GENESEE & WYOMING INC
10-K, 1997-03-31
RAILROADS, LINE-HAUL OPERATING
Previous: BANK PLUS CORP, DEF 14A, 1997-03-31
Next: IMC MORTGAGE CO, 10-K405, 1997-03-31



<PAGE>
 
                UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                            WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549


                                   FORM 10-K


     /X/    Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)of the
            Securities Exchange Act of 1934 [Fee Required]
            For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 1996

                                       or

     / /    Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
            Securities Exchange Act of 1934 [No Fee Required]
            For the transition period from_______to______

                          Commission File No.  0-20847
                                               -------
                                        
                              --------------------

                             GENESEE & WYOMING INC.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware                                    06-0984624
- -------------------------------            -------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of            (I.R.S. Employer  
incorporation or organization)             Identification No.)
 
71 Lewis Street, Greenwich, Connecticut            06830
- ---------------------------------------         ----------
(Address of principal executive offices)        (Zip Code)

(203) 629-3722
- --------------
(Telephone No.)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

                              Name of Each Exchange
Title of Each Class           on which Registered
- -------------------           -------------------

None

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

                     Class A Common Stock, $0.01 par value
                     -------------------------------------

                                (Title of Class)
<PAGE>
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days.
 
             [X] YES    [ ] NO

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of the Regulations S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to
the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K. []

Aggregate market value of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock held by
non-affiliates based on closing price on March 25, 1997: $112,271,808.

Shares of common stock outstanding as of the close of business on
March 25, 1997:

Class                  Number of Shares Outstanding
- -----                  ----------------------------
Class A Common Stock              4,399,832

Class B Common Stock                846,556


Documents incorporated by reference and the Part of the Form 10-K into which
they are incorporated are listed hereunder.

PART OF FORM 10-K                     DOCUMENT INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
- -----------------                     ----------------------------------

Part III, Items 10, 11, 12 and 13     Registrant's proxy statement to be
                                      issued in connection with the Annual
                                      Meeting of the Stockholders of the
                                      Registrant to be held on May 20, 1997.



            The remainder of this page is intentionally left blank.

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
                                     PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

      Genesee & Wyoming Inc. (the "Registrant" or the "Company") is a holding
company whose subsidiaries own and operate short line and regional freight
railroads and provide related rail services.  The Company, through its
industrial switching subsidiary, also provides railroad switching and related
services to North American industries with extensive railroad facilities within
their complexes.  The Company's predecessor, Genesee and Wyoming Railroad
Company, was founded in 1899 by E.L. Fuller and his partners.  From its founding
through 1977, the Company was dependent on a single commodity, salt, produced by
a single customer.  In 1977, when Mortimer B. Fuller, III purchased a
controlling interest in the Company and became its Chief Executive Officer, the
Company generated $3.9 million in operating revenues over its 14 miles of track.
In 1978, under the leadership of Mr. Fuller, the Company began a strategy of
diversifying its sources of revenues, initially in the railcar leasing business
and then through rail line acquisitions and most recently, through the
acquisition of Rail Link, Inc., which provides railroad switching and related
services.  As a result of the Company's acquisition and marketing strategies,
the Company has become a diversified rail operation extending over approximately
1,500 miles of track in nine states.  With the addition of the recently acquired
industrial switching subsidiary, the Company now serves over 300 customers in 15
states.

INDUSTRY OVERVIEW

      The railroad industry in the United States has undergone significant
change since the passage of the Staggers Rail Act of 1980 (the "Staggers Rail
Act"), which deregulated the pricing and types of services provided by
railroads.  Since 1980, Class I railroads in the United States and Canada have
taken aggressive steps to improve profitability and recapture market share.  In
furtherance of that goal, these Class I railroads have focused their management
and capital resources on their long-haul core systems, and certain of them have
sold branch lines to smaller and more cost-efficient rail operators that are
willing to commit the resources necessary to meet the needs of the shippers
located on these lines.  Divestment of branch lines enables Class I carriers to
minimize incremental capital expenditures, concentrate traffic density, improve
operating efficiency and avoid traffic losses associated with rail line
abandonment.

      The commitment of Class I carriers to increase efficiency and
profitability has also led to an increase in merger activity among long haul
railroads, such as the mergers between Union Pacific Corporation and Chicago and
North Western Holdings Corp., Burlington Northern Inc. and Santa Fe Pacific
Corporation, Union Pacific Corporation and Southern Pacific Rail Corporation
and, most recently, the pending merger or split up of Consolidated Rail
Corporation with or between Norfolk Southern Corp. and CSX Transportation, Inc.
These consolidations present both risk and opportunity for the Company.  The
acquisition of Conrail may impact the Company's Northeast region.  Until the
details of these consolidations reach greater clarity, the Company is unable to
determine the impact on its operations, particularly in the Northeast.

      The Company believes that there will continue to be opportunities to
acquire lines from Class I railroads in the United States and that there may 

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
be opportunities to make acquisitions among the over 500 existing short line and
regional railroads. The Company believes there may be acquisition opportunities
in Canada and Mexico as well, although governmental regulations may limit
acquisition opportunities in these countries. Both Canadian National Railway
Company and Canadian Pacific Limited have divestment programs, and Mexico has
announced a privatization program of the National Railroad of Mexico which could
include the disposition of rail lines.

STRATEGY

      The Company's strategy is to become the dominant provider of rail freight
transportation in the markets it serves by (i) growing its business through
acquisitions to establish new regions or increase its presence in existing
regions, (ii) expanding its revenue base within each region through marketing
efforts, and (iii) improving its operating efficiency through rationalization
and consolidation of overhead expenses.  The Company's growth to date has been
the result of the acquisition of rail properties, which has expanded the
Company's customer base and diversified its commodity mix, and its marketing
efforts.

     Acquisition of Rail Properties

      The Company seeks to expand its business through the selective acquisition
of rail properties, both in new regions and in regions in which it currently
operates.  The Company's fundamental acquisition strategy is to identify
properties that have large industrial customers which will provide the Company
with a stable revenue base and the potential to generate incremental revenues
and additional customers upon implementation of a focused marketing plan.  In
new regions, the Company targets rail properties that have adequate size to
establish a presence in the region, provide a basis for growth in the region and
attract qualified management.  When acquiring rail properties in its existing
regions, in addition to seeking properties with large industrial customers, the
Company targets rail properties where it believes the successful implementation
of its operating strategy is likely to generate significant operating
efficiencies.

      In evaluating acquisition opportunities, the Company considers, among
other matters, the size of the rail operations, opportunities for expansion,
commodity and customer diversification, revenue stability, connecting carriers,
track condition and maintenance requirements, and expected financial returns.
The Company also considers acquisition opportunities that have the potential to
enable its railroads to provide better or more cost-effective service to major
shippers or to increase and diversify the overall customer base of its
railroads.  The Company develops acquisition prospects through its relationships
with Class I carriers and its reputation in the industry.  In addition, the
Company currently has four consultants on retainer to assist in the
identification and development of acquisition opportunities.  The Company has
successfully integrated twelve acquisitions of varying sizes and operating
characteristics, of which four were existing short lines, seven were Class I
divestitures and one was an industrial switching company with three wholly-owned
subsidiary companies.

      The Company acquires rail properties by purchase of assets, or is able to
serve a market through lease or operating contract.  Typically, the Company bids
against other short line and regional operators for available properties.  The
structure of each transaction is determined based upon economic and strategic
considerations.  In addition to the financial terms of the transaction, sellers
consider more subjective criteria such as a prospective acquiror's operating
experience, its reputation among shippers, and its 

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
ability to close a transaction and commence operations smoothly. The Company
believes it has established an excellent record in each of these areas. In
addition, by growing revenues on its acquired lines and providing improved
service to shippers, the Company is able to provide increased revenue to the
Class I carriers that connect with its lines. The Company sees this ability to
provide increased revenue to Class I carriers as an advantage in bidding for
properties.

     Marketing

      The Company's marketing strategy is to build each region on a base of
major industrial customers, to grow that base business through marketing efforts
directed at its major customers and to generate incremental revenues outside the
base of major customers by attracting smaller customers and providing ancillary
services which generate non-freight revenues.  The Company believes that over
the long term, its strategy of building its regions around a core of major
industrial customers provides a stable revenue base and allows the Company to
focus its efforts on additional growth opportunities within a region.  Of the 13
customers that generated freight revenues in excess of $1 million in 1996, all
but four depend exclusively on the Company for rail service to support their
facilities, and the Company believes that each of these facilities is
strategically important to the respective customers.  While the other four
customers are not dependent on the Company, the Company's railroads provide the
best route for them to move their products by rail.  Through implementation of
its marketing strategy, the Company intends to increase further the number of
major customers so that, over time, the Company's reliance on any one customer
will be reduced.

      Consistent with its decentralized management structure, the Company's
sales and marketing activity is coordinated in each region by a marketing
manager.  The marketing manager works closely with personnel of each of the
Company's railroads and with other department heads to develop marketing plans
to increase shipments from existing customers and develop new business.  The
Company focuses on providing rail service to its customers that is easily
accessible, reliable and cost-effective.  The Company considers all of its
employees to be customer service representatives and encourages them to initiate
and maintain regular contact with shippers.

      Because most of the traffic transported by the Company's railroads is
interchanged with Class I carriers, the Company's marketing efforts are often
aimed at enhancing its railroads' relationships with Class I carriers as well as
shippers.  The Company provides related rail services such as railcar leasing,
railcar repair, switching, storage, weighing and blocking and bulk transfer,
which enable Class I carriers and customers to move freight more easily and
cost-effectively.  For example, the Company supplies cars to its customers or
its railroads when, among other things, a customer has a need which cannot be
filled by cars supplied by Class I railroads or the Company has an opportunity
to provide cars on a cost basis that both meets customer needs and improves the
economics of a freight move to the Company.  The Company actively manages its
railcar portfolio, buying and selling equipment to take advantage of changes in
market value in conjunction with changes in its customers needs.

     Operations

      The Company's operating strategy is to increase efficiency and
profitability in each region in which it operates.  When acquiring new rail
properties within an existing region, the Company capitalizes on operating
efficiencies created by the presence of its other railroads within that 

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
region. For example, in connection with its Pittsburg & Shawmut acquisition, the
Company will be able to liquidate 42 miles of track and sell a number of
locomotives and railcars. In addition, consolidation of revenue and accounting
functions often allows the Company to operate new railroads with fewer
employees, as was the case with both its Illinois & Midland and Pittsburg &
Shawmut acquisitions. The Company rationalizes its track, where appropriate, to
make its operations more efficient. Abandonments are planned on Buffalo &
Pittsburgh, Louisiana & Delta and Pittsburg & Shawmut in 1997. The Company also
seeks and grants trackage rights to improve regional rail infrastructure
efficiency.

      The Company intends to continue to improve the operating efficiency of its
railroads by track rehabilitation, especially where maintenance has been
deferred by the prior owner.  Because of the importance of certain of the
Company's shippers to the economic stability and/or development of the regions
where they are located, and because of the importance of certain of the
Company's railroads to the economic infrastructure of those regions,
approximately $18.2 million in state and federal grants for track rehabilitation
and service improvements has been invested in the Company's rail properties
since 1987.

RAILROAD OPERATIONS

     Management

      The Company's decentralized management structure is an important element
of its railroad operations.  The Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief
Financial Officer have responsibility for overall strategic and financial
planning.  Significant operational discretion is given to local management of
the Company's railroads, with each regional Senior Vice President responsible
for implementing a strategic plan for the region reflected in annual budgets,
monitored through quarterly reviews and reinforced by incentive compensation
tied to results.  Regional Senior Vice Presidents and local managers also have
specific operational objectives for continuous improvement such as reducing car
hire expense or on-the-job lost time injuries.  The plan for each region is
updated annually.  Each railroad is given significant freedom in pricing,
staffing, purchasing, marketing and operations, enabling the railroad's
management to be more responsive to customer needs and emerging business
opportunities.  Managers from all regions meet periodically to discuss
operational matters such as marketing, safety and locomotive acquisition and
maintenance.  Senior management of the Company also meets monthly to review each
railroad's operations.

      The Company believes that through its decentralized management structure
it has developed a culture that encourages employees to take initiative and
responsibility which is rewarded through performance-based profit sharing and
bonus programs.

     Customers

      The Company's railroads and switching operations currently serve over 300
customers.   A large portion of the Company's operating revenues is attributable
to customers operating in the electric utility, forest products, petroleum and
salt industries.  As the Company acquires new railroad operations, the base of
customers and industries served continues to grow and diversify.  The largest
ten customers, which is a group that changes annually, accounted for

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
approximately 53%, 50% and 49% of the Company's revenues in 1994, 1995 and 1996,
respectively.  In 1996, the Company's largest customer was Commonwealth Edison,
an electric utility, which accounted for approximately 18% of operating
revenues.  Through 1995, the Company's largest customer was Akzo Nobel Salt,
Inc. ("Akzo"), which accounted for approximately 12% of operating revenue in
1994, 9% in 1995 and 4% in 1996.  Since 1994, revenues from Akzo have been
negatively affected by the flooding of the Akzo mine.  See Item 7. of this
Report under the heading "Akzo Mine".  The Company typically ships freight
pursuant to transportation contracts among the Company, its connecting carriers
and the shipper.  These contracts are in accordance with industry norms and vary
in duration from one to seven years.

     Commodities

      The Company's railroads transport a wide variety of commodities for their
customers.  Some of the Company's railroads have a well-diversified commodity
mix while others transport one or two principal commodities.  In 1996, coal,
coke and ores and petroleum products were the two largest commodity groups
transported by the Company's railroads, constituting 32.7% and 13.9%,
respectively, of total freight revenues (see Item 7. of this Report under the
heading "Results of Operations - Year Ended December 31, 1996 Compared to Year
Ended December 31, 1995"), and 40.5% and 8.8%, respectively, of total carloads.
The following table summarizes the aggregate traffic volume of the Company's
railroads by commodity group:

                      CARLOADS CARRIED BY COMMODITY GROUP
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                  YEAR ENDED                    YEAR ENDED
                               DECEMBER 31, 1996             DECEMBER 31, 1995
                            -----------------------      --------------------------
 
 
                             Carloads   % of total       Carloads       % of total
Commodity Group             ----------  ----------   -----------------  ----------
- --------------------------
<S>                         <C>         <C>           <C>               <C> 
Coal, Coke & Ores               81,606        40.5%             12,398        10.5%
Petroleum Products              17,549         8.8%             17,559        14.8%
Pulp & Paper                    19,480         9.7%             18,667        15.7%
Lumber & Forest Products        17,135         8.5%             14,022        11.8%
Metals                          20,218        10.0%             17,014        14.3%
Chemicals                        8,289         4.1%              6,641         5.6%
Farm & Food Products            11,402         5.7%              5,778         4.9%
Autos & Auto Parts               6,301         3.1%              6,381         5.4%
Minerals & Stone                 6,766         3.4%              4,189         3.5%
Salt                             2,300         1.1%              7,865         6.6%
Other                           10,261         5.1%              8,159         6.9%
                               -------       -----             -------       -----
    Total                      201,307       100.0%            118,673       100.0%
                               =======       =====             =======       =====
</TABLE>

      Coal, coke and ores consist primarily of shipments of coal to utilities
and industrial customers.

      Petroleum products consist primarily of fuel oil and crude oil.

      Pulp and paper consist primarily of inbound shipments of pulp and outbound
shipments of kraft and fine papers.

      Lumber and forest products consist primarily of finished lumber used in
construction, particleboard used in furniture manufacturing, and wood chips and
pulpwood used in paper manufacturing.

      Metals consist primarily of scrap metal and finished steel products
shipped to and from two steel mills, and coated pipe.

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
      Chemicals consist primarily of various chemicals used in manufacturing.

      Farm and food products consist primarily of sugar, molasses, rice and
other grains and fertilizer.

      Autos and auto parts consist primarily of finished automobiles.

      Minerals and stone consist primarily of gravel and stone used in
construction.

      Salt consists of mined rock salt used for roadway ice control.

     Rail Traffic

      Rail traffic is classified as on-line or overhead traffic.  On-line
traffic is traffic that either originates or terminates with shippers located on
a railroad and is interchanged with another rail carrier.  On-line traffic that
both originates and terminates on a railroad is referred to as local traffic.
Overhead traffic neither originates nor terminates on a railroad, but rather
passes over a railroad from one connecting carrier to another.

      The Company believes that on-line shipments provide it with a stability of
revenues because such traffic represents shipments to or from shippers located
along its lines which cannot easily be diverted to other rail carriers.  While
overhead traffic is more easily diverted, it is less costly to handle.  To
offset the potential for diversion of overhead traffic, the Company has sought
long-term contracts on its significant overhead traffic.  In 1996, approximately
two-thirds of GWI's overhead traffic was transported under such multi-year
contracts.  In 1996, 8.9% of freight revenues was generated by overhead traffic
compared to 12.8% in 1995.

      The following table summarizes freight revenues by type of traffic carried
by the Company's railroads.

                        FREIGHT REVENUES BY TRAFFIC TYPE
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                          YEAR ENDED                     YEAR ENDED
                                       DECEMBER 31, 1996             DECEMBER 31, 1995
                                       -----------------            ------------------
 
TRAFFIC TYPE                         AMOUNT           % OF TOTAL     AMOUNT    % OF TOTAL
- ------------                         ------            ---------     ---------  ----------
<S>                              <C>                 <C>            <C>         <C>
On-line
      Originated                    $19,796               31.8%     $16,770        39.6%
      Terminated                     31,492               50.5%      17,104        40.4%
      Local                           5,507                8.8%       3,068         7.2%
                                    -------              -----      -------       -----
         Total On-line               56,795               91.1%      36,942        87.2%
Overhead                              5,521                8.9%       5,410        12.8%
                                    -------              -----      -------       -----
         Total Traffic              $62,316              100.0%     $42,352       100.0%
                                    =======              =====      =======       =====
 
</TABLE>
 

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
     Safety

      GWI's safety program involves all employees and focuses on the prevention
of accidents and injuries.  The Senior Vice President of each region is
accountable for the results of the program, and each has an officer responsible
for day-to-day program administration.  Line supervisors have direct
responsibility for the safety and training of their personnel.

      The Company maintains a corporate-wide safety policy facilitated by a
full-time Safety Director.  The Company's safety program also gives each
railroad the flexibility to develop its own safety rules based on local
requirements or practices.  Each railroad complies fully with all federal, state
and local government regulations.  Operating personnel are trained and certified
in train operations, hazardous materials handling, proper radio procedures and
all other areas subject to governmental rules and regulations.

      The Company also participates in governmental and industry sponsored
safety programs.  Members of the Company's management serve on the Board of
Directors of Operation Lifesaver (the national grade crossing awareness
program), the New Program Committee of Operation Lifesaver and the American
Short Line Railroad Association Safety Committee.  In addition, the Company has
a  working team  consisting of the safety officers from each railroad. This team
is charged with ongoing development and refinement of the Company's safety
program and coordination with each railroad to insure compliance with and
implementation of all safety rules and regulations.

     Employees

      As of December 31, 1996, the Company had 690 full-time employees.  Of this
total, 139 are members of national labor organizations.  The Company has eight
contracts with these national labor organizations which have expiration dates
ranging from August 1997 to June 1999.  The Company has also entered into
collective bargaining agreements with an additional 68 employees who represent
themselves, all of which expire in 1999.

      In March 1994, approximately 40 employees of one of the Company's
railroads began an illegal work stoppage to protest the use of management on
train crews.  A temporary restraining order was issued and the underlying
dispute was subsequently resolved in arbitration.  The work stoppage did not
have a material effect on the Company's operations and the Company believes the
work stoppage has not had an adverse effect on its overall employee relations.
The Company has not experienced any other strikes or work stoppages for over 20
years.  The Company believes that its railroads' relations with their employees
are good.

INSURANCE

      The Company has obtained for each of its railroads insurance coverage for
losses arising from personal injury and for property damage in the event of
derailments or other accidents or occurrences.  The liability policies have
self-insured retentions ranging from $25,000 to $250,000 per occurrence.  In
addition, the Company maintains an excess liability policy which provides
supplemental coverage for losses in excess of primary policy limits.  With
respect to the transportation of hazardous commodities, the Company's liability
policy covers sudden releases of hazardous materials, including expenses related
to evacuation.  Personal injuries associated with grade crossing accidents are
also covered under the Company's liability policy.  The Company also maintains
all-risk property damage coverage, subject to a 

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
standard pollution exception and self-insured retentions ranging from $10,000 to
$250,000.

      Employees of the Company's railroads are covered by the Federal Employers'
Liability Act ("FELA"), a fault-based system under which injuries and deaths of
railroad employees are settled by negotiation or litigation based on the
comparative negligence of the employee and the employer. FELA-related claims are
covered under the Company's liability insurance policies.

      The Company believes its insurance coverage is adequate in light of its
experience and the experience of the rail industry.  However, there can be no
assurance as to the adequacy, availability or cost of insurance in the future.

COMPETITION

      In acquiring rail properties, the Company competes with other short line
and regional railroad operators, some of which are larger and have greater
financial resources than the Company.  Competition for rail properties is based
primarily upon price, operating history and financing capability.  The Company
believes its established reputation as a successful acquiror and operator of
short line rail properties, in combination with its managerial and financial
resources, effectively positions it to take advantage of acquisition
opportunities.

      Each of the Company's railroads is typically the only rail carrier
directly serving its customers; however, the Company's railroads compete
directly with other modes of transportation, principally motor carriers and, to
a lesser extent, ship and barge operators.  The extent of this competition
varies significantly among the Company's railroads.  Competition is based
primarily upon the rate charged and the transit time required, as well as the
quality and reliability of the service provided, for an origin-to-destination
transportation package.  To the extent other carriers are involved in
transporting a shipment, the Company cannot control the cost and quality of such
service.  Cost reductions achieved by major rail carriers over the past several
years have generally improved their ability to compete with alternate modes of
transportation.

REGULATION

      The Company's railroads are subject to regulation by the Surface
Transportation Board ("STB"), the Federal Railroad Administration ("FRA"), state
departments of transportation and some state and local regulatory agencies.  The
STB is the successor to certain regulatory functions previously administered by
the Interstate Commerce Commission.  Established by the ICC Termination Act of
1995 ("ICCTA"), the STB has jurisdiction over, among other things, service
levels and compensation of carriers for use of their railcars by other carriers.
It also must authorize extension or abandonment of rail lines, the acquisition
of rail lines, and consolidation, merger or acquisition of control of rail
common carriers; in limited circumstances, it may condition such authorization
upon the payment of severance benefits to affected employees.  The STB may
review rail carrier pricing only in response to a complaint concerning rates
charged for transportation where there is an absence of effective competition.
The FRA has jurisdiction over safety and railroad equipment standards and also
assists in coordinating projects for railroad route simplification.

                                       10
<PAGE>
 
      In 1980, the Staggers Rail Act fundamentally changed federal regulatory
policy by emphasizing the promotion of revenue adequacy (the opportunity to earn
revenues sufficient to cover costs and attract capital) for the railroads and
allowing competition to determine to a greater extent rail prices and route and
service options.  The ICCTA continues the trend towards limiting regulation of
rail prices.  As a result of these changes in legislative policy, the railroad
industry's rate structure has evolved from a system of interrelated prices that
applied over different routes between the same points to a combination of market
based prices that are now subject to limited regulatory constraints.  While
federal regulation of rail prices has been significantly curtailed, federal
regulation of services continues to affect profitability and competitiveness in
the railroad industry.

      The ICCTA has not been in effect long enough to determine its impact on
the short line and regional railroad industry.  In reducing regulation an effect
of the ICCTA may be diminished regulatory recourse for small railroads which
negatively affects their competitive position with their Class I connections.

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

      The Company's operations are subject to various federal, state and local
laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment, which have
become increasingly stringent.  These environmental laws and regulations, which
are implemented principally by the Environmental Protection Agency and
comparable state agencies, govern the management of hazardous wastes, the
discharge of pollutants into the air and into surface and underground waters,
and the manufacture and disposal of certain substances. There are no material
environmental claims currently pending or, to the Company's knowledge,
threatened against the Company or any of its railroads. In addition, the Company
believes that the operations of its railroads are in material compliance with
current laws and regulations.  The Company estimates that any expenses incurred
in maintaining compliance with current laws and regulations will not have a
material effect on the Company's earnings or capital expenditures.  However,
there can be no assurance that the current regulatory requirements will not
change, or that currently unforeseen environmental incidents will not occur, or
that past non-compliance with environmental laws will not be discovered on the
Company's properties.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

      The Company currently operates 15 railroads in nine states, of which ten
are owned, four are leased and one is operated under an operating agreement.
The Company's railroads own or lease 1,279 miles of track and operate over an
additional 270 miles pursuant to trackage rights and haulage contracts.  These
rail properties typically consist of the track and the underlying land.  Real
estate adjacent to the railroad rights-of-way is generally retained by the
seller, and the Company's holdings of such property are not material.
Similarly, the seller typically retains mineral rights and rights to grant fiber
optic and other easements in the properties acquired by the Company's railroads.

      The following table sets forth certain information as of December 31, 1996
with respect to the Company's railroads:

                                       11
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
 
                                                                              
                                                                              
                                                                 CONNECTING
RAILROAD AND LOCATION        TRACK MILES   STRUCTURE             CARRIERS (1)
- ---------------------        -----------   ---------             ------------
<S>                          <C>           <C>                  <C>
Allegheny & Eastern
 Railroad, Inc. ("ALY")          153  (2)  Owned                BPRR, CR
 Pennsylvania
 
Bradford Industrial
 Railroad, Inc. ("BR") New         4  (3)  Owned                BPRR, CR
 York, Pennsylvania
 
Buffalo & Pittsburgh
 Railroad, Inc. ("BPRR")         279  (4)  Owned/Leased         ALY, BLE, BR,
 New York, Pennsylvania                                         CN, CPRS, CR,
                                                                CSX, NS, PS,
                                                                RSR, SB
The Dansville & Mount
 Morris Railroad Company           8       Owned                GNWR
 ("DMM") New York
 
Genesee and Wyoming
 Railroad Company ("GNWR")        26  (5)  Owned (5)            CPRS, CR, DMM,
 New York                                                       RSR
 
Pittsburg & Shawmut
 Railroad, Inc. ("PS")           224  (6)  Owned                BPRR, CR
 Pennsylvania
 
Rochester & Southern
 Railroad, Inc. ("RSR")           66  (7)  Owned                BPRR, CPRS, CR,
 New York                                                       GNWR, NS
 
Illinois & Midland
 Railroad, Inc. ("IMR")           97  (8)  Owned                BNSF, CR, GWWR,
 Illinois                                                       IAIS, IC, NS,
                                                                PPU, TPW, UP
Portland & Western
 Railroad, Inc. ("PNWR")         107  (9)  Leased               BNSF, SP, WPRR,
 Oregon                                                         POTB
 
Willamette & Pacific
 Railroad, Inc. ("WPRR")         185 (10)  Leased               UP, PNWR
 Oregon
 
Louisiana & Delta
 Railroad, Inc. ("LDRR")          87 (11)  Owned/Leased         UP
 Louisiana
 
GWI Switching Services,
 L.P. ("GWSW") Texas               0 (12)  Operating            UP
                                           Agreement
Carolina Coastal Railway,
 Inc. ("CLNA") North              17 (13)  Leased               NS
 Carolina
 
Commonwealth Railway, Inc.
 ("CWRY") Virginia                17 (14)  Owned/Leased         NS
 
Talleyrand Terminal
 Railroad ("TTR") Florida         10 (15)  Leased               NS, CSX
</TABLE>
(1) See Legend of Connecting Carriers following this table.
(2) In addition, ALY operates by trackage rights over 3 miles of CR.
(3) In addition, BR operates by trackage rights over 14 miles of BPRR.
(4) Includes 92 miles under perpetual leases and 9 miles under a lease expiring
    in 2090. In addition, BPRR operates by trackage rights over 27 miles of CSX
    under an agreement expiring in 2018. 
(5) Track has been conveyed to a county industrial development agency and
    leased back to GNWR. The operations of the GNWR have been realigned with
    those of RSR. See Item 7. of this report.
(6) In addition, PS operates over 13 miles pursuant to an operating contract.
    The assets of PS were acquired on April 29, 1996.
(7) In addition, RSR has a haulage contract over 52 miles of CP.
(8) In addition, IMR operates by trackage rights over 15 miles of IC, 9 miles of
    PPU and 5 miles of UP. The assets of IMR were acquired on February 8, 1996.
(9) Includes 53 miles under lease expiring in 2015 with a 10-year renewal unless
    terminated by either party, and 54 miles under lease expiring in 1998 with 
    3-year renewals subject termination by either party. In addition, PNWR 
    operates by trackage rights to over 2 miles of UP and 4 miles of POTB. 
(10) All under lease expiring in 2013, with renewal options subject to both
     parties' consent. In addition, WPRR operates over 41 miles of UP under a
     concurrent trackage rights agreement.
(11) Includes 14 miles under a lease expiring in 2011. In addition, LDRR
     operates by trackage rights over 91 miles of UP under an agreement
     terminable by either party after 1997 and has a haulage contract with M.A.
     Patout & Sons over 4 miles of track.
                                   
                                   
(12) GWSW operates a Dayton, Texas plastic pellet car storage yard under a
     contract expiring in 2009, subject to a 5-year extension at UP's option.
     The yard is located on over 100 acres

                                       12
<PAGE>
 
     along UP's Baytown branch and contains over 50 miles of track. GWSW
     operates over 5 miles of UP under trackage rights to move the cars to and
     from the storage yard and UP's Dayton rail yard. The yard currently has
     capacity to hold 3,000 cars and can be expanded, at UP's option, to hold
     approximately 4,500 cars.
                                      
(13) All leased on a month-to-month basis under a Lease and Option to Purchase
     Agreement which  commenced in 1989.  The Company acquired CLNA on November
     9, 1996.
(14) Includes 12.5 miles under lease expiring in 2009. The Company acquired CWRY
     on November 9, 1996.
(15) All under lease expiring in 1999.  The Company acquired TTR on November 9,
     1996.


   LEGEND OF CONNECTING CARRIERS

BLE   Bessemer and Lake Erie Railroad Company
BNSF  Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp.
CN    Canadian National
CPRS  CP Rail Systems
CR    Consolidated Rail Corporation
CSX   CSX Transportation, Inc.
GWWR  Gateway Western Railway
IAIS  Iowa Interstate Railroad, Ltd.
IC    Illinois Central Railroad Company
KJRY  Keokuk Junction Railway
NS    Norfolk Southern Corp.
POTB  Port of Tillamook Bay Railroad
PPU   Peoria & Pekin Union Railway
SB    South Buffalo Railway Company
TPW   Toledo, Peoria & Western Railway Corp.
UP    Union Pacific Railroad Company

EQUIPMENT

       As of December 31, 1996, rolling stock of the Company's railroads
consisted of 174 locomotives and 1,388 freight cars, some of which were owned
and some of which were leased from others.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

      The Company currently has no claims or legal actions pending other than
claims arising in the ordinary course of its business.  The Company believes
these claims, taking into account reserves and applicable insurance, will not
have a material adverse effect on the Company.

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.

      None


                                    PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.

      On June 24, 1996, the Company's Class A Common Stock began trading and is
quoted on the Nasdaq National Market.  Its trading symbol is GNWR.  The table
below shows the range of high and low actual trade prices for the Company's
Class A Common Stock during each quarterly period of 1996 since its initial
public offering.

                                       13
<PAGE>
 
Year Ended
December 31, 1996         High    Low
- -----------------------  ------  ------
 
          1st Quarter    N/A     N/A
 
          2nd Quarter    $21.00  $18.25
 
          3rd Quarter    $30.50  $18.50
 
          4th Quarter    $35.75  $25.25

The Company's Class B Common Stock is not publicly traded.

      Prior to the initial public offering on June 24, 1996, the Company paid
dividends in the first quarter of 1996 aggregating $32,000.  The Company did not
pay cash dividends in the remaining three quarters of 1996.  The Company does
not intend to pay cash dividends for the foreseeable future and intends to
retain earnings, if any, for future operation and expansion of the Company's
business.  Any determination to pay dividends in the future will be at the
discretion of the Company's Board of Directors and will be dependent upon the
Company's results of operations, financial condition, contractual restrictions
and other factors deemed relevant by the Board of Directors.  Agreements with
lenders prohibit the Company from paying cash dividends on its common stock in
excess of $32,000 in the aggregate in any one quarter.

      On March 25, 1997 there were 86 holders of record of the Company's Class A
Common Stock and 13 holders of record of the Company's Class B Common Stock.

      During 1996 the Company issued the following securities which were not
registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act").  Each of
such issuances was made by private offering in reliance on the exemption from
the registration provisions of the Act provided by Section 4(2) of the Act:

      (1)  On February 8, 1996 (prior to its initial public offering), the
Company issued to The First National Bank of Boston, for a debt discount value
of $471,000, a warrant to purchase 41,847 shares of Class A Common Stock at an
exercise price of $.0005 per share.  See Item 7. of this Report under the
heading "Liquidity and Capital Resources."

      (2)  On June 24, 1996, the Company issued to an aggregate of 82 of its
employees, for no additional consideration, options under the Genesee & Wyoming
Inc. 1996 Stock Option Plan (the "Option Plan") to purchase an aggregate of
350,500 shares of Class A Common Stock at exercise prices ranging from $17.00
per share to $18.70 per share.  The shares issuable upon exercise of such
options are the subject of a Registration Statement on Form S-8 under the Act.

      (3)  On June 27, 1996 the Company issued to its four non-employee
directors, for no additional consideration, options under the Genesee & Wyoming
Inc. Stock Option Plan for Outside Directors to purchase an aggregate of 32,000
shares of Class A Common Stock at an exercise price of $17.00 per share.  The
shares issuable upon exercise of such options are the subject of a Registration
Statement on Form S-8 under the Act.

      (4)  On December 19, 1996, the Company issued to an aggregate of 24 of its
employees, for no additional consideration, options under the Option Plan to
purchase an aggregate of 39,000 shares of Class A Common Stock at an exercise
price of $33.25 per share.  The shares issuable upon exercise of such options
are the subject of a Registration Statement on Form S-8 under the Act.

                                       14
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.

      The following selected consolidated income statement data and selected
consolidated balance sheet data of the Company for the years ended December 31,
1992, 1993, 1994, 1995 and 1996, have been derived from the Company's
consolidated financial statements.  All of the information should be read in
conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes
included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  See also Item 7. of this
Report.

                                        (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                             YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
 
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
                                              1992       1993       1994       1995       1996
                                           -------    -------    -------    -------   --------
<S>                                       <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Operating revenues                         $32,940    $49,645    $55,419    $53,387   $ 77,795
Operating expenses                          30,192     43,501     47,381     46,815     63,801
                                           -------    -------    -------    -------   --------
Operating income                             2,748      6,144      8,038      6,572     13,994
Interest expense                            (2,319)    (2,864)    (3,212)    (3,405)    (4,720)
Other income                                   643        165        192        456        651
                                           -------    -------    -------    -------   --------
Income before income taxes,
 extraordinary item and cumulative
 effect of accounting change                 1,072      3,445      5,018      3,623      9,925
 
 
Income taxes                                  (435)    (1,428)    (2,007)    (1,472)    (4,020)
                                           -------    -------    -------    -------   --------
Income before extraordinary item and
 cumulative effect of accounting change
                                               637      2,017      3,011      2,151      5,905
 
Extraordinary item                              --         --         --       (494)        --
Cumulative effect of accounting change
 (1)                                            --       (393)        --         --         --
                                           -------    -------    -------    -------   --------
Net income                                 $   637    $ 1,624    $ 3,011    $ 1,657   $  5,905
                                           =======    =======    =======    =======   ========
Earnings per common share:
Income before extraordinary item and
 cumulative effect of accounting change
                                           $  0.28    $  0.88    $  1.31    $  0.92   $   1.49
 
Extraordinary item                              --         --         --      (0.21)        --
Cumulative effect of accounting change
 (1)                                            --      (0.18)        --         --         --
 
Net income                                 $  0.28    $  0.70    $  1.31    $  0.71   $   1.49
                                           =======    =======    =======    =======   ========
Dividends per common share (2)             $  0.05    $  0.05    $  0.03    $  0.08   $   0.01
                                           =======    =======    =======    =======   ========
Weighted average number of common
 shares outstanding                          2,258      2,304      2,304      2,348      3,966
                                           =======    =======    =======    =======   ========
BALANCE SHEET DATA AS OF PERIOD END:
Total assets                               $56,965    $63,653    $69,888    $78,429   $145,339
Total debt                                  32,109     35,095     32,640     39,941     18,731
Stockholders' equity                         4,575      6,074      9,082     10,548     61,683
 
</TABLE>

(1)  Represents the adoption, as of January 1, 1993, of SFAS No. 106,
     "Employers' Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other than Pensions."

(2)  Prior to the initial public offering on June 24, 1996, the Company paid
     dividends at the discretion of the Company's Board of Directors. The
     Company did not pay cash dividends after the initial public offering. The
     Company does not intend to pay cash dividends for the foreseeable future
     and intends to retain earnings, if any, for future operation and expansion
     of the Company's business.

                                       15
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
        RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

     The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Company's
Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes included elsewhere in this
Annual Report on Form 10-K.

GENERAL

      The Company is a holding company whose subsidiaries own and operate short
line and regional freight railroads and provide related rail services.  The
Company, through its industrial switching subsidiary, also provides railroad
switching and related services to North American industries with extensive
railroad facilities within their complexes.  The Company generates revenues
primarily from the movement of freight over track owned or operated by its
railroads.  The Company also generates non-freight revenues primarily by
providing industrial switching and related rail services such as railcar
leasing, railcar repair and storage to industries with extensive railroad
facilities within their complexes, to shippers along its lines and to the Class
I railroads that connect with its lines.

      The Company's operating expenses include wages and benefits, equipment
rents (including car hire), purchased services, depreciation and amortization,
diesel fuel, casualties and insurance, materials and other expenses.  Car hire
is a charge paid by a railroad to the owners of railcars used by that railroad
in moving freight.  Other expenses generally include property and other non-
income taxes, professional services, communication and data processing costs and
general overhead expense.

      When comparing the Company's results of operations from one reporting
period to another, the following factors should be taken into consideration.
The Company has historically experienced fluctuations in revenues and expenses
such as one-time freight moves, customer plant expansions and shut-downs,
railcar sales, accidents and derailments.  In periods when these events occur,
results of operations are not easily comparable to other periods.  In addition,
much of the Company's growth to date has resulted from acquisitions.  The
Company completed the acquisitions of the Illinois & Midland and Pittsburg &
Shawmut Railroads during the first four months of 1996, and Rail Link, Inc. in
November 1996.  Because of variations in the structure, timing and size of these
acquisitions and differences in economics among the Company's railroads
resulting from differences in the rates and other material terms established
through negotiation, the Company's results of operations in any reporting period
may not be directly comparable to its results of operations in other reporting
periods.

AKZO MINE

      Prior to 1995, the Company's major customer was Akzo, which operated a
rock salt mine in Retsof, New York.  In March 1994 a section of the mine's roof
collapsed, causing flooding from an underground aquifer, and the mine closed in
September 1995.  Akzo actively pursued construction of a new mine throughout
1995, but in April 1996 it announced that it was abandoning the mine project and
that the Retsof location would be converted to a rock salt distribution center.
In August 1996 Akzo announced its intentions to sell all of its North American
mining operations, with the exception of the Retsof mine, to one of its
competitors, effectively ending the plan for a 

                                       16
<PAGE>
 
distribution center. The subsidiary serving the Akzo mine has experienced a
significant decline in traffic and in the fourth quarter of 1996 the Company
realigned its operations and decided to close certain supporting facilities.
Thus, the Company has recorded a special charge representing the impairment of
assets of $1,140,000 and employee severance and pension termination expense of
$220,000. This special charge, which was recorded in the fourth quarter, is in
the amount of $1,360,000 before tax and $809,000 after tax, or $0.20 per share.

      On February 11, 1997 an investment group announced a plan to acquire all
rights of Akzo and build a new mine in the Retsof area.  According to the
investment group, development of this mine is contingent upon obtaining adequate
financing and regulatory approvals and permits.  Because of the nature of the
proposed mine and the Company's realignment of operations, the supporting
facilities which are subject to this special charge will not be needed in any
future potential rail operations.

      Freight revenues attributable to Akzo totaled $2.9 million in 1994, $1.9
million in 1995 and $62,000 in 1996.  The Company anticipates there will be no
freight revenues attributable to Akzo in 1997 and thereafter.  The flooding and
subsequent closure have not affected non-freight revenues from Akzo, which
consist primarily of income from railcar leases under long-term contracts.  Non-
freight revenues from Akzo totaled $3.6 million in 1994, $2.9 million in 1995
and $3.4 million in 1996.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995

     Operating Revenues

      Operating revenues were $77.8 million in 1996 compared to $53.4 million in
1995, an increase of $24.4 million or 45.7%.  This increase was attributable to
a $19.9 million increase in freight revenues coupled with a $4.5 million
increase in non-freight revenues.

      Freight revenues were $62.3 million in 1996 compared to $42.4 million in
1995, an increase of $19.9 million or 46.9%.  The following table compares
freight revenues, carloads and average freight revenues per carload for 1996 and
1995:



            The remainder of this page is intentionally left blank.

                                       17
<PAGE>
 
          FREIGHT REVENUES AND CARLOADS COMPARISON BY COMMODITY GROUP
                     YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                                                            AVERAGE
                                                                                                            FREIGHT
                                                                                                            REVENUES
                             FREIGHT REVENUES                                      CARLOADS                PER CARLOAD
                             ----------------                                      --------                -----------
 
                                      % of                  % of                  % of                  % of 
Commodity Group          1996         total    1995         total    1996         total    1995         total   1996   1995
- ---------------         -------       -----   -------       -----   -------       -----   -------       -----   -----  -----
<S>                     <C>          <C>      <C>           <C>      <C>         <C>      <C>          <C>      <C>    <C>
Coal, Coke & Ores       $20,368        32.7%  $ 2,656         6.3%   81,606        40.5%   12,398        10.5%  $ 250  $ 214
Petroleum Products        8,679        13.9%    8,487        20.0%   17,549         8.8%   17,559        14.8%    495    483
Pulp & Paper              7,223        11.6%    6,797        16.1%   19,480         9.7%   18,667        15.7%    371    364
Lumber & Forest
 Products                 5,302         8.5%    4,496        10.6%   17,135         8.5%   14,022        11.8%    309    321
Metals                    5,211         8.4%    4,459        10.5%   20,218        10.0%   17,014        14.3%    258    262
Chemicals                 4,317         6.9%    3,321         7.9%    8,289         4.1%    6,641         5.6%    521    500
Farm & Food Products      3,537         5.7%    2,756         6.5%   11,402         5.7%    5,778         4.9%    310    477
Autos & Auto Parts        3,316         5.3%    3,490         8.2%    6,301         3.1%    6,381         5.4%    526    547
Minerals & Stone          2,185         3.5%    1,407         3.3%    6,766         3.4%    4,189         3.5%    323    336
Salt                        387         0.6%    2,215         5.2%    2,300         1.1%    7,865         6.6%    168    282
Other                     1,791         2.9%    2,268         5.4%   10,261         5.1%    8,159         6.9%    175    278
                        -------       -----   -------       -----   -------       -----   -------       -----   -----  -----
    Total               $62,316       100.0%  $42,352       100.0%  201,307       100.0%  118,673       100.0%  $ 310  $ 357
                        =======       =====   =======       =====   =======       =====   =======       =====   =====  =====
</TABLE>

      The increase in freight revenues was largely attributable to the
operations on new acquisitions, which generated freight revenues of $19.0
million during 1996, $17.1 million of which were from the shipment of coal.
Freight revenue from the shipment of coal on existing operations also increased
by approximately $600,000.  The Company realized $1.8 million in additional
freight revenues in 1996 attributable to the acquisition in 1995 of a rail line
in the Oregon region which generated freight revenues of $2.5 million in 1996
compared to $673,000 in 1995.  The majority of this $1.8 million increase in the
Oregon region is in lumber and forest products, farm and food products, metals
and other commodities.  The overall increase in freight revenues was partially
offset by a $1.8 million decrease in freight revenues from the shipment of salt
to $387,000 in 1996 from $2.2 million in 1995.  This decrease was attributable
to the loss of shipments resulting from the closing of the Akzo mine at Retsof,
New York.  See "Akzo Mine" in this Item 7.

      Non-freight revenues were $15.5 million in 1996 compared to $11.0 million
in 1995, an increase of $4.5 million or 40.9%.  Revenues from car hire and car
rentals was $4.5 million in 1996 compared to $3.2 million in 1995, an increase
of $1.3 million or 40.6%.  The increase in revenues from car hire and rentals
were largely attributable to the operations on new acquisitions, which generated
car hire and rental revenues of $817,000 during the period.  Car hire and rental
revenues on existing operations increased approximately $483,000, primarily from
a gain on the sale of railcars of $593,000.  Revenues from switching and storage
activities were $6.2 million in 1996 compared to $3.6 million in 1995, an
increase of $2.6 million or 72.2%.  The increase in switching and storage
revenues were largely attributable to the operations on 

                                       18
<PAGE>
 
new acquisitions, which generated switching and storage revenues of
approximately $2.3 million during the period.

      Operating Expenses

      Operating expenses were $63.8 million in 1996 compared to $46.8 million in
1995, an increase of $17.0 million or 36.3%.  Expenses associated with new
acquisitions represented $12.8 million of the increase, expenses attributable to
the acquisition in 1995 of a rail line in the Oregon region (which generated
operating expense of $2.6 million in 1996 compared to $711,000 in 1995)
represented $1.9 million of the increase, and expenses on existing operations
represented approximately $2.3 million of the increase.

      The Company's operating ratio improved to 82.0% in 1996 from 87.7% in
1995.

      The following table sets forth a comparison of the Company's operating
expenses in 1996 and 1995:

                          OPERATING EXPENSE COMPARISON
                     YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         1996                              1995
                                       -------                           -------
                                                                             
                                                   % OF                             % OF 
                                              OPERATING                          OPERATING
                                    $           REVENUE               $           REVENUE
                                 -------        -------            -------        ------- 
<S>                             <C>           <C>                <C>             <C> 
Labor and benefits               $25,197          32.4%             $18,683         35.0%
Equipment rents                    8,511          10.9%               7,434         13.9%
Purchased services                 3,398           4.4%               2,530          4.7%
Depreciation and amortization      6,052           7.8%               3,887          7.3%
Diesel fuel                        4,433           5.7%               3,249          6.1%
Casualties and insurance           4,626           5.9%               3,673          6.9%
Materials                          3,486           4.5%               2,531          4.7%
Other                              6,738           8.7%               4,828          9.1%
Special charge                     1,360           1.7%                   0          0.0%
                                 -------          ----              -------         ----
     Total                       $63,801          82.0%             $46,815         87.7%
                                 =======          ====              =======         ====
</TABLE>

      Labor and benefits expense was $25.2 million in 1996 compared to $18.7
million in 1995, an increase of $6.5 million or 34.8% primarily due to the
commencement of operations on new acquisitions.  Labor costs decreased as a
percentage of revenues, however, to 32.4% in 1996 compared to 35.0% in 1995.
This decrease reflects the efficiency of the unit coal train operations on new
acquisitions.

      Equipment rents were $8.5 million in 1996 compared to $7.4 million in
1995, an increase of $1.1 million or 14.9%.  However, equipment rents decreased
to 10.9% of operating revenue in 1996, from 13.9% in 1995.  This is mainly
because the largest component of equipment rents, car hire expense, decreased
from 7.9% of operating revenue in 1995 to 5.8% of operating revenue in 1996 due
to the efficiency of new acquisitions.  The reduction of equipment rents expense
as a percentage of operating revenues also reflects the reduction in the amount
of equipment under operating leases.  In June 1995 the 

                                       19
<PAGE>
 
Company purchased railcars and locomotives, which it had previously used under
operating leases, which reduced equipment rent under the terminated lease.

      Depreciation expense was $6.1 million in 1996 compared to $3.9 million in
1995, an increase of $2.2 million or 56.4%.  The increase primarily reflects
depreciation and amortization related to new acquisitions and purchased railcars
and locomotives previously used under operating leases.

      Casualties and insurance expense, including claims brought under the
Federal Employers' Liability Act, was $4.6 million in 1996 compared to $3.7
million in 1995, an increase of $953,000 or 25.8%.  The majority of the increase
in 1996 related to insurance premiums which increased $600,000 due primarily to
new acquisitions, and derailment and property damages which increased $475,000.
This increase was partially offset by a decrease in additions to reserves for
third party liability which decreased from $1.4 million in 1995 to $1.3 million
in 1996, a decrease of $123,000.

      Special charge expense of $1.4 million represents the impairment of assets
of $1.2 million and employee severance and pension termination expense of
$220,000 related to the Company's realignment of operations and decision to
close certain supporting facilities of one of its subsidiaries resulting from
the closure of the Akzo mine.  See Note 3 to Consolidated Financial Statements
and "Akzo Mine" in this Item 7.

     Interest Expense and Income Taxes

      Interest expense was $4.7 million in 1996 compared to $3.4 million in
1995, an increase of $1.3 million or 38.2%.  The increase reflects the increased
debt related to the financing of new acquisitions, offset in part by the
repayment of $45.8 million of debt on June 28, 1996, from the proceeds of an
initial public offering.  The Company's effective income tax rate was 40.5% in
1996 compared to 40.6% in 1995.

     Net Income

     The Company's net income in 1996 was $5.9 million compared to net income of
$1.7 million (or $2.2 million before an extraordinary expense of $494,000 in
connection with the early extinguishment of debt) in 1995.  Excluding the effect
of this extraordinary expense, net income in 1996 increased $3.7 million or
168.2% compared to 1995.

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994

     Operating Revenues

      Operating revenues were $53.4 million in 1995 compared to $55.4 million in
1994, a decrease of $2.0 million or 3.7%.  This decrease was attributable to a
$1.4 million decrease in non-freight revenues coupled with a $633,000 decrease
in freight revenues.

      Freight revenues were $42.4 million in 1995 compared to $43.0 million in
1994, a decrease of $633,000 or 1.5%.  The following table compares freight
revenues, carloads and average freight revenues per carload for 1995 and 1994:



            The remainder of this page is intentionally left blank.

                                       20
<PAGE>
 
          FREIGHT REVENUES AND CARLOADS COMPARISON BY COMMODITY GROUP
                     YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND 1994
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                                                              AVERAGE
                                                                                                              FREIGHT
                                                                                                              REVENUES
                                FREIGHT REVENUES                                    CARLOADS                PER CARLOAD
                                ----------------                                    --------                -----------
 
                                      % OF                  % OF                  % OF                  % OF 
COMMODITY GROUP          1995         TOTAL    1994         TOTAL    1995         TOTAL    1994         TOTAL   1995   1994
- ---------------         -------       -----   -------       -----   -------       -----   -------       -----   -----  -----
<S>                     <C>          <C>      <C>          <C>      <C>          <C>      <C>          <C>      <C>    <C>
Coal, Coke & Ores       $ 2,656         6.3%  $ 2,828         6.6%   12,398        10.5%   12,867        10.8%  $ 214  $ 220
Petroleum Products        8,487        20.0%    8,341        19.4%   17,559        14.8%   17,186        14.4%    483    485
Pulp & Paper              6,797        16.1%    6,354        14.8%   18,667        15.7%   17,070        14.3%    364    372
Lumber & Forest
 Products                 4,496        10.6%    4,610        10.7%   14,022        11.8%   13,711        11.5%    321    336
Metals                    4,459        10.5%    4,862        11.3%   17,014        14.3%   16,606        14.0%    262    293
Chemicals                 3,321         7.9%    3,673         8.6%    6,641         5.6%    5,942         5.0%    500    618
Farm & Food Products      2,756         6.5%    2,112         4.9%    5,778         4.9%    6,525         5.5%    477    324
Autos & Auto Parts        3,490         8.2%    3,960         9.2%    6,381         5.4%    6,624         5.6%    547    598
Minerals & Stone          1,407         3.3%    1,860         4.3%    4,189         3.5%    5,037         4.2%    336    369
Salt                      2,215         5.2%    2,835         6.6%    7,865         6.6%   10,621         8.9%    282    267
Other                     2,268         5.4%    1,550         3.6%    8,159         6.9%    6,862         5.8%    278    226
                        -------       -----   -------       -----   -------       -----   -------       -----   -----  -----
    Total               $42,352       100.0%  $42,985       100.0%  118,673       100.0%  119,051       100.0%  $ 357  $ 361
                        =======       =====   =======       =====   =======       =====   =======       =====   =====  =====
</TABLE>

      The decrease in freight revenues was largely attributable to the effect of
the loss of production at the Akzo mine.  See "Akzo Mine" in this Item 7.
Freight revenues from Akzo totaled $1.9 million in 1995 on 6,934 carloads
compared to $2.9 million on 10,423 carloads in 1994.  Excluding Akzo, total
carloads increased by 3,111 or 2.9% in 1995 compared to 1994, while total
freight revenues increased $338,000 or 0.6% in 1995 compared to 1994.  In 1995,
the Company realized $673,000 in additional freight revenues attributable to the
acquisition of a new rail line in the Oregon region.  This increase was
partially offset by a $470,000 decrease in freight revenues from autos and auto
parts to $3.5 million in 1995 from $4.0 million in 1994.  Freight revenues from
autos and auto parts in 1994 included a large one-time move of finished vehicles
diverted to the Company by another carrier, which was not repeated in 1995.

      Non-freight revenues were $11.0 million in 1995 compared to $12.4 million
in 1994, a decrease of $1.4 million or 11.2%.  Revenues from car hire and car
rentals were $3.2 million in 1995 compared to $5.2 million in 1994, a decrease
of $2.0 million or 38.7%.  Revenues from car hire and rentals were unusually
high in 1994 due to a gain on the sale of railcars.  The Company also had a
reduced operating fleet in 1995 as a result of a sale of railcars in 1994, which
reduced rental revenue.  Revenues from switching and storage activities were
$3.6 million in 1995 compared to $2.7 million in 1994, an increase of $934,000
or 34.5%.  The increase reflects the operation of the Company's railcar storage
facility for a full year.  Car repair revenues were $1.6 million in 1995
compared to $1.9 million in 1994, a decrease of $349,000 or 18.3%.  The decrease
was attributable to a lower number of cars required to haul salt and the
improvement in the quality of cars received in interchange.

                                       21
<PAGE>
 
     Operating Expenses

      Operating expenses were $46.8 million in 1995 compared to $47.4 million in
1994, a decrease of $565,000 or 1.2%.  The Company's operating ratio increased
to 87.7% in 1995 from 85.5% in 1994.

      The following table sets forth a comparison of the Company's operating
expenses in 1995 and 1994:

                          OPERATING EXPENSE COMPARISON
                     YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND 1994
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            1995                              1994
                                           -------                           -------

                                                    % OF                                % OF 
                                                  OPERATING                          OPERATING
                                    $              REVENUE            $               REVENUE
                                 -------           -------         -------            ------- 
<S>                             <C>               <C>             <C>                 <C> 
Labor and benefits               $18,683           35.0%           $18,092            32.6%
Equipment rents                    7,434           13.9%             8,634            15.6%
Purchased services                 2,530            4.7%             2,737             4.9%
Depreciation and amortization      3,887            7.3%             3,577             6.5%
Diesel fuel                        3,249            6.1%             3,410             6.2%
Casualties and insurance           3,673            6.9%             2,742             5.0%
Materials                          2,531            4.7%             3,401             6.1%
Other                              4,828            9.1%             4,788             8.6%
                                 -------           ----            -------            ----
     Total                       $46,815           87.7%           $47,381            85.5%
                                 =======           ====            =======            ====
</TABLE>

      Labor and benefits expense was $18.7 million in 1995 compared to $18.1
million in 1994, an increase of $591,000 or 3.3%.  Labor costs increased as a
percentage of revenues to 35.0% in 1995 compared to 32.6% in 1994.  The increase
was attributable to the start-up costs in connection with additional lines in
Oregon and expansion of operations in Texas.

      Equipment rents were $7.4 million in 1995 compared to $8.6 million in
1994, a decrease of $1.2 million or 13.9%.  The decrease reflects a reduction in
the number of operating leases and lower car hire expense.  In 1995, the Company
purchased railcars and locomotives subject to an operating lease, which reduced
equipment rent expense under this operating lease to $606,000 in 1995 compared
to $1.7 million in 1994.  Car hire expense decreased to $4.2 million in 1995
compared to $5.4 million in 1994, reflecting a concerted management effort to
reduce this expense.  Depreciation expense was $3.9 million in 1995 compared to
$3.6 million in 1994, an increase of $310,000 or 8.7%.  The majority of this
increase reflects depreciation expense associated with railcars and locomotives
purchased in 1995.

      Casualties and insurance expense, including claims brought under the
Federal Employers' Liability Act, was $3.7 million in 1995 compared to $2.7
million in 1994, an increase of $931,000 or 34.0%.  Additions to reserves for
third party liability were $1.4 million in 1995 compared to $669,000 in 1994, an
increase of $736,000.  The majority of the increase in 1995 related to incidents
occurring prior to 1995.  While the Company establishes reserves for incidents
as they occur, an unexpected legal action brought in 1995, together 

                                       22
<PAGE>
 
with changes in circumstances relating to prior incidents, necessitated this
increase. In August 1994, the Company reduced its self-insured retention. If
this level of coverage had been in place when these incidents occurred,
necessary additions to reserves in 1995 would have been reduced by $400,000. The
remainder of the increase in casualties and insurance expense reflects an
increase in derailment expense.

      Materials expense was $2.5 million in 1995 compared to $3.4 million in
1994, a decrease of $870,000 or 25.6%.  The decrease was largely attributable to
a reduction in car repairs.

     Interest Expense and Income Taxes

      Interest expense was $3.4 million in 1995 compared to $3.2 million in
1994, an increase of $193,000 or 6.0%.  The increase reflects higher overall
debt outstanding related to the financing of rolling stock.  During 1995, the
Company refinanced the majority of its outstanding debt into the Credit
Facilities, resulting in an effective rate of interest that was lower than in
1994.  See "Liquidity and Capital Resources" in this Item 7.  Penalties and fees
paid to lenders related to the repayment of debt resulted in an extraordinary
charge of $494,000, net of related income taxes of $357,000.  The Company's
effective income tax rate was 40.6% in 1995 compared to 40.0% in 1994.

     Net Income

      The Company's net income in 1995 was $1.7 million (or $2.2 million before
an extraordinary expense of $494,000 in connection with the early extinguishment
of debt) compared to net income in 1994 of $3.0 million. Excluding the effect of
this extraordinary expense, net income in 1995 decreased $860,000 or 28.6%
compared to 1994.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

      During 1996, the Company generated cash from operations of $30.4 million,
which includes the effect of $12.5 million generated by an excess of trade
payables over trade receivables from the operations of new acquisitions.  The
excess of payables over receivables results from the timing difference between
collection of customer receivables and settlement of the related interline
payables.  During 1996, the Company consummated three acquisitions.  See Note 2
in the Consolidated Financial Statements.  In addition, the Company received
$17.8 million in proceeds from the sale of equipment, of which $12.0 million was
related to the sale leaseback of locomotives and $2.4 million was from the sale
of assets acquired in the Pittsburg & Shawmut acquisition.  The Company invested
$8.2 million in track and other fixed assets (apart from its investment in the
Illinois & Midland, Pittsburg & Shawmut and Rail Link acquisitions).

      During 1995, the Company generated cash from operations of $2.6 million,
generated cash from asset sales of $318,000, received $3.5 million in state
grant funds for track rehabilitation, and had net new borrowings of $6.7
million.  During the year the Company invested $8.6 million in equipment and
rolling stock and $8.0 million in track improvements and buildings.

      During 1994, the Company generated cash from operations of $7.3 million
and cash from asset sales of $824,000, and received $1.8 million in state grants
for rehabilitation of track.  The cash generated was used to fund $6.2 million
in capital expenditures and to repay a net $2.5 million in long-term debt and
capital leases.  Track and track structures accounted for 

                                       23
<PAGE>
 
$5.3 million of these capital expenditures, while the balance was invested in
equipment.

      In June 1995, the Company borrowed under the Credit Facilities to
restructure a majority of its long-term debt and finance the purchase of rail
equipment.  The Company repaid $14.3 million in debt maturing at various dates
between 1996 and 2001 and bearing interest rates ranging from 6.75% to 15.0% per
annum, including the repayment of $701,000 in debt held by directors and
officers of the Company and members of their respective families.  The Company
borrowed $6.0 million under the Credit Facilities to purchase rolling stock
which had been under an operating lease.

      In February 1996, the Company amended and restated its Credit Facilities
(the "Credit Facilities") with The First National Bank of Boston, as agent for a
syndicate of banks (the "Bank of Boston"), to provide funding for the Illinois &
Midland and Pittsburg & Shawmut acquisitions.  The Credit Facilities include a
$40.0 million term loan and a $34.0 million revolving credit facility.  The term
loan requires varying quarterly principal payments beginning September 30, 1996,
with the remaining balance payable in February 2001.  The revolving credit
facility provides for a mandatory commitment reduction of $2.0 million on
December 31, 1997 with the remaining balance payable in February 2001.  The
interest rate on the Credit Facilities is a varying increment over the Bank of
Boston's prime rate or LIBOR, based on the Company's ratio of debt to EBITDA.
The Credit Facilities are secured by a blanket first-priority lien on all of the
Company's railroad assets except real estate, and a pledge of all capital stock
of the Company's subsidiaries.  In conjunction with the financing, the Company
paid a fee to the Bank of Boston of $1.5 million and issued the Bank of Boston a
warrant to purchase 41,847 shares of Class A Common Stock at a price of $.0005
per share.

      On June 28, 1996 the Company closed an underwritten initial public
offering ("IPO") of 3,045,200 shares of Class A Common Stock, of which 2,897,200
shares were offered by the Company and 148,000 shares were offered by a selling
stockholder.  The offering price was $17 per share.  The proceeds of the
offering of $45.8 million, after netting 7% underwriting commission, were used
to pay down debt under the Credit Facilities.  Other expenses of the offering of
$1.3 million were paid by the Company.

      On December 27, 1996, the Company completed the sale of 53 of its
locomotives to a leasing company for a net sale price of approximately
$11,950,000.  The proceeds were applied to repayment of debt under the Credit
Facilities.  Simultaneously, a subsidiary of the Company entered into an
agreement with the leasing company to lease the locomotives back.  The sale
resulted in a deferred gain of approximately $4,902,000 which will be amortized
over the term of the lease as a non-cash offset to rent expense.

      At December 31, 1996 the Company had long-term debt (including current
portion) totaling $18.7 million, which comprised 23.3% of its total
capitalization.  This compares to long-term debt, including current portion, of
$39.9 million at December 31, 1995, comprising 79.1% of total capitalization.

      The Company's railroads have entered into a number of rehabilitation
grants with state and federal agencies.  The grant funds are used as a
supplement to the Company's normal capital programs.  In return for the grants,
the railroads pledge to maintain various levels of service and maintenance on
the rail lines that have been rehabilitated.  The Company believes that the
levels of service and maintenance required under the grants are not materially
different from those that would be required without the grant obligation.  While
the Company has benefited in recent years from these 

                                       24
<PAGE>
 
grant funds, there can be no assurance that the funds will continue to be
available.

      The Company has budgeted $10.0 million in capital expenditures in 1997,
primarily for track rehabilitation, of which $3.0 million is expected to be used
to fulfill an obligation to replace rail under the terms of a lease of one of
the Company's railroads.

       The Company has historically relied primarily on cash generated from

operations to fund working capital and capital expenditures relating to ongoing
operations, while relying on borrowed funds to finance acquisitions and
equipment needs (primarily rolling stock) related to acquisitions.  The Company
believes that its cash flow from operations together with amounts available
under the Credit Facilities will enable the Company to meet its liquidity and
capital expenditure requirements relating to ongoing operations for at least the
duration of the Credit Facilities.

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.

      The financial statements and supplementary financial data required by this
item are listed at Part IV, Item 14 and are filed herewith immediately following
the signature page hereto.

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
        FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.

        None

                                    PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT.

      The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference
to the Company's proxy statement to be issued in connection with the Annual
Meeting of the Stockholders of the Company to be held on May 20, 1997 under
"Election of Directors" and "Executive Officers", which proxy statement will be
filed within 120 days after the end of the Company's fiscal year.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.
 
     The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference
to the Company's proxy statement to be issued in connection with the Annual
Meeting of the Stockholders of the Company to be held on May 20, 1997 under
"Executive Compensation", which proxy statement will be filed within 120 days
after the end of the Company's fiscal year.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT.

      The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference
to the Company's proxy statement to be issued in connection with the Annual
Meeting of the Stockholders of the Company to be held on May 20, 1997 under
"Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management", which proxy
statement will be filed within 120 days after the end of the Company's fiscal
year.

                                       25
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.

      The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference
to the Company's proxy statement to be issued in connection with the Annual
Meeting of the Stockholders of the Company to be held on May 20, 1997 under
"Related Transactions", which proxy statement will be filed within 120 days
after the end of the Company's fiscal year.

                                    PART IV

ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.

     (A) DOCUMENTS FILED AS PART OF THIS FORM 10-K.

          Financial Statements:

          Report of Independent Public Accountants

          Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1995 and 1996
 
          Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years ended December 31,
          1994, 1995 and 1996
 
          Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the Years Ended
          December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996
 
          Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31,
          1994, 1995 and 1996

          Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

     Schedules are omitted because they are either not required or not
applicable.

     (B) REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

          No reports on Form 8-K were filed by the Registrant during the period
covered by this Report.

     (C) EXHIBITS - SEE INDEX TO EXHIBITS.



            The remainder of this page is intentionally left blank.

                                       26
<PAGE>
 
                               INDEX TO EXHIBITS

 (2)   PLAN OF ACQUISITION, REORGANIZATION, ARRANGEMENT, LIQUIDATION OR
       SUCCESSION

       Not applicable.

  (3) (i) ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

      The Form of Restated Certificate of Incorporation referenced under (4)(a)
      hereof is incorporated herein by reference.

      (ii) BY-LAWS

      The By-laws referenced under (4)(b) hereof are incorporated herein
      by reference.

  (4) INSTRUMENTS DEFINING THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS, INCLUDING
      INDENTURES 

      (a) Form of Restated Certificate of Incorporation (Exhibit 3.2)2

      (b) By-laws (Exhibit 3.3)/1/

      (c) Specimen stock certificate representing shares of Class A
          Common Stock (Exhibit 4.1)/3/

      (d) Form of Class B Stockholders' Agreement dated as of May 20, 1996,
          among the Registrant, its executive officers and its Class B
          stockholders (Exhibit 4.2)2

      (e) Promissory Note dated October 7, 1991 of Buffalo & Pittsburgh
          Railroad, Inc. in favor of CSX Transportation, Inc. (Exhibit 4.6)/1/

      (f) Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement dated as
          of February 8, 1996 among the Registrant and certain of its
          Subsidiaries, The First National Bank of Boston, as agent, and the
          Banks party thereto (Exhibit 4.10)/1/

      (g) Revolving Credit Note dated as of February 8, 1996 of the Registrant
          and certain of its subsidiaries in favor of The First National Bank of
          Boston (Exhibit 4.11)/1/

      (h) Term Note dated as of February 8, 1996 of the Registrant and certain
          of its Subsidiaries in favor of The First National Bank of Boston
          (Exhibit 4.12)/1/

      (i) Amended and Restated Security Agreement dated as of February 8, 1996
          among the Registrant, certain of its Subsidiaries and The First
          National Bank of Boston (Exhibit 4.13)/1/

      (j) Amended and Restated Stock Pledge Agreement dated as of February 8,
          1996 between the Registrant and The First National Bank of Boston
          (Exhibit 4.14)/1/

      (k) Amended and Restated Collateral Assignment of Partnership Interests
          dated as of February 8, 1996 of the Registrant and 

                                       27
<PAGE>
 
          GWI Dayton, Inc. in favor of The First National Bank of Boston
          (Exhibit 4.15)/1/

      (l) Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Term Loan
          Agreement dated as of April 26, 1996 among the Registrant and certain
          of its Subsidiaries, The First National Bank of Boston, as agent, and
          the Banks party thereto (Exhibit 4.16)/2/

 (9)  Voting Agreement and Stock Purchase Option dated March 21, 1980 among
      Mortimer B. Fuller, III, Mortimer B. Fuller, Jr. and Frances A. Fuller,
      and amendments thereto dated May 7, 1988 and March 29, 1996 (Exhibit 
      9.1)/1/

 (10) MATERIAL CONTRACTS

      The Exhibits referenced under (4)(d) and (4)(f) through (4)(l) hereof are
      incorporated herein by reference.

      (a)  Form of Genesee & Wyoming Inc. 1996 Stock Option Plan 
           (Exhibit 10.1)/2/

      (b)  Form of Genesee & Wyoming Inc. Stock Option Plan for Outside
           Directors (Exhibit 10.2)/2/

      (c)  Form of Employment Agreement between the Registrant and each of
           its executive officers (Exhibit 10.3)/1/

      (d)  Form of Genesee & Wyoming Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan (Exhibit
           10.4)/2/

      (e)  Asset Purchase Agreement dated February 8, 1996 between Illinois &
           Midland Railroad, Inc. and Stanford PRC Acquisition Corp. (Exhibit
           10.61)/1/

      (f)  Guaranty dated as of February 8, 1996 of the Registrant in
           favor of Stanford PRC Acquisition Corp. (Exhibit 10.62)/1/

      (g)  Assignment and Assumption Agreements dated as of February 8, 1996
           between Chicago & Illinois Midland Railway Company and Illinois &
           Midland Railroad, Inc. (Exhibit 10.63)/1/

      (h)  Warrant Purchase Agreement dated as of February 8, 1996 between the
           Registrant and First National Bank of Boston. (Exhibit 10.64)/1/

      (i)  Agreement dated February 6, 1996 between Illinois & Midland Railroad,
           Inc. and the United Transportation Union. (Exhibit 10.65)/1/

      (j)  Asset Purchase Agreement dated April 19, 1996 among Pittsburg &
           Shawmut Railroad, Inc., the Registrant, The Pittsburg & Shawmut
           Railroad Company, Red Bank Railroad Company, Mountain Laurel Railroad
           Company and Arthur T. Walker Estate Corporation, and Amendment No. 1
           to Asset Purchase Agreement dated April 19, 1996. (Exhibit 10.70)/4/

                                       28
<PAGE>
 
      (k)  Amendment No. 1 to Warrant Purchase Agreement dated as of May
           31, 1996 between the Registrant and FSC Corp. (Exhibit 10.71)/2/
 
 *(10.1) Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of November 8, 1996 between Brenco,
         Incorporated, Rail Link, Inc. and the Registrant. CONFIDENTIAL
         TREATMENT HAS BEEN REQUESTED AS TO CERTAIN PORTIONS, WHICH HAVE BEEN
         FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE COMMISSION PURSUANT TO AN APPLICATION FOR
         SUCH TREATMENT.

*(11.1)  STATEMENT RE COMPUTATION OF PER SHARE EARNINGS

 (12)    STATEMENT RE COMPUTATION OF RATIOS

         Not applicable.

 (13)    ANNUAL REPORT TO SECURITY HOLDERS, FORM 10-Q OR QUARTERLY REPORT TO
         SECURITY HOLDERS 
 
         Not applicable.

 (16)    LETTER RE CHANGE IN CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT

         Not applicable.

 (18)    LETTER RE CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES

         Not applicable.

*(21.1)  SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT

 (22)    PUBLISHED REPORT REGARDING MATTERS SUBMITTED TO VOTE OF SECURITY
         HOLDERS

         Not applicable.

*(23.1)  CONSENT OF ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

 (24)    POWER OF ATTORNEY

         Not applicable.

*(27)    FINANCIAL DATA SCHEDULE

 (99)    ADDITIONAL EXHIBITS

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

  *Exhibit filed with this Report.

/1/ Exhibit previously filed as part of, and incorporated herein by reference
to, the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-
3972). The exhibit number contained in parenthesis refers to the exhibit number
in such Registration Statement.

/2/ Exhibit previously filed as part of, and incorporated herein by reference
to, Amendment No. 1 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1
(Registration No. 333-3972). The exhibit number contained in parenthesis refers
to the exhibit number in such Amendment.

                                       29
<PAGE>
 
/3/ Exhibit previously filed as part of, and incorporated herein by reference
to, Amendment No. 2 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1
(Registration No. 333-3972). The exhibit number contained in parenthesis refers
to the exhibit number in such Amendment.

/4/ Exhibit previously filed as part of, and incorporated herein by reference
to, Amendment No. 5 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1
(Registration No. 333-3972). The exhibit number contained in parenthesis refers
to the exhibit number in such Amendment.

                    The remainder of this page is intentionally left blank.

                                       30
<PAGE>
 
                                   SIGNATURES

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf
by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.


                                    GENESEE & WYOMING INC.

                                    By: /s/ Mortimer B. Fuller, III
                                        ---------------------------
                                         Mortimer B. Fuller, III
                                         Chairman of the Board,
                                         President and CEO

 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, this report has been signed by the following persons in the capacities
and on the date indicated below.
 
 
Date                                 Title               Signature
- ----                                 -----               ---------         
 
March 21, 1997               President, CEO and     /s/ Mortimer B. Fuller, III
                             Director                   -----------------------
                                                        Mortimer B. Fuller, III
 
March 21, 1997               Senior Vice President  /s/ Alan R. Harris
                             and Chief Accounting     ------------------
                             Officer                   Alan R. Harris
 
March 21, 1997               Senior Vice President,  /s/ Mark W. Hastings  
                             Chief Financial Officer     ----------------
                             and Treasurer               Mark W. Hastings

 
March 21, 1997               Director               /s/ James M. Fuller
                                                        ----------------
                                                        James M. Fuller
 
March 21, 1997               Director               /s/ Louis S. Fuller
                                                        ----------------
                                                        Louis S. Fuller
 
March 21, 1997               Director               /s/ John M. Randolph
                                                        ----------------
                                                        John M. Randolph
 
March 21, 1997               Director               /s/ Philip J. Ringo
                                                        ----------------
                                                        Philip J. Ringo



            The remainder of this page is intentionally left blank.

                                       31
<PAGE>
 
                         INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



                                                              PAGE
                                                              ----
 
 
Genesee & Wyoming Inc. and Subsidiaries:

   Report of Independent Public Accountants....................F-2  

   Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1995 and 
     1996......................................................F-3
                                       
   Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended                 
     December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996..........................F-4

   Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the        
     Years Ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996..............F-5

   Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended           
     December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1995..........................F-6

   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements..................F-7

                                      F-1
<PAGE>
 
                   REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
                   ----------------------------------------


To the Board of Directors and
the Shareholders of
Genesee & Wyoming Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of GENESEE &
WYOMING INC. (a Delaware corporation) AND SUBSIDIARIES as of December 31, 1995
and 1996, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in
stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 1996.  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 in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards.  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits 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.  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 audits provide a reasonable basis for our
opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of Genesee & Wyoming Inc. and
Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1995 and 1996, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.



                                             ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

Chicago, Illinois,
February 13, 1997

                                      F-2
<PAGE>
 
                    GENESEE & WYOMING INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                                (IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                            December 31,      December 31,
                  ASSETS                                                       1995              1996
                                                                               ----              ----
<S>                                                                 
CURRENTS ASSETS:                                                      <C>                  <C> 
    Cash and cash equivalents                                                $2,115           $14,121
    Accounts receivable, net                                                  9,441            19,133
    Materials and supplies                                                    1,512             4,173
    Prepaid expenses and other                                                1,455             1,771
    Deferred income tax assets, net                                           1,278             1,632
                                                                       ------------------------------
         Total current assets                                                15,801            40,830
                                                                       ------------------------------
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net                                                  61,574            78,822
                                                                       ------------------------------
SERVICE ASSURANCE AGREEMENT, net                                               ----            14,312
                                                                       ------------------------------
OTHER ASSETS, net                                                             1,054            11,375
                                                                       ------------------------------
         Total assets                                                       $78,429          $145,339
                                                                       ==============================
                                                                    
         LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                       
                                                                    
CURRENT LIABILITIES:                                                
    Current portion of long-term debt                                        $1,239              $271
    Accounts payable                                                          8,408            33,583
    Accrued expenses                                                          3,404             6,122
                                                                       ------------------------------
         Total current liabilities                                           13,051            39,976
                                                                       ------------------------------
LONG-TERM DEBT                                                               38,702            18,460
                                                                       ------------------------------
OTHER LIABILITIES                                                             2,043             2,699
                                                                       ------------------------------
DEFERRED INCOME TAX LIABILITIES, net                                          4,139             4,720
                                                                       ------------------------------
DEFERRED ITEMS--grants from governmental agencies                             9,946            12,899
                                                                       ------------------------------
DEFERRED GAIN--sale leaseback                                                  ----             4,902
                                                                       ------------------------------
                                                                    
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (SEE NOTE 12)                         
                                                                    
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:                                               
    Class A common stock, $0.01 par value, one vote per share;      
     12,000,000 shares                                              
       authorized; 1,501,937 and 4,399,463 issued and               
       outstanding on December 31, 1995 and 1996, respectively                   15                44
    Class B common stock, $0.01 par value, 10 votes per share;      
       1,500,000 shares authorized; 846,556 issued and outstanding                8                 8
    Additional paid-in capital                                                1,340            46,102
    Warrants outstanding                                                       ----               471
    Retained earnings                                                         9,185            15,058
                                                                       ------------------------------
         Total stockholders' equity                                          10,548            61,683
                                                                       ------------------------------
         Total liabilities and stockholders' equity                         $78,429          $145,339
                                                                       ==============================

</TABLE> 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
consolidated financial statements.

                                      F-3
<PAGE>
 
                     GENESEE & WYOMING INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                        CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION>  
                                                                                                    Years Ended December 31,
                                                                                           1994             1995             1996
                                                                                           ----             ----             ----
<S>                                                                                     <C>              <C>              <C> 
OPERATING REVENUES                                                                      $55,419          $53,387          $77,795
                                                                                        ----------------------------------------- 
OPERATING EXPENSES:                                                     
    Transportation                                                                       13,357           14,262           18,952
    Maintenance of ways and structures                                                    6,632            6,127            9,431
    Maintenance of equipment                                                             14,533           12,230           14,218
    General and administrative                                                            9,282           10,309           13,788
    Depreciation and amortization                                                         3,577            3,887            6,052
    Special charge                                                                          --                --            1,360
                                                                                        ----------------------------------------- 
         Total operating expenses                                                        47,381           46,815           63,801
                                                                                        ----------------------------------------- 
         Income from operations                                                           8,038            6,572           13,994
                                                                         
INTEREST EXPENSE                                                                         (3,212)          (3,405)          (4,720)
                                                                        
OTHER INCOME                                                                                192              456              651
                                                                                        ----------------------------------------- 
          Income before provision for income taxes and                   
           extraordinary item                                                             5,018            3,623            9,925
                                                                         
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES                                                               (2,007)          (1,472)          (4,020)
                                                                                        -----------------------------------------
         Income before extraordinary item                                                 3,011            2,151            5,905
                                                                         
EXTRAORDINARY ITEM FROM EARLY EXTINGUISHMENT                            
   OF DEBT, net of related income tax benefit of $357,000                                    --             (494)              --
                                                                                        ----------------------------------------- 
NET INCOME                                                                               $3,011           $1,657           $5,905
                                                                                        ========================================= 
Earnings per common share and common equivalent share (Note 1) :        
         Income before extraordinary item                                                 $1.31            $0.92            $1.50
          Extraordinary item                                                                 --            (0.21)              --
                                                                                        ----------------------------------------- 
         Net Income                                                                       $1.31            $0.71            $1.50
                                                                                        ========================================= 
Weighted average number of common stock and common                      
  stock equivalents outstanding                                                           2,304            2,348            3,941
                                                                                        ========================================= 
Earnings per common share assuming full dilution (Note 1) :             
         Income before extraordinary item                                                 $1.31            $0.92            $1.49
         Extraordinary item                                                                  --           ($0.21)              --
                                                                                        ----------------------------------------- 
         Net Income                                                                       $1.31            $0.71            $1.49
                                                                                        ========================================= 
Weighted average number of common stock and common                      
  stock equivalents outstanding                                                           2,304            2,348            3,966
                                                                                        ========================================= 
</TABLE>                               
             The accompanying notes are an integral part of these 
                      consolidated financial statements.
                              

                                      F-4
<PAGE>
 
                    GENESEE & WYOMING INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                                 (in thousands)

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                           Class A                   Class B
                                                        Common Stock               Common Stock
                                                  ------------------------------------------------
                                                     Shares       $0.01        Shares        $0.01     Additional      Warrants
                                                  Outstanding     Value      Outstanding     Value       Capital      Outstanding
                                                  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                               <C>             <C>        <C>             <C>        <C>           <C> 
BALANCE, December 31, 1993                           1,480          $15           824           $8       $1,280             --  

      Stock options exercised                           22           --            22           --           60             --
      Net income                                        --           --            --           --           --             --
      Cash dividends -- $0.03 per share                 --           --            --           --           --             --
                                                  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                
BALANCE, December 31, 1994                           1,502           15           847            8        1,340             -- 
                                                
      Net income                                       --            --           --            --           --             --
      Cash dividends -- $0.08 per share                --            --           --            --           --             --
                                                  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BALANCE, December 31, 1995                           1,502           15           847            8        1,340             --
                                                
      Issuance of stock warrants                        --           --            --           --           --             471
      Proceeds from issuance of stock--         
        initial public offering                      2,898           29                          0       44,751              --
      Proceeds from issuance of stock--         
        employee purchase                                1           --            --           --           11              -- 
      Net income                                        --           --            --           --           --              --
      Cash dividends -- $0.01 per share                 --           --            --           --           --              -- 
                                                  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                
BALANCE, December 31, 1996                           4,401          $44           847           $8      $46,102             471
                                                  =================================================================================

<CAPTION> 
                                               
                                                              Stockholders'
                                                 Retained        Equity
                                                 Earnings        Total
                                               ---------------------------- 
<S>                                              <C>          <C>  
BALANCE, December 31, 1993                        $4,771        $6,074
                                               
      Stock options exercised                          --           60
      Net income                                    3,011        3,011
      Cash dividends -- $0.03 per share               (63)         (63)
                                               ---------------------------- 
                                               
BALANCE, December 31, 1994                          7,719        9,082
                                               
      Net income                                    1,657        1,657
      Cash dividends -- $0.08 per share              (191)        (191)
                                               ---------------------------- 
                                               
BALANCE, December 31, 1995                          9,185       10,548
                                               
      Issuance of stock warrants                      --           471
      Proceeds from issuance of stock--        
        initial public offering                       --        44,780
      Proceeds from issuance of stock--        
        employee purchase                             --            11
      Net income                                    5,905        5,905
      Cash dividends -- $0.01 per share               (32)         (32)
                                               ---------------------------- 
                                               
BALANCE, December 31, 1996                        $15,058      $61,683
                                               ============================ 

</TABLE> 

             The accompanying notes are an integral part of these 
                      consolidated financial statements.

                                      F-5
<PAGE>
 
                    GENESEE & WYOMING INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                                                                    Years Ended December 31,
                                                                                         -----------------------------------------
                                                                                            1994             1995             1996
<S>                                                                                       <C>              <C>              <C> 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:                                                
         Net income                                                                       $3,011           $1,657           $5,905
         Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided                    
            by operating activities-                                                 
            Depreciation and amortization                                                  3,577            3,887            6,052
            Deferred income taxes                                                            738              811            1,332
            Gain on disposition of property                                                 (169)            (195)            (633)
            Write-off of other assets                                                        675               --               --
            Special charge                                                                    --               --            1,360
            Changes in assets and liabilities, net of balances                       
              assumed through acquisitions-                                          
               Receivables                                                                (3,226)           1,257           (7,781)
               Materials and supplies                                                       (214)              38           (1,861)
               Prepaid expenses and other                                                   (236)            (450)            (239)
               Accounts payables and accrued expenses                                      2,855           (4,751)          25,217
               Other assets and liabilities, net                                             279              310            1,060
                                                                                           --------------------------------------- 
                  Net cash provided by operating activities                                7,290            2,564           30,412
                                                                                           --------------------------------------- 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:                                                
         Purchase of property and equipment                                               (6,153)         (16,632)          (8,174)
         Purchase of assets of Chicago & Illinois Midland Railway Company                     --               --          (26,330)
         Purchase of assets of Pittsburg & Shawmut Railroad Company,                 
            Mountain Laurel Railroad Company and Red Bank Railroad Company                    --               --          (11,966)
         Purchase of common stock of Rail Link, Inc.                                          --               --          (12,122)
         Proceeds from disposition of property                                               824              318           17,790
                                                                                           --------------------------------------- 
                  Net cash used in investing activities                                   (5,329)         (16,314)         (40,802)
                                                                                           --------------------------------------- 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:                                                
         Principal payments on long-term borrowings, including capital leases             (4,962)         (16,999)         (73,400)
         Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt                                          2,476           24,300           51,437
         Debt issuance costs                                                                  --             (641)          (1,642)
         Net proceeds on grants                                                            1,755            3,512              771
         Dividends paid                                                                      (63)            (191)             (32)
         Proceeds from issuance of stock options                                              60               --               --
         Proceeds from issuance of stock--employee purchase                                   --               --               11
         Issuance of stock warrants                                                           --               --              471
         Proceeds from issuance of stock--initial public offering                             --               --           44,780
                                                                                           --------------------------------------- 
                  Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities                       (734)           9,981           22,396
                                                                                           --------------------------------------- 
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS                                           1,227           (3,769)          12,006
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period                                             4,657            5,884            2,115
                                                                                           --------------------------------------- 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period                                                  $5,884           $2,115          $14,121
                                                                                           ======================================= 
CASH PAID DURING PERIOD FOR:                                                         
         Interest                                                                         $3,075           $3,204           $4,347
         Incomes taxes                                                                     1,023            1,022            2,138
                                                                                           ======================================= 
</TABLE> 
                  The accompanying notes are an integral part
                  of these consolidated financial statements.

                                    

                                      F-6
<PAGE>
 
                    GENESEE & WYOMING INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                    ---------------------------------------
                                        

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                   ------------------------------------------



1.  THE COMPANY'S BUSINESS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
    -----------------------------------------------------------

Genesee & Wyoming Inc. and Subsidiaries (the "Company") operates 15 short-line
and regional railroads in New York, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, Oregon, Texas and,
beginning in 1996, Illinois, Florida, North Carolina and Virginia (see Note 2),
through its various subsidiaries.  The Company, through its leasing subsidiary,
also buys, sells, leases and manages railroad transportation equipment.  The
Company, through its industrial switching subsidiary, also provides railroad
switching and related services to industries in North America with extensive
railroad facilities within their complexes.

Principles of Consolidation
- ---------------------------

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and
its subsidiaries.  All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have
been eliminated in consolidation.

Revenue Recognition
- -------------------

Revenues are estimated and recognized as shipments initially move onto the
Company's tracks, which, due to the relatively short length of haul, is not
materially different from the recognition of revenues as shipments progress.

Cash Equivalents
- ----------------

The Company considers all highly liquid instruments with a maturity of three
months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents for purposes of
classification in the consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of
cash flows.  Cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates fair market
value.

Materials and Supplies
- ----------------------

Materials and supplies consist of items for improvement and maintenance of road
property and equipment, and are stated at the lower of average cost or market.

Property and Equipment
- ----------------------

Property and equipment are carried at historical cost.  Acquired railroad
property is recorded at the purchased cost.  Major renewals or betterments are
capitalized while routine maintenance and repairs, which do not improve or
extend asset lives, are charged to expense when incurred.  Gains or losses on
sales or other dispositions are credited or charged to other income.  Gains of
approximately $790,000, $0 and $572,000 realized by the leasing subsidiary on
the sale or disposition of transportation equipment during 1994, 1995 and 1996,
respectively, are classified in operating revenues.  Depreciation is provided on
the straight-line method over the useful lives of the property which are as
follows:

     Road Properties...............................20-50 years
     Equipment......................................3-20 years

                                      F-7
<PAGE>
 
The Company continually evaluates whether later events and circumstances have
occurred that indicate the assets may not be recoverable.  When factors indicate
that the assets should be evaluated for possible impairment, the Company uses an
estimate of the related undiscounted future cash flows over the remaining lives
of the assets in measuring whether the assets are recoverable.

Service Assurance Agreement
- ---------------------------

The service assurance agreement represents a commitment from the most
significant customer of the Company, to one of the subsidiary railroads (see
Note 2), which grants the Company the exclusive right to serve indefinitely
three of the customer's facilities.  The service assurance agreement is
amortized on a straight-line basis over the same period as the related track
structure, which is 20 years.  At December 31, 1996, the service assurance
agreement was $14,312,000, net of accumulated amortization of $669,000.
 
Primary and Fully Diluted Net Income per Share
- ----------------------------------------------

Primary and fully diluted net income per share are determined by dividing net
income by the weighted average number of common shares, and where applicable,
common share equivalents outstanding during the period, as adjusted for the
stock split discussed in Note 13.  The common share equivalents outstanding for
primary and fully diluted net income per share are derived by calculating the
dilutive effect of unexercised stock options and stock warrants using the
average and ending market price per share, respectively.

Significant Customer Relationship
- ---------------------------------

A large portion of the Company's operating revenues is attributable to customers
operating in the electric utility, forest products, petroleum and salt
industries.  As the Company acquires new railroad operations, the base of
customers and industries served continues to grow and diversify.  The largest
ten customers, which is a group that changes annually, accounted for
approximately 53%, 50% and 49% of the Company's revenues in 1994, 1995 and 1996,
respectively.  One customer in the electric utility industry accounted for
approximately 18% of the Company's revenues in 1996 (see Note 2) while one
customer in the salt industry accounted for approximately 12% of the Company's
revenue in 1994 (see Note 3).  The Company regularly grants trade credit to all
of its customers.  In addition, the Company grants trade credit to other
railroads through the routine interchange of traffic.  Although the Company's
accounts receivable include a diverse number of customers and railroads, the
collection of these receivables is substantially dependent upon the economies of
the regions in which the Company operates, the electric utility, forest
products, petroleum and salt industries, and the railroad sector of the economy
in general.

Disclosures About Fair Value of Financial Instruments
- -----------------------------------------------------

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of
each class of financial instrument held by the Company:

        Current assets and current liabilities: The carrying value approximates
        fair value due to the short maturity of these items.

        Long-term debt: The fair value of the Company's long-term debt is based
        on secondary market indicators. Since the Company's debt is not quoted,
        estimates are based on each obligation's characteristics, including
        remaining maturities, interest rate, credit rating, collateral,
        amortization schedule and liquidity. The carrying amount approximates
        fair value.

                                      F-8
<PAGE>
 
Management Estimates
- --------------------

The 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 and disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and
the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.

2.  EXPANSION OF RAILROAD OPERATIONS:
    ---------------------------------

Illinois & Midland Railroad, Inc. - On February 8, 1996, a newly-formed
subsidiary, Illinois & Midland Railroad, Inc. ("Illinois & Midland"), purchased
certain assets, primarily road and track structure, of Chicago & Illinois
Midland Railway Company for approximately $27.7 million, including related costs
and the assumption of certain liabilities.  The purchase price was allocated to
purchased inventory ($750,000), assumed note receivable ($1,220,000), property
($10,773,000), and the service assurance agreement ($14,981,000).  The purchase
also included the assumption of $1,394,000 of liabilities.  This subsidiary
operates approximately 126 miles of track in the State of Illinois.  A
significant portion of this subsidiary's operating revenue (83% in 1995 and 76%
in 1996) is attributable to coal shipments for one customer which is an electric
utility (see Note 1).  The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase.

Pittsburg & Shawmut Railroad, Inc. - On April 29, 1996, a newly formed
subsidiary, Pittsburg & Shawmut Railroad, Inc. ("Pittsburg & Shawmut"),
purchased certain assets, primarily road and track structure, of Pittsburg &
Shawmut Railroad Company, Mountain Laurel Railroad Company, and Red Bank
Railroad Company for approximately $15.2 million, including related costs.  The
purchase price was allocated to purchased inventory ($50,000), property
($14,846,000), and other assets ($264,000).  The purchase also included the
assumption of $3,194,000 of deferred grants from the State of Pennsylvania.  In
addition, the purchase and sale agreement provides for additional contingency
payments of up to $2.5 million.  A portion of these payments are required (up to
a maximum of $500,000) if certain coal shipments during any calendar year from
1997-1999, as defined, exceed 290,000 tons.  The remaining contingency payments
(up to a maximum of $2.0 million) are calculated as 25% of the gross revenues
attributable to certain coal shipments that exceed 564,793 tons during any
calendar year from 2000-2009, as defined.  Upon resolution of the amount of the
contingency payments, there will be an additional element of cost related to the
transaction, which will be recorded as excess cost over the fair market value of
tangible net assets acquired and amortized over the same period as the related
track structure, which is 20 years.  The acquisition was accounted for as a
purchase.  On June 28, 1996, a portion of the railcars acquired in the purchase
were sold for $2.4 million, the purchase price allocation was adjusted, and no
gain or loss was recognized.

Rail Link, Inc. - On November 8, 1996, the Company completed its acquisition of
all of the common stock of Rail Link, Inc. ("Rail Link") for approximately $9.1
million in cash and $3.0 million in future amounts payable based on performance.
The purchase price was allocated to purchased net working capital ($1,218,000),
property ($5,000,000), goodwill ($5,629,000) and other assets ($275,000).  The
goodwill is being amortized on a straight-line basis over 20 years.  At December
31, 1996, goodwill was $5,582,000, net of accumulated amortization of $47,000.
The purchase also included the assumption of $474,000 of liabilities.  Rail Link
provides railroad switching and related services to North American industries
with extensive railroad facilities within their complexes.  Headquartered in
Richmond, Virginia, Rail Link manages 20 switching operations, a railcar
cleaning operation, two track maintenance operations and a locomotive leasing
operation in 11 states.  Rail Link also operates three short line railroads
located in 

                                      F-9
<PAGE>
 
Florida, North Carolina and Virginia. The acquisition was accounted for as a
purchase. The allocation of the purchase price is based on preliminary estimates
and may be revised at a later date.

Pro Forma for Acquisitions - Results for the operations of Illinois & Midland
Railroad, Inc., Pittsburg & Shawmut Railroad, Inc. and Rail Link, Inc. are
included within the consolidated financial statements commencing February 9,
1996, April 30, 1996, and November 9, 1996, respectively.  Unaudited pro forma
results assuming these acquisitions had been made as of January 1, 1995, are as
follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):


                                                        Year Ended
                                                     -----------------
                                                   12/31/95    12/31/96
                                                   --------    --------
(Unaudited)

Revenues...........................................$82,397     $90,842
Net income.........................................  3,976       5,572
Net income per common share and common share
   equivalent......................................  $1.69       $1.41
Net income per common share and common share
   equivalent assuming full dilution...............  $1.69       $1.40

Such pro forma information is not necessarily indicative of the results of
future operations.  Income per share information has been adjusted for the stock
split (see Note 13) as though it took place on January 1, 1995.

3. SPECIAL CHARGE:
  ----------------

One of the Company's subsidiaries has served a salt mine in Retsof, New York
since the 1890's.  This mine closed in 1995 and in 1996, the mining company
announced it would not replace the mine or maintain a distribution center.  The
subsidiary has experienced a significant decline in traffic and in the fourth
quarter of 1996 the Company realigned its operations and decided to close
certain supporting facilities.  Thus, the Company has recorded a special charge
representing the impairment of assets of $1,140,000 and employee severance and
pension termination expense of $220,000.  This special charge, which was
recorded in the fourth quarter, is in the amount of $1,360,000 before tax and
$809,000 after tax, or $0.20 per share.

On February 11, 1997, an investment group announced a plan to acquire all rights
of the present salt mining company and build a new mine in the Retsof area.
According to the investment group, development of this new mine is contingent
upon obtaining adequate financing and regulatory approvals and permits.  Because
of the nature of the proposed mine and the Company's realignment of operations,
the supporting facilities which are subject to this special charge will not be
needed in any future potential rail operations.

                                     F-10
<PAGE>
 
4.    PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:
      -----------------------
Major classifications of property and equipment are as follows (amounts in
thousands):
 
                                           1995     1996
                                          -------  -------

Road properties                           $48,691  $62,670
Equipment and other                        30,540   34,017
                                           ------   ------
                                           79,231   96,687
Less- Accumulated depreciation and
 amortization                              17,657   17,865
                                           ------   ------
                                          $61,574  $78,822
                                           ======   ======



5.  OTHER ASSETS:
    -------------

Major classifications of other assets are as follows (amounts in thousands):
 
                                       1995    1996
                                      ------  -------
Goodwill                              $   --  $ 5,629
Deferred financing costs                 682    2,328
Assets held for sale or future use        --    2,023
Other                                    609    2,160
                                       -----   ------
                                       1,291   12,140
Less- Accumulated amortization           237      765
                                       -----   ------
                                      $1,054  $11,375
                                       =====   ======
 

The Company recorded goodwill of approximately $5,629,000 related to the
acquisition of all of the common stock of a new subsidiary (see Note 2).  The
goodwill is being amortized on a straight-line basis over 20 years.  At December
31, 1996, goodwill was $5,582,000, net of accumulated amortization of $47,000.

Deferred financing costs are amortized over the period covered by the related
revolving credit agreement using the straight-line method, which is not
materially different from the amortization computed using the effective-interest
method (see Note 7).

In December 1996, the Company transferred approximately $2.0 million of assets
from road properties to other assets to be held for sale or future use due to
the shutdown of one of its subsidiaries (see Note 3).

In 1994, the Company wrote off certain road property which was being held for
sale or future use to state the property at net realizable value.  This write-
off of approximately $675,000 was recorded as a charge to maintenance of ways
and structures expense.

                                     F-11
<PAGE>
 
6. LEASES:
   -------

Lessor
- ------

A subsidiary leases rolling stock to third parties under agreements that are
accounted for as operating leases.  The property held for lease on December 31,
1996, totaled $14,175,000 less accumulated depreciation of $3,701,000.  The
following is a schedule by years of minimum future rentals receivable on
noncancelable operating leases (amounts in thousands):


 
     1997.............................................$3,198
     1998..............................................2,910
     1999..............................................1,160
     2000..............................................1,160
     2001................................................680
     Thereafter........................................2,722
                                                       -----

                                                     $11,830
                                                     =======

Lessee
- ------

The Company has entered into several leases for rolling stock, locomotives and
other equipment.  Operating lease expense for the years ended December 31, 1994,
1995 and 1996, was approximately $2,275,000, $2,173,000 and $1,256,000,
respectively.

On December 27, 1996, the Company completed the sale of 53 of its locomotives to
a leasing company for a net sale price of approximately $11,950,000.  The
proceeds were applied to debt on the Company's credit facilities (see Note 7).
Simultaneously, a subsidiary of the Company entered into an agreement with the
leasing company to lease the locomotives back.  The sale resulted in a deferred
gain of approximately $4,902,000 which will be amortized over the term of the
lease as a non-cash offset to rent expense.

The following is a summary of future minimum payments under noncancelable leases
(amounts in thousands):
 
     1997.............................................$2,868
     1998............................................. 2,376
     1999............................................. 2,073
     2000............................................. 1,720
     2001............................................. 1,666
     Thereafter....................................... 6,600
                                                       -----
 
     Total minimum payments..........................$17,303
                                                     =======

In 1992, a subsidiary of the Company entered into a lease agreement with a Class
I carrier to operate 185 miles of track in Oregon.  This subsidiary began
operations in 1993.  The subsidiary has assumed all operating and financial
responsibilities including maintenance and regulatory compliance.  Under the
lease, no payments to the lessor are required as long as the subsidiary
interchanges its freight traffic with only the lessor.  Through December 31,
1996, no payments were required under this lease arrangement as all traffic has
been interchanged with the lessor.  The lease is subject to an initial 20 year
term and shall be renewed for successive ten year renewal terms, unless either
party elects not to renew the lease.  If the lessor terminates the lease for any

                                     F-12
<PAGE>
 
reason, the lessor must reimburse the subsidiary for its depreciated basis in
the property.

In August, 1995, a subsidiary of the Company signed an agreement with a Class  I
carrier to lease and operate 53 miles of track in Oregon.  The lease is subject
to an initial 20 year term and shall be renewed for an additional ten years,
unless either party elects not to renew the lease.  Under the lease, no payments
to the lessor are required as long as the subsidiary maintains minimum levels of
traffic and provided the subsidiary interchanges its freight traffic with only
the lessor and certain permitted carriers.  The maximum annual lease payment
required if this subsidiary did not move any traffic would be $1.3 million.  In
October, 1995, the subsidiary signed an agreement with another Class I carrier
to lease and operate an additional 53 miles of connecting track in Oregon.  The
lease is subject to an initial three year term and shall be renewed for
successive three year intervals, unless either party elects not to renew the
lease.  Under the lease, no payments to the lessor are required as long as the
subsidiary interchanges its freight traffic with only the lessor and certain
permitted carriers.  Under both of these arrangements, the Company has assumed
all operating and financial responsibilities including maintenance and
regulatory compliance.  Through December 31, 1996, no payments were required
under either lease arrangement.

A subsidiary of the Company has entered into a trackage rights agreement to
operate over 93 miles of a Class I carrier.  This agreement is terminable by
either party after 1997.
 
7.    LONG-TERM DEBT:
      ---------------
Long-term debt consists of the following (amounts in thousands):
 
                                           1995     1996
                                          -------  -------

Credit facilities with variable
 interest depending upon certain
 financial ratios of the Company, as
 defined (7.25% at December 31, 1996),
 due partially in quarterly               $24,300  $ 7,972
 installments, with the balance due in
 2001, net of unamortized discount of
 $384,000 ($0 in 1995)
 
 
 
 
Promissory note payable with interest
 at 8% and principal payments due
 annually of $1,188,000 if certain
 conditions, as specified in the            9,122    9,022
 agreement, are met, with the balance
 due in 1999
 
 
 
Secured promissory notes (three) with
 the State of Illinois, interest at 3%,
 payable in annual installments through         -    1,737
 2006
 
 
Term loan payable in quarterly
 installments, with interest adjusted
 quarterly at 90-day treasury bill rate     6,066        -
 plus 3.25%
 
 
Capital lease obligations with interest
 at 12.47%, payable in monthly                453        -
 installments of $47,885 through 1996
 
                                           ------   ------
                                           39,941   18,731
Less- Current portion                       1,239      271
                                           ------   ------
Long-term debt, less current portion      $38,702  $18,460
                                           ======   ======
 

                                     F-13
<PAGE>
 
On June 2, 1995, the Company refinanced approximately $14.3 million of
previously existing notes and purchased approximately $6 million of rolling
stock previously under an operating lease by entering into a credit facilities
agreement.  In conjunction with this refinancing transaction, an extraordinary
charge for prepayment penalties and other financing costs on the early
extinguishment of debt for approximately $851,000 ($494,000 net of income taxes)
was incurred.  These amounts have been recorded in the accompanying consolidated
income statement as an extraordinary item, net of income taxes.

On February 8, 1996, the Company amended and restated the credit facilities
agreement.  The amended and restated credit facilities provide for (i) a $40
million term loan used to finance the acquisitions of Illinois & Midland and
Pittsburg & Shawmut and (ii) a $34 million revolving credit facility used to
finance other acquisitions, including the Rail Link acquisition, and for working
capital and other general corporate purposes.  The revolving credit facility
provides for a mandatory commitment reduction of $2.0 million on December 31,
1997, with the remaining balance payable in February, 2001.  The Company may
voluntarily reduce the commitment on the revolving credit facility at any time
without penalty, provided that no reinstatement of the commitment amounts may
occur.  In conjunction with the amendment and restatement, the Company paid debt
financing fees of $1.6 million, primarily to a financial institution (see Note
5).

On June 28, 1996, the Company used proceeds of approximately $45,805,000 from
its initial public offering (see Note 13) to reduce its credit facilities.
Also, on December 20, 1996, the Company voluntarily paid the remaining balance
on its term loan.

The credit facilities accrue interest at prime or the Eurodollar rate, at the
option of the Company, plus the applicable margin, which varies from 0% to 3%
depending upon the Company's funded debt to EBITDA ratio, as defined in the
agreement.  Interest is payable in arrears based on certain elections of the
Company, never to exceed three months outstanding.  The Company pays a 1/2% per
annum commitment fee on all unused portions of the revolving credit facility.
The credit facilities agreement requires mandatory prepayments when certain
events occur.  These events include, among other things, the generation of
excess cash flow, the disposition of certain levels of assets not subject to
prior liens and the sale of Company stock, all as defined in the agreement.
These credit facilities are secured by substantially all the assets of the
Company and the stock of certain subsidiaries.  The credit facilities agreement
requires the maintenance of certain covenants, including, but not limited to,
funded debt to EBITDA, funded debt to net worth, cash flow coverage, EBIT to
interest and minimum net worth, all as defined in the agreement.  The Company is
also limited in its ability to incur additional indebtedness, create liens on
its assets, make certain capital expenditures and pay dividends greater than
$32,000 in any one quarter.  The Company and its subsidiaries were in compliance
with the provisions of these covenants as of December 31, 1996.

The promissory note payable with an outstanding balance of $9,022,000 at
December 31, 1996, provides for annual principal payments of $1,188,000 by a
subsidiary provided the subsidiary meets certain levels of revenue and cash
flow.  In accordance with these provisions, the subsidiary was not required to
make any principal payments in 1995 or 1996.  The subsidiary did, however, make
principal payments of $184,000 and $100,000 in 1995 and 1996, respectively, due
to additional requirements regarding the sale of assets, as defined in the
agreement.  The subsidiary does not expect that it will be required to make a
principal payment in 1997.  The annual debt maturity schedule has been adjusted
accordingly.

                                     F-14
<PAGE>
 
The following is a summary of the maturities of long-term debt as of December
31, 1996 (amounts in thousands):
 
     1997.............................................$  271
     1998..............................................  176
     1999..............................................9,104
     2000..............................................  187
     2001..............................................8,165
     Thereafter........................................  828
                                                       -----

                                                            $18,731
                                                            =======
 
8.  INTEREST RATE RISK MANAGEMENT:
    ----------------------------- 

The Company uses derivative financial instruments, specifically interest rate
caps and interest rate swaps, to manage its variable interest rate risk on long-
term debt.

Interest Rate Cap--In August, 1995, the Company entered into a three-year
- -----------------                                                        
interest rate cap agreement in order to cap the rate on three-month dollar
deposits, as defined, to a fixed rate of 8.0%.  The notional amount under this
agreement reduces on a quarterly basis in varying amounts from $15,250,000 at
September 30, 1995, to $11,438,000 at September 30, 1998 ($14,500,000 at
December 31, 1996).  The fees paid by the Company for the interest rate cap were
capitalized and are amortized over the period covered by the agreement.
Management estimates the carrying value of this interest rate cap to approximate
fair value.

Old Interest Rate Swap--In February, 1996, the Company entered into a three-year
- ----------------------                                                          
interest rate swap agreement with a financial institution whereby the Company
fixed its LIBOR interest rate at 5.14% by exchanging its variable interest rate
on long-term debt for a fixed interest rate.  The notional amount under this
agreement was $10.0 million.  In May, 1996, this agreement was terminated and
the Company received consideration of $210,000 from the financial institution,
which is being amortized as a credit to interest expense over the remaining life
of the original agreement.

New Interest Rate Swap--In October, 1996, the Company entered into a two-year
- ----------------------                                                       
interest rate swap agreement with a financial institution whereby, effective
December 31, 1996, the Company fixed its LIBOR interest rate at 6.15% by
exchanging its variable interest rate on long-term debt for a fixed interest
rate.  The notional amount under this agreement is $10.0 million.  Management
estimates the carrying value of this interest rate swap to approximate fair
value.

9.  EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS:
    -----------------------

Pension
- -------

The Company administers a noncontributory defined benefit plan for the employees
of a subsidiary who are members of a union and who meet minimum service
requirements.  Benefits are determined based on a fixed amount per year of
credited service.  The Company's funding policy is to make contributions for
pension benefits based on actuarial computations which reflect the long-term
nature of the plan.  The Company has met the minimum funding requirements
according to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act.

Pension costs for 1994, 1995 and 1996 were approximately $13,000, $14,000, and
$105,000, respectively.  The 1996 pension cost includes the estimated expense of

                                     F-15
<PAGE>
 
terminating the defined benefit plan due to the shut down of a subsidiary's
operations (see Note 3).  The  pension liability recognized in the accompanying
consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 1995 and 1996, was approximately
$80,000 and $185,000, respectively.

The projected benefit obligation was determined using a discount rate of 7.8%.
The long-term rate of return on plan assets was 7.5%.  The plan assets, which
consist of fixed income securities, were approximately $117,000 and $90,000,
respectively, at December  31, 1995 and 1996.  The unrecognized net transition
obligation is being amortized over the remaining service lives of plan
participants.

Postretirement Benefits
- -----------------------

Historically, the Company has provided certain health care and life insurance
benefits for certain retired employees.  Eligible employees include union
employees for one of its subsidiaries, and certain nonunion employees who have
reached the age of 55 with 30 or more years of service.  The Company funds the
plan on a pay-as-you-go basis.

Total postretirement benefit costs for the years ended December 31, 1994, 1995
and 1996, were $55,000, $49,000 and $53,000, respectively.  The funded status of
the plan at December 31, 1995 and 1996, was as follows (amounts in thousands):


 
                                          1995   1996
                                          -----  -----

Accumulated postretirement benefit
 obligation-
Fully eligible active participants        $   4  $  58
Other active participants                   145     70
Retirees                                    486    420
                                           ----   ----
                                            635    548
Plan assets at fair value                     -      -
                                           ----   ----
Accumulated postretirement benefit
 obligation in excess of plan assets        635    548
 
Unrecognized net gain resulting from         51
 change in actuarial assumptions                   151
 
                                           ----   ----
Accrued postretirement benefit cost       $ 686  $ 699
                                           ====   ====
 



For measurement purposes, a 9% annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of
covered health care benefits was assumed for 1998.  The rate was then assumed to
gradually decrease to 5% by the year 2002, at which time the rate was assumed to
remain level.  To illustrate the effect of these assumptions, increasing the
assumed health care cost trend by 1% each year would increase the accumulated
postretirement benefit obligation as of December 31, 1996, by approximately
$44,000 and the net periodic postretirement benefit cost for 1996 by
approximately $7,000.

                                     F-16
<PAGE>
 
Relevant assumptions used in accounting for the postretirement benefit plan as
of December 31 were as follows:


 
                                          1995   1996
                                          -----  -----

Weighted average discount rate             7.5%  7.75%
Long-term rate of return on plan assets    N/A    N/A
                                           ===    ===
 

Employee Bonus Programs
- -----------------------

The Company has performance-based bonus programs which include a majority of
non-union employees.  Key employees are granted bonuses on a discretionary
basis.  Total compensation of approximately $314,000, $308,000 and $730,000 was
awarded under the various bonus plans in 1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively.

Profit Sharing
- --------------

The Company maintains a defined contribution profit-sharing plan for two
subsidiaries.  There were no contributions in 1994, 1995 or 1996.

Effective January 1, 1994, the Company established two 401(k) plans covering
union and non-union employees who have met specified length of service
requirements.  The 401(k) plans qualify under Section 401(k) of the Internal
Revenue Code as salary reduction plans.  Employees may elect to contribute a
certain percentage of  their salary on a before-tax basis.  For non-union
employees, the Company matches the participants contributions up to 1-1/2% of
the participants salary.  The Company's contributions to the plans in 1994, 1995
and 1996 were approximately $70,000, $83,000 and $110,000, respectively.

Postemployment Benefits
- -----------------------

The Company does not provide postemployment benefits to its employees.

10. INCOME TAXES:
    -------------

The Company files consolidated U.S. federal income tax returns which include all
of its subsidiaries.  The components of the provision for income taxes on income
before extraordinary item are as follows (amounts in thousands):


 
 
             1994    1995    1996
            ------  ------  ------

Current-
Federal     $1,123  $  550  $2,779
State          146     111   1,014
Deferred       738     811     227
            -----   -----   -----
            $2,007  $1,472  $4,020
            =====   =====   =====
 


The provision for income taxes on income before extraordinary item in each
period differs from that which would be computed by applying the statutory U.S.
federal income tax rate to the income before taxes.  The following is a summary
of the effective tax rate reconciliation:

                                     F-17
<PAGE>
 
                                          1994   1995   1996
                                          -----  -----  -----

Tax provision at statutory rate           34.0%  34.0%  34.0%
State income taxes, net of federal
 income tax benefit                        4.6%   4.0%   5.6%
 
Other, net                                 1.4%   2.6%   0.9%
                                          ----   ----   ----
                                          40.0%  40.6%  40.5%
                                          ====   ====   ====
 

The following summarizes the estimated tax effect of significant cumulative
temporary differences that are included in the net deferred income tax liability
(amounts in thousands):


 
 
                                            1995      1996
                                          --------  --------

Deferred tax assets-
Accruals and reserves not deducted for
 tax purposes until paid                  $ 1,438   $ 1,828
 
Alternative minimum tax credits             2,903     1,752
Net operating losses                          489         -
Investment tax credits                         52         -
Postretirement benefits                       272       259
Other                                          74       154
                                           ------    ------
                                            5,228     3,993
Deferred tax liability -- differences
 in depreciation and amortization          (8,089)   (7,081)
 
                                           ------    ------
Net deferred tax liability                $(2,861)  $(3,088)
                                           ======    ======
 


The Company's alternative minimum tax credits can be carried forward
indefinitely; however, the Company must achieve future regular taxable income in
order to realize this credit.  Management does not believe that a valuation
allowance is required for the deferred tax assets based on anticipated future
profit levels and the reversal of current temporary differences.

11.  GRANTS FROM GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES:
     ----------------------------------

In April, 1996, in connection with the purchase of assets of Pittsburg & Shawmut
Railroad Company, Mountain Laurel Railroad Company and Red Bank Railroad Company
(see Note 2), the Company assumed a deferred grant of $3,194,000 from the State
of Pennsylvania.

During 1995, a subsidiary of the Company received a grant from the State of
Pennsylvania of $3,500,000 for rehabilitation of a portion of the subsidiary's
track.  The agreement requires the State of Pennsylvania to reimburse the
subsidiary for 75% of the total costs of the project.  This project was
substantially complete as of December 31, 1996.  Another subsidiary of the
Company received a grant from the State of Louisiana of $300,000 for
rehabilitation of a portion of the subsidiary's track.  This project has been
completed.

During 1994, three subsidiaries of the Company received grants totaling
approximately $1,755,000 from the State of Pennsylvania for the rehabilitation
of a portion of each subsidiary's track.  The agreements require the State to
reimburse each subsidiary for 70%-75% of the total costs for each rehabilitation

                                     F-18
<PAGE>
 
project.  Each of these rehabilitation projects was completed by December 31,
1994.

During a prior year, a subsidiary of the Company received a grant from the State
of New York of $4,000,000 for the rehabilitation of a portion of the
subsidiary's track.  This subsidiary also received a grant of $900,000 from the
Federal Railroad Administration for the same rehabilitation project.  The State
of New York is entitled to 63.8% of the net liquidation value of the
rehabilitated track upon abandonment.  The State of New York agreement also
requires the subsidiary to pay a usage fee for 10 years beginning on April 1,
1994, for all loaded cars moved over the subsidiary's track.  Cumulative fees
are limited to $4,000,000.  As an alternative to paying the usage fee, the
subsidiary, at its discretion, may make capital improvements, proposed by March
1 of the following year, of equal or greater value to the usage fee accrued
during the year.  The Company believes that it has proposed and/or performed
capital improvements of equal or greater value which eliminates any liability
associated with the usage fee.

All of the aforementioned grants do not represent a future liability of the
Company unless the Company abandons the rehabilitated track structure within a
specified period of time, as defined in the respective agreements.  As the
Company does not intend to abandon the track, the Company has recorded additions
to road property and has deferred the amount of the grants as the rehabilitation
expenditures have been incurred.  The amortization of the deferred grant is a
noncash offset to depreciation expense over the useful life of the related
assets and is not included as taxable income.  During the years ended December
31, 1994, 1995 and 1996, the Company recorded offsets to depreciation expense
from grant amortization of $313,000, $415,000 and $638,000, respectively.

12.  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:
     ------------------------------

The Company has built its portfolio of railroad properties through the purchase
or lease of road and track structure and through operating agreements.  These
transactions have related only to the physical assets of the railroad property.
Historically, the Company does not assume the operations or liabilities of the
divesting railroads.

The Company routinely interchanges traffic with certain Class I railroads that
are currently undergoing consolidations.  These consolidations present both risk
and opportunity for the Company.  The acquisition of Conrail may impact the
Company's Northeast region.  Until the details of these consolidations reaches
greater clarity, the Company is unable to determine the impact on its
operations, particularly in the Northeast.

In connection with the Company's lease of its 185-mile line in Oregon (see Note
6), the Company has committed to the lessor to rehabilitate 25 miles of track
over five years, beginning February, 1993, at an estimated total cost of
approximately $5.0 million.  As of December 31, 1996, the Company has completed
approximately $2.0 million of this rehabilitation.  The Company has also
purchased and classified as material and supplies approximately $1,870,000 of
rail necessary to complete the project on schedule.

The Company is a defendant in certain lawsuits resulting from the railroad
operations.  Management believes that adequate provision has been made in the
financial statements for any expected liabilities which may result from
disposition of such lawsuits.  While it is possible that some of the foregoing
matters may be settled at a cost greater than that provided for, it is the
opinion of management that the ultimate liability, if any, will not be material
to the Company's results of operations or financial position.

                                     F-19
<PAGE>
 
13.  STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
     ---------------------

Warrants
- --------

In conjunction with the amendment and restatement of the Company's credit
facilities as discussed in Note 7, detachable warrants were issued to a
financial institution to purchase 41,847 shares of Class A Common Stock at an
exercise price of $0.0005 per share.  These warrants are exercisable at any time
through March 1, 2006.  Management has valued the warrants at approximately
$471,000, the amount of which was recorded as a debt discount and recorded in
long-term debt.  The discount is being amortized over the period covered by the
related credit facilities agreement using the straight-line method, which is not
materially different from the amortization computed using the effective-interest
method.

Initial Public Offering and Related Stock Transactions
- ------------------------------------------------------

On June 28, 1996 the Company closed an underwritten initial public offering
("IPO") of 3,045,200 shares of Class A Common Stock (the "Common Stock
Offering"), of which 2,897,200 shares were offered by the Company and 148,000
shares were offered by a selling stockholder.  The gross proceeds to the Company
of the Common Stock Offering of $49,252,000, net of underwriters' commission of
$3,447,000, were used to pay down borrowings on the credit facilities.  Other
costs of the IPO of $1,025,000 were paid by the Company.

In connection with the Common Stock Offering, the Company, effective June 10,
1996, changed the par value of its Class A and Class B Common Stock from $10 per
share to $.01 per share and increased the shares authorized to 12 million and
1.5 million shares, respectively.  The rights and privileges of Class B Common
Stock changed to substantially the same as Class A Common Stock, except it
carries 10 votes per share, is convertible into Class A Common Stock and has
transfer restrictions.  The Class A Common Stock also has a 10% dividend
preference over Class B Common Stock, as and if dividends are declared by the
Board of Directors.  Also, the Company executed an 18.5 to 1 stock split and
reclassified the Company's outstanding Class A Common Stock into Class A and
Class B Common Stock, depending on the election of the shareholder.

All references in the consolidated financial statements of the Company to the
number of shares authorized and outstanding of Class A and Class B Common Stock
have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the reclassification of the capital
stock and the stock split.

14. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS:
    -------------------------------

In 1996, the Company established an incentive and nonqualified stock option plan
for key employees and a nonqualified stock option plan for nonemployee directors
(collectively referred to hereafter as the "Stock Option Plans").  In addition,
the Company established an employee stock purchase plan ("Stock Purchase Plan").
The Company accounts for these plans under APB Opinion No. 25, under which no
compensation cost has been recognized.  Had compensation cost for these plans
been determined consistent with FASB Statement No. 123, the Company's net income
and earnings per share would have been reduced to the following pro forma
amounts:

                                     F-20
<PAGE>
 
                                        1996
                                       -------
Net Income:           As reported     $5,905
                      Pro Forma        5,609
 
Primary EPS:          As reported     $ 1.50
                      Pro Forma         1.45
 
Fully Diluted EPS:    As reported     $ 1.49
                      Pro Forma         1.43

The Company may sell up to 450,000 shares of stock to its full-time employees
under the Stock Purchase Plan.  At December 31, 1996, 328 shares had been
purchased under this plan.  The Company sells shares at 100% of the stock's
market price at date of purchase, therefore, no compensation cost exists for
this plan.

The Company may grant options to purchase up to an aggregate of 500,000 shares
of Class A Common Stock under its Stock Option Plans. Under both Plans, the
option price equals at least the stock's market price on the date of grant,
except that grants of incentive stock options to employees with significant
voting control must be at least the market price plus ten percent. The Stock
Option Committee of the Company's Board of Directors has discretion to determine
employee grantees, dates and amounts of grants, vesting and expiration dates. No
option may be exercised after ten years from date of grant (or five years in the
case of incentive stock options to employees with significant voting control),
although the stock Option Committee may establish a shorter option term.

The Company has granted 421,500 options during 1996.  A total of 32,000 options
granted to directors who are not employees have an exercise price of $17, vest 
over three years, and expire after ten years.  Of the remaining 389,500 options
issued to employees, 350,500 have an exercise price ranging from $17 to $18.70 
and 39,000 have an exercise price of $33.25.  The employee options vest over 
four years and expire after five years.  None of the options were exercisable as
of December 31, 1996.

The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the
Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted-average
assumptions: risk-free interest rate of 6.5 percent; expected dividend yield of
0 percent; expected lives of 5 and 10 years; expected volatility of 54 percent.
The weighted-average fair value of options granted during 1996 was $10.29 .


                                     F-21
<PAGE>


15.  QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA:
     ------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
Quarterly Results (Unaudited)
                                                      First    Second     Third   Fourth
(in thousands, except per share data)                Quarter   Quarter   Quarter  Quarter
- ---------------------------------------------------  --------  --------  -------  -------
<S>                                                  <C>       <C>       <C>      <C>
1996
Operating revenues.................................. $16,608    $19,009   $19,022   $23,156
Income from operations..............................   2,814      4,173     3,609     3,398
Net income..........................................     965      1,559     1,763     1,619
Net income per share................................    0.41       0.64      0.34      0.30
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1995
Operating revenues.................................. $13,391    $13,243   $13,600   $13,154
Income from operations..............................   1,526      1,427     1,982     1,638
Income before extraordinary item....................     502        404       654     1,638
Net income (loss)...................................     502        (90)      654       591
Income per share before extraordinary item..........    0.21       0.17      0.28      0.25
Extraordinary item..................................       -      (0.21)       -        -
Net income (loss) per share.........................    0.21      (0.04)     0.28      0.25
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

The fourth quarter of 1996 includes a $1,360,000 nonrecurring charge to record
certain shutdown costs associated with the closing of a subsidiary (see Note 3).

The second quarter of 1995 includes a $494,000 extraordinary item, net of
related income tax benefit of $357,000, resulting from the early extinguishment
of debt (see Note 7).

                                     F-22


<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.1


CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT REQUESTED AS TO THOSE PORTIONS MARKED WITH ASTERISKS
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
(***) AND THOSE PORTIONS HAVE BEEN SEPARATELY FILED WITH THE COMMISSION.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------


     STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT dated as of November 8, 1996 between (i) BRENCO,
INCORPORATED, a Virginia corporation ("Seller") and the corporate parent of RAIL
LINK, INC., a Virginia corporation (the "Company"), (ii) the Company and (iii)
GENESEE & WYOMING INC., a Delaware corporation ("Buyer") (Seller, Buyer and the
Company will be sometimes referred to herein as a "Party" and collectively as
the "Parties").

     Seller owns and has the legal right and authority to sell, transfer, assign
and deliver 1,000 shares (the "Shares") of the common stock, $1.00 par value per
share, of the Company, which Shares constitute all of the issued and outstanding
shares of capital stock of the Company, and Seller desires to sell, and Buyer
desires to purchase, the Shares on the terms and conditions set forth in this
Agreement.

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual benefits to be derived and
of the mutual promises, covenants, representations, warranties and agreements
herein contained, and intending to be legally bound hereby, Seller, the Company
and Buyer hereby agree as follows:

                          Purchase and Sale of Shares
                          ---------------------------

     1.1  Sale of Shares.  On the Closing Date (as hereinafter defined) and upon
          --------------                                                        
the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement and the
representations and warranties herein made by each of the Parties to the other,
Seller shall sell, assign, transfer, convey and deliver to Buyer, and its
successors and assigns forever, free and clear of Liens (as defined in Section
2.1.3 hereof), and Buyer will accept and purchase from Seller, all of the Shares
for the purchase price hereinafter set forth.

     1.2  Purchase Price.  (a) Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set
          --------------                                                       
forth in this Agreement and in exchange for the Shares, Buyer shall pay to
Seller as the aggregate purchase price for the Shares (the "Aggregate Purchase
Price") an amount equal to the sum of (i) $9,000,000, subject to adjustment as
provided in Section 1.5 (the "Initial Purchase Price"), plus (ii) up to an
additional $3,000,000 (the "Additional Purchase Price") in accordance with the
provisions of Section 1.2(b) below.
<PAGE>
 
     (b)  In the event on or before April 30, 1998, *** Buyer shall pay to
Seller the Additional Purchase Price in the amount determined pursuant to such
Schedule 1.2.  Buyer agrees to promptly (and in all events within three days)
notify Seller of ***.  Upon *** Buyer and Seller agree to take such actions as
are necessary to comply with the terms of the Letter of Credit (as hereinafter
defined) and to permit Seller to draw down amounts due in respect of the
Additional Purchase Price.

     1.3  Manner of Payment.  (a)  At the Closing (as hereinafter defined) Buyer
          -----------------                                                     
shall deliver by wire transfer to an account designated by Seller an amount
equal to the Initial Purchase Price.

     (b)  At the Closing, Buyer shall deliver to Seller a letter of credit
satisfactory in form and substance to Buyer and Seller in the amount of up to
$3,000,000 in respect of the Additional Purchase Price (the "Letter of Credit").

     1.4  Intercompany Liabilities.  At the Closing the intercompany liabilities
          ------------------------                                              
between Seller and the Company and its Subsidiaries will be extinguished (i.e.,
amounts reflected on the Company's balance sheet as "Funds to/from Parent" will
be contributed to the equity of the Company or otherwise extinguished).

     1.5  Closing Date Working Capital Calculation.  (a)  Promptly after the
          ----------------------------------------                          
Closing, Seller shall prepare a schedule showing the Working Capital of the
Company as of the close of business on the Closing Date (the "Closing Date
Working Capital Calculation").  As used in this Section 1.5, the "Working
Capital" of the Company shall be equal to (i) the sum of the Company's (A) Cash
and cash equivalents, (B) Accounts receivable, and (C) Prepaid Expenses, less
(ii) the sum of the Company's (X) Accounts payable and (Y) Accrued expenses,
calculated as of the close of business on the Closing Date and in the same
manner as such items were calculated for purposes of the Interim Financial
Statements (as hereinafter defined).  Seller agrees to use all reasonable
efforts to cause the Closing Date Working Capital Calculation to be prepared and
delivered to Buyer within sixty (60) days after the Closing.  Buyer and its
authorized representatives, at Buyer's expense, shall have the right to review
the Closing Date Working Capital Calculation delivered by Seller to Buyer and to
perform other review procedures, including a review of any working papers with
respect to its preparation. Without charge by Buyer, Buyer shall cause its
employees to cooperate and to assist Seller, in a reasonable manner, with its
preparation of the Closing Date Working Capital Calculation, and shall provide
Seller and its authorized representatives reasonable access to the Company's
books, records, facilities and employees.

     (b) Buyer shall be deemed to have accepted the Closing Date Working Capital
Calculation and the Working Capital (as hereinafter defined) as determined
therefrom, unless within thirty (30) days after delivery thereof to Buyer, Buyer
gives written notice to Seller of

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
Buyer's objection to any item therein.  In the event Buyer gives such written
notice of objec tion, and Seller and Buyer have been unable to resolve such
dispute by a date thirty (30) days after delivery of such notice to Seller,
either Party may require that the dispute with respect to those items set forth
in the notice of objection be resolved by arbitration under the commercial
arbitration rules, but not under the jurisdiction, of the American Arbitration
Association, by a single arbitrator (the "Arbitrator") who shall be a certified
public accountant and a partner in the Chicago office of Coopers & Lybrand (or,
if Coopers & Lybrand shall refuse or be unable to act as the Arbitrator, by a
partner in the Chicago office of another Big 6 accounting firm which shall be
agreed upon by Buyer and Seller), who shall have been selected by such firm and
who shall have agreed to render his determination with respect to such dispute
within forty-five (45) days after its submission to him or as promptly
thereafter as possible.  Such arbitration shall be commenced by written notice
by one party to the other.  The Arbitrator shall have access to all documents
and facilities necessary to perform his function as an arbitrator, and both
Buyer and Seller shall be given reasonable opportunities by the Arbitrator to
present their respective positions and furnish documents to the Arbitrator.  The
Arbitrator shall make any adjustments to the Closing Date Working Capital
Calculation prepared pursuant to this Section 1.5 which he deems necessary to
cause it to comply with such Section, and such working capital calculation, as
so adjusted, shall be the Closing Date Working Capital Calculation.  The
Arbitrator's determination with respect to any dispute shall be conclusive and
binding upon the Parties.  Seller and Buyer shall each pay one-half of the fees
and expenses of the Arbitrator for such services.

     (c) (i) If the Working Capital of the Company as reflected in the Closing
Date Working Capital Calculation exceeds $1,421,000, the Initial Purchase Price
shall be increased by the amount by which such Working Capital exceeds
$1,371,000 and Buyer shall pay such excess to Seller.

     (ii) If the Working Capital of the Company as reflected in the Closing Date
Working Capital Calculation is less than $1,321,000, the Initial Purchase Price
shall be reduced by the amount by which such Working Capital is less than
$1,371,000 and Seller shall pay such deficiency to Buyer.

     (iii) All such payments shall be made (A) within thirty (30) days after
delivery of the Closing Date Working Capital Calculation to Buyer pursuant to
Section 1.5(a), or, if properly disputed in accordance with Section 1.5(b),
within ten (10) days after the final resolution of such dispute in accordance
with Section 1.5(b), (B) with interest on the amount being paid from the Closing
Date to the date paid in full at the per annum rate of eight and one quarter
percent (8 1/4%) and (C) by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an
account designated by the recipient at least two business days prior to the
transfer.

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
     (iv) If the Working Capital of the Company as reflected in the Closing Date
Working Capital Calculation is between $1,321,000 and $1,421,000, the Initial
Purchase Price shall not be adjusted.

                         Representations and Warranties
                         ------------------------------

     Simultaneously with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, Seller is
delivering to Buyer the Disclosure Schedule referred to herein.

     2.1  Representations and Warranties of Seller.  Except as and to the extent
          ----------------------------------------                              
set forth in the Disclosure Schedule, Seller hereby represents and warrants to
Buyer as follows:

     2.1.1  Organization and Good Standing.  Schedule 2.1.1 of the Disclosure
            ------------------------------                                   
Schedule sets forth accurate information with respect to the jurisdictions of
incorporation, jurisdictions in which qualified to do business and authorized
and outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company and each of its
subsidiaries (the "Subsidiaries").  Each of the Company and the Subsidiaries is
a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the
laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation, has full power and authority
(corporate and otherwise) to carry on its business as it is now being conducted
and to own, lease and operate the properties and assets now owned, leased and
operated by it.  Each of the Company and the Subsidiaries is qualified to do
business as a foreign corporation in those jurisdictions in which it is required
to do so in order to conduct its business as presently conducted and in which
the failure to so qualify would have a material adverse effect on its business.
Seller has heretofore delivered to Buyer complete and correct copies of the
respective Articles or Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws, as amended and
in effect on the date hereof, of the Company and the Subsidiaries.

     2.1.2  Consents, Power and Authority, Binding Effect.  Seller and the
            ---------------------------------------------                 
Company may execute, deliver and perform this Agreement without the necessity of
Seller, the Company or any Subsidiary obtaining any consent, approval,
authorization or waiver or giving any notice or making any filing, except for
such consents, approvals, authorizations, waivers, notices and filings:

     (a)  which have been obtained and are unconditional and are in full force
and effect and such notices or filings which have been duly given or made (other
than filings under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 (the
"HSR Act"));

     (b)  which may be required under the HSR Act;

     (c)  which may be required under Title 49 USC 11323(a)(4), unless an
exemption from the requirements of such section is available; or

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
     (d)  which are immaterial.

Each of Seller and the Company has the full right, power and authority
(including corporate power and authority) to execute and deliver this Agreement
and all other documents and instruments to be executed by such Party in
connection herewith and to perform all of its covenants and undertakings herein
or therein set forth.  This Agreement and all other documents and instruments to
be executed by such Party in connection herewith have been duly authorized,
executed and delivered by Seller and the Company and constitute the legal, valid
and binding obligations of Seller and the Company, enforceable against Seller
and the Company in accordance with their respective terms, except as such
enforcement may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency,
moratorium or similar laws of general application relating to or affecting the
enforcement of rights of creditors generally and except that the availability of
equitable remedies, including specific performance, is subject to the discretion
of the court before which any proceeding therefor may be brought.

     2.1.3  Conflict With Authority, Bylaws, etc..  Neither the execution,
            -------------------------------------                         
delivery and performance of this Agreement by Seller or the Company nor the
consummation by Seller or the Company of the transactions contemplated hereby in
the manner herein provided will (i) contravene any provision of the Certificate
or Articles of Incorporation, as amended, or the Bylaws, as amended, of Seller,
the Company or any Subsidiary; (ii) violate any provision of law, statute,
ordinance, judgment, decree, rule, regulation, order, permit or license of any
court, governmental authority or arbitrator applicable or relating to Seller,
the Company or any Subsidiary or its respective assets or business; or (iii)
result in the creation of any liens, charges, mortgages, encumbrances, claims of
rights of ownership, security interests, pledges or rights of others
(individually a "Lien"; collectively, "Liens") upon any of the assets of the
Company or any Subsidiary pursuant to the provisions of any of the foregoing.
Neither the Company nor Seller nor any Subsidiary has any legal obligation,
absolute or contingent, to any other person to sell all or substantially all of
the assets of the Company or any Subsidiary, to sell any shares of the capital
stock of the Company or any Subsidiary, or any rights pertaining thereto, or to
effect any merger, consolidation or other reorganization of the Company or any
Subsidiary, or to enter into any agreement with respect thereto.

     2.1.4  Capitalization of the Company. The Company's total authorized
            -----------------------------                                
capital stock consists solely of 5,000 shares, par value $1.00 per share, of
Common Stock (the "Common Stock"), 1,000 of which shares are presently issued
and outstanding and owned of record and beneficially by Seller.  All outstanding
shares of the capital stock of the Company have been duly authorized and are
validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.  Seller has good and marketable
title to the Shares, free and clear of Liens, and (except to the extent
transferability of the Shares is restricted by applicable Federal and state
securities laws) has

                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
the right, title, power and authority to sell, assign, transfer and deliver the
Shares as required hereby.  There are no authorized, outstanding or existing:

     (a)  proxies, voting trusts or other agreements or understandings with
respect to the voting of any capital stock of the Company;
     (b)  securities convertible into or exchangeable for any capital stock of
the Company;

     (c)  options, warrants or other rights to purchase or subscribe for any
capital stock of the Company, or securities convertible into or exchangeable for
any capital stock of the Company;

     (d)  agreements of any kind relating to the sale or issuance of any capital
stock of the Company, any such convertible or exchangeable securities or any
such options, warrants or rights; or

     (e)  agreements of any kind which may obligate the Company or Seller to
sell, issue or purchase any securities of the Company.

     2.1.5  Subsidiaries.  All outstanding shares of the capital stock of the
            ------------                                                     
Subsidiaries have been duly authorized and are validly issued, fully paid and
non-assessable.  The Company has good and marketable title to the outstanding
capital stock of the Subsidiaries, free and clear of Liens.  There are no
authorized, outstanding or existing:

     (a)  proxies, voting trusts or other agreements or understandings with
respect to the voting of any capital stock of any Subsidiary;
     (b)  securities convertible into or exchangeable for any capital stock of
any Subsidiary;

     (c)  options, warrants or other rights to purchase or subscribe for any
capital stock of any Subsidiary, or securities convertible into or exchangeable
for any capital stock of any Subsidiary;

     (d)  agreements of any kind relating to the sale or issuance of any capital
stock of any Subsidiary, any such convertible or exchangeable securities or any
such options, warrants or rights; or

     (e)  agreements of any kind which may obligate any Subsidiary to sell,
issue or purchase any of its securities.

     2.1.6  Minute and Stock Transfer Books.  The minute books and stock
            -------------------------------                             
transfer books of the Company and the Subsidiaries have been furnished to Buyer
for inspection.  The minute books accurately reflect all actions taken by the
respective boards of directors and stockholders of the Company and the
Subsidiaries as such.  The stock transfer books of the Company and the
Subsidiaries are complete and current in all material respects.

     2.1.7  Financial Statements and Financial Condition.  Section 2.1.7 of the
            --------------------------------------------                       
Disclosure Schedule contains the unaudited consolidated balance sheets of the
Company and the Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993 and the
related  statements of earnings for the fiscal years then ended (the "Annual
Financial Statements"), and the balance

                                      -6-
<PAGE>
 
sheet of the Company as of August 3, 1996, and the related statements of
earnings for the seven months then ended (the "Interim Financial Statements" and
together with the Annual Financial Statements, the "Financial Statements").
Except as noted in the Disclosure Schedule, the Financial Statements have been
prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"),
in a consistent manner with respect to all periods covered thereby (except as
otherwise noted therein), are correct and complete in all material respects and
present fairly in all material respects the financial position of the Company as
of the dates of such statements and the results of operations of the Company for
the periods covered by such statements.  To Seller's knowledge, the Company and
the Subsidiaries have no obligations or liabilities (absolute, contingent or
otherwise), other than:
     (a) those set forth or reserved against in the Interim Financial
Statements;
     (b)  those incurred since August 3, 1996 in the ordinary course of business
in arms-length transactions and consistent in nature and scope with past
practice;

     (c)  those under the executory portion of Company Contracts (as that term
is defined in Section 2.1.11) and those under other contracts and agreements to
which the Company is a party or by which it is bound that are not required by
the terms of this Agreement to be listed in the Disclosure Schedule;

     (d)  those incurred in the ordinary course of business and consistent in
nature and scope with past practice, which liabilities are not required by GAAP
to be shown on a balance sheet (other than in notes thereto); and

     (e)  those specifically described on the Disclosure Schedule.

The Company has maintained its books of account and other records in accordance
with applicable laws, rules and regulations, and such books and records provided
a fair and accurate basis for the preparation of the Financial Statements.  The
summary historical financial statements and schedules and the income statement
by profit center for 1995 and the six-months ended June 30, 1996, copies of
which are attached to Schedule 2.1.7, present fairly in all material respects
the information set forth therein.

     2.1.8  Absence of Certain Changes, Etc.  Since August 3, 1996, there has
            -------------------------------                                  
been no material adverse change in the business, operations or financial
condition of the Company and the Subsidiaries.  Without limiting the generality
of the foregoing, since August 3, 1996, except as set forth on the Disclosure
Schedule, neither the Company nor the Subsidiaries have:

     (a)  issued, sold or delivered any shares of capital stock or notes, bonds
or other debt instruments of the Company or any Subsidiary, or granted any
rights calling for the issuance, sale or delivery of any thereof (including
without limitation options, warrants, convertible securities, stock appreciation
rights or similar rights);

     (b)  declared or made any payment of any dividend or other distribution
(other than in cash) in respect of the shares of capital stock of the Company;
     (c)  purchased or redeemed any of the shares of capital stock of the
Company;

                                      -7-
<PAGE>
 
     (d)  subdivided, combined, reclassified or recapitalized any of the shares
of capital stock of the Company;

     (e)  amended the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of the Company or any
Subsidiary or changed the Company's or any Subsidiary's corporate name or
permitted the use thereof by any other person;

     (f)  agreed to merge or consolidate the Company or any Subsidiary with any
other entity or to acquire any corporation, association, partnership, joint
venture or other entity;
     (g)  sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of (or agreed to sell,
transfer or otherwise dispose of) any assets of the Company or any Subsidiary;

     (h)  failed to maintain in full force and effect with respect to the
assets, employees and business of the Company and the Subsidiaries all insurance
coverage of the types and in the amounts as were in effect on and as of August
3, 1996;

     (i)  to Seller's knowledge, made capital expenditures or commitments for
additions to property, plant or equipment having an aggregate cost for the
Company and its Subsidiaries of more than $82,000 (excluding capital
expenditures that may be necessary if the Company ***);

     (j)  to Seller's knowledge, made or agreed to make any increase in the
compensation payable to any of the officers, directors or employees of the
Company or any Subsidiary, other than in accordance with continuing obligations
disclosed in the Disclosure Schedule;

     (k)  entered into or amended any Plan (as that term is defined in Section
2.1.12);
     (l)  changed the methods of accounting or accounting principles or
practices of the Company or any Subsidiary from those set forth in or reflected
by the Financial Statements;
     (m) suffered any material casualty, damage, destruction or loss, or
interruption in use, of the assets or properties of the Company and the
Subsidiaries taken as a whole (whether or not covered by insurance), on account
of fire, flood, riot, strike or other hazard or act of God;

     (n)  borrowed or loaned any money;
     (o) to Seller's knowledge, hired or terminated any employee who has an
annual salary in excess of $50,000 or hired employees with aggregate annual
salaries or wages in excess of $100,000, except employees necessary to staff the
Company's new contract with Powder River Coal Company near Gillete, Wyoming;
     (p) without limitation by the enumeration of any of the foregoing, to the
best of Seller's knowledge, entered into any transaction other than in the usual
and ordinary course of business in accordance with past practices, except for
actions taken in connection with the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement;

     (q)  agreed, whether in writing or not, to do any of the foregoing;

     (r)  lost, surrendered or had revoked or limited any license, permit or
other similar right granted by any governmental authority to operate any asset
in the manner in which it is currently operated;

                                      -8-
<PAGE>
 
     (s)  entered into any material Company Contract not in the ordinary course
of business, or cancelled, modified adversely, assigned, encumbered or
discharged or terminated (other than by performance) any Company Contract; or

     (t)  received any written notice reasonably expected to result in the
termination of any material Company Contract.

     2.1.9  Title of Assets.  The Company and the Subsidiaries have good and
            ---------------                                                 
marketable title to their assets, including without limitation those reflected
in the Financial Statements  (including title to its real property in fee
simple), free and clear of all Liens.

     2.1.10  Litigation, Compliance With Laws.  Except as set forth in the
             --------------------------------                             
Disclosure Schedule, there are no suits, actions, claims, arbitrations,
administrative or legal or other proceedings, whether in equity or at law, or
governmental or administrative investigations pending (i.e., where Seller, the
Company or a Subsidiary has received service of process or other formal action
to commence such a proceeding) or, to Seller's knowledge, threatened (a) against
or related to (i) Seller with respect to the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement, (ii) the Company or a Subsidiary or (iii) any material asset or
property owned, leased or used by the Company or a Subsidiary, or (b) which
question or challenge the validity of this Agreement or any action taken or to
be taken pursuant to this Agreement.  No actions, suits or claims (other than
routine claims for benefits in the ordinary course) are pending or, to Seller's
knowledge, threatened with respect to any Plan (as defined in Section 2.1.12).
The Company and its Subsidiaries are in compliance in all material respects with
federal, state or local governmental or judicial laws, ordinances, permits,
requirements, decrees, rules, regulations, arbitration awards and orders
applicable to them or their respective businesses, operations or properties.
There is no order, writ, injunction, judgment or decree of any court or Federal,
state or local department, official, commission, authority, board, bureau,
agency, or other instrumentality issued or pending against the Company or any
Subsidiary.  The Company and the Subsidiaries have duly filed all material
reports and returns required to be filed by them with governmental authorities
and obtained all material governmental permits and licenses and other
governmental consents which are required in connection with their respective
businesses and operations. All of such permits, licenses and consents are in
full force and effect and no proceedings for the suspension or cancellation of
any of them is pending or, to Seller's knowledge, threatened.

     2.1.11  Company Contracts.  To Seller's knowledge, there are no existing
             -----------------                                               
defaults by the Company or any Subsidiary under the Company Contracts (as
hereafter defined) and no act or omission has occurred thereunder, in each case
which (with or without notice or lapse of time or both) would reasonably be
expected to result in a material adverse effect on the Company and the
Subsidiaries taken as a whole.   For purposes of this Agreement, the term
"Company Contracts" means and includes all contracts, mortgages, debt
instruments, security agreements, licenses, commitments, guaranties, leases,
charters,

                                      -9-
<PAGE>
 
franchises, powers of attorney and agency and other agreements required to be
listed on the Disclosure Schedule as a "Company Contract."  To Seller's
knowledge, the Disclosure Schedule lists all contracts, mortgages, debt
instruments, security agreements, licenses, commitments, guaranties, leases,
charters, franchises, powers of attorney and agency and other agreements to
which the Company or a Subsidiary is a party or is bound (excluding purchase and
sale orders made in the ordinary course of business in arms-length transactions
and consistent in nature and scope with prior practices of the Company or a
Subsidiary) as of the date of this Agreement and that:

     (a) involve or would involve the payment by the Company or a Subsidiary of
in excess of $25,000 during any fiscal year or in excess of $50,000 in the
aggregate during the remaining term of such Company Contract or the expected
receipt by the Company and/or the Subsidiaries of more than $50,000 during its
remaining term;

     (b) relate to the payment of royalties with respect to any services
rendered by the Company or a Subsidiary;
     (c) guarantee, indemnify or otherwise cause the Company or a Subsidiary to
be liable for the obligations or liabilities of another;
     (d) involve the borrowing or lending of money, or the granting of any Lien;
     (e) are or contain a power of attorney;
     (f) contain any renegotiation or redetermination provision;
     (g) restrict the Company or a Subsidiary from carrying on its business
anywhere in the world;
     (h) require or are otherwise contingent upon the payment of commissions or
compensation to any person not a party to such Company Contract;
     (i) involve leases or subleases of personal property where the annual
payments thereunder exceed $25,000;
     (j) are operating agreements pursuant to which the Company or any
Subsidiary provides switching or rail transportation services to any party; or
     (k) are otherwise material to the operations of the Company and the
Subsidiaries taken as a whole.

The Disclosure Schedule generally describes the arrangements (formal and
informal, written or oral) between the Company or a Subsidiary and any Related
Party (including Seller) and the services or functions (administrative or
otherwise) provided to the Company or a Subsidiary by any Related Party.  To the
best of Seller's knowledge, no Related Party owns any assets which are used in
the Company's or a Subsidiary's business, and no Related Party is engaged in any
business which competes with the Company's business.  As used herein, the term
"Related Party" means (A) Seller or any Affiliate of Seller, or (B) any
corporation, partnership, association, limited liability company or other entity
(other than the Company or a Subsidiary), in which any of the foregoing persons,
or any person with whom any of the foregoing persons has any relation by blood
or marriage, has any material interest, direct or indirect.  As used herein, the
term "Affiliate" means a person or entity which controls, is

                                      -10-
<PAGE>
 
controlled by or is under common control with the person with respect to which
the determination is being made.  In the case of Seller, an Affiliate shall
include each of the officers and directors of Seller.  "Control" means the
power, direct or indirect, to direct or cause the direction of the management
and policies of a person or entity through voting securities, by contract or
otherwise.  True and complete copies of all written Company Contracts and
written summaries of all oral Company Contracts have heretofore been furnished
or made available to Buyer.

     2.1.12  Pension and Other Employee Plans and Agreements.  (a) Schedule
             -----------------------------------------------               
2.1.12 describes each material employee benefit plan (within the meaning of
Section 3(3) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended
("ERISA")), each employment, severance, salary continuation or other similar
contract, stock purchase plan, stock option plan, stock appreciation plan,
vacation, sick leave or other fringe benefit plan, incentive plan, insurance
plan or arrangement, bonus plan and any deferred compensation agreement, plan,
policy or funding arrangement sponsored, maintained or to which contributions
are made or for which obligations have been incurred for the benefit of
employees of the Company or a Subsidiary (the "Plan" or "Plans").

     (b) With respect to the Plans, Seller has delivered or made available to
Buyer accurate and complete copies of the Plans, summary plan descriptions, and
all related agreements, insurance contracts and other agreements which implement
each such Plan, and, to the extent applicable, copies of the most recent
determination letters, and copies of the most recent Forms 5500.

     (c) Each Plan (and any related trust agreement) has been administered in
all material respects in accordance with its terms and Seller, the Company and
each Subsidiary are in compliance in all material respects with the applicable
provisions of ERISA, the Code and other laws applicable thereto.

     (d) All contributions (including all employer contributions and employee
salary reduction contributions) which are due have been paid to each Plan.

     (e) No accumulated funding deficiency, whether or not waived, exists with
respect to any such Plan, no condition has occurred or exists which by the
passage of time would be expected to result in an accumulated funding deficiency
as of the last day of the current plan year of any such Plan, and neither the
Company nor any Subsidiary has failed to make full payment when due of all
amounts which under the provisions of any such plan are required to be made as
contributions thereto.

                                      -11-
<PAGE>
 
     (f) All reports, returns and similar documents with respect to each Plan
required to be filed with any governmental agency or distributed to any
participant of each Plan have been duly and timely filed or distributed.

     (g) To Seller's knowledge, (A) no actions, suits or claims (other than
routine claims for benefits in the ordinary course) are pending or threatened
with respect to any Plan, (B) neither the Company, a Subsidiary, Seller, nor any
Plan fiduciary has, with respect to the Plans, engaged in a prohibited
transaction, as such term is defined in Section 4975 of the Code or Section 406
of ERISA and (C) except with respect to this transaction, no event or condition
exists with respect to any Plan which constitutes a reportable event within the
meaning of Section 4043 of ERISA, as to which a waiver is not applicable.

     (h) Neither the Company nor a Subsidiary contributes or has contributed in
the past to a multiemployer plan, as such term is defined in Section 3(37) of
ERISA.

     (i) Schedule 2.1.12 lists all Plans which are subject to Title IV of ERISA.
With respect to each such Plan in which Seller, the  Company or any Subsidiary
participates or has participated, (A) neither Seller, the Company nor any
Subsidiary has withdrawn from such plan during a plan year in which it was a
"substantial employer" (within the meaning of Section 4001(a)(2) of ERISA), (B)
neither Seller, the Company nor any Subsidiary has filed a notice of intent to
terminate any such plan or adopted any amendment to treat any such plan as
terminated; (C) the PBGC has not instituted proceedings to terminate any such
plan; (D) no other event or condition has occurred which might constitute
grounds under Section 4042 of ERISA for the termination of, or the appointment
of a trustee to administer, any such plan; (E) all required premium payments to
the PBGC have been paid when due; (F) no reportable event (as described in
Section 4043 of ERISA) has occurred; (G) no excise taxes are payable under the
Code; and (H) no amendment with respect to which security is required under
Section 307 of ERISA has been made or is reasonably expected to be made.

     (j) Schedule 2.1.12 includes for each such plan, as of its last valuation
date, the amount by which its assets exceeded (or were less than) its "benefit
liabilities" (within the meaning of Section 4001 (a)(16) of ERISA).  Since the
last valuation date for each such plan, there has been no amendment or change to
such plan that would increase the amount of benefits thereunder and, to the
knowledge of Seller, there has been no event or occurrence that would cause a
material change in the excess of assets over benefit liabilities as listed in
Schedule 2.1.12 or the amount by which benefit liabilities exceed assets as
listed in Schedule 2.1.12.

     2.1.13  Tax Matters.   As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall
             -----------                                                        
have the following meanings: (i) the term "Taxes" means all federal, state,
local, foreign and other net income, gross income, gross receipts, sales, use,
ad valorem, transfer, franchise,

                                      -12-
<PAGE>
 
profits, license, lease, service, withholding, payroll, employment, excise,
severance, stamp, occupation, premium, property, windfall profits, customs,
duties or other taxes, together with any interest and any penalties, additions
to tax or additional amounts with respect thereto; and (ii) the term "Returns"
means all returns, declarations, reports, statements and other documents
required to be filed in respect of Taxes.  All citations to the Code, or to the
Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, shall include any amendments or any
substitute or successor provisions thereto.  Any reference in this Section
2.1.13 to the Company includes a reference to a person or entity acting on
behalf of or with respect to the Company (including, without limitation,
Seller).  The Company and the Subsidiaries have duly and timely filed all
Returns required to have been filed by them prior to the Closing Date.  All
Taxes shown on such Returns as being due have been fully paid on or prior to the
due date thereof.  There are no tax sharing agreements to which the Company or a
Subsidiary is a party that will survive the Closing Date.


     2.1.14   Environmental.  (a)  To Seller's knowledge, the Real Estate (as
              -------------                                                  
defined in Section 2.1.19) and the real property leased by the Company and the
Subsidiaries (collectively with the Real Estate the "Real Property") are in
substantial compliance in all material respects with applicable Environmental
Laws (as hereinafter defined) and each of the Company and the Subsidiaries has
obtained all material permits required by such Environmental Laws for its
operations.

     (b)  To Seller's knowledge, the Company's and the Subsidiaries' off-site
disposal from the Real Property, or by them from the sites at which they conduct
operations, of materials regulated by applicable Environmental Laws has been
accomplished in substantial compliance in all material respects with applicable
Environmental Laws.

     (c)  To Seller's knowledge, since July 1, 1994, neither the Company nor a
Subsidiary has received any written claim advising it that it is in violation of
an Environmental Law or any written claim or notice from any party that the
Company or any Subsidiary has been identified as a potentially responsible party
under CERCLA (as defined below).

     (d)  Seller has provided Buyer with copies of all reports, studies or other
documents of which Seller is aware and which are in the possession of Seller,
the Company or the Subsidiaries concerning the compliance of the Real Property
with applicable Environmental Laws.

     (e)  To Seller's knowledge, Schedule 2.1.14 lists the above and below-
ground storage tanks that are located on the Real Property.

     (f)  To Seller's knowledge, the handling, transportation, storage, use and
disposal of materials, substances or wastes generated by the Company or the
Subsidiaries and regulated under applicable Environmental Laws have been
accomplished in compliance with applicable Environmental Laws.

                                      -13-
<PAGE>
 
     (g)  As used herein, the term Environmental Laws shall mean the following
statutes, as amended, and any regulations promulgated thereunder, as they
existed on the Closing Date:
               (i)   Clean Air Act, 42 USC (S)7401 et seq.;
                                                   ------  
               (ii)  Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended by the
          Clean Water Act, 33 USC (S)1251 et seq.;
                                          ------  
               (iii) Resource Recovery and Conservation Act, 42 USC (S)6901 et
                                                                            --
          seq.;
          ---  

               (iv)  Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and
          Liability Act, 42 USC (S)9601 et seq. as amended by the Superfund
                                        ------                             
          Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 ("CERCLA");

               (v)   Toxic Substance Control Act, 15 USC (S)2601 et seq.; and
                                                                 ------      

               (vi)  applicable state or local statutes, regulations, laws or
          ordinances having jurisdiction over the Real Estate and pertaining to
          the subject matter embodied in the Environmental Laws set forth in (i-
          v) above, as they existed on the Closing Date.

          2.1.15  Receivables.  The trade accounts and other receivables of the
                  -----------                                                  
Company and the Subsidiaries are bona fide receivables, arose out of arms-length
transactions in the ordinary course of business and are recorded correctly on
the applicable books and records of the Company or a Subsidiary.  No receivable
is subject to counterclaim or set off except to the extent included in the
reserves with respect thereto.

          2.1.16  Intangible Assets.  The Disclosure Schedule lists all material
                  -----------------                                             
patents, trademarks and service marks, patent, trademark and service mark
registrations and applications, trade names, copyrights, copyright registrations
and applications, and licenses with respect thereto owned by the Company or a
Subsidiary and used by it in its business operations (collectively, the
"Intellectual Property").  The Company or a Subsidiary owns all right, title and
interest in and to the Intellectual Property listed on the Disclosure Schedule
free and clear of all Liens without the necessity for the payment of any
royalties or similar charges.  There are no claims, demands or proceedings
instituted, pending or, to Seller's knowledge, threatened, pertaining to or
challenging the right of the Company or a Subsidiary to use any of the
Intellectual Property or alleging that any of the Intellectual Property
infringes or otherwise violates the patent, trade name, trademark, copyright or
other rights of any other person.

          2.1.17  Customers and Suppliers.   To Seller's knowledge, since August
                  -----------------------                                       
3, 1996, there has not been any termination, cancellation or material limitation
in the business relationship of the Company or a Subsidiary with any of its
significant customers or suppliers, except a lease agreement to supply two
locomotives to PCS Phosphates in White Springs, Florida.

                                      -14-
<PAGE>
 
          2.1.18  Employees.  None of the employees of the Company or the
                  ---------                                              
Subsidiaries is employed under a collective bargaining agreement.  No union has
been certified as the collective bargaining agent for the employees of the
Company and the Subsidiaries.  To Seller's knowledge, with respect to employees
of the Company and the Subsidiaries:  (i) there is no pending or threatened
unfair labor practice charge or employee grievance charge; (ii) there is no
request for union representation, labor strike, dispute, slowdown or stoppage
pending or threatened against or directly affecting the Company or a Subsidiary
and (iii) no grievance or arbitration proceeding arising out of or under
collective bargaining agreements is pending.

          2.1.19  Real Estate.  The Company and/or a Subsidiary owns the real
                  -----------                                                
estate identified in the Disclosure Schedule as being so owned (the "Real
Estate"), subject only to real estate taxes not delinquent and to covenants,
conditions, restrictions and easements of record which are set forth or
described in the Disclosure Schedule.  To Seller's knowledge, the buildings on
the Real Estate are free of major structural defects.  Seller is not a "foreign
person" within the meaning of Section 1455 of the Code.

          2.1.20  Equipment.  To Seller's knowledge, the tangible personal
                  ---------                                               
property owned or leased by the Company or a Subsidiary and used in its
operations (collectively, the "Equipment") constitutes all tangible personal
property necessary in order for the Company and the Subsidiaries to conduct
their businesses as they are presently conducted.  Seller has no rights in or to
such Equipment, and all such Equipment will be owned or leased by the Company or
a Subsidiary immediately following the Closing on the same terms as exist as of
the date of this Agreement.

          2.1.21  Insurance.  Schedule 2.1.21 contains a correct and complete
                  ---------                                                  
list of all fire, theft, casualty, liability and life insurance coverage
insuring the Company and the Subsidiaries and their respective personnel, assets
and operations, specifying with respect to each risk insured against the limits
of coverage.  All premiums due to maintain such insurance in force through the
Closing Date have been paid or accrued for.  True and complete copies of such
insurance policies have heretofore been furnished or made available to Buyer.

          2.1.22  No Other Representations and Warranties by          Seller.
                  ------------------------------------------          ------ 

     (a)  Seller shall not be deemed to have made to Buyer any representation or
warranty other than as expressly made by Seller in Section 2.1 hereof (as such
representations and warranties are supplemented by the Exhibits relating
thereto).
     (b) Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, but subject to the
express representations and warranties made by Seller in Section 2.1, Seller is
not making any representation and warranty with respect to:

                                      -15-
<PAGE>
 
          (i)  any projections, estimates or budgets heretofore delivered to or
               made available to Buyer or any of its representatives or
               investors of future revenues, expenses or expenditures, results
               of operations (or any component thereof) or financial condition
               (or any component thereof) of the Company and/or the
               Subsidiaries, or
          (ii) any other information or documents made available to Buyer or any
               of its representatives or investors with respect to the Company
               and/or the Subsidiaries (including without limitation the
               packages of technical, financial and other information dated
               7/29/96 and 8/22/96 previously delivered to Buyer).

     (c)  Certain matters disclosed on the Disclosure Schedule may not be
required to be disclosed therein, but may be stated therein for information
purposes only, and no such disclosure shall constitute an indication or
admission of the materiality thereof or create a standard of disclosure, and no
representation or warranty is or shall be deemed to have been made by Seller by
reason of the inclusion of such matters.

For purposes of this Agreement, references to the "knowledge of Seller",
"Seller's knowledge" or words of similar import shall mean and include the
actual knowledge of the officers and directors of Seller after due inquiry of
the officers and personnel of the Company and the Subsidiaries listed on
Schedule 2.1.23 hereto.

          2.2    Representations and Warranties of Buyer.  Buyer hereby
                 ---------------------------------------               
represents and warrants to Seller as follows:

          2.2.1  Organization and Good Standing.  Buyer is a corporation duly
                 ------------------------------                              
organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the State of
Delaware and has all requisite power and authority to own its properties and
carry on its business as now conducted.

          2.2.2  Corporate Power and Authority.  Buyer may execute, deliver and
                 -----------------------------                                 
perform this Agreement without the necessity of Buyer obtaining any consent,
approval, authorization or waiver or giving any notice or making any filing,
except for such consents, approvals, authorizations, waivers, notices and
filings:

     (a)  which have been obtained and are unconditional and are in full force
and effect and such notices or filings which have been duly given or made (other
than filings under the HSR Act);

     (b)  which may be required under the HSR Act;

     (c)  which may be required under Title 49 USC 11323(a)(4), unless an
exemption from the requirements of such section is available; or

                                      -16-
<PAGE>
 
     (d)  which are immaterial.

Buyer has the full right, power and authority (including corporate power and
authority) to execute and deliver this Agreement and all other documents and
instruments to be executed by Buyer in connection herewith and to perform all of
its covenants and undertakings herein or therein set forth.  This Agreement and
all other documents and instruments to be executed by Buyer in connection
herewith have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by Buyer and
constitute the legal, valid and binding obligation of Buyer, enforceable against
Buyer in accordance with their respective terms, except as such enforcement may
be limited by applicable bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency, moratorium or
similar laws of general application relating to or affecting the enforcement of
rights of creditors generally and except that the availability of equitable
remedies, including specific performance, is subject to the discretion of the
court before which any proceeding therefor may be brought.  The execution,
delivery and performance of this Agreement by Buyer and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby by Buyer do not and will not (i) constitute a
violation of the Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, or the Bylaws, as
amended, of Buyer or (ii) violate any provision of law, statute, ordinance,
judgment, decree, rule, regulation, order, permit, or license of any court,
governmental authority or arbitrator applicable or relating to Buyer or its
assets or business.

          2.2.3  Acquisition of Shares for Investment.  Buyer and its
                 ------------------------------------                
accountants, consultants and advisers have been permitted to review the
Company's and the Subsidiaries' respective premises, facilities, books and
records, and the Company Contracts, and to conduct interviews with Seller's and
the Company's and each Subsidiary's officers and employees regarding the
business, operations, financial condition and results of operations of the
Company and the Subsidiaries, for the purpose of obtaining information deemed
necessary by Buyer to enable it to properly evaluate its acquisition of the
Shares.  Buyer acknowledges that   in acquiring the Shares under this Agreement,
Buyer has relied solely on its own due diligence investigation, the
representations and warranties set forth in Section 2.1, including the
information in the Disclosure Schedule related thereto and the documents and
information referred to therein, and the other covenants and statements of
Seller set forth in this Agreement, and not upon any other representations,
warranties, covenants or statements of any kind.  Buyer is an "accredited
investor",as defined in Rule 501 of Regulation D under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") and has sufficient knowledge, experience
and sophistication to enable it properly and fully to evaluate and understand
the merits and risks associated with its acquisition of the Shares.  Buyer is
acquiring the Shares for its own account for investment and with no present
intention of distributing or reselling such Shares or any part thereof in any
transaction which would constitute a "distribution" within the meaning of the
Securities Act.  Buyer understands that the Shares have not been registered
under the Securities Act or any state securities laws and may not be sold or
transferred except in compliance therewith or pursuant to an exemption

                                      -17-
<PAGE>
 
thereunder and are being transferred to Buyer, in part, in reliance on the
foregoing representation and warranty.


                                  ARTICLE III
                                   Covenants
                                   ---------

          3.1  Access to Records After Closing.  (a) Following the Closing,
               -------------------------------                             
Buyer shall give, and shall cause the Company and each Subsidiary to give, to
Seller, without charge, reasonable access to (and the right to make copies at
the expense of Seller of) the books, files, records and tax returns of the
Company and each Subsidiary to the extent that such relate to the business and
operations of the Company or a Subsidiary on or prior to the Closing Date and
are in the Company's or a Subsidiary's possession on the Closing Date or
subsequently come into its possession, but any access pursuant to this Section
3.1 shall be conducted by Seller in good faith, with a reasonable purpose and in
such manner as not to interfere unreasonably with the operations of the Company
or such Subsidiary.  For a period of five years after the Closing, Buyer shall
maintain such books, files, records and tax returns and thereafter, prior to
destroying or disposing of any of them, Buyer shall give, or shall cause the
Company to give, 30 days' advance notice to Seller of the intended destruction
or disposition, and during such 30-day period Seller shall have the right to
take possession of the same or to make copies of the same, all at Seller's
expense.

     (b)   Following the Closing, Seller shall give to Buyer, without charge,
reasonable access to (and the right to make copies at the expense of Buyer of)
the books, files, records and tax returns of Seller to the extent that such
relate to the business and operations of the Company or a Subsidiary on or prior
to the Closing Date and are in Seller's possession on the  Closing Date or
subsequently come into Seller's possession, but any access pursuant to this
Section 3.1 shall be conducted by Buyer in good faith, with a reasonable purpose
and in such manner as not to interfere unreasonably with the operations of
Seller.  For a period of five years after the Closing, Seller shall maintain
such books, files, records and tax returns and thereafter, prior to destroying
or disposing of any of them, Seller shall give 30 days' advance notice to Buyer
of the intended destruction or disposition, and during such 30-day period Buyer
shall have the right to take possession of the same or to make copies of the
same, all at Buyer's expense.

     (c)  Following the Closing, Buyer shall cause to be prepared and delivered
to Seller (to the extent not already prepared and delivered) in the normal
timeframe followed by Seller and the Company consistent with past practice and
in all events within 15 days after it shall have been requested by Seller, the
financial reporting package for the Company (but only in respect of periods
ending on or prior to the Closing Date) for (i) the quarterly closing for
Seller's fiscal quarter ended August 3, 1996, (ii) the period from August 4,
1996 through the Closing Date and (iii) Seller's fiscal year ending January 31,
1997.

                                      -18-
<PAGE>
 
          3.2  Services Agreement.  For a period of up to four months following
               ------------------                                              
the Closing, Seller will provide MIS services, substantially similar to those
currently provided, to the Company in exchange for $5,000 per month, and will
lease to Buyer the space currently used by the Company and the Subsidiaries at
Seller's Midlothian, Virginia, headquarters for a period equal to the period
during which Seller remains at such facility, pursuant to a services agreement
to be entered into between Seller and the Company (the "Services Agreement").
 
          3.3  Employee Matters.
               ---------------- 

     (a)  (i)  As soon as practicable but no later than 90 days after the
Closing Date, Buyer shall, or shall cause the Company and the Subsidiaries to,
establish or designate, and maintain, a defined benefit plan ("Buyer's DB Plan")
to provide benefits to the employees of the Company and the Subsidiaries which
are substantially equivalent to the benefits provided under the Brenco
Retirement Plan ("Seller's DB Plan").  Buyer's DB Plan shall be qualified under
Section 401(a) of the Code and shall provide participants credit for service
with the Company and the Subsidiaries (and their affiliates and predecessors)
prior to the Closing Date for all purposes for which such service was recognized
under Seller's DB Plan.

     (ii)  As soon as practicable after the receipt by Seller of the documents
described in Section 3.3(a)(iii) below, Seller shall cause the trustee of
Seller's DB Plan to transfer to the trust forming a part of Buyer's DB Plan cash
(or other property acceptable to the trustee of Buyer's DB Plan) in an amount
not less than the amount required by Section 414(1)(1) of the Code and the
regulations thereunder for all current and former employees and beneficiaries of
deceased employees of the Company and the Subsidiaries (the "DB Participants").
The amount of such transfer shall be determined as of the Closing Date by Seller
and its actuaries in accordance with the Seller's actuaries' normal practices
and procedures in preparing Seller's actuarial report and reviewed by an actuary
for Buyer.  The amount so transferred shall be appropriately adjusted for
earnings or loss and distributions with respect to the period following the
Closing Date to the date of transfer.  In addition, Seller shall transfer to
Buyer the amount by which Buyer's DB Plan liabilities to the DB Participants
exceeds Seller's DB Plan assets actually transferred to Buyer's DB Plan for the
DB Participants.  The amount of such excess shall be determined as of the
Closing Date by Seller and its actuaries in accordance with Seller's actuaries'
normal practices and procedures in preparing Seller's actuarial report.  For all
purposes of this paragraph (ii), the calculations of assets and liabilities
transferred shall be based upon assumptions used when a plan is terminated.
Buyer and its actuaries, at Buyer's expense, shall have the right to review the
calculation of the amount of such excess, but shall not be entitled to challenge
any of the actuarial assumptions included in such normal practices or
procedures.  In the event the parties cannot agree on the amount of such excess,
then the calculation shall be reviewed and finally determined by a third actuary
selected by Buyer and Seller; the fees and expenses of the third actuary shall
be

                                      -19-
<PAGE>
 
shared equally by Buyer and Seller.  Buyer shall cause the Buyer's DB Plan to
provide such distribution options and other benefits, rights and features with
respect to the transferred assets as are required under Section 411 (d)(6) of
the Code and the regulations issued thereunder.

     (iii)  Within 90 days after the Closing Date, Buyer shall deliver to Seller
(A) a copy of the documents evidencing the Buyer's DB Plan, (B) a copy of the
determination letter application to the IRS for the Buyer's DB Plan and (C) a
representation of Buyer and an opinion of counsel in the form attached hereto to
Seller to the effect that the Buyer's DB Plan and its related funding vehicle
meet the requirements of Section 401(a) and 501(a) of the Code.  No transfer of
assets shall be made unless Buyer provides Seller with the documents referred to
in this subsection (iii).  Buyer agrees to use its best efforts to take all
action necessary to obtain a favorable determination letter from the IRS with
respect to the Buyer's DB Plan, including making any amendments to the Buyer's
DB Plan which may be required by the IRS as a condition for the issuance of such
letter.

     (iv)  In consideration for the transfer by the Seller's DB Plan of the
assets to the trust forming a part of Buyer's DB Plan, Buyer shall assume all of
the liabilities and obligations of Seller and its affiliates in respect of the
DB Participants and their beneficiaries under the Seller's DB Plan.

     (b) (i) Within 15 days after the Closing Date, Buyer shall, or shall cause
the Company and the Subsidiaries to, establish or designate, and maintain, a
defined contribution plan (the "Buyer's DC Plan") to provide benefits to the
employees of the Company and the Subsidiaries which are substantially equivalent
to the benefits provided under the Brenco Supplemental Pension Plan (the
"Seller's DC Plan").  Buyer's DC Plan shall be qualified under Sections 401(a)
and 401(k) of the Code and shall provide participants credit for service with
the Company and the Subsidiaries (and their affiliates and predecessors) prior
to the Closing Date for all purposes for which such service was recognized under
the Seller's DC Plan.  Buyer shall give effect under Buyer's DC Plan to salary
reduction elections made by DC Participants under Seller's DC Plan.

     (ii)  As soon as practicable after the receipt by Seller of the documents
described in Section 3.3(b) (iii) below, Seller shall cause the trustee of the
Seller's DC Plan to transfer to the trust forming a part of the Buyer's 401(k)
Plan cash (or other property acceptable to the trustee of the Buyer DC Plan
including promissory notes from participants) in an amount equal to the account
balances for all current and former employees and beneficiaries of deceased
employees of the Company and the Subsidiaries (the "DC Participants").  The
amount of such transfer shall be determined as of the Closing Date by Seller and
Seller's DC Plan trustees and reviewed by Buyer, and shall be appropriately
adjusted for earnings or loss and distributions with respect to the period
following the Closing Date to the date of transfer.

                                      -20-
<PAGE>
 
 Buyer shall cause the Buyer DC Plan to provide such distribution options and
other benefits, rights and features with respect to the transferred assets as
are required under Section 411(d)(6) of the Code and the regulations issued
thereunder.

     (iii)  Within 90 days after the Closing Date, Buyer shall deliver to Seller
(A) a copy of the documents evidencing the Buyer DC Plan, (B) a copy of the
determination letter applica tion to the IRS for the Buyer DC Plan and (C) a
representation of Buyer and an opinion of counsel in the form attached hereto to
Seller to the effect that Buyer's DC Plan and its related funding vehicle meet
the requirements of Section 401(a) and 501(a) of the Code.  No transfer of
assets shall be made unless Buyer provides Seller with the documents referred to
in this subsection (iii).  Buyer agrees to use its best efforts to take all
action necessary to obtain a favorable determination letter from the IRS with
respect to Buyer's DC Plan, including making any amendments to Buyer's DC Plan
which may be required by the IRS as a condition for the issuance of such letter.

     (iv)  In consideration for the transfer by the Seller's DC Plan of the
assets to the trust forming a part of Buyer's DC Plan, Buyer shall assume all of
the liabilities and obligations of Seller and its affiliates in respect of DC
Participants and their beneficiaries under Seller's DC Plan.

     (c)  Effective as of the Closing Date, Buyer will establish a Code Section
125 flexible benefits program ("Buyer's FSA") providing benefits that are the
same as those available under the Brenco Incorporated Pre-Tax Plan (Premium
Conversion Plan and Health Care Reimbursement Plan) (the "Seller's FSA")
(collectively referred to as the "Seller's Pre-Tax Plan").  Effective as of the
Closing Date, Buyer shall assume all obligations to pay all unpaid claims of the
FSA Participants in Seller's FSA as of the Closing Date.  Each of the FSA
Participants shall be credited as of the Closing Date under Buyer's FSA with the
amounts available for reimbursement for each elected benefit equal to such
amounts as were credited under Seller's FSA with respect to such person
immediately prior to the Closing Date.  Buyer shall give effect under Buyer's
FSA to calendar 1996 salary reduction elections made by FSA Participants with
respect to Seller's FSA and no new benefit elections for 1996 will be allowed to
the FSA Participants except as otherwise provided by Buyer's FSA in the event of
a change in family circumstances.  Buyer shall pay to Seller the excess, if any,
of (i) the aggregate claims paid under Seller's FSA to FSA Participants from
January 1, 1996 through the Closing Date over (ii) the aggregated amount of
payroll withholding related to Seller's FSA with respect to such persons during
such period, or Seller shall pay to Buyer the excess, if any, of (x) the
aggregate amount of payroll withholding related to Seller's FSA with respect to
FSA Participants from January 1, 1996 through the Closing Date over (y) the
aggregate claims paid under Seller's FSA to such persons during such period.
For purposes of this Section (c), "FSA Participants" shall mean those current
and former employees and

                                      -21-
<PAGE>
 
beneficiaries of deceased employees of the Company and the Subsidiaries who
participate in the Seller's FSA as of the Closing Date for calendar 1996.

          (d)  Seller shall provide its existing group health plan coverage for
any and all claims for health, medical, dental, drug or similar benefits for
employees of the Company and the Subsidiaries (and their beneficiaries) arising
out of or with respect to services provided on or prior to midnight of the
Closing Date (without regard to whether such claims were then reported).  Buyer
shall provide a group health plan ("Buyer's Health Plan") for current and former
employees and COBRA qualified beneficiaries of the Company and the Subsidiaries
(and their beneficiaries) which shall provide coverage for medical, dental and
drug benefits substantially similar to that provided by Seller and such coverage
shall apply with respect to services provided on or after 12:01 a.m. on the day
following the Closing Date.  Buyer's Health Plan will waive eligibility waiting
periods, pre-existing conditions and "actively at work" requirements to the
extent such eligibility waiting periods, pre-existing conditions and "actively
at work" requirements were satisfied under Seller's group health plan as of the
Closing Date, provided however, that Buyer's Health Plan will give credit for
employment service with Seller to the extent that any recent hires of Seller
have earned service credit with Seller toward their eligibility waiting periods
and coverage for pre-existing conditions, and will credit any health or medical
service expenses incurred during the 1996 plan year and on or before the Closing
Date for purposes of applying the deductible and out of pocket limits under
Buyer's Health Plan.

          (e)  Schedule 3.3 hereto lists the employees of the Company and the
Subsidiaries who are absent from work because of disability as of the date
hereof.  Seller shall provide through midnight of the Closing Date its existing
long term disability benefits for employees of the Company and the Subsidiaries
who become totally and permanently disabled as defined under Seller's long term
disability plan prior to midnight of the Closing Date.  Effective as of 12:01
a.m. on the day following the Closing Date, Buyer shall provide to all employees
of the Company and the Subsidiaries short and long term disability benefits and
coverage substantially similar to the benefits and coverage currently provided
by the Company and the Subsidiaries.  Buyer's Short and Long Term Disability
Plans will waive eligibility waiting periods, pre-existing conditions and
"actively at work" requirements to the extent such eligibility waiting periods,
pre-existing conditions and "actively at work" requirements were satisfied under
Seller's group disability plans as of the Closing Date, provided however, that
Buyer's Short and Long Term Disability Plans will give credit for employment
service with Seller to the extent that any recent hires of Seller have earned
service credit with Seller toward their eligibility waiting periods and coverage
for pre-existing conditions.

          (f)  Seller shall provide its existing group life and accidental death
and dismemberment plan coverage for current employees of the Company and the
Subsidiaries

                                      -22-
<PAGE>
 
(and their beneficiaries) arising out of any death or accident that occurs prior
to midnight of the Closing Date (without regard to whether such claims were then
reported).  Buyer shall provide group life and accidental death and
dismemberment plans ("Buyer's Life and AD&D Plans") for employees of the Company
and the Subsidiaries (and their beneficiaries) which shall provide substantially
similar coverage to that provided by Seller and such coverage shall apply with
respect to the deaths or accidents occurring on or after 12:01 a.m. on the day
following the Closing Date.  Buyer's Life and AD&D Plans will waive eligibility
waiting periods, pre-existing conditions and "actively at work" requirements to
the extent such eligibility waiting periods, pre-existing conditions and
"actively at work" requirements were satisfied under Seller's group life and
accidental death and dismemberment plans as of the Closing Date, provided
however, that Buyer's Life and AD&D Plans will give credit for employment
service with Seller to the extent that any recent hires of Seller have earned
service credit with Seller toward their eligibility waiting periods and coverage
for pre-existing conditions.

          (g)  Seller shall provide its existing post-retirement life insurance
plan coverage for employees of the Company and the Subsidiaries whose retirement
date occurs on or before midnight of the Closing Date.  Buyer shall provide
post-retirement life insurance plan coverage ("Buyer's Retiree Life Plan") for
employees (including disabled employees) of the Company and the Subsidiaries
(and their beneficiaries) which shall provide substantially similar coverage to
that provided by Seller and such coverage shall apply to such employees whose
retirement date occurs on or after 12:01 a.m. the day following the Closing
Date.  Buyer's Retiree Life Plan shall waive eligibility waiting periods and
pre-existing condition limitations to the extent such eligibility waiting
periods and pre-existing condition limitations requirements were satisfied under
Seller's post-retirement life insurance plan as of the Closing Date, provided
however, that Buyer's Retiree Life Plan will give credit for employment service
with Seller toward their eligibility waiting periods and coverage for pre-
existing conditions.

          (h)  Schedule 3.3 hereto lists the employees of the Company and the
Subsidiaries who are absent from work and receiving workers compensation as of
the date hereof.  Effective as of 12:01 a.m. on the day following the Closing
Date, Buyer shall provide to all employees of the Company and the Subsidiaries
workers compensation benefits.

          (i)  Buyer shall provide severance benefits to all employees of the
Company and the Subsidiaries who are terminated by Buyer within the first 60
days following the Closing Date.  Such benefits shall be in accordance with the
most favorable (to terminated employees) of Buyer's severance policies or
Seller's severance policies.  To the extent that such severance benefits are
determined based on service, all employment service with Seller

                                      -23-
<PAGE>
 
shall be counted in determining such benefits.  Buyer shall be responsible for
all severance obligations to all employees of the Company and the Subsidiaries.

          (j)  Buyer and Seller shall cooperate with one another and take, or
cause to be taken, such action as may be necessary or desirable to accomplish
the actions described in this Section 3.3.  Buyer and Seller agree to provide
each other with such records, information and assistance as they may reasonably
request without charge, including any such information necessary to carry out
their respective obligations under this Section 3.3.

          (k)  No employee of Buyer, nor his spouse, former spouse or other
beneficiary under any plan of Seller or Buyer shall be entitled to assert any
claim, as a third party beneficiary or otherwise, under any provision of this
Agreement (including, but not limited to, this Section 3.3).

          3.4    Section 338 Election.  If requested by Buyer, which request
                 --------------------                                       
shall be made not later than 60 days after the Closing, Buyer and Seller shall
join in an election to have the provisions of Section 338(h)(10) of the Code and
similar provisions of state law ("Section 338 Elections") apply to the
acquisition of the Company.  Buyer shall be responsible for, and control, the
preparation and filing of such election.  The allocation of purchase price among
the assets of the Company shall be made in accordance with Code Sections 338 and
1060 and any comparable provisions of state, local or foreign law, as
appropriate.  Seller shall, unless it would be unreasonable to do so, accept
Buyer's determination of such purchase price allocations and shall report, act,
file in all respects and for all purposes consistent with such determination of
Buyer.  Buyer shall be responsible for the preparation of all documents or forms
(including Section 338 Forms as defined below) and Seller shall have no
liability for the adequacy or inadequacy of such forms.  Seller shall execute
and deliver to Buyer all such documents or forms (including Section 338 Forms)
prepared by Buyer as Buyer shall reasonably request.  "Section 338 Forms" shall
mean all returns, documents, statements, and other forms that are required to be
submitted to any federal, state, county or other local taxing authority in
connection with a 338(h)(10) Election, including, without limitation, any
"statement of Section 388 election" and IRS Form 8023 (together with any
schedules or attachments thereto) that are required pursuant to Treasury
Regulations.

          3.5  Consents.   Buyer shall be responsible for obtaining all
               --------                                                
consents, if any, and giving all notices, if any, required under Title 49 USC
11323 (a)(4).  Buyer and Seller shall cooperate with each other and take, or
cause to be taken, such action as may be necessary in obtaining such consents
and giving such notices as may be necessary in connection with the transactions
contemplated under this Agreement, including without limitation those set forth
in the first sentence of this Section 3.5.

                                      -24-
<PAGE>
 
          3.6  Insurance.   Buyer shall continue in effect for at least three
               ---------                                                     
years after the Closing Date the claims made policies of the Company and
Subsidiaries in effect on the Closing Date.

                                    Closing
                                    -------

          4.1  Time and Place.  The closing for the consummation of the purchase
               --------------                                                   
and sale provided for in this Agreement (the "Closing") is taking place at the
offices of Buyer, 71 Lewis Street, Greenwich, Connecticut, simultaneously with
the execution and delivery of this Agreement on November 8, 1996 (the "Closing
Date").

          4.2  Buyer's Deliveries.  At the Closing, Buyer is delivering to
               ------------------                                         
Seller:
     (a)  the Initial Purchase Price and the Letter of Credit as provided in
Section 1.3;
     (b)  a certified copy of Buyer's Certificate of Incorporation and by-laws;
     (c)  a certificate of good standing of Buyer issued by the Secretary of
State of Delaware;

     (d)  an incumbency and specimen signature certificate with respect to the
officers of Buyer executing this Agreement, and any other document delivered
hereunder, on behalf of Buyer;

     (e)  a certified copy of resolutions of Buyer's board of directors
authorizing the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and any
other document delivered by Buyer hereunder;

     (f)  the opinion of Harter, Secrest & Emery;
     (g)  the Services Agreement; and
     (h)  a letter from Crestar Bank confirming that Seller has no liability in
respect of a $75,000 letter of credit issued by such bank on behalf of the
Company.

          4.3  Seller's and the Company's Deliveries.  At the Closing, Seller or
               -------------------------------------                            
the Company is delivering to Buyer:
     (a)  a certified copy of the Articles of Incorporation and by-laws of
Seller, the Company and each Subsidiary;

     (b)  certificates of good standing of Seller, the Company and each
Subsidiary issued by the Secretary of State of each jurisdiction in which such
corporation is incorporated or qualified to do business as indicated on Schedule
2.1.1;

     (c)  an incumbency and specimen signature certificate with respect to the
officers of Seller and the Company executing this Agreement, and any other
document delivered hereunder, on behalf of Seller and the Company;

     (d)  certificates representing all outstanding Shares, duly endorsed in
blank or with duly executed stock powers attached;
     (e)  the written resignations, effective as of the Closing Date, of such of
the directors and officers of the Company and the Subsidiaries as are designated
by Buyer to resign;

                                      -25-
<PAGE>
 
     (f)  a certified copy of resolutions of the Company's board of directors
authorizing the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and any
other document delivered by the Company hereunder;

     (g) a certified copy of resolutions of Seller's board of directors
authorizing the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and any
other document delivered by Seller hereunder;

     (i) a release, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Buyer, duly
executed by The First National Bank of Chicago ("First Chicago"), pursuant to
which First Chicago releases the Company and the Subsidiaries from their
obligations, as a guarantor or otherwise, under or pursuant to any indebtedness
incurred by Seller or its corporate parent to First Chicago;

     (j)  the minute books and stock records of the Company and the
Subsidiaries;
     (k)  the opinion of Mays & Valentine L.L.P.; and
     (l)  the Services Agreement.

                                   ARTICLE V
                                Indemnification
                                ---------------

          5.1  Indemnification by Seller.  Seller agrees to indemnify and hold
               -------------------------                                      
harmless Buyer against any and all liability, damage, loss or expense (including
reasonable counsel fees), resulting from, arising out of or connected with:

     (a)  any breach of the representations and warranties made by Seller in
this Agreement or in any certificate or instrument furnished or to be furnished
to Buyer hereunder or in connection with the Closing hereunder;

     (b)  the nonfulfillment of any agreement or covenant made by Seller in this
Agreement or in any instrument furnished or to be furnished by Seller to Buyer
hereunder or in connection with the Closing hereunder;

     (c) any liability or obligation imposed on the Company or any Subsidiary
solely by virtue of the Company or any Subsidiary being an "ERISA Affiliate"
with respect to Seller or its subsidiaries (other than the Company or any
Subsidiary) for any period ending on or before the Closing Date; for this
purpose, "ERISA Affiliate" shall mean each person or entity required to be
aggregated as a single employer under Section 414 (b), (c), (m) or (o) of the
Code; and

     (d) any liability or obligation imposed on the Company or any Subsidiary
solely be virtue of the Company or any Subsidiary being jointly and severally
liable under Treas. Reg. Section 1.1502-6 (or analogous state or local
provision) for Federal, state or local net income Taxes of Seller or its
subsidiaries for any period ending on or before the Closing Date.

Buyer shall not be entitled to assert any claim for indemnification under
subsection (a) of this Section 5.1 unless and until such time as the aggregate
of such claims of Buyer exceeds $100,000 (the "Basket"), and then only to the
extent of such excess; provided, however, (i)

                                      -26-
<PAGE>
 
in no event (other than with respect to a breach of the representations and
warranties set forth in Sections 2.1.12 and 2.1.14 hereof) shall Seller's
aggregate indemnification obligation under Section 5.1(a) exceed $2,000,000 (the
"Cap") and (ii) in no event shall Seller's aggregate indemnification obligation
under Section 5.1(a) with respect to a breach of the representations and
warranties set forth in Sections 2.1.12 and 2.1.14 exceed the aggregate of
$1,000,000 (the "Separate Cap") plus any amounts remaining available under the
Cap.  All indemnification claims with respect to a breach of the representations
and warranties set forth in Sections 2.1.12 and 2.1.14 shall be charged first
against the Separate Cap and then against the Cap.  Indemnification of Buyer for
breach of a representation or warranty contained in Section 2.1.14 is
conditioned upon the assertion by a party other than Buyer of a claim of
violation of Environmental Laws, which alleged violation existed on or before
the Closing Date.

          5.2  Indemnification by Buyer.  Buyer agrees to indemnify and hold
               ------------------------                                     
harmless Seller against any and all liability, damage, loss or expense
(including reasonable counsel fees), resulting from, arising out of, or
connected with:

     (a)  any breach of the representations and warranties made by Buyer in this
Agreement or in any certificate or other instrument furnished or to be furnished
to Seller hereunder or in connection with the Closing hereunder;

     (b)  the nonfulfillment of any agreement or covenant made by Buyer in this
Agreement or in any instrument furnished or to be furnished by Buyer to Seller
hereunder or in connection with the Closing hereunder; and

     (c)  the operations of the Company and the Subsidiaries after the Closing
Date.

          5.3  Notice of Claim.  Written notice (a "Notice of Claim") with
               ---------------                                            
reasonably detailed particulars as to any claim for which indemnification rights
are granted hereunder shall be given to the party from which indemnification is
or at a later date may be sought (the "Indemnitor") promptly after such claim
shall have been served upon, or otherwise become known to, the party seeking or
who may subsequently seek indemnification (the "Indemnitee").  Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the Indemnitee's failure to give prompt notice or to provide
copies of documents or to furnish relevant information shall not constitute a
defense in whole or in part to any claim by the Indemnitee against the
Indemnitor except to the extent that such failure by the Indemnitee shall have
resulted in a material prejudice to the Indemnitor.

          5.4  Defense of Third Party Claims.
               ----------------------------- 

     (a)  The Indemnitor shall have the right, but not the obligation, upon
receipt of a Notice of Claim and at its expense, to defend such claim in its own
name or, if necessary, in the name of the Indemnitee.  The Indemnitee will
cooperate with and make available to the Indemnitor such assistance and
materials as may be reasonably requested of it, and the Indemnitee shall have
the right, at its expense, to participate in the defense.  Neither the

                                      -27-
<PAGE>
 
Indemnitee nor the Indemnitor shall have the right to settle and compromise such
claim without the consent of the other, which consent will not be unreasonably
withheld or delayed.

     (b)  So long as the Indemnitor is diligently defending, in good faith, any
such third party claim, the Indemnitor may control the defense thereof.  The
Indemnitee shall make available to the Indemnitor or its representatives all
records and other materials reasonably required by them for use in contesting
any third party claim and shall cooperate fully with the Indemnitor in the
defense of all such claims; provided, nothing herein shall be deemed to waive
any attorney client, work product or joint defense privilege. If the Indemnitor
does not agree in writing to defend any such third party claim or if having done
so the Indemnitor fails to diligently defend, in good faith, such claim, the
Indemnitee may (but shall have no obligation to) defend such claim.

          5.5  Insurance Recoveries.  Any indemnifiable claim hereunder shall be
               --------------------                                             
reduced by the amounts actually recovered by the Indemnitee from insurance
carriers and any amounts recovered by the Indemnitee subsequent to the payment
by the Indemnitor with respect to the same claim shall be remitted to the
Indemnitor; provided that such remittance shall not exceed the amount of such
indemnification payment by the Indemnitor.  Buyer will cooperate with Seller to
the extent reasonably requested to do so to enable Seller to recover the
proceeds payable with respect to such indemnifiable claims under any of Seller's
insurance policies and will promptly pay to Seller all such proceeds received by
Buyer.

          5.6  Limitation on Indemnification.  (a) Buyer, Seller and the Company
               -----------------------------                                    
(on behalf of itself and the Subsidiaries) agree that the sole liability and
sole remedy for any claim arising under or in respect of this Agreement, or
under any Environmental Law, shall be limited to indemnification under Section
5.1 and 5.2 of this Agreement, and in connection therewith Buyer, Seller and the
Company (on behalf of itself and the Subsidiaries) waive any and all statutory
and common law rights and remedies (including without limitation rights of
indemnification and contribution) which such entity has or may have against any
Party.

     (b)  Under no circumstances shall Seller be liable to Buyer in any way for
punitive, consequential, special or other non-compensatory damages, including
but not limited to damages for lost business or profits, whether such damages
are based on breach of warranty, breach of contract, tort or any other cause of
action.

     (c)  The terms of this Section 5.6 shall be binding on the successors and
assigns of Buyer, Seller, the Company and the Subsidiaries.

          5.7  Survival.  All representations and warranties of Buyer and of
               --------                                                     
Seller shall survive the Closing (and none shall merge into any instrument of
conveyance).  Except as otherwise provided for in this Agreement, Buyer shall
not be entitled to recover under Section 5.1(a) or otherwise on account of a
breach of a representation and warranty made by Seller unless a Notice of Claim
is delivered to Seller on or prior to April 30, 1998; provided,
                                                      -------- 

                                      -28-
<PAGE>
 
however, that the foregoing time limitation shall not apply with respect to a
- -------                                                                      
breach of a representation and warranty contained in (a) Section 2.1.4
(Capitalization), for which no time limitation shall apply, or (b) 2.1.13
(Taxes), for which the time limitation shall be the applicable statute of
limitations.  Except as otherwise provided for in this Agreement, Seller shall
not be entitled to recover under Section 5.2 (a) or otherwise on account of a
breach of a representation and warranty made by Buyer unless a Notice of Claim
is delivered to Buyer on or prior to the first anniversary of the Closing Date;
provided, however, that the foregoing time limitation shall not apply with
respect to a breach of the representation and warranty contained in Section
2.2.3 hereof (Acquisition of Shares for Investment), for which the time
limitation shall be the applicable statute of limitations.  The expiration of a
representation and warranty shall not affect any claim for indemnification made
pursuant to Section 5.1 or 5.2 prior to such expiration.  All covenants shall
survive so long as they have applicability.

                                   ARTICLE VI
                               Income Tax Matters
                               ------------------

          6.1  Certain Tax Matters.  The following will apply with respect to
               -------------------                                           
the Income Taxes (as hereinafter defined) relating to the Company and the
Subsidiaries.  The term "Income Taxes" shall mean (i) all U.S. Federal income
taxes and (ii) all taxes imposed by states,  territories and possessions of the
United States and political subdivisions thereof which are based on or measured
by net income or net profits together with all interest, penalties and additions
imposed with respect to such taxes and (iii) all gross receipts taxes.

          6.2  Income Tax Matters Generally.
               ---------------------------- 

          6.2.1  Pre-Closing Tax Returns.  The consolidated Federal and other
                 -----------------------                                     
Income Tax returns, reports and filings of Seller, the Company and the
Subsidiaries shall include all items of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit
of the Company and the Subsidiaries attributable to all Income Tax periods (or
portions thereof) ending on or prior to the Closing Date, and, subject to
Section 3.4, including transactions required to be recognized as a result of the
sale of the Shares (such periods or portions thereof being herein referred to as
the "Seller Income Tax Periods"); and, subject to Section 3.4, Seller shall be
responsible for and shall pay all Income Taxes payable (other than in respect of
deferred Income Taxes) as a consequence of the inclusion or omission of such
items in the consolidated Income Tax returns, reports and filings of Seller for
Seller Income Tax Periods and shall timely file such tax returns and reports.

          6.2.2  Post-Closing Tax Returns.  The Income Tax returns, reports and
                 ------------------------                                      
filings of the Company and the Subsidiaries (or of Buyer if the Company and the
Subsidiaries are includable in any consolidated Income Tax returns, reports and
filings of Buyer) shall include

                                      -29-
<PAGE>
 
all items of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit of the Company and the
Subsidiaries attributable to all Income Tax periods (or portions thereof)
commencing after the Closing Date (such periods or portions thereof being herein
referred to as the "Buyer Income Tax Periods"); and Buyer shall be responsible
for and shall pay all Income Taxes payable (including without limitation any
deferred Income Taxes) as a consequence of the inclusion of such items in such
Income Tax returns, reports and filings of the Company and the Subsidiaries
and/or Buyer for Buyer Income Tax Periods and shall timely file such tax returns
and reports.

          6.2.3  Tax Cooperation.  (a) With respect to the short taxable period
                 ---------------                                               
of the Company and the Subsidiaries ended July 18, 1996 and the short period
ending on the Closing Date, Buyer shall cause to be prepared and delivered to
Seller (to the extent not already prepared and delivered) in the normal
timeframe followed by Seller and the Company and the Subsidiaries consistent
with past practice and in all events within 15 days after it shall have been
requested by Seller, the package of income tax information materials heretofore
provided to Seller by the Company and the Subsidiaries in accordance with past
practice, including past practice as to information schedules and work papers
and as to the method of computation of separate taxable income or other relevant
measure of income of the Company and the Subsidiaries.

     (b) Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Buyer shall cause the
employees of Buyer, the Company and the Subsidiaries to cooperate fully and to
assist Seller (including without limitation allowing access by Seller to the
books and records of Buyer and the Company and the Subsidiaries relating to
Seller Income Tax Periods and any period (or portion thereof) ending on or
before (or including) the Closing Date, and the right to make copies thereof) in
connection with the preparation by Seller of its consolidated Income Tax
returns, reports and filings for Seller Income Tax Periods or the resolution of
any Income Tax Dispute (as hereinafter defined); and Seller shall not be charged
with any cost or expense for the reasonable assistance rendered by officers and
employees of the Company and the Subsidiaries and of Buyer in connection
therewith.

          6.2.4  Refunds.  Seller shall be entitled to all refunds of Income
                 -------                                                    
Taxes paid in connection with any Income Tax returns, reports and filings of
Seller and/or of the Company and the Subsidiaries with respect to any Seller
Income Tax Period.  Applications for refunds of such Income Taxes, and the
filing of amended returns, reports and filings, shall be made and prosecuted
only by Seller (subject to the limitations in Section 6.3 hereof); but the
Company and the Subsidiaries and Buyer shall provide to Seller such cooperation
and reasonable assistance in connection therewith as shall be reasonably
requested by Seller, and Seller shall not be charged with any cost or expense
for the assistance rendered by officers and employees of the Company and the
Subsidiaries and Buyer in connection therewith.

                                      -30-
<PAGE>
 
          6.3  Amendments.  Subject to Section 6.4(a) below, Buyer shall not,
               ----------                                                    
and shall not permit the Company or any Subsidiary to, amend, or take any
similar action with respect to, any Federal, state or local Income Tax returns,
reports and filings filed with respect to any Seller Income Tax Period without
the prior written consent of Seller, which consent shall not be unreasonably
withheld.  Seller shall not amend, or take any similar action with respect to,
any Federal, state or local Income Tax returns, reports and filings filed with
respect to any Seller Income Tax Period which would result in adverse tax
consequences to Buyer or the Company and the Subsidiaries without the prior
written consent of Buyer, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.
Buyer shall not, and shall not permit the Company or any Subsidiary to, extend
the applicable statute of limitations with respect to any Federal, state or
local Income Tax returns, reports and filings filed with respect to any Seller
Income Tax Period without the prior written consent of Seller, which consent
shall not be unreasonably withheld.  This Section 6.3 shall not apply to any
amended return which may be required by law following resolution of an Income
Tax Dispute (as defined herein).

          6.4  Income Tax Disputes, Etc..
               ------------------------- 

     (a)  Except as required by law (but subject to Section 6.4 (b) hereof),
neither Buyer nor the Company nor any Subsidiary shall take any position on any
Federal, state or local Income Tax return, report or filing for any tax period
which might result in any:
          (i)  increase in the liability of Seller, or decrease in the refund
               due to Seller, for any Seller Income Tax Period; or
          (ii) reduction in any tax attributes as to which Seller may receive a
               benefit with respect to any Seller Income Tax Period.

     (b)  Subsequent to the Closing, Buyer shall promptly forward to Seller any
notice received by Buyer or the Company or any Subsidiary of any Federal, state
or local pending or threatened Income Tax audit, examination or proposed
assessment or the like relating to the Company or any Subsidiary or Seller's
consolidated tax group with respect to any Seller Income Tax Period (an "Income
Tax Dispute").  Seller and Buyer shall cooperate with and assist each other, and
shall cause their respective counsel and accountants (and Buyer shall cause the
Company and each Subsidiary) to cooperate with and assist each other, in
connection with any such Income Tax Dispute (including without limitation any
currently pending Income Tax Dispute involving state or local Income Taxes of
the Company or any Subsidiary).  Any Income Tax Dispute relating to any
consolidated Income Tax return, report or filing made by the Seller consolidated
tax group shall be investigated, conducted, prosecuted, contested, defended,
settled or compromised by Seller with counsel and accountants chosen by Seller
at the expense of Seller.  Buyer shall not (nor will Buyer permit the Company or
any Subsidiary to) settle or compromise any Federal, state or local Income Tax
Dispute, or any issue or determination related thereto, without the prior
written consent of Seller.

                                      -31-
<PAGE>
 
     6.5  Tax Sharing Arrangements.  All tax sharing arrangements and any other
          ------------------------                                             
contracts with respect to Income Taxes between Seller (and its affiliates) and
the Company and the Subsidiaries are terminated as of the Closing Date, and this
Article VI will govern the obligations of Seller, Buyer and/or the Company and
the Subsidiaries with respect to Income Taxes.

                                  ARTICLE VII
                                 Miscellaneous
                                 -------------

          7.1  Brokerage Fees.  Seller and Buyer represent and warrant to the
               --------------                                                
other that they have no obligation or liability to any broker or finder by
reason of the transactions which are the subject of this Agreement.  Seller
agrees to indemnify Buyer against and to hold Buyer harmless from, at all times
from and after the date hereof, all claims for brokerage fees, commissions, or
other finders' fees or commissions of any person with respect to this Agreement
and the transactions contemplated hereby to the extent such services were
purportedly rendered by or on behalf of Seller.  Buyer agrees to indemnify
Seller against and to hold Seller harmless from, at all times from and after the
date hereof, all claims for brokerage fees, commissions, or other finders' fees
or commissions of any person with respect to this Agreement and the transactions
contemplated hereby to the extent such services were purportedly rendered by or
on behalf of Buyer.

          7.2  Expenses.  Except as otherwise expressly provided in this
               --------                                                 
Agreement, Seller and Buyer agree to each bear their respective legal fees and
other costs and expenses incurred in connection with the negotiation, execution
and delivery of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby
regardless of whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby are
consummated.

          7.3  Entire Agreement.  This Agreement, which includes the Disclosure
               ----------------                                                
Schedule and the other documents, agreements and instruments executed and
delivered pursuant to or in connection with this Agreement, constitutes the
entire understanding between Seller and Buyer with respect to the subject matter
contained herein and supersedes all prior understandings and agreements between
them respecting such subject matter.

          7.4  Headings.  The headings in this Agreement are for convenience of
               --------                                                        
reference only and shall not control or affect the meaning or construction of
any provision of this Agreement.

          7.5  Gender.  Words of gender may be read as masculine, feminine or
               ------                                                        
neuter, as required by context.

                                      -32-
<PAGE>
 
          7.6  Notices.  All notices, requests, demands, waivers, consents,
               -------                                                     
approvals or other communications required or permitted hereunder shall be in
writing and shall be deemed to have been given when received if delivered
personally or by overnight courier, or ten days after being sent if sent by
certified or registered mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, to the
following addresses:

          If to Seller:

               Brenco, Incorporated
               One Park West Circle
               Midlothian, Virginia 23113
               Attn: President

          with a copy to:

               Vicki L. Casmere
               Vice President and General Counsel
               55 Shuman Boulevard, Suite 500
               P.O. Box 3089
               Naperville, Illinois 60566-7089

          If to Buyer or the Company:

               Genesee & Wyoming Inc.
               71 Lewis Street
               Greenwich, Connecticut 06830
               Attn: President



          with a copy to:

               James B. Gray, Jr.
               Harter, Secrest & Emery
               700 Midtown Tower
               Rochester, New York 14604

Any Party may by notice change the address to which notices or other
communications to it are to be delivered or mailed.   Whenever the giving of
notice is required, the giving of such notice may be waived by the Party
entitled to receive such notice.

                                      -33-
<PAGE>
 
          7.7  Assignment.  Any Party may assign its rights hereunder without
               ----------                                                    
the prior written consent of the other Party; provided, however, that in each
case any assignee of such rights shall take such rights subject to any and all
defenses, counterclaims and rights of set-off to which the other Parties might
be entitled under this Agreement, and each Party shall continue to be primarily
and absolutely liable for its obligations under this Agreement.

          7.8  Successors and Assigns.  This Agreement binds, inures to the
               ----------------------                                      
benefit of, and is enforceable by the Parties hereto, and their respective
heirs, personal representatives, successors and permitted assigns and, except as
expressly provided in Section 7.11 hereof, this Agreement shall not create

benefits on behalf of any shareholder or employee of the Company or any
Subsidiary or any third party or other person.

          7.9  Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed
               -------------                                                   
in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia (other than the
choice of law principles thereof).  Any action, suit or other proceeding
initiated by Seller or Buyer against the other under or in connection with this
Agreement may be brought in any appropriate Federal or state court in the
Commonwealth of Virginia as the party bringing such action, suit or proceeding
shall elect.  Each of Seller and Buyer hereby submits itself and consents to the
personal jurisdiction of any such court, waives any defense it may have based on
lack of personal jurisdiction and agrees that service of process on it in any
such action, suit or proceeding may be effected by the means by which notices
are to be given to it under this Agreement.

          7.10  Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in any number of
                ------------                                                  
counterparts and any Party hereto may execute any such counterpart, each of
which when executed and delivered shall be deemed to be an original and all of
which counterparts taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
The execution of this Agreement by any Party hereto will not become effective
until the counterparts hereof have been executed by all the parties hereto.

          7.11  Release.  At the Closing, the Company and the Subsidiaries will
                -------                                                        
deliver to Seller releases satisfactory in form and substance to Buyer and
Seller.  Buyer consents to the delivery of such releases.

          7.12  Remedies.  The Parties hereto acknowledge that the remedy at law
                --------                                                        
for any breach of the obligations undertaken by the Parties hereto is and will
be insufficient and inadequate and that the Parties hereto shall be entitled to
equitable relief, in addition to remedies at law.  In the event of any action to
enforce the provisions of this Agreement, each Party shall waive the defense
that there is an adequate remedy at law.  Without limiting any remedies a Party
may otherwise have, in the event any Party refuses to perform its

                                      -34-
<PAGE>
 
obligations under this Agreement, the other Parties shall have, in addition to
any other remedy at law or in equity, the right to specific performance.

          7.14  Illegalities.  In the event that any provision contained in this
                ------------                                                    
Agreement shall be determined to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any
respect for any reason, the validity, legality and enforceability of any such
provision in every other respect and the remaining provisions of this Agreement
shall not, at the election of the party for whose benefit the provision exists,
be in any way impaired.

          7.15  Waivers and Amendments. Any waiver of any term or condition of
                ----------------------                                        
this Agreement, or any amendment or supplementation of this Agreement, shall be
effective only if in writing.  A waiver of any breach or failure to enforce any
of the terms or conditions of this Agreement shall not in any way affect, limit
or waive a Party's rights hereunder at any time to enforce strict compliance
thereafter with every term or condition of this Agreement.

          7.16  Publicity.  Before, during and after the Closing Date, Buyer and
                ---------                                                       
Seller hereby agree that, subject at all times to compliance with applicable
law, any proposed press release pertaining to the transactions contemplated
herein shall be coordinated with and approved by the other Party prior to the
publication of such press release, which approval shall not be unreasonably
withheld.  Subject to the foregoing and subject at all times to compliance with
applicable law, and with any requirements by the Parties hereto to disclose the
terms of this Agreement under the provisions of any bank loan agreements by
which the Parties may be bound, the Parties agree to keep confidential and not
disclose or communicate, either directly or indirectly, the terms and conditions
of this Agreement to any third person (other than their advisers and
representatives).

                                      -35-
<PAGE>
 
          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, intending to be legally bound, the Parties have
executed and delivered this Agreement as of the date first written above.

                         Seller:

                              BRENCO, INCORPORATED


                              By:   /s/ J. Craig Rice
                                    -------------------------
                                    Name:  J. Craig Rice
                                    Title:  President

                         Company:

                              RAIL LINK, INC.


                              By:   /s/ James W. Benz
                                    -----------------------
                                    Name:  James W. Benz
                                    Title:  President

                          Buyer:

                              GENESEE & WYOMING INC.


                              By:   /s/ Mark W. Hastings
                                    -----------------------
                                    Name:  Mark W. Hastings
                                    Title:  Treasurer and CFO



THE DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE HAS BEEN OMITTED.  UPON WRITTEN REQUEST, THE REGISTRANT
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WILL PROVIDE COPIES OF ANY PORTIONS OF THE OMITTED DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE, SUBJECT
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TO REQUESTS FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT.
- ---------------------------------------

                                      -36-

<PAGE>
 
                                              EXHIBIT 11.1



                    GENESEE & WYOMING INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                    COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

                    (in thousands, except per share amounts)
                                        
 
                                                            YEAR TO DATE
                                                         DECEMBER 31, 1996
                                                         -----------------

PRIMARY EARNINGS PER SHARE CALCULATION:
- ---------------------------------------
Net Income                                                      $5,905
 
Weighted average number of common stock and common
  stock equivalents outstanding:
 
  Weighted average number of shares outstanding                  3,829
  Common stock equivalents applicable to warrants                   38
  Common stock equivalents issuable under stock option plans        75
                                                                ------
  Common stock and common stock equivalents                      3,941
                                                                ======
 
Earnings per share - primary                                    $ 1.50
                                                                ======
 
FULLY DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE CALCULATION:
- ---------------------------------------------
 
Net Income                                                      $5,905
Weighted average number of common stock and common
  stock equivalents outstanding:
 
  Weighted average number of shares outstanding                  3,829
  Common stock equivalents applicable to warrants                   38
  Common stock equivalents issuable under stock option plans       100
                                                                ------
  Common stock assuming full dilution                            3,966
                                                                ======
 
Earnings per share - fully diluted                              $ 1.49
                                                                ======

(1)  This calculation is submitted in accordance with the regulations of the
Securities and Exchange Commission although not required by APB Opinion No. 15
because it results in dilution of less than 3%.

<PAGE>
 
                                              EXHIBIT 21.1

SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT

            SUBSIDIARY                     STATE OF FORMATION
            ----------                     ------------------

        CORPORATIONS:
        -------------

        Allegheny & Eastern Railroad, Inc.              Delaware

        Bradford Industrial Rail, Inc.                  Delaware

        Buffalo & Pittsburgh Railroad, Inc.             Delaware

        *Carolina Coastal Railway, Inc.                 Virginia

        *Commonwealth Railway, Inc.                     Virginia

        The Dansville & Mount Morris Railroad Company   New York

        Genesee & Wyoming Investors, Inc.               Delaware

        Genesee & Wyoming Railroad Company              New York

        GWI Dayton, Inc.                                Delaware

        GWI Leasing Corporation                         Delaware

        GWI Rail Management Corporation                 Delaware

        Illinois & Midland Railroad, Inc.               Delaware

        Louisiana & Delta Railroad, Inc.                Delaware

        Pittsburg & Shawmut Railroad, Inc.              Delaware

        Portland & Western Railroad, Inc.               New York

        Rail Link, Inc.                                Virginia

        Railroad Services, Inc.                        Delaware

        *Talleyrand Terminal Railroad Company, Inc.    Virginia

        Rochester & Southern Railroad, Inc.            New York

        Willamette & Pacific Railroad, Inc.            New York

        LIMITED PARTNERSHIP:
        --------------------

        GWI Switching Services, L.P.                    Texas


        * Subsidiary of Rail Link, Inc.

<PAGE>
 
                                             EXHIBIT 23.1


                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS



    As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation of
our report included in this Form 10-K, into Genesee & Wyoming Inc.'s previously
filed Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration No. 333-09165).

                                     /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP
                                     ------------------------
                                         Arthur Andersen LLP
        Chicago, Illinois
        March 26, 1997

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM BALANCE
SHEET AND INCOME STATEMENT AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<CASH>                                          14,121
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   19,134
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                      4,172
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                41,176
<PP&E>                                          96,687
<DEPRECIATION>                                  17,865
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 145,685
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           38,871
<BONDS>                                         18,460
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                            52
<OTHER-SE>                                      61,631
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   145,685
<SALES>                                         77,795
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                77,795
<CGS>                                           63,800
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   63,800
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               4,720
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  9,924
<INCOME-TAX>                                     4,019
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              5,905
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     5,905
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     1.50
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     1.49
        

</TABLE>


© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission