparable  sales  and
expense  numbers for the companies in question for the period ended February 28,
1995  versus the period  ended  February  28,  1994,  approximately  3.5% of the
increase in sales and expenses can be  attributed  to the net effect of the rate
of inflation of South  Africa.  The calendar  year figures are provided with the
fiscal year  figures as set forth above to provide an  effective  comparison  of
inflation figures for the periods in question.

           Results of Operations

           This  discussion  should  be read in  conjunction  with the  Selected
Historical  and Pro Forma Combined  Financial Data and the financial  statements
and notes thereto  appearing  elsewhere in this Prospectus.  In this discussion,
"Historical" reflects the combined historical financial data of Starpak and L.S.
Pressings.  Prior to the Company's  Initial Public Offering,  such entities were
each  principally  owned by FSA Stock  Trust,  a  principal  stockholder  of the
Company,  and are therefore  treated as the Company's  predecessor.  "Pro Forma"
assumes the consummation of this Offering and the acquisition of Europair.

COMBINED RESULTS FOR STARPAK AND L.S. PRESSINGS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         PERIOD FROM MARCH 1, 1995
 AS PERCENTAGE OF SALES                      TO JUNE  30, 1995       1995    1994    1993
- -----------------------                      -----------------       ----    ----    ----
                                                                FISCAL YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 28,
                                                                ------------------------------
<S>                                               <C>                <C>     <C>     <C>  
Costs of sales .................................  57.0%              57.3%   65.9%   66.0%
Gross profit ...................................  43.0%              42.7%   34.1%   34.0%
Selling, general and administrative expenses....  32.8%              35.4%   27.7%   27.0%
Interest expense ...............................    .05%              1.7%    2.6%    3.6%
Operating income ...............................  10.1%               7.3%    6.4%    7.0%
Other income (net of other expenses) ...........   1.3%               0.5%    0.9%    0.9%
Income before income taxes .....................  10.9%               6.1%    4.7%    4.3%
</TABLE>
                                                                
           Twelve Months Ended February 28, 1995 Compared to Twelve
           Months Ended February 28, 1994

           Historical  sales for the  twelve  months  ended  February  28,  1995
increased  28.8% to $8,826,856 from $6,851,457 for the period ended February 28,
1994. As adjusted for inflation, historical sales volume increased approximately
25%.  The  increase  included  a 48%  increase  in sales of L.S.  Pressings  (or
approximately  45% volume  increase) and a .05%  decrease (a 3% volume  increase
adjusting  for  inflation)  in the sales of Starpak.  The overall  growth in the
volume  of  sales  of  the  companies  can  be  primarily  attributable  to  the
improvement  in  macro-economic  conditions in South Africa  following the April
1994 elections, as described above.

           The Historical  cost of goods sold were $5,058,749 and $4,513,384 for
the  twelve  months  ended  February  28,  1995  and  1994,  respectively.  This
represented  57.3% of sales for the twelve months ended February 28, 1995 versus
65.9% for the  corresponding  period a year earlier.  Decreases in cost of goods
sold were  experienced in both Starpak and L.S.  Pressings and can be attributed
primarily  to more  efficient  production  that  resulted  from the  increase in
revenues, as both companies have relatively fixed manufacturing  overhead costs.
In addition,  labor costs as a percentage of sales were reduced, as there were a
number of work  stoppages in support of political  causes prior to the elections
which  negatively  impacted on the cost of sales for the year ended February 28,
1994.


                                       29

<PAGE>



           Historical sales,  general and administrative  costs increased 64% to
$3,120,334  from  $1,900,760  for the twelve months ended  February 28, 1995 and
1994, respectively.  This represented 35.4% of sales for the twelve months ended
February  28, 1995 versus  27.7% for the  corresponding  period a year  earlier.
These  increases  were  experienced  in both  companies  and  can be  attributed
primarily to increased  expenditures in  administrative  personnel as well as an
increase of $213,280 in management profit sharing bonuses which resulted from an
increase in operating profits.

           Historical  interest  expenses declined to $152,163 during the twelve
months  ended  February  28,  1995 from  $180,960  for the twelve  months  ended
February 28, 1994. This decrease can be attributed primarily to a decline in the
average  level of  borrowings  during  the year.  However,  in order to  support
expansion,  the companies  increased their investment in fixed assets during the
last quarter of the fiscal year. As a result, despite the lower average level of
borrowings during the year, the aggregate  interest-bearing debt at February 28,
1995 was  $1,180,000  while the  corresponding  balance at February 28, 1994 was
$1,070,000.

           Historical other income was $40,830 and $64,966 for the twelve months
ended February 28, 1995 and 1994,  respectively.  The decrease can be attributed
primarily to a decline in other  income  earned by Starpak due to the release of
bad debt provisions in 1994, as well as a loss on the disposal of fixed assets.

           During  fiscal  1995  the  South  African  tax  authorities   lowered
corporate  income  taxes from 40% to 35%.  This has resulted in a 5% increase in
net income for the company for the year ended February 28, 1995 as compared
to the corresponding period in 1994.

Twelve Months Ended February 28, 1994 compared to Twelve
Months Ended February 28, 1993.

           Historical  sales for the  twelve  months  ended  February  28,  1994
increased 9.5% to $6,851,457  from  $6,256,667 for the period ended February 28,
1994. The increase  included a 3.7% increase in volume sales of L.S.  Pressings,
and a 9.3% increase in the volume sales of Starpak.

           Historical  cost of goods sold were $4,513,384 and $4,128,047 for the
twelve months ended February 28, 1994 and 1993,  respectively.  This represented
65.9% of sales for the twelve  months  ended  February 28, 1994 versus 66.0% for
the corresponding period in the prior year.

           Historical  sales,  general and  administrative  costs  increased  to
$1,900,760  from  $1,690,045  for the twelve months ended  February 28, 1994 and
1993, respectively.  This represented 27.7% of sales for the twelve months ended
February 28, 1994 versus 27.0% for the corresponding period in the prior year.

           Historical  interest  expenses declined to $180,960 during the twelve
months  ended  February  28,  1994 from  $223,314  for the twelve  months  ended
February 28, 1993. This decrease can be attributed primarily to a decline in the
level of borrowings. The reduction in interest expense for the fiscal year ended
February  28,  1994  relative  to fiscal  year ended  February  28, 1993 was due
principally to a reduction in interest  rates,  as the prime  borrowing rate was
reduced from 20.25% at February 28, 1993 to 15.25% at February 28, 1994.

           Historical other income was $64,996 and $53,990 for the twelve months
ended February 28, 1994 and 1993, respectively.



                                       30

<PAGE>



LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

           In January 1996,  the Company raised  approximately  $9 million after
all fees and expenses  from its initial  public  offering.  During the period of
April to August  1997,  the Company  raised  approximately  $9.2  million in net
proceeds from the issuance of the Debentures. Such Debentures mature on June 15,
2004 and are  convertible  any time prior to maturity at $6.00 a share.  In June
1997, the Company's subsidiary First SA Food Holdings raised approximately $16.5
million in cash  through the  placement of its shares in South  Africa.  Of this
amount, approximately $5.5 million was retained by First South African Holdings,
while the remainder was retained by First SA Food Holdings.  Proceeds from these
offerings  have been and will  continue  to be  primarily  utilized  to fund the
Company's acquisitions as well as to provide a certain amount of working capital
to its South African subsidiaries.

           The  Consolidated  Balance Sheet as at September 30, 1997, shows cash
on hand of $15.7 million with working capital of $23.8 million.  As of September
30, 1997 the Company had a total debt of $15,196.519 of which amount $10 million
related to the  Debentures  , with the  remainder  being bank debt.  Of the bank
debt,   $1,505,759  was  classified  as  current.   The  Company  currently  has
approximately  $3.4  million  available  in bank credit  lines,  which lines are
unsecured and renewable on an annual basis with  variable  interest  rates (that
are generally linked to the South African prime rate).

           Cash flows  provided by  operating  activities  for the three  months
ended September 30, 1997 and September 30, 1996, totaled $256,646 and $2,057,056
respectively. Cash flows used in investing activities for the three months ended
September  30, 1997 and  September 30, 1996 totaled  $5,935,490  and  $2,863,464
respectively.  For the three  months ended  September  30, 1997  $2,238,196  was
utilized for the  acquisition  of  subsidiaries  and  $2,886,407  for additional
purchase price  payments.  In the comparable  period in 1996 $2,673,865 was used
for the acquisition of subsidiaries.  Net cash provided by financing  activities
was  $1,949,051,  during  the  three  months  ended  September  30,  1997  while
$1,412,196  was  provided in the  corresponding  period in the prior year.  This
increase is primarily  attributable to proceeds of warrants exercised during the
quarter.

           The  Company's   operating   subsidiaries   generally  collect  their
receivables  within  65 to 90 days and  reserve  approximately  5% for  doubtful
accounts. Historically, the companies' operating and capital needs have been met
by internal cash flow and outside bank  borrowings.  It is  management's  belief
that capital expenditures for the twenty-four month period following the date of
this  Prospectus  can continue to be met by internal  cash flow and outside bank
borrowings.  With  respect  to long term  liquidity,  the  Company's  management
believes that each of the Company's operating  subsidiaries can continue to fund
itself  through  internal  cash flow and bank  loans,  as they did before  being
acquired by the  Company.  The  Company's  management  also  believes  that each
Subsidiary's ability to fund itself has been enhanced since becoming part of the
group of entities owned by the Company.

           As of September 30, 1997, the Company had cash of approximately $15.7
million.  Under its various  acquisition  agreements,  the  Company  anticipates
having to spend  approximately $2.25 million in cash for its contingent payments
over the next 12 months as well as  approximately  $1.85  million in stock.  The
Company anticipates that its cash and operating cash flows will be sufficient to
fully fund  these  payments  as well as fund the  capital  expenditures  for its
various  operations.  Excess  cash  will  also be  utilized  to fund  additional
acquisitions.

           The  Company's  operating  subsidiaries  engage  in  certain  hedging
transactions  with respect to certain  overseas  purchases in order to lock in a
specified exchange rate. In addition,  in July 1997, the Company,  through Swiss
Bank  Corporation,  purchased a 12-month option to acquire the equivalent of $10
million in South  African rand at the strike price of R5.50 to the dollar.  This
option has the effect of  hedging  $10  million  of the  Company's  fiscal  1998
earnings,  in the event the exchange  rate of the South African rand falls below
this strike  price.  The cost of such option was  approximately  $133,000 and is
being amortized over the length of the option.



                                       31

<PAGE>



           The Company  intends to continue to pursue an aggressive  acquisition
strategy in South Africa and anticipates  utilizing a substantial portion of its
cash  balances and  operating  earnings to fund this strategy to the extent that
suitable acquisition candidates can be identified.

           The  Company  may be required  to incur  additional  indebtedness  or
equity financing in connection with future  acquisitions.  There is no assurance
that  the  Company  will be able  to  incur  additional  indebtedness  or  raise
additional  equity  to  finance  future  acquisitions  on  terms  acceptable  to
management, if at all.

   
           The Company is obligated  to make  contingent  payments  based on the
future  pre-tax  profits  of  certain  of its  subsidiaries  (see Table on pages
33-35).  The Company  anticipates that the cash portion fo such payments will be
primarily made from the operating cash flow generated by those  subsidiaries  in
question.  In the event the subsidiary's cash flow is insufficient to fund these
cash  payments,  the Company  anticipates  that its overall cash flow and/or its
bank lines will be sufficient to fund these contingencies.
    

           On October 31, 1997,  the Company  raised an  additional  $15 million
from the placement of senior subordinated  convertible debentures (see Note 7 of
the Notes to the  Unaudited  Consolidated  Financials  Statements  for the Three
Months Ended September 30, 1996 and September 30, 1997 - Subsequent Events). The
proceeds  from  such  placement  will  be  used  primarily  to  fund  additional
acquisitions.





                                       32

<PAGE>



                 FIRST SOUTH AFRICA CORP., ACQUISITION SCHEDULE

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

   
                  Date    Total Purchase   Payment on Closing           Second Payment     Third Payment      Fourth Payment
                Acquired     Price (1)                                       (2)               (2)                  (2)
    
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>             <C>  <C>   <C>             <C>                                                                   
Starpak         1/24/96    $838,545        167,709 shares               N/A                N/A                N/A
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
L.S. Pressing   1/24/96    $1,900,905      380,181 shares               N/A                N/A                N/A
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Europair        1/24/96    $1,029,206      80,000 shares                N/A                N/A                N/A
                                           (= $400,000) and $629,206
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paper & Metal   4/29/96    $380,000        $190,000                     $85,000 on         $85,000 on         N/A
                                                                        10/29/96           04/29/97
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Piemans         6/03/96    $9,200,000      331,579 shares               80% pre-tax        80% pre-tax        N/A
                           (approx.)       (= $1,658,000) and           profits for year   profits for year
                                           $3,656,000                   ended February     ended February
                                                                        28, 1997 (62.5%    28, 1998 (62.5%
                                                                        cash and 37.5%     cash and 37.5%
                                                                        stock)             stock)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Astoria         7/01/96    $4,400,000      $1,300,000                   $1.55 million      100% pre-tax       100%  pre-tax profits
                           (approx.)       186,000 FSAH Class B         cash               profits for year   for year ended June
                                           Shares ($930,000, at price                      ended June 30,     30, 1999 (100%
                                           of $5.00 a share)                               1998 (10% cash     shares, minus the
                                                                                           and 90% shares)    lesser of the second
                                                                                                              and third installment)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>



(1)  Except  as  otherwise  indicated  in this  schedule,  for all  acquisitions
     involving a stock consideration  component, the Company issued FSAH Class B
     Shares valued at the then current  market price of the Company's  shares of
     Common Stock.

   
(2)  All pre-tax  profits  referred to herein in connection with the calculation
     of future contingent  payments relate only to the profits of the individual
     subsidiary in question.
    


                                       33

<PAGE>



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

   
                  Date    Total Purchase   Payment on Closing           Second Payment     Third Payment      Fourth Payment
                Acquired     Price (1)                                       (2)               (2)                  (2)
    
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>             <C>  <C>   <C>             <C>                                                                   
First Strut     7/01/96    $600,000        19,230 shares                $100,000 if pre-   $125,000 if pre-   $145,000 if pre-tax
                           (approx.)       (= $96,000) and $170,000     tax profits for    tax profits for    profits for year ended
                                                                        eight months       year ended June    June 30, 1999 is
                                                                        ended June 30,     30, 1998 is        greater than $320,000
                                                                        1997 is greater    greater than
                                                                        than $81,000       $190,000
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alfapac         11/10/96   $300,000        $300,000 to settle all       N/A                N/A                N/A
                           (approx.)       creditor claims
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Seemanns        11/1/96    $5,300,000      258,065 shares               110% of pre-tax    80% of pre-tax     N/A
                           (approx.)       (= $1,333,000) and           profits for the    profits for year
                                           $1,900,000                   eight months       ended June 30,
                                                                        ended June 30,     1998 (60% cash
                                                                        1997 (60% cash     and 40% shares)
                                                                        and 40% shares)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gull Foods      1/1/97     $9,000,000      $3,110,000 and 245,000       64% of pre-tax     64% of pre-tax     64% of pre-tax
                           (approx.)       shares (= $1,347,500).       profits for year   profits for year   profits for year ended
                                           $890,000 (approx.) by        ended June 30,     ended June 30,     June 30, 2000 (50%
                                           September 30, 1997           1998 (50% cash     1999 (50% cash     cash and 50% shares)
                                                                        and 50% shares)    and 50% shares)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

</TABLE>



                                       34

<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

   
                  Date    Total Purchase   Payment on Closing           Second Payment     Third Payment      Fourth Payment
                Acquired     Price (1)                                       (2)               (2)                  (2)
    
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>             <C>  <C>   <C>             <C>                                                
   
Pakmatic(3)     4/1/97     $1,228,000      $962,000                     $88,666            $88,666            $88,666
                           (approx.)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fifers Bakery(3)7/1/97(4)  $2.1 million    $1.6 million in cash and     $106,000           $106,000           $106,000 (escalated
                           includes        26,000 shares (= $220,000)   (escalated if      (escalated if      if profits exceed
                           assumption of                                profits exceed     profits exceed     certain goals)
                           $425,000 debt                                certain goals)     certain goals)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SA Leisure      10/01/97(4)$8.43 million   $5.36 million in cash and $2 N/A                N/A                N/A
                           (approx)        million in FSA Leisure
                                           shares and $1.1 million in
                                           the Company's shares
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Republic        10/01/97(4)$4.97 million   $4.33 million in cash and    $1.2 million       N/A                N/A
Umbrellas                  (approx)        $640,000 in shares           reduced dollar
                                                                        for dollar should
                                                                        pretax profits at
                                                                        June 30, 1998
                                                                        fall below $1.6
                                                                        million
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Galactex        10/01/97(4)$3.4 million    $2.3 million in cash and     N/A                N/A                N/A
                           (approx)        $1.1 million in shares
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pacforce        10/01/97(4)$426,000        $205,000 in cash and         100% of pretax     100% of pretax     100% of pretax
                           (approx)        34,000 in shares             earnings for the   earnings for year  earnings for year
                                           (=$221,000)                  18 months ended    ended June 30,     ended June 30, 2001
                                                                        June 30, 1999      2000 (50% cash     (50% cash and 50%
                                                                        (50% cash and      and 50% stock)     stock)
                                                                        50% stock)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    


(3)  Each  of the  payments  following  the  applicable  Closing  are due on the
     anniversary of the closing during each of 1998, 1999 and 2000.

(4)  Effective Closing Date.


                                       35

<PAGE>



RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

           Statement  of  Financial   Accounting  Standards  ("SFAS")  No.  128,
"Earnings per Share," issued in February 1997, changes the method of calculating
earnings per share and will be effective for the Company's financial  statements
for the year  ending  June  30,  1998.  Earlier  application  is not  permitted.
However,  the Company is  permitted  to disclose  pro forma  earnings  per share
amounts  computed  using this  Statement  in  periods  prior to  adoption.  Upon
adoption,  all prior period  earnings per share data presented shall be restated
to conform to this  Statement.  The calculation of earnings per share under SFAS
No. 128 is simpler than prior  methods and more  consistent  with  International
Accounting  Standards.  Given the  Company's  historical  losses,  common  stock
equivalents  were excluded from prior pro forma earnings per share  calculations
because they were  anti-dilutive.  Therefore,  adoption of this  standard is not
expected to have a material impact on amounts  previously  reported as pro forma
net loss per common share.

           As calculated  under SFAS 128, pro forma basic earnings per share for
the Company, on an As Adjusted basis, would be as follows:

                     Year ended June 30, 1996...........................$(0.68)
                     Year ended June 30, 1997...........................  1.38
                     Three months ended September 30, 1996..............  0.19
                     Three months ended September 30, 1997..............  0.18

           Amounts previously disclosed As Adjusted pro forma earnings per share
are not materially  different from diluted  earnings per share as computed under
SFAS 128.

           SFAS No. 130, "Reporting  Comprehensive Income," issued in June 1997,
will  require  the Company to  disclose,  in  financial  statement  format,  all
non-owner  changes in equity.  Such changes  include,  for  example,  cumulative
foreign currency  translation  adjustments,  certain minimum pension liabilities
and unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities. This Statement
is effective  for fiscal years  beginning  after  December 15, 1997 and requires
presentation of prior period financial  statements for  comparability  purposes.
The Company  expects to adopt this  Statement  beginning with its 1998 financial
statements.

           SFAS No.  131,  "Disclosures  about  Segments  of an  Enterprise  and
Related  Information," issued in June 1997,  establishes standards for reporting
information about operating segments in annual financial  statements and interim
financial reports.  It also establishes  standards for related disclosures about
products and services, geographic areas and major customers.  Operating segments
are components of an enterprise  about which separate  financial  information is
available that is evaluated  regularly by the chief operating  decision maker in
deciding  how to allocate  resources  and in assessing  performance.  Generally,
financial  information  is  required  to be  reported  on the basis that is used
internally  for  evaluating  segment  performance  and  deciding how to allocate
resources  to  segments.  The Company is  currently  evaluating  its options for
disclosure and will adopt the Statement in its financial statements for the year
ending June 30, 1998.




                                       36

<PAGE>



                                    BUSINESS

GENERAL


           The  Company was  organized  to  acquire,  own and operate  seasoned,
closely  held  companies  in South  Africa  with  annual  sales in the  range of
approximately $5 to $50 million.  The Company has acquired through FSAH, sixteen
businesses  based in South Africa that are as a group  engaged in the  following
industry segments:

           1.        Processed foods.
           2.        Lifestyle Products.
           3.        Plastic packaging materials and machinery.
           4.        Air conditioning and refrigeration machinery components.
           5.        Metal washers used in the fastener industry.

   
           Upon  completion of its initial public  offering in January 1996, the
Company  acquired  Starpak,  which is engaged in the manufacture of high quality
plastic packaging machinery; L.S. Pressings, which is engaged in the manufacture
of washers for use in the  fastener  industry;  and  Europair  Africa,  which is
engaged in the manufacture and supply of air conditioning products.  Starpak and
LS Pressings are  considered  the Company's  predecessor  and from 1992 to their
acquisition in January of 1996, had  concentrated  solely on the manufacture and
sale of their respective products. Management of the predecessor company did not
change during this period,  sales grew  generally in line with the South African
inflation  rate and no significant  changes were made in the  businesses  during
that time. Since their acquisition, these companies have continued to operate in
a manner  substantially  similar to these past  practices.  In April 1996,  L.S.
Pressings acquired the assets and business of Paper & Metal Industries,  a small
manufacturer of rough washers for use in the fastener  industry.  In April 1996,
Europair acquired the assets and business of Universal  Refrigeration,  an agent
and supplier of  refrigeration  products.  In June 1996,  FSAH acquired  Piemans
Pantry,  a  manufacturer  and  distributor of high quality meat pies. In October
1996, FSAH acquired Astoria Bakery and Astoria Bakery Lesotho, manufacturers and
distributors of speciality baked breads and confectionary  products. In November
1996, the Company acquired the assets of Alfapak, a manufacturer of plastic film
and printed  plastic bags. In November  1996,  Europair  acquired the assets and
business of First Strut,  a manufacturer  of electrical  trunking  conduits.  In
January 1997, FSAH acquired Seemann's,  a manufacturer and distributor of a wide
range of processed meat products.  In March 1997, the Company acquired Pakmatic,
a distributor of automatic process and packaging machinery.  In April 1997, FSAH
acquired the business and assets of Gull Foods,  a  manufacturer  of value-added
prepared  foods.  In June 1997,  FSAH  transferred  all of the shares of Piemans
Pantry,  Astoria,  Seemanns  and Gull  Foods to FSA Food and  completed  (i) the
initial public offering,  effected only in South Africa,  of 5,000,000  ordinary
shares of common stock of FSA Food,  which shares are listed on the Johannesburg
Stock  Exchange,  (ii) an  institutional  private  placement  in South Africa of
20,000,000  ordinary  shares  of common  stock of FSA Food,  and (iii) a private
placement of 12,500,000 ordinary shares of common stock to management and staff.
As of December 2, 1997, FSAH owned 70% of the issued and  outstanding  shares of
FSA  Food.  In July  1997,  the  Company  acquired  Fifers,  a  manufacturer  of
confectionary  products.  In the quarter  ended  December 31, 1997,  the Company
acquired SA Leisure, a manufacturer of a broad range of injection molded plastic
furniture,   household,  luggage,  and  do-it-yourself  products;  Republic,  an
assembler  and  distributor  of a wide  variety of umbrellas  and other  related
outdoor products;  Galactex, the sole distributor of the Weber-Stephens range of
outdoor  products  in South  Africa as well as a broad  range of other  barbecue
products;  and Pacforce,  a company  specializing  in the production and sale of
plastic packaging materials.
    


           FSAH manages the Company's business  interests in South Africa.  FSAH
monitors  the  operational   performance  of  its  subsidiaries  and  seeks  out
prospective acquisition candidates in businesses that


                                       37

<PAGE>



complement or are otherwise related to the Company's existing businesses, and in
other businesses that may be identified by the Company's management.

HISTORY

           The Company was founded in September 1995 in response to management's
perception of a growing global  interest in South Africa as an emerging  market.
The Company believes that the recent relaxation of trade and financial sanctions
and the  reintegration  of South Africa into the world  economic  community  may
increase the  opportunity  for improved  growth in the South African  economy in
general and more  particularly in the industry  segments in which the Company is
engaged. See Note 18 of the Notes to the Consolidated  Financial Statements with
respect to certain  financial  information  relating to industry segments of the
Company.

           The following chart sets forth the corporate structure of the Company
and its subsidiaries:




                                       38

<PAGE>
[TABLE 1 OF 2]

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                FIRST SOUTH AFRICA CORPORATION, LTD.
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>            <C>                          <C>                          <C>                         
FIRST SOUTH    |                                                                                     
AFRICA         |                                           FIRST SOUTH AFRICAN HOLDINGS              
MANAGEMENT     |                                                    SOUTH AFRICA                     
CORP. DELAWARE |                                                                                     
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               |                            |   FIRST SA FOOD HOLDINGS   |                           
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               |                            |       SPECIALTY FOOD       |                           
               |       FASTENERS GROUP      |     MANUFACTURING GROUP    |       PACKAGING GROUP     
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               |       L.S. PRESSINGS       |       PIEMANS PANTRY*      |           STARPAK         
               |    Acquired January 1996   |     Acquired June 1996     |    Acquired January 1996  
               | Purchase price: $1,900,905 | Purchase price: $9,200,000 |  Purchase price: $838,545 
               |                            |                            |                           
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               |        PAPER & METAL       |       ASTORIA BAKERY*      |           ALFAPAK         
               |     Acquired April 1996    |     Acquired July 1996     |   Acquired November 1996  
               |  Purchase price: $380,000  | Purchase price: $4,400,000 |  Purchase price: $300,000 
               |                            |                            |                           
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               |                            |   SEEMANNS MEAT PRODUCTS*  |          PAKMATIC         
               |                            |   Acquired November 1996   |     Acquired April 1997   
               |                            | Purchase price: $5,300,000 | Purchase price: $1,228,000
               |                            |                            |                           
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               |                            |         GULL FOODS*        |         PACFORCE          
               |                            |    Acquired January 1997   | Acquired December 1997    
               |                            | Purchase price: $9,000,000 | Purchase Price: $3,000,000
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               |                            |        FIFERS BAKERY       |                           
               |                            |     Acquired July 1997     |                           
               |                            | Purchase price: $2,100,000 |                           
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>                                                  


[TABLE 2 OF 2]
- ------------------------------------------------------
                             |                        
                             |                        
                             |                        
                             |                        
- ------------------------------------------------------
                             | FIRST SA LIFESTYLE HOLD
- ------------------------------------------------------
 |    AIR CONDITIONING AND   |                        
 |    REFRIGERATION GROUP    |    LIFESTYLE GROUP     
- ------------------------------------------------------
 |          EUROPAIR         |        SA Leisure      
 |   Acquired January 1996   |  Acquired December 1997
 | Purchase price: $1,029,206|  Purchase price: $8.43 
 |                           |        million         
- ------------------------------------------------------
 |   EUROPAIR REFRIGERATION  |        Galactex        
 |    Acquired April 1996    | Acquired December 1997 
 | Purchase price: less than |  Purchase price: $3.4  
 |          $100,000         |        million         
- ------------------------------------------------------
 |        FIRST STRUT        |     Republic Umbrella  
 |     Acquired July 1996    |  Acquired December 1997
 |  Purchase price: $600,000 |    Purchase price: $6.2
 |                           |         million        
- ------------------------------------------------------
 |                           |                        
 |                           |                        
 |                           |                        
- ------------------------------------------------------
 |                           |                        
 |                           |                        
 |                           |
- ------------------------------------------------------


*          These acquisitions include contingent payments based on a multiple of
           future earnings. The purchase prices reflected for these acquisitions
           include the Company's  current estimate of the total price to be paid
           after all contingent  payments are made.  Except as otherwise stated,
           all subsidiaries are incorporated in South Africa.


                                       39

<PAGE>



STRATEGY

           The Company  intends to  continue to focus its efforts on  businesses
related to  infrastructure  development  and  consumer  goods  that the  Company
believes   are  well   situated  to  benefit   from  South   Africa's   on-going
transformation  into an active  participant  in the  global  market  place.  The
Company's  strategy  is to expand and  improve  its  current  operations  in the
industry sectors in which its operating  subsidiaries are currently engaged, and
in other related industry sectors, by acquiring mid-size, closely held companies
in  South  Africa  that  operate  efficiently,   profitably  and  have  seasoned
management. The Company believes that it can acquire these types of companies at
lower  multiples of earnings  than  comparable  companies  would  command in the
United  States.  The Company seeks to benefit from the  combination  of business
factors  that South  Africa has to offer,  which  includes a skilled work force,
effective and expanding infrastructure and increasing access to foreign markets.
The Company may also  consider  investments  in  businesses  that are located in
other  countries,  or are  engaged  in other  industries,  and in South  African
companies,  the securities of which are publicly traded, that meet the Company's
price and quality  requirements.  The Company has and will  continue to identify
potential acquisition candidates through the industry contacts of management and
the managements of its  subsidiaries,  as well as through other general business
sources.  To  date,  the  Company  has  financed  its  acquisitions   through  a
combination of cash, issuance of shares of stock of FSAH or the Company and debt
financing.  The Company  anticipates  that it will  continue  to follow  similar
financing strategies in its future acquisitions.

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESSES IN EACH OF THE COMPANY'S INDUSTRY SEGMENTS

VALUE ADDED SPECIALTY FOODS
PIEMANS PANTRY

           Piemans  Pantry was  acquired  by the  Company in June 1996.  Piemans
Pantry  manufactures,  sells and distributes quality meat,  vegetarian and fruit
pies,  both in the baked and frozen,  unbaked form.  The business  manufactures,
markets and distributes from its  headquarters in Krugerdorp,  Gauteng and has a
regional sales office in KwaZulu-Natal.  Piemans Pantry strives to emphasize the
highest  standards of quality  control and  consistency  of product.  It's major
customers are  independent  retail baker shops,  pie shop  franchises,  in-store
bakeries, national bread bakery groups, institutional cafeterias and convenience
stores. Piemans Pantry's sales are conducted through its own employees,  as well
as  through  distributors/agents.   Approximately  60%  of  Piemans'  sales  are
internally  generated with the remainder through agents.  During the last fiscal
year the Spar Group (a cooperative of  independent  supermarkets)  accounted for
19% of the  Piemans  Pantry's  sales,  while the London Pie Company (a pie store
franchise chain)  contributed 15% of Piemans Pantry's sales. In the previous two
fiscal years, no customer accounted for more than 20% of Piemans Pantry's sales.

           Piemans Pantry competes on the basis of quality. It faces competition
from a number of  manufacturers,  primarily  those supplying to the lower end of
the market.  Piemans Pantry believes that it has only one significant competitor
and that its market share is currently around 20%. Piemans Pantry's  business is
slightly  stronger in the months of July through October as well as in December.
However,  these increases are not significant to make this a seasonal  business.
Piemans Pantry manufactures to order on a daily basis.  Backlog is therefore not
counted, nor is it relevant in the analysis of Piemans Pantry's business.

           Piemans  Pantry's  principal  suppliers  for its pastry  and  filling
ingredients are both local and foreign companies.  All suppliers except one have
immediate alternative sources. Piemans Pantry selects its suppliers on the basis
of  quality  and  price  and to  date  it has  had no  difficulty  in  obtaining
sufficient supplies.



                                       40

<PAGE>



ASTORIA BAKERY

           Astoria  Bakery  manufactures,  sells  and  distributes  high  margin
specialty breads such as special rye breads in the Republic of South Africa from
its bakery in  Randburg.  Its major  customer  is  Woolworths,  a leading  South
African high-end retail chain, accounting for approximately 65% of sales. In the
previous  two  fiscal  years,  Woolworths  accounted  for  approximately  57% of
Astoria's sales.  Astoria strives to emphasize the highest  standards of quality
as well as uniqueness of product in its specialty  lines.  It faces  competition
from a number of manufacturers,  however, Astoria believes that it dominates the
market for specialty breads in Gauteng.

           In  addition,   Astoria  Bakers  Lesotho   manufactures,   sells  and
distributes  staple bread to the Lesotho market,  from its bakers in Maseru, the
capital of Lesotho. In Lesotho,  Astoria has one major competitor who has 40% of
the Lesotho bread market.  Astoria also has approximately 40% of this market and
the balance is controlled by in-store bakeries.

GULL FOODS

           Gull  Foods  manufactures  and sells a wide  range of  prepared  food
products.  Gull's product line includes over 150 products ranging from hamburger
patties,  prepared  sandwiches,  salads,  prepared pastas,  pizzas, and flavored
breads.  Gull manufactures and markets from its headquarters in Bronkhorstpruit,
a small town east of Pretoria.  It strives to emphasize the highest  standard of
quality in all its product lines.  Its major  customer is  Woolworths,  (a large
South  African  department  store chain) which in Gull's last three fiscal years
has  accounted  for  approximately  86% of  Gull's  revenues.  Gull's  remaining
business  is  derived  from  sales to the  airline  and  institutional  catering
industries.

           Gull  competes  on the  basis of  quality  and range of  product.  It
believes that it does not face direct  competition  in the Gauteng area of South
Africa and has a number of smaller  competitors  who supply to Woolworths in the
South African Cape.  All of the products sold to Woolworths  are marketed  under
the Woolworths  label.  Gull  generally sees an increase in its business  during
November and December,  as well as a seasonal increase during the Easter period.
However,  these increases are not  significant  enough to make Gull a seasonable
business.

           Gull  sells  its  products  to order and  therefore  does not carry a
backlog.  Gull's  suppliers  are all  located  in South  Africa.  All of  Gull's
suppliers have immediate  alternative sources. Gull selects its suppliers on the
basis of quality and price and to date has had no difficulty  obtaining adequate
supplies.

SEEMANNS

           Seemanns  manufactures,  sells,  and  distributes  a  wide  range  of
processed meat products including products typically found in retail butcheries,
as  well  as  high  margin   processed  and  smoked  meat   products.   Seemanns
manufactures,  markets and distributes  from its  headquarters  in Randburg.  It
strives to emphasize  the highest  standard of quality in all its product  lines
and has  become a well  known  brand  name in its  specialty  areas.  Its  major
customers are its own retail outlets,  accounting for  approximately  35% of its
revenues,  as well as the  Pick n' Pay  Group,  one of  South  Africa's  largest
supermarket chains,  which accounted for approximately 35% of Seemanns' sales in
Seemanns fiscal year ending  February 28, 1997. In the previous two years,  Pick
n' Pay  accounted  for more than 10% but less than 20% of  Seemanns'  sales.  In
addition,  Seemanns sells to a number of institutional  catering  organizations,
restaurant chains, and other institutional  customers.  Seemanns competes on the
basis of quality and range of product. It faces competition from retail butchery
chains, as well as supermarket groups. As a manufacturer, Seemanns


                                       41

<PAGE>



believes  that it has  established a strong niche in the market for high quality
smoked and processed meat products in the Johannesburg area.  Seemanns generally
sees an increase in its  business  during  November and  December,  as well as a
seasonal increase during the Easter period. However, these increases are not
significant enough to make Seemanns a seasonable business.

           Seemanns  carries  significant  amounts of raw meat inventory,  as it
purchases  supplies on a market  related  basis.  When raw  materials are cheap,
Seemanns  typically  uses its  strong  cash  resources,  to stock  pile  meat at
favorable  prices.  On  the  manufacturing  side  however,  Seemanns  sells  its
processed  meats on a daily  basis and  therefore  does not carry a  significant
backlog of orders. Seemanns' principal suppliers are mostly local. All suppliers
have immediate alternative sources.  Seemanns selects its suppliers on the basis
of  quality  and  price  and to date has had no  difficulty  obtaining  adequate
supplies.

PLASTIC PACKAGING MACHINERY
STARPAK

           Starpak  manufactures  high quality plastic  packaging  machinery and
does business under the name of Levy and Smith. Starpak's operations are located
in  Johannesburg  with  service  offices  in  Durban  and Cape  Town.  Machinery
manufactured by Starpak is generally used by  manufacturers  to provide low cost
and high quality  packaging for a broad spectrum of consumer goods. Its machines
are  used  in   industries   such  as  food,   baking,   beverages,   cosmetics,
pharmaceuticals,  chemicals,  motor oils, printing,  hardware and general trade.
Starpak markets its products directly and through independent sales agents. Over
96% of Starpak's  sales are generated  through its in-house sales force.  During
the last fiscal year,  no one customer  accounted for more than 10% of Starpak's
annual sales.  Prior to such time, Albany Bakeries,  which developed a new bread
packaging product, and the Premier Group, which purchased a wide range of bakery
packaging  equipment,  accounted for more than 10% of Starpak's  annual sales in
the previous two fiscal years.

           Starpak competes on the basis of quality.  Starpak faces  competition
from major  competitors  whose machines are frequently less expensive,  although
Starpak  believes  that they are of lower  quality  than  machines  produced  by
Starpak.  To the best of its  knowledge,  management  estimates  that the  total
market for shrink packaging  machinery in South Africa in 1996 was approximately
$11,100,000.  Of this total market, Starpak has an estimated 46% share, with the
remainder of the market being  serviced by a number of small  packaging  machine
manufacturing  companies.  In the  past,  Starpak  has  experienced  a  seasonal
down-turn in its business during the period  commencing  mid-December and ending
at the end of  February.  This  down-turn  appears to be due to the main  summer
holidays in South Africa that occur during such period.  The most active  period
for  receipt  of orders  has  historically  been from July to the  beginning  of
December. As of October 31, 1997, Starpak's backlog of firm orders was 4,758,719
Rand   (approximately   $991,400)  compared  to  approximately   3,775,132  Rand
(approximately $815,365) as of October 31, 1996.

           Although Starpak's  principal  suppliers are foreign companies,  each
principal  supplier is represented  locally in South Africa and to date, Starpak
has not experienced  material  difficulties  or delays in obtaining  products or
supplies.  Almost all local  suppliers  are on  thirty-day  terms,  while  items
purchased  directly  from  overseas  suppliers  require  irrevocable  letters of
credit. Motors, which comprise approximately 5% of the cost of the machines, are
imported directly from non-African  sources.  Other products obtained by Starpak
from  its  suppliers  include  electronic  controllers,  pneumatics,  overloads,
contractors, switches and Teflon tape.



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<PAGE>



AIR CONDITIONING AND REFRIGERATION
EUROPAIR

           Europair manufactures and supplies products, parts and accessories to
the heating, ventilation and air conditioning industry ("HVAC") in South Africa.
Europair's operations are located in Johannesburg with branch offices in Durban,
Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, East London, Nelspruit and Petersburg. Europair seeks
to provide a single source of components and accessories for original  equipment
manufacturers,  contractors  and  duct  shops in South  Africa  and  neighboring
countries. Its products include grilles, flexible ducting, flanging, insulation,
humidifiers,  fire dampers and other accessory products for the air conditioning
industry.  Europair markets its products  primarily  through its sales personnel
directly  to air  conditioning  and  building  contractors  as well as to  other
agents.

           Europair  believes  it is  unique in South  Africa in its  increasing
capacity as a full-range  supplier to the HVAC industry and believes it does not
currently  compete  directly  with any supplier that offers as  comprehensive  a
range of products.  Europair does, however, have a number of competitors in each
of its product groups.  Increasingly,  the threat of competition is presented by
less expensive  imports,  although such imports are sometimes  lower quality and
the  importers  are  generally  unable to stock a broad  range of  products.  As
Europair is in the air conditioning and refrigeration  business it experiences a
seasonality that corresponds with the summer months in the Southern  hemisphere.
Typically,  sales  are  higher  in  the  months  of  October  through  February.
Europair's  firm order  backlog  does not  represent  a material  portion of its
annual sales.

           Europair  relies  on local  suppliers  to  provide  it with  aluminum
extrusions,  aluminum  foil,  fiberglass  and other  insulation  material,  fire
dampers,  steel and wire in the  manufacturing  of  Europair's  products and for
inclusion in other products sold by Europair. The principal foreign suppliers of
Europair provide it with humidifiers, glue, air valves, vinyl, polyester, access
doors and fans. Ordinarily,  Europair does not experience material difficulty in
procuring  the raw materials  required for its  production  processes.  Aluminum
prices are, however,  commodity driven and change frequently. The Durban factory
experienced  a  substantial  inventory  shortage  with  respect to its  aluminum
requirements  in October  and  November  1994 due to a  countrywide  shortage of
aluminum.  In response to such shortage Europair has accumulated and maintains a
substantial stockpile of aluminum.

UNIVERSAL REFRIGERATION

           Universal Refrigeration has been renamed Europair  Refrigeration,  it
is a wholly owned subsidiary of Europair engaged as an agent in the distribution
and supply of various  refrigeration  related products.  Its sales are generated
through Europair's existing national sales network.

FASTENER INDUSTRY
L.S. PRESSINGS

           L.S.  Pressings  and  its  subsidiary,   Paper  &  Metal  Industries,
manufacture  washers  for supply to  distributors  of nuts and bolts who in turn
distribute  L. S.  Pressing  products  to end users in  various  industries  and
markets. L.S. Pressings'  operations are located in Johannesburg.  L.S Pressings
manufactures a full range of washers to metric, capital imperial as well as U.S.
specifications.  In  addition,  it  manufactures  special  size  washers to suit
customers specific requirements. Washers are manufactured from mild steel, black
(heat tempered) steel,  copper,  brass, fiber and various plastics.  Washers are
used in numerous industries,  including  automotive,  electrical,  furniture and
construction industries. They are also used for sealing purposes, water


                                       43

<PAGE>



piping  and  as  a  non-conductive   element.   L.S.   Pressings  has  no  sales
representatives  with orders being placed  directly by customers.  Substantially
all of the customers are distributors who resell the washers to end users.

           L.S.  Pressings  believes that it is the single  largest  supplier of
washers in the South African  market,  although a number of competitors  compete
with L.S. Pressings in particular niches. L.S. Pressings' strongest  competition
is from  importers of standard  size washers  manufactured  in Taiwan.  However,
importers of  Taiwanese  washers  generally do not offer a "one-stop"  source of
supply and L.S.  Pressings  believes it competes  successfully  with  respect to
pricing.  As a result,  the importers have not had a substantial  impact on L.S.
Pressings'  sales  although  there can be no assurance that this will remain the
case.  L.S.  Pressings  believes  that no other South  African  manufacturer  of
washers  offers  a  comparable  range  of  products.  L.S.  Pressings  typically
manufactures  to order  and  delivers  within  approximately  10 days of  order.
Backlog  numbers are therefore not  significant  for L.S.  Pressings and tend to
vary widely. However, as of October 31, 1997, L.S. Pressings' firm order backlog
was  203,747  Rand  (approximately   $42,450)  as  compared  with  458,612  Rand
(approximately $99,000) on October 31, 1996.

           All of L.S.  Pressings'  suppliers are local  companies.  In the last
year there has been a shortage of scrap  metal in South  Africa,  although  L.S.
Pressings  has  had no  material  problems  obtaining  scrap  required  for  its
operations.  Spring washers, which comprise approximately 10% of L.S. Pressings'
annual sales, are manufactured using a different process to that adopted by L.S.
Pressings.   As  a  result,   L.S.  Pressings   purchases  spring  washers  from
locally-represented  suppliers.  Apart  from  the  month  of  December  when its
factories are closed, there is no particular seasonality to these businesses.

REGULATION

           The Company's South African business operation is subject to a number
of  laws  and  regulations  governing  the  use  and  disposition  of  hazardous
substances,  air and  water  pollution  and other  activities  that  effect  the
environment.  The Company's management believes that each of its subsidiaries is
in substantial  compliance with applicable South African law and the regulations
promulgated  under such law and that no violation of any such law or  regulation
by any such company has occurred  which would have a material  adverse effect on
the financial condition of the Company.

EMPLOYEES


           As of January 15,  1998,  in addition  to its  President  who devotes
substantially all of his business time to the Company,  the Company had only one
full-time salaried  employee.  "See Management - Employment  Agreements".  As of
such date, FSAH had only four full-time salaried employees.  The Company intends
to add employees as necessary to meet  management  and other  requirements  from
time to time. On July 1, 1996,  FSAH entered into an employment  agreement  with
Cornelius J. Roodt to act as its Managing Director. See "Management-  Employment
Agreements".  As of January  15,  1998,  the  Company's  operating  subsidiaries
employed approximately 2,500 people.


PROPERTIES

           The Company's  principal  executive  offices are located at Clarendon
House, Church Street, Hamilton, HM 11, Bermuda, which space is made available to
the Company  pursuant  to a corporate  services  agreement  entered  into with a
corporate  services company in Bermuda..  The Company's U.S.  subsidiary,  First
South African  Management Corp.  (FSAM) has its principal  executive  offices at
2665 South  Bayshore  Drive,  Suite 702,  Coconut Grove,  Florida 33133.  FSAM's
offices consist of approximately  2,000 square feet of office space in an office
section of Coconut Grove, Florida,  which FSAM occupies pursuant to a three-year
lease


                                       44

<PAGE>



agreement  (expiring in 1999) with a monthly rental of $2,600.  FSAH's principal
executive offices are located in the facilities of Europair in South Africa.

           Starpak  and L.S.  Pressings  operate  out of a  facility  made up of
adjacent  buildings owned by Levy & Smith Properties  (Proprietary)  Limited,  a
wholly-owned  subsidiary  of  Starpak.  The  facility  has a total  lot  size of
approximately  30,000 square feet. The facility has three floors at 85% coverage
equal to a total of 76,500  square feet.  The Company  anticipates  that it will
require  additional space and is considering the rental of additional space at a
nearby  location.  Starpak  also has  branches  in Durban and Cape  Town,  South
Africa.

           Europair  operates  from  premises  and  facilities  that  it owns in
Gauteng and from leased premises in KwaZulu-Natal,  Western Cape and the Eastern
Cape. Pursuant to an option granted by the Company,  Mr. Bruce Thomas (the Chief
Executive Officer of Europair) has acquired Europair's premises for $890,868 and
entered into a ten year lease  (expiring in 2006) with  Europair with respect to
such  premises  for an initial  rental  rate of  $110,111  per  annum.  Europair
believes  this  property  is  well  suited  to  Europair's  operations  and  can
accommodate relatively large increases in manufacturing and storage.  Europair's
other leased properties are located in Durban, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth.

           Piemans Pantry  operates from premises and facilities that it owns in
Krugersdorp.  The  facility  has two floors  with a total size of 38,000  square
feet. In addition,  Piemans Pantry rents a retail  facility in  Krugersdorp,  as
well as an office space in KwaZulu-Natal.

           Paper & Metal Industries rents two adjacent industrial  properties in
Germiston, Gauteng. The total size of the facility is 8,975 square feet. Paper &
Metal have a two year lease  (expiring  in 1998) at  approximately  $34,744  per
annum.

           Astoria leases  approximately 20,000 square feet of space in Randberg
for which it pays an annual rental amount of approximately $100,000 (pursuant to
a lease expiring in 2006).  Astoria also leases  approximately 6,000 square feet
in Lesotho for which it pays an annual  rental  amount of  approximately  $7,000
(pursuant to a lease expiring in 2006).

           Gull  operates  from  premises  and  facilities   that  it  rents  in
Bronkhorstspruit.  Such  premises  include  approximately  52,000 square feet of
space. Rental cost is approximately  $44,000 per annum with a lease term of five
years.  In addition,  Gull rents a small  manufacturing  and retail  facility of
approximately 4,000 square feet in downtown  Johannesburg.  Rental cost of these
premises is approximately $8,000 per annum with a lease term of five years.

           Seemanns  operates  from  premises  and  facilities  that  it owns in
Randburg.  These premises include the retail outlet and comprises  approximately
44,000 square feet.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

           Neither the Company  nor any of its  subsidiaries  are subject to any
material legal proceedings.




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<PAGE>



                                  SOUTH AFRICA

           Except  where  otherwise   indicated,   sources  of  the  statistical
information  contained in this section  include data compiled and made public by
the following South African  governmental  agencies:  the Department of Manpower
(with respect to labor and employment statistics), the Department of Customs and
Excise (with respect to trade statistics), the Central Statistical Service (with
respect to data on the economy) and SATOUR  (South  African  Tourist  Board with
respect to data on tourism). The source for statistical  information relating to
investment, spending, consumption and exchange rates is information compiled and
made publicly available by the South African Reserve Bank.

BACKGROUND

           The  Republic  of South  Africa  ("South  Africa")  is located on the
southernmost   portion  of  the  African  continent  and  has  a  land  area  of
approximately  471,000 square miles,  which is approximately one eighth the size
of the United States and five times the size of the United Kingdom.  The country
is bounded by the Atlantic and Indian Oceans on the east, west and south, and by
Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, Botswana and Swaziland to the north. In addition,
the independent  Kingdom of Lesotho is situated  within South Africa's  borders.
South Africa is currently divided into nine provinces: Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga,
Kwazulu/Natal,  Northern Province, Northwest, Free State, Gauteng, Northern Cape
and Western  Cape.  South Africa is a signatory to the GATT  agreement  and is a
member of the  Organization  of African Unity and the Southern  African  Customs
Union which includes Botswana, Swaziland, Lesotho and Namibia.

           According to Government estimates, the population of South Africa was
approximately  45 million in October 1995.  Government  statistics and estimates
generally are believed to be inaccurate due to significant  undercounting of the
black  population.  The last official  Government  census was conducted in 1996,
however.  as of the date of this  Prospectus,  official  results with respect to
such census have not been released.

DOMESTIC ECONOMY

           South Africa has a highly developed free market economy.  The base of
the economy has evolved  from  agriculture  to mining  and,  more  recently,  to
manufacturing, which accounted for approximately 24.3% (as of the second quarter
of 1997) of the gross  domestic  product.  The  historic  strength  of the South
African  economy has been its extensive  mineral  deposits.  Diamonds,  gold and
other metals account for a majority of South Africa's annual exports. Government
incentives have been introduced in recent years to encourage greater  processing
and finishing by the country's  industrial  sector of South  Africa's  wealth of
natural  resources  to add value to the  economy  and  increase  foreign  export
earnings.  Although  the  country  represents  only 4% of the  land  area of the
continent of Africa and accounts for just over 6% of its total population, South
Africa  accounted for  approximately  26.4% of the  continent's  gross  domestic
product  ("GDP") in 1994.  Apart from  manufacturing  and  mining,  agriculture,
finance, communications, transport and energy also play an important part in the
South African  economy.  Alongside South Africa's  developed  economy there also
exists a large informal economy which was effectively imposed by apartheid.  Due
to the political  changes  currently  taking place,  it is anticipated  that the
formal and informal economies will eventually merge.



                                       46

<PAGE>



LABOR AND SOCIAL LEGISLATION

           The economically  active population in 1996 (wage and salary earners,
self-employed  individuals and unemployed individuals) was estimated by means of
mid-year  estimates at 14.3 million  individuals.  The total  employment  in the
formal non-agricultural sectors in 1996 was 1,424,000 of which approximately 28%
were employed in  manufacturing,  12.3% in mining,  6.4% in service  industries,
14.4% in the trade sector,  comprised of wholesale,  retail and motor trade, and
7% in  the  construction  sector.  Data  for  the  agricultural  sector  is  not
published;  only  estimates are  available.  Total  estimated  employment in the
formal agricultural sector in 1990 was 1,208,370.

           Approximately  21% of South  Africa's wage and salary  earners in the
formal  non-agricultural  sector  were  unionized  as of  year-end  1995.  As of
December  31,  1995,   3,065,860  employees  (21%  of  the  economically  active
population),  belonged to registered trade unions. The remaining union employees
were members of  unregistered  trade unions.  Unions must be registered with the
Department  of Manpower in order to operate  within the  framework  of the Labor
Relations  Act, which provides  procedures for  arbitration  and court action in
industrial disputes.

           Most of the major industries in South Africa are unionized. There are
well  developed  collective  bargaining  structures  and many of the unions have
affiliated themselves to trade union federations such as the non-racial Congress
of South  African  Trade Unions and the  National  Congress of Trade  Unions.  A
number of the trade  unions and their  leaderships  have close  links to various
political  parties.  Similarly,  many  employers  have  become  affiliated  with
employer organizations and federations of these organizations, such as the Steel
Engineering  Industries  Federation of South Africa,  for purposes of collective
bargaining with trade unions.  In some industries there are industrial  councils
which  provide a forum  for  collective  bargaining  and  which  administer  the
collective  bargaining  agreements  arrived at.  Existing  legislation  requires
parties to  industrial  disputes to  endeavor,  in most cases,  to settle  their
disputes through  conciliation prior to embarking on industrial action or having
the  dispute  resolved  through   adjudication  by  the  industrial  court.  The
industrial  court has a wide  unfair  labor  practice  jurisdiction  intended to
further the aim of maintaining  industrial peace through  adjudicating upon and,
where  possible,  preventing  harm arising from disputes of right such as unfair
dismissals.  Both the industrial  court and the High Court are empowered to make
orders   preventing  the  occurrence  or  continuation  of  illegal  strikes  or
lock-outs.

FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT

           South  Africa  imposes  restrictions  on the  debt-equity  ratio of a
foreign-owned  Company,  which  restrictions are imposed and administered by the
South  African  Reserve  Bank.  Also,  if 50% or more of the  shares  of a South
African  company are held by a  foreigner,  the ability of the local  company to
borrow from local  sources is  restricted.  The  restriction  is  calculated  by
reference to the company's so-called  "effective capital" which is comprised of,
among  other  things,  share  capital  and  share  premium,  foreign  and  local
shareholders  loans (local  shareholders  loans are only  included to the extent
that they are pro-rata to foreign shareholders loans) and retained earnings. The
local  borrowing  restrictions  are  often  waived  for  listed  companies  with
dispersed  shareholders.  Although  the  current  debt-equity  restrictions  are
imposed and  administered by the South African  Reserve Bank,  amendments to the
Income Tax Act passed in July 1995 impose similar statutory  thin-capitalization
rules  which  provide  that  excessive  interest  will be treated as a dividend,
disallowed for tax purposes,  and subjected to secondary tax on companies at the
rate of 12.5% of the disallowed interest. A safe harbor debt-equity ratio of 3:1
is  generally  permissible.  Debt-equity  ratios in excess of this will  require
approval  from the  taxation  authorities.  The  Company  intends  to  utilize a
substantial  portion  of the use of  proceeds  from  this  Offering  to  acquire
additional  companies  in South  Africa.  The  Company  anticipates  that  these
acquisitions will be funded with sufficient equity infusions into FSAH so


                                       47

<PAGE>



that the safe harbor debt equity ratio should be easily maintained.  The Company
and  its  auditors  intend  to  monitor  the  Company's  compliance  with  these
debt/equity  restrictions  on an ongoing basis.  The Company does not anticipate
that these  restrictions  will  significantly  impact the Company's  acquisition
strategies or its
ongoing operations.

RECONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

           The  Government of National  Unity has adopted a  Reconstruction  and
Development  Programme  (the "RDP") to address  the  inequalities  arising  from
apartheid.  The RDP is intended to provide a framework  for social and  economic
policy.  The  Government of National  Unity wishes to implement the RDP within a
framework of fiscal  discipline  and it is expected that much of the finance for
the RDP will be made  available  from the  reallocation  of  existing  financial
resources.

           The RDP aims to achieve  numerous  objectives.  These include meeting
the  basic  needs  of the  population  (such  as for  housing  and  water),  the
development of human resources,  building the economy,  democratizing  the South
African state and society at large and the reform of government structures.

           In March 1996,  the South African  Government  adopted a further plan
known  as  "Gear"  which  forms  part  of  the  overall  RDP  and  concerns  the
implementation  of the RDP policy.  Gear is premised  on  national  growth,  job
creation, a responsible fiscal framework and the alleviation of poverty.





                                       48

<PAGE>



                                   MANAGEMENT

DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

           The  officers and  directors  of the Company,  their ages and present
positions held with the Company are as follows:


    NAME            AGE             POSITIONS WITH THE COMPANY
    ----            ---             --------------------------
Michael Levy         51    Chairman of the Board of Directors
Clive Kabatznik      41    Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Financial 
                           Officer, Controller and Director
Tucker Hall          41    Secretary
Charles S. Goodwin   58    Director

Mfundiso J. Njeke    38    Director

Cornelius J. Roodt   38    Director

           The following is a brief  summary of the  background of each director
and executive officer of the Company:

           Michael  Levy  is a  co-founder  of the  Company  and has  served  as
Chairman of the Board of Directors  since the Company's  inception.  Since 1987,
Mr. Levy has been the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Arpac
L.P., a Chicago-based manufacturer of plastic packaging machinery.

           Clive  Kabatznik is a  co-founder  of the Company and has served as a
director and its President  since its inception and as its Vice Chairman,  Chief
Executive  Officer and Chief  Financial  Officer since October 1995.  Since June
1992,  Mr.  Kabatznik  has  served as  President  of  Colonial  Capital,  Inc. a
Miami-based  investment  banking  Company that  specializes  in advising  middle
market companies in areas concerning mergers,  acquisitions,  private and public
agency funding and debt  placements.  From 1989 to 1992,  Mr.  Kabatznik was the
President  of Biltmore  Capital  Group,  a  financial  holding  Company  that he
co-founded that controlled a registered NASD  broker-dealer.  From 1981 to 1986,
Mr. Kabatznik was the Chief Financial Officer of the Learning Annex, Inc., which
he co-founded. Mr. Kabatznik was born in South Africa.

           Tucker Hall has been the Secretary of the Company since its inception
and is an employee of Codan Services Limited,  an affiliated company of Conyers,
Dill & Pearman,  Bermuda  counsel to the Company,  and has been employed by such
company as a manager since 1989.

           Charles S.  Goodwin  has been a director  for the  Company  since its
inception  and has  been  Managing  Director  and  Chief  Executive  Officer  of
Tessellar  Investment,  Ltd., a money  management  firm operating from Cape Cod,
Massachusetts  since 1985. Mr. Goodwin was Senior Vice President and Director of
International  Research  of Arnhold & S.  Bleichnoder,  Inc.,  an  institutional
brokerage  firm from 1983 to 1984.  During the period 1971 to 1983,  Mr. Goodwin
was a Director and Vice President of Warburg Pincus Capital Corp., EMW Ventures;
Senior Vice President and Director of Research for Warburg  Pincus  Counsellors,
and a Partner and Managing  Director of E.M. Warburg Pincus & Co., an investment
counseling  and venture  capital firm.  Mr.  Goodwin is the author of "The Third
World  Century"  and "A  Resurrection  of the  Republican  Ideal"  published  by
University  Press of America,  Lanham,  Md. in 1994 and 1995  respectively.  Mr.
Goodwin received his Bachelor of Arts in Russian History from Harvard College in
1961 and his Master of Business  Administration - International Finance from the
Columbia University Graduate School of Business in 1965.



                                       49

<PAGE>




           Mfundiso J. Njeke has been a director of the Company  since  December
1997. Mr. Njeke was appointed director of First South Africa Food Holdings, Ltd.
in March 1997. Since June 1997, Mr. Njeke has served as Managing Director of the
Kagiso Trust Investment Company  (Proprietary)  Limited.  Prior to such time and
since  March 1988,  he was a partner at Price  Waterhouse.  Mr.  Njeke is also a
director of Kagiso Publishers  (Proprietary) Limited, Kagiso Khulani Supervision
Food Services (Proprietary) Limited, Kagiso Motors (Proprietary) Limited and the
Credit Guarantee Insurance Corporation of Africa Limited.


           Cornelius J. Roodt has been a director of the Company since  December
1996. Mr. Roodt was appointed  Managing  Director and Chief Financial Officer of
FSAH, on July 1, 996. Mr. Roodt is responsible for overseeing all the activities
of FSAH's  operations in South Africa.  From 1994 to 1996 Mr. Roodt was a senior
partner at Price Waterhouse  Corporate Finance,  South Africa. From 1991 to 1994
he was an audit partner at Price Waterhouse,  South Africa. Prior to that he was
a partner at the accounting firm of Wichahn Meyernel in South Africa.

OTHER KEY EMPLOYEES

           Samuel S.  Smith,  41.  Mr.  Smith is a joint  Managing  Director  of
Starpak.  Mr. Smith has been employed by Starpak and its predecessor since 1976.
Mr. Smith is responsible  for the technical  operations of Starpak which include
conceptual  design  of  machinery,  management  of the  factory  and  production
processes, commissioning and installation of machinery at customers' premises.

           Rhona L.  Kabatznik,  61.  Ms.  Kabatznik  is a General  Manager  and
Director of L.S. Pressings. Ms. Kabatznik's  responsibilities include production
and sales  administration.  Ms. Kabatznik is the mother of Clive Kabatznik,  the
Vice Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and a first
cousin of Michael Levy, the Chairman of the Company's Board of Directors.

           Raymond Shaftoe,  45. Mr. Shaftoe has been a joint Managing  Director
of Starpak since 1986 and has been employed by Starpak since 1980.  Mr.  Shaftoe
has also served on the Board of  Directors  of Starpak  since 1986.  His current
responsibilities  include  supervision  of the sales and  marketing of Starpak's
products, administration and product development.

           Bruce  Thomas,  44.  Mr.  Thomas is the Chief  Executive  Officer  of
Europair. He has held this position since 1991 and was the principal shareholder
of  Europair  until  its sale to the  Company.  Prior  to that he was the  Chief
Financial   Officer  for  Europair  and  held  that  position  from  1976.   His
responsibilities include the management of Europair, product development,  sales
and financial oversight.

           John Welch,  48. Mr.  Welch is the founder and  Managing  Director of
Piemans Pantry, a company he established in 1982. His  responsibilities  include
overall supervision of all aspects of the business.

           Wolfgang  Burre,  55. Mr.  Burre is the founder of  Astoria.  He is a
fifth generation master baker and is responsible for overall corporate strategy,
product development and quality control. Mr. Burre traditionally has devoted 50%
of his time to Astoria and will continue to do so.

           Each of the above key employees, other than Bruce Thomas, John Welch,
Michael Morgan,  Wolfgang Burre, H. Hoffman,  Wilfred Wesslau and Dagmar Blanker
has entered into a three-year service contract with their respective  companies,
commencing  March 1, 1995.  Bruce Thomas and Europair have executed a Management
Agreement  which shall be in effect for a three year period  commencing  January
24,  1996.  Cornelius  Roodt  and  FSAH  entered  into an  employment  agreement
commencing  July 1, 1996. John Welch and Michael Morgan have each entered into a
two year employment agreement with Piemans Pantry


                                       50

<PAGE>



commencing March 1, 1996. Wolfgang Burre, H. Hoffman, Wilfred Wesslau and Dagmar
Blanker have each agreed to enter into three year  employment  agreements  to be
effective as of July 1, 1996.

           Mark Jericevich,  51. Mark Jericevich was the founder of Seemanns and
has been a Managing Director since Seemanns' inception in 1983.

           Matthew  Jericevich,  27.  Matthew  Jericevich  has  been a  Managing
Director of Seemanns since November 1996. For the past five years Mr. Jericevich
has held a number of  marketing  and  production  positions  at  Seemanns.  Mark
Jericevich and Matthew Jericevich are jointly  responsible for overall corporate
strategy, as well as all financial and operational issues at Seemanns.

           Mark  Jericevich and Matthew  Jericevich have entered into three year
service contracts with Seemanns, commencing November 1, 1996.

           Ian Store,  44. Mr. Store is a Managing  Director and founder of Gull
Foods. Mr. Store is responsible for all production and operational management at
Gull, and together with Alan James, is jointly responsible for overall corporate
strategy.

           Alan James, 45. Mr. James is a Managing Director and founder of Gull.
Mr. James is responsible for Gull's marketing and sales efforts.

           Ian Store  and Alan  James  have  entered  into  three  year  service
contracts with Gull Foods, commencing January 1, 1997.

           Eddie Hind, 48, is a founding and Managing  Director of Fifers Bakery
(Proprietary) Limited ("Fifers").  In July, 1997, the Company acquired Fifers, a
manufacturer of confectionary baked products. Mr. Hind is responsible for Fifers
production,  marketing and sales  activities.  Mr. Hind has entered into a three
year employment agreement with Fifers, commencing July 1997.

           All  directors  of the  Company  hold  office  until the next  annual
meeting of shareholders or until their successors are elected and qualified. The
officers  of the  Company  are  elected by the Board of  Directors  at the first
meeting after each annual meeting of the Company's shareholders, and hold office
until  their  death,  until  they  resign or until they have been  removed  from
office.  The Company has no executive  committee.  Pursuant to the  Underwriting
Agreement,  dated January 24, 1996 by and among the Company, FSA Stock Trust and
D.H.  Blair and executed  with respect to certain  provisions  thereof by Messrs
Clive Kabatznik and Michael Levy, the Company is required to nominate a designee
of D.H.  Blair of its initial  public  offering to the Board of Directors  for a
period of five years from the date of the completion of the Offering. D.H. Blair
has not yet selected such a designee.

COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD


           The  Board  has an Audit  Committee  (the  "Audit  Committee")  and a
Compensation  Committee (the "Compensation  Committee").  The Audit Committee is
composed of Cornelius J. Roodt, Charles Goodwin and Mfundiso J. Njeke. The Audit
Committee is responsible for recommending annually to the Board of Directors the
independent  auditors  to  be  retained  by  the  Company,  reviewing  with  the
independent  auditors  the  scope  and  results  of  the  audit  engagement  and
establishing  and  monitoring  the  Company's  financial  policies  and  control
procedures.  The  Compensation  Committee is composed of Michael  Levy,  Charles
Goodwin and Mfundiso J. Njeke.  These  persons are  intended to be  Non-Employee
Directors  within  the  meaning  of Rule  16b-3(b)(3)(i)  promulgated  under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Securities



                                       51

<PAGE>



Exchange Act). The responsibilities of the Compensation  Committee are described
below under the heading Stock Option Plan.

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

           The  following  summary  compensation  table sets forth the aggregate
compensation  paid or accrued by the Company to its Chief Executive  Officer and
to  the  Managing   Director  and  Chief  Financial  Officer  of  the  Company's
subsidiary,  FSAH,  during the period from July 1, 1996  through  June 30, 1997.
Apart from
Mr.
Kabatznik, whose annual salary is $180,000 and Mr. Roodt, whose annual salary is
$150,000,  no other executive officer of the Company or any subsidiary  received
compensation in excess of $100,000.



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                             Annual Compensation                   Long Term Awards
                     --------------------------------------    ----------------------
                                                               Securities  Restricted
Name and                                       Other Annual    Underlying     Stock
Principal Position   Year  Salary     Bonus    Compensation      Options     Awards
- -------------------  ----  ------     -----    ------------    ----------  ----------
<S>                  <C>   <C>        <C>                      <C>                
Clive Kabatznik,     1997  $180,000   $195,142       --        255,000(1)       --
President and Chief  1996  $135,000        --                  205,000(2)
    Executive
Officer
    of the Company

Cornelius J. Roodt,  1997  $150,000   $195,142       --          255,000(3)     --
Managing Director
and Chief Financial
Officer of FSAH
</TABLE>



(1)  Includes (i) options  granted under the Stock Option Plan to purchase 5,000
     shares of Common  Stock at an exercise  price of $3.75 per share,  and (ii)
     options  granted by the Board of  Directors to purchase  250,000  shares of
     Common Stock at an exercise price of $4.75 per share (of which 125,000 were
     immediately  exercisable  and 125,000 would become  exercisable on June 24,
     1999, if Mr. Kabatznik is still employed by the Company on such date).

(2)  See "-Stock Option Plan."

(3)  Includes (i) options  granted under the Stock Option Plan to purchase 5,000
     shares of Common  Stock at an exercise  price of $3.75 per share,  and (ii)
     options  granted by the Board of  Directors to purchase  250,000  shares of
     Common Stock at an exercise price of $4.75 per share (of which 125,000 were
     immediately  exercisable  and 125,000 would become  exercisable on June 24,
     1999, if Mr. Roodt is still employed by the Company on such date).


           Except for Mr.  Levy,  non-employee  directors  of the Company do not
receive fixed compensation for their services as directors other than options to
purchase  10,000 shares under the Company's stock option plan. Mr. Levy receives
an annual  service fee of $60,000 and options to purchase  10,000  shares of the
Company's  Common  Stock for every year of service as a director of the Company.
However, directors will be



                                       52

<PAGE>



reimbursed for their reasonable  out-of-pocket  expenses  incurred in connection
with their duties to the Company.

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS


           First  South  Africa   Management  Corp.   ("FSAM"),   the  Company's
management  subsidiary,  has entered  into an  Employment  Agreement  with Clive
Kabatznik,  the Vice  Chairman,  President  and Chief  Executive  Officer of the
Company and of FSAM.  Under the terms of such  agreement,  Mr.  Kabatznik  shall
devote  substantially  all of his business  time,  energies and abilities to the
Company and its  subsidiaries and shall receive an annual salary of $180,000 and
options to purchase  55,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $5.00
per share. In addition,  Mr.  Kabatznik has been granted  additional  options to
purchase  150,000 shares of Common Stock of the Company at the exercise price of
$5.00 per share,  exercisable after the seventh anniversary  following the grant
date, provided that vesting of such options will be accelerated as follows:  (i)
50,000  options  will be  exercisable  on such  earlier  date  that the  Company
realizes  earnings  per share of $.75 or more on a fiscal  year  basis,  (ii) an
additional  50,000  options  will be  exercisable  on such earlier date that the
Company realizes  earnings per share of $1.00 or more on a fiscal year basis and
(iii) an additional 50,000 options will be exercisable on such earlier date that
the Company realizes earnings per share of $1.50 or more on a fiscal year basis.
The  options  referred  to in (i) and (ii) above have  vested as a result of the
Company's  realization of the applicable  earnings per share  requirements.  The
Company is obligated,  during the term of Mr. Kabatznik's  employment agreement,
to pay Mr.  Kabatznik an annual  incentive  bonus of five percent of the Minimum
Pretax  Income (as  provided  in Mr.  Kabatznik's  employment  agreement)  above
$4,000,000,  as shall be reported in the Company's audited financial  statements
for each  fiscal  year in which Mr.  Kabatznik  is  employed,  exclusive  of any
extraordinary  earnings or charges  which  would  result from the release of the
Earnout Escrow Shares.


           FSAM has entered into a consulting  agreement with Mr. Levy, pursuant
to which Mr. Levy serves as a consultant  to FSAM.  The term of the agreement is
for a period of three years until January 31, 1999. Mr. Levy's  compensation for
such consulting services is $60,000 per annum.

           FSAH has entered  into an  Employment  Agreement  with  Cornelius  J.
Roodt, the Managing  Director and Chairman of the Board of FSAH. Under the terms
of such  agreement,  Mr.  Roodt shall devote  substantially  all of his business
time,  energies  and  abilities  to the Company and its  subsidiaries  and shall
receive an annual salary of $150,000 and options to purchase  150,000  shares of
FSAH Class B Stock at an  exercise  price of Rand 13.05 per share.  Mr.  Roodt's
salary under his Employment  Agreement  shall be reviewed on an annual basis. In
addition,  the 150,000  shares of FSAH Class B Stock are  exercisable  after the
fifth  anniversary  following  the grant  date,  provided  that  vesting of such
options will be accelerated  as follows:  (i) 30,000 options will be exercisable
on such  earlier  date that the Company  realizes  earnings per share of $.75 or
more  on a  fiscal  year  basis,  (ii)  an  additional  50,000  options  will be
exercisable on such earlier date that the Company realizes earnings per share of
$1.00 or more on a fiscal year basis, (iii) an additional 70,000 options will be
exercisable on such earlier date that the Company realizes earnings per share of
$1.50 or more on a fiscal  year basis.  The options  referred to in (i) and (ii)
above have vested as a result of the  Company's  realization  of the  applicable
earnings per share  requirements.  The Company is obligated,  during the term of
Mr. Roodt's employment agreement,  to pay Mr. Roodt an annual incentive bonus of
four percent of the Minimum Pretax Income (as provided in Mr. Roodt's employment
agreement)  above  $5,000,000,  as shall be  reported in the  Company's  audited
financial  statements  for each  fiscal  year in which  Mr.  Roodt is  employed,
exclusive of any  extraordinary  earnings or charges which would result from the
release of the Earnout Escrow Shares.



                                       53

<PAGE>



STOCK OPTION PLAN


           The  Board  of   Directors   of  the  Company  has  adopted  and  the
shareholders  (prior to the  Company's  initial  public  offering)  approved the
Company's  1995 Stock Option Plan (the "Stock  Option  Plan").  The Stock Option
Plan  provides  for the grant of (i)  options  that are  intended  to qualify as
incentive stock options  (Incentive Stock Options) within the meaning of Section
422 of the Code to key  employees  and (ii)  options not  intended to so qualify
(Nonqualified Stock Options) to key employees  (including directors and officers
who are employees of the Company),  and to directors and consultants who are not
employees.  The total number of shares of Common Stock for which  options may be
granted under the Stock Option Plan is 850,000 shares.


           The  Stock  Option  Plan is to be  administered  by the  Compensation
Committee of the Board of Directors.  The Committee shall determine the terms of
options exercised, including the exercise price, the number of shares subject to
the option and the terms and conditions of exercise. No option granted under the
Stock Option Plan is transferable by the optionee other than by will or the laws
of descent and distribution  and each option is exercisable  during the lifetime
of the optionee only by such optionee or his legal representatives.

           The exercise price of Incentive Stock Options granted under the Stock
Option Plan must be at least  equal to the fair  market  value of such shares on
the date of grant (110% of fair market value in the case of an optionee who owns
or is deemed to own stock  possessing  more than 10% of the voting rights of the
outstanding capital stock of the Company (or any of its subsidiaries).  The term
of each option granted pursuant to the Stock Option Plan shall be established by
the Committee, in its sole discretion;  provided, however, that the maximum term
for each Incentive Stock Option granted pursuant to the Stock Option Plan is ten
years (five years in the case of an optionee  who owns or is deemed to own stock
possessing  more than 10% of the total combined  voting power of the outstanding
capital stock of the Company (or any of its subsidiaries).  Options shall become
exercisable  at such  times  and in such  installments  as the  Committee  shall
provide in the terms of each individual option. The maximum number of shares for
which options may be granted to any individual in any fiscal year is 210,000.


           The Stock Option Plan also contains an automatic option grant program
for the non-employee  directors.  Each  non-employee  director of the Company is
automatically  granted an option for 10,000 shares of Common Stock.  Thereafter,
each person who is a  non-employee  director of the Company  following an annual
meeting  of  shareholders  will  be  automatically  granted  an  option  for  an
additional 10,000 shares of Common Stock. Each grant will have an exercise price
per share equal to the fair market  value of the Common  Stock on the grant date
and will have a term of five  years  measured  from the grant  date,  subject to
earlier termination if an optionee's service as a Board member is terminated for
cause.


           As of the date of this Prospectus, the Company has granted options to
purchase  290,000 shares of Common Stock under the Stock Option Plan,  10,000 of
which have been exercised.

OPTIONS GRANTED


           The Company has granted  options to  management  to purchase  290,000
shares of  Common  Stock  under  the Plan and  additional  non-plan  options  to
purchase  500,000  shares of Common  Stock as  described  in the table set forth
below:



                                       54

<PAGE>




<TABLE>

<CAPTION>
                                                                                    POTENTIAL REALIZABLE
                                                                                  VALUE AT ASSUMED ANNUAL
                                       PERCENT OF TOTAL       PER                   RATE OF STOCK PRICE
                                      OPTIONS GRANTED TO     SHARE                APPRECIATION FOR OPTION
                           OPTIONS       EMPLOYEES IN      EXERCISE   EXPIRATION        TERM
                           GRANTED     FISCAL YEAR (1)       PRICE       DATE            5%           10%
                           -------     ---------------       -----       ----     -------------------------
<S>                          <C>            <C> <C>         <C>          <C>       <C>            <C>      
Michael Levy.............    5,000          .66%(*)         $5.00        (2)       $     6,900    $  15,273
                             5,000          .66%(*)          3.75        (2)             5,200       11,500
                            10,000        25.00%(**)         6.00        (2)            16,575       36,630
Clive Kabatznik..........  205,000        27.33%(*)          5.00        (3)           283,188      625,773
                             5,000          .66%(*)          3.75        (2)             5,200       11,500
                             5,000        12.50%(**)         6.00        (2)             8,285       18,315
                           250,000        33.33%(*)          4.75        (4)           328,084      724,981
Laurence M. Nestadt......    5,000          .66%(*)          5.00        (2)             6,900       15,273
Charles S. Goodwin.......    5,000          .66%(*)          5.00        (2)             6,900       15,273
                             5,000          .66%(*)          3.75        (2)             5,200       11,500
                            10,000        25.00%(**)         6.00        (2)            16,575       36,630
John Mackey..............    5,000          .66%(*)          5.00        (2)             6,900       15,273
                             5,000          .66%(*)          3.75        (2)             5,200       11,500
Cornelius J. Roodt.......    5,000          .66%(*)          3.75        (2)             5,200       11,500
                             5,000        12.50%(**)         6.00        (2)             8,285       18,315
                           250,000        33.33%(*)          4.75        (4)           328,084      724,981
Mfundiso J. Njeke........   10,000        25.00%(**)         6.00        (2)            16,575       36,630
</TABLE>
- --------------------


(1)  The numbers have been rounded for the purpose of this table.

(2)  Options  granted  will  expire  five  years from the date  granted  and are
     immediately exercisable.

   
(3)  55,000 options granted will expire five years from the date granted; 50,000
     additional options will be exercisable following the seventh anniversary of
     the grant date and until the tenth  anniversary  of such  date,  subject to
     accelerated vesting upon the Company's  realization of certain earnings per
     share targets;  100,000 additional options are currently  exercisable until
     the tenth anniversary of the date of the grant.
    

(4)  Non-plan  options to purchase 250,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise
     price of $4.75  granted by the Board of Directors to each of Mr.  Kabatznik
     and Mr. Roodt in the fourth  quarter of fiscal year 1997 (of which  125,000
     were  immediately  exercisable and 125,000 will become  exercisable on June
     24, 1999, if the optionee is still employed by the Company on such date).


(*)  Options granted in Fiscal Year 1997.

(**) Options granted in Fiscal Year 1998 (through January 20, 1998).



                                       55

<PAGE>



                              CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS


           In connection with the Company's  organization in September 1995, the
Company sold 1,212,521  shares of Class B Common Stock to Clive  Kabatznik,  the
President  and Chief  Executive  Officer of the Company for a purchase  price of
$.01 per share,  which amount was paid by Mr.  Kabatznik in the form of advances
made by him to pay for certain expenditures of the Company. In October 1995, Mr.
Kabatznik transferred 1,002,521 of such shares, which included 670,137 shares to
Mrs.  Stephanie  Levy as Trustee of the FSA Stock  Trust,  97,210  shares to the
Stopia Trust,  97,210 shares to the 2 RAS Trust,  93,307 to the Presspack Trust,
24,657  shares to the Two Year Trust and  20,000  shares to Henry  Rothman.  The
transferees have paid Mr. Kabatznik $.0l per share for each of such shares.

FSAM MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT

           The  Company  and  FSAM  have  entered  into a  Management  Agreement
pursuant  to which  FSAM will  provide  certain  management  and  administrative
services to the Company for an annual fee of $48,000 and reimbursement of FSAM's
costs,  other than out-of-pocket  expenses,  at an amount equal to cost plus 10%
(including  the costs of employees)  incurred in providing  such  management and
administrative  services to the Company.  The costs of such services that may be
requested from time to time by the Company pursuant to the Management  Agreement
are at a rate that could reasonably be expected to be charged by an unaffiliated
third party.  The services to be provided by FSAM to the company  under the FSAM
Management  Agreement  include general  business  management and  administrative
services,  shareholder  relation  services,  financial  services and  accounting
services.  The  Management  Agreement  will expire on December 31, 2005,  unless
sooner  terminated on 90 days advance  notice by either party.  The Company paid
FSAM a total of $53,020 in the year ended June 30, 1997.

FSAH ESCROW AGREEMENT

           The FSAH Escrow Agreement, executed in January 1996, provided for the
concurrent  issuance  and  delivery by the Company of 729,979  shares of Class B
Common Stock to the FSAH Escrow Agent.  The FSAH Escrow Agreement is intended to
provide security for certain holders of FSAH Class B Stock, who are residents of
South Africa and are  prohibited by South  African law from holding  shares in a
foreign  company.  The FSAH Escrow  Agreement  provides that the parties to such
Agreement  that are  holders of FSAH Class B Stock will not sell such  shares of
stock  except as  provided  in such  Agreement.  Specifically,  the FSAH  Escrow
Agreement  provides  that the FSAH  Class B Stock  may be  tendered  to the FSAH
Escrow Agent against  payment  therefor by the FSAH Escrow Agent,  which payment
may consist of the proceeds  obtained  from the sale by the FSAH Escrow Agent of
an equal number of shares of Class B Common Stock of the Company,  provided that
the  proceeds of such sale shall be  delivered to the holder in exchange for his
or her shares of FSAH Class B Stock.  Upon the sale by the FSAH Escrow  Agent of
any shares of Class B Common  Stock of the  Company  pursuant to the FSAH Escrow
Agreement,  the FSAH Escrow  Agent will  deliver to the  Company the  equivalent
number of shares of FSAH Class B Stock  tendered in connection  therewith.  Such
shares of FSAH Class B Stock will then automatically convert into shares of FSAH
Class A Stock and will be held by the Company  together with the other shares of
FSAH  Class A Stock  owned by the  Company.  The  Company  has  granted  certain
piggyback  registration rights to the FSAH Escrow Agent on behalf of the holders
of the shares of FSAH Class B Stock held pursuant to the FSAH Escrow  Agreement.
Such shares of Class B Common  Stock will be  automatically  converted to Common
Stock of the  Company  upon the sale of such  shares  by the FSAH  Escrow  Agent
pursuant  to the  terms of the FSAH  Escrow  Agreement.  Such  shares of Class B
Common  Stock  will be  controlled  by the terms of the FSAH  Escrow  Agreement.
Michael  Levy has  paid the  purchase  price of $.01 per  share  for each of the
shares of Class B Common Stock held pursuant



                                       56

<PAGE>



to the FSAH Escrow  Agreement  and the FSAH Escrow  Agent has granted to Michael
Levy an  irrevocable  proxy to vote each of such shares of Class B Common  Stock
prior to the sale or forfeiture of such shares,  as the case may be. The Company
owns 25,000,000  shares of FSAH Class A Stock, or approximately 97% of the total
outstanding  shares of FSAH, and the remaining  shares are held by the following
persons in the amounts set forth below:

                                                              FSAH Class B Stock

FSA Stock Trust                                                   383,523 shares
Global Capital                                                     50,000 shares
Bruce Thomas                                                       80,000 shares
Samuel Smith                                                       58,766 shares
Raymond Shaftoe                                                    58,766 shares
Rhona Kabatznik                                                    62,472 shares
Michael Levy                                                       36,452 shares
                                                                 ---------------
                               Total:                             729,979 shares
                                      
FSAC ESCROW AGREEMENTS

           Since the  consummation  of the Company's  IPO in January  1996,  the
Company  has  entered  into a number  of escrow  agreements  (the  "FSAC  Escrow
Agreements")  which are comprised of a number of additional  agreements with the
FSAH Escrow  Agent,  FSAH and certain  principal  shareholders  of the Company's
subsidiaries  which were  acquired  since  January  1996.  The terms of the FSAC
Escrow  Agreements  are  substantially  similar to the terms of the FSAH  Escrow
Agreement,  except that only the FSAH Escrow Agreement provided for the issuance
of shares of Class B Common  stock to the FSAH  Escrow  Agent  while each of the
FSAC Escrow  Agreements  provided  for the issuance of shares of Common stock to
the FSAH Escrow Agent which correspond to the following  issuances of FSAH Class
B Stock by FSAH:

ADDITIONAL SHARES ISSUED IN CONNECTION WITH THE PIEMANS PANTRY
ACQUISITION(1)

Heinz Andreas                                                     220,262 shares
John Welch                                                        220,262 shares
Michael Morgan                                                     48,950 shares
                                                                  --------------
                               Total:                             489,474 shares

ADDITIONAL SHARES ISSUED IN CONNECTION WITH THE ASTORIA ACQUISITION(2)

Wolfgang Burre                                                    186,407 shares

ADDITIONAL SHARES ISSUED IN CONNECTION WITH THE SEEMANNS ACQUISITION(3)

Mark Jericevich                                                   157,596 shares
Ivan Jericevich                                                   157,597 shares
                                                                  --------------
                               Total:                             315,193 shares



                                       57

<PAGE>



ADDITIONAL SHARES ISSUED IN CONNECTION WITH GULL FOODS ACQUISITION(4)

Trek Biltong                                                      238,660 shares

ADDITIONAL SHARES ISSUED IN CONNECTION WITH THE ACQUISITION OF FIRST STRUT
(PTY) LTD.(5)

The Coch Family Trust                                              19,230 shares

ADDITIONAL SHARES ISSUED IN CONNECTION WITH THE ACQUISITION OF FIFERS
BAKERY
(PROPRIETARY) LIMITED(6)

Eddie Hinde                                                        27,624 shares

- --------------------

(1)  The Company has issued an additional  489,474 shares of Common Stock to the
     FSAH Escrow Agent pursuant to the terms of a certain FSAC Escrow  Agreement
     by and among the Company,  the FSAH Escrow Agent,  and each of Mr. Andreas,
     Mr.  Morgan and Mr.  Welch  respectively,  in  connection  with the Piemans
     acquisition.

(2)  The Company has issued an additional  186,407 shares of Common Stock to the
     FSAH Escrow Agent pursuant to the terms of a certain FSAC Escrow  Agreement
     by and among the Company, the FSAH Escrow Agent and Mr. Burre in connection
     with the Astoria acquisition.

(3)  The Company has issued an additional  315,194 shares of Common Stock to the
     FSAH Escrow Agent pursuant to the terms of a certain FSAC Escrow  Agreement
     by and among the  Company,  the FSAH  Escrow  Agent,  and each of Mr.  Mark
     Jericevich and Mr. Ivan  Jericevich  respectively,  in connection  with the
     Seemanns acquisition.

(4)  The Company has issued an additional  238,660 shares of Common Stock to the
     FSAH Escrow Agent pursuant to the terms of a certain FSAC Escrow  Agreement
     by and  among  the  Company,  the FSAH  Escrow  Agent  and Mr.  Biltong  in
     connection with the Gull acquisition.

(5)  The Company has issued an  additional  19,230 shares of Common Stock to the
     FSAH Escrow Agent pursuant to the terms of a certain FSAC Escrow  Agreement
     by and among the  Company,  the FSAH Escrow Agent and The Coch Family Trust
     in connection with the First Strut acquisition.

(6)  The Company has issued an  additional  27,624 shares of Common Stock to the
     FSAH Escrow Agent pursuant to the terms of a certain FSAC Escrow  Agreement
     by and among the Company, the FSAH Escrow Agent and Mr. Hinde in connection
     with the Fifers acquisition.

           The rights and preferences  accruing to holders of FSAH Class A Stock
and holders of FSAH Class B Stock are  substantially  identical  except that (i)
FSAH is required to pay  dividends to holders of FSAH Class B Stock  equivalent,
on a pro rata  basis,  to the  dividends  paid by the  Company to holders of its
Common Stock,  (ii) payment of the above dividends on FSAH Class B Stock must be
made no later than three business days subsequent to payment of dividends by the
Company on its Common Stock,  (iii) accrued dividends on FSAH Class B Stock must
be paid  prior to payment of any  declared  dividends  on FSAH Class A Stock and
(iv) any shares of FSAH Class B Stock acquired by the Company will automatically
converted to shares of FSAH Class A Stock upon such acquisition.



                                       58

<PAGE>



J. LEVY LOAN

           In 1986, Mr. J. Levy,  Michael  Levy's father,  extended to Starpak a
loan in the principal amount of R600,000 (which equaled  approximately  $300,000
at the  prevailing  exchange  rate at the time of the  loan),  which  loan bears
interest at 1% per annum below the prime bank overdraft rate and is secured by a
second  mortgage  on certain  property  owned by Starpak  having a book value of
$767,180. The original loan contained no fixed terms of repayment.  The terms of
the loan were amended in January 1996 as follows: the loan will bear interest at
1% below the prime bank overdraft rate (currently  19.25% per annum) and will be
repayable over a period of 30 months. The first twenty four monthly installments
of $5,563 each,  inclusive  of  principal  and  interest,  were paid  commencing
October 30, 1995. The  outstanding  balance is expected to be repaid on or prior
to April 30, 1998.





                                       59

<PAGE>



                             PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS


           The  following  table sets  forth,  as of January 21,  1998,  certain
information as to the beneficial  ownership of the Company's Common Stock by (i)
each  person  known by the  Company  to own more than five  percent  (5%) of the
outstanding  shares of Common Stock,  (ii) each  director of the Company,  (iii)
each of the executive  officers named in the Summary  Compensation  Table herein
under "Executive  Compensation" and (iv) all directors and executive officers of
the Company as a group.

<TABLE>

<CAPTION>

                                                AMOUNT AND NATURE OF BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP (1)
                                                                             BEFORE OFFERING                    AFTER OFFERING
                                                        CLASS B
                                                         COMMON     PERCENTAGE OF   PERCENTAGE OF    PERCENTAGE OF   PERCENTAGE OF
NAME AND ADDRESS OF                                      ------     -------------   -------------    -------------   -------------
BENEFICIAL SHAREHOLDER              COMMON STOCK      STOCK (2)(3)  OWNERSHIP (3)  VOTING POWER (3)  OWNERSHIP (3)  VOTING POWER(3)
- ----------------------              ------------      ------------  -------------  ----------------  -------------  ---------------

<S>                                 <C>             <C>         <C>     <C>             <C>              <C>             <C>  
Michael Levy......................  1,296,588(4)    1,300,116(5)(6)     37.0%           54.5%            25.0%           44.0%
9511 West River Street
Shiller Park, IL 60176

   
Clive Kabatznik...................   290,000(7)         190,000          6.6%            8.5%             4.5%            6.9%
2665 S. Bayshore
Suite 702
Coconut Grove, FL 37137
    

FSA Stock Trust...................        0          383,523(5)(8)       5.5%           13.4%             3.7%           10.8%
9511 West River Street
Shiller Park, IL  60176

Charles S. Goodwin................    20,000(4)            0              *               *                *               *
801 Old Post Road
Cotuit, MA 02635

Cornelius J. Roodt................   135,000(9)            0             1.9%             *               1.3%             *
Grader Road
Spartan EXT 3
Kempton Park 1620
South Africa

Mfundiso J. Njeke(4)..............     10,000              0              *               *                *               *
Grader Road
Spartan EXT 3
Kempton Park 1620
South Africa

BT Global Credit Limited . . .      1,949,754(10)          0            26.6%           12.3%            16.2%           10.1%
c/o Bankers Trust   Luxembourg
S.A.
P.O. Box 807
14 Boulevard F.D. Roosevelt
L-2540 Luxembourg
Luxembourg

   
All executive officers and          1,761,588(11)      1,490,116        43.5%           62.4%            29.9%           50.7%
directors as a group (5 persons)
    

- ---------------
*    Less than 1%

</TABLE>

                                       60

<PAGE>



(1)  Beneficial  ownership is calculated in accordance with Rule 13d-3 under the
     1934 Act.

(2)  Except as otherwise  indicated,  each of the parties listed has sole voting
     and  investment  power with  respect to all shares of Class B Common  Stock
     indicated below.

(3)  For the  purposes  of this  calculation,  the Common  Stock and the Class B
     Common  Stock are treated as a single  class of Common  Stock.  The Class B
     Common Stock is entitled to five votes per share,  whereas the Common Stock
     is entitled to one vote per share.


(4)  With respect to Messrs.  Goodwin and Levy, includes 20,000 shares of Common
     Stock issuable upon exercise of options that are  immediately  exercisable;
     with respect to Mr. Njeke,  includes 10,000 shares of Common Stock issuable
     upon exercise of options that are immediately exercisable, and with respect
     to Mr.  Levy,  includes  1,276,588  shares  of Common  Stock  issued to the
     American Stock Transfer & Trust Company (the "FSAH Escrow Agent") for which
     Mr. Levy has been granted a voting proxy.


(5)  For  purposes of Rule 13d-3 under the  Exchange  Act,  such  individual  or
     entity is deemed to be the beneficial  owner of the shares held pursuant to
     the terms of an escrow agreement  entered into by and among certain holders
     of FSAH Class B Stock, the FSAH Escrow Agent, FSAH and the Company prior to
     the closing of the Initial Public Offering ("IPO")  consummated in January,
     1996 (the "FSAH Escrow  Agreement"),  although  such  individual  or entity
     disclaims ownership of such shares under South African law.

(6)  Includes  (i)  383,523  shares of Class B Common  Stock  issued to the FSAH
     Escrow Agent pursuant to the terms of the FSAH Escrow Agreement,  for which
     the FSA Stock  Trust may be deemed the  beneficial  owner and for which Mr.
     Levy has been  granted  a voting  proxy and (ii)  36,452  shares of Class B
     Common Stock  issued to the FSAH Escrow Agent  pursuant to the terms of the
     FSAH Escrow  Agreement,  which shares correspond to a like number of shares
     of FSAH  Class B Stock  purchased  by Mr.  Levy  upon  the  closing  of the
     Europair  acquisition.  Also includes 310,004  additional shares of Class B
     Common Stock issued to the FSAH Escrow  Agent,  for which Mr. Levy has been
     granted a voting  proxy.  Mr. Levy  disclaims  beneficial  ownership of all
     shares held by the FSAH  Escrow  Agent for which he has been given a voting
     proxy. Mr. Levy's wife is the trustee,  and his wife and their children are
     the beneficiaries,  of the FSA Stock Trust. Mr. Levy disclaims ownership of
     all shares held by the FSA Stock Trust,  as well as the  additional  shares
     held by the FSAH Escrow Agent for which he has been given a voting proxy.


   
(7)  Includes  290,000  shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of options
     that are immediately exercisable.
    


(8)  Includes  383,523  shares of Class B Common Stock issued to the FSAH Escrow
     Agent pursuant to the terms of the FSAH Escrow Agreement.


(9)  Includes  135,000  shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of options
     that are immediately exercisable.

(10) Includes (i) 1,368,421  shares of Common Stock issuable upon  conversion of
     certain  Increasing  Rate  Debentures,  (ii) 258,333 shares of Common Stock
     issuable  upon  conversion  of certain 9% Senior  Subordinated  Convertible
     Debentures,  and (iii) 163,000  shares of Common Stock owned by a fund that
     is managed by an affiliate of BT Global Credit Limited.




                                       61

<PAGE>



   
(11) Represents  shares  issuable upon exercise of options that are  immediately
     exercisable.  Does not include  300,000  shares  issuable  upon exercise of
     options not exercisable within 60 days.
    









                                       62

<PAGE>



                            DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES

GENERAL

           The authorized  capital stock of the Company consists of an aggregate
of 23,000,000 shares of Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, 2,000,000 shares
of Class B Common  Stock,  par value $.01 per  share,  and  5,000,000  shares of
Preferred  Stock,  par value $.01 per share.  As of the date  hereof,  1,822,500
shares  of  Class B Common  Stock  are  outstanding.  The  following  statements
describe the material  provisions of the securities being registered  hereby and
certain other  securities of the Company.  See  "Antitakeover  Protections"  and
"Differences in Corporate Law" for a description of the Company's  Memorandum of
Association,   bye-laws  and  The  Companies  Act  1981  of  Bermuda,  regarding
anti-takeover  provisions  and  related  matters  affecting  the  Company.  Such
statements  and  disclosure  do not purport to be complete and are  qualified in
their entirety by reference to the full  Memorandum of Association  and bye-laws
which  are  exhibits  to the  Company's  Registration  Statement  of which  this
Prospectus is a part.

COMMON STOCK

           Holders  of  Common  Stock  have one vote  per  share on each  matter
submitted to a vote of the shareholders and a ratable right to the net assets of
the Company upon liquidation. Holders of the Common Stock do not have preemptive
rights to  purchase  additional  shares of  Common  Stock or other  subscription
rights.  The Common  Stock  carries no  conversion  rights and is not subject to
redemption  or to any sinking  fund  provisions.  All shares of Common Stock are
entitled  to share  equally  in  dividends  from  legally  available  sources as
determined  by the Board of  Directors,  subject  to any  preferential  dividend
rights of the Preferred Stock (described below). Upon dissolution or liquidation
of the Company,  whether  voluntary or involuntary,  holders of the Common Stock
are entitled to receive assets of the Company  available for distribution to the
shareholders,  subject to the preferential rights of the Preferred Stock. All of
the shares of Common Stock offered  hereby are validly  authorized  and will be,
when issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

CLASS B COMMON STOCK

           The Class B Common  Stock  and the  Common  Stock  are  substantially
identical on a share-for-share  basis, except that the holders of Class B Common
Stock have five votes per share on each matter  considered by  shareholders  and
the  holders  of the  Common  Stock  have  one vote  per  share  on each  matter
considered by shareholders,  and except that the holders of each class will vote
as a separate  class with  respect to any matter  requiring  class voting by The
Companies Act 1981 of Bermuda.

           Each share of Class B Common Stock is  automatically  converted  into
one share of Common Stock upon (i) the death of the original holder thereof, or,
if such shares are subject to a shareholders  agreement or voting trust granting
the  power to vote  such  shares to  another  original  holder of Class B Common
Stock,  then upon the death of such other original  holder,  or (ii) the sale or
transfer to any person other than the following transferees: (a) the spouse of a
holder of Class B Common Stock; (b) any lineal  descendants of a holder of Class
B Common Stock, including adopted children (said descendants,  together with the
holder of Class B Common Stock and his or her spouse are hereinafter referred to
as  "Family  Members");  (c) a trust  for the sole  benefit  of a Class B Common
shareholder's  Family Members;  (d) a partnership made up exclusively of Class B
Common shareholders and their Family Members or a corporation  wholly-owned by a
holder  of Class B Common  Stock  and their  Family  Members,  and (e) any other
holder of Class B Common Stock thereof. Presently, there are 1,822,500 shares of
Class B Common Stock issued and  outstanding.  The  difference  in voting rights
increases  the  voting  power  of the  holders  of  Class  B  Common  Stock  and
accordingly has an anti-takeover effect. The existence of the Class B Common



                                       63

<PAGE>



Stock may make the Company a less attractive  target for a hostile  takeover bid
or render more difficult or discourage a merger proposal,  an unfriendly  tender
offer, a proxy  contest,  or the removal of incumbent  management,  even if such
transactions  were  favored by the  shareholders  of the Company  other than the
holders of Class B Common Stock.  Thus, the  shareholders  may be deprived of an
opportunity to sell their shares at a premium over  prevailing  market prices in
the event of a hostile  takeover  bid.  Those  seeking  to acquire  the  Company
through a business  combination  will be  compelled  to  consult  first with the
holders of Class B Common Stock in order to negotiate the terms of such business
combination.  Any such proposed business combination will have to be approved by
the Board of Directors, which may be under the control of the holders of Class B
Common Stock,  and if shareholder  approval were  required,  the approval of the
holders of Class B Common  Stock  will be  necessary  before  any such  business
combination can be consummated.

PREFERRED STOCK

           The  Company  is  authorized  to  issue  up to  5,000,000  shares  of
Preferred  Stock.  The  Board of  Directors  has the  authority  to  issue  this
Preferred  Stock in one or more  series  and to fix the number of shares and the
relative  rights,  conversion  rights,  voting  rights  and terms of  redemption
(including sinking fund provisions) and liquidation preferences, without further
vote or action by the  stockholders.  If shares of  Preferred  Stock with voting
rights are issued,  such issuance  could affect the voting rights of the holders
of the Company's  Common Stock by increasing  the number of  outstanding  shares
having voting rights,  and by the creation of class or series voting rights.  If
the Board of Directors authorizes the issuance of shares of Preferred Stock with
conversion  rights,  the  number of shares of  Common  Stock  outstanding  could
potentially be increased by up to the authorized  amount.  Issuance of Preferred
Stock  could,  under  certain  circumstances,  have the  effect of  delaying  or
preventing  a change in  control of the  Company  and may  adversely  affect the
rights of holders of Common Stock. Also,  Preferred Stock could have preferences
over the Common  Stock (and other  series of  preferred  stock) with  respect to
dividend and liquidation rights. The Company currently has no plans to issue any
Preferred Stock.

DEBENTURES

           The  Debentures  were issued by the Company  under an indenture  (the
"Indenture"),  dated April 25, 1997 between the Company, as issuer, and American
Stock  Transfer & Trust  Company,  as Trustee  ("the  Trustee").  The  following
summaries  of the  material  provisions  of the  Indenture  do not purport to be
complete and are subject to, and are  qualified  in their  entirety by reference
to, all of the provisions of the Indenture, including the definitions therein of
certain terms.  Wherever  particular defined terms of the Indenture are referred
to, such defined terms are incorporated herein by reference.

           General. The Debentures are unsecured senior subordinated obligations
of the Company,  limited to $10,000,000  aggregate principal amount and maturing
June 15, 2004. The Debentures bear interest at the rate of nine percent (9%) per
annum,  payable quarterly commencing June 15, 1997 to the persons in whose names
such  Debentures are registered at the close of business on the first day of the
month in  which  the  interest  is to be paid  (the  "Interest  Payment  Date").
Interest  is computed on the basis of a 360-day  year of twelve  30-day  months.
Principal  and interest are payable,  and the  Debentures  may be presented  for
conversion,  redemption,  exchange or transfer,  at the office of the Company or
its agent  maintained by the Company for such purpose.  In addition,  payment of
interest  will be made by check  mailed to the  address of the  person  entitled
thereto  as it  appears  in the  register  of  the  holders  ("Holders")  of the
Debentures on the record date for each interest  payment.  The  Debentures  were
issued in fully registered form without coupons, in authorized  denominations of
$1,000  and any whole  multiple  thereof.  A Holder  may  transfer  or  exchange
Debentures in accordance  with the Indenture.  The company may require a Holder,
among other things, to furnish  appropriate  endorsements and transfer documents
and to pay any taxes and fees required by law. The


                                       64

<PAGE>



Company need not transfer or exchange any  Debentures  if such  Debentures  have
been selected for redemption.


           Conversion  Rights. The Debentures are convertible into shares of the
Company's Common Stock at the option of the Holder at any time prior to maturity
at a price of $6.00 per share (the "Conversion  Price"). The conversion Price is
subject  to  adjustment  under  certain  conditions.  A Holder may  convert  his
Debentures by  surrendering  them to the Company in accordance with the terms of
the  Indenture.  On  conversion,  no payment or adjustment  for interest will be
made. The Company will deliver a check for any fractional share.

           The  Conversion   Price  will  be  subject  to  adjustment  upon  the
occurrence  of  certain  events,  including,  (i) the  issuance  of stock of the
Company as a  dividend  or  distribution  on any  shares of Common  Stock,  (ii)
subdivisions,  combinations and certain reclassifications of Common Stock, (iii)
the  issuance  to all  holders  of Common  Stock of certain  rights or  warrants
entitling them to subscribe for or purchase  shares of common Stock at less than
the then current  market price per share (as  determined in the manner set forth
in the Indenture),  and (iv) the  distribution to all holders of Common Stock of
any shares of capital stock of the Company (other than Common Stock),  evidences
of  indebtedness  of the  Company or other  assets  (including  securities,  but
excluding  any rights or warrants  referred to above,  excluding any dividend or
distribution paid in cash out of the earned surplus of the Company). In addition
the  Conversion  Price will be adjusted  upon the issuance of Common Stock or of
rights or warrants entitling holders thereof to subscribe for or purchase shares
of Common Stock, or the issuance of securities  convertible into or exchangeable
for shares of Common  Stock,  at less than the then current  market price of the
Common  Stock to equal the price  offered by the Company to such holders if such
subscription or purchase price is less than the then Conversion Price.


           No adjustment in the  Conversion  Price will be required  unless such
adjustment  would  require  an  increase  or  decrease  of at  least  1% of  the
Conversion  Price then in effect;  provided,  however,  that any adjustment that
would  otherwise  be required to be made will be carried  forward and taken into
account in any subsequent adjustment.

           If the Company consolidates or merges into or sells, leases,  conveys
or otherwise  disposes of all or substantially  all of its assets to any person,
and the  Debentures are assumed by the  successor,  the  Debentures  will become
convertible  into the kind and amount of securities,  cash or other assets which
the Holders of the Debentures would have owned immediately after the transaction
if the Holders and converted  the  Debentures  immediately  before the effective
date of the transaction at the Conversion Price in effect  immediately  prior to
such effective date.

           Redemption. The Debentures may be redeemed by the Company at any time
or from time to time commencing June 15, 1999, at the Company's option, in whole
or in part,  upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days' notice,  mailed to the
registered Holders thereof at their last registered addresses, at the redemption
prices  (expressed as percentages of the principal amount) set forth below, plus
accrued and unpaid  interest to the Redemption Date (and subject to the right of
any record  holder to receive the interest  payable on the  applicable  Interest
Payment Date that is on or prior to the Redemption Date). If redeemed during the
periods indicated below, the applicable redemption percentage would be:


                                       65

<PAGE>





                    FROM                    THROUGH                PERCENTAGE
                    ----                    -------                ----------
                June 15, 1999           June 14, 2000...             109.0%
                June 15, 2000           June 14, 2001...             107.0%
                June 15, 2001           June 14, 2002...             105.0%
                June 15, 2002           June 14, 2003...             102.5%
                June 15, 2003           June 15, 2004...             100.0%

           Debentures  in  denominations  larger  than $1,000 may be redeemed in
part in whole  multiples  of  $1,000.  If  fewer  than  all the  Debentures  are
redeemed,  the Trustee will select the  particular  Debentures to be redeemed by
such  methods  as the  Trustee  shall  deem fair and  appropriate  and as are in
accordance  with the rules and  regulations  of the  applicable  self-regulatory
organizations. The Company may not redeem the Debentures prior to June 15, 1998.
The Company may redeem the Debentures  after June 15, 1998 but prior to June 15,
1999 if the market  price of the Common  Stock on any 20 trading  days  during a
period  of 30  consecutive  trading  days  shall be  equaled  or  exceeded  150%
(initially  $9.00 per  share)  of the then  Conversion  Price of the  Debentures
(initially $6.00 per share). The applicable redemption percentage would be 109%.
On and after the Redemption Date,  unless the company defaults on the payment of
the redemption  price or on interest  accrued and unpaid to the Redemption Date,
interest will cease to accrue on Debentures called for redemption and all rights
of  Holders  of the  Debentures  will  cease  except  the right to  receive  the
applicable  redemption price, plus interest accrued and unpaid to the Redemption
Date.

           Sinking Fund. The Debentures are redeemable,  subject to the terms of
the  Indenture,  through the operation of a mandatory  sinking fund in two equal
installments  totaling 67% of the issue on June 15, 2002 and June 15, 2003, with
the balance of the issue being retired at maturity on June 15, 2004.

SUBORDINATION OF DEBENTURES

           The payment of  principal  of,  premium,  if any, and interest on the
Debentures  are,  to the extent  set forth in the  Indenture,  subordinated  and
subject  to  right  of  payment  to the  prior  payment  in full  of all  Senior
Indebtedness (as defined below) of the Company,  whether outstanding at the date
of the Indenture or later incurred.  In the event and during the continuation of
any  default in the  payment of the  principal  of, or  interest  on, any Senior
Indebtedness   of  the  Company  or  any  event  of  default  under  any  Senior
Indebtedness  of the Company,  no payment  with the respect to the  principal or
interest on the  Debentures  will be made by the  Company  unless and until such
default  has been  cured or waived.  Upon any  payment  or  distribution  of the
Company's  assets to creditors upon any  dissolution,  winding up,  liquidation,
reorganization,   bankruptcy,  insolvency,  receivership  or  other  proceedings
relating to the Company,  whether  voluntary or involuntary,  the holders of all
Senior  Indebtedness of the Company will first be entitled to receive payment in
full prior to any payment upon the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on
the Debentures.

           "Senior  Indebtedness"  means Indebtedness of the Company outstanding
at any time for money borrowed from a bank,  financial  company or other lending
institution  and  Indebtedness  which is at least 50%  secured  by assets of the
Company or any  subsidiary.  "Indebtedness"  means any debt of the  Company  for
borrowed money,  capitalized  leases and purchase money obligations or evidenced
by a note, debenture, letter of credit or similar instrument given in connection
with the  acquisition,  other than in the ordinary  course of  business,  of any
property or assets;  any debt of any subsidiary of the Company  described in the
preceding


                                       66

<PAGE>



definition which the Company has guaranteed or for which it is otherwise liable;
and any amendment, renewal, extension or refunding of any such debt.

           By reason of such  subordination,  in the event of the  insolvency of
the Company,  Holders of the Debentures may recover less, ratably,  then holders
of Senior Indebtedness of the Company.

           At September 30, 1997, the principal amount of Senior Indebtedness of
the Company on a  consolidated  basis was  approximately  $5,196,509  consisting
primarily of bank and other long term debt.

           Events of Default,  Notice of Waiver. The Indenture provides that, if
an Event of Default  specified  therein shall have  happened and be  continuing,
either the Trustee or the Holders of 25% in principal  amount of the  Debentures
then  outstanding may declare the principal of all such Debentures to be due and
payable;  provided,  however,  that if any  and all  defaults  (other  than  the
non-payment of principal and interest on Debentures then outstanding) shall have
been  remedied,  the  Holders of a majority  in  aggregate  principal  amount of
Debentures  then  outstanding may waive such defaults and rescind and annul such
declaration and its consequences.

           "Events  of  Default"  are  defined in the  Indenture  as being (i) a
default for ten (10) days in payment of any interest installment; (ii) a default
for ten (10) days in payment of  principal  and  premium,  if any,  when due and
payable;  (iii) a default for ten (10) days in the  deposit of any sinking  fund
payment  when and as due;  (iv) a default  for thirty  (30) days  after  written
notice to the  company by the  Trustee or to the  Company and the Trustee by the
Holders  of 25%  in  principal  amount  of the  outstanding  Debentures,  in the
performance of any other  covenant or agreement in the Indenture;  (v) a default
under any bond,  debenture,  note or other  evidence of  indebtedness  for money
borrowed by the Company or under any  mortgage,  indenture or  instrument  under
which  there may be issued or by which  there may be  secured or  evidenced  any
indebtedness for money borrowed by the Company, which default shall constitute a
failure  to pay any  portion  of  interest  or  principal  when  due  after  any
applicable grace period or shall have resulted in such indebtedness  becoming or
being declared due and payable without such indebtedness  having been discharged
or such acceleration  having been rescinded or annulled;  (vi) certain events of
bankruptcy,  insolvency  and  reorganization;  and (vii) in the  event  that the
Company's  reporting  obligations  pursuant  to  Section  13  or  15(d)  of  the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 are suspended or terminated.

           The  Indenture  provides that the Trustee  shall,  within thirty (30)
days after  learning of the  occurrence  of a default give to the Holders of the
Debentures  notice of all uncured  defaults known to it; provided that except in
the case of default in the payment of principal and premium, if any, or interest
on any of the Debentures,  or failure to make a required sinking fund deposit or
redemption payment, the Trustee shall be protected in withholding such notice if
it in good  faith  determines  that the  withholding  of such  notice  is in the
interest of the Holders.  The term  "default" for the purposes of this provision
only shall mean the happening of any of the Events of Default  specified  above,
not  including  any grace  period or any  requirement  for the giving of written
notice.

           Merger and Consolidation. The Indenture provides that the Company may
not be consolidated  with or merged into another entity, or have transferred all
or substantially all of its assets in one or more related  transactions,  unless
(i) the Company shall be the surviving  entity, or the successor shall expressly
assume by supplemental indenture all of the obligations of the Company under the
Debentures  and the  Indenture,  (ii)  immediately  after giving  effect to such
transaction,  no Event of Default shall have occurred and be  continuing,  (iii)
the  assuming  corporation  has a net worth not less than the  consolidated  net
worth of the Company, and (iv) certain other conditions are met.



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           Covenants.

           (i) Dividend and Payment  Restrictions  Affecting  Subsidiaries.  The
Indenture  provides  that the  Company  may not,  and may not  permit any of its
subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly,  create or otherwise cause or suffer to
exist or become effective any consensual encumbrance or restriction, unless such
encumbrance or restriction relates to presently existing Senior Indebtedness, on
the  ability  of  any  subsidiary  to  (i)  pay  dividends  or  make  any  other
distributions on its capital stock or any other interest or participation in, or
measured by, its profits, owned by the Company or any of its subsidiaries or pay
any Indebtedness owed to the Company or any of its subsidiaries, (ii) make loans
or advances to the Company or any of its subsidiaries,  or (iii) transfer any of
its properties or assets to the Company or any of its  subsidiaries,  except for
such  encumbrances or restrictions in existence on the date of the Indenture and
encumbrances  or  restrictions  existing under or by reason of (A) the Indenture
and  the  Debentures,   (B)  applicable   law,  (C)  any  instrument   governing
Indebtedness or capital stock of a person acquired by the Company, or any of its
subsidiaries,  in  existence  at  the  time  of  such  acquisition  (bit  not in
connection  with  such  acquisition),  including  any  renewals,  refundings  or
refinancings thereof, provided that the restrictions contained in such renewals,
refundings, or refinancings,  or refinancings are no more restrictive than those
contained in such instrument at the time of such acquisition,  which encumbrance
or restriction  is not applicable to any person,  or to the properties or assets
of any person,  other than the person,  or the property or assets of the person,
so  acquired  or its  subsidiaries,  (D) by reason of  customary  non-assignment
provisions  in  leases  entered  into in the  ordinary  course of  business  and
consistent  with past  practices,  or (E) with  respect to clause  (iii)  above,
purchase  money  obligations  for property  acquired in the  ordinary  course of
business.  For  purposes  of  the  covenants,  a  "subsidiary"  shall  mean  any
corporation in which the Company, directly or indirectly,  owns more than 50% of
the outstanding voting stock.

           (ii) Restriction of Payment of Dividends and Stock  Repurchases.  The
Company may not (i) declare or pay any dividend or make any  distribution on its
capital  stock  of any  class  or its  shareholders  (other  than  dividends  or
distributions payable in shares of capital stock of the Company); (ii) purchase,
redeem or  otherwise  acquire or retire for value any  Equity  Interests  of the
Company,  any  subsidiary or other  affiliate  (other than any Equity  Interests
owned by the  Company or any  subsidiary  and other than in  connection  with an
acquisition  of any business  entity where  payment  includes a stock in lieu of
cash  component);  or (iii) permit any subsidiary to declare or pay any dividend
on, or make any  distribution  to the holders  (as such),  of, any shares of its
capital  stock  except to the Company or a subsidiary  (other than  dividends or
distributions  payable in Equity  Interests of it or the Company) or (iv) permit
any subsidiary to purchase,  redeem or otherwise acquire or retire for value any
Equity Interests of such  subsidiary,  the Company or any affiliate of either of
them  (other  than  any  such  Equity  Interests  owned  by the  Company  or any
subsidiary),  if at the time of such action a Event of Default (see above) shall
have occurred and be continuing,  or shall occur as a consequence thereof, or if
upon giving effect to such payment the aggregate  amount expended favor all such
payments  (the amount  expended  for such  purposes,  if other than cash,  to be
conclusively  determined  by the  Board of  Directors  as  evidenced  by a Board
resolution)  subsequent to the date of execution of the  Indenture  shall exceed
the sum of (1) 30% of the  aggregate  Consolidated  Net  Income  of the  Company
accrued during fiscal quarters  ending  subsequent to December 31, 1996; (2) the
aggregate  net  proceeds,  including  cash and the fair market value of property
other than cash,  received by the Company  from the issue or sale after the date
of  execution  of the  Indenture  of capital  stock of the  Company  (other than
Disqualified  Stock) or of warrants to purchase  such capita  stock  (other than
warrants to purchase such Disqualified Stock), other than in connection with the
conversion of any  Indebtedness;  (3) the aggregate net proceeds received by the
Company  subsequent to the date of the execution of the Indenture from the issue
or sale of any debt securities or Disqualified Stock of the Company, if, at such
time, such debt securities, or Disqualified Stock, as the case may be, have been
converted into capital stock of the Company; and (4) $500,000.



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           "Consolidated Net Income" means, for any period, the aggregate of the
Net  Income  of  the  Company  and  its  subsidiaries  for  such  period,  on  a
consolidated basis,  determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles;  provided  that  (i) the Net  Income  of any  person  which is not a
subsidiary or is accounted for by the Company by the equity method of accounting
shall be included only to the extent of the amount of dividends or distributions
paid to the  Company  or a  subsidiary,  and (ii) the Net  Income of any  person
acquired in a pooling of interests  transaction for any period prior to the date
of such acquisition shall be excluded. "Net Income" of any person shall mean the
net income  (loss) of such  person,  determined  in  accordance  with  generally
accepted accounting  principles;  excluding,  however, from the determination of
Net Income any gain (but not loss)  realized upon the sale or other  disposition
(including, without limitation, dispositions pursuant to leaseback transactions,
except any gain from such leaseback transaction may be amortized into Net Income
over the term of the lease) of any real  property  or  equipment  of such person
which is not sold or otherwise  disposed of in the ordinary  course of business,
or of any capital stock of the Company or a subsidiary owned by such person.

           "Disqualified   Stock"  means  capital  stock  subject  to  mandatory
redemption or  redemption  at the option of the holder,  in either case prior to
the maturity of the Debentures.

           "Equity Interests" means capital stock or warrants,  options or other
rights to acquire capital stock.

           (iii)  Restriction  on  Transactions  with  Affiliates.  Neither  the
Company nor any of its  subsidiaries  may (i) engage in any transaction  with an
affiliate  of the  Company  on  terms  less  favorable  to the  Company  or such
subsidiary  than that which might be  obtained  at the time of such  transaction
from  unrelated  entities,  (ii) loan or advance  any funds to any  affiliate(s)
(other  than to the Company or any of its direct or  indirect  subsidiaries)  in
excess of $100,000 in the aggregate  outstanding  at any time, or (iii) purchase
less than all of the  securities of an affiliate or an entity  controlled by any
affiliate;  provided, however, that any such purchase of all securities shall be
deemed fair to the Company as evidenced by an opinion  rendered by an investment
banker selected by independent directors of the Company.

           (iv)  Plan of  Liquidation.  The  Company  may not  adopt any plan of
liquidation  (other than a plan of liquidation  incident to a permitted  merger,
consolidation,  sale of  assets  or other  transaction  described  above)  which
provides for,  contemplates or the effectuation of which is preceded by, (i) the
sale, lease,  conveyance or other disposition of all or substantially all of the
assets of the Company  otherwise than  substantially as an entirety and (ii) the
distribution  of all the  proceeds  of such  sale,  lease,  conveyance  or other
disposition  unless the Company  redeems the  Debentures at the then  redemption
price.

           Modification  of the  Indenture and Waiver.  The  Indenture  contains
provisions  permitting  the  Company  and the  Trustee,  with the consent of the
Holders of a  majority  in the  aggregate  principal  amount of the  outstanding
Debentures,  to execute  supplemental  indentures  adding any  provisions  to or
changing or eliminating  any of the provisions of the Indenture or modifying the
rights  of the  Holders  of  Debentures,  provided  that  no  such  supplemental
indenture  may (i) extend the fixed  maturity  of any  Debenture,  or reduce the
principal  amount  thereof,  or reduce the rate or extend the time of payment of
interest  thereon,  without  the  consent of each  Holder of the  Debentures  so
affected,  (ii)  modify the  provisions  of the  Indenture  with  respect to the
subordination  of the Debentures in a manner adverse to the Holders or alter the
provisions  of the  Indenture  with  respect to the  sinking  fund,  without the
consent of the Holders of all of the outstanding Debentures, or (iii) reduce the
aforesaid  percentage  of  Debentures,  the  consent of the  Holders of which is
required for any such supplemental indenture, without the consent of the Holders
of all the  outstanding  Debentures.  The  Holders  of a majority  in  aggregate
principal amount of outstanding  Debentures may waive any past default under the
Indenture, except a default in the payment of principal (and premium, if any) or
interest or default with respect to certain covenants under the Indenture.



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           Direction  of Trustee by Holders of  Debentures.  In  addition to the
rights of the  Holders  of the  Debentures  to take  certain  action  previously
described,  the  Holders  of a majority  in  aggregate  principal  amount of the
Debentures  at the time  outstanding,  subject to the provision of the Indenture
relating to the duties and rights of the Trustee,  will have the right to direct
the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available
to the Trustee or the exercising of any trust or power conferred on the Trustee.
However,  the  Trustee  will  have  the  right to  decline  to  follow  any such
direction,  if the  Trustee  determines  that the  action  requested  may not be
lawfully  taken,  would  subject  the Trustee to  liability,  or would be unduly
prejudicial to the other Holders of the Debentures. As a requisite to taking any
such action,  the Trustee may require the Holders of the  Debentures  requesting
the same to provide it with reasonable  security or indemnity  against the cost,
expenses and  liabilities  which may be incurred in connection with such action.
The Holders of at least 10% in aggregate principal amount of Debentures may call
a meeting of the Holders of the  Debentures if the Trustee fails to do so within
twenty (20) days after receiving the request.

           The Trustee.  The Trustee will also act as the paying and  conversion
agent with respect to the payments  under the  conversion  of the  Debentures in
accordance  with the terms of the Indenture,  subject to the Trustee's  right to
resign.


INCREASING RATE DEBENTURES

           On October 31, 1997, the Company  consummated  the private  placement
and sale of 15,000  Increasing  Rate  Debentures  of the Company due October 31,
2001,  at a  purchase  price of $1,000 per  Increasing  Rate  Debenture,  to two
offshore investors  including BT Global Credit Limited as the lead investor (the
"Offering")  pursuant to an exemption from the registration  requirements of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended,  (the "Act") under  Regulation S promulgated
thereunder.  The  Increasing  Rate  Debentures  are  subject  to the terms of an
Indenture  dated  October 29,  1997 by and between the Company and the  American
Stock Transfer & Trust Company,  as Trustee (the "Increasing  Rate  Indenture").
Interest  payable on the Increasing Rate Debentures is 4% per annum for the year
ending  October 31, 1998,  4.5% per annum for the two years  ending  October 31,
2000,  and 5% per annum for the year  ending  October  31,  2001,  payable  on a
quarterly basis. In the event the Increasing Rate Debentures shall not have been
redeemed or  converted  pursuant to the terms  thereof and the  Increasing  Rate
Indenture prior to the due date, the Company shall pay each registered holder of
the  Increasing  Rate  Debentures  an  additional  amount equal to 22.25% of the
principal  amount of Increasing  Rate  Debentures  held by each such  registered
holder.  The Increasing  Rate Debentures are convertible at any time (subject to
prior redemption) into shares of Common Stock at the initial conversion price of
$9.50 per share of Common Stock,  subject to adjustment in certain  events.  The
Increasing Rate Debentures are redeemable after one year if the Company's Common
Stock  trades at more than $14.25 per share,  subject to  adjustment  in certain
events,  during an agreed upon period of time (30 consecutive market days ending
on the market day prior to the date on which the notice of  redemption  is first
given).  The redemption value of the Increasing Rate Debenture is 122.25% of the
principal amount. The Company has paid Bankers Trust Company ("BTC") a fee equal
to 4.5% of the total  offering  amount and has agreed to  reimburse  BTC for its
reasonable  legal  expenses with respect to such  transaction up to an amount of
$50,000.


PLACEMENT WARRANTS

           The Company issued to Value Investing Partners,  Inc. (the "Placement
Agent") a Placement  Warrant to purchase up to 135,000 shares of Common Stock at
any time up to the close of business  on August 1, 2007 at an exercise  price of
$6.00 per share.  The  Placement  Warrant  provides  for  demand  and  Piggyback
registration  rights of the  securities  underlying  such warrant.  The exercise
price  and the  number  and kind of  shares  to be  issued  on  exercise  of the
Placement  Warrant is subject to  adjustment  in certain  events  including  (i)
payment of dividends or making of distributions in shares of Common Stock;  (ii)
subdivision,


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reclassification  or recapitalization of outstanding Common Stock into a greater
number of shares;  (iii) combination,  reclassification  or  recapitalization of
outstanding  Common  Stock  into a smaller  number of shares;  and (iv)  certain
issuances of rights,  options or warrants.  The foregoing description is subject
to the provisions of the Placement Warrant which has been filed as an exhibit to
the  Registration  Statement,  a copy of which this prospectus forms a part, and
reference is made to such exhibit for a detailed description thereof.

PURCHASE OPTIONS

           The Company  granted to Barretto  Pacific  Corporation  (the  "Option
Holder") an option to purchase  25,000  shares of Common  Stock at the  purchase
price of $3.75 per share which  option  shall  expire 180 days after the date of
this Prospectus.  Subject to the terms of the applicable Stock Option Agreement,
if  the  Company  is  reorganized  or   consolidated   or  merged  with  another
corporation,  the Option Holder,  shall be entitled to receive options  covering
shares of such reorganized,  consolidated or merged company in the same portion,
at an  equivalent  price,  and subject to the same  conditions  as the  Purchase
Options.  The foregoing  description  is subject to the  provisions of the Stock
Option  Agreement  which  has  been  filed  as an  exhibit  to the  Registration
Statement, a copy of which this Prospectus forms a part and reference is made to
such exhibit for a detailed description thereof.

ANTI-TAKEOVER PROTECTIONS

           The voting  provisions  of the Common  Stock and Class B Common Stock
and the broad  discretion  conferred upon the Board of Directors with respect to
the  issuance of series of  Preferred  Stock  (including  with respect to voting
rights)  could  substantially  impede the  ability  of one or more  shareholders
(acting in  concert)  to  acquire  sufficient  influence  over the  election  of
directors  and other  matters to effect a change in control or management of the
Company, and the Board of Directors' ability to issue Preferred Stock could also
be utilized to change the  economic and control  structure of the Company.  As a
result, such provisions,  together with certain other provisions of the bye-laws
summarized in the succeeding  paragraph,  may be deemed to have an anti-takeover
effect and may delay, defer or prevent a tender offer or takeover attempt that a
shareholder  might  consider  in such  shareholder's  best  interest,  including
attempts  that might  result in a premium  over the market  price for the Common
Stock held by shareholders.

           The  bye-laws   establish  an  advance   notice   procedure  for  the
nomination,  other than by or at the  direction  of the Board of  Directors,  of
candidates for election as directors at annual general meetings of shareholders.
In  general,  notice of intent to nominate a director  at such  meeting  must be
received  by the  Company  not less than 90 days prior to the  meeting  and must
contain certain specified  information  concerning the person to be nominated or
the matter to be brought  before the  meeting  and  concerning  the  shareholder
submitting the proposal.

DIFFERENCES IN CORPORATE LAW


           The Companies Act 1981 of Bermuda  differs in material  respects from
laws generally  applicable to United States corporations and their shareholders.
Set forth below is a summary of  significant  provisions  of The  Companies  Act
(including  any  modifications  adopted  pursuant  to  the  Company's  bye-laws)
applicable  to the  Company,  which  differ in general  material  respects  from
provisions of Delaware  corporate  law. The following  statements are summaries,
and do not  purport to deal with all aspects of Bermuda law that may be relevant
to the Company and its shareholders.


           Interested  Directors.  The  bye-laws  provide  that any  transaction
entered  into by the Company in which a director has an interest is not voidable
by the  Company  nor can such  director  be liable to the Company for any profit
realized  pursuant to such  transaction  provided  the nature of the interest is
disclosed


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at the first  opportunity  at a  meeting  of  directors,  or in  writing  to the
directors.  Under Delaware law no such transaction  would be voidable if (i) the
material facts as to such  interested  directors'  relationship or interests are
disclosed  or are known to the board of  directors  and the board in good  faith
authorizes  the  transaction  by  the  affirmative  vote  of a  majority  of the
disinterested directors,  (ii) such material facts are disclosed or are known to
the  stockholders  entitled to vote on such  transaction  and the transaction is
specifically  approved  in good faith by vote of the  stockholders  or (iii) the
transaction  is  fair as to the  corporation  as of the  time it is  authorized,
approved or ratified. Under Delaware law, such interested director could be held
liable for any transaction for which such director derived an improper  personal
benefit.

           Merger and Similar  Arrangements.  The Company may amalgamate (merge)
with another Bermuda exempted company or a company  incorporated outside Bermuda
and  carry on such  business  when it is within  the  objects  of the  Company's
Memorandum of Association.  See "Description of Securities - Certain  Provisions
of  Bermuda  Law." A  shareholder  may  apply to a  Bermuda  court  for a proper
valuation of such shareholder's shares if such shareholder is not satisfied that
fair  value  has been  paid for such  shares.  The  court  ordinarily  would not
disapprove the transaction on that ground absent evidence of fraud or bad faith.
Under Delaware law, with certain exceptions,  any merger,  consolidation or sale
of all or substantially  all the assets of a corporation must be approved by the
board of directors and a majority of the  outstanding  shares  entitled to vote.
Under  Delaware law, a stockholder  of a  corporation  participating  in certain
major corporate  transactions may, under varying  circumstances,  be entitled to
appraisal  rights  pursuant to which such  stockholder  may receive  cash in the
amount of the fair  market  value of the  shares  held by such  stockholder  (as
determined by a court or by agreement of the corporation and the stockholder) in
lieu of the  consideration  such  stockholder  would  otherwise  receive  in the
transaction.  Delaware law does not provide  stockholders of a corporation  with
voting or  appraisal  rights  when the  corporation  acquires  another  business
through the issuance of its stock or other consideration (i) in exchange for the
assets of the  business to be  acquired,  (ii) in exchange  for the  outstanding
stock of the  corporation to be acquired or (iii) in a merger of the corporation
to be acquired  with a subsidiary of the  acquiring  corporation.  Under Bermuda
law, the Company's  shareholders have the right to vote on (i) any compromise or
arrangement  between the Company and its  shareholders,  (ii) a take-over scheme
for 100% of the Company's  shares  enabling the compulsory  acquisition of a 10%
minority  interest  (iii) an  amalgamation  (merger) of the Company and (iv) the
discontinuance of the Company from Bermuda.

           Takeover. Bermuda law provides that where an offer is made for shares
of another  Company and, within four months of the offer the holders of not less
than 90% of the shares  which are the subject of the offer  accept,  the offeror
may by notice require the nontendering  shareholders to transfer their shares on
the terms of the offer.  Dissenting  shareholders  may apply to the court within
one  month  of the  notice  objecting  to the  transfer.  The  burden  is on the
dissenting shareholders to show that the court should exercise its discretion to
enjoin the  required  transfer,  which the court will be  unlikely  to do unless
there is evidence of fraud or bad faith or  collusion as between the offeror and
the  holders of the shares who have  accepted  the offer as a means of  unfairly
forcing  out  minority  shareholders.   Delaware  law  provides  that  a  parent
corporation, by resolution of its board of directors and without any shareholder
vote,  may merge with any 90% or more owned  subsidiary.  Upon any such  merger,
dissenting stockholders of the subsidiary would have appraisal rights.

           Shareholder's  Suit. The rights of shareholders under Bermuda law are
not as  extensive as the right of  shareholders  under  legislation  or judicial
precedent in many United  States  jurisdictions.  Class  actions and  derivative
actions are generally not available to  shareholders  under the laws of Bermuda.
However,  the Bermuda courts ordinarily would be expected to follow English case
law  precedent,  which would permit a  shareholder  to commence an action in the
name of the  Company  to  remedy  a  wrong  done to the  Company  where  the act
complained of is alleged to be beyond the  corporate  power of the Company or is
illegal or would result in the violation of the  Memorandum of  Association  and
bye-laws. (The Company's bye-laws limit the right of securityholders to bring an
action against officers and directors of the Company.)


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Furthermore,  consideration would be given by the court to acts that are alleged
to constitute a fraud against the minority shareholders or where an act requires
the approval of a greater percentage of the Company's shareholders than actually
approved  it. The  winning  party in such an action  generally  would be able to
recover a portion of attorneys  fees  incurred in  connection  with such action.
Class actions and  derivative  actions  generally are available to  stockholders
under Delaware law for, among other things,  breach of fiduciary duty, corporate
waste and actions not taken in accordance  with applicable law. In such actions,
the court has  discretion to permit the winning  party to recover  attorney fees
incurred in connection with such action.

           Indemnification of Directors. The Company may indemnify its directors
or  officers  in  their  capacity  as such in  respect  of any loss  arising  or
liability  attaching  to them by  virtue  of any rule of law in  respect  of any
negligence,  default,  breach of duty or breach of trust of which a director  or
officer may be guilty in  relation  to the Company  other than in respect of his
own fraud or dishonesty. Under Delaware law, a corporation may adopt a provision
eliminating or limiting the personal  liability of a director to the corporation
or its  stockholders  for  monetary  damages for breach of  fiduciary  duty as a
director,  except for breaches of the  director's  duty of loyalty,  for acts or
omission not in good faith or which  involve  intentional  misconduct or knowing
violations of law, for improper payment of dividends or for any transaction from
which the  director  derived an  improper  personal  benefit.  Delaware  law has
provisions and limitations  similar to Bermuda  regarding  indemnification  by a
corporation  of its  directors or officers,  except that under  Delaware law the
statutory rights to indemnification may not be as limited.

           Inspection of Corporate  Records.  Members of the general public have
the right to inspect the public documents of the Company available at the office
of the  Registrar of Companies in Bermuda  which will include the  Memorandum of
Association  (including  its  objects  and  powers)  and any  alteration  to the
Memorandum of Association  and documents  relating to an increase,  reduction or
other  alteration of the Company's  share  capital.  The  shareholders  have the
additional  right to inspect  the  bye-laws,  minutes of  general  meetings  and
audited  financial  statements  of the  Company,  which must be presented to the
annual general  meeting of  shareholders.  The register of  shareholders  of the
Company  is also open to  inspection  by  shareholders  without  charge,  and to
members of the public for a fee.  The Company is required to maintain  its share
register in Bermuda but may establish a branch  register  outside  Bermuda.  The
Company is required to keep at its registered office a register of its directors
and  officers  which is open for  inspection  by members  of the public  without
charge. Bermuda law does not, however,  provide a general right for shareholders
to inspect or obtain copies of any other corporate records. Delaware law permits
any shareholder to inspect or obtain copies of a corporation's  shareholder list
and its other  books and  records  for any  purpose  reasonably  related to such
person's interest as a shareholder.

CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF BERMUDA LAW

           In a September 1, 1995 letter to the Company's  Bermuda counsel,  the
Bermuda Monetary Authority approved the Company's application for "non-resident"
status in Bermuda for exchange control purposes.  The Bermuda Monetary Authority
has granted  permission  for the issuance of the Debentures and shares of Common
Stock of the Company. Prior to the Offering,  this Prospectus will be filed with
the Registrar of Companies in Bermuda in accordance with Bermuda law.

           In granting such  permission  and in accepting  this  Prospectus  for
filing,  neither the Bermuda Monetary Authority,  nor the Registrar of Companies
in Bermuda accepts any responsibility for the financial soundness of the Company
or of the  correctness  of any of the statements  made or opinions  expressed in
this Prospectus.



                                       73

<PAGE>



           The  transfer  of  securities  between  persons  regarded as resident
outside Bermuda for exchange  control purposes and the issue of securities after
the completion of the Offering to such persons may be effected  without specific
consent under the Exchange Control Act 1972 and regulations  thereunder.  Issues
and transfers of securities involving any person regarded as resident in Bermuda
for exchange control purposes require specific prior approval under the Exchange
Control Act 1972.

           Consequently,  owners of the Company's shares of Common Stock who are
non-residents   of  Bermuda  for  Bermuda  exchange  control  purposes  are  not
restricted in the exercise of the rights to hold or vote their  shares.  Because
the Company has been designated as a non-resident  for Bermuda  exchange control
purposes there are no  restrictions  on its ability to transfer funds in and out
of Bermuda or to pay dividends to United States residents who are holders of the
Company's Common Stock, other than in respect of local Bermuda currency.

           In  accordance  with Bermuda law,  securities  certificates  are only
issued in the names of corporations, partnerships or individuals. In the case of
an  applicant  acting  in  a  special  capacity  (for  example  as  a  trustee),
certificates may, at the request of the applicant, record the capacity, in which
the  applicant  is acting.  Notwithstanding  the  recording  of any such special
capacity the Company is not bound to investigate or incur any  responsibility in
respect of the proper administration of any such trust.

           The Company will take no notice of any trust applicable to any of its
securities whether or not it had notice of such trust. Specifically, the Company
has no  obligation  under  Bermuda  law to ensure  that a Trustee who is holding
shares of the Company  subject to a trust is properly  carrying out the terms of
such trust.

           As an  "exempted  Company",  the Company is exempt from  Bermuda laws
which   restrict  the   percentage   of  share  capital  that  may  be  held  by
non-Bermudians,  but as an exempted  Company the Company may not  participate in
certain business transactions including:  (1) the acquisition or holding of land
in Bermuda  (except  that  required for its business and held by way of lease or
tenancy  for terms of not more than 21 years);  (2) the taking of  mortgages  on
land in Bermuda to secure an amount in excess of $50,000  without the consent of
the  Minister of Finance of Bermuda;  or (3) the  carrying on of business of any
kind in Bermuda, except in furtherance of the business of the Company carried on
outside  Bermuda  or under a license  granted  by the  Minister  of  Finance  of
Bermuda.

TRANSFER AGENT, WARRANT AGENT AND TRUSTEE

           The Company's transfer and warrant agent for the Units,  Common Stock
and Warrants,  and the trustee and paying agent with respect to the  Debentures,
is American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, New York, New York.




                                       74

<PAGE>



                             SELLING SECURITYHOLDERS


           An aggregate of up to 10,000 Debentures and up to 3,405,615 shares of
Common  Stock  underlying  the  Debentures,   the  Increasing  Rate  Debentures,
Placement  Warrant  and the  Purchase  Options  may be offered for resale by the
Selling Securityholders.

           The following  table sets forth certain  information  with respect to
each Selling  Securityholder for whom the Company is registering  securities for
resale to the public.  The Company will not receive any of the proceeds from the
sale of such  securities.  To the  Company's  knowledge,  there are no  material
relationships  between any of the Selling  Securityholders and the Company,  nor
have any such material relationships existed within the past three years, except
that Value  Investing  Partners Inc. was the  placement  agent for the Company's
Private  Placement,   Barretto  Pacific  Corporation   provided  certain  public
relations  services for the Company  during the first half of 1997,  and Bankers
Trust  Company (an affiliate of BT Global  Credit  Limited)  received a fee with
respect to the sale of the Increasing Rate Debentures.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          Number of Debentures
                                           Beneficially Owned     Number of Shares of Common Stock
                                           and Maximum Number      Beneficially Owned and Maximum
     Selling Securityholders                 to be Sold (1)         Number to be Sold (1)(2)(3)
     -----------------------                 ---------------       ----------------------------
<S>                                               <C>                         <C>   

Michelangelo L.P.                                 200                         33,333
Angelo Eurdon's Co. L.P.                          100                         16,666
Raphael L.P.                                      200                         33,333
EP Opportunity Fun L.L.C.                         700                        116,666
Weghsteen & Driege                                200                         33,333
Ferri S.A.                                        250                         41,666
Chase Manhattan Bank                              250                         41,666
L.I.P. Select Fund Ltd.                           100                         16,666
Reverse Convertible Securities Fund               450                         74,999
G.E. Pension Trust                                157                         26,166
Global Developing Markets Fund                    126                         20,999
U.S. West Pension Trust                           217                         36,166
RCB Trust New Africa                              359                         59,833
Leonard Loventional Trust U/A/B 9/24/92            25                          4,166
BT Global Credit Limited                        1,000                        166,666
First National Nominees Pty. Ltd.               2,500                        416,666
Jeffries Int'l Ltd.                             1,000                        166,666
Starlight & Co.                                 1,000                        166,666
Calver New African Fund                           141                         23,499
Bank Sal Oppenheimer Jr.                           50                          8,333
Ellis AG                                           50                          8,333
Cogefin (Bermuda) Limited                         100                         16,666
Waveland Partners, L.P.                           500                         83,333
Paul Pardon                                        50                          8,333
LA Investments LDC                                150                         24,999
De Martelaere                                      25                          4,166
Van Moer Santelle Luxembourg SA                    50                          8,333
Bankers Trust                                      50                          8,333
Value Investing Partners Inc.                     n/a                        135,000
Barretto Pacific                                  n/a                         25,000
BT Global Credit Limited                          n/a                      1,368,421
Koch International Financial Services
  Limited                                         n/a                        210,527
                                            ---------                     ----------
                               Total:          10,000                      3,405,615
</TABLE>



                                       75

<PAGE>




- ---------------


(1)  Except for BT Global Credit  Limited,  none of the Selling  Securityholders
     will  beneficially own in excess of 1% of the outstanding  shares of Common
     Stock after this  Offering,  if the maximum amount of Debentures and shares
     are sold.

(2)  Assumes  the  conversion  of  all  the  Debentures,   the  Increasing  Rate
     Debentures  and the exercise of all the Placement  and Purchase  Options by
     the Selling Securityholders.


(3)  The  Company  will  not  issue  fractional  shares  of  Common  Stock  upon
     conversion  of  the  Debentures  and,  in  lieu  thereof,  will  pay a cash
     adjustment  based upon the last  reported sale price of the Common Stock on
     NASDAQ (or on such National Securities exchange or automated trading system
     on which the Common Stock is then primarily traded) on the last trading day
     prior to the date of conversion.


                              PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

           The sale of the  securities  by the  Selling  Securityholders  may be
effected from time to time in transactions (which may include block transactions
by or for the amount of the Selling  Securityholders)  in the  over-the  counter
market or in  negotiated  transactions,  through  the  writing of options on the
securities,  a combination  of such methods of sale or  otherwise.  Sales may be
made at fixed prices which may be changed,  at market  prices  prevailing at the
time of sale, or at negotiated prices.

           The Selling  Securityholders  may effect such transactions by selling
their securities directly to purchasers, through broker-dealers acting as agents
for the Selling  Securityholders or to broker-dealers who may purchase shares as
principals  and  thereafter  sell  the  securities  from  time  to  time  in the
over-the-counter   market  in  negotiated   transactions   or  otherwise.   Such
broker-dealers,  if any,  may  receive  compensation  in the form of  discounts,
concessions or commissions  from the Selling  Securityholders  or the purchasers
for whom  such  broker-dealers  may act as  agents  or to whom  they may sell as
principals or otherwise (which compensation as to a particular broker-dealer may
exceed customary commissions).


           The SEC adopted  Regulation M on March 4, 1997,  which  replaced Rule
10b-6 and certain other rules and regulations under the Securities  Exchange Act
of 1934,  as amended (the  "Exchange  Act").  Regulation M prohibits  any person
engaged  in the  distribution  of  the  securities  to be  sold  by the  Selling
Securityholders  from simultaneously  engaging in market-making  activities with
respect to any  securities of the Company  during the  applicable  "cooling-off"
period  (one  to  five  business  days)  prior  to  the   commencement  of  such
distribution.   In  addition,  each  Selling  Securityholder  desiring  to  sell
securities will be subject to the applicable  provisions of the Exchange Act and
the rules and regulations thereunder,  including without limitation,  Regulation
M, which provisions may limit the timing of the purchases and sales of shares of
the Company's securities by a Selling Securityholder.


           The Selling  Securityholders  and  broker-dealers,  if any, acting in
connection with such sale might be deemed to be underwriters  within the meaning
of Section 2(11) of the Securities  Act and any commission  received by them and
any profit on the resale of the  securities  might be deemed to be  underwriting
discounts and commissions under the Securities Act.




                                       76

<PAGE>




                               TAX CONSIDERATIONS

           The  following  discussion  is a  summary  of  general  material  tax
consequences of the operations of the Company and of an investment in the Common
Stock  under  Bermuda  tax laws and South  African  tax laws and  United  States
federal  income tax laws.  The  discussion  does not deal with all  possible tax
consequences  relating to the  Company's  operations  or to an investment in the
Debentures and Common Stock. In particular,  the discussion does not address the
tax consequences under state, local and other (e.g.,  non-United States federal,
non-Bermuda,  non-South African) tax laws. In addition, this discussion does not
address all  consequences  that might result to each particular  investor due to
their individual circumstances.
Accordingly,
each  prospective  investor should consult his or her tax advisor  regarding the
tax  consequences  of an investment  in the  Debentures  and Common  Stock.  The
discussion is based upon laws and relevant  interpretation  thereof in effect as
of the date of this Prospectus, all of which are subject to change.


BERMUDA TAXATION


           The  following  discussion  is a  summary  of  general  material  tax
consequences  to the Company with  respect to this  offering and with respect to
ownership  of shares of Common  Stock and  Debentures  under  Bermuda  law.  The
Company  will  not  obtain  an  opinion  of  tax  counsel  with  respect  to tax
consequences under
Bermuda law.


           At the  date  hereof,  there is no  Bermuda  income,  corporation  or
profits tax,  withholding  tax,  capital gains tax, capital transfer tax, estate
duty or inheritance tax payable by the Company,  or its  stockholders or holders
of  Debentures  other than  stockholders  or holders  of  Debentures  ordinarily
resident in Bermuda.  The Company is not subject to stamp or other  similar duty
on the  issue,  transfer  or  redemption  of the  Common  Stock  or  holders  of
Debentures.

           The Company has obtained an assurance from the Minister of Finance of
Bermuda  under the Exempted  Undertaking  Tax  Protection  Act 1966 that, in the
event  there is enacted in Bermuda  any  legislation  imposing  tax  computed on
profits or income or computed on any capital assets, gain or appreciation or any
tax in the  nature  of estate  duty or  inheritance  tax,  such tax shall not be
applicable to the Company or to its operations,  or to the shares, debentures or
other obligations of the Company until March 28, 2016 except insofar as such tax
applies to persons  ordinarily  resident  in Bermuda and  holding  such  shares,
debentures or other obligations of the Company or any real property or leasehold
interests in Bermuda owned by the Company.  No reciprocal  tax treaty  affecting
the Company exists between Bermuda and the United States.

           As an  exempted  Company,  the  Company is liable to pay in Bermuda a
registration  fee based upon its authorized share capital and the premium on its
issued shares at a rate not exceeding $25,000 per annum.

SOUTH AFRICAN TAXATION


           The  following  discussion  is a  summary  of  general  material  tax
consequences  to the Company with  respect to this  offering and with respect to
ownership of the Common Stock and Debentures under South African law.


           Taxation of the Company.  Dividends  received by the Company will not
be subject to South African  withholding tax.  Interest  received by the Company
will not be subject to South African tax provided the Company is not managed and
controlled  in South  Africa  and  provided  that  such  interest  income is not
effectively  connected  with any  business  carried  on by the  Company in South
Africa.  It is intended  that the Company will not be managed and  controlled in
South  Africa.  Royalties  received  by the  Company  from South  Africa will be
subject to a flat rate of  taxation  equivalent  to 10.5% of the gross  value of
such royalties.


                                       77

<PAGE>




Taxation of FSAH

           Income Tax.  Income tax is levied in South  Africa on income which is
classified  as being of a "revenue"  nature.  Income of a capital  nature is not
currently  subject  to  tax.  The  current  corporate  income  tax  rate is 35%.
Dividends  to be  received  by FSAH from its  subsidiaries  will be exempt  from
income  tax.  Interest  received  by FSAH  will be  subject  to income  tax.  No
assurance  can be  given  that  proceeds  derived  by FSAH  from the sale of its
investments  in  underlying  companies  will not be  subject  to  South  African
corporate  income  tax at a rate of  35%.  Although  an  exemption  from  tax is
available  under the South African Income Tax Act, an application by the Company
to take advantage of such exemption was not granted.  Based on this denial,  the
Company's  income may be subject to South  African  income tax at a rate of 35%.
However,  the denial of the  application is not  dispositive of the ultimate tax
treatment of the Company's  realization  gains, and although no assurance can be
given as to the tax treatment of such gains,  the Company believes that based on
its  investment  policy of acquiring,  owning and operating  closely-held  South
African companies, its realization gains will be held to be of a capital nature.
South Africa does not currently  impose any tax on capital  gains.  However,  no
assurance  can be given that a capital  gains tax will not be  introduced in the
future.

           Secondary Tax on Companies.  A Company  declaring a dividend  becomes
liable to an additional tax known as secondary tax on companies ("STC").  STC is
levied at the rate of 12.5% on the difference  between  dividends  declared by a
Company and dividends received by that Company in any given "dividend cycle." An
exemption  from STC is available  in respect of dividends  declared by one South
African  Company  which is a wholly owned  subsidiary  of another  South African
Company,  where the  subsidiary  derives  at least 90% of its  profits  from its
sources within South Africa and has notified the Commissioner for Inland Revenue
that it is availing itself of the exemption.  The exemption will be available in
respect of  dividends  declared by  wholly-owned  subsidiaries  of FSAH to FSAH.
Dividends declared by FSAH to the Company will be subject to STC.

           Marketable  Securities  Tax and Stamp  Duty.  Any  listed  securities
purchased by FSAH through a stockbroker will be subject to marketable securities
tax. The current rate of marketable  securities tax is 0.25% of the  acquisition
price.  Unlisted securities are subject to the payment of stamp duty at the rate
of 0.25% of the greater of the acquisition price or market value.

           General.  Effective July 1, 1997,  exchange  control  restrictions on
South African resident individuals were relaxed to permit such persons to invest
a limited amount abroad.  South African residents may therefore lawfully acquire
debentures  offered by the Company  within the financial  limits  imposed by the
South African Reserve Bank.

           Coupled with the  relaxation in exchange  controls new Section 9C was
introduced  into the Income Tax Act with effect  from July 1, 1997.  In essence,
this section extends the source of South African deemed source income to include
"Investment  Income."  "Investment Income" includes interest and would encompass
interest  paid on the  debentures.  Section 9C(2)  provides that any  investment
income  received by or accrued to any South  African  resident  from any country
other than the Republic of South Africa shall be deemed to have been received by
or  accrued  to such  resident  from a South  African  source  and will hence be
subject to South African tax.

           Debenture Interest will, unless a South African resident taxpayer may
avail itself of any  exemption,  be deemed to be from a South African source and
will be taxable at 35% after allowable deductions.



                                       78

<PAGE>



UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAXATION


           The following is a summary of general  material United States federal
income tax  consequences  to a United States citizen or resident  individual,  a
United States corporation,  a Untied States partnership, a trust in which one or
more United States  fiduciaries  have the  authority to control all  substantial
decisions  of the trust and a United  States  court is able to exercise  primary
supervision over the administration of the trust, or an estate subject to United
States  federal  income tax on all of its income  regardless  of source  (each a
"United  States  Investor"),  who purchases a Debenture,  or acquires  shares of
Common Stock by purchase or upon  conversion of a Debenture  that was purchased,
subsequent to the  Registration  hereunder and who holds such Debentures  and/or
shares of Common Stock as a capital  asset within the meaning of Section 1221 of
the  Internal  Revenue  Code of 1986,  as amended.  This summary is provided for
general  information  only and does not purport to address all the United States
federal  income  tax  consequences  that  may be  relevant  to a  United  States
Investor,  including without limitation the treatment of certain types of United
States Investors (e.g.,  persons who own, directly or  constructively,  at least
10% of the voting power or value of the Company's  outstanding stock,  qualified
plans, financial institutions,  insurance companies, tax-exempt organizations or
other persons  subject to special  treatment  under United States federal income
tax laws) or persons  other than  United  States  Investors,  all of whom may be
subject to tax rules that differ  significantly  from those summarized below. In
addition,  it does not discuss any state,  local,  foreign or minimum  income or
other United States federal tax considerations. The discussion is based upon the
provisions  of the United States  federal  income tax law as of the date hereof,
which is subject to change retroactively as well as prospectively.

           THE FOLLOWING  DISCUSSION OF GENERAL  MATERIAL  UNITED STATES FEDERAL
TAX  CONSEQUENCES IS NOT TAX ADVICE.  EACH PERSON  CONSIDERING THE PURCHASE OF A
DEBENTURE OR OWNERSHIP OF COMMON STOCK SHOULD CONSULT HIS OR HER OWN TAX ADVISOR
WITH RESPECT TO THE TAX  CONSEQUENCES TO HIM OR HER OF THE PURCHASE,  OWNERSHIP,
CONVERSION  AND  DISPOSITION  OF THE  DEBENTURE OR COMMON  STOCK,  INCLUDING THE
APPLICABILITY  AND EFFECT OF FEDERAL,  STATE,  LOCAL AND FOREIGN TAXES INCOME OR
OTHER TAX LAWS, AS WELL AS POSSIBLE CHANGES IN THE TAX LAWS.


Taxation of the Company and its Subsidiaries

           In general,  the Company and its foreign subsidiaries will be subject
to United  States  federal  corporate  income tax only to the  extent  they have
income  which has its source in the United  States or is  effectively  connected
with a United States trade or business.  It is not  anticipated  that either the
Company  or any of its  foreign  subsidiaries  will be  engaged  in a  trade  or
business in the United States.

           The United States subsidiary of the Company will be subject to United
States federal income taxation on its worldwide  income (subject to reduction by
allowable foreign tax credits,  if any), and distributions by such United States
subsidiary to the Company generally will be subject to United States withholding
taxes. There is no income tax treaty between the United States and Bermuda.

Conversion of Debentures

           Except  as  otherwise  indicated  below,  no  gain  or  loss  will be
recognized  upon the conversion of Debentures  into Common Stock pursuant to the
conversion feature in the Debentures.  Cash paid in lieu of fractional shares of
Common  Stock  will be taxed as if the  fractional  shares of Common  Stock were
issued  and then  redeemed  for cash,  resulting  in either  sale  treatment  or
dividend  treatment  depending  upon whether the  redemption is considered  "not
essentially  equivalent  to a  dividend."  The tax  basis  of the  Common  Stock
received  upon  conversion  will be  equal to the tax  basis  of the  Debentures
converted reduced by the portion of


                                       79

<PAGE>



such basis,  if any,  allocable to any fractional  share interest deemed to have
been  exchanged for cash.  The holding  period of the Common Stock received upon
conversion will include the holding period of the Debentures converted.

           A distribution  to the United States Investor which has the effect of
preventing  dilution of the treatment of the United States  Investor will not be
taxable.  However,  a distribution  which  increases a United States  Investor's
proportionate  interest in the Company's  earnings and profits or assets will be
treated as a
taxable dividend.

Distributions on Common Stock

           Distributions  paid with  respect  to shares of Common  Stock will be
includible in the gross income of the United States  Investor as ordinary income
to the extent such distribution is paid from current or accumulated earnings and
profits of the Company,  as determined  under United States  federal  income tax
principles.  Such distribution will be treated as foreign source dividend income
and will not be eligible for the dividends  received deduction allowed to United
States  corporations.  Distributions  in excess  of the  Company's  current  and
accumulated  earnings  and profits  will be treated as a  non-taxable  return of
basis to the extent thereof, and then as a gain from the sale of Common Stock.

Dispositions

           A United States Investor will recognize gain or loss upon the sale or
other  disposition  of the  Debenture  or Common Stock in an amount equal to the
difference  between the amount  realized and the United  States  Investor's  tax
basis in such  Debenture  or Common  Stock.  Such gain or loss will be long-term
capital gain or loss if the  Debenture  (subject to the  discussion  below under
"Market  Discount") or the Common  Stock,  as the case may be, has been held for
more than one year at the time of sale or other disposition.

Market Discount

           A United States  Investor is required to include the stated  interest
derived  from a  Debenture  in income in  accordance  with his or her  method of
accounting.  In addition, if a United States Investor purchases a Debenture at a
market  discount,  any gain recognized on a disposition of the Debenture (or the
Common  Stock into which such  Debenture  is  converted)  is treated as ordinary
interest  income to the extent it does not exceed the accrued market discount on
such  Debenture.  Gain may also be  required to be  recognized  to the extent of
accrued  market  discount  upon certain  dispositions  which would  otherwise be
nonrecognition transactions.

           Market  discount is defined as the excess of the  Debenture's  stated
redemption price at maturity over the United States  Investor's tax basis in the
Debenture immediately after its acquisition. If the market discount is less than
1/4 of 1% of the stated redemption price at maturity multiplied by the number of
complete  years  remaining  to maturity at the time the Untied  States  Investor
acquires the Debenture,  the market discount is considered to be zero.  Unless a
United States  Investor  elects to use a constant rate method,  market  discount
accrues  ratably each day. If a United States Investor that acquires a Debenture
at a market discount receives a partial principal payment on the Debenture prior
to  maturity,  that  payment is treated as ordinary  income to the extent of the
accrued market  discount on the Debenture at the time payment is received.  When
the United States Investor subsequently  disposes of the Debenture,  the accrued
market  discount at that time is reduced by the amount of the partial  principal
payment already included in income.

           Alternatively,  a United  States  Investor  may elect to include  the
market discount in income as the discount accrues, either on a ratable basis, or
if elected, on a constant interest rate basis. Once made, the


                                       80

<PAGE>



current inclusion election applies to all market discount  obligations  acquired
on or after  the  first day of the  first  taxable  year to which  the  election
applies  and may not be revoked  without  the  consent of the  Internal  Revenue
Service.

           In  addition,  the  United  States  Investor  who does  not  elect to
currently  accrue the market  discount may deduct his or her net direct interest
expense  incurred or  continued  to purchase or carry a Debenture  acquired at a
market  discount  only to the extent it exceeds the  portion of market  discount
allocable  to the days  during  such year the  Debenture  is held by the  United
States Investor.  The net direct interest expense is the excess of interest paid
or accrued to purchase or carry such Debenture  over the interest  includible in
the United States  Investor's  gross income for the taxable year. Any net direct
interest  expense that is not deductible is deferred and deducted in the year of
disposition, or if an election is made, in any year prior to disposition. In the
year of such an  election  and for any  subsequent  year,  if the United  States
Investor's  interest income exceeds his or her net direct  interest  expense for
the taxable year, the United States  Investor may deduct any deferred net direct
interest expense in an amount equal to such excess.

Bond Premium

           If, as a result of a purchase of a Debenture  at a premium,  a United
States  Investor's  tax basis  (for  determining  loss on a  subsequent  sale or
exchange) in a Debenture exceeds the amount payable at the Debenture's  maturity
or, if it results in a smaller  amortizable  bond  premium,  on an earlier  call
date, the United States Investor may elect to amortize any such excess under the
constant interest rate method as an offset against interest income earned on the
Debenture.  The  premium  does  not  include  any  amount  attributable  to  the
conversion  feature.  If the United States Investor is required to amortize bond
premium by reference  to a call date and the  Debenture is not in fact called on
such date, the remaining  unamortized  premium must be amortized by reference to
the next succeeding call date or maturity.

           An election to amortize  bond  premium  applies to all taxable  bonds
held by the United States Investor at the beginning of the first taxable year to
which the election applies or thereafter  acquired by the United States Investor
and is irrevocable without the consent of the Internal Revenue Service. A United
States  Investor's tax basis in a Debenture must be reduced by the  amortization
of the bond premium.  Upon  conversion of the Debenture  into Common Stock,  any
remaining  unamortized bond premium is included in the basis of the Common Stock
received in the conversion. (See "Conversion of Debentures").

Backup Withholding and Other Rules

           To prevent United States federal "backup withholding" equal to 31% of
any payment of (i) principal,  premium,  if any, and interest on the Debentures,
(ii) proceeds from the sale or redemption of the Debentures,  (iii) dividends on
the Common Stock and (iv)  proceeds  from the sale or  redemption  of the Common
Stock, the United States Investor must either (a) qualify as a payee exempt from
backup  withholding  and demonstrate  this fact when required,  or (b) provide a
taxpayer  identification number to the payor (or certify that it has applied for
a  taxpayer  identification  number),  certify as to no loss of  exemption  from
backup  withholding  and otherwise  comply with  applicable  requirements of the
backup withholding rules. Any amounts paid as backup withholding with respect to
the  Debentures  or Common Stock will be credited to the income tax liability of
the United  States  Investor  receiving  the payment  from which such amount was
withheld.  United States Investors should consult their tax advisors as to their
qualification  for  exemption  from backup  withholding  and the  procedure  for
obtaining such an exemption. A United States Investor that is otherwise required
to but does not  provide  the  Company  with a correct  taxpayer  identification
number may be subject to penalties imposed by the Code.



                                       81

<PAGE>



           A United States  Investor who owns or acquires 5% or more in value of
the Company's  stock on or before  December 31, 1997 and 10% or more in value or
vote thereafter may be required to file certain  additional reports with respect
to the Company with the United States Internal Revenue Service.

                         SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE


           On the  date of this  Prospectus,  the  Company  has  outstanding  an
aggregate of 5,181,443  shares of Common Stock and  1,822,500  shares of Class B
Common  Stock,  which shares of Class B Common  Stock are held by 8 holders.  In
addition,  an aggregate of  2,584,962  shares of Common Stock are issuable  upon
exercise  of the  Class A and  Class B  Warrants  included  in the Units and the
exercise  of certain  other Class A Warrants  and Class B Warrants.  Immediately
following  the  effectiveness  of this  offering,  there will be an aggregate of
5,181,443 shares of Common Stock and 1,822,500 Class B Common Stock  outstanding
(assuming no conversion of the Debentures and Increasing  Rate Debentures and no
exercise of the Placement  Warrant and Purchase  Options).  The 2,300,000 shares
included  in  the  Units  sold  in  connection  with  the  Offering  are  freely
transferable  without restriction under the Securities Act except for any shares
purchased by any person who is or thereby becomes an "affiliate" of the Company,
which  shares will be subject to the resale  limitations  contained  in Rule 144
promulgated  under the  Securities  Act.  In  addition,  the  Company has issued
142,918 shares of Common Stock to the prior  shareholders  of SA Leisure subject
to a two-year lock-up period. 1,276,588 shares of Common Stock currently held by
the Escrow Agent are "restricted securities" and may not be sold unless they are
registered  under the Securities Act or are sold pursuant to Rule 144 or another
exemption  from  registration.  None of the  shares of Common  Stock held by the
Escrow  Agent will be eligible  for sale under Rule 144 until July 1998.  All of
the 1,822,500 shares of Class B Common Stock  outstanding prior to this Offering
are  "restricted  securities" as that term is defined under Rule 144 and may not
be sold publicly unless they are registered under the Securities Act or are sold
pursuant  to Rule 144 or  another  exemption  from  registration.  See  "Certain
Transactions." See "Certain  Transactions - FSAH Escrow  Agreements." All of the
shares of Class B Common  Stock  issued prior to the  Company's  initial  public
offering are currently eligible for sale under Rule 144.


           In general,  under Rule 144,  as  currently  in effect,  a person (or
persons whose shares are aggregated)  may sell within any  three-month  period a
number of restricted shares  beneficially owned for at least one year which does
not exceed the  greater  of 1% of the then  outstanding  shares of such class of
securities or the average  weekly  trading volume during the four calendar weeks
prior  to  such  sale.  Sales  under  Rule  144  are  also  subject  to  certain
requirements  as to the manner of sale,  notice and the  availability of current
public  information  about the Company.  Rule 144 also  permits,  under  certain
circumstances, the sale of shares beneficially owned for at least two years by a
person who is not an  affiliate of the Company  without  regard to the volume or
other resale limitations.  For shares issued in consideration of an unsecured or
non-recourse  promissory  note,  the holding  period does not commence until the
note is paid in  full.  The  above  is a brief  summary  of Rule  144 and is not
intended to be a complete description of the Rule.

           D.H.  Blair also has demand and  piggyback  registration  rights with
respect to the securities underlying the Unit Purchase Options.

           No  predictions  can be made of the  effect,  if any,  that  sales of
Common  Stock or the  availability  of  Common  Stock  for sale will have on the
market  price of such  securities  prevailing  from time to time.  Nevertheless,
sales of substantial  amounts of Common Stock or other securities of the Company
in the public market could adversely affect prevailing market prices.



                                       82

<PAGE>



                                  LEGAL MATTERS

           The  validity of the shares of Common  Stock and  Debentures  offered
hereby has been passed upon for the Company by Conyers, Dill & Pearman,  Bermuda
counsel for the  Company.  Certain  legal  matters have been passed upon for the
Company by Parker  Chapin  Flattau & Klimpl,  LLP,  New York,  New York,  United
States counsel for the Company. A partner of Parker Chapin Flattau & Klimpl, LLP
owns shares of the Company's  Class B Common Stock.  Certain other legal matters
have been passed on by Webber Wentzel Bowens, Johannesburg,  South Africa, South
African counsel for the Company.

                                     EXPERTS

           The  Consolidated  Balance Sheets of the Company at June 30, 1996 and
1997,  the  Consolidated  Statements of Income and Cash Flows for the year ended
February 28, 1995, the period March 1 to June 30, 1995, and the years ended June
30, 1996 and 1997, and the  Consolidated  Statements of Changes in Stockholders'
Investment for the period February 28, 1994 to June 30, 1997,  appearing in this
Prospectus and  Registration  Statement  have been audited by Price  Waterhouse,
independent  auditors,  as set forth in their report thereon appearing elsewhere
herein,  and are included in reliance upon such reports given upon the authority
of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

                       ENFORCEABILITY OF CIVIL LIABILITIES

           The Company is  organized  under the laws of Bermuda.  Certain of the
directors  and  officers of the Company,  and the South  African  experts  named
herein,  are or may be  residents  of  Bermuda  or  South  Africa  and  all or a
substantial  portion of the assets of the Company and such persons are or may be
located  outside  the  United  States.  As a  result,  it may be  difficult  for
investors  to effect  service of process  within  the  United  States  upon such
persons,  or to enforce against them judgments obtained in United States courts,
including judgments predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the United
States federal  securities laws. The Company  understands that the United States
does not  currently  have a treaty  providing  for  reciprocal  recognition  and
enforcement of judgments in civil and  commercial  matters with Bermuda or South
Africa and that there is doubt (i) whether a final  judgment  for the payment of
money  rendered by a federal or state court in the United  States based on civil
liability,  whether or not predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the
United States federal  securities laws, would be enforceable in Bermuda or South
Africa  against the Company or certain of the Company's  officers and directors,
and (ii) whether an action  could be brought in Bermuda or South Africa  against
the Company or certain of the  Company's  officers  and  directors  in the first
instance on the basis of liability  predicated solely upon the provisions of the
United States federal securities laws.

                             ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

           The  Company  has filed  with the  Commission,  Washington,  D.C.,  a
Registration Statement on Form S-1 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
with respect to the securities offered hereby.  This Prospectus does not contain
all of the information set forth in such Registration Statement and the exhibits
thereto.  For further  information  with  respect to the  Company,  reference is
hereby made to the Registration  Statement,  and exhibits and schedules  thereto
which  may be  inspected  without  charge  at the  public  reference  facilities
maintained at the principal office of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street,  N.W.,
Room 1024,  Washington D.C. 20549 and at the Commission's  regional offices at 7
World Trade Center,  Suite 1300, New York,  New York 10048 and Citicorp  Center,
500 West Madison Street,  Suite 1400,  Chicago,  Illinois 60661.  Copies of such
materials may be obtained upon written request from the Public  Reference Branch
of the Commission, 450 Fifth Street, Room 1024, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, at
prescribed  rates.  Reference  is made to the copies of any  contracts  or other
documents  filed as  exhibits  to the  Registration  Statement.  The  Company is
subject to the  informational  requirements  of the  Securities  Exchange Act of
1934, as amended


                                       83

<PAGE>




and,  in  accordance  therewith,   file  reports,  proxy  statements  and  other
information  with the  Commission.  Such  reports,  proxy  statements  and other
information  may be inspected and copied at the public  reference  facilities of
the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. Copies of such
material  can be  obtained  at  prescribed  rates  from the  Commission  at such
address.  The Company is an electronic  filer and  registration  statements  and
other filings made through the Electronic Data Gathering  Analysis and Retrieval
System   are   publicly    available   through   the   Commission's   Web   Site
(http:\\www.sec.gov.).






                                       84

<PAGE>


                         FIRST SOUTH AFRICA CORP., LTD.
                          INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


I.    FIRST SOUTH AFRICA CORP., LTD.

A.    Annual Financial Statements



Report of the independent auditors                                           F-5

Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30, 1996 and 1997                        F-6

Consolidated  Statements  of Income for the year ended  February 28,
1995,  the period March 1 to June 30, 1995, and the years ended June
30, 1996 and 1997                                                            F-8


Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the year ended February
28, 1995, the period March 1 to June 30, 1995, and the years ended
June 30, 1996 and 1997                                                       F-9

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Investment for
the period February 28, 1994 to June 30, 1997                               F-11

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended
February 28, 1995, the period March 1 to June 30, 1995, and the
years ended June 30, 1996 and 1997                                          F-12

B.    Interim Financial Statements


First South Africa Corp., Ltd.

   
Consolidated Balance Sheet at September 30, 1997 - Unaudited                F-33
    

Consolidated Statements of Income for the three months ended
September 30, 1996 and 1997 - Unaudited                                     F-35

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months
ended September 30, 1996 and 1997 - Unaudited                               F-36

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholder's Investment
for the period June 30, 1997 to September 30, 1997                          F-37

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the
three months ended September 30, 1996 and 1997                              F-38

C.    Pro Forma Financial Information


Pro Forma Consolidated Statements of Income for the year
ended June 30, 1997 - Unaudited                                             F-45

Notes to the Pro Forma Consolidated  Financial  Statements
for the year ended June 30, 1997 - Unaudited                                F-46


                                      F-1

<PAGE>


II.   ASTORIA BAKERY CC AND ASTORIA BAKERY LESOTHO (PROPRIETARY) LIMITED

A.    Interim Financial Statements


Combined Balance Sheet at June 30, 1996 - Unaudited                         F-47

Combined Statements of Income for the four months ended
June 30, 1995 and 1996 - Unaudited                                          F-48

Combined Statements of Cash Flows for the four months
ended June 30, 1996 and 1995 - Unaudited                                    F-49

Notes to the unaudited Combined Financial Statements for
the four months ended June 30, 1995 and 1996                                F-50



B.    Annual Financial Statements



Report of the Independent Auditors                                          F-51

Audited Combined Balance Sheet at February 29, 1996                         F-56

Audited Combined Statements of Income for the years
ended February 28, 1995 and February 29, 1996                               F-57

Audited Combined Statements of Cash Flows for the years
ended February 28, 1995 and February 29, 1996                               F-58

Audited Combined Statements of Changes in Stockholders'
Investment for the years ended February 28, 1995 and
February 29, 1996                                                           F-59

Notes to the Audited Combined Financial Statements for
the years ended February 28, 1995 and February 29, 1996                     F-60



III.  GULL FOODS CC

A.    Interim Financial Statements



Unaudited Balance Sheet at December 31, 1996                                F-67

Unaudited Statements of Income for the ten months ended
December 31, 1995 and 1996                                                  F-68

Unaudited Statements of Cash Flows for the ten months
ended December 31, 1995 and 1996                                            F-69



                                       F-2

<PAGE>


                         FIRST SOUTH AFRICA CORP., LTD.
                          INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




Notes to the Unaudited Financial Statements for the ten
months ended December 31, 1995 and 1996                                     F-70



B.    Annual Financial Statements



Report of the Independent Auditors                                          F-71

Audited Balance Sheet at February 29, 1996                                  F-74

Audited Statements of Income for the years ended
February 28, 1995 and February 29, 1996                                     F-75

Audited Statement of Cash Flows for the years ended
February 28, 1995 and February 29, 1996                                     F-76

Audited Statements of Change in Stockholders' Investment
for the years ended February 28, 1995 and February 29, 1996                 F-77

Notes to the Audited Financial Statements for the years
ended February 28, 1995 and February 29, 1996                               F-78



IV.   PIEMANS   PANTRY   (PROPRIETARY)   LIMITED   AND   SURFS  UP   INVESTMENTS
      (PROPRIETARY) LIMITED

A.    Interim Financial Statements



Unaudited Combined Balance Sheets at May 31, 1996                           F-85

Unaudited Combined Statements of Income for the Quarter
Ended May 31, 1995 and 1996                                                 F-86

Unaudited Combined Statements of Cash Flows for the
quarter Ended May 31, 1995 and 1996                                         F-87

Notes to the Unaudited Combined Financial Statements for
the Quarter Ended May 31, 1996                                              F-88



B.    Annual Financial Statements



Reports of the  Independent  Auditors                                       F-89

Audited Combined Balance Sheets at February 28, 1995 and
February 29, 1996                                                           F-94

Audited Combined Statements of Income for the Year Ended
February 28, 1994, February 28, 1995 and February 29, 1996                  F-95




                                       F-3

<PAGE>


                         FIRST SOUTH AFRICA CORP., LTD.
                          INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




Audited Combined Statements of Cash Flows for the Years
Ended February 28, 1994, February 28, 1995 and February
29, 1996                                                                    F-96

Audited Combined Statements of Changes in Stockholders
Investment for the Years Ended February 28, 1994,
February 28, 1995, and February 29, 1996                                    F-97

Notes to the Combined Annual Financial Statements for
the Years Ended February 28, 1994, February 28, 1995 and
February 29, 1996                                                           F-98






                                       F-4

<PAGE>



                         FIRST SOUTH AFRICA CORP., LTD.

                       REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS




To the Board of Directors
of First South Africa Corp., Ltd.


           In our opinion,  the accompanying  consolidated balance sheet and the
related  consolidated  statement  of  income,  of cash  flow and of  changes  in
stockholders' investment present fairly, in all material respects, the financial
position of First South Africa Corp., Ltd. and its subsidiaries at June 30, 1997
and 1996, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years
ended June 30, 1997 and 1996,  the period  March 1 to June 30, 1995 and the year
ended  February  28,  1995 in  conformity  with  generally  accepted  accounting
principles  in  the  United   States.   These   financial   statements  are  the
responsibility of the Company's management;  our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these  financial  statements  based on our audits.  We conducted  our
audits of these  statements  in  accordance  with  generally  accepted  auditing
standards in the United  States which require that we plan and perform the audit
to obtain reasonable  assurance about whether the financial  statements are free
of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and  disclosures in the financial  statements,  assessing
the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and
evaluating the overall  financial  statement  presentation.  We believe that our
audits provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above.





Price Waterhouse
Sandton, South Africa
September 19, 1997






                                       F-5

<PAGE>


                         FIRST SOUTH AFRICA CORP., LTD.

              CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AT JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997




                                     ASSETS
                                                       June 30,       June 30,
                                                         1996           1997
                                                          $              $
                                                     -----------    -----------
Current assets
        Cash on hand                                   4,682,035     19,889,111
        Trade accounts receivable                      5,833,542     12,000,224
        Less: Allowances for bad debts                  (402,333)      (696,279)
                                                     -----------    -----------
                                                       5,431,209     11,303,945
        Inventories (net)                              2,510,868      7,219,960
        Prepaid expenses and other current assets       451, 551        934,263
        Deferred charges (net)                              --          838,439
                                                     -----------    -----------
                  TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS                13,075,663     40,185,718

Property, plant and equipment                          9,000,334     16,197,605
Less: Accumulated depreciation                        (2,119,912)    (4,849,396)
                                                     -----------    -----------
                                                       6,880,422     11,348,209
Intangible assets (net)                                3,363,923     12,620,822
Other assets                                              84,768         42,730
Loan to shareholder                                      126,668           --
Deferred income taxes                                     73,550           --
                                                     -----------    -----------
                                                      23,604,994     64,197,479
                                                     ===========    ===========



                                       F-6

<PAGE>


                         FIRST SOUTH AFRICA CORP., LTD.

              CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AT JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' INVESTMENT
                                                              JUNE 30,       JUNE 30,
                                                                1996           1997
                                                                 $              $
                                                            -----------    -----------
<S>                                                           <C>            <C>      
CURRENT LIABILITIES
       Bank overdraft payable                                   745,724           --
       Current portion of long term debt                      2,101,799      1,673,712
       Trade accounts payable                                 2,162,257      6,755,823
       Other provisions and accruals                          1,923,371      3,184,428
       Other taxes payable                                         --          654,653
       Income tax payable                                     1,518,095      1,721,079
                                                            -----------    -----------
              TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES                       8,451,246     13,989,695
Long term debt                                                2,361,372     13,341,758
Deferred income taxes                                              --          358,446
                                                            -----------    -----------

                                                             10,812,618     27,689,899
                                                            -----------    -----------

Minority shareholders' investment                                  --       13,287,566

STOCKHOLDERS' INVESTMENT

Capital stock:

      Common Stock, $0.01 par value - authorized
      23,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding in 1996
      2,200,000 shares and in 1997 3,516,115 shares              22,000         35,161

      Class B Common Stock, $0.01 par value - authorized
      2,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding in 1996
      1,942,500 shares and in 1997 1,842,500 shares              19,701         18,891

      Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, - authorized
      5,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding nil shares          --             --

      Capital in excess of par                               18,518,986     22,891,093

Retained earnings                                            (3,880,100)     2,803,065
Foreign currency translation adjustments                     (1,888,211)    (2,528,196)
                                                            -----------    -----------
                                                             23,604,994     64,197,479
                                                            ===========    ===========
</TABLE>


                                      F-7

<PAGE>



                         FIRST SOUTH AFRICA CORP., LTD.

              CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME FOR THE YEAR ENDED
               FEBRUARY 28, 1995, FOUR MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1995
                   AND THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 YEAR ENDED       MARCH 1,      YEAR ENDED     YEAR ENDED
                                                 FEBRUARY 28,   TO JUNE 30,      JUNE 30,       JUNE 30,
                                                     1995           1995           1996           1997
                                                      $              $              $              $
                                                 -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
<S>                                                <C>            <C>           <C>            <C>       
Revenues                                           8,826,856      3,297,507     14,911,097     66,575,931
                                                 -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
Operating expenses
     Cost of sales                                 5,058,749      1,881,686      8,385,511     37,869,755
     Selling, general and administrative costs     3,120,334      1,081,120      5,134,431     23,264,607
     Non cash compensation charge                       --             --        6,314,000           --
                                                 -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                   8,179,083      2,962,806     19,833,942     61,134,362
                                                 -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
Operating income/(loss)                              647,773        334,701     (4,922,845)     5,441,569
Gain on disposal of subsidiary stock                    --             --             --        3,327,478
Other income                                          40,830         43,145        539,636        468,531
Interest expense                                    (152,163)       (18,801)      (865,733)      (858,067)
                                                 -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
Income/(loss) from consolidated companies
Before income taxes and minority interests           536,440        359,045     (5,248,942)     8,379,511
Provision for taxes on income                       (222,558)      (145,216)      (488,618)    (1,572,049)
                                                 -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                     313,882        213,829     (5,737,560)     6,807,462
Minority interest in consolidated subsidiary
companies                                               --             --             --         (135,224)
                                                 -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
Net income/(loss) from consolidated companies        313,882        213,829     (5,737,560)     6,672,238
Equity in net earnings of affiliated companies          --             --             --           10,927
                                                 -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
Net income/(loss)                                    313,882        213,829     (5,737,560)     6,683,165
                                                 ===========    ===========    ===========    ===========
Basic earnings/(loss) per share                  $       .57    $       .39    ($     3.03)   $      1.30

Fully diluted earnings per share                 $       .57    $       .39    ($     1.39)   $      1.22
Weighted average number of shares outstanding
       Basic earnings per share                      547,890        547,890      1,893,463      5,139,855
       Fully diluted earnings per share              547,890        547,890      4,142,500      5,594,912
</TABLE>




                                       F-8

<PAGE>

                         FIRST SOUTH AFRICA CORP., LTD.

               CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR
            ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 1995, FOUR MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1995
                 AND THE TWO YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         Year ended      March 1,      Year ended     Year ended
                                                        February 28,   to June 30,      June 30,       June 30,
                                                            1995           1995           1996           1997
                                                             $              $              $              $
                                                        -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
<S>                                                        <C>            <C>          <C>               <C>    
Cash flows from operating activities:

    Net income/(loss)                                       313,882        213,829     (5,737,560)     6,683,165
    Adjustments to reconcile net income/(loss) to net
    cash provided by operating activities:
           Non-cash compensation charge                        --             --        6,314,000           --
           Depreciation and amortization                     92,746         50,678        395,757      2,011,354
           Deferred income taxes                            (69,295)          --          (90,559)       349,543
           Net (gain)/loss on sale of assets                 19,636          1,320        (22,523)      (198,473)
           Net gain on sale of investment in
               First SA Food Holdings Limited                  --             --             --       (3,327,478)
           Effect of changes in current assets
               and current liabilities                      (23,012)       (94,090)        10,185     (2,922,764)
           Minority interest in consolidated
               subsidiary companies                            --             --             --          135,224
           Assets acquired at a discount                       --             --            7,307           --
                                                        -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
Net cash provided by operating activities                   333,957        171,737        876,607      2,730,571
                                                        -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
Cash flows from investing activities:

    Proceeds on disposal of investment in First
        SA Food Holdings Limited                               --             --             --       16,479,827
    Additions to property, plant and equipment             (327,039)      (166,124)      (453,768)    (3,325,153)
    Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and
        equipment                                              --             --             --        1,182,199
    Additional purchase price payments                         --             --             --       (2,023,835)
    Other assets acquired                                    22,053        (16,502)      (704,117)       (42,676)
    Decrease in loans to related companies                   45,241           (280)       145,823         80,969
    Acquisitions of subsidiaries (net of cash
        of $985,410)                                           --             --       (4,498,043)   (11,431,059)
                                                        -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
Net cash used in investing activities                      (259,745)      (182,906)    (5,510,105)       920,272
                                                        -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
</TABLE>



                                       F-9

<PAGE>


                         FIRST SOUTH AFRICA CORP., LTD.

               CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR
            ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 1995, FOUR MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1995
                 AND THE TWO YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                YEAR ENDED      MARCH 1,      YEAR ENDED     YEAR ENDED
                                               FEBRUARY 28,   TO JUNE 30,      JUNE 30,       JUNE 30,
                                                   1995           1995           1996           1997
                                                    $              $              $              $
                                               -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
<S>                                                <C>            <C>          <C>           <C>       
Cash flows from financing activities:

    Net (repayments)/borrowings in bank
        overdrafts                                 (26,269)       119,473        135,941     (1,155,094)
    Borrowings of long term debt                    93,618         93,202           --       10,601,298
    Repayments of long term debt                      --             --       (1,525,613)      (985,630)
    Increase in deferred debt issue costs             --             --             --         (853,683)
    Repayments in loans from related parties          --             --         (880,034)          --
    Borrowings in loans from related parties        30,473           --             --             --
    Borrowings in loans from stockholders             --             --          137,656           --
    Borrowings in short term debt                   81,972           --        1,954,673        689,682
    Repayments in short term debt                     --             --             --         (921,810)
    Proceeds on stock issues                          --             --        9,197,446      4,384,458
                                               -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
Net cash provided in financing activities          179,794        212,675      9,020,069     11,759,221
                                               -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash            (16,573)        (9,783)      (448,787)      (202,988)
                                               -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
Cash generated by operations                       237,433        191,723     3,937, 784     15,207,076
Cash on hand at beginning of period                315,095        552,528        744,251      4,682,035
                                               -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
Cash on hand at end of period                      552,528        744,251      4,682,035     19,889,111
                                               ===========    ===========    ===========    ===========
</TABLE>





                                      F-10

<PAGE>


                         FIRST SOUTH AFRICA CORP., LTD.

          CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS INVESTMENT
                FOR THE PERIOD FEBRUARY 28, 1994 TO JUNE 30, 1997

[TABLE 1 OF 2]
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           FIRST SOUTH   FIRST SOUTH                   CAPITAL STOCK  CAPITAL STOCK  
                                          AFRICA CORP.,  AFRICA CORP.,   CAPITAL IN    LS PRESSINGS      STARPAK     
                                           LTD. COMMON   LTD. CLASS B     EXCESS OF       (PTY)          (PTY)       
                                              STOCK      COMMON STOCK        PAR           LTD.            LTD.      
                                                 $             $              $              $              $        
                                            -----------   -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------   
<S>                                         <C>           <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>           
Balance at February 28, 1994                       --            --             --          460,978          1,010   
Net income                                         --            --             --             --             --     
Translation adjustment                             --            --             --             --             --     
                                            -----------   -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------   
Balance at February 28, 1995                       --            --             --          460,978          1,010   
Net income                                         --            --             --             --             --     
Translation adjustment                             --            --             --             --             --     
                                            -----------   -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------   
Balance at June 30, 1995                           --            --             --          460,978          1,010   
Issuance of stock to acquire predecessor
   Starpak and LS Pressings                        --             150      1,208,628       (460,978)        (1,010)  
Issuance of stock to acquire subsidiary 
   companies                                       --              98      1,840,365           --             --     
Other stock issues                                 --              28        260,024           --             --     
Proceeds on First South Africa Corp, Ltd. 
   stock issues                                  22,000        19,425      9,896,646           --             --     

Share issue expenses written off                   --            --       (1,000,677)          --             --     
Escrow stock released                              --            --        6,314,000           --             --     
Subsidiary assets acquired at a discount           --            --             --             --             --     
Net loss                                           --            --             --             --             --     
Translation adjustment                             --            --             --             --             --     
                                            -----------   -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------   
Balance at June 30, 1996                         22,000        19,701     18,518,986           --             --     
Issuance of stock to FSAH escrow agent           11,915          --             --             --             --     
Issuance of stock to acquire subsidiaries           190        (1,010)     4,357,228           --             --     
Proceeds on warrants exercised                      246          --          159,879           --             --     
Stock issue expenses written off                   --            --         (145,000)          --             --     
Net income for the year                            --            --             --             --             --     
                                                                                                                     
Translation adjustment                             --            --             --             --             --     
                                            -----------   -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------   
Balance at June 30, 1997                         35,361        18,691     22,891,093           --             --     
                                            ===========   ===========    ===========    ===========    ===========   
</TABLE>


[TABLE 2 OF 2]
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             CAPITAL IN                      FOREIGN
                                          A EXCESS OF PAR                   CURRENCY
                                            STARPAK (PTY)   RETAINED       TRANSLATION
                                                LTD.        EARNINGS       ADJUSTMENTS      TOTAL
                                                 $              $              $              $
                                            -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
<S>                                         <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
Balance at February 28, 1994                    746,790      1,322,442       (950,394)     1,580,826
Net income                                         --          313,882           --          313,882
Translation adjustment                             --             --          (66,052)        66,052
                                            -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
Balance at February 28, 1995                    746,790      1,636,324     (1,016,446)     1,828,656
Net income                                         --          213,829           --          213,829
Translation adjustment                             --             --          (24,488)       (24,488)
                                            -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
Balance at June 30, 1995                        746,790      1,850,153     (1,040,934)     2,017,997
Issuance of stock to acquire predecessor
   Starpak and LS Pressings                    (746,790)          --             --             --
Issuance of stock to acquire subsidiary 
   companies                                       --             --             --        1,840,463
Other stock issues                                 --             --             --          260,052
Proceeds on First South Africa Corp, Ltd. 
   stock issues                                    --             --             --        9,938,071

Share issue expenses written off                   --             --             --       (1,000,677)
Escrow stock released                              --             --             --        6,314,000
Subsidiary assets acquired at a discount           --            7,307           --            7,307
Net loss                                           --       (5,737,560)          --       (5,737,560)
Translation adjustment                             --             --         (847,277)      (847,277)
                                            -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
Balance at June 30, 1996                           --       (3,880,100)    (1,888,211)    12,792,376
Issuance of stock to FSAH escrow agent             --             --             --           11,915
Issuance of stock to acquire subsidiaries          --             --             --        4,357,418
Proceeds on warrants exercised                     --             --             --          160,125
Stock issue expenses written off                   --             --             --         (145,000)
Net income for the year                            --        6,683,165           --        6,683,165
                                                                                         -----------
Translation adjustment                             --             --         (639,985)      (639,985)
                                            -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
Balance at June 30, 1997                           --        2,803,065     (2,528,196)    23,220,014
                                            ===========    ===========    ===========    ===========
</TABLE>


                                      F-11


<PAGE>


                         FIRST SOUTH AFRICA CORP., LTD.

                 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                      FOR THE YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 1995,
                      THE PERIOD MARCH 1, TO JUNE 30, 1995
                   AND THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997

1.       PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES OF THE GROUP

         The principal activities of the group include the following:

         ENGINEERING INTERESTS
         The  business  of   manufacturing,   servicing  and  selling  packaging
         machines,   receiving  commission  income,   receiving  rental  income,
         manufacture  of washers for use in the fastener  industry,  manufacture
         and supply of air-conditioning
         products.

         FOOD INTERESTS
         The  manufacture,  sale and distribution of both ready to eat and ready
         for bake off pastry related food products,  the  manufacture,  sale and
         distribution of high margin  speciality  breads and staple breads,  the
         manufacture  and sale of a wide range of prepared food products and the
         manufacture,  sale and  distribution  of a wide range of processed meat
         products.

2.       ORGANIZATION

         First South Africa Corp., Ltd. (the "Company") was founded on September
         6, 1995.  The purpose of the Company is to acquire and operate in South
         African  companies.  Prior to an initial public  offering  completed on
         January 24, 1996, the predecessor  company  consisted of two companies,
         Starpak (Proprietary) Limited and L.S. Pressings (Proprietary) Limited,
         under  common  control.  Prior  to  the  initial  public  offering  the
         financial  statements reflect the combined results for Starpak and L.S.
         Pressings  which had a February 28 year end.  Subsequent to the initial
         public offering, the Company changed its fiscal year end to June 30.


         The  following  subsidiaries/businesses  acquired,  were  accounted for
         using the purchase  method of  accounting.  The acquired  Companies are
         included in the  Financial  Statements  for the "Date  Acquired" as set
         forth below.  The assets and  liabilities  were recorded at fair market
         value as determined by management:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   Purchase
                                                                                     price
                                                                                 consideration
SUBSIDIARY/BUSINESS                                          DATE ACQUIRED             $
- -------------------                                          -------------       -------------
<S>                                                               <C>              <C>      
Astoria Bakery CC and Astoria Bakery Lesotho (Pty) Ltd.      July 1, 1996          2,344,123
First Strut (Pty) Ltd                                        July 1, 1996            175,836
Seemann's Quality Meat Products (Pty) Ltd. and             November 1, 1996        2,989,077
Hammer Street Investments CC
Gull Foods CC and Trek Biltong CC                           January 1, 1997        5,288,629
Pakmatic Company (Pty) Ltd. and                              March 1, 1997           924,379
Pakmatic Spares and Service (Pty) Ltd.                                            ----------
                                                                                  11,722,044
                                                                                  ==========
</TABLE>




                                      F-12

<PAGE>


                         FIRST SOUTH AFRICA CORP., LTD.

                 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                      FOR THE YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 1995,
                      THE PERIOD MARCH 1, TO JUNE 30, 1995
                   AND THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997

2.       ORGANIZATION (continued)

         The  purchase  consideration  has been  decreased to give effect to the
         debt  ceded  to  the  holding   company  in  the   acquisition  of  all
         subsidiaries/businesses  with the  exception  of Gull Foods CC and Trek
         Biltong CC, which has no debt ceded to the holding company.




                                                                   COMBINED
                                                                   PURCHASE
                                                                 CONSIDERATION
                                                                AND ALLOCATION
                                                                       $
                                                                  ----------
Acquisition costs
    Stock issued in lieu of cash                                   3,685,866
    Cash consideration (net of debt ceded to holding company)      7,897,235
    Other direct expenses                                            138,943
                                                                  ----------
 PURCHASE PRICE TO BE ALLOCATED                                   11,722,044
Summary allocation of purchase price
    Current assets                                                 6,138,945
    Property, plant and equipment                                  3,974,294
    Recipes and other intellectual property                        7,131,434
    Goodwill                                                         694,108
                                                                  ----------
TOTAL ASSETS ACQUIRED                                             17,938,781
    Current liabilities                                            4,055,918
    Long term debt                                                 1,387,301
    Deferred income taxes                                             79,093
    Debt ceded to holding company                                    694,425
TOTAL LIABILITIES ASSUMED                                          6,216,737
                                                                  ----------
    EXCESS OF ASSETS OVER LIABILITIES ASSUMED                     11,722,044
                                                                  ==========


         The Company may be required to make additional  purchase price payments
         to the former  owners  based on a multiple of pre-tax  earnings.  These
         payments  are to be made by the  issue of stock  and cash over the next
         two to three years. In fiscal 1997, the Company paid $2,023,835 in cash
         and  stock  under  these  contingent  consideration  arrangements.  The
         contingent  consideration will be capitalized as additional cost of the
         acquired  company and recorded as goodwill which will be amortized over
         25 years.




                                      F-13

<PAGE>


                         FIRST SOUTH AFRICA CORP., LTD.

                 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                      FOR THE YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 1995,
                      THE PERIOD MARCH 1, TO JUNE 30, 1995
                   AND THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997


2.       ORGANIZATION (continued)

         The unaudited pro forma financial  information presented below has been
         prepared assuming that all of the acquisitions  which occurred prior to
         June 30,  1997 but  subsequent  to July 1, 1995 had taken place and the
         operations had commenced on July 1, 1995.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              Year ended      Year ended
                                                               June 30,        June 30,
                                                                 1996            1997
                                                                   $              $
                                                              -----------    -----------
<S>                                                            <C>            <C>       
Revenues                                                       71,374,856     78,596,647
                                                              ===========    ===========
Net income/(loss) before minority interests in consolidated    (3,534,890)     7,281,276
companies
Minority interest in consolidated subsidiary companies               --         (185,224)
                                                              -----------    -----------
Net income/(loss) from consolidated companies                  (3,534,890)     7,126,052
Equity in net earnings of affiliated companies                       --           10,927
                                                              -----------    -----------
Net income/(loss)                                              (3,534,890)    (7,136,979)
                                                              ===========    ===========
Basic earnings (loss) per share                               ($      .66)   $      1.34
Fully diluted earnings per share                                     --      $      1.25

</TABLE>






                                      F-14

<PAGE>


                         FIRST SOUTH AFRICA CORP., LTD.

                 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                      FOR THE YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 1995,
                      THE PERIOD MARCH 1, TO JUNE 30, 1995
                   AND THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997

3.       SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES

         The consolidated  financial statements have been prepared in accordance
         with U.S. generally accepted accounting  principles and incorporate the
         following significant accounting policies.

         Consolidation
         First  South  Africa  Corp.,  Ltd.,  consolidates  its  majority  owned
         subsidiaries.   The  consolidated   financial  statements  include  the
         accounts  of the  company,  First  South  Africa  Corp.,  Ltd.  and its
         subsidiaries.  Minority  interests  have been taken into  account  when
         determining  the net income due to the Company.  Material  intercompany
         transactions have been eliminated on consolidation.

         Accounting estimates
         Preparation  of  financial  statements  in  conformity  with  generally
         accepted  accounting  principles  requires management to make estimates
         and  assumptions  that  affect  the  reported  amounts  of  assets  and
         liabilities  at the date of the  financial  statements,  disclosure  of
         contingent  liabilities  at the financial  statement  date and reported
         amounts of revenue and expenses  during the  reporting  period.  Actual
         results could differ from those estimates.

         Earnings per share
         Earnings per share on common shares is based on net income and reflects
         dilutive  effects of any stock options and warrants which exist at year
         end.


         Intangible assets
         Goodwill resulting from acquisitions,  recipes and trademarks are being
         amortized  on a  straight  line basis over a period of twenty to twenty
         five  years.  If facts  and  circumstances  were to  indicate  that the
         carrying  amount of goodwill  and  recipes is  impaired,  the  carrying
         amount would be reduced to an amount representing the discounted future
         cash flows to be generated by the operation.


         Also  included  in  intangible  assets are non  competition  agreements
         relating to the  Europair  acquisition  which are being  amortized on a
         straight line basis over the six year term of the agreements.

         The company has adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
         121 ("SFAS 121")  "Accounting  for the impairment of Long-Lived  Assets
         and for  Long-Lived  Assets  to be  Disposed  Of".  No  impairments  in
         long-lived assets has taken place.

         Foreign currency translation
         The functional  currency of the  underlying  companies is that of South
         African Rands.  Accordingly,  the following rates of exchange have been
         used for translation purposes:

         o     Assets and  liabilities are translated into United States Dollars
               using the exchange rates at the balance sheet date.

         o     Common  stock and  capital in excess of par are  translated  into
               United States Dollars using historical rates at date of issuance.


                                      F-15

<PAGE>


                         FIRST SOUTH AFRICA CORP., LTD.

                 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                      FOR THE YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 1995,
                      THE PERIOD MARCH 1, TO JUNE 30, 1995
                   AND THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997

3.       SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

         o     Revenue,  expenses,  gains and losses are translated  into United
               States Dollars using the weighted average exchange rates for each
               year.

         The resultant translation  adjustments are reported in the component of
         shareholders'  investment  designated as "Foreign currency  translation
         adjustment".

         Foreign assets and liabilities
         Transactions  in  foreign  currencies  arise as a result  of  inventory
         purchases from foreign countries and intercompany  funding transactions
         between  the   subsidiaries   and  First  South  Africa   Corp.,   Ltd.
         Transactions  in  foreign  currencies  are  accounted  for at the rates
         ruling on transaction  dates.  Exchange gains and losses are charged to
         the income  statement  during  the  period in which they are  incurred.
         Foreign assets and  liabilities of the group which are not  denominated
         in United States  Dollars are converted  into United States  Dollars at
         the exchange  rates ruling at the financial year end or at the rates of
         forward  cover  purchased.  Forward  cover is  purchased  to hedge  the
         currency exposure on foreign liabilities.

         Inventories
         Inventories  are valued at the lower of cost and net realizable  value,
         using both the first-in,  first-out and the weighted  average  methods.
         The  value  of   work-in-progress   and  finished   goods  includes  an
         appropriate portion of manufacturing overheads. A valuation reserve has
         been established to reduce the values of certain identified inventories
         (determined  to be obsolete or otherwise  impaired) to their  estimated
         net realizable values (market or selling price less costs to dispose).

         Property, plant and equipment
         Land  is  stated  at  cost  and  is  not  depreciated.   Buildings  are
         depreciated on the straight line basis over  estimated  useful lives of
         20 years.


         Plant and equipment, and motor vehicles are written off on the straight
         line basis over their estimated useful lives of 5 to 10 years.


         Income taxes
         Income tax expense is based on reported  earnings  before income taxes.
         Deferred  income taxes  represent  the impact of temporary  differences
         between the amounts of assets and liabilities  recognized for financial
         reporting  purposes  and  such  amounts  recognized  for tax  purposes.
         Deferred taxes are measured by applying currently enacted tax laws.

         Fair value of financial instruments
         As at June 30 1997, the carrying value of accounts receivable, accounts
         payable and  investments  approximate  their fair value.  The  carrying
         value of long term debt  approximates  fair value,  as the debt,  other
         than  convertible  debentures,  interest  rates  are keyed to the prime
         lending rate.  The  convertible  debentures are believed to approximate
         fair market due to their recent issuance in June 1997.




                                      F-16

<PAGE>


                         FIRST SOUTH AFRICA CORP., LTD.

                 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                      FOR THE YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 1995,
                      THE PERIOD MARCH 1, TO JUNE 30, 1995
                   AND THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997

3.       SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)



         Revenues
         Revenues comprise net invoiced sales of washers, manufactured packaging
         machines,  spares and service charges, food products,  air conditioning
         systems,  fans and related  accessories,  and rental  income.  Combined
         revenues  exclude  sales to group  companies.  The  company  recognizes
         revenues on an accrual basis when services are rendered or  merchandise
         is shipped.


         Revenues are stated net of  allowances  granted to customers  and trade
         discounts.  Returns of defective  products are offset against revenues.
         Due to the low  incidence of warranty  returns,  where  warranties  are
         provided to customers,  the warranty costs are charged to cost of goods
         sold as and when incurred.  The Company's  warranty costs  historically
         have been immaterial.


         Gain on disposal of subsidiary stock
         Subsidiary  stock disposed of during the period is recognized as a gain
         in the  statement  of  income  and  is  separately  disclosed  as a non
         operating gain.


4.   INVENTORIES

     Inventories consist of the following:


                                                     JUNE 30,          JUNE 30,
                                                      1996              1997
                                                       $                 $
                                                   ----------        ----------
      Finished goods                                2,077,679         4,032,523
      Work in progress                                272,377           532,144
      Raw materials and ingredients                   501,562         2,365,213
      Supplies                                         93,055           716,081
                                                   ----------        ----------
      Inventories (Gross)                           2,944,673         7,645,961
      Less:  Valuation allowances                    (433,805)         (426,001)
                                                   ----------        ----------
       Inventories (Net)                            2,510,868         7,219,960
                                                   ==========        ==========

5.   DEFERRED CHARGES

     Represents the debt issue costs of the 9% convertible  debentures amounting
     to  $853,683.  This  charge  is  being  amortized  over the  tenure  of the
     debenture issue (Refer note 9). The charge for the current year is $15,244.




                                      F-17

<PAGE>


                         FIRST SOUTH AFRICA CORP., LTD.

                 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                      FOR THE YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 1995,
                      THE PERIOD MARCH 1, TO JUNE 30, 1995
                   AND THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997

6.   PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

     Property, plant and equipment consists of the following:


                                                   JUNE 30,            JUNE 30,
                                                    1996                1997
                                                     $                   $
                                                -----------         -----------
     Land and buildings                           2,713,473           2,650,410
     Plant and equipment                          3,463,121          10,376,002
     Vehicles                                     1,789,905           3,153,985
     Capital work in progress                     1,033,835              17,208
                                                -----------         -----------
     Total cost                                   9,000,334          16,197,605
     Accumulated depreciation                    (2,119,912)         (4,849,396)
                                                -----------         -----------
     Net book value                               6,880,422          11,348,209
                                                ===========         ===========
     Depreciation charge                            345,884           1,481,824
                                                ===========         ===========

     Certain   assets  of  the  company  are  encumbered  as  security  for  the
     liabilities of the group (Refer note 9).

7.   INTANGIBLE ASSETS

     Intangible assets consist of the following:


                                                   JUNE 30,            JUNE 30,
                                                    1996                1997
                                                     $                   $
                                                -----------         -----------
     Recipes                                      2,858,011          11,264,035
     Trademarks                                        --               359,521
     Goodwill arising from acquisitions             414,610           1,099,475
     Non competition agreements                     115,842             331,575
                                                -----------         -----------
     Total cost                                   3,388,463          13,054,606
     Accumulated amortization                       (24,540)           (433,784)
                                                -----------         -----------
                                                  3,363,923          12,620,822
                                                ===========         ===========



                                      F-18

<PAGE>


                         FIRST SOUTH AFRICA CORP., LTD.

                 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                      FOR THE YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 1995,
                      THE PERIOD MARCH 1, TO JUNE 30, 1995
                   AND THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997


8.   BANK OVERDRAFT FACILITIES

     The  group  has  general  short  term  banking   facilities  of  $3,537,000
     available.  These facilities bear interest at the prime lending rate, which
     is  currently  20,25%,  and are  repayable  on  demand.  The terms of these
     facilities  are  generally  less than twelve  months,  the  facilities  are
     secured by a cession  over book  debts,  and have no  covenants,  renewable
     annually.

9.   SHORT AND LONG TERM DEBT


                                                    JUNE 30,          JUNE 30,
                                                      1996              1997
                                                       $                 $
                                                  -----------       -----------
     LONG TERM DEBT
           9% Convertible debentures                     --          10,000,000
          Mortgage loans                            1,508,870         1,025,406
          Equipment notes                           1,904,980         3,990,064
          Unsecured notes                             125,214              --
                                                  -----------       -----------
                                                    3,539,064        15,015,470
      Less:  Current portion                       (1,177,692)       (1,673,712)
                                                  -----------       -----------
          TOTAL LONG TERM DEBT                      2,361,372        13,341,758
                                                  ===========       ===========
     SHORT TERM DEBT
     Current portion of long term debt              1,177,692         1,673,712
     Trade finance loan                               924,107              --
                                                  -----------       -----------
                                                    2,101,799         1,673,712
                                                  ===========       ===========


     9% Convertible debentures
     Convertible  debentures  issued in June  1997 are  unsecured,  senior,  and
     subordinated,  bearing  interest at 9% per annum,  payable  quarterly.  The
     debentures are convertible into shares of common stock at any time prior to
     maturity  at a price of $6,00 per share  (fair  market  value at  debenture
     issue date).  The  debentures  may be redeemed at the option of the Company
     from June 15, 1999 through June 14, 2003 at a  redemption  premium  ranging
     from 109% to 102.5% of face value, depending on the redemption date.

     The  debentures  have  mandatory  sinking  fund  payments  due in two equal
     installments  totaling 67% of the  outstanding  fair value on June 15, 2002
     and June 15,  2003,  with the  balance of the issue due at maturity on June
     15, 2004.

     The Company has filed an S-1 Registration Statement for the shares issuable
     upon conversion.




                                      F-19

<PAGE>


                         FIRST SOUTH AFRICA CORP., LTD.

                 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                      FOR THE YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 1995,
                      THE PERIOD MARCH 1, TO JUNE 30, 1995
                   AND THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997


9.   SHORT AND LONG TERM DEBT (CONTINUED)

     The following covenants are in existence:

     o    A restriction has been placed on the ability of the Company to pay any
          dividends and to repurchase stock.

     o    A restriction has been placed on transactions with affiliates, whereby
          all  transactions  must be no less  favorable  than  those  on  normal
          commercial terms.

     o    The Company may not adopt any plan of liquidation (bankruptcy).

     Mortgage loans
     Mortgage loans are  collateralized  by first and second mortgage bonds over
property with a net book value of $2,504,855. These loans are repayable in equal
monthly  installments  of $18,909 and equal annual  installments of $17,684 over
periods  ranging  from five to twenty years and bear  interest at rates  ranging
from 14,5% to 18,59%.  Generally  these  interest  rates are linked to the prime
lending rate which is currently at 20,25%.

     Equipment notes
     Equipment  notes are  collateralized  over  movable  assets with a net book
value of  $3,611,203.  These  loans are  generally  repayable  in equal  monthly
installments over a maximum  period of five years.  These loans bear interest at
rates ranging from 7% to 1,75% above the prime lending rate,  which is currently
20,25%.

     The  following  is a schedule  of  repayments  of long term debt by year of
repayment:


          YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,                                         $
                                                                  ----------
           1998                                                    1,673,712
           1999                                                    1,903,670
           2000                                                      646,655
           2001                                                      329,237
           Thereafter                                             10,462,196
                                                                  ----------

10.  RETAINED EARNINGS

     Included in retained  earnings is an amount of $7,307 which  represents the
     excess of assets acquired over  liabilities  assumed in the purchase of the
     assets  and  liabilities  of  operating   entities.   This  amount  is  not
     distributable until such time as the assets so acquired are disposed.

11.  OPERATING LEASES

     The group has  several  operating  leases  over land and  buildings.  These
     leases generally expire within the next five years.  These leases generally
     contain renewal options at the fair market value at the date of renewal.


                                      F-20


<PAGE>


                         FIRST SOUTH AFRICA CORP., LTD.

                 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                      FOR THE YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 1995,
                      THE PERIOD MARCH 1, TO JUNE 30, 1995
                   AND THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997


11.      OPERATING LEASES (continued)


         In  most  cases,  management  expects  that  in the  normal  course  of
         business, leases will be renewed or replaced by other
         leases.

         The following is a schedule of future minimum rental payments  required
         under operating  leases that have initial or remaining  non-cancellable
         lease terms in excess of one year as of June 30, 1997:


           Year ended June 30,                                       $
           -------------------                                    -------
           1998                                                   634,295
           1999                                                   685,880
           2000                                                   614,060
           2001                                                   573,914
           Thereafter                                             631,270
                                                                  -------

         The following  schedule  shows the  composition of total rental expense
         for all operating leases except those with terms
         of a month or less:


                         Year ended      March 1,      Year ended     Year ended
                        February 28,   to June 30,      June 30,       June 30,
                            1995           1995           1996           1997
                            $              $                $              $


    Minimum rentals       78,730         25,562          415,815        614,450
                          ======         ======          =======        =======


12.      GAIN ON DISPOSAL OF SUBSIDIARY STOCK


         The Company has a policy in accordance with Staff  Accounting  Bulletin
         Topic 5-H to recognize the gains and losses
         upon the sale of the stock of its subsidiaries.


         During 1997,  the Company  formed First SA Food Holdings  Limited ("FSA
         Food") to own all of its food interest companies.

         In June 1997,  the Company sold an  effective  30% interest in FSA Food
         through a private placement and subsequent
         public listing on The Johannesburg Stock Exchange.

         The gain on disposal  recognized  in the Statement of Income is made up
as follows:

                                                                    Year ended
                                                                     June 30,
                                                                       1997
                                                                        $

      Proceeds received                                             16,479,827 
      Less: Net carrying value of shares of FSA Food               (13,152,349)
                                                                   -----------
      Net gain on sale of investment in subsidiary company           3,327,478
                                                                   ===========
                                                           



                                      F-21

<PAGE>


                         FIRST SOUTH AFRICA CORP., LTD.

                 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                      FOR THE YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 1995,
                      THE PERIOD MARCH 1, TO JUNE 30, 1995
                   AND THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997

13.  OTHER INCOME

     Other income includes profit on disposal of assets, proceeds from insurance
     claims and commissions received.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              YEAR ENDED     MARCH 1,     YEAR ENDED    YEAR ENDED
                             FEBRUARY 28,   TO JUNE 30,    JUNE 30,      JUNE 30,
                                 1995          1995          1996          1997
                                   $             $             $             $
                              ----------    ----------    ----------    ----------
<S>                               <C>           <C>          <C>           <C>    
Profit on disposal of assets        --            --            --         198,473
Insurance claims and                                                       
    commissions received          40,830        43,145       539,696       270,058
                              ----------    ----------    ----------    ----------
                                  40,830        43,145       539,696       468,531
                              ==========    ==========    ==========    ==========
                                                                                
</TABLE>

14.  INCOME TAXES

     Income taxes are accounted for under  Statement of Financial  Standards No.
     109  "Accounting  for Income  Tax"  ("SFAS  109"),  an asset and  liability
     method.  SFAS 109  requires  the  recognition  of  deferred  tax assets and
     liabilities  for  the  expected   future  tax   consequences  of  temporary
     differences  between  the tax bases and  financial  reporting  bases of the
     company's  assets and  liabilities.  In  addition,  SFAS 109  requires  the
     recognition   of  future  tax   benefits   such  as  net   operating   loss
     carryforwards,  to the extent  realization  of such  benefit is more likely
     than not.

     The  provision for income taxes  charged to  continuing  operations  was as
     follows:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    YEAR ENDED    MARCH 1,   YEAR ENDED   YEAR ENDED
                                   FEBRUARY 28,  TO JUNE 30,  JUNE 30,     JUNE 30,
                                       1995         1995        1996         1997
                                        $            $           $            $
                                    ---------    ---------   ---------    ---------
<S>                                   <C>          <C>         <C>        <C>      
Current:
    South African normal taxation     291,858      145,216     848,006    1,161,998
    Foreign normal taxation              --           --          --         62,345
                                    ---------    ---------   ---------    ---------
           TOTAL CURRENT TAXES        291,858      145,216     848,006    1,224,343
                                                             ---------    ---------
Deferred:
    South African normal taxation     (69,300)        --      (359,388)     347,706
                                    ---------    ---------   ---------    ---------
          TOTAL DEFERRED TAXES        (69,300)        --      (359,388)     347,706
                                    ---------    ---------   ---------    ---------
PROVISION FOR TAXES ON INCOME         222,558      145,216     488,618    1,572,049
                                    =========    =========   =========    =========
</TABLE>


                                      F-22

<PAGE>


                         FIRST SOUTH AFRICA CORP., LTD.

                 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                      FOR THE YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 1995,
                      THE PERIOD MARCH 1, TO JUNE 30, 1995
                   AND THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997

14.  INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)

     Deferred tax liability/(asset) at June 30, is comprised of the following:

                                                          JUNE 30,     JUNE 30,
                                                            1996         1997
                                                              $            $
                                                          --------     --------
Property, plant and equipment                              346,961      765,624
Prepaid expenditure                                         12,245        7,036
                                                          --------     --------
         Gross deferred tax liabilities                    359,206      772,660
                                                          --------     --------
Accruals                                                  (372,447)    (371,148)
Deposits received on equipment sales                       (60,309)     (42,813)
Assessable losses                                             --           (253)
                                                          --------     --------
         Gross deferred tax assets                        (432,756)    (414,214)
                                                          --------     --------
NET DEFERRED TAX LIABILITY/(ASSET)                         (73,550)     358,446
                                                          ========     ========

     The  provision  for taxes on income  differs  from the amount of income tax
     determined by applying the applicable  South African  statutory  income tax
     rate to  pre-tax  income  from  continuing  operations  as a result  of the
     following differences:

     The  Company  reflects a taxable  income of  $8,892,317  after  eliminating
     expenditure  of $512,806  which is not  allowable  for tax purposes as this
     represents  expenditure incurred in Bermuda,  where no taxation laws are in
     existence.  After  eliminating  the  disallowable  expenditure  incurred in
     Bermuda, the tax rate reconciliation is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          YEAR ENDED     MARCH 1,   YEAR ENDED    YEAR ENDED
                                         FEBRUARY 28,  TO JUNE 30,   JUNE 30,      JUNE 30,
                                             1995         1995         1996          1997
                                               %            %            %             %
                                          ----------   ----------   ----------    ----------
<S>                                             <C>          <C>          <C>           <C> 
South African statutory tax rate                35           35.0         35.0          35.0
Disallowable expenditures                        1.0          5.0          0.7           1.3
Creation/utilization of assessable losses       --           --           (1.0)          3.2
Non taxable income - profit on sale of                                                
   investment                                   --           --           --           (12.9)
Non taxable income                              --           --           --            (1.1)
Foreign tax rate differential                   --           --           --            (0.9)
Tax rate adjustment                              1.0         --           --            --
Transitional levy                               (2.0)        --           --            --
Capital allowances                              --           --           (2.0)         (6.5)
 Other                                           6.0         --           --            (0.4)
                                          ----------   ----------   ----------    ----------
                                                41.0         40.0         32.7          17.7
                                          ==========   ==========   ==========    ==========
</TABLE>

                                      F-23

<PAGE>


                         FIRST SOUTH AFRICA CORP., LTD.

                 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                      FOR THE YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 1995,
                      THE PERIOD MARCH 1, TO JUNE 30, 1995
                   AND THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997

15.  CASH FLOWS

     The changes in assets and liabilities consist of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      YEAR ENDED       MARCH 1,     YEAR ENDED     YEAR ENDED
                                                     FEBRUARY 28,    TO JUNE 30,     JUNE 30,       JUNE 30,
                                                         1995           1995           1996           1997
                                                          $              $              $              $
                                                     -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
<S>                                                     <C>              <C>          <C>          <C>        
(Increase)/decrease in trade accounts                   (989,374)        36,382       (756,684)    (2,788,051)
  receivable                                              13,759       (357,614)       146,179     (3,158,181)
(Increase)/decrease in inventories
(Increase)/decrease in prepaid expenses                   15,906       (146,445)      (134,650)      (368,252)
and                                                         --             --             --           (9,990)
  other current assets                                    97,479         91,094        360,265      1,872,035
Increase in income taxes prepaid
Increase in trade accounts payable                       659,078        127,573        (38,785)     1,096,189
Increase/(decrease) in other provisions and                 --             --             --          656,088
  accruals                                               180,140        154,920        433,860       (222,602)
                                                     -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
Increase in other taxes payable
(Decrease)/increase in income taxes
payable
                                                         (23,012)       (94,090)        10,185     (2,922,764)
                                                     ===========    ===========    ===========    ===========
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Acquisition of subsidiaries is reconciled to
  the purchase consideration of the
   subsidiaries/businesses as follow:
Purchase consideration of subsidiaries/
  businesses                                                --             --       (4,502,789)   (11,722,044)
Add:  Debts assumed                                         --             --             --         (694,425)
Less: Cash acquired                                         --             --            4,746        985,410
                                                     -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                            --             --       (4,498,043)   (11,431,059)
                                                     ===========    ===========    ===========    ===========
Interest paid                                            152,163         18,801        865,733        858,067
                                                     ===========    ===========    ===========    ===========

Taxes paid/(refunded)                                    118,834         (9,704)      (239,962)     1,513,166
                                                     ===========    ===========    ===========    ===========
</TABLE>

                                      F-24

<PAGE>


                         FIRST SOUTH AFRICA CORP., LTD.

                 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                      FOR THE YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 1995,
                      THE PERIOD MARCH 1, TO JUNE 30, 1995
                   AND THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997


16.  EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

     The group  participates  in various  retirement  benefit  funding plans and
     health plans for the benefit of its employees.

     All of the retirement  benefit funds are defined  contribution plans and by
     nature of the funds there can be no unfunded  obligations or responsibility
     on the employer.  The only  obligation of the group is the  contribution to
     these plans which generally  ranges from 6% to 9% of the employees'  annual
     earnings.

     Amounts  charged to pension  costs and  contributed  by the  Company to the
     funds were as follows:


                         YEAR ENDED     MARCH 1,     YEAR ENDED    YEAR ENDED
                        FEBRUARY 28,   TO JUNE 30,    JUNE 30,     JUNE 30,
                            1995          1995          1996          1997
                             $             $             $             $
Pension costs              84,438        37,440        99,028       497,788
                          =======       =======       =======       =======


     The group and employees  participate  in various health plans which provide
     medical cover for employees on an annual basis. Neither the health plan nor
     the group are liable for post retirement  medical costs. The  contributions
     to the health plan are borne  equally by the  employee and the group except
     for a few salaried  employees  where the Company is responsible for 100% of
     the contribution. The Company has no liability for employees' medical costs
     in excess of the contributions to the health plan.

     Amounts charged to health plan costs and contributed by the Company were as
     follows:


                           YEAR ENDED    MARCH 1,    YEAR ENDED   YEAR ENDED
                          FEBRUARY 28,  TO JUNE 30,   JUNE 30,     JUNE 30,
                              1995         1995         1996         1997
                               $            $            $            $
Health plan costs           123,233       42,366      242,186      336,706
                            =======      =======      =======      =======




                                      F-25

<PAGE>


                         FIRST SOUTH AFRICA CORP., LTD.

                 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                      FOR THE YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 1995,
                      THE PERIOD MARCH 1, TO JUNE 30, 1995
                   AND THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997


17.  PROFIT SHARE

     Management  receive an annual bonus,  determined  at the  discretion of the
     board of directors. The amounts paid to management were as follows:


                    YEAR ENDED      MARCH 1,      YEAR ENDED    YEAR ENDED
                   FEBRUARY 28,    TO JUNE 30,     JUNE 30,      JUNE 30,
                       1995           1995           1996          1997
                        $              $              $             $   
Profit share bonus   294,307           --          140,828       390,284
                     =======        =======        =======       =======
                                             

18.  BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION

     The Company's  operations have been classified into four business segments:
     packaging machinery,  fastener industry, air conditioning and refrigeration
     components and processed  foods. The packaging  machinery  segment includes
     the  manufacture,  import and  distribution  of  packaging  machinery.  The
     fastener  industry  includes the manufacture and distribution of fasteners.
     The air  conditioning  and  refrigeration  components  segment includes the
     manufacture,  import and distribution of air conditioning and refrigeration
     related  products.  The processed foods segment  includes the  manufacture,
     processing  and  distribution  of  food  related  products  for  resale  to
     wholesalers and retailers.

     Summarized  financial  information by business segment for the years ending
     June 30, 1997 and 1996 is presented. (Information prior to this date if not
     available)


                                                     YEAR ENDED     YEAR ENDED
                                                    JUNE 30, 1996  JUNE 30, 1997
                                                          $              $
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net sales:
      Packaging machinery                              5,102,597      7,838,872
      Fastener industry                                4,458,636      4,399,591
      Air conditioning and refrigeration components    3,778,976     12,409,404
      Processed foods                                  1,570,888     41,928,064
                                                     -----------    -----------
                                                      14,911,097     66,575,931
                                                     -----------    -----------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating income:
      Packaging machinery                                364,695        605,948
      Fastener industry                                  826,086        685,873
      Air conditioning and refrigeration components      297,049        355,408
      Processed foods                                    137,483      4,782,675
      Corporate                                       (6,548,158)      (988,335)
                                                     -----------    -----------
                                                      (4,922,845)     5,441,569
                                                     -----------    -----------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------



                                      F-26

<PAGE>


                         FIRST SOUTH AFRICA CORP., LTD.

                 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                      FOR THE YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 1995,
                      THE PERIOD MARCH 1, TO JUNE 30, 1995
                   AND THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997


                                                    YEAR ENDED       YEAR ENDED
                                                  JUNE 30, 1996    JUNE 30, 1997
                                                         $                $
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total assets:                                                        
      Packaging machinery                             2,660,370        4,979,316
      Fastener industry                               2,649,505        2,846,135
      Air conditioning and refrigeration components   3,491,366        4,041,505
      Processed foods                                 6,085,800       41,037,271
      Corporate                                       8,717,953       11,293,252
                                                     ----------       ----------
                                                     23,604,996       64,197,479
                                                     ----------       ----------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Depreciation and amortization:                                       
      Packaging machinery                               150,797          183,376
      Fastener industry                                  65,440           76,223
      Air conditioning and refrigeration components      95,371          282,276
      Processed foods                                    56,692        1,311,669
      Corporate                                          27,457          157,810
                                                     ----------       ----------
                                                        395,757        2,011,654
                                                     ----------       ----------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capital expenditure:                                                 
      Packaging machinery                                96,617        1,103,386
      Fastener industry                                  89,532           43,362
      Air conditioning and refrigeration components     133,217          508,018
      Processed foods                                    45,201        1,652,677
      Corporate                                           9,396           17,710
                                                     ----------       ----------
                                                        453,768        3,325,153
                                                     ----------       ----------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   
19.  EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS

     The Company has entered into employment  agreements with two key employees.
     In terms of the agreements the two employees will devote  substantially all
     of their business time to the group and receive annual salaries of $180,000
     and $150,000  per annum.  The  salaries  payable  will not  increase  until
     thirteen  months after the closing of the offering.  The Company intends to
     pay the key employees an annual  incentive bonus based on pre-tax  profits.
     The option  prices of $5.00 per share of Common  Stock of the  Company  and
     13.05 Rand per share of First South Africa Holdings  (Proprietary)  Limited
     Class  B  Common  Stock  granted  in  connection  with  various  employment
     agreements  represent  the price of the  respective  shares of stock on the
     grant dates.




                                      F-27

<PAGE>


                         FIRST SOUTH AFRICA CORP., LTD.

                 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                      FOR THE YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 1995,
                      THE PERIOD MARCH 1, TO JUNE 30, 1995
                   AND THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997



20.  STOCK OPTION PLAN

     The board of directors  have adopted the Company's  1995 Stock Option Plan.
     The  Stock  Option  Plan  provides  for the  grant of i)  options  that are
     intended to qualify as incentive stock options  ("Incentive Stock Options")
     within  the  meaning of Section  422 of the code to key  employees  and ii)
     options not so intended to qualify  ("Nonqualified  Stock  Options") to key
     employees  (including  directors  and  officers  who are  employees  of the
     Company, and to directors and consultants who are not employees). The total
     number of shares of common stock for which options may be granted under the
     Stock Option Plan is 350,000 shares.

     The Stock Option Plan is to be administered by the  Compensation  Committee
     of the board of directors.  The committee  shall determine the terms of the
     options  exercised,  including  the  exercise  price,  the number of shares
     subject to the option and the terms and conditions of exercise.  No options
     granted under the Stock Option Plan are  transferable by the optionee other
     than by the will or the laws of descent and distribution and each option is
     exercisable  during the lifetime of the optionee  only by such  optionee or
     his legal representatives.

     The exercise price of Incentive  Stock Options  granted under the plan must
     be at least  equal to the fair  market  value of such shares on the date of
     the grant (110% of fair market value in the case of an optionee who owns or
     is  deemed  to own more than 10% of the  voting  rights of the  outstanding
     capital stock of the Company or any of its subsidiaries).  The maximum term
     for each  Incentive  Stock  Option  granted is ten years (five years in the
     case of an  optionee  who owns or is  deemed  to own  more  than 10% of the
     voting rights of the outstanding capital stock of the Company or any of its
     subsidiaries).  Options  shall be  exercisable  at such  times  and in such
     installments as the committee shall provide in the terms of each individual
     option.  The maximum  number of shares for which  options may be granted to
     any individual in any fiscal year is 210,000.

     The Stock Option Plan also  contains an automatic  option grant program for
     the non-employee  directors.  Each person who is a non-employee director of
     the Company following an annual meeting of shareholders will  automatically
     be granted an option for an additional  5,000 shares of common stock.  Each
     grant will have an exercise  price per share equal to the fair market value
     of the  common  stock on the grant  date and will have a term of five years
     measured  from  the  grant  date,  subject  to  earlier  termination  if an
     optionee's service as a board member is terminated for cause.





                                      F-28

<PAGE>


                         FIRST SOUTH AFRICA CORP., LTD.

                 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                      FOR THE YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 1995,
                      THE PERIOD MARCH 1, TO JUNE 30, 1995
                   AND THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997



20.  STOCK OPTION PLAN (CONTINUED)

     The company has granted options to purchase  750,000 shares of common stock
     under the Plan as described in the table set forth below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 PER SHARE
                                       OPTIONS    EXERCISE  
                                       GRANTED     PRICE    EXPIRATION DATE         EXERCISABLE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                     <C>        <C>              <C>       <C>                      
Stock options granted during 1996 (1)   75,000     $5.00    January 24, 2001          Immediately


                                       150,000     $5.00                                  100,000
                                                                                  immediately and
                                                                                    50,000 on the
                                                                              seventh anniversary
                                                                               subject to earlier
                                                                                          vesting
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stock options granted during 1997       25,000     $3.75                              Immediately
                                       500,000     $4.75                                  250,000
                                                                                     Immediately,
                                                                              250,000 on June 24,
                                                                                            1999.
                                       750,000
                                       =======
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

     Options exercisable at June 30, 1997 totalled 450,000.


(1)  Does not include options to purchase  150,000 shares of FSAH Class B Shares
     granted  to a Director  of the  Company  (75,000  of which are  immediately
     exercisable and 75,000 of which are exercisable on the seventh  anniversary
     of grant (subject to earlier  vesting  conditions).  The Company intends to
     issue up to 150,000  shares of Common  Stock in the FSAH Escrow  Agent upon
     the exercise of such options.  Subject to the terms of escrow  agreement to
     be  negotiated  by and among the  Company,  the FSAH  Escrow  Agent and the
     director.




                                      F-29

<PAGE>


                         FIRST SOUTH AFRICA CORP., LTD.

                 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                      FOR THE YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 1995,
                      THE PERIOD MARCH 1, TO JUNE 30, 1995
                   AND THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997


21.  WARRANTS OUTSTANDING

     In connection  with the initial  public  offering,  consummated  in January
     1996, the Company issued 2,300,000 units. Each unit issued consisted of one
     share of common stock,  one  redeemable  Class A warrant and one redeemable
     Class B warrant. In addition, an additional 100,000 warrants were issued to
     the underwriter pursuant to the underwriting  agreement.  Concurrently with
     the initial public  offering the selling  security  holder offered  650,000
     selling security holder  warrants,  650,000 selling security holder Class B
     warrants issuable upon exercise of the selling security holder warrants and
     1,300,000  shares of common stock  issuable  upon exercise of these selling
     security  holder  warrants  and selling  security  holder Class B warrants.
     These  selling  security  holder  warrants  are  identical  to the  Class A
     warrants,  except  that there are  certain  restrictions  imposed  upon the
     transferability of these warrants.

     In  consideration  for the debenture  offering the Company issued  warrants
     over  135,000  shares of  common  stock at an  exercise  price of $6.00 per
     share, the fair market price at date of issuance.

     Class A warrants over 24,635 shares were  exercised  during the fiscal year
     resulting in proceeds to the Company of $160,125.

     Warrants outstanding at June 30, 1997 were as follows:


                     NUMBER OF     EXERCISE   EXPIRY 
WARRANT              WARRANTS      PRICE      DATE            ENTITLEMENT
- -------              --------      --------   ------            -----------

Class A Redeemable   2,925,365    $6.50    January 24, 2001  One share of common
warrants                                                     stock and one Class
                                                             B warrant

Class B Redeemable   5,250,000    $8.75    January 24, 2001  One share of common
warrants                                                     stock

Debenture warrants     135,000    $6.00    July 31, 2007     One share of common
                                                             stock

     The Class A Warrants are redeemable  beginning January 24, 1997, or earlier
     at the option of the Company with the underwriters consent, at a redemption
     price of $0.05 per Class A Warrant, if the "closing price" of the Company's
     common  stock  trades at an average  price in excess of $9.10 per share for
     any consecutive 30 trading day period,  ending within 15 days of the notice
     of  redemption.  All Class A Warrants  are to be  redeemed if any are to be
     redeemed.

     The Class B Warrants are redeemable  beginning January 24, 1997, or earlier
     at the option of the Company with the underwriters consent, at a redemption
     price of $0.05 per Class A Warrant, if the "closing price" of the Company's
     common stock  trades at an average  price in excess of $12.25 per share for
     any consecutive 30 trading day period,  ending within 15 days of the notice
     of  redemption.  All Class B Warrants  are to be  redeemed if any are to be
     redeemed.

     The Company  subsequent  to year end,  has  indicated  that it will make an
     offer to its  warrant  holders to redeem  all Class A Warrants  and Class B
     Warrants under the following terms and conditions:



                                      F-30

<PAGE>


                         FIRST SOUTH AFRICA CORP., LTD.

                 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                      FOR THE YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 1995,
                      THE PERIOD MARCH 1, TO JUNE 30, 1995
                   AND THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997



21.  WARRANTS OUTSTANDING (CONTINUED)

     o    Two  shares of common  stock  for three  Class A and Class B  Warrants
          surrendered

     o    Two shares of common stock in exchange for five Class A Warrants

     o    Two shares of common stock in exchange for ten Class B Warrants


22.  FIRST SOUTH AFRICAN HOLDINGS ESCROW AGREEMENT

     The FSAH Escrow Agreement was executed prior to the closing of the offering
     and provided for the concurrent  issuance and delivery of 729,979 shares of
     Class B common stock to the FSAH Escrow Agent. The FSAH Escrow Agreement is
     intended to provide  security  for  certain  holders of FSAH Class B common
     stock,  who are  residents  in South Africa and who are subject to exchange
     controls which prevent them from holding shares in a foreign  company.  The
     FSAH Escrow Agreement  provides that the parties to this agreement that are
     holders  of FSAH Class B common  stock will not sell such  shares of stock,
     but may  tender  the  shares  to the  FSAH  Escrow  Agent  against  payment
     therefore by the escrow  agent,  which  payment may consist of the proceeds
     obtained  from the sale of an equal  number of Class B common  stock of the
     company,  provided  that the  proceeds of the sale will be delivered to the
     holder  of the Class B common  stock in  exchange  for the  shares in FSAH.
     These  shares will be tendered to the company and they will be  immediately
     converted to FSAH Class A common stock.

     Since the consummation of the Company's  initial public offering in January
     1996,  the Company has entered  into FSAC Escrow  Agreements  with the FSAH
     escrow  agent,  FSAH and certain  principal  shareholders  of the Company's
     subsidiaries  which were acquired since January 1996. The terms of the FSAC
     Escrow Agreement are substantially  similar to the terms of the FSAH Escrow
     Agreement,  except that only the FSAH  Escrow  Agreement  provided  for the
     issue of shares of Class B common  stock to the FSAH escrow agent while the
     FSAC Escrow  Agreements  provide for the issue of shares of common stock to
     the FSAH escrow  agent which  correspond  to the  issuances of FSAH Class B
     common stock by FSAH.

     A further  1,191,840  shares of common stock were issued to the FSAH escrow
     agent in terms of FSAC  Escrow  Agreements  entered  into during the fiscal
     year in connection with the acquisitions of Piemans Pantry, Astoria Bakery,
     Seemanns' Quality Meat Products, Gull Foods and First Strut.

     The FSAC Escrow  Agreements  are  intended to provide  security for certain
     holders of FSAH Class B stock who are residents of South Africa and who are
     subject to exchange  controls  which prevent them from holding  shares in a
     foreign  company.  in closing  acquisitions  of South  African  entities it
     follows that the South  African  residents  are not entitled to FSAC common
     stock in lieu of cash  consideration  paid for the  business.  Therefore  a
     vehicle has been created where the South African  residents are issued FSAH
     Class B common stock, FSAH being a registered South African entity, in lieu
     of FSAC common  stock.  The  disposal of FSAH Class B common stock by these
     South  African  residents  may only be made to the FSAC escrow agent who in
     turn will dispose of the FSAC common  stock held by it in escrow,  who will
     then pass the  disposal  proceeds  on to the  holders  of the FSAH  Class B
     common stock in exchange for their FSAH B Class Shares.





                                      F-31

<PAGE>


                         FIRST SOUTH AFRICA CORP., LTD.

                 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                      FOR THE YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 1995,
                      THE PERIOD MARCH 1, TO JUNE 30, 1995
                   AND THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997



23.  EARNOUT ESCROW SHARES

     In terms of the  underwriting  agreement,  the  Company  arranged  with the
     president  and chief  executive  officer to contribute a total of 1,100,000
     shares into escrow in terms of the earnout escrow  agreement.  These shares
     were to be released  based on the attainment of a pre-set Net income before
     income taxes  target.  If the targets were not attained the earnout  escrow
     shares  would have been  canceled.  This target was  attained  based on the
     unaudited proforma profit and loss resulting in the release of these shares
     from escrow and  resulted in a non-cash  compensation  charge to the profit
     and loss  account  for the period  ended June 30, 1996 of  $6,314,000.  The
     profit and loss  charge  was made at the market  price of the shares at the
     date that the shares were earned. This was a fourth quarter event after the
     acquisition  of the business  combination  of Piemans  Pantry (Pty) Ltd and
     Surfs-Up Investments (Pty) Ltd.

24.  CONTINGENT LIABILITIES



     South African  Secondary Tax on companies at 12.5 percent is payable on all
     future dividends declared out of distributable reserves.


25.  EVENTS SUBSEQUENT TO BALANCE SHEET DATE (Unaudited)


     Effective July 1, 1997 the Company completed negotiations to acquire Fifers
     Bakery  (Proprietary)  Limited  ("Fifers"),  subject  to  the  satisfactory
     outcome  of  a  due  diligence  investigation  to  be  performed  by  Price
     Waterhouse.  Fifers will fit into the  Company's  Bakery and  Confectionery
     interests under First SA Food Holdings Limited,  in which the Company holds
     an effective 70% interest.








                                      F-32

<PAGE>


                         FIRST SOUTH AFRICA CORP., LTD.

   
                     UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AT
                               SEPTEMBER 30, 1997
    



   
                                     ASSETS
                                                                   September 30,
                                                                       1997
                                                                         $
                                                                    -----------
Current assets
      Cash on hand                                                   15,709,781
      Trade accounts receivable                                      12,233,595
      Less: Allowances for bad debts                                   (625,591)
                                                                    -----------
                                                                     11,608,004
      Inventories (net)                                               8,217,416
      Prepaid expenses and other current assets                       1,318,041
      Deferred charges (net)                                            763,046
                                                                    -----------
                Total current assets                                 37,616,288
Property, plant and equipment                                        17,060,233
Less: Accumulated depreciation                                       (5,346,616)
                                                                    -----------
                                                                     11,713,617
Intangible assets (net)                                              16,663,164
Other assets                                                             79,091
                                                                    -----------
                                                                     66,072,160
                                                                    ===========
    





                                      F-33
<PAGE>



                         FIRST SOUTH AFRICA CORP., LTD.

                     UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AT
                               SEPTEMBER 30, 1997

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   
                    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' INVESTMENT
                                                                               September 30,
                                                                                   1997
                                                                                     $
                                                                                -----------
<S>                                                                               <C>      
Current liabilities
      Bank overdraft payable                                                           --
      Current portion of long term debt                                           1,505,759
      Trade accounts payable                                                      7,630,538
      Other provisions and accruals                                               2,667,183
      Other taxes payable                                                           281,138
      Income tax payable                                                          1,739,168
                                                                                -----------
                Total current liabilities                                        13,823,786
Long term debt                                                                   13,690,750
Deferred income taxes                                                               239,496
                                                                                -----------
                                                                                 27,754,032
                                                                                -----------
Minority shareholders' investment                                                13,445,605
Stockholders' investment

Capital stock:

      A class common stock, $0.01 par value - authorized 23,000,000 shares,
      issued and outstanding at September 30 3,780,315 shares                        37,803

      B class common stock, $0.01 par value - authorized 2,000,000 shares,
      issued and outstanding at September 30 1,822,500 shares                        18,711

      Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, - authorized 5,000,000 shares, issued
      and outstanding nil shares                                                       --

      Capital in excess of par                                                   24,658,766
Retained earnings                                                                 3,791,691
Foreign currency translation adjustments                                         (3,634,448)
                                                                                -----------
                                                                                 66,072,160
                                                                                ===========
</TABLE>
    



                                      F-34
<PAGE>


                         FIRST SOUTH AFRICA CORP., LTD.

                 UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME FOR
               THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND 1997


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                             1996           1997
                                                              $              $
                                                         -----------    -----------
<S>                                                       <C>            <C>       
Revenues                                                  11,690,884     21,461,433
                                                         ===========    ===========
Operating expenses
    Cost of sales                                          6,213,717     12,698,212
    Selling, general and administrative costs              4,254,284      7,316,524
                                                         -----------    -----------
                                                          10,468,001     20,014,736
                                                         -----------    -----------
Operating income                                           1,222,883      1,446,697
Other income                                                 199,910        243,082
Interest income/( expense)                                  (215,087)       175,741
                                                         -----------    -----------
Income from consolidated companies before income taxes     1,207,706      1,865,520
Provision for taxes on income                               (378,571)      (446,193)
                                                         -----------    -----------
                                                             829,135      1,419,327
Minority interest in consolidated subsidiary companies          --         (430,701)
                                                         -----------    -----------
Net income                                                   829,135        988,626
                                                         ===========    ===========
Basic earnings per share                                        0.18           0.18

Fully diluted earnings per share                                0.18           0.17
Weighted average number of shares outstanding
    Basic earnings per share                               4,679,356      5,495,119

    Fully diluted earnings per share                       4,679,356      7,337,754


</TABLE>


                                      F-35

<PAGE>




                         FIRST SOUTH AFRICA CORP., LTD.

               UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR
               THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND 1997

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         1996           1997
                                                                                          $              $
                                                                                     -----------    -----------
<S>                                                                                   <C>            <C>    
Cash flows from operating activities:

     Net income                                                                          829,135        988,626
     Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating
     activities:
               Depreciation and amortization                                             334,878        594,612
               Deferred income taxes                                                     (11,688)      (111,706)
               Net loss on sale of assets                                                   --           20,162
               Effect of changes in current assets and current liabilities               904,731     (1,665,749)
               Minority interest in consolidated subsidiary companies                       --          430,701
                                                                                     -----------    -----------
Net cash provided by operating activities                                              2,057,056        256,646
                                                                                     -----------    -----------
Cash flows from investing activities:

    Additions to property, plant and equipment                                          (144,745)      (681,483)
    Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment                                   --           18,083
    Additional purchase price payments                                                      --       (2,886,407)
    Other assets acquired                                                                (44,854)      (147,487)
    Acquisitions of subsidiaries (net of cash of $33,856)                             (2,673,865)    (2,238,196)
                                                                                     -----------    -----------
Net cash used in investing activities                                                 (2,863,464)    (5,935,490)
                                                                                     -----------    -----------
Cash flows from financing activities:

    Net (repayments)/borrowings in bank overdrafts                                     2,049,273        (10,217)
    Borrowings of long term debt                                                       1,365,585        308,179
    Reduction in deferred debt issue costs                                                  --           46,000
    Repayments in short term debt                                                     (2,002,662)      (165,041)
    Proceeds on stock issues                                                                --        1,770,130
                                                                                     -----------    -----------
Net cash provided in financing activities                                              1,412,196      1,949,051
                                                                                     -----------    -----------
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash                                                    4,931       (449,537)
Cash (used) generated by operations                                                      610,719     (4,179,330)
Cash on hand at beginning of period                                                    4,682,035     19,889,111
                                                                                     -----------    -----------
Cash on hand at end of period                                                          5,292,754     15,709,781
                                                                                     ===========    ===========
</TABLE>


                                      F-36


<PAGE>

                         FIRST SOUTH AFRICA CORP., LTD.

     UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' INVESTMENT
               FOR THE PERIOD JUNE 30, 1997 TO SEPTEMBER 30, 1997



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            CAPITAL STOCK                               FOREIGN
                                             FIRST SOUTH   CAPITAL IN                  CURRENCY
                                            AFRICA CORP.,  EXCESS OF      RETAINED    TRANSLATION
                                                 LTD.         PAR         EARNINGS    ADJUSTMENTS      TOTAL
                                                 $             $             $             $             $
                                            -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------    -----------
<S>                                              <C>       <C>            <C>          <C>            <C>       
Balance at June 30, 1997                         54,052    22,891,093     2,803,065    (2,528,196)    23,220,014
Issuance of stock to FSAC escrow agent              847          --            --            --              847
Issuance of stock to acquire subsidiaries            20       699,414          --            --          699,434
Proceeds on warrants exercised                    1,595     1,068,259          --            --        1,069,854
Net income                                         --            --         988,626          --        1,023,689
Translation adjustment                             --            --            --      (1,106,252)    (1,106,252)
                                            -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------    -----------
Balance at September 30, 1997                    56,514    24,658,766     3,791,691    (3,634,448)    24,907,586
                                            ===========   ===========   ===========   ===========    ===========
</TABLE>





                                      F-37

<PAGE>


                         FIRST SOUTH AFRICA CORP., LTD.
            NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
             FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND 1997

1.     PRINCIPLE ACTIVITIES OF THE GROUP

       The principle activities of the group include the following:

       FOOD INTERESTS
       The manufacture, sale and distribution of both ready to eat and ready for
       bake  off  pastry  related  food  products,  the  manufacture,  sale  and
       distribution  of high margin  speciality  breads and staple  breads,  the
       manufacture  and sale of a wide range of prepared  food  products and the
       manufacture,  sale and  distribution  of a wide range of  processed  meat
       products.

       ENGINEERING INTERESTS
       The business of manufacturing,  servicing and selling packaging machines,
       receiving  commission  income,  receiving  rental income,  manufacture of
       washers  for use in the  fastener  industry,  manufacture  and  supply of
       air-conditioning products.

2.     ORGANIZATION

       First South Africa Corp.,  Ltd. (the  "Company") was founded on September
       6, 1995.  The  purpose of the  Company is to acquire  and  operate  South
       African  companies.  Prior to an initial  public  offering  completed  on
       January 24, 1996,  the  predecessor  company  consisted of two companies,
       Starpak (Proprietary) Limited and L.S. Pressings  (Proprietary)  Limited,
       under common control.  Prior to the initial public offering the financial
       statements  reflect the combined  results for Starpak and L.S.  Pressings
       which  had a  February  28 year end.  Subsequent  to the  initial  public
       offering, the Company changed its fiscal year end to June 30.

       The following  subsidiaries/businesses acquired, were accounted for using
       the purchase method of accounting. The acquired Companies are included in
       the Financial  Statements for the "Date Acquired" as set forth below. The
       assets and  liabilities  were recorded at fair market value as determined
       by management:


<TABLE>

<CAPTION>
                                                                                PURCHASE
                                                                                  PRICE
                                                                              CONSIDERATION
SUBSIDIARY/BUSINESS                                         DATE ACQUIRED           $

<S>                                                              <C>            <C>      
Astoria Bakery CC and Astoria Bakery Lesotho (Pty) Ltd.     July 1, 1996        2,344,123
First Strut (Pty) Ltd                                       July 1, 1996          175,836
Seemann's Quality Meat Products (Pty) Ltd. and            November 1, 1996      2,989,077
Hammer Street Investments CC
Gull Foods CC and Trek Biltong CC                          January 1, 1997      5,288,629
Pakmatic Company (Pty) Ltd. and                             March 1, 1997         924,379
Pakmatic Spares and Service (Pty) Ltd.                                         ----------
                                                                               11,722,044
                                                                               ==========
</TABLE>





                                      F-38

<PAGE>


                         FIRST SOUTH AFRICA CORP., LTD.
            NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
             FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND 1997



2.     ORGANIZATION (continued)


       On July 1, 1997 the Company  acquired  100% of the common stock of Fifers
       Bakery  (Proprietary)  Limited for an aggregate  net purchase  price of $
       1,844,890. The acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method of
       accounting. The assets and liabilities were recorded at fair market value
       as determined by management.

       The purchase  consideration has been decreased to give effect to the debt
       ceded to First South African Holdings Corp.
       (Pty) Ltd. in the acquisition.


                                                                 Fifers Bakery
                                                                     (Pty)
                                                                      Ltd
                                                                       $
                                                                   ---------
Acquisition costs
       Stock issued in lieu of cash                                  699,434
       Cash consideration (net of debt ceded to holding company)   1,145,456
                                                                   ---------
                                                                   1,844,890
                                                                   =========
Purchase price to be allocated

Summary allocation of purchase price                                 565,354
       Current assets                                                461,560
       Property, plant and equipment                                  33,238
       Other assets                                                1,796,136
                                                                   ---------
       Goodwill                                                    2,856,288
                                                                   ---------

Total assets acquired
                                                                     425,390
       Current liabilities                                           154,685
       Long term debt                                                  4,161
       Deferred income taxes                                         427,162
                                                                   ---------
       Debt ceded to holding company                               1,011,398
                                                                   ---------

Total liabilities assumed                                          1,844,890
                                                                   =========




                                      F-39

<PAGE>


                         FIRST SOUTH AFRICA CORP., LTD.
            NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
             FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND 1997

3.     SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES

       The consolidated  financial statements should be read in conjunction with
       the consolidated  financial  statements  included with the Company's Form
       10K which has been  prepared in  accordance  with US  generally  accepted
       accounting   principles  and   incorporate   the  following   significant
       accounting policies:

       Consolidation
       First  South  Africa  Corp.,   Ltd.,   consolidates  its  majority  owned
       subsidiaries.  The consolidated financial statements include the accounts
       of the Company,  First South  Africa  Corp.,  Ltd. and its  subsidiaries.
       Minority  interests have been taken into account when determining the net
       income due to the Company.  Material intercompany  transactions have been
       eliminated on consolidation.

       Accounting estimates
       Preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
       accounting   principles   requires   management  to  make  estimates  and
       assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at
       the  date  of  the   financial   statements,   disclosure  of  contingent
       liabilities  at the  financial  statement  date and  reported  amounts of
       revenue and expenses  during the reporting  period.  Actual results could
       differ from those estimates.

       Interim Financial Statements
       The unaudited financial statements reflects all adjustments which are, in
       the  opinion of  management,  necessary  for a fair  presentation  of the
       consolidated  financial  statements  for  an  interim  period.  All  such
       adjustments are of a normal,  recurring nature. The operating results may
       not be indicative of the results for a full fiscal year.

       Earnings per share
       Earnings  per share on common  shares is based on net income and reflects
       dilutive  effects of any stock  options and warrants  which exist at year
       end.


       Intangible assets
       Goodwill,  recipes and other  intellectual  property,  and trademarks are
       being  amortized  on a  straight  line  basis  over a period of twenty to
       twenty five years. If facts and  circumstances  were to indicate that the
       carrying amount of goodwill and recipes is impaired,  the carrying amount
       would be reduced to an amount  representing  the  discounted  future cash
       flows to be generated by the operation.


       Also  included  in  intangible  assets  are  non-competition   agreements
       relating  to the  Europair  acquisition  which are being  amortized  on a
       straight line basis over the six year term of the agreements.

       The company has adopted Statement of Financial  Accounting  Standards No.
       121 ("SFAS 121")  "Accounting for the impairment of Long-Lived Assets and
       for  Long-Lived  Assets to be Disposed Of". No  impairments in long-lived
       assets has taken place.

       Foreign currency translation
       The  functional  currency of the  underlying  companies  is that of South
       African Rand. Accordingly, the following rates of exchange have been used
       for translation purposes:

o      Assets and  liabilities  are translated  into United States Dollars using
       the exchange rates at the balance sheet date.

o      Common  stock and  capital in excess of par are  translated  into  United
       States Dollars using historical rates at date of issuance.

o      Revenue,  expenses,  gains and losses are  translated  into United States
       Dollars using the weighted average exchange rates for each year.

       The resultant  translation  adjustments  are reported in the component of
       stockholders'  investment  designated  as "Foreign  currency  translation
       adjustment".



                                      F-40

<PAGE>


                         FIRST SOUTH AFRICA CORP., LTD.
            NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
             FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND 1997

3.     SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

       Foreign assets and liabilities
       Transactions  in  foreign  currencies  arise  as a  result  of  inventory
       purchases from foreign  countries and intercompany  funding  transactions
       between the subsidiaries and First South Africa Corp., Ltd.  Transactions
       in  foreign   currencies  are  accounted  for  at  the  rates  ruling  on
       transaction  dates.  Exchange  gains and losses are charged to the income
       statement  during the period in which they are incurred.  Foreign  assets
       and  liabilities of the group which are not  denominated in United States
       Dollars are converted  into United States  Dollars at the exchange  rates
       ruling  at the  financial  year  end or at the  rates  of  forward  cover
       purchased.  Forward cover is purchased to hedge the currency  exposure on
       foreign liabilities.

       Inventories
       Inventories  are  valued at the lower of cost and net  realizable  value,
       using both the first-in,  first-out and the weighted average methods. The
       value of  work-in-progress  and finished  goods  includes an  appropriate
       portion  of  manufacturing   overheads.  A  Valuation  reserve  has  been
       established  tp reduce  the  values  of  certain  identified  inventories
       (Determined to be obsolete or otherwise  impaired) to their estimated net
       realizable values (market or selling price less costs to dispose).

       Property, plant and equipment
       Land is stated at cost and is not depreciated.  Buildings are depreciated
       on the straight line basis over estimated useful lives of 20 years.


       Plant  and  equipment,   and  motor  vehicles  are  written  off  on  the
       straightline basis over their estimated useful lives of 5 to 10 years.


       Income taxes
       Income tax expense is based on reported  earnings  before  income  taxes.
       Deferred  income  taxes  represent  the impact of  temporary  differences
       between the amounts of assets and  liabilities  recognised  for financial
       reporting purposes and such amounts recognised for tax purposes. Deferred
       taxes are measured by applying currently enacted tax laws.

       Fair value of financial instruments

       As at  September  30 1997,  the  carrying  value of accounts  receivable,
       accounts  payable  and  investments  approximate  their fair  value.  The
       carrying value of long term debt  approximates  fair value,  as the debt,
       other than convertible debentures,  interest rates are keyed to the prime
       lending rate. The convertible debentures are believed to approximate fair
       market due to their recent issuance from April through August 1997.


       Revenues
       Revenues comprise net invoiced sales of washers,  manufactured  packaging
       machines,  spares and service  charges,  food products,  air conditioning
       systems,  fans and  related  accessories,  and  rental  income.  Combined
       revenues  exclude  sales  to  group  companies.  The  Company  recognizes
       revenues on an accrual basis when services are rendered or merchandise is
       shipped.

       Revenues  are stated net of  allowances  granted to  customers  and trade
       discounts.  Returns of defective product are offset against revenues. Due
       to the low incidence of warranty  returns,  where warranties are provided
       to customers, the warranty costs are charged to cost of goods sold as and
       when  incurred.  The  Company's  warranty  costs  historically  have been
       immaterial.


       Gain on disposal of subsidiary stock
       Subsidiary stock disposed of during the period is recognized as a gain in
       the  statement of income and is  separately  disclosed as a non operating
       gain.




                                      F-41

<PAGE>


                         FIRST SOUTH AFRICA CORP., LTD.
            NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
             FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND 1997

4.   INVENTORIES

     Inventories consist of the following:


                                                    JUNE 30,       SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                      1997              1997
                                                       $                 $
                                                   ----------        ----------
Finished goods                                      4,032,523         4,576,602
Work in progress                                      532,144           109,113
Raw materials and ingredients                       2,365,213         2,931,945
Supplies                                              716,081         1,034,383
                                                   ----------        ----------
Inventories (Gross)                                 7,645,961         8,652,043
Less: Valuation allowances                           (426,001)         (434,627)
                                                   ----------        ----------
Inventories (Net)                                   7,219,960         8,217,416
                                                   ==========        ==========


5.   PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION

     The  unaudited  pro  forma  financial  information  tabled  below  has been
     prepared assuming that all of the acquisitions which occurred subsequent to
     September  30, 1996 had taken place and that  operations  had  commenced on
     July 1,  1996,  an  adjustment  has been  made to  eliminate  the  minority
     interest in the net income of consolidated  subsidiaries  assuming that the
     disposal of an effective 30% interest in First SA Food Holdings Limited had
     taken place on July 1, 1996.


                                                                    JULY 1, TO
                                                                   SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                        1996
                                                                         $
                                                                    -----------
Revenues                                                             19,393,376
                                                                    -----------
Net income before minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries      1,273,192
Minority interest in consolidated subsidiary companies                 (243,250)
                                                                    -----------
Net income                                                            1,029,942
                                                                    -----------
Basic earnings per share                                                   0.19
Weighted average number of shares in issue                            5,495,119


6.   COMMITMENTS

     The  Company is  required  to make  additional  contingent  payments to the
     former owners of certain companies that it has acquired based on a multiple
     of pre tax  earnings.  These  payments are to be made by the issue of stock
     and cash over the next two to three  years.  Under its various  acquisition
     agreements,  the Company  anticipates having to spend  approximately  $2.25
     million in cash for its contingent payments over the next 12 months as well
     as approximately  $1.85 million in stock. The Company  anticipates that its
     cash and  operating  cash  flows  will be  sufficient  to fully  fund these
     payments  as  well  as  fund  the  capital  expenditures  for  its  various
     operations. Excess cash will also be utilized to


                                      F-42

<PAGE>
                         FIRST SOUTH AFRICA CORP., LTD.
            NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
             FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND 1997

7.         SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

           Effective July 1, 1997 the Company completed  negotiations to acquire
           Fifers  Bakery  (Proprietary)  Limited  ("Fifers"),  subject  to  the
           satisfactory outcome of a due diligence investigation to be performed
           by Price  Waterhouse.  Fifers will fit into the Company's  Bakery and
           Confectionery  interests  under First SA Food  Holdings  Limited,  in
           which the Company holds an effective 70% interest.

           On  October  31,  1997,  First  South  Africa  Corp.,  Ltd. a Bermuda
           corporation  (the "Company"),  consummated the private  placement and
           sale  of  15,000  Increasing  Rate  Senior  Subordinated  Convertible
           Debentures of the Company due October 31, 2001 (the "Debentures"), at
           a purchase price of $1,000 per Debenture,  to two offshore  investors
           including  BT  Global  Credit  Limited  as  the  lead  investor  (the
           "Offering")   pursuant  to  an   exemption   from  the   registration
           requirements  of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,  (the "Act")
           under Regulation S promulgated thereunder. The Debentures are subject
           to the terms of an  Indenture  dated  October 29, 1997 by and between
           the Company  and the  American  Stock  Transfer & Trust  Company,  as
           Trustee.  Interest  payable on the Debentures is 4% per annum for the
           year ending October 31, 1998, 4.5% per annum for the two years ending
           October 31,  2000,  and 5% per annum for the year ending  October 31,
           2001, payable on a quarterly basis. In the event the Debentures shall
           not have been redeemed or converted pursuant to the terms thereof and
           the  Indenture  prior to the due  date,  the  Company  shall pay each
           registered  holder of the  Debentures an  additional  amount equal to
           22.25%  of the  principal  amount  of  Debentures  held by each  such
           registered  holder.  The  Debentures  are  convertible  at  any  time
           (subject  to prior  redemption)  into  shares of Common  Stock at the
           initial conversion price of $9.50 per share of Common Stock,  subject
           to adjustment in certain events.  The Debentures are redeemable after
           one year if the Company's Common Stock trades at more than $14.25 per
           share, subject to adjustment in certain events, during an agreed upon
           period of time (30  consecutive  market days ending on the market day
           prior to the date on which the notice of  redemption is first given).
           The  redemption  value of the  debenture is 122.25% of the  principal
           amount.  The Company has paid  Bankers  Trust  Company  ("BTC") a fee
           equal  to  4.5% of the  total  offering  amount  and  has  agreed  to
           reimburse BTC for its reasonable  legal expenses with respect to such
           transaction up to an amount of $50,000.

           On November 25, 1997, the Company closed an offer that it had made to
           exchange  common  stock for all its  outstanding  Class A and Class B
           Warrants.  Holders of the Company's Class A and Class B Warrants were
           offered the  opportunity to convert 3 A and 3 B Warrants for 2 shares
           of  common  stock.  Holders  of  only A  Warrants  were  offered  the
           opportunity  to  convert 5 A Warrants  for 2 shares of common  stock.
           Holders of only B Warrants were offered the opportunity to convert 10
           B  Warrants  for 2 shares of common  stock.  A total of  1,807,891  A
           Warrants and 1,740,456 B Warrants  were  tendered for  exchange.  The
           Company has issued approximately 1,172,144 new shares to complete the
           exchange.  There are  currently  884,749  A  Warrants  and  814,803 B
           Warrants outstanding.

   
           In the quarter ended December 31, 1997,  First SA Lifestyle  Holdings
           acquired SA Leisure,  a  manufacturer  of a broad range of  injection
           molded  plastic  furniture,  household,  luggage  and  do-it-yourself
           products.  The  terms  of  the  acquisition  call  for a  payment  of
           approximately  $5.36  million  in cash and  142,918  shares of common
           stock as well as an  additional  $2  million  in  shares  of First SA
           Lifestyle Holdings.

           In the quarter ended December 31, 1997,  First SA Lifestyle  Holdings
           also  acquired  Republic  Umbrella  Manufacturers,  an assembler  and
           distributor of a wide variety of umbrellas and other related  outdoor
           products.  The  terms  of  the  acquisition  call  for a  payment  of
           approximately $4.33 million in cash as well as an additional $640,000
           in shares of First SA Lifestyle Holdings.  An additional payment, the
           value of which is  contingent on future  performances,  shall be made
           over the next year.

           In the quarter ended December 31, 1997,  First SA Lifestyle  Holdings
           also acquired  Galactex  Outdoor (Pty) Ltd., the sole  distributor of
           the Weber-Stephens  range of outdoor products in South Africa as well
           as a broad  range  of  other  barbecue  products.  The  terms  of the
           acquisition call for a payment of approximately  $2.3 million in cash
           as well as an additional  $1.1 millin in shares of First SA Lifestyle
           Holdings.

           In the quarter ended December 31, 1997, First South Africa Corp. also
           acquired Pacforce,  a company specializing in the production and sale
           of plastic packaging materials. The terms of the acquisition call for
           an  initial   payment  of   approximately   $205,000  in  cash,   and
           approximately 34,000 shares of stock.  Additional payments contingent
           upon future  performance shall be made over the next three and a half
           years.
    

                                      F-43

<PAGE>



                         FIRST SOUTH AFRICA CORP., LTD.
                   PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                        FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1997
                                   (unaudited)



   
INTRODUCTION
    


           The  following  pro  forma  consolidated  statements  of  income  are
prepared  assuming that the acquisition of Seemann's Quality Meat Products (Pty)
Ltd (purchased  November 1, 1996),  Gull Foods (Pty) Ltd  (purchased  January 1,
1997,  Pakmatic  Company (Pty) Ltd  (purchased  March 1, 1997) and Fifers Bakery
(Proprietary)  Limited  (purchased on July 1, 1997) all occurred on July 1, 1996
(the  first  day of the  fiscal  year  ended  June  30,  1997).  The  pro  forma
consolidated  statements of income combine the historical  operating  results of
the Company for the year ended June 30, 1997 with:

o          The operating  results of Seemann's  Quality Meat Products  (Pty) Ltd
           for the four months ended October 31, 1996;

o          The  operating  results  of Gull  Foods  (Pty) Ltd for the sic months
           ended December 31, 1996;

o          The  operating  results of Pakmatic  Company  (Pty) Ltd for the eight
           months ended February 28, 1997.


o          The  operating  results of Fifers  Bakery  (Pty) Ltd.  for the twelve
           months ended June 30, 1997.


           The  unaudited  pro  forma  consolidated  statement  of  income  also
includes pro forma  adjustments to give effect to the issuance of 496,728 shares
of Class B Common Stock and $2,500,000 of the $10 million 9% Senior Subordinated
Convertible Debentures issued in connection with the acquisitions. The pro forma
adjustments are based upon available  information and certain  assumptions  that
management believe are reasonable.

           The  unaudited  pro  forma  consolidated  statements  of  income  are
presented for informational purposes only and do not purport to be indicative of
the operating  results that actually would have occurred if the acquisitions and
related  financing  had been  consummated  on July 1,  1996.  Additionally,  the
unaudited  pro  forma  consolidated  statements  of  income  should  be  read in
conjunction  with the  historical  financial  statements of the Company and Gull
Foods (Pty) Ltd included elsewhere in this Prospectus.

           The pro  forma  information  has  been  prepared  assuming  that  the
acquisitions prior to September 30, 1997 had taken place and that operations had
commenced on July 1, 1996.




                                      F-44

<PAGE>



                   PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
                        FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1997
                                   (Unaudited)


[TABLE 1 OF 2]
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   
                                                                   Seemann's
                                                   Actual Year    Quality Meat    Gull Foods      Pakmatic   
                                                    Ended June   Products (Pty)     (Pty)       Company (Pty)
                                                     30, 1997         Ltd.           Ltd.           Ltd.     
                                                        $              $              $              $       
                                                   -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------  
<S>                                                <C>             <C>            <C>            <C>        
Revenues                                            66,575,931      3,472,590      6,247,121      2,301,005    
                                                   -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    
Operating expenses
      Cost of Sales                                 37,869,755      2,649,351      3,739,753      1,747,549    
      Selling general and administrative costs      23,264,607        741,174      2,067,018        462,140    
                                                   -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    
                                                    61,134,362      3,390,525      5,806,771      2,209,689    
                                                   ===========    ===========    ===========    ===========    
                                                                                                               
Operating income (loss)                              5,441,569         82,065        440,350         91,316    
Gains on disposal of subsidiary stock                3,327,478                                         --      
Other income                                           468,531           --          108,877           --      
Interest (expense)/Income                             (858,067)          (998)        30,806          4,347    
                                                   -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    
Income (loss) from consolidated companies before
income taxes and minority interests                  8,379,511         81,067        580,033         95,663    
Provision for taxes on income                       (1,572,049)       (43,773)      (200,336)       (18,675)   
                                                   -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    

                                                     6,807,462         37,294        379,697         76,988    
Minority interest in consolidated subsidiary          (135,224)      (135,224)
                                                   -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    
companies
Net income (loss) from consolidated companies        6,672,238         37,294        379,697         76,988    
Equity in net earnings of affiliated companies          10,927           --             --             --      
                                                   -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    
Net income (loss)                                    6,683,165         37,294        379,697         76,988    
                                                   ===========    ===========    ===========    ===========    
Basic earnings (loss) per share                                                                                
Weighted average number of shares outstanding                                                                  
    

</TABLE>



[TABLE 2 OF 2]
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         
   
                                                            Pro Forma       Pro Forma
                                                          Consolidation  for Year Ended
                                                           Adjustments    June 30, 1997
                                                                $              $
                                                           -----------    -----------
<S>                                                        <C>             <C>
Revenues                                                          --       78,596,647
                                                           -----------    -----------
Operating expenses                                                                   
           Cost of Sales                                          --       46,006,407
           Selling general and administrative costs            111,905     26,646,844
                                                           -----------    -----------
                                                               111,905     72,653,251
                                                           ===========    ===========
                                                                          -----------
Operating income (loss)                                       (111,905)     5,943,396
Gains on disposal of subsidiary stock                             --        3,327,478
Other income                                                      --          577,408
Interest (expense)/income                                     (378,000)    (1,201,912
                                                           -----------    -----------
Income (loss) from consolidated companies before                                     
income taxes and minority interests                           (489,905)     8,646,370
Provision for taxes on income                                  171,467     (1,663,366)
                                                           -----------    -----------
                                                                                     
                                                              (318,438)     6,983,004
Minority interest in consolidated subsidiary companies                               
                                                           -----------    -----------
Net income (loss) from consolidated companies                                        
Equity in net earnings of affiliated companies                (318,438)     6,847,780
                                                                  --           10,927
Net income (loss)                                          -----------    -----------
                                                              (318,438)     6,858,707
Basic earnings (loss) per share                            ===========    ===========
Weighted average number of shares outstanding                             $      1.28
                                                                            5,345,178
    
</TABLE>
                                      F-45
<PAGE>


                         FIRST SOUTH AFRICAN CORP., LTD
            NOTES TO THE PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                            YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1997
                                   (UNAUDITED)



1.   AMORTIZATION OF INTANGIBLES

     Amortization of other intangibles which represents the rights to intangible
     knowledge acquired from the selling  stockholders.  Amortized over a twenty
     five year period.

     Amortization not included in actual results for the 
     year ended June 30, 1997                                         $111,905
                                                                      --------

     Taxation effect at 35%, the South African Statutory 
     tax rate for the year ended June 30, 1997                          39,167
                                                                        ------

2.   INTEREST COST OF DEBENTURES ISSUED

     The $10,000,000 9% senior,  subordinated debentures were raised to fund the
     following:

     o    The acquisition of Gull Foods (Pty) Ltd - 3,200,000

     o    Additional  purchase  price  payments  for Piemans  Pantry  (Pty) Ltd,
          representing a delayed purchase price consideration in terms of profit
          warranty arrangements -- $1,200,000

     o    Additional purchase price payments for Seemann's Quality Meat Products
          Pantry (Pty) Ltd,  representing a delayed purchase price consideration
          in terms of profit warranty arrangements -- $710,000

     o    The acquisition of Pakmatic (Pty) Ltd--$1,000,000

     o    The  balanced of the net proceeds  after issue costs were  retained as
          working capital.

     Due to the fact that the  additional  purchase  price  payments and working
     capital funding does not give rise to any additional revenue, these amounts
     have been excluded in the calculation of pro forma interests adjustments.

     Funds used to fund acquisitions $4,200,000

     Debentures interest at 9% for the year ended June 30, 1997         $378,000
                                                                        --------

     Taxation effect at 35%, the South African statutory tax 
     rate for the year ended June 30, 1997                              $132,300
                                                                        --------

3.   CALCULATION OF WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES IN ISSUE

     Weighted average number of shares in issue at June 30, 1997       5,139,855
     Additional shares to give effect to the acquisition of 
     Seemann's Quality Meat Products (Pty) Ltd and Gull Foods 
     (Pty) Ltd from July 1, 1996                                         205,323
                                                                       ---------

                                                                       5,345,178
                                                                       =========


                                      F-46

<PAGE>




                              ASTORIA BAKERY CC AND
                  ASTORIA BAKERY LESOTHO (PROPRIETARY) LIMITED

               UNAUDITED COMBINED BALANCE SHEET AT JUNE 30, 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                                                 JUNE 30,
                                                                  1996
                                                                    $
                                                               ----------
                                     ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
        Cash on hand                                              282,614
        Receivables                                               429,518
        Allowances for bad debts                                     --
                                                               ----------
                                                                  429,518
Inventories (note 2)                                              151,418
Prepaid expenses and other current assets                          70,193
               Total current assets                               933,743
Property, plant and equipment                                   2,665,807
Less : Accumulated depreciation                                (1,144,250)
                                                               ----------
                                                                1,521,557
Goodwill                                                            5,191
Loans to stockholders                                             116,027
                                                               ----------
                                                                2,576,518
                                                               ==========
                    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' INVESTMENT

CURRENT LIABILITIES
    Bank overdraft payable                                        435,822
    Trade accounts payable                                        543,449
    Other provisions and accruals                                 546,054
    Income taxes payable                                           48,751
                                                               ----------
            Total current liabilities                           1,574,076

Long term debt                                                    294,155
Loans from stockholders                                              --

Total liabilities                                               1,868,231
Stockholders' investment
    Capital stock
    Astoria Bakery:  Members' contribution                             96
    Astoria Bakery Lesotho: Common stock, M1 par value -
                            authorised 1,000 shares, issued
                            100 shares in 1996 and 1995                32
    Retained earnings                                             881,502
    Foreign currency translation adjustments                     (173,343)
                                                               ----------
                                                                2,576,518
                                                               ==========




                                      F-47


<PAGE>




                              ASTORIA BAKERY CC AND
                  ASTORIA BAKERY LESOTHO (PROPRIETARY) LIMITED

                     UNAUDITED COMBINED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                FOR THE FOUR MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1995 AND 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------




                                                       JUNE 30,      JUNE 30,
                                                        1995          1996
                                                         $             $
                                                     ----------    ----------
Revenues                                              2,337,179     2,085,260

Operating expenses
         Cost of sales                                1,038,098       927,450
         Selling, general and administrative costs    1,178,696       967,165
                                                     ----------    ----------
                                                      2,216,794     1,894,615
                                                     ----------    ----------
Operating income                                        120,385       190,645
Other income                                             15,420        16,074
Interest expenses                                       (16,183)      (10,748)
                                                     ----------    ----------

Income before income taxes                              119,622       195,971
Provision for taxes on income                            (4,120)      (22,850)
                                                     ----------    ----------

Net income                                              115,502       173,121
Retained earnings at beginning of the period            640,569       708,381
                                                     ----------    ----------

Retained earnings at end of period                      756,071       881,502
                                                     ==========    ==========



                                      F-48

<PAGE>



                              ASTORIA BAKERY CC AND
                  ASTORIA BAKERY LESOTHO (PROPRIETARY) LIMITED

                   UNAUDITED COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                FOR THE FOUR MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1995 AND 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               FOR          FOR       
                                                                             JUNE 30,     JUNE 30,    
                                                                               1995         1996      
                                                                                 $            $       
                                                                             --------     --------    
<S>                                                                           <C>          <C>        
Cash flows from operating activities:                                                                 
         Net income                                                           115,502      173,121    
         Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating                            
         activities:                                                                                  
         Depreciation                                                         139,739      137,942    
         Effect of changes in assets and liabilities                          137,873      467,205    
                                                                             --------     --------    
                                                                                                      
Net cash provided by operating activities                                     393,114      778,268    
                                                                             --------     --------    
                                                                                                      
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:                                                                 
Net additions to fixed assets                                                (481,668)    (726,062)   
                                                                             --------     --------    
                                                                                                      
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:                                                                 
         Net borrowings/(repayments) in bank overdraft                       (222,978)     231,907    
         Net proceeds of long term debt                                        37,371       86,682    
         Net (repayments)/borrowings in loans from stockholders               285,602     (256,433)   
         Net repayments in short term debt                                    (55,375)     (40,138)   
                                                                             --------     --------    
         Net cash provided by financing activities                             44,620       22,018    
                                                                             --------     --------    
                                                                                                      
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash                                        (2,828)     (28,399)   
                                                                             --------     --------    
Net increase/(decrease) in cash on hand                                       (46,762)      45,825    
Cash on hand at beginning of period                                           317,081      236,789    
                                                                             --------     --------    
Cash on hand at end of period                                                 270,319      282,614    
                                                                             ========     ========    

</TABLE>


                                      F-49

<PAGE>




                              ASTORIA BAKERY CC AND
                  ASTORIA BAKERY LESOTHO (PROPRIETARY) LIMITED

              NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                FOR THE FOUR MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1995 AND 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


1.   SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

UNAUDITED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The accompanying  unaudited  combined  financial  statements of the company have
been prepared in accordance with generally  accepted  accounting  principles for
interim financial  information and in accordance with Article 10 Regulation S-X.
Accordingly they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by
generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial  statements.  In
the opinion of management,  the unaudited interim combined financial  statements
contain all adjustments,  consisting of normal recurring accruals,  necessary to
present  fairly the  financial  position of the company at June 30, 1996 and the
results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented.

Results for  interim  periods are not  necessarily  indicative  of results to be
expected for the full year.

These  financial  statements  should be read in  conjunction  with the financial
statements  and notes  included  in the Form 10-K for the period  ended June 30,
1996.

2.   INVENTORY

Inventory for the period ended June 30, consists of the following:


                                                               June 30,
                                                                1996
                                                                  $
                                                             -----------
Ingredients and work in progress                               132,585
Packaging                                                       12,976
Fuel                                                             5,857
                                                               -------
                                                               151,418
                                                               =======


3.   CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

South  African  secondary  tax on  companies  at 12.5  percent is payable on all
future dividend declarations.

4.   EVENTS SUBSEQUENT TO JUNE 30, 1996

Subsequent  to June 30, 1996 an agreement  was reached to dispose of 100 percent
of the equity of Astoria Bakery Lesotho  (Proprietary)  Limited and the business
of Astoria Bakery CC to First South African Holdings  (Proprietary)  Limited,  a
subsidiary of First South Africa Corp., Ltd, an entity under common control.



                                      F-50

<PAGE>





Price Waterhouse

                                  [Letterhead]



                      REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS



           To the Board of Directors  of Astoria  Bakery  Lesotho  (Proprietary)
           Limited and to the members of Astoria bakery CC:

           The financial  statements  of Astoria  Bakery  Lesotho  (Proprietary)
           Limited and Astoria  Bakery CC at February  29, 1996 and February 28,
           1995 were audited by other  auditors  whose  reports dated January 2,
           1997 and  September  29,  1995  respectively,  expressed  unqualified
           opinions  on those  statements  prepared  in  conformity  with  South
           African statutory accounting principles.

           We have audited the  adjustments to combine the financial  statements
           of Astoria Bakery Lesotho (Proprietary) Limited and Astoria Bakery CC
           for the years ended  February 29, 1996 and February 28, 1995,  and to
           convert  the  financial   statements  from  South  African  statutory
           accounting  principles to generally accepted principles in the United
           States.   In  our  opinion,   such  adjustments  and  conversion  are
           appropriate and have been properly applied.



/s/Price Waterhouse

February 25, 1997
Sandton, South Africa




                                      F-51

<PAGE>



                               KANA AND ASSOCIATES

                                  [Letterhead]





ASTORIA BAKERY LESOTHO (PROPRIETARY) LIMITED

       

REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

   
We have audited the balance sheet of ASTORIA BAKERY LESOTHO  (PROPRIETY) LIMITED
as at February  29, 1996 and the related  statements  of income,  cash flows and
changes  in  stockholders  investment  for the year  then  ended  which  are not
presented  separately herein.  These financial statements are the responsibility
of the  members of the  corporation.  Our  responsibility  is to report on these
financial statements.

We conducted our audit in accordance with generally  accepted auditing standards
in the United States. These standards require that we plan and perform the audit
to obtain reasonable  assurance that in all material aspects,  fair presentation
is achieved in the financial statements.  An audit includes an evaluation of the
appropriateness of the accounting policies, an examination,  on a test basis, of
evidence that  supports the amounts  included in the  financial  statements,  an
assessment of the reasonableness of significant estimates made by management and
a  consideration  of   appropriateness   of  the  overall  financial   statement
presentation  and  disclosures.  We consider that our auditing  procedures  were
appropriate in the circumstances to express our opinion presented below.

In our opinion the financial statements fairly present the financial position of
the  corporation  at 29 February 1996 and the results of its  operations for the
year then ended in conformity with generally accepted accounting practice and in
the manner required by the Companies Act (as amended).
    





/S/ KANA AND ASSOCIATES
KANA AND ASSOCIATES
CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS (S.A.)


DATE  January 2, 1997

RANDBURG, SOUTH AFRICA




                                      F-52

<PAGE>





                               KANA AND ASSOCIATES

                                  [Letterhead]





ASTORIA BAKERY CC

       

REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


   
We have audited the balance  sheet of ASTORIA  BAKERY CC as at 29 February  1996
and the related  statements  of income,  cash flows and changes in  stockholders
investment  for the year then ended which are not presented  separately  herein.
These  financial  statements  are  the  responsibility  of  the  members  of the
corporation. Our responsibility is to report on these financial statements.

We conducted our audit in accordance with generally  accepted auditing standards
in the United States. These standards require that we plan and perform the audit
to obtain reasonable  assurance that in all material aspects,  fair presentation
is achieved in the financial statements.  An audit includes an evaluation of the
appropriateness of the accounting policies, an examination,  on a test basis, of
evidence that  supports the amounts  included in the  financial  statements,  an
assessment of the reasonableness of significant estimates made by management and
a  consideration  of   appropriateness   of  the  overall  financial   statement
presentation  and  disclosures.  We consider that our auditing  procedures  were
appropriate in the circumstances to express our opinion presented below.

In our opinion the financial statements fairly present the financial position of
the  corporation  at 29 February 1996 and the results of its  operations for the
year then ended in conformity with generally accepted accounting practice and in
the manner required by the Close Corporations Act of 1984.
    





/S/ KANA AND ASSOCIATES
KANA AND ASSOCIATES
CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS (S.A.)


DATE  January 2, 1997

RANDBURG, SOUTH AFRICA




                                      F-53

<PAGE>




                               KANA AND ASSOCIATES

                                  [Letterhead]





ASTORIA BAKERY LESOTHO (PROPRIETARY) LIMITED

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS AT 28 FEBRUARY 1995

       

The Members

   
We have audited the balance sheet of ASTORIA BAKERY LESOTHO  (PROPRIETY) LIMITED
as at 28 FEBRUARY  1995 and the  related  statements  of income,  cash flows and
changes  in  stockholders  investment  for the year  then  ended  which  are not
presented  separately herein.  These financial statements are the responsibility
of the  members of the  corporation.  Our  responsibility  is to report on these
financial statements.

We conducted our audit in accordance with generally  accepted auditing standards
in the United States. These standards require that we plan and perform the audit
to obtain reasonable  assurance that in all material aspects,  fair presentation
is achieved in the financial statements.  An audit includes an evaluation of the
appropriateness of the accounting policies, an examination,  on a test basis, of
evidence that  supports the amounts  included in the  financial  statements,  an
assessment of the reasonableness of significant estimates made by management and
a  consideration  of   appropriateness   of  the  overall  financial   statement
presentation  and  disclosures.  We consider that our auditing  procedures  were
appropriate in the circumstances to express our opinion presented below.

In our opinion these financial  statements fairly present the financial position
of the corporation at 28 FEBRUARY 1995 and the results of its operations for the
year then ended in conformity with generally accepted accounting practice and in
the manner required by the Companies Act (as amended).
    




/S/ KANA AND ASSOCIATES
KANA AND ASSOCIATES
CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS (S.A.)


DATE  29 September 1995

RANDBURG, SOUTH AFRICA




                                      F-54

<PAGE>




                               KANA AND ASSOCIATES

                                  [Letterhead]





ASTORIA BAKERY CC

       

REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


The Members

   
We have audited the balance  sheet of ASTORIA  BAKERY CC as at 28 FEBRUARY  1995
and the related  statements  of income,  cash flows and changes in  stockholders
investment  for the year then ended which are not presented  separately  herein.
These  financial  statements  are  the  responsibility  of  the  members  of the
corporation. Our responsibility is to report on these financial statements.

We conducted our audit in accordance with generally  accepted auditing standards
in the United States. These standards require that we plan and perform the audit
to obtain reasonable  assurance that in all material aspects,  fair presentation
is achieved in the financial statements.  An audit includes an evaluation of the
appropriateness of the accounting policies, an examination,  on a test basis, of
evidence that  supports the amounts  included in the  financial  statements,  an
assessment of the reasonableness of significant estimates made by management and
a  consideration  of   appropriateness   of  the  overall  financial   statement
presentation  and  disclosures.  We consider that our auditing  procedures  were
appropriate in the circumstances to express our opinion presented below.
    

In our opinion these financial  statements fairly present the financial position
of the corporation at 28 FEBRUARY 1995 and the results of its operations for the
year then ended in conformity with generally accepted accounting practice and in
the manner required by the Close Corporations Act 1984.



/S/ KANA AND ASSOCIATES
KANA AND ASSOCIATES
CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS (S.A.)


DATE  29 September 1995

RANDBURG, SOUTH AFRICA



                                      F-55

<PAGE>

                              ASTORIA BAKERY CC AND
                  ASTORIA BAKERY LESOTHO (PROPRIETARY) LIMITED

              AUDITED COMBINED BALANCE SHEET AT FEBRUARY 29, 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                                                  FEBRUARY 29,
                                                                      1996
                                                                       $
                                                                  ----------
                                     ASSETS
Current assets
     Cash on hand                                                    236,789
     Receivables                                                     521,932
     Allowances for bad debts                                           --
                                                                  ----------
                                                                     521,932
     Inventories                                                     186,788
     Prepaid expenses and other current assets                        38,333
                  Total current assets                               983,842
Property, plant and equipment                                      2,204,614
Less : Accumulated depreciation                                   (1,140,113)
                                                                  ----------
                                                                   1,064,501
Goodwill                                                               5,871
                                                                  ----------
                                                                   2,054,214
                                                                  ==========

                    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' INVESTMENT


Current liabilities
     Bank overdraft                                                  234,108
     Current portion of long term debt                                44,786
     Trade accounts payable                                          720,525
     Other provisions and accruals                                    26,476
     Income taxes payable                                             29,637
                                                                  ----------
                  Total current liabilities                        1,055,532
Long term debt                                                       235,940
Loans from stockholders                                              154,911
                                                                  ----------
                  Total liabilities                                1,446,383
Stockholders' investment
     Capital stock
        Astoria Bakery CC: Members' contributions                         96
        Astoria Bakery Lesotho
       (Proprietary) Limited: Common stock, M1 par value -
                              authorised 100,000 shares, issued
                              100 shares in 1996, 1995 and 1994           32
Retained earnings                                                    708,381
Foreign currency translation adjustments                            (100,678)
                                                                  ----------
                                                                   2,054,214
                                                                  ==========




                                      F-56

<PAGE>


                              ASTORIA BAKERY CC AND
                  ASTORIA BAKERY LESOTHO (PROPRIETARY) LIMITED

                      AUDITED COMBINED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
          FOR THE YEARS ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 1995 AND FEBRUARY 29, 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                             FEBRUARY 28,  FEBRUARY 29,
                                                 1995          1996
                                                  $             $
                                              ----------    ----------


Revenue                                        6,315,976     7,200,784
                                              ----------    ----------

Operating expenses
  Cost of sales                                3,177,357     3,679,122
  Selling, general and administrative costs    2,972,818     3,471,915
                                              ----------    ----------
                                               6,150,175     7,151,037
                                              ----------    ----------

Operating income                                 165,801        49,747
Other income                                      38,354        69,448
Interest expense                                 (63,163)      (42,951)
                                              ----------    ----------

Income before income taxes                       140,992        76,244
Provision for taxes on income                    (28,029)       (8,432)
                                              ----------    ----------

Net income                                       112,963        67,812
Retained earnings at beginning of year           527,606       640,569
                                              ----------    ----------
Retained earnings at end of year                 640,569       708,381
                                              ==========    ==========




                                      F-57


<PAGE>


                              ASTORIA BAKERY CC AND
                  ASTORIA BAKERY LESOTHO (PROPRIETARY) LIMITED

                AUDITED COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE
          FOR THE YEARS ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 1995 AND FEBRUARY 29, 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------




                                                        FOR           FOR
                                                    FEBRUARY 28,  FEBRUARY 29,
                                                        1995        1996
                                                          $           $
                                                      --------    --------
Cash flows from operating activities:
     Net income                                        112,963      67,812
     Adjustments to reconcile net income
      to cash provided by operating activities:
     Depreciation                                      137,502     157,861
     Net gain on sale of assets                         (5,950)    (13,233)
     Effect of changes in assets and liabilities      (153,866)    229,033
                                                      --------    --------
     Net cash provided by operating activities          90,649     441,473
                                                      --------    --------
Cash flows from investing activities:
     Net additions to fixed assets                    (171,684)   (639,494)
                                                      --------    --------

Cash flows from financing activities:
     Net (repayments)/borrowings in bank overdraft      11,411    (419,532)
     Net proceeds/(repayments) of long term debt       (20,979)    188,468
     Net borrowings in loans from stockholders         387,870     372,387
     Net (repayments)/borrowings in short term debt      5,543      (8,068)
                                                      --------    --------
     Net cash provided by financing activities         383,845     133,255
                                                      --------    --------
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash                 (4,137)    (15,526)
                                                      --------    --------
Net (decrease)/increase in cash on hand                298,673     (80,292)
Cash on hand at beginning of year                       18,408     317,081
                                                      --------    --------
                                                       317,081     236,789
                                                      ========    ========




                                      F-58

<PAGE>


                              ASTORIA BAKERY CC AND
                  ASTORIA BAKERY LESOTHO (PROPRIETARY) LIMITED

                    AUDITED COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN
                  STOCKHOLDERS' INVESTMENT FOR THE YEARS ENDED
                     FEBRUARY 28, 1995 AND FEBRUARY 29, 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              Capital
                                               stock
                                              Astoria                     Foreign
                               Capital stock   Bakery                    currency
                                 Astoria      Lesotho       Retained    translation
                                Bakery CC    (Pty) Ltd      earnings    adjustments       Total
                                    $            $             $             $              $
                               ----------   -----------   -----------   -----------    -----------
<S>                                    <C>           <C>      <C>           <C>            <C>    
Balance at February 28, 1994           96            32       527,606       (44,602)       483,132
Net income                           --            --         112,963          --          112,963
Translation adjustment               --            --            --         (19,704)       (19,704)
                               ----------   -----------   -----------   -----------    -----------
Balance at February 28, 1995           96            32       640,569       (64,306)       576,391
Net income                           --          67,812          --          67,812       
Translation adjustment               --            --            --         (36,372)       (36,372)
                               ----------   -----------   -----------   -----------    -----------
Balance at February 29, 1996           96            32       708,381      (100,678)       607,831
                               ==========   ===========   ===========   ===========    ===========

</TABLE>



                                      F-59

<PAGE>




                              ASTORIA BAKERY CC AND
                  ASTORIA BAKERY LESOTHO (PROPRIETARY) LIMITED

               NOTES TO THE AUDITED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
          FOR THE YEARS ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 1995 AND FEBRUARY 29, 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------



1.   BUSINESS AND FORMATION OF THE COMPANIES

Astoria  Bakery  CC and  Astoria  Bakery  Lesotho  (Proprietary)  Limited  ("the
Companies")  were registered in February 1992 and March 1979  respectively,  and
both conduct the business of industrial bakers.

2.   SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The  financial  statements  have been  prepared  in  conformity  with  Generally
Accepted  Accounting practice in the United States of America, on the historical
cost basis and incorporate the following significant accounting policies:

FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION

The  functional  currency  is that  of  South  African  Rands.  Accordingly  the
following rates of exchange have been used for translation purposes:

o    Assets and  liabilities  are  translated to United States Dollars using the
     exchange rates at the balance sheet date.

o    Common stock is translated to United  States  Dollars using the  historical
     exchange rates at the dates of issuance.

o    Revenues,  expenses,  gains and  losses  are  translated  to United  States
     Dollars using weighted average exchange rates during the year.

     The resultant  translation  adjustments  are reported in the  components of
     stockholders'   investment  designated  as  "Foreign  currency  translation
     adjustments."

FOREIGN ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

Transactions in foreign currencies arise as a result of plant, equipment and raw
materials purchased from foreign countries.

Transactions in foreign  currencies are accounted for at the rates ruling at the
transaction dates. Exchange gains and losses are charged to the income statement
during the period in which they occur.  Foreign  assets and  liabilities  of the
Companies  which are not  denominated  in South African Rands are converted into
South  African Rands at the exchange  rates ruling at the financial  year end or
the rates of forward  cover  purchased.  Forward cover is purchased to hedge the
currency exposure on foreign liabilities.



                                      F-60

<PAGE>



                              ASTORIA BAKERY CC AND
                  ASTORIA BAKERY LESOTHO (PROPRIETARY) LIMITED

               NOTES TO THE AUDITED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
          FOR THE YEARS ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 1995 AND FEBRUARY 29, 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------




2.   SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

INVENTORIES

Inventories  are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable  value.  Cost is
determined on the following basis:


o    Raw  materials  and  consumable  stores  are  valued at cost using the FIFO
     formula.

o    Work in progress and finished  goods are valued at direct raw material cost
     plus labour costs and related manufacturing overhead expenses.

o    Redundant and  slow-moving  inventory is  identified  and written down with
     regard to its estimated economic or realisable value.

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Improvements to leasehold property,  plant, machinery,  vehicles,  equipment and
furniture  and fittings are  depreciated  on the straight line basis so that the
cost of the assets is written off over their estimated useful lives.

The following periods are considered appropriate:


                                                         Period
                                                          Years
                                                         ------
            Improvements to leasehold properties             10
            Plant, machinery and equipment                3 - 5
            Vehicles                                          5
            Furniture and fittings                       7 - 10
                                                 
INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Goodwill  represents the excess of the cost of acquisition  over the fair values
of the net identifiable assets acquired when the entity was formed.  Goodwill is
recognised as an asset in the balance sheet.

GROSS REVENUE

Gross revenue  comprises the gross invoiced value of sales in respect of trading
operations,  before  discounts,  and excludes value added taxation.  The company
recognises  revenue on the accrual  basis upon  delivery of the  products to the
customers.



                                      F-61

<PAGE>



                              ASTORIA BAKERY CC AND
                  ASTORIA BAKERY LESOTHO (PROPRIETARY) LIMITED

               NOTES TO THE AUDITED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
          FOR THE YEARS ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 1995 AND FEBRUARY 29, 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------



2.   SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

INCOME TAXES

Income tax expenses is based on reported earnings before income taxes.  Deferred
income taxes represent the impact of temporary  differences  between the amounts
of assets and liabilities  recognised for financial  reporting purposes and such
amounts  recognised  for tax  purposes.  Deferred  taxation  is  provided on the
comprehensive  basis and is measured by applying  currently enacted tax laws. No
provision  for  deferred  tax has been  raised  as the  amounts  recognised  for
financial reporting purposes approximate those recognised for tax purposes.

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

As at the end of February  1996 the carrying  value of accounts  receivable  and
accounts payable approximate their fair value.

3.   INVENTORIES

Inventories for the year ended February 29, consist of the following:

                                                    FEBRUARY 29,
                                                        1996
                                                         $
                                                   ------------
             Ingredients and work in progress         163,556
             Packaging                                 16,007
             Fuel                                       7,225
                                                      -------
                                                      186,788
                                                      =======
                                             
4.   PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Property, plant and equipment consists of the following:

                                                       Accumulated     Net book
                                             Cost      depreciation     value
                                        February 29,  February 29,  February 29,
                                             1996          1996          1996
                                               $             $             $
                                          ----------    ----------    ----------
Leasehold improvements                       107,426       (26,252)       81,174
Plant, machinery and equipment - owned     1,243,783      (645,816)      597,967
                               - leased       30,078       (24,063)        6,015
Vehicles                       - owned       601,666      (341,703)      259,963
                               - leased       66,396       (37,881)       28,515
Furniture and fittings                       155,265       (64,398)       90,867
                                          ----------    ----------    ----------
                                           2,204,614    (1,140,113)    1,064,501
                                          ==========    ==========    ==========
Depreciation                                                             157,861
                                                                      ==========

Certain plant and equipment is  encumbered  as security for  liabilities  of the
Companies (refer to note 7).


                                      F-62

<PAGE>


                              ASTORIA BAKERY CC AND
                  ASTORIA BAKERY LESOTHO (PROPRIETARY) LIMITED

               NOTES TO THE AUDITED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------



5.     LONG TERM DEBT


                                                                    February 29,
                                                                        1996
                                                                          $
                                                                      ---------


Findevco  (Proprietary)  Limited - Installment  sale  agreements        207,346
     Payable monthly at an effective rate of interest of 
     17.56% per annum

Nedbank installment sale agreements                                      15,013
    Payable in 36 monthly installments of R1,596.18, payable from 
     1 March 1996 until 1 February 1999 with an effective interest 
     rate of 18.5% per annum
Finance lease liabilities                                                58,367
    Payable monthly at effective interest rates varying from 16.44% 
     to 22.25% per annum 
                                                                      ---------
Less : current portion                                                  (44,786)
                                                                      ---------
    Total long term debt                                                235,940
                                                                      =========


The Findevco loan is secured by a first mortgage bond over land
and buildings of a fellow close corporation. The installment sale
agreements are secured over certain assets having a book value of
$34,530

The  following  is a  schedule  of  repayments  of  long  term  debt  by year of
repayment:


Year ended February 28,                                            $
1997                                                             44,786
1998                                                             44,786
1999                                                             44,786
2000                                                             39,800
2001                                                             61,782


6.     LOANS FROM STOCKHOLDERS


                                                            February 29,
                                                                1996
                                                                  $
                                                            ------------

Loans from stockholders                                       154,911
                                                              =======

These loans are  classified as long term.  They do not bear interest and have no
fixed repayment date.

7.     OPERATING LEASES

       Astoria Bakery CC and Astoria Bakery Lesotho  (Proprietary) Limited lease
       factory  buildings and equipment  under  operating  leases.  These leases
       expire over the next five years.

       In most cases,  management expects that in the normal course of business,
       the leases will be renewed or replaced by other leases.



                                      F-63

<PAGE>
                              ASTORIA BAKERY CC AND
                  ASTORIA BAKERY LESOTHO (PROPRIETARY) LIMITED

               NOTES TO THE AUDITED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

7.     OPERATING LEASES (CONTINUED)

       The following  schedule shows the composition of total rental expense for
       all operating leases except those with a term of one month or less:


                                                   February 28,     February 29,
                                                       1995             1996
                                                        $                 $
                                                   ------------     ------------

Minimum rentals                                      254,859          257,123
                                                     =======          =======


8.     OTHER INCOME


       The components of other income are as follows:

                                                   February 28,     February 29,
                                                       1995             1996
                                                        $                 $
                                                   ------------     ------------
Interest income                                       26,242           46,716
Discount received                                         --           12,092
Rentals received                                       6,247            7,350
Other                                                  5,865            3,290
                                                       -----            -----
                                                      38,354           69,448
                                                      ======           ======

9.     INTEREST EXPENSE

                                                   February 28,     February 29,
                                                       1995             1996
                                                        $                 $
                                                   ------------     ------------

Current bank account                                  63,163            42,951
                                                      ======            ======

10.    INCOME TAXES

       Income taxes are  accounted for under  Statement of Financial  Accounting
       Standards No. 109  "Accounting for Income Tax" ("SFAS 109"), an asset and
       liability  method.  SFAS requires the  recognition of deferred tax assets
       and  liabilities  for the expected  future tax  consequences of temporary
       differences  between the tax bases and financial  reporting  bases of the
       Company's  assets and  liabilities.  In  addition,  SFAS 109 requires the
       recognition  of future tax  benefits,  such as net  operating  loss carry
       forwards,  to the extent  realisation of such benefit is more likely than
       not.

       The provision for income taxes  charged to continuing  operations  was as
       follows:

                                                   February 28,     February 29,
                                                       1995             1996
                                                        $                 $
                                                      ------            ------
Current                                                              
     South African                                    28,029             8,432
                                                      ------            ------
           Total current taxes                        28,029             8,432
                                                      ------            ------
Deferred                                                             
     South African                                      --                --
                                                      ------            ------
           Total deferred taxes                         --                --
                                                      ------            ------
Provision for taxes on income                         28,029             8,432
                                                      ======            ======
                                                                  

                                     F-64

<PAGE>


                              ASTORIA BAKERY CC AND
                  ASTORIA BAKERY LESOTHO (PROPRIETARY) LIMITED

               NOTES TO THE AUDITED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
          FOR THE YEARS ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 1995 AND FEBRUARY 29, 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


10.  INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)

The  provision  for  taxes on income  differs  from the  amount  of  income  tax
determined by applying the applicable South African statutory income tax rate to
pre-tax  income  from  continuing  operations  as  a  result  of  the  following
differences:


                                                 FEBRUARY 28,     FEBRUARY 29,
                                                     1995             1996    
                                                       $                $     
                                                 ------------     ------------
                                                                              
                                                                              
South African statutory tax rate                      35,0            35,0    
Capital gains/disallowable expenditure                 0,1            (4,0)   
Prior year under provision                             4,4              --    
Timing differences not provided for                   (5,5)          (17,6)   
Utilisation of operating loss carry forwards            --            12,4    
Foreign tax rate differential                        (14,1)          (14,7)   
                                                    ------          ------    
Effective tax rate                                    19,9            11,1    
                                                    ======          ======    
                                                                 
11.  CASH FLOWS

     The changes in assets and liabilities consist of the following:


                                                 FEBRUARY 28,       FEBRUARY 29,
                                                     1995               1996    
                                                       $                  $     
                                                 ------------       ------------
                                                                                
Increase in receivables                             (157,685)          (44,379) 
Increase in inventories                              (19,968)          (75,412) 
Decrease/(increase) in prepaid expenses                                         
 and other current assets                            (83,157)           79,615  
Increase in trade accounts payable                    85,640           261,625  
Increase in other provisions and accruals              8,607             7,796  
(Decrease)/increase in income taxes payable           12,697              (212) 
                                                    --------          --------  
                                                    (153,866)          229,033  
                                                    ========          ========  
Supplemental disclosures of cash                                                
 flow information:                                                              
Interest paid                                         63,163            42,951  
                                                    ========          ========  
Income taxes paid                                     15,332             8,644  
                                                    ========          ========  
                                                                    
12.  EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

The majority of permanent  salaried and waged staff belong to the Astoria Bakery
Pension Fund,  which is underwritten by Southern Life Assurance.  The retirement
fund is a defined  contribution plan, and by nature of this fund there can be no
unfunded obligation or responsibility of the employer.


                                      F-65


<PAGE>


                              ASTORIA BAKERY CC AND
                  ASTORIA BAKERY LESOTHO (PROPRIETARY) LIMITED

               NOTES TO THE AUDITED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
          FOR THE YEARS ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 1995 AND FEBRUARY 29, 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------



12.  EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS (CONTINUED)

The Companies participate in medical aid schemes which provide medical cover for
employees  on an annual  basis.  Neither the  Companies  nor the medical aid are
liable for post  retirement  medical costs.  The Companies have no liability for
employees' medical costs in excess of the contributions to the medical fund.

Amounts  contributed  by the Companies to the funds and charged to pension costs
and medical aid costs were as follows:


                                         FEBRUARY 28,              FEBRUARY 29,
                                             1995                      1996    
                                               $                         $     
                                         ------------              ------------
                                                                               
                                                                               
Pension costs                               51,825                     63,833  
                                            ======                    =======  
Medical aid contributions                   34,677                     40,997  
                                            ======                    =======  
                                                            
13.  CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

South  African  secondary  tax on  companies  at 12.5  percent is payable on all
future dividends declared.

14.  EVENTS SUBSEQUENT TO FEBRUARY 29, 1996

Subsequent  to the year end, an agreement was reached to sell 100% of the equity
of Astoria  Bakery  Lesotho  (Proprietary)  Limited and the  business of Astoria
Bakery CC to First South African Holdings (Proprietary) Limited, a subsidiary of
First South Africa Corp., Ltd, an entity under common control.




                                      F-66

<PAGE>



                                  GULL FOODS CC

                             UNAUDITED BALANCE SHEET
                              AT DECEMBER 31, 1996



                                                                    DECEMBER 31,
                                                                         1996
                                                                          $
                                                                     ----------
ASSETS

CURRENT ASSETS
                  Cash on hand                                          611,685
                  Trade accounts receivable                           1,051,578
                  Less:  Allowances for bad debts                          --
                                                                     ----------
                                                                      1,051,578
                  Inventories (net)                                     783,026
                  Prepaid expenses and other current assets               7,023
                                                                     ----------

Total current assets                                                  2,453,312

                  Plant and equipment                                 1,177,879
                  Less : Accumulated depreciation                      (337,263)
                                                                     ----------
                                                                        840,616

Loans to related parties                                                295,154
                                                                     ----------
                                                                      3,589,082
                                                                     ==========




LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' INVESTMENT

CURRENT LIABILITIES

                  Current portion of long term debt                      93,318
                  Bank overdraft payable                                 56,833
                  Trade accounts payable                              1,119,557
                  Income taxes payable                                  684,996
                                                                     ----------

CURRENT LIABILITIES                                                   1,954,704

                  Long term debt                                        223,016
                  Deferred income taxes                                   4,871
                                                                     ----------

Total liabilities                                                     2,182,591

Stockholders' investment
                  Common stock                                            7,221
                  Retained earnings                                   1,647,863
                  Foreign currency translation adjustments             (248,593)
                                                                     ----------
                                                                      3,589,082
                                                                     ==========



                                      F-67

<PAGE>



                                  GULL FOODS CC

                         UNAUDITED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
               FOR THE TEN MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND 1996



                                                     DECEMBER 31,   DECEMBER 31,
                                                         1995           1996
                                                          $              $
                                                      ----------     ----------

Revenues                                               9,172,227      9,455,224
                                                      ----------     ----------
Operating expenses
     Cost of sales                                     5,431,680      5,456,678
     Selling, general and administrative costs        2, 907,718      3,019,539
                                                      ----------     ----------
                                                       8,339,398      8,476,217
                                                      ----------     ----------

Operating income                                         832,829        979,007
Other income                                               8,958         99,090
Interest expenses                                         (2,297)       (32,316)
                                                      ----------     ----------

Income before income taxes                               839,490      1,045,781
Provision for taxes on income                           (293,821)      (357,011)
                                                      ----------     ----------

Net income                                               545,669        688,770
Retained earnings at beginning of the period             414,457        959,093
                                                      ----------     ----------

Retained earnings at end of period                       960,126      1,647,863
                                                      ==========     ==========




                                      F-68

<PAGE>



                                  GULL FOODS CC

                       UNAUDITED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
               FOR THE TEN MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND 1996


                                                     DECEMBER 31,   DECEMBER 31,
                                                        1995           1996
                                                         $              $
                                                      --------       --------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:                               
      Net income                                       545,669        688,770
      Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash                   
        provided by operating activities:                           
      Depreciation                                      71,541        148,259
      Deferred income taxes                               --            4,912
      Effect of changes in assets and liabilities       89,061        107,308
                                                      --------       --------
                                                                    
Net cash provided by operating activities              706,271        949,249
                                                      --------       --------
                                                                    
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:                               
      Net additions to fixed assets                   (277,925)      (680,162)
      Increase in loans to related companies           (56,823)        (5,586)
                                                      --------       --------
                                                                    
            Net cash utilized by investing activities (334,748)      (685,748)
                                                      --------       --------
                                                                    
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:                               
      Net borrowings in bank overdraft                 211,043         59,623
      Net repayments of long-term debt                 581,205        (66,187)
      Net repayments in short term debt                   --           47,136
                                                                    
                                                      --------       --------
            Net cash provided by financing activities  211,043         40,572
                                                      --------       --------
                                                                    
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash                 (1,361)       (85,705)
Net increase/(decrease) in cash on hand                581,205        218,368
Cash on hand at beginning of period                       --          393,317
                                                      --------       --------
                                                                    
Cash on hand at end of period                          581,205        611,685
                                                      ========       ========



                                      F-69

<PAGE>




                                  GULL FOODS CC

                   NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
               FOR THE TEN MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND 1996


1.   SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

UNAUDITED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The  accompanying  unaudited  financial  statements  of the  company  have  been
prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim
financial  information  and in  accordance  with Article 10 of  Regulation  S-X.
Accordingly they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by
generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial  statements.  In
the opinion of management,  the unaudited interim financial  statements  contain
all adjustments,  consisting of normal recurring accruals,  necessary to present
fairly the  financial  position  of the  company at  December  31,  1996 and the
results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented.

Results for  interim  periods are not  necessarily  indicative  of results to be
expected for the full year.

These  financial  statements  should be read in  conjunction  with the financial
statements  and notes  included  in the form 10 K for the period  ended June 30,
1996 and the form 10 Q for the period ended December 31, 1996.

2.   INVENTORY

Inventory for the period ended December 31, consists of the following:


                                                                  December 31,
                                                                     1996
                                                                       $
                                                                   -------
                          Raw materials                            256,156
                          
                          Packing materials                        365,728
                          
                          Finished goods                           161,142
                                                                   783,026
                                                                   =======

3.   CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

South  African  secondary  tax on  companies  at 12.5  percent is payable on all
future dividend declarations.


4.   EVENTS SUBSEQUENT TO DECEMBER 31, 1996

Subsequent  to  December  31,  1996 an  agreement  was reached to dispose of the
business of Gull Foods CC to First South African Holdings (Proprietary) Limited,
a subsidiary of First South Africa Corp., Ltd.



                                      F-70


<PAGE>



                                  GULL FOODS CC


                      REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS



To the members of Gull Foods CC:


The financial  statements of Gull Foods CC at February 28, 1995 and February 29,
1996 and  were audited by other  auditors  whose  reports dated
March 14, 1997 and October 24, 1996 respectively, expressed unqualified opinions
on  those  statements  prepared  in  conformity  with  South  African  statutory
accounting principles.


We have audited the  conversion of the financial  statements of Gull Foods CC at
and for the years ended  February 28, 1995 and  February  29,  1996,  from South
African  statutory  accounting   principles  to  generally  accepted  accounting
principles in the United States. In our opinion,  such conversion is appropriate
and has been properly applied.



/S/Price Waterhouse


Price Waterhouse
Sandon, South Africa
June 30, 1997


                                      F-71

<PAGE>




                               KANA AND ASSOCIATES
                                  [Letterhead]


GULL FOODS CC

       

REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

The Members

GULL FOODS CC

   
We have  audited the balance  sheet of GULL FOODS CC as at 29 FEBRUARY  1996 and
the  related  statements  of  income,  cash flows and  changes  in  stockholders
investment  for  the  year  then  ended.  These  financial  statements  are  the
responsibility  of the  members of the  corporation.  Our  responsibility  is to
report on these financial statements.

We conducted our audit in accordance with generally  accepted auditing standards
in the United States. These standards require that we plan and perform the audit
to obtain reasonable  assurance that in all material aspects,  fair presentation
is achieved in the financial statements.  An audit includes an evaluation of the
appropriateness in the financial statements, an assessment of the reasonableness
of   significant   estimates  made  by  management   and  a   consideration   of
appropriateness of the overall financial statement presentation and disclosures.
We consider that our auditing  procedures were appropriate in the  circumstances
to express our opinion presented below.

In our opinion these financial  statements fairly present the financial position
of the  corporation at 29 FEBRUARY 1996 and the result of its operations for the
period then ended in conformity with generally accepted  accounting practice and
in the manner required by the Close Corporations Act 1984.
    

       



/S/ KANA AND ASSOCIATES
KANA AND ASSOCIATES
CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS (S.A.)


DATE:  14 March 1997

RANDBURG, SOUTH AFRICA



                                      F-72

<PAGE>




                               KANA AND ASSOCIATES
                                  [Letterhead]


GULL FOODS CC

       

REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

The Members

GULL FOODS CC

   
We have  audited the balance  sheet of GULL FOODS CC as at 28 FEBRUARY  1995 and
the  related  statements  of  income,  cash flows and  changes  in  stockholders
investment  for  the  year  then  ended.  These  financial  statements  are  the
responsibility  of the  members of the  corporation.  Our  responsibility  is to
report on these financial statements.

We conducted our audit in accordance with generally  accepted auditing standards
in the United States. These standards require that we plan and perform the audit
to obtain reasonable  assurance that in all material aspects,  fair presentation
is achieved in the financial statements.  An audit includes an evaluation of the
appropriateness of the accounting policies, an examination,  on a test basis, of
evidence that  supports the amounts  included in the  financial  statements,  an
assessment of the reasonableness of significant estimates made by management and
a  consideration  of   appropriateness   of  the  overall  financial   statement
presentation  and  disclosures.  We consider that our auditing  procedures  were
appropriate in the circumstances to express our opinion presented below.
    

In our opinion these financial  statements fairly present the financial position
of the  corporation at 28 FEBRUARY 1995 and the result of its operations for the
period then ended in conformity with generally accepted  accounting practice and
in the manner required by the Close Corporations Act 1984.

       



/S/ KANA AND ASSOCIATES
KANA AND ASSOCIATES
CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS (S.A.)


DATE:  24 November 1996

RANDBURG, SOUTH AFRICA



                                      F-73

<PAGE>


                                  GULL FOODS CC

                   AUDITED BALANCE SHEET AT FEBRUARY 29, 1996



                                                                    FEBRUARY 29,
                                                                        1996
                                                                          $
                                                                     ----------
                                     ASSETS

CURRENT ASSETS

          Cash on hand                                                  393,317
          Trade accounts receivable                                     698,968
          Less:  Allowances for bad debts                                  --
                                                                     ----------
                                                                        698,968
          Inventories (net)                                             457,784
          Prepaid expenses and other current assets                       6,435
                                                                     ----------
                                                                      1,556,504

Plant and equipment                                                     647,152
Less : Accumulated depreciation                                        (239,457)
                                                                     ----------
                                                                        407,695
Loans to related companies                                              354,194
                                                                     ----------
                                                                      2,318,393
                                                                     ==========

                    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' INVESTMENT

CURRENT LIABILITIES

          Current portion of long term debt                              59,134
          Trade accounts payable                                        578,766
          Income taxes payable                                          414,114
                                                                     ----------

Total current liabilities                                             1,052,014

          Long term debt                                                349,641
          Deferred income taxes                                             230
                                                                     ----------

Total liabilities                                                     1,401,885

Stockholder's investment
          Common stock                                                    7,221
          Retained earnings                                             959,093
          Foreign currency translation adjustments                      (49,806)
                                                                     ----------
                                                                      2,318,393
                                                                     ==========



                                      F-74


<PAGE>




                                  GULL FOODS CC

                          AUDITED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
           FOR THE YEARS ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 1995 AND FEBRUARY 29, 1996


                                                     FEBRUARY 28,   FEBRUARY 29,
                                                         1995           1996
                                                          $              $
                                                     -----------    -----------
Revenues                                               7,270,767     10,910,302
                                                     -----------    -----------

Operating expenses
       Cost of sales                                   4,514,074      6,241,299
       Selling, general and administrative costs       2,376,329      3,866,133
                                                     -----------    -----------
                                                       6,890,403     10,107,432
                                                     -----------    -----------
Operating income                                         380,364        802,870
Other income                                              24,014         36,743
Interest expense                                          (1,872)       (20,127)
                                                     -----------    -----------

Income before income taxes                               402,506        819,486
Provision for taxes on income                           (140,877)      (274,850)
                                                     -----------    -----------

Net income                                               261,629        544,636
                                                     ===========    ===========




                                      F-75


<PAGE>



                                  GULL FOODS CC

                         AUDITED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
           FOR THE YEARS ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 1995 AND FEBRUARY 29, 1996


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 FOR         FOR
                                                             FEBRUARY 28, FEBRUARY 29,
                                                                 1995        1996
                                                                   $           $
                                                               --------    --------
<S>                                                             <C>         <C>    
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
     Net income                                                 261,629     544,636
     Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by
     operating activities:
     Depreciation                                                47,353      85,469
     Deferred income taxes                                         --           240
     Effect of changes in assets and liabilities               (171,762)     44,186
                                                               --------    --------

          Net cash provided by operating activities             137,220     674,531
                                                               --------    --------

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
     Net additions to plant and equipment                      (168,298)   (309,116)
     Increase in loans to related companies                    (162,958)   (212,030)
                                                               --------    --------

     Net cash utilized by investing activities                 (331,256)   (521,146)
                                                               --------    --------

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
     Net (repayments)/borrowings in bank overdraft              174,397    (169,553)
     Net repayments in loans from related companies            (180,136)       --
     Net proceeds of long term debt                                --       365,700
     Net repayments in short term debt                             --        61,850
                                                               --------    --------

          Net cash provided by financing activities              (5,739)    257,997
                                                               --------    --------

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash                          (5,156)    (18,065)
Net increase/(decrease) in cash on hand                        (204,931)    393,317
Cash on hand at beginning of year                               204,931        --
                                                               ========    ========

Cash on hand at end of year                                        --       393,317
                                                               ========    ========

</TABLE>

                                      F-76

<PAGE>




                                  GULL FOODS CC

            AUDITED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' INVESTMENT
           FOR THE YEARS ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 1995 AND FEBRUARY 29, 1996



                                                           Foreign
                                                           currency
                                      Capital   Retained  translation
                                       stock    earnings  adjustments    Total
                                         $          $          $           $
                                     --------   --------   --------    --------

Balance at February 28, 1994            7,221    152,828     (2,832)    157,217

Net income                               --      261,629       --       261,629

Translation adjustment                   --         --        1,283       1,283
                                     --------   --------   --------    --------

Balance at February 28, 1995            7,221    414,457     (1,549)    420,129

Net income                               --      544,636       --       544,636

Translation adjustment                   --         --      (48,257)    (48,257)
                                     --------   --------   --------    --------

Balance at February 29, 1996            7,221    959,093    (49,806)    916,508
                                     ========   ========   ========    ========





                                      F-77


<PAGE>




                                  GULL FOODS CC

                    NOTES TO THE AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
           FOR THE YEARS ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 1995 AND FEBRUARY 29, 1996


1.   BUSINESS AND FORMATION OF THE COMPANY

Gull Foods CC was  registered  in February  1985 and  conducts the business of a
multi - disciplinary convenience food manufacturer.

2.   SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The  financial  statements  have been  prepared  in  conformity  with  Generally
Accepted Accounting Practices in the United States of America, on the historical
cost basis and incorporate the following significant accounting policies:

FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION

The functional currency is that of South African Rand. Accordingly the following
rates of exchange have been used for translation purposes:

*    Assets and  liabilities  are  translated to United States Dollars using the
     exchange rates at the balance sheet date

*    Common stock is translated to United  States  Dollars using the  historical
     rates at date of acquisition.

*    Revenues and  expenses,  gains and losses are  translated  to United States
     Dollars using the weighted average exchange rates during the year.

The  resultant  translation   adjustments  are  reported  in  the  component  of
Stockholders'   investment   designated   as   "Foreign   currency   translation
adjustments".

FOREIGN ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

Transactions in foreign currencies arise as a result of plant, equipment and raw
materials purchased from foreign countries.

Transactions  in foreign  currencies  are  accounted  for at the rates ruling at
transaction date.  Exchange gains and losses are charged to the income statement
during the period in which they occur.  Foreign  assets and  liabilities  of the
company which are not denominated in South African Rand are converted into South
African Rand at the rates  ruling at financial  year end or the rates of forward
cover purchased.

INVENTORIES

Inventories  are valued at the lower of cost and net realizable  value.  Cost is
determined on the following basis:

*    Raw materials and consumables are valued at actual cost.



                                      F-78


<PAGE>




                                  GULL FOODS CC

                    NOTES TO THE AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
           FOR THE YEARS ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 1995 AND FEBRUARY 29, 1996

2.   SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

*    Work in progress and finished  goods are valued at direct raw material cost
     plus labour costs and related manufacturing overhead expenses.

*    Redundant  and slow moving  inventory is  identified  and written down with
     regard to its estimated economic or residual value.

PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Plant,  machinery,  vehicles,  equipment,  furniture  and  fittings  and kitchen
equipment  is  depreciated  on the  straight  line basis so that the cost of the
assets are written off over their estimated useful lives.

The following periods are considered appropriate:

                                                                Period
                                                                Years
                                                                -----
        Plant, machinery and equipment                            5
        Vehicles                                                  5
        Furniture and fittings                                   10

GROSS REVENUE

Gross revenue  comprises the gross invoiced value of sales in respect of trading
operations  before  discounts,  and excludes value added  taxation.  The company
recognizes  revenue on the accrual  basis upon  delivery of the  products to the
customers.

INCOME TAXES

Income tax expense is based on reported  earnings before income taxes.  Deferred
income taxes represent the impact of temporary  timing  differences  between the
amounts of assets and liabilities  recognized for financial  reporting  purposes
and such amounts  recognized for tax purposes.  Deferred taxation is provided on
the comprehensive basis and is measured by applying currently enacted tax laws.

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

As at the end of February  1996 the carrying  value of accounts  receivable  and
accounts payable approximate their fair value.




                                      F-79


<PAGE>




                                  GULL FOODS CC

                    NOTES TO THE AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
           FOR THE YEARS ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 1995 AND FEBRUARY 29, 1996


3.   INVENTORIES

Inventories for the year ended February 29, consist of the following:


                                                      FEBRUARY 29,
                                                          1996
                                                        -------

       Raw materials                                    175,098
       Packing materials                                235,156
       Finished goods                                    47,530
                                                        -------
                                                        457,784
                                                        -------

4.   PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Plant and equipment consist of the following:


                                               
                                 Cost          Accumulated        Net book
                              February 29,     depreciation        value
                                 1996          February 29,     February 29,
                                  $                1996             1996
                              ----------       ----------       ----------
                                                                  
Plant and machinery              456,114         (182,149)         273,965
Furniture and fittings            27,554           (7,319)          20,235
Motor vehicles                   142,357          (45,764)          96,593
Kitchen equipment                 21,127           (4,225)          16,902
                              ----------       ----------       ----------
                                 647,152         (239,457)         407,695
                              ==========       ==========       ==========
                                                                            
Certain plant and equipment is encumbered as security for the liabilities of the
company (Refer note 5)




                                      F-80


<PAGE>




                                  GULL FOODS CC

                    NOTES TO THE AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
           FOR THE YEARS ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 1995 AND FEBRUARY 29, 1996

5.   LONG TERM DEBT


                                                                  FEBRUARY 29,
                                                                     1996
                                                                       $
                                                                   --------
FINDEVCO (PROPRIETARY) LIMITED - LONG TERM LOAN

Repayable in 48 monthly  installments of $7,838 at an
effective  interest rate varying between 6% and 16.5% per
annum commencing on September 1, 1996.  Secured by
suretyships by the members of $376,224                              376,784

STANNIC - INSTALLMENT SALE AGREEMENTS

Repayable in 36 monthly  installment  of $ 296 at an
effective interest rate of 18.5% per annum commencing on
December 30, 1995. Secured by certain plant and equipment            10,019

STANNIC - FINANCE LEASE LIABILITIES

Repayable monthly at effective interest rates of 17.5%
per annum. Secured by certain plant and equipment                    21,972
                                                                   --------
                                                                    408,775
Less:  current portion                                              (59,134)
                                                                   --------

Total long term debt                                                349,641
                                                                   ========



Five year maturities of long term debt

      Year ended February 28                                 $

              1997                                        59,134
              1998                                       103,324
              1999                                       103,324
              2000                                       103,324
              2001                                        39,669
                                                        --------
                                                         408,775



                                      F-81


<PAGE>




                                  GULL FOODS CC

                    NOTES TO THE AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
           FOR THE YEARS ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 1995 AND FEBRUARY 29, 1996


6.   OPERATING LEASES

Gull foods CC lease  factory  buildings  and  certain  factory  equipment  under
operating leases. These leases all expire within the next five years.

In most cases  management  expects that in the normal  course of  business,  the
leases will be renewed or replaced by other leases.

The following  shows the  composition of total rental expenses for all operating
leases except those with a term of one month or less:


                                      FEBRUARY 28,        FEBRUARY 29,
                                          1995                1996
                                           $                   $
                                        -------             -------
         
         Minimum rentals                113,846             141,021
                                        =======             =======


7.   OTHER INCOME

Other income includes:
                                                FEBRUARY 28,        FEBRUARY 29,
                                                    1995                1996
                                                     $                   $
                                                  -------             -------

Rebates from South African government             16,864              29,742
Other sundry claims and interest income            7,150               7,001
                                                --------            --------
                                                  24,014              36,743
                                                ========            ========

8.   INTEREST EXPENSE


                                                FEBRUARY 28,        FEBRUARY 29,
                                                    1995                1996
                                                     $                   $
                                                  -------             -------

Current bank account                               1,872              16,550
Lease interest                                      --                 3,577
                                                --------             -------
                                                   1,872              20,127
                                                ========             =======



                                      F-82


<PAGE>




                                  GULL FOODS CC

                    NOTES TO THE AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
           FOR THE YEARS ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 1995 AND FEBRUARY 29, 1996


9.   INCOME TAXES

Income taxes are accounted for under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
no. 109 "Accounting for Income Tax" ("SFAS 109"), an asset and liability method.
SFAS 109 requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the
expected future tax consequences of temporary  differences between the tax bases
and  financial  reporting  bases of the  company's  assets and  liabilities.  In
addition,  SFAS 109 requires the recognition of future tax benefits, such as net
operating loss carry forwards, to the extent that realization of such benefit is
more likely than not.

The provision for income tax charged to continuing operations was as follows:


                                                FEBRUARY 28,    FEBRUARY 29,
                                                    1995            1996
                                                     $               $
                                                  -------         -------
Normal
  South African
    Current                                       140,877         274,174
    Prior year                                       --               436
                                                  -------         -------

Total current taxes                               140,877         274,610
                                                  -------         -------


DEFERRED
South African
   Current                                           --               240
                                                  -------         -------

      Total deferred taxes                           --               240
                                                  -------         -------

Provision for taxes on income                     140,877         274,850
                                                  =======         =======

The  provision  for  taxes on income  differs  from the  amount  of  income  tax
determined  by applying  the  applicable  South  African  statutory  tax rate to
pre-tax  income  from  continuing  operations  as  a  result  of  the  following
differences:


                                                FEBRUARY 28,    FEBRUARY 29,
                                                    1995            1996
                                                     $               $
                                                  -------         -------

South African statutory tax rate                    35.0            35.0
Permanent differences - not taxable                  --             (2.0)
Prior year under provision                           --              0.5
                                                    ----            ----
                                                    35.0            33.5
                                                    ====            ====



                                      F-83

<PAGE>




                                  GULL FOODS CC

                    NOTES TO THE AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
           FOR THE YEARS ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 1995 AND FEBRUARY 29, 1996


10.  CASH FLOWS

The changes in assets and liabilities consist of the following:


                                                      FEBRUARY 28,  FEBRUARY 29,
                                                         1995          1996
                                                           $             $
                                                       --------      --------
                                                                     
Decrease/(increase) in receivables                     (538,749)       70,678
Increase in inventories                                 (51,076)     (396,242)
Increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets    (1,557)         (196)
Increase in trade accounts payable                      276,146       106,568
Increase in income taxes payable                        143,474       263,378
                                                       --------      --------
                                                       (171,762)       44,186
                                                       ========      ========
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:                   
                                                                     
Interest paid                                             1,872        20,127
                                                       ========      ========
                                                                     
Income taxes paid/ (refunded)                            (2,597)       11,472
                                                       ========      ========
                                                                    
11.  EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

The company  participates  in a medical aid scheme which provides  medical cover
for  employees on an annual  basis.  Neither the company nor the medical aid are
liable for post  retirement  medical  costs.  The company has no  liability  for
employees medical costs in excess of the contributions to the medical fund.


                                                 FEBRUARY 28,    FEBRUARY 29,
                                                     1995            1996
                                                      $               $
                                                 ------------    ------------

Medical aid contributions                           3,868           4,888
                                                    =====           =====

12.  CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

South  African  secondary  tax on  companies  at 12.5  percent is payable on all
future dividends declared.

13.  EVENTS SUBSEQUENT TO FEBRUARY 29, 1996

Subsequent  to the year end, an  agreement  was reached to sell the  business of
Gull  Foods  CC  to  First  South  African  Holdings  (Proprietary)  Limited,  a
subsidiary of First South Africa Corp., Ltd, an entity under common control.


                                      F-84
<PAGE>




                    PIEMANS PANTRY (PROPRIETARY) LIMITED AND
                   SURFS UP INVESTMENTS (PROPRIETARY) LIMITED

                UNAUDITED COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS AT MAY 31, 1996

                                                                      May 31,
                                                                       1996
                                                                         $
                                                                     ----------
                       ASSETS

Current Assets
             Cash on hand                                                     0
             Receivables                                              2,178,497
             Allowances for bad debts                                   (78,679)
                                                                     ----------
                                                                      2,099,819
             Inventories (note 1)                                       391,592
             Prepaid expenses and other current assets                  606,553
                                                                     ----------
                       Total current assets                           3,097,963

Property, plant and equipment                                         4,825,882
Less: Accumulated depreciation                                       (1,401,635)
                                                                     ----------
                                                                      3,424,248
Goodwill                                                                 12,483
                                                                     ----------
                                                                      6,534,694
                                                                     ==========

             LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY

Current Liabilities
             Bank overdraft                                              31,448
             Current portion of long term debt                          391,194
             Trade accounts payable                                   1,033,479
             Other provisions and accruals                              385,246
             Income taxes payable                                       639,311
                                                                     ----------
                       Total current liabilities                      2,480,677

Long term debt                                                        1,344,438
Loan from stockholders                                                  381,098
Deferred income taxes                                                    56,191
                                                                     ----------
Total liabilities                                                     4,262,404

Stockholders investment
 Capital stock
    Piemans Pantry (Pty) Ltd         Common stock, R1 par value -
                                       Authorized 1000 shares, issued
                                       100 shares in 1996.                   35
                                     
    Surfs Up Investments (Pty) Ltd   Common stock, R1 par value -
                                       Authorized 1000 shares, issued
                                       100 shares in 1996.                   35
                                     
                                     Capital in excess of par               134
                                     
Retained earnings                                                     2,734,081
Foreign currency translation adjustments                               (461,995)
                                                                     ----------
                                                                      6,534,695
                                                                     ==========



                                      F-85

<PAGE>




                    PIEMANS PANTRY (PROPRIETARY) LIMITED AND
                   SURFS UP INVESTMENTS (PROPRIETARY) LIMITED

                     UNAUDITED COMBINED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                   FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MAY 31, 1995 AND 1996



                                                        May 31,        May 31,
                                                         1995           1996
                                                          $              $
                                                      ----------     ----------
Revenues                                               3,825,466      4,257,777
                                                      ----------     ----------

Operating expense
   Cost of sales                                       1,969,621      2,148,975
   Selling, general and administrative costs           1,450,741      1,696,409
                                                      ----------     ----------
                                                       3,420,362      3,845,384

Operating income                                         405,103        412,393

Other income                                              42,139         44,430
Interest expense                                         (91,906)       (79,982)
                                                      ----------     ----------
Income before income taxes                               355,336        376,841
Provisions for taxes on income                          (106,092)      (154,684)
                                                      ----------     ----------

Net income                                               249,244        222,158
Dividend
Retained earnings at beginning of the period           1,194,316      2,511,923
                                                      ----------     ----------
Retained earnings at end of period                     1,443,559      2,734,081
                                                      ==========     ==========




                                      F-86

<PAGE>




                    PIEMANS PANTRY (PROPRIETARY) LIMITED AND
                   SURFS UP INVESTMENTS (PROPRIETARY) LIMITED

                   UNAUDITED COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                   FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MAY 31, 1995 AND 1996


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     For         For
                                                                                    May 31,     May 31,
                                                                                     1995        1996
                                                                                       $           $
                                                                                   --------    --------
<S>                                                                                 <C>         <C>    
Cash flows from operating activities:
             Net income                                                             249,244     222,158
             Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash
             provided by operating activities:
             Depreciation                                                           121,265     142,801
             Amortization of goodwill                                                 2,151       1,834
             Deferred income taxes                                                        0           0
             Net loss/(gain) on sale of assets                                      (16,098)    (13,160)
             Effect of changes in assets and liabilities                           (564,008)   (705,740)
                                                                                   --------    --------
                       Net cash provided by operating actives                      (207,445)   (352,107)
                                                                                   --------    --------

Cash flows from investing actives:
             Net proceeds/(additions) to fixed assets                              (165,285)   (166,414)
             Sale/(purchase) of investments and other assets                              0           0
             (Increase)/decrease in loans to related companies                            0           0
                                                                                   --------    --------
                       Net cash used in investing actives                          (164,285)   (166,414)
                                                                                   --------    --------

Cash flows from financing actives:
             Net (repayment)/borrowings in bank overdraft and factoring facility      5,387      32,344
             Net proceeds/(repayments) of long term debt                            390,275      61,684
             Net (repayment)/borrowings in loans from related companies                   0           0
             Net (repayment)/borrowings in loans from stockholders                  (52,934)    (70,503)
             Net (repayment)/borrowings in short term debt                         (120,254)   (134,112)
             Net proceeds on share issue                                                  0           0
                                                                                   --------    --------
                       Net cash provided by financing activities                    212,475    (110,677)
                                                                                   --------    --------

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash                                              (2,233)    (69,677)
                                                                                   --------    --------
Net increase in cash on hand                                                       (162,488)   (698,786)
Cash on hand at beginning of year                                                   244,342     698,786
                                                                                   --------    --------
Cash on hand at end of year                                                          81,854           0
                                                                                   ========    ========
</TABLE>



                                      F-87

<PAGE>




                    PIEMANS PANTRY (PROPRIETARY) LIMITED AND
                   SURFS UP INVESTMENTS (PROPRIETARY) LIMITED

              NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                       FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MAY 31, 1996


1.       SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

         Unaudited interim financial statements

         The accompanying unaudited combined financial statements of the company
have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted  accounting  principles
for interim  financial  information  and in  accordance  with item Article 10 of
Regulation  S-X.  Accordingly  they do not  include all of the  information  and
footnotes  required by generally  accepted  accounting  principles  for complete
financial  statements.  In the  opinion of  management,  the  unaudited  interim
combined  financial  statements  contain all  adjustments,  consisting of normal
recurring  accruals,  necessary to present fairly the financial  position of the
company at May 31, 1996 and 1995,  and the results of  operations  and cashflows
for the  periods  presented.  Results for  interim  periods are not  necessarily
indicative  of  results  to be  expected  for  the  full  year.  Piemans  Pantry
(Proprietary) Limited and Surfs Up Investments  (Proprietary) Limited were under
common control from the date of organization.

2.       INVENTORY

         Inventory for the period ended May 31, consists of the following:

                                                                         May 31,
                                                                          1996
                                                                            $
                                                                         -------

Finished goods                                                           144,418
Ingredients and work in progress                                         143,887
Packaging                                                                101,544
Clearing materials                                                         1,210
Fuel                                                                         534
                                                                         -------
                                                                         391,592
                                                                         =======

3.       CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

         South African  secondary tax on companies at 12.5 percent is payable on
all future dividend declarations.

4.       EVENTS SUBSEQUENT TO MAY 31, 1996

         Subsequent  to May 31, 1996, an agreement was reached to dispose of 100
percent  of  the  equity  of the  companies  to  First  South  African  Holdings
(Proprietary)  Limited, a subsidiary of First South Africa Corp., Ltd, an entity
under common control.




                                      F-88

<PAGE>




                                  [LETTERHEAD]



                        REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

To the Board of Directors of Piemans Pantry (Proprietary) Limited and Surfs-up
Investments (Proprietary) Limited:

We have  audited  the  accompanying  combined  balance  sheet of Piemans  Pantry
(Proprietary) Limited and Surfs-up Investments (Proprietary) Limited at February
29, 1996 and the results of their  operations  and their cash flows for the year
then ended in conformity with generally  accepted  accounting  principles in the
United States. These combined financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company's  management.  Our  responsibility  is to  express  an opinion on these
combined  financial  statements based on our audit. The financial  statements of
Piemans  Pantry  (Proprietary)  Limited and Surfs-up  Investments  (Proprietary)
Limited at  February  28,  1995 and 1994 were  audited by other  auditors  whose
reports dated May 15, 1995 and June 15, 1994 respectively, expressed unqualified
opinions on those statements prepared in conformity with South African statutory
accounting principles.

   
We conducted our audit in accordance with generally  accepted auditing standards
in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit
to obtain reasonable  assurance about whether the financial  statements are free
of material misstatement. Our audit included examining on a test basis, evidence
supporting  the amounts and  disclosures in the financial  statements.  An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by  management,  as well as  evaluating  the  overall  financial  statement
presentation.  We believe  that our audit  provides a  reasonable  basis for our
opinion.
    

In our opinion,  the combined  financial  statements  referred to above presents
fairly,  in all material  respects,  the  financial  position of Piemans  Pantry
(Proprietary) Limited and Surfs-up Investments (Proprietary) Limited at February
29,  1996,  and the results of its  operations  and cash flows for the year then
ended in conformity with generally accepted accounting  principles in the United
States.

We have also audited the  adjustments  to combine the  financial  statements  of
Piemans  Pantry  (Proprietary)  Limited and Surfs-up  Investments  (Proprietary)
Limited at and for the years ended  February  28, 1995 and 1994,  and to convert
the financial statements from South African statutory  accounting  principles to
generally accepted accounting  principles in United States. In our opinion, such
adjustments are appropriate and have been properly applied.



/s/ Price Waterhouse
Sandton, South Africa
August 14, 1996




                                      F-89

<PAGE>




                                  [LETTERHEAD]

Deloitte & Touche


REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
TO THE MEMBERS OF PIEMANS PANTRY CC


   
We have audited the statements of income and cash flows of Piemans Pantry CC for
the year ended 28 February 1994 which are not presented separately herein. These
financial  statements are the responsibility of the members.  Our responsibility
is to report on these financial statements.

We conducted our audit in accordance with generally  accepted auditing standards
in the United States. These standards require that we plan and perform the audit
to obtain reasonable assurance that, in all material respects, fair presentation
is achieved in the financial statements.  An audit includes an evaluation of the
appropriateness of the accounting policies, an examination,  on a test basis, of
evidence  supporting  the amounts  and  disclosures  included  in the  financial
statements,  an assessment of the reasonableness of significant  estimates and a
consideration  of  the   appropriateness  of  the  overall  financial  statement
presentation.  We consider that our audit  procedures  were  appropriate  in the
circumstances to express our opinion presented below.
    

In our opinion these financial  statements fairly present the financial position
of the close  corporation at 28 February 1994, and the results of its operations
and cash flow  information  for the year then ended in conformity with generally
accepted   accounting   practice  and  in  the  manner  required  by  the  Close
Corporations Act.



/s/ Deloitte & Touche
15 June 1994
Sandton, South Africa



                                      F-90

<PAGE>




                                  [LETTERHEAD]

Deloitte & Touche


REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
TO THE MEMBERS OF PIEMANS PANTRY CC


   
We have audited the balance  sheet of Piemans  Pantry CC as of 28 February  1995
and the related  statements  of income,  cash flows and changes in  stockholders
investment  for the year then ended which are not presented  separately  herein.
These annual financial  statements are the  responsibility  of the members.  Our
responsibility is to report on these annual financial statements.

We conducted our audit in accordance with generally  accepted auditing standards
in the United States. These standards require that we plan and perform the audit
to obtain reasonable assurance that, in all material respects, fair presentation
is achieved in the annual financial statements.  An audit includes an evaluation
of the  appropriateness of the accounting  policies,  an examination,  on a test
basis, of evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures included in the annual
financial  statements,  an  assessment  of  the  reasonableness  of  significant
estimates and a consideration of the  appropriateness  of the overall  financial
statement  presentation.  We consider that our audit procedures were appropriate
in the circumstances to express our opinion presented below.
    

In our opinion these annual  financial  statements  fairly present the financial
position of the close  corporation  at 28  February  1995 and the results of its
operations and cash flow  information for the year then ended in conformity with
generally accepted  accounting  practice and in the manner required by the Close
Corporations
Act.



/S/Deloitte & Touche
15 May 1995
Sandton, South Africa




                                      F-91

<PAGE>




                                  [LETTERHEAD]

Deloitte & Touche


REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
TO THE MEMBERS OF SURFS UP INVESTMENTS CC


   
We have audited the  statements of income and cash flows of Surfs Up Investments
CC for the period  ended  February 28, 1994 which are not  presented  separately
herein.  These financial  statements are the responsibility of the members.  Our
responsibility is to report on these financial statements.

We conducted our audit in accordance with generally  accepted auditing standards
in the United States. These standards require that we plan and perform the audit
to obtain reasonable assurance that, in all material respects, fair presentation
is achieved in the annual financial statements.  An audit includes an evaluation
of the appropriateness of the accounting  policies,  an examination,  on a test,
basis, of evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures included in the annual
financial  statements,  an  assessment  of  the  reasonableness  of  significant
estimates and a consideration of the  appropriateness  of the overall  financial
statement  presentation.  We consider that our audit procedures were appropriate
in the circumstances to express our opinion presented below.

In our opinion these financial  statements fairly present the financial position
of the close  corporation at 28 February 1994, and the results of its operations
and cash flow information for the period then ended in conformity with generally
accepted   accounting   practice  and  in  the  manner  required  by  the  Close
Corporations Act.
    



/s/ Deloitte & Touche
15 June 1994
Sandton, South Africa




                                      F-92

<PAGE>



                                  [LETTERHEAD]

Deloitte & Touche

REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
TO THE MEMBERS OF SURFS-UP INVESTMENTS CC


   
We have audited the balance sheet of Surfs Up  Investments  CC as of 28 February
1995  and  the  related  statements  of  income,   cash  flows  and  changes  in
stockholders  investment  for the  year  then  ended  which  are  not  presented
separately herein.  These annual financial  statements are the responsibility of
the  members.  Our  responsibility  is  to  report  on  these  annual  financial
statements.

We conducted our audit in accordance with generally  accepted auditing standards
in the United States. These standards require that we plan and perform the audit
to obtain reasonable assurance that, in all material respects, fair presentation
is achieved in the annual financial statements.  An audit includes an evaluation
of  the  appropriateness  of  the  accounting  policies,  an  examination,  on a
test-basis,  of evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures  included in the
annual financial statements,  an assessment of the reasonableness of significant
estimates and a consideration of the  appropriateness  of the overall  financial
statement  presentation.  We consider that our audit procedures were appropriate
in the circumstances to express our opinion presented below.
    

In our opinion these annual  financial  statements  fairly present the financial
position of the close  corporation  at 28  February  1995 and the results of its
operations and cash flow  information for the year then ended in conformity with
generally accepted  accounting  practice and in the manner required by the Close
Corporations Act.




/s/ Deloitte & Touche
15 May 1995
Sandton, South Africa



                                      F-93

<PAGE>



                    PIEMANS PANTRY (PROPRIETARY) LIMITED AND
                   SURFS UP INVESTMENTS (PROPRIETARY) LIMITED

   AUDITED COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS AT FEBRUARY 28, 1995 AND FEBRUARY 29, 1996


<TABLE>

<CAPTION>
                                                        February 28,  February 29,
                                                            1995          1996
                                                             $             $
                                                         ----------    ----------
<S>                                                      <C>           <C>    
             ASSETS
Current Assets
             Cash on hand                                   244,342       698,786
             Receivables                                  1,296,543     2,029,860
             Allowances for bad debts                        (6,662)      (82,044)
                                                         ----------    ----------
                                                          1,289,881     1,947,817
             Inventories                                    376,371       459,790
             Prepaid expenses and other current assets      181,014        74,884
                                                         ----------    ----------
                       Total current assets               2,091,608     3,181,277

Property, plant and equipment                             3,712,310     5,342,050
Less: Accumulated depreciation                             (997,041)   (1,471,067)
                                                         ----------    ----------
                                                          2,715,269     3,870,983
Goodwill                                                     25,949        16,298
                                                         ----------    ----------
                                                          4,832,826     7,068,557
                                                         ==========    ==========

             LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY

Current Liabilities

   Current portion of long term debt                        483,594       595,862
             Trade accounts payable                         407,211       828,671
               Other provisions and accruals                508,291       747,298
             Income taxes payable                           239,630       502,422
                                                         ----------    ----------
                       Total current liabilities          1,628,727     2,674,252

Long term debt                                            1,362,187     1,467,357
Loan from stockholders                                      595,601       513,675
Deferred income taxes                                        79,986        64,192
                                                         ----------    ----------
             Total liabilities                            3,676,501     4,719,478

Stockholders investment
Capital stock
  Piemans Pantry (Pty) Ltd    Common stock, R1 par 
                              value - Authorized 1000 
                              shares, issued 100 shares 
                              in 1996, 1995 and 1994.            35            35
                            
  Surfs Up Investment         Common stock, R1 par 
    (Pty) Ltd                 value - Authorized 1000 
                              shares, issued 100 shares 
                              in 1996, 1995 and 1994.            35            35
                            
                              Capital in excess of par          134           134
Retained earnings                                         1,194,316     2,511,923
Foreign currency translation adjustments                    (38,195)     (163,047)
                                                         ----------    ----------
                                                          4,832,826     7,068,557
                                                         ==========    ==========
</TABLE>
                                      F-94


<PAGE>




                    PIEMANS PANTRY (PROPRIETARY) LIMITED AND
                   SURFS UP INVESTMENTS (PROPRIETARY) LIMITED

                      AUDITED COMBINED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 FOR THE YEARS ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 1994, FEBRUARY 28, 1995 AND FEBRUARY 29, 1996



<TABLE>

<CAPTION>
                                               February 28,   February 28,   February 29,
                                                   1994           1995           1996
                                                    $              $              $
                                               -----------    -----------    -----------
<S>                                              <C>           <C>            <C>       
Revenues                                         8,059,366     12,852,595     18,179,468
                                               -----------    -----------    -----------

Operating expense
   Cost of sales                                 5,620,005      9,500,626     13,230,852
   Selling, general and administrative costs     1,323,202      1,777,498      2,609,178
                                               -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                 6,943,207     11,278,123     15,840,030

Operating income                                 1,116,159      1,574,471      2,339,438

Other income                                        86,358         60,003        122,964
Interest expense                                  (335,339)      (397,192)      (431,527)
                                               -----------    -----------    -----------
Income before income taxes                         867,178      1,237,282      2,030,875
Provisions for taxes on income                    (362,602)      (483,994)      (713,268)
                                               -----------    -----------    -----------

Net income                                         504,576        753,288      1,317,607
Dividend
Retained earnings at beginning of the period       (63,548)       442,028      1,194,316
                                               -----------    -----------    -----------
Retained earnings at end of period                 441,028      1,194,316      2,511,923
                                               ===========    ===========    ===========
</TABLE>


                                      F-95


<PAGE>




                    PIEMANS PANTRY (PROPRIETARY) LIMITED AND
                   SURFS UP INVESTMENTS (PROPRIETARY) LIMITED

                    AUDITED COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 FOR THE YEARS ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 1994, FEBRUARY 28, 1995 AND FEBRUARY 29, 1996

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         For           For           For
                                                                     February 28,  February 28,  February 29,
                                                                        1994          1995          1996
                                                                          $             $             $
                                                                     ----------    ----------    ----------
Cash flows from operating activities:
<S>                                                                     <C>           <C>         <C>      
        Net income                                                      504,576       753,288     1,317,607
        Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash
        provided by operating activities:
        Depreciation                                                    227,898       481,008       656,708
        Amortization of goodwill                                          9,351         8,749         8,523
        Deferred income taxes                                            30,604        (3,803)      (11,673)
        Net loss/(gain) on sale of assets                                (5,707)      (15,456)      (28,234)
        Effect of changes in assets and liabilities                    (202,221)     (464,323)      259,322
                                                                     ----------    ----------    ----------
             Net cash provided by operating actives                     564,501       759,462     2,202,253
                                                                     ----------    ----------    ----------

Cash flows from investing actives:
        Net (repayment)/borrowings in bank overdraft and
             factoring facility                                        (174,467)            0             0
        Net proceeds/(repayments) of long term debt                      52,971        98,000       192,546
        Net (repayment)/borrowings in loans from related companies            0             0             0
        Net (repayment)/borrowings in loans from stockholders           665,964       (20,613)      (49,598)
        Net (repayment)/borrowings in short term debt                   127,711       195,434       146,729
        Net proceeds on share issue                                          99             0             0
                                                                     ----------    ----------    ----------
             Net cash provided by financing activities                1,149,025       272,821       289,676
                                                                     ----------    ----------    ----------

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash                                 (32,036)      (11,081)      (35,679)
                                                                     ----------    ----------    ----------
Net increase in cash on hand                                            (27,963)      (61,136)      454,444
Cash on hand at beginning of year                                       333,443       305,480       244,342
                                                                     ----------    ----------    ----------
Cash on hand at end of year                                             305,480       244,342       698,786
                                                                     ==========    ==========    ==========
</TABLE>




                                      F-96


<PAGE>




                    PIEMANS PANTRY (PROPRIETARY) LIMITED AND
                   SURFS UP INVESTMENTS (PROPRIETARY) LIMITED

        AUDITED COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS INVESTMENT
 FOR THE YEARS ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 1994, FEBRUARY 28, 1995 AND FEBRUARY 29, 1996



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 Capital                                                Foreign
                                  stock    Capital stock   Capital in                  currency
                                 Piemans      Surfs Up      excess of    Retained     translation
                                 Pantry     Investments        par       Earnings     adjustments      Total
                                    $            $              $           $              $             $
                               ----------    ----------    ----------   ----------    ----------    ----------
<S>                                    <C>           <C>          <C>    <C>            <C>          <C>      
Balance at February 28, 1994           35            35           134      441,028       (13,337)      427,895
Net income                                                                 753,288                     753,288
Translation adjustment                                                                   (24,858)      (24,858)
                               ----------    ----------    ----------   ----------    ----------    ----------
Balance at February 28, 1996           35            35           134    1,194,316       (38,195)    1,156,324
Net income                                                               1,317,607                   1,317,607
Translation adjustment                                                                  (124,852)     (124,852)
                               ----------    ----------    ----------   ----------    ----------    ----------
                                       35            35           134    2,511,923      (163,047)    2,349,080
                               ==========    ==========    ==========   ==========    ==========    ==========



</TABLE>


                                      F-97

<PAGE>



          PIEMANS PANTRY (PROPRIETARY) LIMITED AND SURFS UP INVESTMENTS
                              (PROPRIETARY) LIMITED
     NOTES TO THE COMBINED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED
           FEBRUARY 28, 1994, FEBRUARY 28, 1995 AND FEBRUARY 29, 1996



1.         BUSINESS AND FORMATION OF THE COMPANIES

Piemans  Pantry  (Proprietary)  Limited and Surfs Up  Investments  (Proprietary)
Limited (the Companies)  previously registered as close corporations and conduct
the following business:

Piemans Pantry (Proprietary) Limited
Manufacture  and  distribution  of frozen and pre-baked  pies and related pastry
products.

Surfs Up Investments (Proprietary) Limited
Property  owning  company  owning the fixed  property from which Piemans  Pantry
(Proprietary) Limited operates.

The Companies were under common control from the date of organization.

2.         SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The  financial  statements  have been  prepared  in  conformity  with  Generally
Accepted  Accounting Practice in the United States of America, on the historical
cost basis and incorporate the following significant accounting policies.

Foreign currency translation

The  functional  currency  is that  of  South  African  Rands.  Accordingly  the
following rates of exchange have been used for translation purposes:

           Assets and  liabilities are translated to United States Dollars using
           the exchange rates at the balance sheet date.

           Common  stock is  translated  to  United  States  Dollars  using  the
           historical exchange rates at the dates of issuances.

           Revenues,  expenses, gains and losses are translated to United States
           Dollars using weighted average exchange rates during the year.

The  resultant  translation   adjustments  are  reported  in  the  component  of
stockholders investment designated as Foreign currency translation adjustment.

Foreign assets and liabilities

Transactions  in  foreign  currencies  arise as a result of plant and  equipment
purchased  form  foreign  countries.  Transactions  in  foreign  currencies  are
accounted for at the rates ruling at the transaction  dates.  Exchange gains and
losses  are  charged  to the  income  statement  during the period in which they
occur.  Foreign assets and  liabilities of the company which are not denominated
in South African  Rands are  converted  into South African Rands at the exchange
rates ruling at the financial year end or the rates of forward cover  purchased.
Forward   cover  is  purchased  to  hedge  the  currency   exposure  on  foreign
liabilities.

Inventories

Inventories  are valued at the lower of cost and net realizable  value.  Cost is
determined on the following basis:

           Raw materials and consumable stores are valued at cost using the FIFO
           formula.

           Work in progress and finished goods are valued at direct raw material
           cost plus labor and related manufacturing overhead expenses.

           Redundant and slow moving  inventory is  identified  and written down
           with regard to its estimated economic or realizable value.


                                      F-98


<PAGE>



          PIEMANS PANTRY (PROPRIETARY) LIMITED AND SURFS UP INVESTMENTS
                             (PROPRIETARY) LIMITED
                NOTES TO THE COMBINED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 FOR THE YEARS ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 1994, FEBRUARY 28, 1995 AND FEBRUARY 29, 1996


           Capital  work in progress is  classified  as a fixed asset and is not
depreciated.

Property, plant and equipment

Land and buildings are stated at cost and land is not depreciated,  provision is
made to recognize permanent declines in value and major improvements to land and
buildings are capitalized.  Buildings, plant, machinery, vehicles, equipment and
furniture  and fittings are  depreciated  on the straight line basis so that the
cost of the assets is written off over their estimated useful lives.

The following periods are considered appropriate:


                                                             Period
                                                             Years
                                                             -----

Buildings                                                      20
Plant, machinery and equipment                                3-10
Vehicles                                                       5
Furniture and fittings                                         10

Intangible assets

Goodwill  represents the excess of the cost of acquisition  over the fair values
of the net identifiable  assets acquired.  Goodwill is recognized as an asset in
the balance sheet and is amortized,  together with other intangible  assets over
five years.

Gross Revenue

Gross revenue  comprises the gross invoiced value of sales in respect of trading
operations,  before  discounts,  and excludes value added taxation.  The company
recognizes  revenue on the accrual  basis upon  delivery of the  products to the
customers.

Income taxes

Income tax expense is based on reported  earnings before income taxes.  Deferred
income taxes represent the impact of temporary  differences  between the amounts
of assets and liabilities  recognized for financial  reporting purposes and such
amounts  recognized  for tax  purposes.  Deferred  taxation  is  provided on the
comprehensive basis and is measured by applying currently
enacted tax laws.


Fair value of financial instruments

As at the end of February  1994,  1995 and 1996,  the carrying value of accounts
receivable and accounts payable approximate their fair value.



                                      F-99



<PAGE>



         PIEMANS PANTRY (PROPRIETARY) LIMITED AND SURFS UP INVESTMENTS
                              (PROPRIETARY) LIMITED
                NOTES TO THE COMBINED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 FOR THE YEARS ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 1994, FEBRUARY 28, 1995 AND FEBRUARY 29, 1996


3.         INVENTORIES

Inventories for the year ended February 29, 1996, consist of the following:


                                              February 28,     February 29,
                                                  1995            1996
                                                    $               $
                                                 -------         -------

Finished goods                                   159,175         170,651
Ingredients and work in progress                 100,675         203,242
Packaging                                        112,264          76,842
Cleaning materials                                 1,350           1,285
Fuel                                               2,907           7,770
                                                 -------         -------
                                                 376,371         459,790
Less:  Valuation allowance                          --              --
                                                 -------         -------
                                                 366,371         459,790
                                                 =======         =======


4.         PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Property, plant and equipment consists of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              Accumulated    Net Book     Net Book
                                    Cost     Depreciation      value        value
                                February 29,  February 29,  February 29, February 28,
                                    1996          1996          1996         1995
                                      $             $             $            $
                                 ----------    ----------    ----------   ----------
<S>                               <C>          <C>            <C>          <C>      
Land                                 91,989          --          91,989       89,049
Buildings                         1,294,938          --       1,294,938    1,128,179
Plant, machinery and equipment    2,151,266      (986,572)    1,164,694      856,412
Vehicles                          1,119,890      (482,450)      637,440      632,631
Furniture and fittings               11,708        (2,045)        9,663        8,997
Capital work in progress            672,259          --         672,259         --
                                 ----------    ----------    ----------   ----------
                                  5,342,050    (1,471,067)    3,870,983    2,715,269
                                 ==========    ==========    ==========   ==========

Depreciation                                                    656,708      481,008
                                                             ==========   ==========
</TABLE>

Certain plant and equipment is  encumbered  as security for  liabilities  of the
company (refer note 7)

5.         INTANGIBLE ASSETS

                                                 February 28,      February 28,
                                                     1995              1996
                                                      $                 $
                                                   -------           -------

Cost                                                43,248            40,743
Accumulated amortization                           (17,299)          (24,445)
                                                   -------           -------
                                                    25,949            16,298
                                                   =======           =======


                                      F-100


<PAGE>



         PIEMANS PANTRY (PROPRIETARY) LIMITED AND SURFS UP INVESTMENTS
                              (PROPRIETARY) LIMITED
                NOTES TO THE COMBINED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 FOR THE YEARS ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 1994, FEBRUARY 28, 1995 AND FEBRUARY 29, 1996


6.         OTHER PROVISIONS AND ACCRUALS

                                                 February 28,      February 28,
                                                     1995              1996
                                                      $                 $
                                                   -------           -------

Other taxes payable                                325,541           148,348
Other creditors                                    182,750           598,950
                                                   -------           -------
                                                   508,291           747,298
                                                   =======           =======


7.         LONG TERM DEBT

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                February 28,  February 28,
                                                                                    1995          1996
                                                                                     $             $
                                                                                 ----------    ----------
<S>                                                                               <C>           <C>      
Findevco (Proprietary) Limited
     Property finance loans bear interest at 14.5% in 1995 and 1996                 874,598       724,716
     Equipment finance loans bear interest at 16.9% in 1995 and 14.3 % in 1996      359,410       762,541
                                                                                 ----------    ----------
                                                                                  1,234,008     1,487,256
                                                                                 ==========    ==========

Installment sale agreements bearing interest at rates linked to the prime
bank overdraft rate                                                                 578,955       553,143

Krugersdorp town council, bearing interest at 12.5% in 1995 and 1996                 32,818        22,820
                                                                                 ----------    ----------
                                                                                  1,845,780     2,063,219
Less: current portion                                                              (483,594)     (595,862)
                                                                                 ----------    ----------

     Total long term debt                                                         1,362,187     1,467,357
                                                                                 ==========    ==========
</TABLE>


The Findevco  property  finance  loans are secured by first and second  mortgage
bonds of $808,308 over land and buildings with a book value of $1,386,927. It is
repayable  over 107 months,  in amounts of $8,244  (excluding  interest) and one
final installment of $8,322, commencing on June 1, 1994.

The Findevco  equipment  finance loans are secured by general  notarial bonds of
$808,308 over all moveable  asset with a book value of  $1,816,797.  These loans
are repayable as follows:

           47 monthly  installments of $7,974 (excluding  interest and one final
           installment of $8,540, commencing on September 1, 1994)

           47 monthly  installment  of  $10,869  (excluding  interest  one final
           installment of $10,968, commencing on February 1, 1996)

The  installment  sale  agreements are secured over certain assets having a book
value of $653,168. They are repayable over the next five years.

The  Krugersdorp  Town  Council  loan is secured  over land with a book value of
$91,989. The loan is repayable in 60 monthly installments of $975, commencing on
May 1, 1993.


                                      F-101


<PAGE>



         PIEMANS PANTRY (PROPRIETARY) LIMITED AND SURFS UP INVESTMENTS
                              (PROPRIETARY) LIMITED
                NOTES TO THE COMBINED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 FOR THE YEARS ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 1994, FEBRUARY 28, 1995 AND FEBRUARY 29, 1996


8.         LOANS FROM STOCKHOLDERS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          February 28,  February 28,
                                                                              1995          1996
                                                                               $             $
                                                                            -------       -------
<S>                                                                         <C>           <C>    
Loans from stockholders bearing interest at the prime bank overdraft rate   595,601       513,675
                                                                            =======       =======
</TABLE>
                                                                    
9.         OPERATING LEASES

Piemans Pantry (Proprietary) Limited leases factory vehicles and equipment under
operating leases. These leases expire over the next five years.

In most cases, management expects that in the normal courses of business, leases
will be renewed or replaced by other leases.

The following  schedule shows the  composition of total rental  expenses for all
operating leases except those with a term of one month or less:

                                   February 28,    February 28,    February 28,
                                       1994            1995            1996
                                        $               $               $
                                     -------         -------         -------

Minimum rentals                      111,667         289,224         318,947
                                     =======         =======         =======

Lease payments for the following periods (estimated for years ended February 28,
1998 to 2001) are:


Year ended February 28,                                         $
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
1997                                                         347,655
1998                                                         378,943
1999                                                         359,995
2000                                                          25,234
2001                                                             959
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           1,112,786
                                                           =========

10.        OTHER INCOME

Other income  includes,  interest  received,  proceeds from insurance claims and
profits on  disposal  of assets.  The major  components  of other  income are as
follows:


                                   February 28,    February 28,    February 29,
                                       1994            1995            1996
                                        $               $               $
                                     -------         -------         -------
Interest received                     76,215          23,514          74,454
Profit on disposal of assets           5,707          15,456          28,234
Other                                  4,616           9,033          20,276
                                     -------         -------         -------
                                      86,358          60,003         122,964
                                     =======         =======         =======
                                                               

                                      F-102


<PAGE>



         PIEMANS PANTRY (PROPRIETARY) LIMITED AND SURFS UP INVESTMENTS
                             (PROPRIETARY) LIMITED
                NOTES TO THE COMBINED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 FOR THE YEARS ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 1994, FEBRUARY 28, 1995 AND FEBRUARY 29, 1996


11.        INTEREST PAID

                                   February 28,    February 28,    February 28,
                                       1994            1995            1996
                                        $               $               $
                                     -------         -------         -------
                                                                  
Bank overdraft                         2,391           1,327           2,721
Loans from stockholders              118,316         107,089         102,506
Long term debt                       214,632         288,777         314,771
Other                                   --              --            11,529
                                     -------         -------         -------
                                                                  
                                     335,339         397,192         431,527
                                     =======         =======         =======
                                                                
12.        INCOME TAXES

Income taxes are accounted for under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 109,  Accounting  for Income Tax (SFAS 109), an asset and liability  method.
SFAS requires the  recognition  of deferred tax assets and  liabilities  for the
expected future tax consequences of temporary  differences between the tax bases
and  financial  reporting  bases of the  Company's  assets and  liabilities.  In
addition,  SFAS 109 requires the recognition of future tax benefits, such as net
operating loss carryforwards,  to the extent realization of such benefit is more
likely than no.

The provision for income taxes charged to continuing operations was as follows:

                                   February 28,    February 28,    February 28,
                                       1994            1995            1996
                                        $               $               $
                                     -------         -------         -------

Current
South African                         331,998        487,797         724,941
                                     --------       --------        --------
Total current taxes                   331,998        487,797         724,941
                                     --------       --------        --------

Deferred
South African                          30,604         (3,803)        (11,673)
                                     --------       --------        --------

Total deferred taxes                   30,604         (3,803)        (11,673)
                                     --------       --------        --------
                                      362,602        483,994         713,268
                                     ========       ========        ========

Deferred tax liabilities (assets) are comprised of the following at:

                                   February 28,    February 28,    February 28,
                                       1994            1995            1996
                                        $               $               $
                                     -------         -------         -------

Prepaid expenses                        --             1,805           6,563
Fixed assets                          91,218          79,930          79,166
                                     -------         -------         -------
Gross deferred tax liabilities        91,218          81,735          85,728
                                     -------         -------         -------
                                                                   
Provisions for bad debts              (4,152)         (1,749)        (21,536)
                                     -------         -------         -------
Gross deferred tax assets             (4,152)         (1,749)        (21,536)
                                     -------         -------         -------
Net deferred tax (asset)/liability    87,066          79,986          64,192
                                     =======         =======         =======
                                                                

                                      F-103


<PAGE>



         PIEMANS PANTRY (PROPRIETARY) LIMITED AND SURFS UP INVESTMENTS
                              (PROPRIETARY) LIMITED
                NOTES TO THE COMBINED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 FOR THE YEARS ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 1994, FEBRUARY 28, 1995 AND FEBRUARY 29, 1996



The provisions for income taxes differs from the amount of income tax determined
by applying the applicable  South African  statutory  income tax rate to pre-tax
income from continuing operations as a result of the following differences:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     February 28,   February 28,   February 28,
                                                        1994           1995           1996
                                                          $             $               $
                                                       ------         ------         ------
<S>                                                       <C>            <C>            <C>
South African Statutory tax rate                          40%            35%            35%
                                                                                     
Disallowable expenditure                                 0.6%           0.3%           0.5%
Prior year underprovision                                --%             --            3.4%
Timing differences                                      -2.6%          -0.4%           --
Creation/Utilization of operating loss carryforwards    -0.3%          -0.4%          -0.3%
Transitional levy                                        --             4.9%           --
                                                       ------         ------         ------
Effective tax rate                                      38.3%          39.4%          38.6%
                                                       ======         ======         ======
</TABLE>
                                                                              
A one time  transitional  levy of five  percent was  enacted by the  Receiver of
Revenue, being the Fiscal Authority of the South African Government,  in respect
of years of assessment ending during the twelve months preceding March 31, 1995.
The impact of this levy on the Companys  current  income  taxes  payable for the
year ended  February  28, 1995  resulted in an increase to income tax expense of
approximately  $60,394.  An amending  tax law was enacted in 1994 which  reduced
corporate  income tax rates from 40 percent to 35 percent,  for financial  years
ending during the twelve months preceding March 31, 1995.

13.        CASH FLOWS

The changes in assets and liabilities consist of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    February 28,     February 28,     February 28,
                                                        1994             1995              1996
                                                           $                $                $
                                                    ------------     ------------     ------------
<S>                                                  <C>              <C>              <C>      
Increase in receivables                              (374,340)        (452,767)        (766,317)
Increase in inventory                                 (19,964)        (209,906)        (110,058)
Decrease/(increase) in prepaid expenses               (87,284)        (101,431)         100,036
Increase in accounts payable                           22,468           39,900          465,493
Increase in other provisions                          272,372          259,302          280,785
Increase/(decrease) in income taxes payable           (15,473)           3,579          289,383
                                                     --------         --------         --------
                                                     (202,221)        (464,323)         259,322
                                                     ========         ========         ========
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:                                   
Interest paid                                         335,339          397,192          431,527
Income taxes paid                                     347,474          484,219          435,558
                                                     ========         ========         ========
</TABLE>
                                                                                
14.        RETIREMENT BENEFITS

The company participates in non-contributory provident and group life funds, the
Old  Mutual  Pension  Services,  Orion  Plan,  on behalf of all  persons  in the
permanent  employ of the company.  In terms of the provident  fund,  the company
contributes  5% of the  employees  gross salary or wage to the fund. In terms of
the group life fund, the company contributes 1% of the employees gross salary or
wage to the fund.  By the nature of a  provident  fund there can be no  unfunded
obligation or responsibility on the employer.


                                      F-104


<PAGE>



         PIEMANS PANTRY (PROPRIETARY) LIMITED AND SURFS UP INVESTMENTS
                              (PROPRIETARY) LIMITED
                NOTES TO THE COMBINED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 FOR THE YEARS ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 1994, FEBRUARY 28, 1995 AND FEBRUARY 29, 1996


Amounts  charged to pension  costs and  contributed  by the company to the funds
were as follows:

                               February 28,     February 28,     February 28,
                                   1994             1995              1996
                                      $                $                $
                               ------------     ------------     ------------
Pension costs                        51,805           70,245           96,235
                                     ======           ======           ======

15.        PROFIT SHARE

Management receive an annual bonus, determined at the discretion of the board of
directors.

The amounts paid to management were as follows:

                               February 28,     February 28,     February 28,
                                   1994             1995              1996
                                      $                $                $
                               ------------     ------------     ------------

Profit share                         27,753           39,545           65,358
                                     ======           ======           ======


16.        CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

South  African  secondary  tax on  companies  at 12.5  percent is payable on all
future dividends declared.

17.        EVENTS SUBSEQUENT TO FEBRUARY 29, 1996

Subsequent  to the year end, and  agreement was reach to sell 100% of the equity
of the  companies  to First South  African  Holdings  (Proprietary)  Limited,  a
subsidiary of First South Africa Corp., Ltd, an entity under common control.


                                      F-105


<PAGE>

================================================================================

           No dealer,  salesman or any other person has been  authorized to give
any  information or to make any  representations,  other than those contained in
this Prospectus, and, if given or made, such information or representations must
not  be  relied  upon  as  having  been  authorized  by  the  Company  or by the
Underwriter.  This  Prospectus  does not  constitute  an  offer  to  sell,  or a
solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities  offered hereby by anyone in any
jurisdiction  in which such offer or  solicitation is not authorized or in which
the person  making such offer or  solicitation  is not  qualified to do so or to
anyone to whom it is unlawful to make such offer, or solicitation. 

                                  -----------

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS
                                                                            PAGE

Prospectus Summary.............................................................2
Summary Financial Information..................................................9
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward
    Looking Information ......................................................10
Risk Factors..................................................................10
Use of Proceeds...............................................................18
Dividend Policy...............................................................18
Capitalization................................................................19
Market for Registrant's Common Equity and
    Related Stockholder Matters...............................................20
Selected Historical and Pro Forma Condensed
    Combined Financial Data...................................................22
ProForma Financial Information................................................23
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
    Condition and Results of Operations.......................................24
Business......................................................................37
South Africa..................................................................46
Management....................................................................49
Certain Transactions..........................................................56
Principal Shareholders........................................................60
Description of Securities.....................................................63
Selling Securityholders.......................................................75
Plan of Distribution..........................................................76
Tax Considerations........................................................... 77
Shares Eligible for Future Sale...............................................82
Legal Matters.................................................................83
Experts.......................................................................83
Enforceability of Civil Liabilities...........................................83
Additional Information........................................................83
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements...................................F-1



                                   -----------

================================================================================




                         FIRST SOUTH AFRICA CORP., LTD.




                          10,000 9% Senior Subordinated
                             Convertible Debentures
                        1,666,667 Shares of Common Stock
                          (Underlying the conversion of
                       Outstanding 9% Senior Subordinated
                             Convertible Debentures)
                        1,578,948 shares of Common Stock
                          (Underlying the conversion of
                           Outstanding Increasing Rate
                         Senior Subordinated Convertible
                                   Debentures
                         135,000 Shares of Common Stock
                     (Underlying the exercise of Outstanding
                               Placement Warrant)
                          25,000 Shares of Common Stock
                     (Underlying the exercise of Outstanding
                             Stock Purchase Options)






                          ----------------------------


                                   PROSPECTUS

                          ----------------------------




                                            , 1998








================================================================================



<PAGE>



                                    PART II.
                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

Item 13.  Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.

           It is  estimated  that the  following  expenses  will be  incurred in
connection with the proposed  offering  hereunder.  All of such expenses will be
borne by the registrant.



Registration fee - Securities and Exchange Commission..............  $ 10,762.47
Legal fees and expenses............................................    50,000.00
Accounting fees and expenses.......................................    10,000.00
Blue sky fees and expense (including counsel fees).................     5,000.00
Printing expenses..................................................     2,500.00
Miscellaneous......................................................     1,737.53
                                                                     -----------
                Total..............................................  $ 80,000.00
                                                                     ===========





Item 14.  Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

           Under Bermuda law and the registrant's  Memorandum of Association and
bye-laws,  the directors,  officers,  liquidators and auditors of the registrant
and their heirs,  executors and administrators are indemnified and held harmless
out of the assets of the Company from and against all actions,  costs,  charges,
losses  and  expenses  which  they or any of them,  their  heirs,  executors  or
administrators,  shall or may incur or  sustain by or by reason of any act done,
concurred  in or omitted in or about the  execution  of their duty,  or supposed
duty,  or in their  respective  offices  or  trusts,  and none of them  shall be
answerable for the acts, receipts, neglects or defaults of the others of them or
for  joining  in any  receipts  for the  sake  of  conformity  or for any  loss,
misfortune  or damage  which may  happen in the  execution  of their  respective
offices or trusts, or in relation  thereto,  provided that they are not entitled
to indemnification in respect of any willful negligence,  willful default, fraud
or dishonesty which may attach to them.


Item 15.  Recent sales of unregistered securities.

           (a) In September  1995, the  registrant  issued  1,212,521  shares of
Class B Common Stock to Clive  Kabatznik in  consideration  of a set-off against
$12,125.21 of  organizational  expenses with respect to the Company  incurred by
Mr.  Kabatznik.  The  registrant  believes that such  transaction is exempt from
registration provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act") in
reliance upon Section 4(2) of the Act.

           (b) In November 1995, the registrant  completed the Bridge  Financing
of  $1,300,000  principal  amount  of Notes and  650,000  Bridge  Warrants.  The
registrant  believes that such Bridge  Financing is exempt from the registration
provisions  of the Act in reliance upon  Regulation D promulgated  under Section
4(2) of the Act. D.H. Blair Investment  Banking Corp.  earned a commission equal
to $130,000 and a non-accountable expense allowance of $39,000.

           (c) In January,  1997,  the  Registrant  entered  into a stock option
agreement  with  Barretto  Pacific  Corporation  ("BPC")  pursuant  to which the
Registrant granted BPC an option to purchase 25,000 shares of Common Stock at an
exercise  private of $3.75 per share.  Such option,  which shall expire 180 days
after  the  effectiveness  of  this  Registration  Statement,   was  granted  in
consideration of certain services rendered by BPC for the Registrant. The


                                      II-1

<PAGE>



Registrant  believes  that  such  transaction  is exempt  from the  registration
provisions of the Act in reliance on Section 4(2) of the Act.

           (d) In April 1997 through  August,  1997 the  Registrant  completed a
private placement of 10,000 senior Subordinated  Convertible Debentures due June
15, 2004, at a purchase price of $1,000 per Debenture.  The Registrant  believes
that such private  placement is exempt from the  registration  provisions of the
Act in reliance upon  Regulation D and  Regulation S promulgated  under the Act.
Value  Investing  Partners,  Inc.  earned  a  commission  equal to  $700,000,  a
non-accountable  expense  allowance  equal  to  $100,000  and  received  10 year
warrants  to purchase  135,000  shares of Common  Stock at an exercise  price of
$6.00 per share with respect to such private placement.


           (e) On October 31, 1997, the Registrant completed a private placement
of 15,000 Increasing Rate Senior Subordinated Convertible Debentures due October
31, 2001 at a purchase  price of $1,000 per debenture.  The Registrant  believes
that such private  placement is exempt from the  registration  provisions of the
Act in reliance  upon  Regulation S  promulgated  under the Act.  Bankers  Trust
Company earned a commission  equal to 4.5% of the total  offering  amount ad the
Registrant  has agreed to reimburse  Bankers  Trust  company for its  reasonable
legal expenses with respect to such transaction up to an amount of $50,000.


           (f) On November 25, 1997 the  Registrant's  Warrant Exchange offer to
holders of the  Company's  Class A Warrants and Class B Warrants  expired.  As a
result of that offer,  the Company  issued  1,175,345  shares of Common Stock to
tendering warrant holders.  The Registrant believes that such exchange is exempt
from the registration
provisions of the Act in reliance upon Section 3(a)(9) of the Act.

Item 16.  Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules:

           (a)       EXHIBITS


EXHIBIT
NUMBER              DESCRIPTION

3.1       Memorandum of Association of the Registrant
3.2       Bye-Laws of the Registrant
4.1       Form of Bridge Note
4.2       Form of Warrant Agreement
4.3       Form of Unit Purchase Option


4.4(1)    Indenture  dated  April  25,  1997  between  the  Company  and
          American Stock Transfer & Trust  Company  
4.5(2)    Form of Debenture
4.6(2)    Form of Placement Warrant 
4.7(2)    Stock Option Agreement 
4.8(3)    Indenture  dated  October  29,  1997,  between 
          the Company and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company

5.1(2)    Opinion of Conyers, Dill & Pearman
10.1      Starpak Acquisition Agreements
10.2      Starpak Escrow Agreement
10.3      L.S. Pressings Acquisition Agreements
10.4      L.S. Pressings Escrow Agreement



                                      II-2

<PAGE>



EXHIBIT
NUMBER              DESCRIPTION

10.5      Europair Acquisition Agreements
10.6      Europair Escrow Agreement
10.7      Form of Escrow Agreement regarding the Earnout Escrow Shares
10.8      Form of FSAH Escrow Agreement
10.9      Form of Employment Agreement of Clive Kabatznik
10.10     Form of FSAM Management Agreement
10.11     Form of Consulting Agreement with Michael Levy
10.12     Form of Consulting Agreement with Global Capital Limited
10.13     1995 Stock Option Plan
10.14     Form of Addendum to Starpak Acquisition Agreement
10.15     Form of Addendum to L.S. Pressings Acquisition Agreement
10.16     Form of Addendum to Europair Acquisition Agreement

10.17(4)  Pieman's Pantry Acquisition Agreement
10.18(5)  Form of Astoria Acquisition Agreement
10.19(6)  Form of Gull Foods Acquisition Agreement
10.20(2)  Form of Employment Agreement of Cornelius Roodt
   
11.1(7)   Statement Re: Computation of Per Share Earnings
12.1(7)   Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
    
21.1(2)   Subsidiaries of the Registrant
23.1(7)   Consent of Price Waterhouse
23.2(2)   Consent of Conyers, Dill & Pearman (Included in Exhibit 5.1)

23.3(2)   Consent of Parker Chapin Flattau & Klimpl, LLP
23.4(2)   Consent of Webber Wentzel Bowens

23.5(7)   Consent of Deloitte & Touche
23.6(7)   Consent of Kana and Associates

24.1(2)   Power of Attorney of certain officers and directors of the Company
    
- -----------

(1)  Incorporated by reference is the  Registrant's  Current Report on Form 8-K,
     Exhibit 4.1 (filed on September 10, 1997).
(2)  Previously filed.


(3)  Incorporated by reference is the  Registrant's  Current Report on Form 8-K,
     Exhibit 4.1 (filed on October 31, 1997).
(4)  Incorporated by reference is the  Registrant's  Current Report on Form 8-K,
     Exhibit 1 (filed  on June 14,  1996) as  amended  on Form  8-K/A  (filed on
     August 16, 1996) and on Form 8-K/A (filed on January 22, 1998).
(5)  Incorporated by reference is the  Registrant's  Current Report on Form 8-K,
     Exhibit 1 (filed on  November  7, 1996) as amended on Form 8-K/A  (filed on
     March 14, 1997).
(6)  Incorporated by reference is the  Registrant's  Current Report on Form 8-K,
     Exhibit 1 (filed on May 8, 1997) as amended on Form 8-K/A (filed on July 3,
     1997).
(7)  Filed herewith


           All other Exhibits have been previously  filed with the  Registrant's
Registration  Statement on Form S-1 (No. 33- 99180),  which is  incorporated  by
reference.



                                      II-3

<PAGE>



           (b)       Financial Statement Schedules

           Pro  Forma  Financial  Statement  Schedules  included  as  applicable
related to consolidated financial statements of the registrant.


           Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts


Item 17.  Undertakings.

           (a)       The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes;

                      (1) To file,  during any  period in which  offers or sales
are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement;

                                 (i)  To  include  any  prospectus  required  by
                      Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;

                                 (ii) To reflect in the  prospectus any facts or
                      events   arising   after   the   effective   date  of  the
                      registration  statement (or the most recent post-effective
                      amendment   thereof)   which,   individually   or  in  the
                      aggregate,   represent   a   fundamental   change  in  the
                      information,  set  forth  in the  registration  statement.
                      Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in
                      volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of
                      securities   offered  would  not  exceed  that  which  was
                      registered)  and any deviation from the low or high and of
                      the estimated  maximum  offering range may be reflected in
                      the form of prospectus filed with the Commission  pursuant
                      to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume
                      and price  represent no more than 20 percent change in the
                      maximum   aggregate   offering  price  set  forth  in  the
                      "Calculation of  Registration  Fee" table in the effective
                      registration statement.

                                 (iii) to include any material  information with
                      respect  to  the  plan  of  distribution   not  previously
                      disclosed  in the  registration  statement or any material
                      change to such information in the registration statement;

                      (2) That,  for the purpose of  determining  any  liability
under the Securities Act of 1933,  each such  post-effective  amendment shall be
deemed to be a new  registration  statement  relating to the securities  offered
therein,  and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be
the initial bona fide offering thereof.

                      (3)  To   remove   from   registration   by   means  of  a
post-effective  amendment any of the securities  being  registered  which remain
unsold at the termination of the offering.


           (b) Insofar as  indemnification  for  liabilities  arising  under the
Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors,  officers and  controlling
persons of the  registrant  pursuant to the provisions  described  under Item 14
above, or otherwise,  the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the
Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy
as expressed in the Act and is,  therefore,  unenforceable.  In the event that a
claim for  indemnification  against such liabilities  (other than the payment by
the  registrant  of  expenses  incurred  or  paid  by  a  director,  officer  or
controlling  person of the registrant in the  successful  defense of any action,
suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director,  officer or controlling person
in connection with the securities being registered,  the registrant will, unless
in the  opinion  of its  counsel  the matter  has been  settled  by  controlling
precedent,  submit to a court of appropriate  jurisdiction  the question whether
such  indemnification  by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act an
will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.



                                      II-4

<PAGE>



                                   SIGNATURES

   
           Pursuant  to the  requirements  of the  Securities  Act of 1933,  the
registrant  has duly  caused  this  Registration  Statement  to be signed on its
behalf by the  undersigned,  thereunto  duly  authorized  in the City of Coconut
Grove, State of Florida, on the 5th day of February, 1998.
    

                                         FIRST SOUTH AFRICA CORP., LTD.

                                         By:       /S/CLIVE KABATZNIK
                                            ----------------------------
                                                   Clive Kabatznik
                                                   President



           Pursuant to the  requirements  of the  Securities  Act of 1933,  this
Registration Statement was signed by the following persons in the capacities and
on the date indicated.


     SIGNATURE                          TITLE                         DATE

       *                      Chairman of the Board of          February 5, 1998
- -------------------------     Directors            
     Michael Levy                                                  

                              
/S/CLIVE KABATZNIK            President, Vice Chairman, Chief   
- -------------------------     Executive Officer, Chief 
     Clive Kabatznik          Financial Officer, Director and 
                              Controller                        February 5, 1998
                              
       *                      Director                          February 5, 1998
- -------------------------                
     Charles S. Goodwin                  
                                         
                                         
/S/  MFUNDISO J. NJEKE        Director                          February 5, 1998
- -------------------------                
     Mfundiso J. Njeke                   
                                         
                                         
       *                      Director                          February 5, 1998
- -------------------------               
     Cornelius J. Roodt


* By:  /S/CLIVE KABATZNIK
  ------------------------------
     Clive Kabatznik
     Attorney-in-fact



<PAGE>



                                  EXHIBIT INDEX


EXHIBIT                   DESCRIPTION                                 SEQUENTIAL
NUMBER                                                               PAGE NUMBER

3.1       Memorandum of Association of the Registrant
3.2       Bye-Laws of the Registrant
4.1       Form of Bridge Note
4.2       Form of Warrant Agreement
4.3       Form of Unit Purchase Option
4.4(1)    Indenture  dated  April  25,  1997  between  the  Company  and
          American Stock Transfer & Trust  Company  
4.5(2)    Form of Debenture
4.6(2)    Form of Placement Warrant 
4.7(2)    Stock Option Agreement 
4.8(3)    Indenture  dated  October  29,  1997,  between 
          the Company and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company
5.1(2)    Opinion of Conyers, Dill & Pearman
10.1      Starpak Acquisition Agreements
10.2      Starpak Escrow Agreement
10.3      L.S. Pressings Acquisition Agreements
10.4      L.S. Pressings Escrow Agreement
10.5      Europair Acquisition Agreements
10.6      Europair Escrow Agreement
10.7      Form of Escrow Agreement regarding the Earnout Escrow Shares
10.8      Form of FSAH Escrow Agreement
10.9      Form of Employment Agreement of Clive Kabatznik
10.10     Form of FSAM Management Agreement
10.11     Form of Consulting Agreement with Michael Levy
10.12     Form of Consulting Agreement with Global Capital Limited
10.13     1995 Stock Option Plan
10.14     Form of Addendum to Starpak Acquisition Agreement
10.15     Form of Addendum to L.S. Pressings Acquisition Agreement
10.16     Form of Addendum to Europair Acquisition Agreement
10.17(4)  Pieman's Pantry Acquisition Agreement
10.18(5)  Form of Astoria Acquisition Agreement
10.19(6)  Form of Gull Foods Acquisition Agreement
10.20(2)  Form of Employment Agreement of Cornelius Roodt
   
11.1(7)   Statement Re: Computation of Per Share Earnings
12.1(7)   Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
    
21.1(2)   Subsidiaries of the Registrant
23.1(7)   Consent of Price Waterhouse
23.2(2)   Consent of Conyers, Dill & Pearman (Included in Exhibit 5.1)

23.3(2)   Consent of Parker Chapin Flattau & Klimpl, LLP
23.4(2)   Consent of Webber Wentzel Bowens

23.5(7)   Consent of Deloitte & Touche
23.6(7)   Consent of Kana and Associates

24.1(2)   Power of Attorney of certain officers and directors of the Company
    
- -----------

(1)  Incorporated by reference is the  Registrant's  Current Report on Form 8-K,
     Exhibit 4.1 (filed on September 10, 1997).
(2)  Previously filed.


(3)  Incorporated by reference is the  Registrant's  Current Report on Form 8-K,
     Exhibit 4.1 (filed on October 31, 1997).
(4)  Incorporated by reference is the  Registrant's  Current Report on Form 8-K,
     Exhibit 1 (filed  on June 14,  1996) as  amended  on Form  8-K/A  (filed on
     August 16, 1996) and on Form 8-K/A (filed on January 22, 1998).
(5)  Incorporated by reference is the  Registrant's  Current Report on Form 8-K,
     Exhibit 1 (filed on  November  7, 1996) as amended on Form 8-K/A  (filed on
     March 14, 1997).
(6)  Incorporated by reference is the  Registrant's  Current Report on Form 8-K,
     Exhibit 1 (filed on May 8, 1997) as amended on Form 8-K/A (filed on July 3,
     1997).
(7)  Filed herewith


           All other Exhibits have been previously  filed with the  Registrant's
Registration  Statement on Form S-1 (No. 33- 99180),  which is  incorporated  by
reference.

<PAGE>

                                           FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES



Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
<TABLE>

FIRST SOUTH AFRICA CORP
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES

<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Additions
                                                         -----------------------
                                             Balance at  Charged to  Charged to             Balance at
                                             beginning   costs and      other                 end of
               Description                   of Period    expenses    accounts  Deductions    period
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                          <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>
INVENTORY VALUTATION ALLOWANCE

Balance at March 1, 1994                       593,203                                        593,203

Additional provision required due to
obsolete inventory                                         266,296                            266,296

Exchange rate differential                                                        (25,640)    (25,640)
                                               --------    --------    --------   --------    --------
Balance at February 28, 1995                   593,203     266,296           0    (25,640)    833,859
                                               --------    --------    --------   --------    --------
Balance at March 1, 1995                       833,859                                        833,859

Exchange rate differential                                                         (7,789)     (7,789)
                                               --------    --------    --------   --------    --------
Balance at June 30, 1995                       833,859           0           0     (7,789)    826,070
                                               --------    --------    --------   --------    --------
Balance at July 1, 1995                        826,070                                        826,070

Provision no longer required due to
disposal of obsolete inventory                                                   (297,088)   (297,088)

Exchange rate differential                                                        (95,177)    (95,177)
                                               --------    --------    --------   --------    --------
Balance at June 30, 1996                       826,070           0           0   (392,265)    433,805
                                               --------    --------    --------   --------    --------
Balance at July 1, 1996                        433,805                                        433,805

New subsidiaries acquired                                               73,940                 73,940

Additional provision required due to
obsolete inventory                                          3,734                               3,734

Provisions no longer required due to
disposal of obsolete inventory                                                    (64,971)    (64,971

Exchange rate differential                                                        (20,507)    (20,507)
                                               --------    --------    --------   --------    --------
Balance at June 30, 1997                       433,805       3,734      73,940     85,478     426,001
                                               ========    ========    ========   ========    ========
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------    
</TABLE>
                                                        -1-
<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Additions
                                                         -----------------------
                                             Balance at  Charged to  Charged to             Balance at
                                             beginning   costs and      other                 end of
               Description                   of Period    expenses    accounts  Deductions    period
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                          <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>
BAD DEBTS ALLOWANCE

Balance at March 1, 1994                       173,825                                        173,825

Additional provision required due to
doubtful accounts                                           61,862                             61,862

Exchange rate differential                                                        (13,747)    (13,747)
                                               --------    --------    --------   --------    --------
Balance at February 28, 1995                   173,825      61,862           0    (13,747)    221,940
                                               --------    --------    --------   --------    --------
Balance at March 1, 1995                       221,940                                        221,940

Exchange rate differential                                                         (2,073)     (2,073)
                                               --------    --------    --------   --------    --------
Balance at June 30, 1995                       221,940           0           0     (2,073)    219,867
                                               --------    --------    --------   --------    --------
Balance at July 1, 1995                        219,867                                        219,867

New subsidiaries required                                              181,572                181,572

Additional provision required due to
bad debts                                                   39,731                             39,731

Exchange rate differential                                                        (38,837)    (38,837)
                                               --------    --------    --------   --------    --------
Balance at June 30, 1996                       219,867      39,731     181,572    (38,837)    402,333
                                               --------    --------    --------   --------    --------
Balance at July 1, 1996                        402,333                                        402,333

New subsidiaries acquired                                               99,206                 99,206

Additional provision required due to
doubtful accounts                                          280,899                            280,899

Charges against provision due to bad
debts                                                                             (67,589)    (67,589)

Exchange rate differential                                                        (18,570)    (18,570)
                                               --------    --------    --------   --------    --------
Balance at June 30, 1997                       402,333     280,899      99,206   (86, 159)    696,279
                                               ========    ========    ========   ========    ========
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


                                                        -2-





                                                                    EXHIBIT 11.1


Weighted number of shares and earnings per share calculations:

YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

1. Basic earnings per share


<S>                                                                            <C>      
A Class ordinary shares                                                        2,200,000
   In issue at July 1, 1996                                                      120,000
   Conversion of B Class ordinary shares                                         536,127
   Weighted average number of shares issued to acquire subsidiary companies      536,127
   Weighted average number of shares related to conversion of warrants             5,367
   Weighted average number of shares related to conversion of options            123,282
                                                                              ----------
                                                                               2,984,776
                                                                              ----------
B Class ordinary shares
   In issue at July 1, 1996                                                    1,942,500
   Conversion of B Class ordinary shares to A Class shares                      (120,000)
   Weighted average number of shares issued to acquire subsidiary companies      332,579
                                                                              ----------
                                                                               2,155,079
                                                                              ----------
Weighted average number of shares outstanding                                  5,139,855

Net income                                                                     6,683,165
Earnings per share                                                            $     1.30

</TABLE>





<PAGE>



YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1997

2.         Fully diluted earnings per share


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

<S>                                                                            <C>      
A CLASS ORDINARY SHARES                                                        2,200,000
   In issue at July 1, 1996                                                      120,000
   Conversion of B Class ordinary shares                                         536,127
   Weighted average number of shares issued to acquire subsidiary companies      144,074
   Weighted average number of shares related to conversion of warrants            16,093
   Weighted average number of shares related to conversion of options            278,539
                                                                              ----------
                                                                               3,439,833
                                                                              ----------
B CLASS ORDINARY SHARES
   In issue at July 1, 1996                                                    1,942,500
   Conversion of B Class ordinary shares to A Class shares                      (120,000)
   Weighted average number of shares issued to acquire subsidiary companies      332,579
                                                                              ----------
                                                                               2,155,079
                                                                              ----------
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING                                  5,594,912

Net income                                                                     6,683,165
Interest cost related to debentures                                              124,761
                                                                              ----------

Earnings per share                                                            $     1.22




</TABLE>

<PAGE>



YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1996

1.         Basic earnings per share

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

A CLASS ORDINARY SHARES
<S>                                                                              <C>    
   Issued during the period                                                      940,437
   Weighted average number of shares related to conversion of warrants              --
   Weighted average number of shares related to conversion of options               --
                                                                              ----------

B CLASS ORDINARY SHARES
   Issued during the period                                                      842,500
                                                                              ----------
   Weighted average number of shares issued to acquire subsidiary companies      110,526
                                                                              ----------
                                                                                 953,526

WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING                                  1,893,463
                                                                              ----------

Net loss                                                                      (5,737,560)
                                                                              ----------

Earnings per share                                                            ($    3.03)
                                                                              ----------
</TABLE>


Note:      Warrants and options are not taken into  account for the  calculation
           of earnings per share as they would be antidilutive.



<PAGE>



YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1996

2.         Fully diluted earnings per share

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


A CLASS ORDINARY SHARES
<S>                                                                              <C>    
   Issued during the period                                                      940,437
   Weighted average number of shares related to conversion of warrants              --
   Weighted average number of shares related to conversion of options               --
                                                                              ----------

B CLASS ORDINARY SHARES
   Issued during the period                                                      842,500
                                                                              ----------
   Weighted average number of shares issued to acquire subsidiary companies      110,526
                                                                              ----------
                                                                                 953,526
                                                                              ----------

WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING                                  1,893,463
                                                                              ----------

Net loss                                                                      (5,737,560)
                                                                              ----------

Earnings per share                                                            ($    3.03)
                                                                              ----------
</TABLE>


Note:      Warrants and options are not taken into  account for the  calculation
           of earnings per shares as they would be antidilutive.



<PAGE>



Period March 1, to June 30, 1995

1.         Basic earnings per share


                         B CLASS ORDINARY SHARES                                
                         Issued to acquire predecessor companies         547,890
                                                                         -------
                         
                         WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING   547,890
                                                                         -------
                         
                         Net Income                                      213,829
                                                                         -------
                         
                         Earnings per share                              $  0.39
                                                                         -------
                         
                         PERIOD MARCH 1, TO JUNE 30, 1995
                         
                         B CLASS ORDINARY SHARES
                            Issued to acquire predecessor companies      547,890
                                                                         -------
                         
                         WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING   547,890
                                                                         -------
                         
                         Net loss                                        213,829
                                                                         -------
                         
                         Earnings per share                              $  0.39
                                                                         -------
                         
                         YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 1995
                         
                         1.         Basic earnings per share
                         
                         B CLASS ORDINARY SHARES
                         
                            Issued to acquire predecessor companies      547,890
                                                                         -------
                         
                         WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING   547,890
                                                                         -------
                         
                         Net loss                                        313,882
                                                                         -------
                         
                         Earnings per share                              $  0.57
                                                                         -------
                         
                         2.         Fully diluted earnings per share
                         
                         B CLASS ORDINARY SHARES
                         
                         Issued to acquire predecessor companies         547,890
                                                                         -------
                         
                         WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING   547,890
                                                                         -------
                         
                         Net loss                                        313,882
                                                                         -------
                         
                         Earnings per share                              $  0.57
                                                                         -------




                                                                    Exhibit 12.1

COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              Year          Year                                                               Three
                              Ended         Ended                                                             Months
                            February      February   Year Ended   March 1, to   Year Ended    Year Ended       Ended
                               28,           28,     February 28,   June 30,     June 30,      June 30,      September
                              1993          1994         1995         1995         1996          1997        30, 1997
                            ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------    ----------    ----------
<S>       <C>               <C>          <C>             <C>          <C>       <C>            <C>           <C>      
Pre-tax income/(loss)
from continuing
operations(1)               $  269,251   $  321,319      536,440      359,045   (5,248,942)    8,390,438     1,865,520
                            ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------    ----------    ----------

Fixed Charges:

Interest expense and
amortization of debt
issue costs                    223,314      180,960      152,163       18,801      865,733       858,067       512,147

Rentals:
One third of rental
expense relating to
operating leases                21,465       32,712       26,243        8,521      138,805       204,817        56,325


Total fixed charges            244,779      213,672      178,406       27,322    1,004,338     1,062,884       568,472
                            ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------    ----------    ----------

Earnings before income
taxes, minority interests
and fixed charges (1)          514,030      534,991      714,848      388,367   (4,244,604)    9,453,322     2,433,992
                            ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========    ==========    ==========   ========== 

Ratio of earnings to               2.1         1.67          4.0         14.2         (4.2)(2)       8.9 (3)       4.3
fixed charges               ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========    ==========    ==========   ==========
</TABLE>

- ---------------

(1)  Includes Minority  Interests in Subsidiaries  with fixed charges.  Minority
     Interests  are  disclosed   below  income  after  taxes  in  the  financial
     statements.

(2)  As a result of the loss  incurred in 1996,  the company was unable to fully
     cover the indicated fixed charges by $6,253,280.

(3)  Included in earnings for 1997 was a non-recurring gain of $3,327,478 before
     income  taxes  relating to the  disposal of a 30% interest in First SA Food
     Holdings  Limited  as  disclosed  in  Note  12 to the  Company's  financial
     statements.  If such sale had not  occurred  the ratio of earnings to fixed
     charges would have been 5.8.




<PAGE>



COMPUTATION OF PRO FORMA RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
AFTER ADJUSTMENT FOR PRE ACQUISITION PROFITS OF SUBSIDIARIES


                                                                Year Ended June
                                                                      30,
                                                                      1997
                                                                       $

Pre-tax income/(loss) from continuing operations, as above(1)      8,390,438
                                                                   ---------

Adjustment for pre acquisition income of subsidiaries                266,858

                                                                   8,657,296
                                                                   ---------


Total fixed charges, as above                                      1,062,884

Adjustments:

Decrease due to decrease in net interest expenses                    399,283
Increase due to increase in net interest expense


Total pro forma fixed charges                                      1,462,167
                                                                   ---------

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges                                       5.9
                                                                   =========

- ---------------

(1)  Includes Minority  Interests in Subsidiaries  with fixed charges.  Minority
     Interests  are  disclosed   below  income  after  taxes  in  the  financial
     statements.





                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1

                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS




   
We hereby  consent to the reference to our firm under the caption  "Experts" and
to the use of our reports  dated  August 14, 1996,  February 25, 1997,  June 30,
1997 and September 19, 1997 in the  Registration  Statement on Form S-1 of First
South Africa Corp.,  Ltd. (the "Company") and the related  Prospectus  contained
therein with respect to the  registration  of certain  debentures  and shares of
Common Stock  underlying  such  debentures,  shares of Common  Stock  underlying
certain  other  debentures,  a certain  Placement  Warrant and certain  purchase
options of the Company. We also consent to the application of such report to the
financial  statement  schedule of the Company  for the year ended  February  28,
1995,  the five months ended June 30, 1995 and each of the years in the two year
period ended June 30, 1997,  when such schedule is read in conjunction  with the
financial  statements referred to in our reports. The audits referred to in such
report also included this schedule.
    


/S/ PRICE WATERHOUSE
PRICE WATERHOUSE
Sandton, South Africa

   
February 6, 1998
    



                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.5

                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


Deloitte & Touche


   
10 February 1998
    


Group Financial Manager
First South African Holdings
Cnr Greder and Vuurslag Road
Spartan
KEMPTON PART
1620

Attention:  Mr. M. Korb

   
We hereby consent to the use of our reports of Piemans Pantry CC and Surfs-Up CC
dated 15 June 1994 and 15 May 1995 in the registration  statement on Form S-1 of
First South  Africa  Corp.,  Ltd.  (The  "Company")  and the related  prospectus
contained  therein with respect to the  registration  of certain  debentures and
shares  of Common  Stock  underlying  such  debentures,  shares of common  stock
underlying  certain other  debentures,  a certain  Placement Warrant and certain
purchase options of the Company.
    


/S/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE
Deloitte & Touche
Johannesburg, South Africa
   
10 February 1998
    









                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.6

                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


                               KANA AND ASSOCIATES
                                  [Letterhead]



   
9 February 1998
    


First South Africa Holdings


Dear Sirs,


Consent Letter - Gull Foods CC


We hereby  consent to the use of our reports dated 14 March 1997 and 24 November
1996 in the registration  statement on Form S-1 of First South Africa Corp. Ltd.
(The "Company") and the related prospectus contained therein with respect to the
registration  of certain  debentures and shares of Common Stock  underlying such
debentures,  shares of Common  Stock  underlying  certain  other  debentures,  a
certain Placement Warrant and certain purchase options of the Company.

/S/ KANA AND ASSOCIATES
KANA AND ASSOCIATES

Randburg, South Africa

   
9 February 1998
    




<PAGE>




                               KANA AND ASSOCIATES
                                  [Letterhead]



   
9 February 1998
    


First South Africa Holdings


Dear Sirs,


   
Consent Letter - Astoria Bakery CC
    


We  hereby  consent  to the use of our  reports  dated  2  January  1997  and 29
September 1995 in the  registration  statement on Form S-1 of First South Africa
Corp. Ltd. (The  "Company") and the related  prospectus  contained  therein with
respect to the  registration  of certain  debentures  and shares of Common Stock
underlying  such  debentures,  shares of Common Stock  underlying  certain other
debentures,  a certain  Placement  Warrant and certain  purchase  options of the
Company.

/S/ KANA AND ASSOCIATES
KANA AND ASSOCIATES

Randburg, South Africa

   
9 February 1998
    




<PAGE>



                               KANA AND ASSOCIATES
                                  [Letterhead]



   
9 February 1998
    


First South Africa Holdings


Dear Sirs,


Consent Letter - Astoria Bakery Lesotho (Pty) Ltd.


We  hereby  consent  to the use of our  reports  dated  2  January  1997  and 29
September 1995 in the  registration  statement on Form S-1 of First South Africa
Corp. Ltd. (The  "Company") and the related  prospectus  contained  therein with
respect to the  registration  of certain  debentures  and shares of Common Stock
underlying  such  debentures,  shares of Common Stock  underlying  certain other
debentures,  a certain  Placement  Warrant and certain  purchase  options of the
Company.


/S/ KANA AND ASSOCIATES
KANA AND ASSOCIATES

Randburg, South Africa

   
9 February 1998
    




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