WAXMAN USA INC
S-4/A, 1996-07-26
HARDWARE & PLUMBING & HEATING EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES
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     As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 26, 1996
                                                     Registration No. 333-3689
    

                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                                  ----------
   
                                AMENDMENT NO. 2
    
                     TO REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-4

                                     UNDER
                          THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                               ----------------


                                WAXMAN USA INC.
            (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
                                   Delaware
                        (State or other jurisdiction of
                        incorporation or organization)

                                     5074
           (Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number)
                                  34-1761514
                    (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
                               24460 Aurora Road
                          Bedford Heights, Ohio 44146
                                (216) 439-1830
              (Address, including zip code, and telephone number,
            including area code, of registrant's principal offices)
                                  ----------
                                 ARMOND WAXMAN
                               24460 Aurora Road
                          Bedford Heights, Ohio 44146
                                (216) 439-1830
           (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number,
                  including area code, of agents for service)
                                  ----------
                                  Copies to:
                           SCOTT M. ZIMMERMAN, ESQ.
                   Shereff, Friedman, Hoffman & Goodman, LLP
                               919 Third Avenue
                           New York, New York 10022
                                (212) 758-9500
                                  ----------
               APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF THE PROPOSED
                              SALE TO THE PUBLIC:

           As soon as practicable after this registration statement
                              becomes effective.

         If the only securities being registered on this Form are being
offered in connection with the formation of a holding company and there is
compliance with General Instruction G, check the following box: |_|

                              PAGE 1 OF ___ PAGES
                         EXHIBIT INDEX IS ON PAGE ____

         The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date
or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the
Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this
Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance
with section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration
Statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission acting
pursuant to said section 8(a), may determine.

                                  ----------




    
<PAGE>




                                WAXMAN USA INC.
                             CROSS REFERENCE SHEET
                   Pursuant to Item 501(b) of Regulation S-K
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

        FORM S-4 ITEM NUMBER AND HEADING                      PROSPECTUS CAPTION OR LOCATION
A.  INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRANSACTION
<S>      <C>                                                     <C>
1.        Forepart of the Registration Statement and Outside      Outside Front Cover Page of Prospectus
          Front Cover Page of Prospectus
2.        Inside Front and Outside Back Cover Pages of Prospects  Available Information; Inside Front Cover and Outside
                                                                  Back Cover Pages of Prospectus
3.        Risk Factors, Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges, and   Prospectus Summary; Selected Financial Data; Risk
          Other Information                                       Factors; Consolidated Financial Statements
4.        Terms of the Transaction                                Prospectus Summary; Use of Proceeds; The Exchange
                                                                  Offer; Certain Federal Income Tax Considerations;
                                                                  Description of Notes
5.        Pro Forma Financial Information                         Not Applicable
6.        Material Contracts with the Company Being Acquired      Not Applicable
7.        Additional Information Required for Reoffering Persons  Not Applicable
          and Parties Deemed to be Underwriters
8.        Interests of Named Experts and Counsel                  Legal Matters; Experts
9.        Disclosure of Commission Position on Indemnification    Not Applicable
          for Securities Act Liabilities

B.  INFORMATION ABOUT THE REGISTRANT
10.       Information With Respect to S-3 Registrants             Not Applicable
11.       Incorporation of Certain Information by Reference       Not Applicable
12.       Information With Respect to S-2 or S-3 Registrants      Not Applicable
13.       Incorporation of Certain Information by Reference       Not Applicable
14.       Information With Respect to Registrants Other Than S-3  Outside Front Cover Page of Prospectus; Available
          or S-2 Registrants                                      Information; Prospectus Summary; Risk Factors; Selected
                                                                  Financial Data; Management's Discussion and Analysis of
                                                                  Financial Condition and Results of Operations; Business;
                                                                  Management; Principal Stockholders; Recent Securities
                                                                  Offering and Related Matters; Consolidated Financial
                                                                  Statements

C.  INFORMATION ABOUT THE COMPANY BEING ACQUIRED
15.       Information With Respect to S-3 Companies              Not Applicable
16.       Information With Respect to S-2 or S-3 Companies       Not Applicable
17.       Information With Respect to Companies Other Than S-3   Not Applicable
          or S-2 Companies
D.  VOTING AND MANAGEMENT INFORMATION
18.       Information if Proxies, Consents or Authorizations are  Not Applicable
          be Solicited
19.       Information if Proxies, Consents or Authorizations are  Management; Principal Stockholders
          to be Solicited, or in an Exchange Offer
</TABLE>





    
<PAGE>

Information contained herein is subject to completion or amendment. A
registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. These securities may not be sold nor may
offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes
effective. This prospectus shall not constitute an offer to sell or the
solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these
securities in any State in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be
unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of
any such State.

   
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED JULY 26, 1996
    
PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS

                       OFFER FOR ANY AND ALL OUTSTANDING
                    SERIES A 11 1/8% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2001
                                IN EXCHANGE FOR
                SERIES B SERIES A 11 1/8% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2001
                                      OF
                                WAXMAN USA INC.
               THE EXCHANGE OFFER WILL EXPIRE AT MIDNIGHT,

          NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON AUGUST __, 1996, UNLESS EXTENDED.


         Waxman USA Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), a direct
wholly-owned subsidiary of Waxman Industries, Inc. ("Waxman Industries")
hereby offers, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this
Prospectus and the accompanying Letter of Transmittal (which together
constitute the "Exchange Offer"), to issue an aggregate principal amount at
maturity of up to $43,026,000 of Series B 11 1/8% Senior Notes due 2001 (the
"New Notes") of the Company in exchange for a like principal amount at
maturity of the issued and outstanding Series A 11 1/8% Senior Notes due 2001
(the "Old Notes" and, together with the New Notes, the "Notes") of the Company
from the holders (the "Holders") thereof.

         The Old Notes were originally issued by the Company in a private
placement primarily to certain institutional and accredited investors. The Old
Notes are eligible for trading in the Private Offering, Resales and Trading
through Automated Linkages ("Portal") market and are eligible for resale
pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"Act"). After the Exchange Offer, the Old Notes that remain outstanding will
continue to be subject to the restrictions on transfer contained in the legend
thereon and may not be offered or sold except pursuant to an exemption from,
or in a transaction not subject to the registration requirements of, the Act.
The Company does not have any publicly traded securities.

         The terms of the New Notes are identical in all material respects to
the Old Notes, except for certain transfer restrictions and registration
rights relating to the Old Notes. The terms of the Notes are governed by the
Indenture, dated as of April 1, 1996, between the Company and the United
States Trust Company of New York , as Trustee (the "Trustee"), and all
amendments and supplements thereto (the "Indenture"). A portion of the capital
stock of a subsidiary of the Company has been pledged to the lenders under the
New Term Loan (as defined herein) (which had an outstanding principal balance
of $5.0 million as of June 28, 1996). The capital stock of the Company is
privately held by Waxman Industries and constitutes substantially all of
Waxman Industries' assets. The net deficit of the Company on March 31, 1996
was approximately $15.5 million. The Company is dependent on distributions
from its operating subsidiaries in order to meet its obligations, including
its payment obligations with respect to the Notes. See "Risk Factors --
Reliance on Operations of Subsidiaries; Structural Subordination" and "--
Restrictions Imposed by Terms of Indebtedness."

         The Notes are general unsecured obligations of the Company, ranking
senior in right of payment to any future indebtedness of the Company that is
subordinated in right of payment to the Notes and pari passu in right of
payment to and with all other existing or future indebtedness of the Company.
See "Description of the Notes -- Ranking."

         The New Notes and the Old Notes remaining after the Exchange Offer
mature on September 1, 2001. Interest on the Notes will be payable
semi-annually on March 1 and September 1 of each year, commencing September 1,
1996. The Notes are redeemable, in whole or in part, at the option of the
Company at any time and from time to time at the redemption prices set forth
therein, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption.
See "Description of Notes -- Redemption."

          In the event of a Change of Control (as defined herein), the Company
will be obligated to make an offer to purchase all outstanding Notes at a
redemption price of 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and
unpaid interest, if any.

         On April 3, 1996, the Company issued the Old Notes in exchange for
$43,026,000 aggregate principal amount of Waxman Industries' then outstanding
13 3/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due June 1, 1999 (the "Senior Subordinated
Notes") pursuant to a private exchange offer (the "Private Exchange Offer")
which was a part of a series of interrelated transactions (the
"Reorganization"). In addition to the Private Exchange Offer, the components
of the





    

<PAGE>





Reorganization included (i) the solicitation of the consents of the holders of
the Senior Subordinated Notes to the adoption of certain amendments to the
indenture governing the Senior Subordinated Notes, (the "Senior Subordinated
Consent Solicitation"), (ii) the Barnett Public Offering (as defined herein),
(iii) the establishment of a $30.0 million Restated Credit Agreement (as
defined herein), (iv) the defeasance of Waxman Industries' Senior Secured
Notes (as defined herein) and(v) the repayment of certain borrowings under the
Company's existing revolving and term loan credit facilities. See "Recent
Securities Offering and Related Matters -- The Reorganization."

         The offer and sale of the New Notes are being registered under the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus forms a part in order to
satisfy certain obligations of the Company contained in the Registration
Rights Agreement, dated as of April 3, 1996, between the Company and the
Trustee, on behalf of the original purchasers of the Old Notes (the
"Registration Rights Agreement"). Based on interpretations by the Staff of the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") set forth in certain
"no-action" letters issued to third parties and unrelated to the Company and
the Exchange Offer, the Company believes that New Notes issued pursuant to the
Exchange Offer in exchange for Old Notes may be offered for resale, resold and
otherwise transferred by Holders thereof (other than any such Holder which is
an "affiliate" of the Company within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Act),
without compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery provisions of
the Act, provided that such New Notes are acquired in the ordinary course of
such Holders' business and such Holders have no intention, nor any arrangement
with any person, to participate in the distribution of such New Notes. A
broker-dealer holding Old Notes may participate in the Exchange Offer provided
that it acquired the Old Notes for its own account as a result of
market-making or other trading activities. Each broker-dealer that receives
New Notes for its own account pursuant to the Exchange Offer must acknowledge
that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such New
Notes. The Letter of Transmittal states that by so acknowledging and by
delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it
is an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Act. This Prospectus, as it may
be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used by a broker-dealer
in connection with resales of New Notes received in exchange for Old Notes
where such Old Notes were acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of
market-making or other trading activities. For a period of 180 days after the
Expiration Date (as defined herein), the Company will make this Prospectus
available to any broker-dealer for use in connection with any such resale. See
"Plan of Distribution."


         The Company will accept for exchange Old Notes validly tendered prior
to Midnight, New York City time, on August __, 1996, unless extended by the
Company in its sole discretion (the "Expiration Date"). Tenders of Old Notes
may be withdrawn at any time prior to the Expiration Date. The Exchange Offer
is subject to certain customary conditions. See "The Exchange Offer -- Certain
Conditions to the Exchange Offer."
Holders thereof. See "The Exchange Offer."


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

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

         THE NOTES HAVE NOT BEEN AND WILL NOT BE QUALIFIED FOR SALE UNDER THE
SECURITIES LAWS OF CANADA OR ANY PROVINCE OR TERRITORY OF CANADA. THE NOTES
ARE NOT BEING OFFERED FOR SALE AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD, DIRECTLY OR
INDIRECTLY, IN CANADA, OR TO ANY RESIDENT THEREOF, IN VIOLATION OF THE
SECURITIES LAWS OF CANADA OR ANY PROVINCE OR TERRITORY OF CANADA.

         THIS DOCUMENT MAY NOT BE PASSED ON IN THE UNITED KINGDOM TO ANY
PERSON UNLESS THAT PERSON IS OF A KIND DESCRIBED IN ARTICLE 9(3) OF THE
FINANCIAL SERVICES ACT 1986 (INVESTMENT ADVERTISEMENTS) (EXEMPTIONS) ORDER
1988 OR IS A PERSON TO WHOM THIS DOCUMENT MAY OTHERWISE LAWFULLY BE ISSUED OR
PASSED ON.






    

<PAGE>





                       NOTICE TO NEW HAMPSHIRE RESIDENTS

        NEITHER THE FACT THAT A REGISTRATION STATEMENT OR AN APPLICATION FOR A
LICENSE HAS BEEN FILED UNDER CHAPTER 421-B WITH THE STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE NOR
THE FACT THAT A SECURITY IS EFFECTIVELY REGISTERED OR A PERSON IS LICENSED IN
THE STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE CONSTITUTES A FINDING BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE
THAT ANY DOCUMENT FILED UNDER CHAPTER 421-B IS TRUE, COMPLETE AND NOT
MISLEADING. NEITHER ANY SUCH FACT NOR THE FACT THAT AN EXEMPTION OR EXCEPTION
IS AVAILABLE FOR A SECURITY OR A TRANSACTION MEANS THAT THE SECRETARY OF STATE
HAS PASSED IN ANY WAY UPON THE MERITS OR QUALIFICATIONS OF, OR RECOMMENDED OR
GIVEN APPROVAL TO, ANY PERSON, SECURITY OR TRANSACTION. IT IS UNLAWFUL TO
MAKE, OR CAUSE TO BE MADE, TO ANY PROSPECTIVE PURCHASER, CUSTOMER OR CLIENT
ANY REPRESENTATION INCONSISTENT WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS PARAGRAPH.
- -----------------------------------------
                                   THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS _______, 1996.







    
<PAGE>





                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION

        The Company has filed a Registration Statement on Form S-4 (together
with all amendments thereto referred to herein as the "Registration
Statement") under the Act, with the Commission covering the securities being
offered by this Prospectus. This Prospectus does not contain all the
information set forth or incorporated by reference in the Registration
Statement and the exhibits and schedules relating thereto, certain portions of
which have been omitted as permitted by the rules and regulations of the
Commission. For further information with respect to the Company and the
securities offered by this Prospectus, reference is made to the Registration
Statement and the exhibits and schedules thereto which are on file at the
offices of the Commission and may be obtained upon payment of the fee
prescribed by the Commission, or may be examined without charge at the offices
of the Commission. Statements contained in this Prospectus as to the contents
of any contract or other documents referred to are not necessarily complete,
and are qualified in all respects by such reference.


       The Company is not currently subject to the informational requirements
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), but,
as a result of the offering hereunder, will become subject to the
informational requirements of the Exchange Act. In addition, pursuant to the
Indenture, the Company is required, whether or not it is subject to the
informational requirements of the Exchange Act, to file periodic reports,
proxy statements and other information with the Commission. The Registration
Statement, as well as such periodic reports, proxy statements and other
information, can be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities
maintained by the Commission at Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington,
D.C. 20549; Suite 1400, Northwest Atrium Center, 500 West Madison Street,
Chicago, Illinois 60661; and 7 World Trade Center, New York, New York 10048.
Copies of such material can also be obtained from the Public Reference Section
of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, at
prescribed rates.


                                      ii




    
<PAGE>


                               TABLE OF CONTENTS


   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                                                                             <S>
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY................................................................................................v
        The Company...............................................................................................v
        Background of Exchange Offer;
               Recent Securities Offering and Related Matters...................................................vii
        The Exchange Offer........................................................................................x
        Consequences of Exchanging Old Notes
               Pursuant to the Exchange Offer....................................................................xi
        Summary Description of the New Notes....................................................................xii
        Risk Factors...........................................................................................xiii

RISK FACTORS......................................................................................................1
        Consequences of Failure to Exchange.......................................................................1
        Leverage..................................................................................................1
        Deferred Coupon Notes Interest Payments...................................................................2
        Terms of the New Credit Agreement.........................................................................2
        Subordination to the .....................................................................................2
        Reliance on Operations of Subsidiaries; Structural Subordination..........................................2
        Restrictions Imposed by Terms of Indebtedness; Consequences of Failure to Comply..........................3
        Control by Principal Stockholders; Certain Anti-Takeover Effects..........................................4
        Deficiency of Earnings to Fixed Charges...................................................................4
        Foreign Sourcing..........................................................................................4
        Reliance on Key Customers.................................................................................4
        Relationship with Waxman Industries.......................................................................5
        Lack of Public Market.....................................................................................5

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
        FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS............................................................15
        General..................................................................................................15
        Results of Operations....................................................................................16
        Nine Months Ended March 31, 1995 vs. Nine Months Ended March 31, 1996....................................17
        Year Ended June 30, 1994 vs. Year Ended June 30, 1995....................................................18
        Year Ended June 30, 1993 vs. Year Ended June 30, 1994....................................................20

BUSINESS.........................................................................................................26
        General..................................................................................................26
        Consumer Products........................................................................................26
        Barnett..................................................................................................28
        Marketing and Distribution...............................................................................28
        Products.................................................................................................30
        Other Operations.........................................................................................31
        Purchasing...............................................................................................31
        Import Restrictions......................................................................................33
        Competition..............................................................................................33
        Employees................................................................................................33
        Trademarks...............................................................................................33
        Properties...............................................................................................34
        Legal Proceedings........................................................................................35
        Environmental Regulations................................................................................35

MANAGEMENT.......................................................................................................36
        Directors and Executive Officers.........................................................................36
        The Company..............................................................................................37
    

                                      iii





    
<PAGE>


   
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION...........................................................................................39

        Employment Agreements....................................................................................40
        Stock Option and SAR Grants..............................................................................41
        Stock Option and SAR Exercises...........................................................................42

PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS...........................................................................................43
        Capital Stock of the Company.............................................................................43

RECENT SECURITIES OFFERING AND RELATED MATTERS...................................................................43

THE EXCHANGE OFFER...............................................................................................44
        Purpose of Exchange Offer................................................................................44
        Terms of the Exchange Offer; Period for Tendering Old Notes..............................................45
        Procedures for Tendering Old Notes.......................................................................45
        Acceptance of Old Notes for Exchange; Delivery of New Notes..............................................47
        Book-Entry Transfer......................................................................................47
        Guaranteed Delivery Procedures...........................................................................47
        Withdrawal Rights........................................................................................48
        Certain Conditions to the Exchange Offer.................................................................48
        Exchange Agent...........................................................................................49
        Fees and Expenses........................................................................................50
        Transfer Taxes...........................................................................................50
        Consequences of Failure to Exchange......................................................................50

DESCRIPTION OF THE NOTES.........................................................................................51
        General..................................................................................................51
        Maturity, Interest and Principal.........................................................................51
        Redemption...............................................................................................51
        Change of Control........................................................................................52
        Provision of Financial Information.......................................................................52
        Certain Covenants........................................................................................52
        Consolidation, Merger, Conveyance, Transfer or Lease.....................................................56
        Events of Default........................................................................................57
        Defeasance...............................................................................................58
        Satisfaction and Discharge...............................................................................59
        Amendments and Waivers...................................................................................59
        Regarding the Trustee....................................................................................59
        Certain Definitions......................................................................................59

DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN OTHER INDEBTEDNESS........................................................................67
        The New Credit Agreement.................................................................................67

CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS........................................................................67
        Exchange of Notes........................................................................................68
        Backup Withholding and Information Reporting.............................................................69

USE OF PROCEEDS..................................................................................................69

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION.............................................................................................69

LEGAL MATTERS....................................................................................................70

EXPERTS .........................................................................................................70
</TABLE>
    


                                      iv





    
<PAGE>





                              PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

        The following summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to,
and should be read in conjunction with, the more detailed information and
financial statements appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus. References in
this Prospectus to a particular fiscal year refer to the 12-month period ended
on June 30 in that year. Unless the context otherwise indicates, all
references to "Waxman Industries" and the "Company" are to Waxman Industries,
Inc. and to Waxman USA Inc., its subsidiaries and to the business conducted
through Waxman USA's subsidiaries and their divisions, respectively, and
include the operations of Waxman Consumer Products Group Inc. ("Consumer
Products"). As a result of Waxman Industries' prior determination to sell its
Consumer Products business, Consumer Products was reported by Waxman
Industries as a discontinued operation as of June 30, 1995. In connection with
the recently completed initial public offering of Barnett Inc. ("Barnett"),
formerly a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of the Company, Waxman Industries
ceased its efforts to sell Consumer Products effective March 31, 1996.
Accordingly, unless the context otherwise indicates, the information contained
in this Prospectus reflects Consumer Products as a continuing operation.

                                  THE COMPANY

        The Company believes it is one of the leading suppliers of plumbing
products to the repair and remodeling market in the United States. The Company
distributes plumbing, hardware and electrical products to approximately 50,000
customers in the United States, including, plumbing and electrical repair and
remodeling contractors and independent retailers. The Company's consolidated
net sales were $232.3 million in fiscal 1995 and $175.5 for the nine months
ended March 31, 1996.


        The Company conducts its business primarily through its wholly-owned
subsidiary Consumer Products and through Barnett, of which the Company owns
approximately 45% of the outstanding common stock, and, through the ownership
of certain convertible non-voting preferred stock, approximately a 54%
economic interest. The Company also owns several smaller operations. Consumer
Products markets and distributes approximately 9,400 products to a wide
variety of retailers, primarily do-it-yourself ("D-I-Y") warehouse home
centers, home improvement centers, mass merchandisers, hardware stores and
lumberyards. Consumer Products' customers include large national retailers
such as Kmart, Builders Square and Wal-Mart, as well as large regional D-I-Y
retailers such as Fred Meyer Inc. According to rankings of the largest D-I-Y
retailers published in National Home Center News, an industry trade
publication, Consumer Products' customers include 15 of the 25 largest D-I-Y
retailers in the United States. Consumer Products works closely with its
customers to develop comprehensive marketing and merchandising programs
designed to improve their profitability, efficiently manage shelf space,
reduce inventory levels and maximize floor stock turnover. For fiscal 1995 and
the nine months ended March 31, 1996, Consumer Products' largest customer,
Kmart and subsidiaries, accounted for approximately 43.6% and 39.8%,
respectively, of Consumer Products' total net sales.

        Consumer Products' marketing strategy includes offering mass
merchandisers and D-I-Y retailers a comprehensive merchandising program which
includes design, layout and setup of selling areas. Sales and service
personnel assist the retailer in determining the proper product mix in
addition to designing department layouts to effectively display products and
optimally utilize available floor and shelf space. Consumer Products supplies
point-of-purchase displays for both bulk and packaged products, including
color-coded product category signs and color-coordinated bin labels to help
identify products, and backup tags to signify products that require
reordering. Consumer Products also offers certain of its customers the option
of private label programs for their plumbing and floor care products. In-house
design, assembly and packaging capabilities enable Consumer Products to react
quickly and effectively to service its customers' changing needs. In addition,
Consumer Products' products are packaged and designed for ease of use, with
"how to" instructions included to simplify installation, even for the
uninitiated D-I-Y consumer. Consumer Products' net sales for fiscal 1995 and
the nine months ended March 31, 1996, were $72.0 million and $47.1 million,
respectively. The Company currently is reevaluating the strategic direction of
Consumer Products with a view to eliminating certain product lines, optimizing
product offerings and rationalizing certain warehousing costs and evaluating
the carrying value of certain long-lived assets. The Company has decided to
exit from the distribution of electrical products to further focus the
strategic direction of Consumer Products. The Company believes that the
reevaluation of Consumer Products' strategic focus will initially result in a
decrease in net sales but will strengthen and improve the Consumer Products
business in the long-term.


                                       v




    
<PAGE>



        Barnett is a direct marketer and distributor of an extensive line of
plumbing, electrical and hardware products to over 40,000 active customers
throughout the United States. Barnett offers approximately 8,500 name brand
and private label products through its industry-recognized Barnett(R) catalogs
and telesales operations. Barnett markets its products through three distinct,
comprehensive catalogs that target professional contractors, independent
hardware stores and maintenance managers. Barnett's staff of over 70
knowledgeable telesalespersons, customer service and technical support
personnel work together to serve customers by assisting in product selection
and offering technical advice. To provide rapid delivery and a strong local
presence, Barnett has established a network of 28 distribution centers
strategically located in 28 major metropolitan areas throughout the United
States. Through these local distribution centers, approximately two-thirds of
Barnett's orders are shipped directly to the customer, usually within 24 hours
of an order. The remaining one-third of the orders are picked up by the
customer at one of Barnett's local distribution centers. Barnett's strategy of
being a low-cost, competitively priced supplier is facilitated by its volume
of purchases and offshore sourcing of a significant portion of its private
label products. Products are purchased from over 400 domestic and foreign
suppliers.

        Barnett believes that its distinctive business model has enabled it to
become a high-volume, cost-efficient direct marketer of competitively priced
plumbing, electrical and hardware products. Barnett's approximately 500-page
catalogs offer an extensive selection of products in an easy to use format
enabling customers to consolidate purchases with a single vendor. Barnett
provides an updated version of its catalogs to its customers on average four
times a year. To attract new customers and offer special promotions to
existing customers, Barnett supplements its catalogs with monthly promotional
flyers. Barnett's experienced and knowledgeable inbound telesales staff,
located at Barnett's centralized headquarters in Jacksonville, Florida, uses
Barnett's proprietary information systems to take customer orders as well as
offer technical advice. Barnett's highly trained outbound telesales staff
maintains frequent customer contact, makes telesales presentations and
encourages additional purchases. Targeted customer accounts are typically
assigned an outbound telesalesperson in order to enhance customer
relationships and improve customer satisfaction. Barnett's high in-stock
position and extensive network of local distribution centers enable it to
fulfill approximately 94% of the items included in each customer order and
provide rapid delivery. Barnett's net sales were $109.1 million and $93.4
million in fiscal 1995 and the nine months ended March 31, 1996, respectively.

        The Company has several smaller operations which are conducted through
its other wholly-owned subsidiaries, WOC Inc. ("WOC") and TWI, International,
Inc. ("TWI"). WOC includes four operations, the largest of which are U.S. Lock
("U.S. Lock") - a distributor of a full line of security hardware products and
LeRan Copper & Brass ("LeRan") - a supplier of copper tubing, brass fittings
and other related products. WOC's other operations also include its Madison
Equipment division, a supplier of electrical products, and its Medal
Distributing division, a supplier of hardware products. TWI includes foreign
sourcing operations in Mexico, China and Taiwan which support Consumer
Products, Barnett and WOC. Net sales from these smaller operations were $51.2
million and $35.0 million in fiscal 1995 and the nine months ended March 31,
1996, respectively.


                                      vi





    
<PAGE>





        The current corporate structure of Waxman Industries and its
subsidiaries is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                     WAXMAN INDUSTRIES, INC.
                                    ISSUER OF DEFERRED COUPON
                                              NOTES

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


                                         WAXMAN USA INC.
                                       ISSUER OF THE NOTES

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


                                   WAXMAN                                                        TWI,
     BARNETT                      CONSUMER                      WOC INC.                    INTERNATIONAL,
     INC.(1)                   PRODUCTS GROUP                                                  INC. AND
                                    INC.                                                     SUBSIDIARIES
- -----------------        --------------------------        -------------------        --------------------------
<S>                     <C>                               <C>                        <C>

</TABLE>

(1) The Company beneficially owns approximately 49.9% of the voting capital
stock of Barnett and, together with non-voting preferred stock of Barnett
owned by the Company, approximately 54% of the capital stock of Barnett.

                         BACKGROUND OF EXCHANGE OFFER;
                RECENT SECURITIES OFFERING AND RELATED MATTERS

        In connection with the Barnett Public Offering (as defined herein) and
as part of the Company's efforts to decrease its leverage and increase its
financial flexibility, the Company consummated the Private Exchange Offer
pursuant to which it exchanged $43,026,000 principal amount of Waxman
Industries' Senior Subordinated Notes for a like principal amount of the
Company's Old Notes and in connection therewith solicited consents to certain
amendments to the indenture pursuant to which the Senior Subordinated Notes
were issued. Generally, the amendments to the Senior Subordinated Note
indenture eliminated virtually all of the restrictive covenants and events of
defaults previously contained in such indenture. The Private Exchange Offer
decreased the Company's cash interest burden and extended the maturity of the
Senior Subordinated Notes exchanged in the Private Exchange Offer by several
years.

        In August 1995, the Company announced that it had decided to sell its
Consumer Products business and entered into a letter of intent, which
subsequently expired, which contemplated the sale of the Consumer Products
business, together with certain supporting operations and certain home center
accounts now serviced by Barnett, to a group consisting of HIG Capital
Management of Miami, Florida along with certain members of Consumer Products'
existing management team for an aggregate cash purchase price of $50 million
plus other consideration which would have given the Waxman Industries
approximately a 25% economic interest in Consumer Products on a going forward
basis. Since the consummation of the Barnett Public Offering, the Company has
ceased its efforts to sell Consumer Products and instead retains and continues
to operate Consumer Products and, for the nine month period ended March 31,
1996, reported its results as a continuing operation.

        On February 1, 1996, Barnett filed a registration statement with the
Commission with respect to an initial public offering (the "Barnett Public
Offering") of its common stock (the "Barnett Common Stock"). On March 28,
1996, the


                                      vii





    
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registration statement with respect to the Barnett Public Offering
was declared effective and on April 3, 1996, the Barnett Public Offeringwas
consummated. In such offering, 7,207,200 shares, representing
approximately 55.1% of the Barnett Common Stock, were sold in the aggregate by
Barnett and the Company at an initial public offering price per share of
$14.00, resulting in aggregate net proceeds of $93.4 million. As of June 28,
1996, as a result of the Company's ownership of certain convertible non-voting
preferred stock of Barnett, the Company beneficially owned approximately 49.9%
of the Barnett Common Stock and approximately a 54% economic interest of the
capital stock of Barnett.

        Of the $48.5 million of net proceeds received by Barnett in the
Barnett Public Offering, Barnett used (i) approximately $23.0 million to repay
all of the outstanding indebtedness borrowed by it under the secured credit
facility (the "Operating Companies Revolving Credit Facility") among Citicorp
USA, Inc., as agent, Barnett, Consumer Products and WOC, (ii) $22.0 million to
pay a dividend evidenced by a note payable to the Company and (iii) $3.5
million for working capital. The $44.9 million of net proceeds received by the
Company from the Barnett Public Offering, together with payment from Barnett
of the $22.0 note payable described above, were, or will be, applied primarily
to repay debt including (i) all of the $39.2 million principal amount of
Waxman Industries' 12 1/4% Senior Secured Notes due 1998 and Floating Rate
Senior Secured Notes due 1998 (collectively, the "Senior Secured Notes") plus
accrued interest and redemption premium of approximately $1.7 million, thereby
eliminating the mandatory sinking fund requirements relating to the Senior
Secured Notes which were scheduled to commence in September 1996 and (ii)
approximately $5.0 million of the $10.0 million outstanding indebtedness and
accrued interest under the secured term loan (the "Term Loan") among Citibank,
N.A., as agent, Barnett, Consumer Products and WOC. The remaining net proceeds
received by the Company (approximately $21.0 million) are intended to be used
to (i) reduce additional outstanding indebtedness borrowed by Consumer
Products and WOC under the Operating Companies Revolving Credit Facility
and/or (ii) retire the Company's 12 3/4 Senior Secured Deferred Coupon Notes
due 2004 (the "Deferred Coupon Notes") and/or Notes and/or (iii) reinvest in
Consumer Products' and/or WOC's businesses. The Company's business strategy
includes reducing its leverage by the sale of selected assets and to refinance
its remaining indebtedness whenever possible. In addition, the Company
believes that the Barnett Public Offering will be beneficial to the growth and
earnings potential of Barnett.

        In connection with the Barnett Public Offering, Waxman USA entered
into an amendment and restatement of the Operating Companies Revolving Credit
Facility and Term Loan (the "Restated Credit Agreement") to provide for, among
other things, an approximately one year secured credit facility providing for
revolving credit advances of up to $25.0 million and term loans of up to $5.0
million ("Restated Term Loans") and a release of Barnett from such lending
arrangements. On June 28, 1996, Waxman Industries refinanced the Restated
Credit Agreement with a new credit facility (the "New Credit Agreement")
provided by BankAmerica Business Credit, Inc. The New Credit Agreement
provides for, among other things, an approximately three year secured credit
facility providing for revolving credit advances of up to $30.0 million and
term loans of up to $5.0 million ("New Term Loans").

        The New Credit Agreement provides for revolving credit advances of up
to 85.0% of the amount of eligible accounts receivable and up to the lesser of
(i) $16,000,000 or (ii) 60% of the amount of eligible raw and finished goods
inventory. Revolving credit advances will bear interest at a rate equal to (a)
Bank of America's reference rate plus 1.0% or (b) LIBOR plus 2.75%. The New
Credit Agreement includes a letter of credit subfacility of $2.0 million. New
Term Loans will bear interest at a rate per annum equal to .25% over the
interest rate applicable to revolving credit advances under the New Credit
Agreement. Borrowings under the New Credit Agreement will be secured by the
accounts receivable, inventory, certain general intangibles and unencumbered
fixed assets of Consumer Products and WOC (the "Borrowers"). In addition, New
Term Loans will also be secured by a pledge of 500,000 shares of Barnett
Common Stock owned by the Company (constituting approximately 3.8% of all
outstanding Barnett Common Stock). The New Credit Agreement will require the
Borrowers to maintain cash collateral accounts into which all available funds
are deposited and applied to service the facility on a daily basis. The New
Credit Agreement will prevent dividends and distributions by the Borrowers
except in certain limited instances including, so long as there is no Default
or Event of Default, and the Borrowers are in compliance with certain
financial covenants, the payment of interest on the Senior Subordinated Notes
and Deferred Coupon Notes, and will contain customary negative, affirmative
and financial covenants and conditions.




                                     viii





    
<PAGE>

        The New Credit Agreement will contain similar events of default as
those contained in the Restated Credit Agreement, which include the following:
(i) any Borrower shall fail to make any payment of principal or interest or
any other amount due under the agreements related to the New Credit Agreement
or fail to perform any covenant (after the expiration of any applicable grace
period) thereunder, or any representation or warranty made in connection
therewith shall prove to have been incorrect in any material respect when made
or deemed made; (ii) any Borrower shall fail to pay any indebtedness having a
principal amount of $250,000 or more; or any other event shall occur or
condition shall exist under any Agreement or instrument relating
to any such indebtedness, if the effect of such event or condition is to
accelerate, or to permit the acceleration of (after the expiration of any
applicable period of grace), the maturity of such indebtedness; or any such
indebtedness shall become or be declared to be due and payable, or required to
be repaid (other than by a regularly scheduled required prepayment), or the
Borrowers shall be required to repurchase or offer to repurchase such
indebtedness, prior to the stated maturity thereof; (iii) certain events of
bankruptcy with respect to the Borrowers; (iv) there shall occur any Change of
Control (as defined in the New Credit Agreement); and (v) there shall occur an
event which would have a Material Adverse Effect (as defined in the New Credit
Agreement).


        The Old Notes were issued pursuant to exemptions from, or transactions
not subject to, the registration requirements of the Act and applicable state
securities laws. The Company structured the offering of the Old Notes as a
private placement in order to consummate such offering on a more expeditious
basis than would have been possible had the offering and sale been registered
under the Act. The original purchasers of the Old Notes, as a condition to
their purchase of the Old Notes, required the Company to enter into the
Registration Rights Agreement pursuant to which the Company agreed, among
other things, to promptly commence the Exchange Offer following the offering
of the Old Notes. The Company has prepared and filed the Registration
Statement of which this Prospectus forms a part with the Commission pursuant
to the Registration Rights Agreement. See "Recent Securities Offering and
Related Matters -- Registration Rights Agreement."

        See "Recent Securities Offering and Related Matters" for a discussion
of the offering of Old Notes, the agreements referred to above and additional
related agreements. See "Description of Notes" for a discussion of the terms
of the Notes.




                                      ix





    
<PAGE>




                              THE EXCHANGE OFFER


Securities Offered................... Up to $43,026,000 principal amount of
                                      Series B 111/8% Senior Notes (the "New
                                      Notes" and, collectively with the Old
                                      Notes, the "Notes"). The terms of the
                                      New Notes and the Old Notes are
                                      identical in all material respects,
                                      except for certain transfer restrictions
                                      and registration rights relating to the
                                      Old Notes.
The Exchange Offer................... The New Notes are being offered in
                                      exchange for a like principal amount of
                                      Old Notes. The issuance of the New Notes
                                      is intended to satisfy obligations of
                                      the Company contained in the
                                      Registration Rights Agreement, dated as
                                      of April 3, 1996, by and between the
                                      Company and the Trustee, on behalf of
                                      the original purchasers of the Old
                                      Notes. For procedures for tendering, see
                                      "The Exchange Offer."

Tenders, Expiration Date;
  Withdrawal..........................The Exchange Offer will expire at
                                      Midnight, New York City time, on August
                                      __, 1996, or such later date and time to
                                      which it is extended (the "Expiration
                                      Date"). The tender of Old Notes pursuant
                                      to the Exchange Offer may be withdrawn
                                      at any time prior to the Expiration
                                      Date. Any Old Notes not accepted for
                                      exchange for any reason will be returned
                                      without expense to the tendering holder
                                      thereof as promptly as practicable after
                                      the expiration or termination of the
                                      Exchange Offer.

Conditions of the
  Exchange Offer......................The Exchange Offer is subject to
                                      customary conditions, any or all of
                                      which may be waived by the Company in
                                      its sole discretion. See "The Exchange
                                      Offer -- Certain Conditions to the
                                      Exchange Offer."
Interest on the New
  Notes and Old Notes.................Interest on the Notes will accrue at the
                                      rate of 11 1/8% per annum until maturity
                                      and will be payable semi-annually
                                      commencing on September 1, 1996. Each
                                      New Note will bear interest from its
                                      issuance date. Old Notes that are
                                      accepted for exchange will accrue
                                      interest up to, but not including and
                                      not after, the date of issuance of the
                                      New Notes. Such interest on the Old
                                      Notes properly surrendered for exchange
                                      shall be payable upon the first interest
                                      payment date of the New Notes. See
                                      "Description of Notes -- Interest."
Acceptance of Old Notes and
  Delivery of New Notes...............The Company will accept for exchange Old
                                      Notes which are properly tendered in the
                                      Exchange Offer prior to Midnight, New
                                      York City time, on the Expiration Date.
                                      The New Notes issued pursuant to the
                                      Exchange Offer will be delivered
                                      promptly following the Expiration Date.
                                      See "The Exchange Offer -- Terms of the
                                      Exchange Offer; Period for Tendering Old
                                      Notes."
                                                           x




    
<PAGE>


Federal Income Tax
  Consequences........................The exchange pursuant to the Exchange
                                      Offer will not result in any income,
                                      gain or loss to the holders of the Notes
                                      (the

                                      "Holders") or the Company for federal
                                      income tax purposes. See "Certain
                                      Federal Income Tax Considerations."
Use of Proceeds.......................There will be no proceeds to the Company
                                      from the exchange pursuant to the
                                      Exchange Offer.
Exchange Agent........................The Huntington National Bank is serving
                                      as Exchange Agent in connection with the
                                      Exchange Offer.

                     CONSEQUENCES OF EXCHANGING OLD NOTES
                        PURSUANT TO THE EXCHANGE OFFER

        Based on interpretations of the Staff of the Commission set forth in
certain "no-action" letters issued to third parties and unrelated to the
Company and the Exchange Offer, the Company believes that Holders of Old Notes
(other than any Holder who is an "affiliate" of the Company within the meaning
of Rule 405 under the Act) who exchange their Old Notes for New Notes pursuant
to the Exchange Offer may offer such New Notes for resale, resell such New
Notes, and otherwise transfer such New Notes without compliance with the
registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the Act; provided such New
Notes are acquired in the ordinary course of the Holder's business and such
Holder has no intention, nor any arrangement with any person, to participate
in a distribution of such New Notes. Based on the foregoing "no-action"
letters, the Company believes that a broker-dealer holding Old Notes may
participate in the Exchange Offer provided that it acquired the Old Notes for
its own account as a result of market-making or other trading activities. Each
broker-dealer that receives New Notes for its own account in exchange for Old
Notes must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with
any resale of such New Notes. See "Plan of Distribution." To comply with the
securities laws of certain jurisdictions, it may be necessary to qualify for
sale or register the New Notes prior to offering or selling such New Notes.
The Company does not currently intend to register or qualify the sale of the
New Notes in any such jurisdiction. If a Holder of Old Notes does not exchange
such Old Notes for New Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer, such Old Notes
will continue to be subject to the restrictions on transfer contained in the
legend thereon. In general, the Old Notes may not be offered or sold, unless
registered under the Act, except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a
transaction not subject to, the Act and applicable state securities laws. See
"The Exchange Offer -- Purpose of the Exchange Offer and -- Consequences of
Failure to Exchange."



                                      xi





    
<PAGE>



                     SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW NOTES

        The terms of the New Notes and the Old Notes are identical in all
material respects, except for certain transfer restrictions and registration
rights relating to the Old Notes. The terms of the Notes are governed by the
Indenture, dated as of April 1, 1996, between the Company and the United
States Trust Company of New York, as Trustee, and all amendments or
supplements thereto (the "Indenture").

Securities Offered....................$43,026,000 aggregate principal amoun
                                      of Series B 11 1/8% Senior Notes Due
                                      2001.
Interest Payments.....................Commencing on the Exchange Date, interest
                                      on the New Notes will accrue at the rate
                                      of 11 1/8% per annum, payable
                                      semi-annually, commencing September 1,
                                      1996.
Maturity Date.........................September 1, 2001.
Optional Redemption...................The New Notes will be redeemable, in
                                      whole or in part, at the option of the
                                      Company at any time and from time to
                                      time, at the redemption prices set forth
                                      herein, plus accrued interest.
Change of Control.....................In the event of a Change of Control, the
                                      Company is obligated to make an offer to
                                      purchase all outstanding New Notes at
                                      101% of the principal amount thereof
                                      plus accrued and unpaid interest, if
                                      any. A Change of Control includes a
                                      management buyout or similar transaction
                                      by the Company's management and/or
                                      directors and their respective
                                      affiliates (but does not include any
                                      such transaction by Melvin and/or Armond
                                      Waxman). A Change of Control also
                                      includes a sale by the Company of all or
                                      substantially all of its assets, which
                                      under applicable governing law is
                                      construed to mean the sale of assets
                                      quantitatively vital to the operation of
                                      the Company and which is out of the
                                      ordinary and substantially affects the
                                      existence and purpose of the Company.
Asset Sale Proceeds...................The Company is obligated in certain
                                      circumstances to make an offer to
                                      purchase New Notes at a redemption price
                                      of 100% of the principal amount thereof
                                      plus accrued and unpaid interest, if
                                      any, with the net cash proceeds of
                                      certain sales or other dispositions of
                                      assets.

Ranking...............................The Notes are general unsecured
                                      obligations of the Company, ranking pari
                                      passu in right of payment to any future
                                      indebtedness of the Company that is not
                                      subordinated in right of payment to the
                                      Notes and senior in right of payment to
                                      any future indebtedness of the Company
                                      that is subordinated in right of payment
                                      to the Notes. The Notes will be
                                      structurally subordinated to the New
                                      Credit Agreement and any refinancing
                                      thereof.

Certain Covenants.....................The Indenture contains certain covenants
                                      that, among other things, limit the
                                      ability of the Company and its
                                      subsidiaries to incur additional
                                      indebtedness, transfer or sell assets,
                                      pay dividends, make certain other
                                      restricted payments and


                                      xii






    
<PAGE>



                                      investments, create liens or enter into
                                      sale lease-back transactions,
                                      transactions with affiliates and
                                      mergers.

        For more complete information regarding the Notes, see "Description of
Notes."
                                 RISK FACTORS

        Holders of Old Notes should carefully consider the specific factors
set forth under "Risk Factors," as well as the other information and data
included in this Prospectus.


                                     xiii





    
<PAGE>



                                 RISK FACTORS

         Holders of Old Notes should consider carefully all of the information
set forth in this Prospectus and, in particular, should evaluate the following
risks before tendering their Old Notes in the Exchange Offer, although the
risk factors set forth below (other than the first risk factor) are generally
applicable to the Old Notes, as well as the New Notes.

         Consequences of Failure to Exchange. Holders of Old Notes who do not
exchange their Old Notes for New Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer will
continue to be subject to the restrictions on transfer of such Old Notes as
set forth in the legend thereon as a consequence of the issuance of the Old
Notes pursuant to exemptions from, or in transactions not subject to, the
registration requirements of the Act and applicable state securities laws. In
general, the Old Notes may not be offered or sold, unless registered under the
Act, except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to,
the Act and applicable state securities laws. The Company does not currently
anticipate that it will register the offer and sale of the Old Notes under the
Act. Based on interpretations by the Staff of the Commission, set forth in
certain "no-action" letters issued to third parties and unrelated to the
Company and the Exchange Offer, the Company believes that New Notes issued
pursuant to the Exchange Offer in exchange for Old Notes may be offered for
resale, resold or otherwise transferred by Holders thereof (other than by any
such Holder which is an "affiliate" of the Company within the meaning of Rule
405 under the Act) without compliance with the registration and prospectus
delivery provisions of the Act provided that such New Notes are acquired in
the ordinary course of such Holders' business and such Holders have no
intention, nor any arrangement with any person, to participate in the
distribution of such New Notes. Based on the foregoing "no-action" letters,
the Company believes that a broker-dealer holding Old Notes may participate in
the Exchange Offer provided that it acquired the Old Notes for its own account
as a result of market-making or other trading activities. Each broker-dealer
that receives New Notes for its own account pursuant to the Exchange Offer
must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any
resale of such New Notes. The Letter of Transmittal states that by so
acknowledging and by delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be
deemed to admit that it is an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Act.
This Prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may
be used by a broker-dealer in connection with resales of New Notes received in
exchange for Old Notes where such Old Notes were acquired by such
broker-dealer as a result of market-making or other trading activities. For a
period of 180 days after the Expiration Date (as defined herein), the Company
will make this Prospectus available to any broker-dealer for use in connection
with any such resale. See "Plan of Distribution." However, to comply with the
securities laws of certain jurisdictions, if applicable, the New Notes may not
be offered or sold unless they have been registered or qualified for sale in
such jurisdictions or an exemption from registration or qualification is
available and is complied with. The Company does not currently intend to
register or qualify the sale of the New Notes in any such jurisdiction.

         Leverage. The Company has a high degree of leverage. At March 31,
1996, the Company had outstanding approximately $137.4 million of consolidated
indebtedness (excluding approximately $32.2 million of trade payables and
accrued liabilities). At March 31, 1996, on a pro forma basis, after giving
effect to the Private Exchange Offer and the Barnett Public Offering and the
application of the net proceeds therefrom, the Company would have had
outstanding approximately $52.9 million of consolidated indebtedness
(excluding $29.3 million of trade payables and accrued liabilities). This high
degree of leverage may have important consequences to the Company, including
the following: (i) the ability of the Company to obtain additional financing
in the future for working capital, capital expenditures, debt service
requirements or other purposes may be impaired; (ii) a substantial portion of
the Company's cash flow from operations will be required to satisfy its debt
service obligations; (iii) the Company may be more highly leveraged than its
competitors, which may place it at a competitive disadvantage; and (iv) the
Company's high degree of leverage may make it more vulnerable in the event of
a downturn in its business and may limit its ability to capitalize on business
opportunities. In addition to the other matters set forth herein under "Risk
Factors," the Company's future performance is subject to prevailing economic
conditions and financial, business and other factors, many of which factors
are beyond the Company's control. The Company currently believes that it must
obtain a significant infusion of funds, either through additional debt
refinancing transactions or the sale of equity and/or assets before any
further significant deleveraging can occur. Cash interest on Waxman
Industries' Deferred Coupon Notes is payable semi-annually commencing December
1999. Waxman Industries' management's current projections indicate that there
will not be sufficient cash flow from operations to make the $5.7 million
principal payment due in June 1999 on the Senior Subordinated Notes not
exchanged in the Private Exchange Offer or the December 1999 cash interest
payment on Waxman Industries' Deferred Coupon Notes. Accordingly, Waxman
Industries' management currently intends to pursue a sale of assets or other
capital raising transaction to satisfy such cash requirements. However, there
can be no assurances that Waxman Industries or the Company will be able to
consummate any such sale or capital raising

                                       1




    

<PAGE>




transaction. There can also be no assurance that Waxman Industries or the
Company will be able to refinance the Deferred Coupon Notes or the Notes at or
prior to their respective maturities. In addition, Waxman Industries is a
holding company with no operations of its own and, therefore, its ability to
pay cash interest on the Deferred Coupon Notes commencing in December 1999,
and any debt service for the approximately $5.7 million principal amount of
Senior Subordinated Notes not tendered in the Private Exchange Offer will
require an increase in the Company's cash flow from current levels or a
substantial reduction in the Company's level of indebtedness or the completion
of other capital raising transactions, including asset sales. There can be no
assurance that such increase in cash flow or reduction in indebtedness or
other capital raising transaction will occur.

         Waxman Industries has a high degree of leverage. At March 31, 1996,
Waxman Industries had consolidated indebtedness of approximately $204.2
(excluding approximately $30.0 million of trade payable and accrued
liabilities). At March 31, 1996, on a pro forma basis, after giving effect to
the Private Exchange Offer and the Barnett Public Offering and the application
of the net proceeds therefrom, Waxman Industries' indebtedness (excluding
$27.1 million of trade payables and accrued liabilities) would have been
$119.7 million. If there was an event of default under the indenture governing
the Deferred Coupon Notes (the "Deferred Coupon Note Indenture") which
resulted in a foreclosure upon the collateral securing the Deferred Coupon
Notes, such foreclosure would likely constitute a change of control under the
Indenture (which change of control could result in an event of default if the
Company did not have sufficient funds to repurchase all of the outstanding
Notes tendered pursuant to a Change of Control Offer (as defined herein)).

         Deferred Coupon Notes Interest Payments. The terms of Waxman
Industries' Deferred Coupon Notes require cash interest payable semi-annually
commencing December 1999. Waxman Industries' management's current projections
indicate that there will not be sufficient cash flow from operations to make
the December 1999 cash interest payment. See "--Leverage." Accordingly, Waxman
Industries' management currently intends to pursue a sale of assets or other
capital raising transaction to satisfy such cash interest requirements.
However, there can be no assurances that Waxman Industries or the Company will
be able to consummate any such sale or capital raising transaction. There can
also be no assurance that Waxman Industries or the Company will be able to
refinance the Deferred Coupon Notes on or prior to their maturity. If there
was an event of default under the Deferred Coupon Note Indenture which
resulted in a foreclosure upon the collateral securing the Deferred Coupon
Notes, such foreclosure would likely constitute a change of control under the
Indenture (which change of control could result in an event of default if the
Company did not have sufficient funds to repurchase all of the outstanding
Notes tendered pursuant to a Change of Control Offer).

         Terms of the New Credit Agreement. The Company is currently party to
the New Credit Agreement. As permitted by the Indenture and under the terms of
the New Credit Agreement, 500,000 shares of Barnett Common Stock (constituting
approximately 3.8% of all outstanding Barnett Common Stock) are pledged to the
lenders under the New Credit Agreement to secure repayment of the New Term
Loans. The New Credit Agreement is an approximately three year secured credit
facility.

         Subordination to the New Credit Agreement. The Notes are general
unsecured obligations of the Company. The Notes are structurally subordinated
to the obligations of Consumer Products and WOC under the New Credit
Agreement. Any default or event of default under the Deferred Coupon Note
Indenture or the Indenture would constitute an event of default under the New
Credit Agreement permitting acceleration thereunder and permitting the holders
of such debt to enforce their security interest in the assets securing the New
Credit Agreement, which include, substantially all the assets of Consumer
Products and WOC, and 500,000 shares of Barnett Common Stock. There can be no
assurance that such collateral would be sufficient to repay in full borrowings
under the New Credit Agreement if they became due.

         Reliance on Operations of Subsidiaries; Structural Subordination. The
Company is a holding company whose only material assets are the capital stock
of the Operating Companies and TWI. The Company conducts no business and is
dependent on distributions from the Operating Companies and TWI in order to
meet its debt service obligations. There can be no assurance that
distributions from the Operating Companies and TWI will be adequate to fund
the required payments under the Company's debt obligations including interest
and principal payments on the Notes. In addition, the New Credit Agreement and
applicable state laws will impose significant restrictions on the payment of
dividends and, with respect to the Restated Credit Agreement, the making of
loans by the Operating Companies and TWI to the Company.


                                       2




    

<PAGE>




See "Description of Certain Other Indebtedness--The New Credit Agreement." If
an initial public offering of the capital stock of any of the Operating
Companies or TWI is consummated, the ability of the Operating Companies or TWI
to (x) pay dividends to the Company would be diminished to the extent of any
such capital stock sold to the public and as may be further limited by any
lender which provides financing to such public company and (y) make loans to
the Company would be limited to the extent that such transactions would have
to be fair to the holders of such capital stock.

         In addition, since the consummation of the Barnett Public Offering,
the cash flow generated by such operations is no longer available to the
Company. Since the consummation of the Barnett Public Offering, the Company
and Waxman Industries rely primarily on Consumer Product for cash flow.
Consumer Products' customers include D-I-Y warehouse home centers, home
improvement centers, mass merchandisers, hardware stores and lumberyards.
Consumer Products may be adversely effected by prolonged economic downturns or
significant declines in consumer spending. There can be no assurance that any
such prolonged economic downturn or significant decline in consumer spending
will not have a material adverse impact on Consumer Products' business and its
ability to generate cash flow. See " -- Reliance on Key Customers." Further,
as indicated in "Recent Developments" and "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," the Company is
currently reevaluating the strategic direction of Consumer Products. As a
result of this reevaluation, the Company expects to incur restructuring
charges in its quarter ending June 30, 1996 relating to the elimination of
certain product lines, the optimization of product offerings and the
reexamination of certain warehousing costs and evaluating the carrying value
of certain long-lived assets. Although the Company believes that the
reevaluation of Consumer Products' strategic direction will improve its
earnings potential, there can be no assurance that Consumer Products results
of operations will improve over time.

         The Company derives all of its operating income from its wholly-owned
subsidiaries. As a result of this holding company structure, the creditors of
the Company, including the holders of the Notes, are structurally subordinated
to all creditors of such subsidiaries with respect to the assets of such
subsidiaries, including the lenders under the Restated [New] Credit Agreement
and trade creditors. Accordingly, in the event of a dissolution, bankruptcy or
reorganization of any such subsidiary, the holders of the Notes will not be
entitled to receive amounts from any such subsidiary until after payment in
full of all creditors of such subsidiary. At March 31, 1996, on a pro forma
basis after giving effect to the Private Exchange Offer and the consummation
of the Barnett Public Offering, the aggregate amount of indebtedness to which
the holders of Notes would have been structurally subordinated was
approximately $9.9 million.

         Restrictions Imposed by Terms of Indebtedness; Consequences of
Failure to Comply. The terms and conditions of the Indenture, other
indebtedness of Waxman Industries and the Company and the New Credit Agreement
impose, and any other future indebtedness of Waxman Industries and the Company
will impose, material restrictions that affect, among other things, the
ability of Waxman Industries and the Company and/or their respective
subsidiaries to incur debt, pay dividends, make acquisitions, create liens,
sell assets and make certain investments and materially change the nature or
conduct of their business. Indentures to which the Company and Waxman
Industries are currently party permit the respective company to sell assets to
the extent that such sales are for fair market value and the consideration
received by the selling company consists of at least 85% cash or cash
equivalents and the net proceeds not used to repay indebtness senior to the
securities issued under the particular indenture, or such securities, or
otherwise not reinvested are used to offer to purchase the respective security
issued under such indenture. The New Credit Agreement provides that the
proceeds from any asset sale must be used to repay debt. The breach of any of
the foregoing covenants would result in a default under the applicable debt
instrument permitting the holders of indebtedness outstanding thereunder,
subject to applicable grace periods, to accelerate such indebtedness. Any such
acceleration may cause a cross-default under the instruments evidencing other
indebtedness of Waxman Industries and/or the Company, including the Indenture,
and there can be no assurance that Waxman Industries and/or the Company would
have sufficient funds to repay or assets to satisfy such obligations,
including the obligations with respect to the Notes, in the event of an
acceleration of such other indebtedness. See "Description of the Notes" and
"Description of Other Indebtedness." The Company was in compliance with all
loan covenants as of March 31, 1996.

         In addition, the New Credit Agreement requires the Operating
Companies to maintain cash collateral accounts into which all available funds
are deposited and applied to service amounts outstanding thereunder on a daily
basis. If Consumer Products and WOC, the borrowers under the New Credit
Agreement, were unable to borrow under the New Credit Agreement, due to a
default or due to the failure to meet any other condition required to be met
thereunder
                                       3




    

<PAGE>

prior to borrowing (including any of the representations and
warranties contained therein not being correct before and after giving effect
to any such borrowing), the Operating Companies would be left without an
available source of cash.


         Control by Principal Stockholders; Certain Anti-Takeover Effects.
Waxman Industries owns all of the outstanding shares of the Company's capital
stock. Approximately 18.2% of the outstanding shares of Waxman Industries'
Common Stock and 83.4% of the outstanding shares of Waxman Industries' Class B
common stock are beneficially owned by Melvin and Armond Waxman, brothers and
the Chairman of the Board and Co-Chief Executive Officer and President and
Co-Chief Executive Officer, respectively, of Waxman Industries (the "Waxman
Principal Stockholders"). These holdings represent 63.5% of the outstanding
voting power of Waxman Industries. Consequently, the Waxman Principal
Stockholders have sufficient voting power to elect the entire Board of Directors
of each of Waxman Industries and the Company and, in general, to determine the
outcome of any corporate transaction or other matter submitted to the
stockholders for approval, including any merger, consolidation, sale of all or
substantially all of each of Waxman Industries' and the Company's respective
assets or "going private" transactions, and to prevent or cause a change in
control of either Waxman Industries or the Company. In addition, Messrs. Melvin
and Armond Waxman may have an interest in pursuing transactions, including
transactions with affiliates, that in their judgment could enhance the value
of Waxman Industries' capital stock, even though such transactions might
involve risks to the holders of the Notes. In addition, certain provisions in
Waxman Industries' and the Company's respective Certificates of Incorporation,
By-laws and debt instruments, including the Indenture, may be deemed to have
the effect of discouraging a third party from pursuing a non-negotiated
takeover of either of Waxman Industries or the Company and preventing certain
changes in control.

         Deficiency of Earnings to Fixed Charges. For fiscal 1995, fiscal 1993
and March 31, 1996, actual and pro forma, the Company's earnings were
insufficient to cover its fixed charges by $4.3 million, $6.1 million, $10.1
million, and $1.4 million, respectively.

         Foreign Sourcing. For fiscal 1995, products manufactured outside of
the United States accounted for approximately 27.8% of the total product
purchases made by the Company. Foreign sourcing involves a number of risks,
including the availability of letters of credit, maintenance of quality
standards, work stoppages, transportation delays and interruptions, political
and economic disruptions, foreign currency fluctuations, expropriation,
nationalization, the imposition of tariffs and import and export controls and
changes in governmental policies (including United States' policy toward the
foreign country where the products are produced), which could have an adverse
effect on the Operating Companies' business. The occurrence of certain of
these factors would delay or prevent the delivery of goods ordered by the
Operating Companies' customers, and such delay or inability to meet delivery
requirements could have an adverse effect on the Operating Companies' results
of operations and on the Operating Companies' relationships with their
customers. In addition, the loss of a foreign manufacturer could have a
short-term adverse effect on the Operating Companies' business until
alternative supply arrangements were secured.

         Reliance on Key Customers. For fiscal 1995 and the nine months ended
March 31, 1996, Consumer Products' largest customer, Kmart and subsidiaries,
accounted for approximately 13.5% and 10.7%, respectively, of the Company's
total net sales and 43.6% and 39.8%, respectively, of Consumer Products' total
net sales. During the same periods, the Company's ten largest customers
accounted for approximately 24.1% and 20.3%, respectively, of the Company's
total net sales. The loss of, or a substantial decrease in, the business of
one or more of the Company's largest customers could have a material adverse
effect on the Company's operations. In addition, certain articles in the
financial press in the past year have questioned the financial condition of
Kmart, Consumer Products' largest customer. Furthermore, Kmart has stated that
it intends to sell its Builders Square business, which accounted for
approximately 24.7% and 24.5%, respectively, of Consumer Products' net sales
in fiscal 1995 and the nine months ended March 31, 1996, respectively. There
can be no assurance that any purchaser of Builders Square will continue to do
business with the Company or to the extent it does continue to do business
with the Company, as to the amount, terms or conditions of any sales by such
purchaser. Since the consummation of the Barnett Public Offering, the Company
and Waxman Industries rely primarily on Consumer Products for cash flow.
Consumer Products' customers include D-I-Y warehouse home centers, home
improvement centers, mass merchandisers, hardware stores and lumberyards.
Consumer Products may be adversely effected by prolonged economic downturns or
significant declines in consumer spending. There can be no assurance that any
such prolonged economic downturn or significant decline in consumer spending
will not have a material adverse impact on Consumer Products' business and its
ability to generate cash flow.

                                       4




    

<PAGE>


         Relationship with Waxman Industries. Waxman Industries and certain of
its subsidiaries are parties to an Intercorporate Agreement pursuant to which
Waxman Industries provides certain managerial, administrative and financial
services to such subsidiaries, including, among other things, financial and
treasury functions, tax planning and compliance and insurance and risk
management. The terms upon which these services are provided and the
compensation therefor were not determined in arms' length negotiations. The
subsidiaries who are a party to the Intercorporate Agreement have agreed to
indemnify Waxman Industries with respect to claims arising out of the
provision of these services, except with respect to losses resulting primarily
from Waxman Industries' willful misconduct, bad faith or gross negligence. In
addition, Waxman Industries and certain of its subsidiaries are parties to a
Tax Sharing Agreement. The Company is included in the consolidated group of
domestic corporations of which Waxman Industries is the common parent for
federal income tax purposes and the Company's tax liability is included in the
consolidated federal income tax liability of Waxman Industries. Under federal
law, the Company will be subject to liability for the consolidated federal
income tax liabilities of the consolidated group of which Waxman
Industries is the common parent for any taxable period during which the
Company or a subsidiary is a member of that consolidated group. Waxman
Industries has agreed, however, to indemnify the Company for such federal
income tax liability (and certain state and local tax liabilities) of Waxman
Industries or any of its other subsidiaries that the Company is actually
required to pay.

         Lack of Public Market. The New Notes are new securities for which
there currently is no market. While Citicorp Securities, Inc. has informed the
Company that it may make a market in the New Notes, it is not obligated to do
so, and any such market making may be discontinued at any time without notice.
Accordingly, there can be no assurance as to the development or liquidity of
any market for the New Notes. The Company does not intend to apply for listing
of the New Notes on any securities exchange or for quotation through the
National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System.




                                       5




    

<PAGE>





                     SELECTED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA

         The selected consolidated historical financial data for the fiscal
years ended June 30, 1993, 1994 and 1995 and as of June 30, 1994 and 1995 are
derived from the audited Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company
included elsewhere herein. The selected consolidated historical financial data
for the fiscal years 1991 and 1992 are derived from the internal unaudited
consolidated financial statements of the Company which are not included
herein. The historical information as of and for the nine month periods ended
March 31, 1995 and 1996 is unaudited, but all adjustments made have been of a
normal recurring nature excluding an $11.0 million charge recorded by the
Consumer Products business described further in "Management's Discussion and
Analysis." The results for the nine months ended March 31, 1996 are not
necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year ending June
30, 1996 or any other period. The selected financial data presented below
should be read in conjunction with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and the consolidated financial
statements of the Company and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this
Prospectus.





                                       6




    

<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           Year Ended June 30,                 Nine Months Ended March 31 ,
                                          ---------------------               -----------------------------
                              1991      1992      1993       1994      1995         1995            1996
                             ------    ------    ------     ------    ------       -------         -----
<S>                         <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>          <C>              <C>
Income Statement Data(1):
Net sales
    Barnett                    $62,482 $ 72,106  $ 82,875   $ 95,225 $ 109,107    $ 81,091        $ 93,399
    Consumer Products           68,749   70,040    67,480     70,707    71,971      57,045          47,113
    WOC                         46,563   47,090    44,675     43,131    46,884      35,798          33,293
    TWI                            697    1,313     3,413      4,508     4,342       3,227           1,672
                              -------- --------  --------   -------- ---------      ------       ---------
    Total net sales            178,491  190,549   198,443    213,571   232,304    $177,161         175,477
Cost of sales                  116,652  122,971   133,177    139,262   152,368     115,559         123,239
                               ------- --------  --------   --------  --------     -------       ---------
    Gross profit                61,839   67,578    65,266     74,309    79,936      61,602          52,238
Selling, general and
 administrative                 44,751   46,750    50,526     53,321    58,590      43,787          46,207
Corporate charge                 3,196    3,860     3,946      4,217     3,891       3,164           2,521
Restructuring and other
    nonrecurring charges(2)         --       --     3,543         --     2,779          --              --
    Operating income

                                13,892   16,968     7,251     16,771    14,676      14,651           3,510
Interest expense                 8,952   13,908    13,321     13,790    18,952      13,735          13,567
                                ------ --------  --------   -------- ---------      ------        --------
    Income (loss) from
       continuing operations
       before provision         4,940
       benefit) for income
       taxes, and cumulative
       effect of
       accounting change                  3,060   (6,070)      2,981   (4,276)         916        (10,057)
Provision (benefit) for
    income taxes                 2,100    1,500   (1,600)      1,500   (1,100)         550         (2,990)
Income (loss) from
    continuing operations before
    cumulative effect of
    accounting change            2,840    1,560   (4,470)      1,481   (3,176)         366         (7,067)
(Loss) on and reversal of loss
    on disposal of Consumer
    Products, net of tax            --       --        --         --   (6,600)          --           6,600
Income (loss) before
    cumulative effect of change in
    accounting
                                 2,840    1,560   (4,470)      1,481   (9,776)         366           (467)
Cumulative effect of              --
    change in accounting
    for distribution
    center start-up
    and catalog development
    costs, net of tax benefit(3)           --       1,266       --        --          --              --
                                        -------   -------   --------  --------     -------        ------
Net income (loss)                2,840    1,560   (5,736)      1,481   (9,776)         366           (467)
                                ====== ========  ========   ==================    ========           =====
</TABLE>




                                       7




    

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                     Year Ended June 30,                                Nine Months Ended March 31,
                     1991        1992         1993        1994       1995                     1995          1996
                    ------      ------       ------      ------     ------                   -------      ------
<S>                 <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>        <C>                      <C>           <C>
Balance Sheet Data
(at end of period):
Working Capital       $75,667     $82,146      $87,745     $94,611   $78,530                 $89,253       $69,942
Total Assets          140,223     165,492      156,658     169,634   157,069                 171,727       154,162
Total Long-Term         1,115       1,182        1,350      53,372    54,693                  55,108        49,944
Debt, Excluding
Push-Down Debt
Push-Down Debt(4)      71,750     110,201      110,313      87,425    87,536                  87,508        81,897
Stockholder's Equity   47,041      19,781       19,323       1,210   (17,725)                 (5,892)      (15,516)
Other Data:
Ratio of earnings to
fixed charges (5)
                         1.5x        1.2x           --        1.2x        --                    1.1x            --
EBITDA(6)
Barnett                 7,910       9,101        9,979      11,200    13,241                  10,273        11,722
Other subsidiaries
                       10,244      13,141        9,653      11,863    10,817                   9,448         7,766
                       ------      ------        -----      ------    ------                   -----         -----
    Total              18,154      22,242       19,632      23,063    24,058                  19,721        19,488
                       ======      ======       ======      ======    ======                  ======        ======
Depreciation and
Amortization            4,462       5,562        8,401       7,108     8,278                   6,077         6,378
Capital Expenditures,
net                       736       2,732        1,396       3,338     3,995                   2,527         1,877
Cash Interest
Expense(7)                112         152          182         722     5,974                   4,149         4,568
Ratio of EBITDA to
Interest Expense        2.03x       1.60x        1.47x       1.67x     1.27x                   1.44x         1.44x
</TABLE>

- --------------
(1)  Reflects the acquisition by Waxman Industries of WAMI in November 1990,
     which was accounted for as a purchase. Earnings per share data is not
     presented and is not meaningful, as the Company is a wholly-owned
     subsidiary of Waxman Industries.

(2)  During fiscal 1993, the Company recorded a $3.5 million restructuring
     charge which included $2.0 million representing the estimated loss to be
     incurred upon the proposed disposal of two businesses and $1.5 million
     representing costs incurred to consolidate administrative functions and
     transfer two of Consumer Products' domestic packaging facilities to
     Mexico. During fiscal 1995, the Company incurred $2.8 million in
     warehouse closure costs as Consumer Products' distribution network was
     downsized from four locations to three. See Note 4 to the Company's
     Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.

(3)  See Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements for a discussion
     regarding the cumulative effect of change in accounting of $1.3 million,
     net of applicable tax benefit of $0.8 million, in fiscal 1993.

(4)  Pursuant to certain Securities and Exchange Commission rules, the
     Company's consolidated financial statements have been adjusted to reflect
     the push-down of certain indebtedness from Waxman Industries comprised of
     (a) the debt to be retired upon consummation of the Private Exchange
     Offer and (b) the debt which is guaranteed by the Company and which
     management intends to retire from a portion of the proceeds from the
     Barnett Public Offering. Refer to Note 5 to the consolidated financial
     statements for further description of the push-down debt.

(5)  For purposes of calculating this ratio, "earnings" consist of income
     (loss) from continuing operations before provision (benefit) for income
     taxes, minority interest and cumulative effect of accounting change and
     fixed charges, and "fixed charges" consist of interest expense, including
     the interest portion of rental obligations on capitalized and operating
     leases (which is deemed by the Company to be one-third of all of its
     rental obligations with respect to operating leases). For fiscal 1993,
     fiscal 1995 and March 31, 1996, earnings were insufficient to cover fixed
     charges by $6.1 million, $4.3 million and $10.1 million, respectively.


                                       8




    

<PAGE>




(6)  EBITDA represents income (loss) from continuing operations before
     provision (benefit) for income taxes, minority interest and cumulative
     effect of accounting change plus interest expense, nonrecurring charges
     (which were primarily non-cash), depreciation and amortization. The
     Company has included EBITDA data (which is not a measure of financial
     performance under generally accepted accounting principles) because such
     data is used by certain investors to measure the ability to service debt.
     EBITDA is not presented herein as an alternative to net income, as an
     indicator of the Company's operating performance or cash flows, or as a
     measure of liquidity, but rather to provide additional information
     relating to the Company's ability to service its debt. Fiscal 1993 EBITDA
     has been adjusted to reflect the nonrecurring inventory adjustments of
     $1.0 million (included in cost of sales) and the nine months ended March
     31, 1995 EBITDA has been adjusted to reflect the write-down of Consumer
     Products assets adjustments of $10.5 million (as discussed in Notes 2 and
     12 to the consolidated financial statements).

(7)  Cash interest expense reflects the Company's interest expense less push-
     down interest expense and the amortization of debt issuance costs.


                                       9





    

<PAGE>






           SELECTED UNAUDITED PRO FORMA FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA
                       (In thousands, except ratio data)


     The following unaudited pro forma consolidated balance sheet as of March
31, 1996 and unaudited pro forma consolidated statements of operations for the
fiscal year ended June 30, 1995 and the nine months ended March 31, 1996 were
derived by adjusting the consolidated financial statements of the Company to
reflect the consummation of the Private Exchange Offer and the Barnett Public
Offering and the application of the net proceeds therefrom to repay certain
indebtedness as described in "Recent Developments" as if each had occurred as
of the beginning of the period in the case of operating results, and as of
March 31, 1996 in the case of balance sheet data.

     The pro forma adjustments are based on currently available information
and upon certain assumptions that management of the Company believes are
reasonable under the circumstances. The unaudited pro forma consolidated
financial data and accompanying notes should be read in conjunction with the
consolidated financial statements and notes thereto. The unaudited pro forma
consolidated data does not purport to represent what the results of operations
or financial position of the Company would actually have been if the
aforementioned transactions had occurred as of the beginning of the period, or
to project the results of operations or financial position for any future
periods or at any future date.




                                      10




    

<PAGE>




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

INCOME STATEMENT DATA:                                  Year Ended June 30, 1995          For the Nine Months  Ended March 31, 1996

                                            ---------------------------------------       -----------------------------------------
                                                              Pro Forma                                Pro Forma
                                             Historical     Adjustments   Pro Forma       Historical  Adjustments     Pro Forma
                                             ----------     -----------   ---------       ----------  -----------     ---------
<S>                                       <C>             <C>             <C>           <C>            <C>           <C>
Net sales                                 $    232,304    $          -       $ 232,304     $   175,477    $     -       $  175,477
                                          ============    ============    ============  ============   ============  ============
Cost of sales                                  152,368               -         152,368         123,239          -          123,239
                                          ============    ============    ============  ============   ============  ============
     Gross profit                                9,936               -          79,936          52,238          -           52,238
                                          ============    ============    ============  ============   ============  ============
                                                                                                             -
Selling, general and administrative
expenses                                        58,590               -          58,590          46,207          -           46,207
Corporate charge                                 3,891             200(1)        4,091           2,521        100(1)         2,621
Restructuring and other non-recurring
charges                                          2,779               -           2,779               -          -                -

     Operating income                           14,676            (200)         14,476           3,510       (100)           3,410
                                          ============    ============    ============  ============   ============  ============
Interest expense                                18,952         (12,500)(2)       6,452          13,567     (8,774)(2)        4,794
                                          ============    ============    ============  ============   ============  ============
     Income (loss) from continuing operations
     before provision for income taxes and
     cumulative effect of change in accounting  (4,276)         12,300           8,024         (10,057)     8,674           (1,384)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes            (1,100)          4,504(3)        3,403          (2,990)     3,176(3)           186
                                          ============    ============    ============  ============   ============  ============
Income (loss) from continuing operations
before minority interest and cumulative
effect of change in accounting                  (3,176)          7,796           4,621          (7,067)     5,497           (1,570)
Minority interest                                 -             (4,208)(4)      (4,208)              -     (3,619)(4)       (3,619)
                                          ============    ============    ============  ============   ============  ============
Income (loss) from continuing operations
      before cumulative effect of
      change in accounting               $      (3,176)      $   3,588       $     412      $   (7,067)   $ 1,878      $    (5,189)
                                          ============    ============    ============  ============   ============  ============
OTHER DATA:
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges                -                              2.0x             -                           -
EBITDA                                                                   ============
      Barnett                           $       13,241                    $   14,903    $    11,722                 $    12,789
      Other USA subsidiaries                    10,817                         8,955          7,766                       6,599
                                          ============                    ============  ============   ============  ============
          Total                       $         24,058                    $   23,858    $    19,488                 $    19,388
                                          ============                    ============  ============   ============  ============

Depreciation and amortization         $          8,278                    $    6,723    $     6,378                 $     5,538
Capital expenditures, net                        3,995                         3,995          1,877                       1,877
Cash interest expense                            5,974                         6,332          4,568                       4,734
Ratio of EBITDA to interest expense               1.27x                         3.70x          1.44x                       4.04x

</TABLE>

                                                             11




    

<PAGE>






                       UNAUDITED PRO FORMA BALANCE SHEET
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          As of March 31, 1996
                                                 Pro Forma
                              Historical        Adjustments      Pro Forma
                              -----------       ------------     ---------
<S>                          <C>                <C>               <C>
Current Assets:
      Cash                       $  1,792       $      -            $  1,792
  Accounts Receivable, Net         34,772              -              34,772
  Inventories                      66,588              -              66,588
   Prepaid Expenses                 4,627              -               4,627
                                  -------        -------             -------
    Total Current Assets          107,779              -             107,779
                                  =======        =======             =======

Property and Equipment, net        13,735              -              13,735
Cost of Businesses in Excess
 of Net Asset Acquired, Net        23,319              -              23,319
Other Assets                        9,329         (6,814)(5)           2,515
                                  -------        -------             -------
                                $ 154,162       $ (6,814)          $ 147,348
                                  =======        =======             =======

Current Liabilities:
Current Portion of
  Long-Term Debt                $   5,597       $ (4,000)(6)      $    1,597
Accounts Payable                   22,568         (3,505)(6)          22,692
                                                   3,629 (5)
Accrued Liabilities                 9,672         (3,063)(7)           6,609
    Total Current Liabilities      37,837         (6,939)             30,898
                                  =======        =======             =======

Long Term Debt, Net
 of Current Portion                49,944        (41,653)(6)           8,291
Exchange Notes                          -         43,026 (8)          43,026
Push-down Debt                     81,897        (38,871)(6)               -
                                                 (43,026)(8)
Minority Interest                       -         20,188 (4)          20,188

Stockholder's Equity:
 Preferred Stock                        -              -                   -
 Common Stock                                          -                   -
 Paid-in-Capital                   21,462              -              21,462
 Retained Earnings (Deficit)         (736)       (22,484)(9)          12,646
                                                  38,985 (10)
                                                  (3,119)(10)
 Advances (to) from Waxman
  Industries                      (36,242)        22,484  (9)         10,837
                                                  24,595 (10)
 Total Stockholder's Equity       (15,516)        60,461              44,945
                                  =======        =======             =======

                               $  154,162      $  (6,814)          $ 147,348
                                  =======        =======             =======
</TABLE>

                                      12




    

<PAGE>


   
              NOTES TO SELECTED UNAUDITED PRO FORMA FINANCIAL DATA

(1)     Reflects the inclusion of public company costs to be incurred by
        Barnett.

(2)     Reflects (i) the elimination of interest expense and associated
        amortization of deferred debt issuance costs related to the application
        of the net proceeds from the Private Exchange Offer and Barnett Public
        Offering to repay certain indebtedness as detailed in footnotes (6) and
        (8) below and as described in "Prospectus Summary--Background of
        Exchange Offer; Recent Securities Offering and Related Matters" and
        (ii) the incurrence of interest expense related to the Exchange Notes.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                              Year Ended June 30, 1996                  For the Nine Months Ended March 31, 1996
                                      -----------------------------------------        ------------------------------------------
                                                      Pro Forma                                       Pro Forma
                                      Historical      Adjustments     Pro Forma        Historical     Adjustments      Pro Forma
                                      ----------      -----------     ---------        ----------     -----------      ---------
<S>                                   <C>              <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
Operating Companies Revolving
Credit Facility                         $ 5,213         $ (4,756)       $  457          $ 3,940         $(3,567)        $  373

Term Loan                                 1,356             (530)          826              964            (398)           566

Exchange Notes                               --            4,973         4,973               --           3,696          3,696

Other Notes                                 196               --           196              159              --            159

Push-Down Debt:
  Senior Secured Notes                    5,153           (5,153)           --            3,307          (3,307)            --
  Senior Subordinated Notes               7,034           (7,034)           --            5,198          (5,198)            --

Total interest expense                  $18,952         $(12,500)       $6,452          $13,568         $(8,774)        $4,794
</TABLE>

(3)     Reflects the tax effect of the adjustments referred to in footnotes (1)
        and (2) above at the effective tax rate of approximately 37%.

(4)     Reflects the minority stockholders' interest in the results of Barnett.
        In accordance with the provisions of ARB No. 51 paragraphs 1 and 2 and
        Regulation 210.3A-02 of Regulation S-X, the Company will continue to
        consolidate Barnett in its financial statements.

(5)     Reflects (i) the elimination of deferred issuance costs related to the
        retirement of certain indebtedness and the inclusion of deferred debt
        issuance costs related to the Private Exchange Offer and (ii)
        capitalized/accrued transaction costs which were associated with the
        Barnett Public Offering and Private Exchange Offer and the overall
        recapitalization of the Company.

(6)     Reflects the repayment of certain indebtedness and accounts payable with
        the net proceeds from the Barnett Public Offering as follows and as
        described in "Prospectus Summary -- Background of Exchange Offer; Recent
        Securities Offering and Related Matters."



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                 As of March 31, 1996
                                                 --------------------
                                                      Pro Forma
                                      Historical      Adjustments     Pro Forma
                                      ----------      -----------     ---------
<S>                                   <C>              <C>             <C>
Operating Companies Revolving
Credit Facility                       $ 42,066          $(38,653)       $ 2,413

Term Loan                               11,000            (6,000)         5,000

Other Notes                              2,475                --          2,475

Push-Down Debt:
  Senior Secured Notes                  38,871           (38,871)            --
  Senior Subordinated Notes             43,026                --         43,026
                                      --------          --------        -------

                                        13



    

Total debt                            $137,438          $(84,524)       $52,914
                                      ========          =========       =======
</TABLE>

The Senior Subordinated Notes were repaid in connection with the consummation of
the Private Exchange Offer discussed in footnote (8) below.

 (7)    Reflects the (i) income tax benefit of the extraordinary charge to be
        recorded by Barnett in the quarter ending June 30, 1996 discussed in
        footnote (10) below and (ii) elimination of accrued interest related to
        the retirement of certain indebtedness as of March 31, 1996.

 (8)    Reflects the consummation of the Private Exchange Offer.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                 As of March 31, 1996
                                                 --------------------
                                                      Pro Forma
                                      Historical      Adjustments     Pro Forma
                                      ----------      -----------     ---------
<S>                                   <C>              <C>             <C>
Exchange Notes                              --           43,026          43,026
Push-Down Debt:
  Senior Subordinated Notes             43,026          (43,026)             --

</TABLE>

 (9)    Reflects the elimination of advances due from Waxman Industries to
        Barnett in connection with the Barnett Public Offering.

(10)    Reflects (i) the gain to be realized upon the sale of Barnett Common
        Stock by the Company of approximately $39.0 million, net of applicable
        income taxes of $26.0 million and (ii) the extraordinary charge of $2.8
        million, net of applicable income tax benefit of $1.9 million, that will
        be incurred by the Company as a result of the acceleration of
        unamortized debt issuance costs and the premium on the Senior Secured
        Notes. The income tax liability of the Company has been charged to the
        Advances to Waxman Industries pursuant to the Tax Sharing Agreement.
        Barnett will also incur an extraordinary charge of $724,000, net of
        applicable income taxes of $426,000. The Company will effectively incur
        49.9%, or $362,000, of Barnett's extraordinary charge. The gain and
        extraordinary charges will be realized in the quarter ending
        June 30, 1996.





    
                                      14




    

<PAGE>





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


         The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the
Company's Selected Financial Data and the Company's Consolidated Financial
Statements, including the notes thereto, appearing elsewhere herein.

GENERAL

         The Company operates in a single business segment -- the distribution
of plumbing, electrical and hardware products. The Company's business is
conducted primarily through Consumer Products and Barnett.

   
         As previously announced by Waxman Industries, in connection with
management's preliminary review of and refocus of Consumer Products as a
continuing operation after being held for sale for almost twelve months, the
Company recorded an $11.0 million charge in the quarter ended March 31, 1996,
primarily for the carrying value of day to day operating investments of $5.8
million of inventory, $1.6 million of accounts receivable, $2.0 million of
equipment, $.5 million of unrealized deposits and approximately $1.1 million for
pension and tax accruals. The decision to take the $11.0 million charge is a
result of the Company's preliminary review of Consumer Products as a continuing
operation. As the Company continues its reevaluation of the strategic direction
of Consumer Products as a continuing operation, charges may be recorded in the
fourth quarter to reposition the business, including eliminating certain product
lines, optimizing product offerings and reexamining certain warehousing costs.
The Company is also assessing certain accounting policies for capitalized
costs at Consumer Products. In addition, the Company will recognize a charge
in the fourth quarter for the impairment of long-lived assets at Consumer
Products and other certain smaller divisions in connection with the adoption of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 121. The Company has decided to
discontinue the sale of Consumer Products' electrical products and to further
rationalize the remaining products and products lines of Consumer Products to
focus on the products that maximize the per square foot revenue of retailers
with whom Consumer Products does business. In furtherance of its efforts to
bolster revenue while lowering costs, the Company has also decided to augment
certain of Consumer Products' existing product lines, enhance the appearance
and value of existing packaging of products and downsize distribution centers
from three to two. The Company expects to incur significant charges in the
near term as a result of these changes. In the event Consumer Products were to
either lose Kmart as a customer or Kmart were to significantly curtail its
purchases from Consumer Products, there would be material short term adverse
effects until the Company could modify Consumer Products' cost structure to be
more in line with its reduced revenue base.
    
         On February 1, 1996, Barnett filed a registration statement with the
Commission with respect to an initial public offering (the "Barnett Public
Offering") of its common stock (the "Barnett Common Stock"). On March 28,
1996, the registration statement with respect to the Barnett Public Offering
was declared effective and on April 3, 1996, the Barnett Public Offering was
consummated. In such offering, 7,207,200 shares, representing approximately
55.1% of the Barnett Common Stock, were sold in the aggregate by Barnett and
the Company at an initial public offering price per share of $14.00, resulting
in aggregate net proceeds of $93.4 million. As of June 28, 1996, as a result
of the Company's ownership of certain convertible non-voting preferred stock
of Barnett, the Company beneficially owns approximately 49.9% of the Barnett
Common Stock and owns approximately a 54% economic interest in the capital
stock of Barnett. See "Recent Developments." The Company will record an
extraordinary charge of approximately $3.2 million, net of applicable income
taxes, in the quarter ending June 30, 1996 related to the deferred financing
costs attributed to indebtedness repaid from the net proceeds of the Barnett
Public Offering, as well as a gain on sales of common stock of approximately
$39.0 million, net of applicable income taxes, from the Barnett Public
Offering.





                                       15




    

<PAGE>





RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

         The following table sets forth certain items reflected in the
Company's Consolidated Statements of Income as a percentage of net sales:



                                               PERCENTAGE OF NET SALES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              Nine Months Ended
                                     Year Ended June 30,           March 31,
                                    ---------------------         ----------
                                     1993     1994     1995     1995     1996
                                     ----     ----     ----     ----     ----
<S>                                <C>      <C>      <C>       <C>     <C>
Net sales                           100.0%   100.0%   100.0%   100.0%  100.0%
Costs of sales .................     67.1%    65.2%   65.6%    65.2%   70.2%
Gross profit ...................     32.9%    34.8%   34.4%    34.8%   29.8%
Selling, general and
    administrative expenses ....     25.5%    25.0%   25.2%    24.7%   26.3%
Corporate charge ...............      2.0%     2.0%    1.7%     1.8%    1.4%
Restructuring and other non-
  recurring charges ............      1.8%     0.0%    1.2%     0.0%    0.0%
Operating income ...............      3.7%     7.9%    6.3%     8.3%    2.0%
Interest expense ...............      6.7%     6.5%    8.2%     7.8%    7.8%
Income (loss) from
  continuing operations before
  provision (benefit) for income
  taxes and cumulative effect of
  accounting change ............     (3.1%)    1.4%   (1.8%)    0.5%   (5.7%)
Provision (benefit) for income
  taxes ........................     (0.8%)    0.7%   (0.5%)    0.3%   (1.7%)
Income (loss) from continuing
  operations before cumulative
  effect of accounting change ..     (2.3%)    0.7%   (1.4%)    0.2%   (4.0%)
(Loss) on and reversal of loss
     on disposal of Consumer
     Products, net of tax ......      0.0%     0.0%   (2.8%)    0.0%    3.7%
Income (loss) before
  cumulative effect of change in
  accounting ...................     (2.3%)    0.7%   (4.2%)    0.2%   (0.3%)
Cumulative effect of change in
  accounting for distribution
  center start-up and catalog
  development costs, net of tax
  benefit ......................      0.6%     0.0%    0.0%     0.0%   (0.0%)
Net income (loss) ..............     (2.9%)    0.7%   (4.2%)    0.2%   (0.3%)
</TABLE>



                                       16




    

<PAGE>



NINE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1995 VS. NINE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1996

NET SALES

The Company's net sales decreased $1.7 million, or 1.1%, to $175.5 million in
the nine months ended March 31, 1996 from $177.2 million in the corresponding
prior year period.

Barnett's net sales increased $12.3 million, or 15.2%, to $93.4 million in the
nine months ended March 31, 1996 from $81.1 million in the corresponding prior
year period. Approximately 62.1% of the increase in Barnett's net sales is
attributable to the telesales operations, primarily resulting from increased
sales by existing telesalespersons and the addition of 15 telesalespersons
compared to the prior year period. Contributing to the overall increase in net
sales was a net increase of 100 in the total number of products offered by
Barnett, which generated approximately $4.6 million of the net sales increase,
as well as an increase in active customers to 41,000 from 37,000 which
accounted for approximately $3.5 million of the net sales increase during the
nine month period.

Approximately $ 2.1 million of Barnett's net sales increase is attributable to
Barnett's inclusion of direct sales in net sales commencing July 1, 1995.
While these products are shipped directly to the customer from the original
equipment manufacturer, Barnett takes title to the products sold and provides
services to the customer and supplier including marketing, technical
assistance and credit and collection activities. Prior to July 1, 1995, direct
sales were immaterial and were included in the financial statements as a net
reduction to cost of goods sold.

Consumer Products' net sales decreased $9.9 million, or 17.4% , to $47.1
million in the nine months ended March 31, 1996 from $57.0 million in the
corresponding prior year period. The decrease in Consumer Products' net sales
is primarily due to the weakening retail environment, the loss of two
customers and the prior period net sales being positively impacted by the
expansion of Consumer Products' business with several of its large customers.
Such expansion included initial opening orders of $5.5 million.
   
WOC's and TWI's net sales decreased $4.1 million, or 10.4 %, to $35.0 million
in the nine months ended March 31, 1996 from $39.0 million in the
corresponding prior year period. The decrease in net sales at WOC is primarily
the result of lower selling prices caused by fluctuations in copper prices. The
decrease in net sales at TWI is primarily the result of lower volume on external
sales as additional emphasis was placed on supplying intercompany shipments.
    
GROSS PROFIT

Consolidated gross profit margin decreased to 29.8% of net sales for the nine
months ended March 31, 1996 from 34.9% of net sales in the prior year. The
decrease is primarily attributable to the Consumer Products business as a
result of additional cost of goods sold charges of $7.5 million recorded in
the current period related to certain inventory carrying costs, which are
included in the $11.0 million charge described above. Also affecting the gross
profit margin decreases for Consumer Products was a strong sales mix from the
expansion of the business in fiscal 1995 and to a lesser extent, increased
supplier costs in the current period. Barnett's gross profit decreased to
33.3% for the nine months ended March 31, 1996 from 34.1% for the same period
last year as a result of the increased revenues from the above mentioned
direct ship programs. Excluding the affect of the direct shipments, Barnett's
gross profit margin decreased to 33.3% from 33.6% in the prior year period.
The Company's other operations also experienced small decreases in gross
profit margin partially offset by continued improved margins at a Mexican
subsidiary.

OPERATING EXPENSES
   
Operating expenses increased by $2.4 million, or 5.5%, to $46.2 million for
the nine months ended March 31, 1996 from $43.8 million for the comparable
prior year period. As a percent of net sales, these expenses represented 26.3
% in the first nine months of 1996 compared to 24.7% in the first nine months
of 1995. The increase in operating expenses is primarily the result of the
current period charges recorded at the Consumer Products business of $3.0
million, which is included in the $11.0 million charge described above,
partially offset by decreases in the Company's other operations.  Operating
expenses also increased at Consumer Products as a result of recording
additional bad debt expense

                                                        17




    

<PAGE>



primarily as a result of the weakening retail environment, which the Company
expected would make collection of certain accounts receivable balances
questionable and certain customers undertaking Chapter 11 proceedings.
    
CORPORATE CHARGE

Corporate charge decreased to $2.5 million, or 1.4% of net sales, for the nine
months ended March 31, 1996 compared to $3.2 million, or 1.8% of net sales,
for the nine months ended March 31, 1995. Corporate charges are allocations of
expenses to the Company that Waxman Industries incurs to support its corporate
activities. The decrease between periods is a result of reduced general and
administrative expenses at Waxman Industries.

INTEREST EXPENSE

Interest expense decreased to $13.6 million for the nine months ended March
31, 1996 from $13.7 million in the corresponding prior year period. Average
borrowings decreased from $147.5 million to $144.1 million between periods and
the weighted average interest rate increased from 12.4% to 12.6% during the
same period.

INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES

Pre-tax results decreased to a loss of $10.1 million for the nine months ended
March 31, 1996 from income of $0.9 million in the prior year period due to the
$11.0 million charge discussed above. Pre-tax results include foreign
operations income of $1.1 million for the nine months ended March 31, 1996 and
$0.6 million in the prior year period. The increase in foreign operations
pre-tax income is due mainly to higher sales volume. These increases in sales
volume were primarily attributable to intercompany purchases from the
Company's domestic operations.

INCOME TAXES

The benefit for income taxes was $3.0 million for the nine months ended March
31, 1996 compared to a provision of $0.6 million in the prior year period. The
effective tax rate was 29.7 % for the nine months ended March 31, 1996
compared to 60.0 % for the nine months ended March 31, 1995. The substantially
higher than statutory rate was the result of nominal pre-tax earnings.

YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1994 VS. YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1995

NET SALES

The Company's net sales increased $18.7 million, or 8.8%, to $232.3 million in
1995 from $213.6 million in 1994.

Barnett's net sales increased $13.9 million, or 14.6%, to $109.1 million in
1995 from $95.2 million in 1994. Approximately 91.8% of the increase in
Barnett's net sales is attributable to the telesales operations, primarily
resulting from increased sales by existing telesalespersons and the addition
of 13 telesalespersons in 1995. Contributing to the overall increase in net
sales were a net increase of 200 in the total number of products offered by
Barnett which generated approximately $6.9 million of additional net sales and
an increase of active customers to 38,000 from 36,000 which accounted for
approximately $3.8 million of the net sales increase. The increased net sales
can also be partially attributed to Barnett's other successful marketing
programs, including the introduction of a new catalog in January 1995 directed
to its hardware store customers, coupled with new merchandising strategics
which offer comprehensive customer services.

Consumer Products' net sales increased $1.3 million, or 1.8%, to $72.0 million
in 1995 from $70.7 million in 1994. The increase in Consumer Products' net
sales was primarily the result of the expansion of Consumer Products' business
with several of its large customers. The opening orders for this additional
business, which totaled approximately $2.5 million, were shipped during the
first fiscal quarter. This increase was offset due to the consolidation of two
regional do-it-yourself retailers which resulted in the loss of a customer.

                                       18




    

<PAGE>



WOC's and TWI's net sales increased $3.6 million, or 7.5%, to $51.2 million in
1995 from $47.6 million in 1994. This increase is primarily the result of
changes in volume and higher sales prices associated with copper products.


GROSS PROFIT

Gross profit increased from $74.3 million in 1994 to $79.9 million in 1995.
Gross profit margin decreased from 34.8% for 1994 to 34.4% for 1995. Barnett's
gross profit margin was favorably effected by the increased sales of private
label products, which generally carry a higher gross profit margin, and which
increased to 26.6% of Barnett's net sales during 1995 compared to 26.4% of
Barnett's net sales in the prior year period. The favorable effect of
increased sales of private label products was offset by increased costs of
branded products.

OPERATING EXPENSES

Operating expenses increased by $5.3 million, or 9.9%, to $58.6 million for
1995 from $53.3 million for the prior year period. The increase in operating
expenses as a percentage of net sales to 25.2% in 1995 compared to 25.0% in
1994 was principally due to increased selling and occupancy costs, which were
partially offset by the leveraging of fixed costs, primarily administrative
expenses, over a larger sales base. Operating expenses also increased due to
Barnett's August 1995 relocation of its telesales operations into a new 9,000
square foot "call center" and the expansion or relocation of several of
Barnett's distribution centers.

CORPORATE CHARGE

Corporate charge decreased to $3.9 million, or 1.7% of net sales, for 1995
compared to $4.2 million, or 2.0% of net sales, for 1994. Corporate charges
are allocations of expenses to the Company that Waxman Industries incurs to
support its corporate activities.

RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER NON-RECURRING CHARGES

During the 1995 fourth quarter, the Company downsized Consumer Products
distribution network from four locations to three and as a result incurred
warehouse closure costs of $2.8 million, which incudes $0.6 million of future
costs to be incurred relating to such closure.

INTEREST EXPENSE

Interest expense increased to $19.0 million for 1995 from $13.8 million in the
prior year period. Average borrowings increased from $116.6 million to $148.0
million between periods and the weighted average interest rate increased from
11.8% to 12.8% during the same period. The increase in average borrowing
outstanding is due primarily to the advances to Waxman Industries.

INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES.

Pre-tax results decreased to a loss of $4.3 million in 1995 from income of
$3.0 million in 1994 due to the restructuring charge of $2.8 million discussed
above and higher interest expense. Pre-tax results include foreign operations
income of $0.4 million in 1995 and $1.0 million in 1994. The decrease between
years is primarily the result of a non-recurring gain on the sale of property
in 1994.

INCOME TAXES

The benefit for income taxes was $1.1 million for 1995 compared to a provision
for income taxes of $1.5 million in the prior year. The effective tax rate was
25.7% in 1995 compared to 50.3% in 1994. Differences between the effective tax
rate and the statutory rate is primarily a result of state and foreign taxes
and goodwill amortization which is not deductible for tax purposes.

LOSS ON DISPOSAL



                                       19




    

<PAGE>


The Company recognized a loss on disposal of Consumer Products of $6.6
million, net of applicable income tax benefit of $4.4 million in the 1995
fourth quarter.


As discussed above, as a result of the consummation of the Barnett Public
Offering on April 3, 1996, the Company ceased its efforts to sell the Consumer
Products business. Therefore, the loss on disposal of $6.6 million, net of
applicable tax benefit of $4.4 million, recorded as of June 30, 1995 was
reversed in the quarter ended March 31, 1996.

YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1993 VS. YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1994

NET SALES

The Company's net sales increased $15.1 million, or 7.6%, to $213.6 million in
1994 from $198.4 million in 1993.

Barnett's net sales increased $12.4 million, or 14.9%, to $95.2 million in
1994 from $82.9 million in 1993. Virtually all of the increase in Barnett's
net sales is attributable to the telesales operations, primarily resulting
from increased sales by existing telesalespersons and the addition of 10
telesalespersons in 1994. Contributing to the overall increase in net sales
were a net increase of 800 in the total number of products offered by Barnett
in 1994, an increase of active customers to 36,000 from 33,000 during the same
period and the opening of two additional distribution centers.

Consumer Products' net sales increased $3.2 million, or 4.8%, to $70.7 million
in 1994 from $67.5 million in 1995. The increase in Consumer Products' net
sales was primarily the result of the sale of additional existing product
lines to several of its existing customers.

WOC and TWI's net sales decreased $0.4 million, or 0.9%, to $47.6 million in
1994 from $48.1 million in 1993. This decrease is primarily the result of
changes in volume.

GROSS PROFIT

Gross profit increased from $65.3 million in 1993 to $74.3 million in 1994.
Gross profit margin increased from 32.9% for 1993 to 34.8% for 1994. The
increase in gross profit margin was primarily due to the increase of sales to
new targeted customer segments and increased sales of higher margin
proprietary branded product. Barnett's gross profit margin was favorably
effected by the increased sales of private label products, which generally
carry a higher gross profit margin, and which increased to 26.4% of Barnett's
net sales during in 1994 compared to 26.2% of Barnett's net sales in the prior
year. Also, gross profit margin was favorably impacted by an increase in the
percentage of products purchased from foreign sources. Such products typically
generate higher gross profit margins than products purchased domestically.

OPERATING EXPENSES

Operating expenses increased by $2.8 million, or 5.5%, to $53.3 million for
1994 from $50.5 million for the prior year period. The decrease in operating
expenses as a percentage of net sales to 25.0% in 1994 compared to 25.5% in
1993 was principally due to Barnett's development costs associated with the
new catalog of maintenance products introduced in 1993 and to the opening of
two distribution centers in 1994 compared to the opening of three additional
distribution centers in 1993. Operating expenses increased primarily related
to increased warehouse and selling and advertising costs.

CORPORATE CHARGE

Corporate charge increased to $4.2 million, or 2.0% of net sales, for 1994
compared to $3.9 million, or 2.0% of net sales, for 1993. Corporate charges
are allocations of expenses to the Company that Waxman Industries incurs to
support its corporate activities.

RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER NON-RECURRING CHARGES

                                       20




    

<PAGE>





In 1993, the Company recorded a $3.5 million restructuring charge which
included $2.0 million representing the estimated loss to be incurred upon the
proposed disposal of two businesses and $1.5 million representing costs
incurred to consolidate administrative functions and transfer two of Consumer
Products' domestic packaging facilities to Mexico.

INTEREST EXPENSE

Interest expense increased to $13.8 million for 1994 from $13.3 million in the
prior year period. Average borrowings increased from $113.0 million to $116.6
million between period and the weighted average interest rate remained
constant at 11.8% during the same period. The increase in average borrowing
outstanding is due primarily to the advances to Waxman Industries.

INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES.

Pre-tax results increased to income of $3.0 million in 1994 from a loss of
$6.1 million in 1993. The increase is due mainly to higher sales and 1993
results being negatively impacted by the $3.5 million restructuring charge
discussed above. Pre-tax results include foreign operations income of $1.0
million in 1994 and $0.6 million in 1993. The increase between years is
primarily the result of a non-recurring gain on the sale of property in fiscal
1994.

INCOME TAXES

The provision for income taxes was $1.5 million for 1994 compared to a benefit
for income taxes of $1.6 million in the prior year. The effective tax rate was
50.3% in 1994 compared to 26.3% in 1993. Differences between the effective tax
rate and the statutory rate is primarily a result of state and foreign taxes
and goodwill amortization which is not deductible for tax purposes.

CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING

Effective July 1, 1992, the Company accelerated is amortization of certain
distribution center start-up costs and catalog development costs. The Company
had historically amortized such costs over a period not to exceed five years
which, in management's opinion, represented the period over which economic
benefits were received. The acceleration of amortization was made to conform
with prevailing industry practice. By accelerating amortization, certain costs
associated with the opening of new distribution center operations are
amortized over a period of twelve months commencing the month in which the
distribution center opens. Costs associated with the development and
introduction of new catalogs are amortized over the life of the catalog, not
to exceed a period of one year. The cumulative effect of this change on prior
years totaled $1.3 million, net of applicable income tax benefit of $0.8
million, and is reported separately in the Statement of Operations for 1993.
As discussed elsewhere herein, in connection with the reevaluation of the
strategic direction of Consumer Products, the Company is also assessing
certain accounting policies for capitalized costs at Consumer Products and, in
connection therewith, may determine to adopt a shorter amortization period for
such capitalized costs in the future.

QUARTERLY RESULTS

         The following table sets forth selected summary unaudited quarterly
financial information for the last quarter in 1994, each quarter in 1995 and
the first three quarters of 1996. In the opinion of management, such
information has been prepared on the same basis as the financial statements
appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus and reflects all necessary adjustments
(consisting of only normal recurring adjustments) for a fair presentation of
such unaudited quarterly results when read in conjunction with the financial
statements and the notes thereto. The operating results for any quarter are
not necessarily indicative of results for any future period and there can be
no assurance that any trends reflected in such results will continue in the
future.


                                       21




    

<PAGE>



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                               Fiscal 1994                     Fiscal 1995                              Fiscal 1996
                               -----------   --------------------------------------------    --------------------------------
                                 June 30,    Sept. 30,    Dec. 31,   March 31,    June 30,   Sept. 30,    Dec. 31,  March 31,
                                   1994         1994        1994       1995         1995        1995        1995       1996
                                   ------       ------      ------     ------       ------      ------      ------     -----
<S>                             <C>          <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>

Net sales                         $54,867     $59,443     $58,951    $58,767      $55,143     $57,589    $59,345     $58,543
Gross profit                       19,036      20,888      20,432     20,282       18,334      19,577     20,230      12,431
Operating income                    4,403       5,218       4,723      4,710           25       4,567      4,961     (6,018)
Income (loss) from
continuing operations before
cumulative effect of change           143         452          63       (149)      (3,543)        (85)        176    (7,158)
in accounting
</TABLE>



LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

         On February 1, 1996, Barnett filed a registration statement with the
Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to an initial public offering
of its common stock. On March 28, 1996, the registration statement with
respect to the Barnett Public Offering was declared effective and on April 3,
1996, the Barnett Public Offering was consummated. In such offering, 7,207,200
shares, representing approximately 55.1% of the Barnett Common Stock, were
sold in the aggregate by Barnett and the Company at an initial public offering
price per share of $14.00, resulting in aggregate net proceeds of $93.4
million. As of June 28, 1996, as a result of the Company's ownership of
certain convertible non-voting preferred stock of Barnett, the Company
beneficially owns approximately 49.9% of the Barnett Common Stock and
approximately a 54% economic interest of the capital stock of Barnett.

Of the $48.5 million of net proceeds received by Barnett in the Barnett Public
Offering, Barnett used (i) approximately $23.0 million to repay all of the
outstanding indebtedness borrowed by it under the Operating Companies
Revolving Credit Facility, (ii) $22.0 million to pay a dividend evidenced by a
note payable to the Company, which funds were in turn distributed to Waxman
Industries and (iii) $3.5 million for working capital. The $44.9 million of
net proceeds received by the Company from the Barnett Public Offering,
together with payment from Barnett of the $22.0 million note payable described
above, were, or will be, applied primarily to repay debt including (i) all of
the $39.2 million principal amount of the Waxman Industries' Senior Secured
Notes plus accrued interest and redemption premium of approximately $1.7
million, thereby eliminating the mandatory sinking fund requirements relating
to the Senior Secured Notes which were scheduled to commence in September 1996
and (ii) approximately $5.0 million of the $10.0 million outstanding
indebtedness and accrued interest under the Term Loan. The remaining net
proceeds received by the Company (approximately $21.0 million) are intended to
be used to (i) reduce additional outstanding indebtedness borrowed by Consumer
Products or WOC under the Restated Credit Agreement and/or (ii) retire Waxman
Industries' Deferred Coupon Notes and/or Exchange Notes and/or (iii) reinvest
in Consumer Products' and/or WOC's businesses.

The Company's business strategy includes reducing its leverage by the sale of
selected assets and to refinance its remaining indebtedness whenever possible.
In addition, the Company believes that the Barnett Public Offering will be
beneficial to the growth and earnings potential of Barnett. In connection with
the Barnett Public Offering and pursuant to the requirements of certain debt
agreements, if the Company does not utilize the proceeds from the Barnett
Public Offering pursuant



                                       22




    

<PAGE>




to the terms described above, the Company will be required to repay its
outstanding obligations under the Restated Credit Agreement.

On April 3, 1996, the Company consummated the previously announced offer to
exchange $48.75 million principal amount of Exchange Notes for a like amount
of Waxman Industries' outstanding Senior Subordinated Notes and in connection
therewith solicited consents to certain amendments to the indenture pursuant
to which the Senior Subordinated Notes were issued. Approximately $43.03
million of Senior Subordinated Notes were exchanged. The Exchange Notes were
not registered under the Act, and may not be offered or sold in the United
States absent registration or an applicable exemption from such registration
requirements. The amendments to the Senior Subordinated Note indenture
eliminated virtually all of the restrictive covenants and events of defaults
previously contained in such indenture. The Exchange Offer decreased the
Company's cash interest burden and extended the maturity of the Senior
Subordinated Notes exchanged by several years.

In connection with the Barnett Public Offering, the Company entered into the
Restated Credit Agreement to provide for, among other things, the Restated
Term Loans and a release of Barnett from such lending arrangements. On June
28, 1996, Waxman Industries refinanced the Restated Credit Agreement with the
New Credit Agreement provided by BankAmerica Business Credit, Inc. The New
Credit Agreement provides for, among other things, an approximately three year
secured credit facility providing for revolving credit advances of up to $30.0
million and New Term Loans of up to $5.0 million.

The New Credit Agreement provides for revolving credit advances of up to 85.0%
of the amount of eligible accounts receivable and (b) up to the lesser of (i)
$16,000,000 or (ii) 60% of the amount of eligible raw and finished goods
inventory. Revolving credit advances will bear interest at a rate equal to (a)
Bank of America's reference rate plus 1.0% or (b) LIBOR plus 2.75%. The New
Credit Agreement includes a letter of credit subfacility of $2.0 million. New
Term Loans will bear interest at a rate per annum equal to .25% over the
interest rate applicable to revolving credit advances under the New Credit
Agreement. Borrowings under the New Credit Agreement will be secured by the
accounts receivable, inventory, certain general intangibles and unencumbered
fixed assets of Consumer Products and WOC (the "Borrowers"). In addition, New
Term Loans will also be secured by a pledge of 500,000 shares of Barnett
Common Stock owned by the Company (constituting approximately 3.8% of all
outstanding Barnett Common Stock). The New Credit Agreement will require the
Borrowers to maintain cash collateral accounts into which all available funds
are deposited and applied to service the facility on a daily basis. The New
Credit Agreement will prevent dividends and distributions by the Borrowers
except in certain limited instances including, so long as there is no Default
or Event of Default, and the Borrowers are in compliance with certain
financial covenants, the payment of interest on the Senior Subordinated Notes
and Deferred Coupon Notes, and will contain customary negative, affirmative
and financial covenants and conditions.

The New Credit Agreement will contain similar events of default as those
contained in the Restated Credit Agreement, which include the following: (i)
any Borrower shall fail to make any payment of principal or interest or any
other amount due under the agreements related to the New Credit Agreement or
fail to perform any covenant (after the expiration of any applicable grace
period) thereunder, or any representation or warranty made in connection
therewith shall prove to have been incorrect in any material respect when made
or deemed made; (ii) any Borrower shall fail to pay any indebtedness having a
principal amount of $250,000 or more; or any other event shall occur or
condition shall exist under any agreement or instrument relating to any such
indebtedness, if the effect of such event or condition is to accelerate, or to
permit the acceleration of (after the expiration of any applicable period of
grace), the maturity of such indebtedness; or any such indebtedness shall
become or be declared to be due and payable, or required to be repaid (other
than by a regularly scheduled required prepayment), or the Borrowers shall be
required to repurchase or offer to repurchase such indebtedness, prior to the
stated maturity thereof; (iii) certain events of bankruptcy with respect to
the Borrowers; (iv) there shall occur any Change of Control (as defined in the
New Credit Agreement); and (v) there shall occur an event which would have a
Material Adverse Effect (as defined in the New Credit Agreement).

As of June 28, 1996, availability under the New Credit Agreement totaled
approximately $16.8 million.

                            23





    

<PAGE>




Since the consummation of the Barnett Public Offering, the cash flow generated
by such operations is no longer available to the Company. The Company relies
primarily on Consumer Products for cash flow. Consumer Products' customers
include D-I-Y warehouse home centers, home improvement centers, mass
merchandisers, hardware stores and lumberyards. Consumer Products may be
adversely effected by prolonged economic downturns or significant declines in
consumer spending. There can be no assurance that any such prolonged economic
downturn or significant decline in consumer spending will not have a material
adverse impact on the Consumer Products' business and its ability to generate
cash flow. Further, Consumer Products' largest customer, Kmart and
subsidiaries, accounted for approximately 43.6% and 39.8% of Consumer Products
total net sales in fiscal 1995 and the nine months ended March 31, 1996,
respectively.

The Company is currently continuing its review of the strategic direction of
the Consumer Products business as a continuing operation and charges may be
recorded in the fourth quarter to restructure the business, including
eliminating certain product lines, optimizing product offerings and
reexamining certain warehousing costs. The Company is also assessing certain
accounting policies for capitalized costs at Consumer Products. The Company
will recognize a charge in the fourth quarter for the impairment of long-lived
assets at Consumer Products and other certain smaller divisions. Although the
Company believes that the reevaluation of Consumer Products' strategic
direction will improve its earnings potential, there can be no assurance that
Consumer Products' results of operations will improve over time.

The Company will also record an extraordinary charge in the fourth quarter
related to the deferred financing costs attributed to indebtedness repaid from
the net proceeds of the Barnett Public Offering, as well as a substantial gain
from the Barnett Public Offering.

The Company expects to recognize taxable income for the year ending June 30,
1996 as a result of the gain from the Barnett Public Offering. Any taxable
income recognized in the fourth quarter will be substantially offset by the
current net operating loss carry forwards. Also as a result of the Barnett
Public Offering, Barnett will no longer be included in the Company's
consolidated tax return. Therefore, the Company's remaining net operating loss
carry forwards will not be available to offset Barnett's taxable income after
April 3, 1996, the consummation date of the Barnett Public Offering.

Waxman Industries' common stock price has recently been trading at levels
above the $4.60 exercise price of one million common stock warrants that
expire on September 1, 1996. There can be no assurances that these warrants
will be exercised. If the warrants were exercised, proceeds would be utilized
by Waxman Industries for general corporate purposes including repayment of
debt.

The Company does not have any commitments to make substantial capital
expenditures.

The Company believes that the funds generated from operations along with the
funds available under the New Credit Agreement will be sufficient to satisfy
Waxman Industries' liquidity requirements until June 1, 1999 (the date that
the $5.7 million principal payment is due on Waxman Industries' Senior
Subordinated Notes) or December 1, 1999 (the date that the cash interest
becomes payable by Waxman Industries under the Deferred Coupon Notes). There
can be no assurance that Waxman Industries will be able to pay cash interest
on the Deferred Coupon Notes commencing in December 1999 or that Waxman
Industries will be able to refinance the Senior Subordinated Notes or the
Deferred Coupon Notes.

DISCUSSION OF CASH FLOWS

         For the nine months ended March 31, 1996, the Company generated $11.9
million of cash flow from operations primarily as a result of an increase in
accounts payable and a decrease in inventories. The decreased inventory levels
are due to the Company's inventory reduction efforts. Cash flow used for
investments totaled $4.6 million. Capital expenditures totaled $1.9 million.
Cash flow used for financing totaled $7.6 million. Repayments under the
Company's credit facility totaled $1.9 million and payments on the Term Loan
totaled $3.0 million. As permitted by the Operating Companies Credit Facility
and Term Loan, advances to Waxman Industries of $9.7 million were made by the
Company to fund Waxman Industries' obligations, including debt service.


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<PAGE>






         At March 31, 1996, the Company had working capital of $69.9 million
and a current ratio of 2.8 to 1.

SEASONALITY

         The Company's net sales are generally consistent throughout its
fiscal year.


                                       25




    

<PAGE>



                                    BUSINESS
GENERAL

         The Company believes that it is one of the leading suppliers of
plumbing products to the repair and remodeling market in the United States.
The Company distributes plumbing, hardware and electrical products, to
approximately 50,000 customers in the United States, including, plumbing and
electrical repair and remodeling contractors and independent retailers. The
Company's consolidated net sales from continuing operations were $232.3
million in fiscal 1995 and $175.5 for the nine months ended March 31, 1996.

         The Company conducts its business primarily through its wholly-owned
subsidiary, Consumer Products and through Barnett, of which the Company owns
approximately 45% of the outstanding common stock, and, through the ownership
of certain convertible non-voting preferred stock, approximately a 54%
economic interest. The Company also owns several smaller operations.

         The Company has several smaller operations which are conducted
through its other subsidiaries, WOC and TWI. WOC includes four operations, the
largest of which are U.S. Lock - a distributor of a full line of security
hardware products, and LeRan - a supplier of copper tubing, brass fittings and
other related products. WOC's other operations also include its Madison
Equipment division, a supplier of electrical products, and its Medal
Distributing division, a supplier of hardware products. TWI includes the
foreign sourcing operations in Mexico, China and Taiwan which support Consumer
Products, WOC and Barnett.

CONSUMER PRODUCTS

         Consumer Products markets and distributes approximately 9,400
products to a wide variety of retailers, primarily D-I-Y warehouse home
centers, home improvement centers, mass merchandisers, hardware stores and
lumberyards. Consumer Products' customers include large national retailers
such as Kmart, Builders Square and Wal-Mart as well as large regional D-I-Y
retailers such as Fred Meyer Inc. According to rankings of the largest D-I-Y
retailers published in National Home Center News, an industry trade
publication, Consumer Products' customers include 15 of the 25 largest D-I-Y
retailers in the United States. Consumer Products works closely with its
customers to develop comprehensive marketing and merchandising programs
designed to improve their profitability, efficiently manage shelf space,
reduce inventory levels and maximize floor stock turnover. Consumer Products
also offers certain of its customers the option of private label programs.

         During the 1980's, Consumer Products significantly expanded its
business through a combination of internal growth and strategic acquisitions.
The Company's's acquisition strategy focused on businesses which marketed
similar or complementary product lines to customers or markets not previously
served or through channels not previously utilized by the Company. In recent
years, Consumer Products has integrated the acquired businesses to enhance the
Company's purchasing power, improving operating efficiencies and enabling
Consumer Products to cross-sell a broader range of products to a larger
customer base.

         In recent years, the rapid growth of large mass merchandisers and
D-I-Y retailers has contributed to a significant consolidation of the United
States retail industry and the formation of large, dominant, product specific
and multi-category retailers. These retailers demand suppliers who can offer a
broad range of quality products and can provide strong marketing and
merchandising support. Due to the consolidation in the D-I-Y retail industry,
a substantial portion of Consumer Products' net sales are generated by a small
number of customers. Further, Consumer Products' largest customer, Kmart and
subsidiaries, accounted for approximately 43.6% and 39.8% of Consumer Products
total net sales in fiscal 1995 and the nine months ended March 31, 1996,
respectively. As the Company continues its reevaluation of the strategic
direction of Consumer Products as a continuing operation, charges may be
recorded in the fourth quarter to restructure the business, including
eliminating certain product lines, optimizing product offerings and
reexamining certain warehousing costs. The Company is also assessing certain
accounting policies for capitalized costs at Consumer Products. In addition,
the Company will recognize a charge in the fourth quarter for the impairment
of long-lived assets at Consumer Products and other certain smaller divisions.



                                       26




    

<PAGE>


The Company has decided to discontinue the sale of Consumer Products'
electrical products and to further rationalize the remaining products and
products lines of Consumer Products to focus on the products that maximize the
per square foot revenue of retailers with whom Consumer Products does
business. In furtherance of its efforts to bolster revenue
while lowering costs, the Company has also decided to augment certain of
Consumer Products' existing product lines, enhance the appearance and value of
existing packaging of products and downsize distribution centers from three to
two. The Company expects to incur significant charges in the near term as a
result of these changes. In addition, in the event Consumer Products were to
either lose Kmart as a customer or Kmart were to significantly curtail its
purchases from Consumer Products, there would be material short term adverse
effects until the Company could modify Consumer Products' cost structure to be
more in line with its reduced revenue base.

         Consumer Products' marketing strategy includes offering mass
merchandisers and D-I-Y retailers a comprehensive merchandising program which
includes design, layout and setup of selling areas. Sales and service
personnel assist the retailer in determining the proper product mix in
addition to designing department layouts to effectively display products and
optimally utilize available floor and shelf space. Consumer Products supplies
point-of-purchase displays for both bulk and packaged products, including
color-coded product category signs and color-coordinated bin labels to help
identify products, and backup tags to signify products that require
reordering. Consumer Products also offers certain of its customers the option
of private label programs for their plumbing and floor care products. In-house
design, assembly and packaging capabilities enable Consumer Products to react
quickly and effectively to service its customers' changing needs. In addition,
Consumer Products' products are packaged and designed for ease of use, with
"how to" instructions included to simplify installation, even for the
uninitiated D-I-Y consumer.

         Consumer Products' sales and service representatives visit stores
regularly to take reorders and recommend program improvements. These
representatives also file reports with Consumer Products, enabling it to stay
abreast of changing consumer demand and identify developing trends. In order
to support its customers' "just-in-time" requirements, Consumer Products has
significantly improved its EDI capabilities, so as to reduce their inventory
levels and increase returns on investment.

         Consumer Products operates and distributes its products through three
strategically located distribution facilities in Cleveland, Ohio, Dallas,
Texas and Reno, Nevada.

PRODUCTS

         The following is a discussion of the principal product groups:

         Plumbing Products. Consumer Products' plumbing products include
valves and fitting, rubber products, repair kits and tubular products such as
traps and elbows. Many of Consumer Products' plumbing products are sold under
the proprietary trade names Plumbcraft(R), PlumbKing(R) and KF(R). In
addition, Consumer Products offers certain of its customers the option of
private label programs. Consumer Products also offers proprietary lines of
faucets under the trade name Premier(R), as well as a line of shower and bath
accessories under the proprietary trade name Spray Sensations(TM).

         Electrical Products. Consumer Products' electrical products currently
include items such as plugs, adapters, outlets, wire, circuit breakers and
various tools and test equipment. Consumer Products sells many of its
electrical products under the proprietary trade name Electracraft(R). Consumer
Products currently also sells a line of outdoor weatherproof electrical
products, a full line of ceiling fan accessories, a line of telephone
accessories and connecting devices, a line of audio and video accessories and
lamp and light fixture replacement parts and replacement glassware. As
discussed elsewhere in the Prospectus, Consumer Products has recently
determined to cease selling electrical products. Electrical products accounted
for approximately 4.2% of Consumer Products net sales in fiscal 1995.

         Floor Protective Hardware Products. Consumer Products' floor
protective hardware products include casters, doorstops and other floor,
furniture and wall protective items. Consumer Products markets a complete line
of floor protective hardware products under the proprietary trade name KF(R)
and also under private labels.



                                      27



    

<PAGE>



BARNETT

     Barnett is a direct marketer and distributor of an extensive line of
plumbing, electrical and hardware products to over 40,000 active customers
throughout the United States. Barnett offers and promotes approximately 8,500
name brand and private label products through its industry recognized
Barnett(R) catalogs and telesales operations. Barnett markets its products
through three distinct, comprehensive catalogs that target professional
contractors, hardware stores and maintenance managers. Barnett's staff of over
70 knowledgeable telesalespersons, customer service and technical support
personnel work together to serve customers by assisting in product selection
and offering technical advice. To provide rapid delivery and a strong local
presence, Barnett has established a network of 28 distribution centers
strategically located in 28 major metropolitan areas throughout the United
States. Through these local distribution centers, approximately two-thirds of
Barnett's orders are shipped directly to the customer, usually within 24 hours
of an order. In fiscal 1995, the Company's average order was $286. The
remaining one-third of the orders are picked up by the customers at one of
Barnett's local distribution centers. Barnett's strategy of being a low-cost,
competitively priced supplier is facilitated by its volume of purchases and the
offshore sourcing of a significant portion of its private label products.
Products are purchased from over 400 domestic and foreign suppliers.

         Barnett believes that its distinctive business model has enabled it
to become a high-volume, cost-efficient direct marketer of competitively
priced plumbing, electrical and hardware products. Barnett's approximately
500-page catalogs offer an extensive selection of products in an easy to use
format enabling customers to consolidate purchases with a single vendor.
Barnett provides an updated version of its catalogs to its customers on
average four times a year. To attract new customers and offer special
promotions to existing customers, Barnett supplements its catalogs with
monthly promotional flyers. Barnett's experienced and knowledgeable inbound
telesales staff, located at Barnett's centralized headquarters in
Jacksonville, Florida, uses Barnett's proprietary information systems to take
customer orders as well as offer technical advice. Barnett's highly trained
outbound telesales staff maintains frequent customer contact, makes telesales
presentations and encourages additional purchases. Targeted customer accounts
are typically assigned an outbound telesalesperson in order to enhance
customer relationships and improve customer satisfaction. Barnett's high
in-stock position and extensive network of local distribution centers enable
it to fulfill approximately 94% of the items included in each customer order
and provide rapid delivery. As a result of its emphasis on customer service,
during the past three years an average of 74% of Barnett's customers placed
orders in the following year.


MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION

         Barnett markets its products nationwide principally through regular
catalog and promotional mailings to existing and potential customers,
supported by a telesales operation, and products are shipped from a network of
28 distribution centers allowing for shipment to and pick-up by customers
generally within one day of the receipt of an order. The outbound telesales
operation is utilized to make telephonic sales presentations to potential
customers that have received written promotional materials and to existing
customers. Barnett's outbound and incoming telesales operations are
centralized in Jacksonville, Florida.

         Catalogs

         Barnett's three approximately 500 page catalogs containing 8,500
plumbing, electrical and hardware products are mailed to its 40,000 active
customers. These quarterly catalogs are supplemented by monthly promotional
flyers, 2.0 million of which were mailed in fiscal 1995. The Company's
targeted customers include professional contractors, independent hardware
stores and maintenance managers. Barnett's customer retention rate (i.e.,
customers who placed orders in the following year) averaged 74.0% over the
last three fiscal years. The Company has been distributing its principal
catalog since approximately 1958 and, as a result from, believes that the
Barnett(R) name has achieved a very high degree of recognition among the
Company's customers and suppliers.

         In January 1993, Barnett introduced a new approximately 500 page
Maintenance USA(TM) catalog containing 7,100 products that targets potential
customers responsible for the maintenance of apartment complexes. Since the




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<PAGE>



catalog was introduced, Barnett has added approximately 9,100 new maintenance
accounts and mails the Maintenance USA(TM) catalog to over 9,500 existing and
potential customers.

         In January 1995, Barnett introduced a new quarterly catalog which
currently contains 8,100 products directed to hardware stores. With this new
catalog, Barnett introduced its We've Made It Easy(TM) program to its hardware
store customers. Every quarter an updated computer diskette is forwarded to
each customer which allows the customer to locate products by part number,
catalog page or product attributes as well as electronically place orders with
Barnett by modem. Barnett plans to offer this service to the customers
receiving its other two catalogs during fiscal 1996.

         Barnett believes that there are many opportunities to introduce new
catalogs targeted to distinct customer bases not currently serviced by Barnett
but which utilize many of the products currently carried by Barnett. Examples
of these potential new customer groups include school systems, heating,
ventilation and air conditioning contractors, healthcare facilities,
hotel/motel operators and lighting showrooms.

         Barnett makes its initial contact with potential customers primarily
through promotional flyers. Barnett obtains the names of prospective customers
through the rental of mailing lists from outside marketing information
services and other sources. Barnett uses sophisticated proprietary information
systems to analyze the results of individual catalog and promotional flyer
mailings and uses the information derived from these mailings, as well as
information obtained from Barnett's telesales operations, to create and/or
supplement individual customer profiles and to target future mailings. Barnett
updates its mailing lists frequently to delete inactive customers.

         Barnett's in-house art department produces the design and layout for
its catalogs and promotional mailings. Barnett's catalogs are indexed and
illustrated, provide simplified pricing and highlight new product offerings.

         Telesales

         During fiscal 1995, approximately 77.5% of Barnett's net sales were
generated through Barnett's telesales operation. Barnett's telesales operation
has been designed to make ordering its products as convenient and efficient as
possible thereby enabling Barnett to provide superior customer service.
Barnett offers its customers a nationwide toll-free telephone number that is
currently staffed by 70 telesales, customer service and technical support
personnel who utilize Barnett's proprietary, on-line order processing system.
This sophisticated software provides the telesales staff with detailed
customer profiles and information about products, pricing, promotions and
competition. This data enables Barnett to segment its customer base, analyze
mailing effectiveness on a weekly basis, closely track and manage inventory on
a real time basis and quickly react to and capitalize on market opportunities.

         Barnett divides its telesales staff into outbound and inbound groups.
Barnett's experience indicates that customer loyalty is bolstered by the
ability of the telesales staff to develop an ongoing personal relationship
with their customers. Barnett's highly trained outbound telesales staff
maintains frequent customer contact, makes telesales presentations and
encourages additional purchases. Inbound telesalespersons are trained to
quickly process orders from existing customers. They increase sales by
informing customers of price breaks for larger orders, companion items and
replacement items with higher margins. Outbound telesalespersons are also
utilized to make telephonic sales presentations to both potential and existing
customers. Also, for several months prior to the opening of new distribution
centers, Barnett utilizes its telesales operation to generate awareness of
Barnett, its product offerings and the upcoming opening of new distribution
centers located near the target customers.

         Barnett conducts a customized, in-depth six week training course for
new telesales employees. Training includes the use of role playing and
videotape analysis. Upon satisfactory completion of their training, new
telesales personnel are provided with a dedicated experienced telesales
employee who serves as a "coach" for the next year. In order to better assure
high telesales service levels, telesales supervisors regularly monitor
telesales calls.

         Barnett's current focus has been on expanding its telesales staff.
Barnett plans to expand its telesales operations by 15 to 20 telesalespersons
annually over the next several years. Barnett has over 600,000 prospective
customers within its current industry segments and believes that by increasing
the number of telesalespersons it will be able to access these potential
customers in a cost effective manner.




                                      29



    

<PAGE>



         Distribution Centers

         Barnett has established a network of 28 local distribution centers
strategically located in 28 major metropolitan areas throughout the United
States. This network enables Barnett to provide rapid and complete product
delivery and provides a strong local presence.

     Barnett's distribution centers range in size from approximately 11,200
square feet to 34,000 square feet and average approximately 20,000 square feet.
Distribution centers are typically maintained under operating leases in
commercial or industrial centers. Distribution centers primarily consist of
warehouse and shipping facilities but also include "city sales counters,"
typically occupying approximately 600 square feet, where customers can pick up
orders or browse through a limited selection of promotional items. Barnett is
often able to generate incremental sales from customers who pick up their
orders. Barnett has initiated a program to enlarge product displays in the
counter area to better promote the breadth of its product lines.

         Many of Barnett's customers do not keep high inventory levels and
tend to place orders rather frequently. Barnett's experience indicates that
customers prefer to order from local suppliers and that many local
tradespeople prefer to pick up their orders in person rather than to have them
delivered. Therefore, Barnett intends to continue the expansion of its
distribution center network in order to position itself closer to potential
new customers. During 1995, approximately 34% of Barnett's orders were picked
up by its customers.

         The factors considered in site selection include the number of
prospective customers in the local target area, the existing sales volume in
such area and the availability and cost of warehouse space, as well as other
demographic information. Barnett has substantial expertise in distribution
center site selection, negotiating leases, reconfiguring space to suit its
needs, and stocking and opening new distribution centers. The average
investment required to open a distribution center is approximately $600,000,
including approximately $300,000 for inventory.

PRODUCTS

         Barnett markets an extensive line of over 8,200 plumbing, electrical
and hardware products, many of which are sold under its proprietary trade
names and trademarks. This extensive line of products allows Barnett to serve
as a single source supplier for many of its customers. Since the beginning of
the current fiscal year, Barnett has added approximately 300 new products,
including a new line of power tool accessories and private label paints and
related products. Many of these products are higher margin products bearing
Barnett's proprietary trade names and trademarks. In addition, proprietary
products are often the customers higher margin product offerings.

         Barnett tracks sales of new products the first year they are offered
and new products that fail to meet specified sales criteria are discontinued.
To help manage the risk of new product introductions, substantially all new
domestically sourced products are governed by a "12 point agreement" which
allows Barnett to return all slow and non-moving merchandise to its vendor
within the first six months of its offering, without any cost to Barnett.
Barnett believes that its customers respond favorably to the introduction of
new product lines in areas that allow the customers to realize additional cost
savings and to utilize Barnett's catalogs as a means of one-stop shopping for
many of their needs.

         Barnett's strategy is to significantly increase the number of product
offerings, as well as its higher margin product offerings. Barnett's catalogs
and monthly promotional flyers emphasize the comparative value of Barnett's
private label products. During fiscal 1995, approximately 26.6% of Barnett's
net sales were generated by the sale of Barnett's private label products.

         The following is a discussion of Barnett's principal product groups:

         Plumbing Products. Barnett sells branded products of leading plumbing
manufacturers, including Delta(R), Moen(R) and Price Pfister(R). Barnett's
private label plumbing products are also sold under its Barnett(R), Premier(R)
and ProPlusTM trademarks. In fiscal 1995, plumbing products accounted for
76.3% of net sales.




                                      30



    

<PAGE>




         Electrical Products. Barnett sells branded products of leading
electrical supply manufacturers, including Philips(R), Westinghouse(R),
Honeywell(R) and General Electric(R). Certain of Barnett's private label
electrical products are sold under its own proprietary trademarks, including
Barnett(R), Proplus(TM) and Premier(R). In fiscal 1995, electrical products
accounted for 15.2% of Barnett's net sales.


         Hardware Products. Barnett sells hardware products of leading
hardware product manufacturers, including Kwikset(R) security hardware
products and Milwaukee(R) power tools. Certain of Barnett's hardware products
are also sold under its own proprietary Legend(TM) trademark. In fiscal 1995,
hardware products accounted for 8.5% of Barnett's net sales.

OTHER OPERATIONS

         The Company has several other operations, which are conducted through
WOC and TWI. The most significant of these operations are U.S. Lock, a
supplier of security hardware products, and LeRan, a supplier of copper tubing
and specialty plumbing products. U. S. Lock and LeRan, as well as Madison
Equipment and Medal Distributing, are operated as separate divisions of WOC.
TWI includes the foreign sourcing operations in Mexico, China and Taiwan which
support Consumer Products, Barnett and WOC.

         U.S. Lock

         U.S. Lock, which was acquired by Waxman Industries in 1988, carries a
full line of security hardware products, including locksets, door closers and
locksmith tools. Many of these products are sold under the U.S. Lock(R) and
LegendTM trademarks. U.S. Lock markets and distributes its products primarily
to locksmiths through a telemarketing sales team. U.S. Lock's telemarketing
effort is supplemented with a catalog that is mailed annually to 5,600
existing customers and promotional flyers. Since its acquisition by Waxman
Industries, U.S. Lock has increased its number of warehouses from one to four,
three of which are shared with Barnett. Shared facilities allow the Company to
realize additional efficiencies by consolidating space requirements and
reducing personnel costs.

         LeRan

         LeRan, which was acquired by Waxman Industries in 1985, is a supplier
of copper tubing and fittings, brass valves and fittings, malleable fittings
and related products. Its customers include liquid petroleum gas dealers,
lumberyards, plumbing and mechanical contractors and D-I-Y retailers. LeRan
markets its products primarily through salesmen and outside service
representative organizations. These efforts are supported by a catalog, which
is mailed semiannually to 6,400 existing customers, monthly promotional flyers
and a telemarketing program. LeRan currently services its customers from four
regional warehouses, one of which is shared with Barnett.

         Other

         WOC's other operations also include its Madison Equipment division, a
supplier of electrical products, and its Medal Distributing division, a
supplier of hardware products.

PURCHASING

         For the year ended June 30, 1995, products purchased overseas,
primarily from Taiwan, China and Mexico, accounted for approximately 27.8% of
the total product purchases made by the Company.

         TWI, through its subsidiaries, operates the Taiwan and Mainland China
facilities, which assemble and package plumbing and electrical products. In
addition, the facility in Mainland China manufactures and packages plastic
floor protective hardware. The Company believes that these facilities give it
competitive advantages, in terms of cost and flexibility in sourcing. Both
labor and physical plant costs are significantly below those in the United
States.

         During fiscal 1991, Waxman Industries purchased WAMI, a small
manufacturer of plumbing pipe nipples in Tijuana, Mexico. Pipe nipples are
short lengths of pipe from 1/2 of an inch to 6 feet long, threaded at each
end. As a



                                      31



    

<PAGE>



result of this acquisition, the Company is vertically integrated in
the manufacture and distribution of pipe nipples. Since the acquisition, in
order to take advantage of lower labor costs, the Company has relocated
certain of its United States packaging operations to TWI's WAMI subsidiary in
Mexico.

         Substantially all of the other products purchased by the Company are
manufactured for it by third parties. The Company estimates that it purchases
products and materials from over approximately 1,200 suppliers and is not
dependent on any single unaffiliated supplier for any of its requirements.




                                      32



    

<PAGE>



         The following table sets forth the approximate percentage of net
sales attributable to the Company's principal products groups:

                                1995              1994             1993
                               -----             -----            -----

     Plumbing                    72%               73%              74%
     Electrical                  11%               11%              10%
     Hardware                    17%               16%              16%
                               -----             -----            -----
     Total Net Sales            100%              100%             100%
                               =====             =====            =====

IMPORT RESTRICTIONS

         Under current United States government regulations, all products
manufactured offshore are subject to import restrictions. The Company
currently imports goods from Mexico under the preferential import regulations
commonly known as '807' and as direct imports from China and Taiwan. The "807"
arrangement permits an importer who purchases raw materials in the United
States and then ships the raw materials to an offshore factory for assembly,
to reimport the goods without quota restriction and to pay a duty only on the
value added in the offshore factory.

         Where the Company chooses to directly import goods purchased outside
of the United States, the Company may be subject to import quota restrictions,
depending on the country in which assembly takes place. These restrictions may
limit the amount of goods of a particular category that a country may export
to the United States. If the Company cannot obtain the necessary quota, the
Company will not be able to import the goods into the United States. Export
visas for the goods purchased offshore by the Company are readily available.

         The above arrangements, both "807" and quota restrictions, may be
superseded by more favorable regulations with respect to Mexico under the
North American Free Trade Agreement ("NAFTA"), or may be limited by revision
or canceled at any time by the United States government. The Company does not
believe that its relative competitive position will be adversely affected by
NAFTA. As a result of the passage of NAFTA, importation from Mexico will
become more competitive in the near future relative to importation from other
exporting countries.

COMPETITION

         The Company faces significant competition from different competitors
within each of its product lines, although it has no competitor offering the
range of products in all of the product lines that the Company offers. The
Company believes that its buying power, extensive inventory, emphasis on
customer service and merchandising programs have contributed to its ability to
compete successfully in its various markets. In the areas of electrical and
hardware supplies, the Company faces significant competition from smaller
companies which specialize in particular types of products and larger
companies which manufacture their own products and have greater financial
resources than the Company. Barnett's mail order business competes principally
with local distributors of plumbing, electrical and hardware products. The
Company believes that competition in sales to both mail order customers and
retailers is primarily based on price, product quality and selection, as well
as customer service, which includes speed of responses for mail order
customers and packaging and merchandising for retailers.

EMPLOYEES

         As of December 31, 1995, the Company employed 1,196 persons, 277 of
whom were clerical and administrative personnel, 176 of whom were sales
service representatives and 743 of whom were either production or warehouse
personnel.
 Included in the above numbers are 410 employees of Barnett. The Company
considers its relations with its employees to be satisfactory.

TRADEMARKS

     Several of the trademarks and trade names used by the Company are
considered to have significant value in its business. See "Business -- Consumer
Products -- Products" and " -- Barnett -- Products," and "-- Other Operations."



                                      33



    

<PAGE>


PROPERTIES

         The following table sets forth, as of March 31, 1996, certain
information with respect to the Company's principal physical properties:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                    LEASE
                          APPROXIMATE                                             EXPIRATION
       LOCATION           SQUARE FEET                PURPOSE                         DATE
       --------           -----------                -------                         ----

<S>                        <C>            <C>                                      <C>
24455 Aurora Road             125,000        Consumer Products Corporate               6/30/02
  Bedford Hts., OH (1)                       Office and Distribution Center

330 Vine Street                80,000        Medal Distributing                        2/28/01
  Sharon, PA                                 Office and Distribution Center

902 Avenue T.                  77,000        Consumer Products                         5/31/00
  Grand Prairie, TX (2)                      Office and Distribution Center

945 Spice Island Drive         71,000        Consumer Products                         7/31/98
  Sparks, NV                                 Office and Distribution Center

3333 Lenox Avenue              60,000        Barnett Corporate                        10/31/03
  Jacksonville, FL                           Office and Distribution Center

300 Jay Street                 56,000        LeRan                                       Owned
  Coldwater, MI                              Office and Distribution Center

No. 10, 7th Road               55,000        TWI                                         Owned
  Industrial Park                            Office, Packaging
  Taichung, Taiwan                           and Distribution Center
  Republic of China

77 Rodeo Drive                 46,000        US Lock                                     Owned
 Brentwood, NY                               Office and Distribution Center

Dan Keng Village               45,000        Office, Packaging                           Owned
  Fu Ming County                             and Distribution Center
  Shenzhen, P.R. China
</TABLE>


(1)  Aurora Investment Co., a partnership owned by Melvin and Armond Waxman,
     together with certain other members of their families, is the owner and
     lessor of this property. Consumer Products has the option to renew the
     lease for a five-year term at the market rate at the time of renewal. Rent
     expense under this lease was $235,600 for the nine months ended March 31,
     1996 and $314,200 for fiscal 1995.

(2)  Waxman Industries has the option to renew the lease for three additional
     five-year terms.

         In addition to the properties shown in the table, the Company
operates 9 distribution centers ranging in size from 10,000 to 40,000 square
feet. In addition, Barnett leases 26 distribution centers.

         Handl-it Inc., a corporation owned by John S. Peters, the Senior Vice
President - Operations of Waxman Industries and the Company, together with
certain other members of his family, provides Consumer Products with certain
outside warehousing services under several lease arrangements which expire
between May and December 1996. Consumer Products may renew these leases as
they expire depending on its requirements at the time. Rent expense



                                      34



    

<PAGE>



under these lease arrangements has $179,000 for the nine months ended March 31,
1996 and $294,000 for fiscal 1995.
   
         The Company believes that its facilities are suitable for its
operations and provide the Company with adequate productive capacity and that
the related party leases are on terms not materially less favorable than those
that would be available from unaffiliated third parties.
    
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

         The Company is subject to various legal proceedings and claims that
arise in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the
amount of any ultimate liability with respect to these actions will not
materially affect the financial position or operations of the Company.

ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS

         The Company is subject to certain federal, state and local
environmental laws and regulations. The Company believes that it is in
material compliance with such laws and regulations applicable to it. To the
extent any subsidiaries of Waxman Industries are not in compliance with such
laws and regulations, Waxman Industries, as well as such subsidiaries, may be
liable for such non-compliance. However, in any event, the Company is not
aware of any such liabilities which could have a material adverse effect on it
or any of its subsidiaries.



                                      35



    

<PAGE>



                                   MANAGEMENT

DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

         The members of the Board of Directors, executive officers and key
employees of the Company are the same as those of Waxman Industries. Their
respective ages and positions are as follows:


          NAME        AGE             POSITION AT WAXMAN INDUSTRIES AND THE
                                                      COMPANY

Melvin Waxman         61    Chairman of the Board and Co-Chief Executive Officer
Armond Waxman         57    President, Co-Chief Executive Officer and Treasurer
John S. Peters        47    Senior Vice President--Operations
Laurence S. Waxman    39    Senior Vice President
Andrea Luiga          38    Chief Financial Officer (resigned April 1996)
Michael Vantusko      39    Vice President--Finance and Chief Financial Officer
Irving Z. Friedman    63    Director
Samuel J. Krasney     70    Director
William R. Pray       48    Director
Judy Robins           47    Director


          Set forth below is a biographical description of each director,
executive officer and key employee of the Company and Waxman Industries
mentioned above.

     Mr. Melvin Waxman was elected Co-Chairman of the Board and Co-Chief
Executive Officer of the Company and Waxman Industries in June 1995. Upon
consummation of the Barnett Public Offering, Mr. Waxman became Chairman of the
Board and Co-Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Prior thereto, Mr. Waxman
was the Chairman of the Board and Co-Chief Executive Officer of the Company
since its incorporation in February 1994. Mr. Waxman was elected Co-Chief
Executive Officer of Waxman Industries in May 1988. Mr. Waxman has been a Chief
Executive Officer of Waxman Industries for over 20 years and has been a
director of Waxman Industries since 1962. Mr. Waxman has been Chairman of the
Board of Waxman Industries since August 1976. Mr. Waxman is the Co-Chairman of
the Board of Barnett. Melvin Waxman and Armond Waxman are brothers.

     Mr. Armond Waxman was elected Co-Chairman of the Board, Co-Chief Executive
Officer and Treasurer of the Company and Waxman Industries in June 1995. Upon
consummation of the Barnett Public Offering, Mr. Waxman became President and
Co-Chief Executive Officer. Prior thereto, Mr. Waxman was the President,
Co-Chief Executive Officer, Treasurer and a Director of the Company since its
incorporation in February 1994. Mr. Waxman was elected Co-Chief Executive
Officer of Waxman Industries in May 1988. Mr. Waxman was the President and
Treasurer of Waxman Industries since August 1976. Mr. Waxman has been a
director of Waxman Industries since 1962 and was Chief Operating Officer of
Waxman Industries from August 1976 to May 1988. Mr. Waxman is the Co-Chairman
of the Board of Barnett. Armond Waxman and Melvin Waxman are brothers.

     Mr. Pray was elected the President and Chief Operating Officer of the
Company and Waxman Industries in June 1995 and was Senior Vice President of the
Company from its incorporation in February 1994 to June 1995. Mr. Pray served
as Senior Vice President of Waxman Industries from February 1991 and is also
President of Barnett, a position he has held since 1987. Mr. Pray joined
Barnett in 1979 as Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Upon the consummation
of the Barnett Public Offering, Mr. Pray resigned from his position as an
officer of the Company and of Waxman Industries, but remains a director. He is
presently the President and Chief Executive Officer of Barnett.

     Mr. Peters has been Senior Vice President--Operations of the Company since
its incorporation in February 1994. Mr. Peters was elected to the position of
Senior Vice President--Operations of Waxman Industries in April 1988, after
serving as Vice President--Operations of Waxman Industries since February 1985.
Prior to that Mr. Peters had been Vice President--Personnel/Administration of
Waxman Industries since February 1979.



                                      36



    

<PAGE>





     Mr. Laurence Waxman has been Senior Vice President of the Company since
its incorporation in February 1994. Mr. Waxman was elected Senior Vice
President of Waxman Industries in November 1993 and is also President of
Consumer Products, a position he has held since 1988. Mr. Waxman joined Waxman
Industries in 1981. Mr. Laurence Waxman is the son of Melvin Waxman. Mr. Waxman
was appointed to the board of directors of Waxman Industries on July 1, 1996.

     Ms. Luiga was elected Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the
Company and Waxman Industries in August 1995 and was Vice President/Group
Controller of Barnett since August 1991. Ms. Luiga joined Barnett in March 1988
as Controller. Upon the consummation of the Barnett Public Offering, Ms. Luiga
resigned from her position as an officer of the Company and of Waxman
Industries and is presently the Chief Financial Officer of Barnett.

     Mr. Vantusko, a certified public accountant, joined the Company in
October 1995 as Vice President-Finance. From February 1994 to October 1995 he
served as the Chief Financial Officer of OverDrive Systems, Inc., an emerging
software developer of electronic books. From 1979 to 1993 he was employed by
The Fairchild Corporation (formerly Banner Industries, Inc.) where he held
several positions during his tenure including Chief Financial Officer of
Fairchild's largest wholly owned operating division and Vice-President of
Fairchild. Upon the consummation of the Barnett Public Offering, Mr. Vantusko
became the Chief Financial Officer of the Company and Waxman Industries.

     Mr. Friedman has been a director of the Company since its incorporation in
February 1994. Mr. Friedman has been a director of Waxman Industries since
1989. Mr. Friedman has been a certified public accountant with the firm of
Krasney Polk Friedman & Fishman for more than five years.

     Mr. Krasney has been a director of the Company since its incorporation in
February 1994. Mr. Krasney has been a director of Waxman Industries since 1977.
In September 1993, Mr. Krasney retired from his position as Chairman of the
Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of Banner Aerospace, Inc., a
distributor of parts in the aviation aftermarket, a position he had held since
June 1990. In September 1993, Mr. Krasney also retired from The Fairchild
Corporation (formerly Banner Industries, Inc.) where he had been Vice Chairman
of the Board since 1985. Fairchild is a manufacturer and distributor of
fasteners to the aerospace industry and industrial products for the plastic
injection molding industry and other industrial markets and is a furnisher of
telecommunication services to office buildings. Mr. Krasney is also a director
of FabriCenters of America, Inc.

     Mrs. Robins has been a director of the Company since its incorporation in
February 1994. Mrs. Robins has been a director of Waxman Industries since 1980.
Mrs. Robins has owned and operated an interior design business for more than
five years. Mrs. Robins is the sister of Melvin and Armond Waxman. Mrs. Robins'
husband is the Secretary of Waxman Industries.

THE COMPANY

  BOARD OF DIRECTORS

          The number of directors on the Board of Directors of the Company
(the "Company Board") is presently fixed at six. Directors of the Company are
elected at the annual meeting of stockholders and hold office for one year and
until their successors are elected. The Company has an Executive Committee and
an Audit Committee. Messrs. Melvin and Armond Waxman and Krasney serve on the
Executive Committee and Messrs. Friedman and Krasney serve on the Audit
Committee. The Audit Committee acts as a liaison between the Company's
independent auditors and the Board of Directors, reviews the scope of the
annual audit and the management letter associated therewith, reviews the
Company's annual and quarterly financial statements and reviews the
sufficiency of the Company's internal accounting controls.

  DIRECTOR REMUNERATION

          Each director of Waxman Industries who is not an employee of Waxman
Industries received a fee of $3,000 per fiscal quarter for services as a
director during fiscal 1995 plus a fee of $1,000 plus traveling expenses for
each

                                      37



    

<PAGE>




Board meeting he or she attended. Members of the Company Board do not
receive any additional compensation for serving as directors of the Company.



                                      38



    

<PAGE>




                             EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

          The following table sets forth the cash compensation paid by Waxman
Industries for services rendered to it and its subsidiaries, including the
Company, during fiscal 1995 to the Co-Chief Executive Officers of the Company,
the four other most highly compensated executive officers of the Company
including a former highly compensated executive officer of the Company in the
fiscal years indicated. Officers of Waxman Industries have not received any
compensation, in addition to the compensation they receive from Waxman
Industries, for serving as officers of the Company; provided, however, that
Mr. Pray is paid by Barnett for services rendered to it and did not receive
any cash compensation for the services he rendered to Waxman Industries or its
other subsidiaries. Upon consummation of the Barnett Public Offering, Mr. Pray
resigned from his offices at Waxman Industries and the Company.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                           SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
                                                                    LONG-TERM COMPENSATION
                                      ANNUAL                                              PAYOUTS
                                 COMPENSATION(1)                    AWARDS                 LTIP
                                                                                                  ALL OTHER
        NAME AND                                          RESTRICTED                             COMPENSATION
   PRINCIPAL POSITION     YEAR   SALARY($)   BONUS($)(2)   STOCK($)   OPTIONS (#)  PAYOUTS ($)     ($)(3)(4)
   ------------------     ----   ---------   -----------   --------   -----------  -----------     ---------
<S>                     <C>      <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>            <C>

Melvin Waxman             1995     311,065            --      --               --      --          111,397
Chairman of the Board     1994     325,000       100,000      --          300,000      --           45,604
and Co-Chief Executive    1993     365,000       100,000      --          250,000      --           65,293
Officer

Armond Waxman             1995     353,277       100,000      --               --      --           97,080
President and Co-Chief    1994     366,923       200,000      --          300,000      --           86,776
Executive Officer         1993     378,942       100,000      --          250,000      --           50,464

William R. Pray           1995     228,200        57,607      --           32,500      --          39,968(5)
Former President          1994     206,000        75,000      --           92,500      --             --
and Chief                 1993     200,000        45,000      --           25,000      --           14,789
Operating Officer

John S. Peters            1995     136,119        21,000      --               --      --           12,500
Senior Vice President --  1994     130,018        42,500      --           52,500      --           12,500
Operations                1993     132,644        25,000      --           45,000      --           14,137

Laurence S. Waxman        1995     190,480        50,000      --               --      --           12,544
Senior Vice President     1994     151,826        65,000      --           57,500      --           11,589
                          1993     135,000        40,000      --           50,000      --           14,058
                                                                                                      --
Neal R. Restivo(6)        1995     133,769        21,000      --               --      --             --
Former Vice President     1994     111,346        55,000      --           32,500      --             --
Finance and Chief         1993      93,300        17,500      --           25,000      --            1,100
Financial Officer

</TABLE>


(1)  Certain executive officers received compensation in fiscal 1993, 1994 and
     1995 in the form of perquisites, the amount of which does not exceed
     reporting thresholds.



                                      39



    

<PAGE>


(2)  Messrs. Peters and Restivo received their bonuses under Waxman Industries'
     Profit Incentive Plan. Mr. Pray received a $25,000 discretionary bonus in
     1994. Mr. Laurence Waxman received his bonus pursuant to his employment
     Agreement. Messrs. Armond and Melvin Waxman received their bonuses under
     separate agreements.

(3)  For fiscal 1993, includes Waxman Industries' contributions to the Waxman
     Industries' Profit-Sharing Retirement Plan and premiums on split- dollar
     life insurance policies. Profit Sharing Plan contributions were as
     follows: $2,289 each for Messrs. Melvin and Armond Waxman and Mr. Pray,
     $1,637 for Mr. Peters, $1,558 for Laurence Waxman and $1,100 for Mr.
     Restivo. Premiums on split-dollar life insurance policies were as follows:
     $63,004 for Melvin Waxman, $48,175 for Armond Waxman, $12,500 each for
     Messrs. Pray, Peters and Laurence Waxman.

(4)  For fiscal 1995 and 1994, amounts represent premiums on split-dollar life
     insurance policies.

(5)  Represents the grant of 25,000 shares of Waxman Industries' common stock
     to Mr. Pray in June 1995 and the accrual of a tax "gross up" payment with
     respect thereto.

(6)  Mr. Restivo terminated his employment with Waxman Industries effective
     September 29, 1995.

       EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS

       Upon consummation of the Barnett Public Offering, Mr. Pray resigned
from his offices at Waxman Industries and the Company. Mr. Pray and Barnett
entered into a new 10-year employment agreement pursuant to which Mr. Pray
will continue to serve as President of Barnett at an initial annual salary of
$260,000, plus discretionary bonuses. In addition, pursuant to the terms of
the new employment agreement, Mr. Pray will continue to be provided with
certain benefits and prerequisites currently provided to him, as well as a
$2,000,000 split dollar life insurance policy and will also enter into a money
purchase deferred compensation agreement pursuant to which Barnett will
establish an account into which it will deposit approximately $55,000
annually. The balance remaining in the account upon the termination of
employment of Mr.
Pray shall be paid to him or his beneficiaries, as the case may be.

       Mr. Laurence Waxman entered into an employment agreement with Consumer
Products, which became effective as of November 1, 1994 and terminates on
October 31, 1999. Pursuant to such employment agreement, Mr. Laurence Waxman
is to serve as President of Consumer Products, and is also to serve in such
further offices or positions with Consumer Products or any subsidiary or
affiliate of Consumer Products as shall, from time to time, be assigned by the
Board of Directors of Consumer Products. Mr. Laurence Waxman's employment
agreement provides for an annual salary of $200,000 for the first year of the
employment agreement and provides that for each year thereafter the annual
salary will be increased by six percent of the prior year's salary. Additional
increases in salary and the granting of bonuses to Mr. Laurence Waxman will be
determined by Consumer Products, in its sole discretion, based on such
individual's performance and contributions to the success of Consumer
Products, his responsibilities and duties and the salaries of other senior
executives of Consumer Products. The employment agreement provides that upon
termination of employment by Mr. Laurence Waxman for good reason (as defined
therein) or by Waxman Industries for any reason other than death, disability
(as defined therein) or cause (as defined therein), Mr. Laurence Waxman will
be entitled to receive all of the compensation he would otherwise be entitled
to through the end of the term of the agreement. The employment agreement also
contains provisions which restrict Mr. Laurence Waxman from competing with
Waxman Industries or Consumer Products during the term of the agreement and
for two years following the termination thereof.

       Mr. Peters entered into an employment agreement with Waxman Industries
which became effective as of January 1, 1992, was amended as of October 23,
1995 and terminates on June 30, 1997. Pursuant to such employment agreement,
Mr. Peters is to serve as Senior Vice President, Operations of Waxman
Industries, and is also to serve in such substitute or further offices or
positions with Waxman Industries or any subsidiary or affiliate of Waxman
Industries as shall, from time to time, be assigned by the Board of Directors
of Waxman Industries. Mr. Peters' employment agreement provides for a minimum
annual salary of $125,000, which salary will be reviewed annually by Waxman
Industries (and shall be reduced by a corresponding percentage reduction in
hours worked in the sole discretion of Waxman Industries to an annual amount
not to be less than $75,000). Mr. Peters' annual salary was decreased to
$90,0000 in fiscal 1995 due to a corresponding reduction in hours worked to
three days per week.


                                      40



    

<PAGE>



Increases in salary and the granting of bonuses to Mr. Peters will be
determined by Waxman Industries, in its sole discretion, based on such
individual's performance and contributions to the success of Waxman Industries,
his responsibilities and duties and the salaries of other senior executives of
Waxman Industries. The employment agreement provides that upon termination of
employment for any reason other than death, disability (as defined therein) or
cause (as defined therein), Mr. Peters will be entitled to receive all of the
compensation he would otherwise be entitled to through the end of the term of
the agreement. The employment agreement also contains provisions which restrict
Mr. Peters from competing with Waxman Industries during the term of the
agreement and for two years following the termination thereof.



STOCK OPTION AND SAR GRANTS

       The following table sets forth the information noted for all grants of
stock options made by Waxman Industries during fiscal 1995 to each of the
executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                         POTENTIAL REALIZABLE VALUE AT
                                                                                            ASSUMED ANNUAL RATES OF
                 OPTION/SAR(1) GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR                                 STOCK PRICE APPRECIATION FOR
                             INDIVIDUAL GRANTS                                                   OPTION TERM(2)
                                     % OF TOTAL
                                       OPTIONS
                                     GRANTED TO
                     OPTIONS          EMPLOYEES
                     GRANTED          IN FISCAL        EXERCISE         EXPIRATION
           NAME        (#)              YEAR         PRICE ($/SH)          DATE              5%($)            10%($)
           ----       -----            ------        ------------         ------            -------          -------
<S>               <C>                <C>            <C>              <C>                <C>                <C>

William R. Pray       32,500            100%            $1.375         June 16, 2005        28,104            71,220

</TABLE>


(1)  There were no SARs granted to any of the named executive officers in
     fiscal 1995.

(2)  The potential realizable values represent future opportunity and have not
     been reduced to present value in 1995 dollars. The dollar amounts included
     in these columns are the result of calculations at assumed rates set by
     the Commission for illustration purposes, and these rates are not intended
     to be a forecast of the Common Stock price and are not necessarily
     indicative of the values that may be realized by the named executive
     officer.


                                      41



    

<PAGE>





STOCK OPTION AND SAR EXERCISES

       The following table sets forth the information noted for all exercises
of stock options and SARs for Waxman Industries during fiscal 1995 by each of
the executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

            AGGREGATED OPTION/SAR EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR AND
                       FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION/SAR VALUES

                      SHARES                        NUMBER OF UNEXERCISED         VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
                   ACQUIRED ON       VALUE      OPTIONS AT FISCAL YEAR-END(#)     IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS
          NAME     EXERCISE(#)    REALIZED($)     EXERCISABLE/UNEXERCISABLE      AT FISCAL YEAR-END($)
          ----     -----------    -----------     -------------------------      ---------------------
<S>                 <C>            <C>             <C>                               <C>

Melvin Waxman           --             --               75,000/225,000                     --
Armond Waxman           --             --               75,000/225,000                     --
William R. Pray         --             --               16,875/83,125                      --
John S. Peters          --             --               13,125/39,375                      --
Laurence S. Waxman      --             --               14,375/43,125                      --
Neal R. Restivo(1)      --             --                8,125/24,375                      --


- ---------------
(1)  Mr. Restivo terminated his employment with Waxman Industries effective
     September 29, 1995.



                                      42



    

<PAGE>





                             PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS

CAPITAL STOCK OF THE COMPANY

       As of the date of this Prospectus, all of the issued and outstanding
shares of capital stock of the Company are owned by Waxman Industries. Each of
Messrs. Armond and Melvin Waxman may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of
such shares by virtue of their positions as Co-Chief Executive Officer and
Co-Chairman of the Board of Directors and as controlling stockholders of
Waxman Industries. The mailing address for Waxman Industries and Messrs.
Armond and Melvin Waxman is the executive office of the Company. All of the
shares of capital stock of the Company owned by Waxman Industries have been
pledged as collateral security for the Deferred Coupon Notes. In the event
that Waxman Industries defaults on its obligations to the holders of such
indebtedness, the pledgee thereunder may sell or dispose of the pledged shares
of capital stock and, as a result, could effect a change of control of the
Company.

                 RECENT SECURITIES OFFERING AND RELATED MATTERS

The Reorganization

       On April 3, 1996, as part of the Reorganization, the Company issued the
Old Notes in exchange for $43,026,000 aggregate principal amount of the
Company's outstanding Senior Subordinated Notes pursuant to the Private
Exchange Offer. In addition to the Private Exchange Offer, the components of
the Reorganization included (i) the Senior Subordinated Consent Solicitation,
(ii) the establishment of a $30.0 million Restated Credit Agreement, (iii) the
Barnett Public Offering, (iv) the defeasance of the Senior Secured Notes and
(v) the repayment of Barnett's borrowings under the Operating Companies Credit
Facility (including $23.0 under the Company's then existing working capital
credit facility and $5.0 million under the Term Loan (the "Barnett
Financing")). No component of the Reorganization is dependent on the
successful completion of the Exchange Offer.

Registration Rights Agreement

       Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, the Company has agreed
to use its best efforts to register the Exchange Offer under the Act.

       Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, the Company has agreed
to use its best efforts (i) to file, within 60 days of the issuance of the Old
Notes, a registration statement under the Act with respect to an exchange
offer whereby securities substantially identical to the Old Notes would be
offered for exchange with the Old Notes in order to permit the original
purchasers of the Old Notes to offer and sell the New Notes under the Act and
(ii) to cause such registration statement to become effective within 120 days
of the date of issuance of the Old Notes. Upon the registration statement
being declared effective, the Company will offer the New Notes in exchange for
surrender of the Old Notes. The Company has agreed to keep the Exchange Offer
pursuant to the registration statement open for not less than 30 days (or
longer if required by applicable law) after the date notice of such offer is
mailed to the holders of the Old Notes. In the event that the Company or the
holders of 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Old Notes reasonably
determine in good faith that because of any change in law or applicable
interpretations of the Staff of the Commission the Company is not permitted to
effect the Exchange Offer, or if for any other reason the Exchange Offer is
not consummated within 180 days of the date of the Registration Rights
Agreement or if a holder of the Old Notes is not permitted, because of a
change in law or interpretations of the Staff of the Commission, to
participate in the Exchange Offer, the Company will, at its cost, (a) as
promptly as practicable, file a shelf registration statement covering resales
of the Old Notes, (b) use its best efforts to cause such shelf registration
statement to be declared effective under the Securities Act and (c) use its
best efforts to keep continuously effective such shelf registration statement
until three years after the issuance of the Old Notes or such shorter period
ending when all of the Old Notes eligible for sale thereunder have been sold
thereunder. In the event that the registration statement is not filed or
effective by, or continuously effective through, the dates referred to above
or the Commission shall have issued a stop order suspending the effectiveness
of the registration statement or any shelf registration statement with respect
to the Old Notes at a time when such registration statement or shelf
registration statement, as the case may be, is required to be kept effective
by the Company or the prospectus contained in any such registration statement
or shelf registration statement, as amended


                                      43



    

<PAGE>



or supplemented, shall (x) not contain current information required by the
Securities Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder or (y)
contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material
fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein,
in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, the
Company has agreed to pay, or cause to be paid, as liquidated damages and not
as a penalty to each holder of Old Notes, an amount equal to $0.05 per week per
$1,000 of principal amount of Old Notes held by such holder, for each week
during the 90-day period beginning on the date referred to above or the date of
the order suspending effectiveness or the date on which the prospectus shall
not contain such current information or shall contain any such untrue statement
or omit to state any such material fact. Such liquidated damages shall be
increased by $0.05 per week per $1,000 of principal amount of Old Notes at the
beginning of each subsequent 90-day period up to a maximum aggregate amount of
$0.20 per week per $1,000 of principal amount of Old Notes. The Company has
agreed to pay all expenses incident to the Company's performance of or
compliance with the Registration Rights Agreement, including the reasonable
fees and expenses of counsel to the original purchasers of the Old Notes but
excluding any underwriting fees, discounts or commissions attributable to the
sale of the Notes. Each of the Company and the Trustee, on behalf of the
original purchasers of the Old Notes, pursuant to the Registration Rights
Agreement, have agreed to indemnify the other party, its officers, directors
and controlling persons in respect of certain liabilities and expenses arising,
under certain circumstances, out of any registration of the Old Notes pursuant
to the Registration Rights Agreement. The Company has prepared and filed the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus forms a part pursuant to the
Registration Rights Agreement.


                               THE EXCHANGE OFFER

PURPOSE OF EXCHANGE OFFER

       The outstanding Old Notes in the aggregate principal amount at maturity
of $43,026,000 were originally issued on April 3, 1996 in a private placement
primarily to certain institutional and accredited investors. The offer and
sale of the Old Notes was not registered under the Act in reliance upon the
exemption therefrom provided by Section 4(2) of the Act. The Old Notes may not
be reoffered, resold, or transferred other than pursuant to an effective
registration statement filed pursuant to the Act or unless an exemption from
the registration requirements of the Act is available.

       Pursuant to Rule 144 promulgated under Act, the Old Notes may generally
be resold, subject to certain conditions specified in the Rule, (a) commencing
two years after the date of original issuance, in an amount up to, for any
three-month period, the greater of 1% of the principal amount at maturity of
the Old Notes then outstanding or the average weekly trading volume of the Old
Notes during the four calendar weeks immediately preceding the filing of the
required notice of sale with the Commission, and (b) commencing three years
after the date of original issuance, in any amount and otherwise without
restriction by a Holder who is not, and has not been for the preceding three
months, an affiliate of the Company. Following the Exchange Offer, the
calculation of the amount of permissible sales under Rule 144 may depend on
the combined amount of outstanding Old Notes and New Notes, and the trading
volume of the Old Notes and the New Notes together. Additionally, under
certain circumstances, an exemption from the registration requirements of the
Act may be available for the resale of the Old Notes to "Qualified
Institutional Buyers" under Rule 144A promulgated thereunder. Certain other
exemptions may also be available under other provisions of the federal
securities laws for the resale of the Old Notes.

       In connection with the original sale of the Old Notes, the Company
entered into the Registration Rights Agreement, pursuant to which the Company
agreed to file with the Commission a registration statement covering the
exchange by the Company of the New Notes for the Old Notes in a transaction
designed to provide certain Holders of Old Notes with an opportunity to
acquire New Notes which, unlike the Old Notes, may be offered for resale,
resold and otherwise transferred without compliance with the registration and
prospectus delivery requirements of the Act. Holders who are unable or choose
not to exchange their Old Notes pursuant to this Exchange Offer will continue
to hold securities that are subject to restrictions on transfer pursuant to
the Act. The Company has no obligation to provide for the registration under
the Act of Old Notes outstanding after the expiration of the Exchange Offer.
Such Holders should consult their own legal counsel for advice as to any
restrictions that might apply to the resale of their Old Notes. The



                                      44



    

<PAGE>





New Notes otherwise will be identical in all material respects (including
interest rate, maturity and restrictive covenants) to the Old Notes for which
they may be exchanged pursuant to this Exchange Offer.

TERMS OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER; PERIOD FOR TENDERING OLD NOTES

     Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Prospectus
and in the accompanying Letter of Transmittal (which together constitute the
Exchange Offer), the Company will accept for exchange Old Notes which are
properly tendered on or prior to the Expiration Date and not withdrawn as
permitted below. As used herein, the term "Expiration Date" means Midnight, New
York City time, on August __, 1996; provided, however, that if the Company, in
its sole discretion, has extended the period of time during which the Exchange
Offer is open, the term "Expiration Date" means the latest time and date to
which the Exchange Offer is extended.

         As of the date of this Prospectus, $43,026,000 aggregate principal
amount at maturity of Old Notes were outstanding. This Prospectus, together
with the Letter of Transmittal, is first being sent on or about July __, 1996,
to all Holders of Old Notes known to the Company. The Company's obligation to
accept Old Notes for exchange pursuant to the Exchange Offer is subject to
certain conditions as set forth under "-- Certain Conditions to the Exchange
Offer" below.

         The Company expressly reserves the right, at any time or from time to
time, to extend the period of time during which the Exchange Offer is open,
and thereby delay acceptance for exchange of any Old Notes, by giving oral or
written notice of such extension to the Holders thereof. During any such
extension, all Old Notes previously tendered will remain subject to the
Exchange Offer and may be accepted for exchange by the Company. Any Old Notes
not accepted for exchange for any reason will be returned without expense to
the tendering Holder thereof as promptly as practicable after the expiration
or termination of the Exchange Offer.

         The Company expressly reserves the right to amend or terminate the
Exchange Offer, and not to accept for exchange any Old Notes not theretofore
accepted for exchange, upon the occurrence of any of the conditions of the
Exchange Offer specified below under "-- Certain Conditions to the Exchange
Offer." The Company will give oral or written notice of any extension,
amendment, non-acceptance or termination to the Holders of the Old Notes as
promptly as practicable, such notice in the case of any extension to be issued
by means of a press release or other public announcement no later than 9:00
a.m., New York City time, on the next business day after the previously
scheduled Expiration Date. In the event that the Company amends the Exchange
Offer, the Company will amend this Prospectus as required by the Federal
Securities laws.

PROCEDURES FOR TENDERING OLD NOTES

         The tender to the Company of Old Notes by a Holder thereof as set
forth below and the acceptance thereof by the Company will constitute a
binding Agreement between the tendering Holder and the Company upon the terms
and subject to the conditions set forth in the Prospectus and in the
accompanying Letter of Transmittal. Except as set forth below, a Holder who
wishes to tender Old Notes for exchange pursuant to the Exchange Offer must
transmit a properly completed and duly executed Letter of Transmittal,
including all other documents required by such Letter of Transmittal, to The
Huntington National Bank (the "Exchange Agent") at one of the addresses set
forth below under "Exchange Agent" on or prior to the Expiration Date. In
addition, either (i) certificates for such Old Notes must be received by the
Exchange Agent along with the Letter of Transmittal, or (ii) a timely
confirmation of a book-entry transfer (a "Book-Entry Confirmation") of such
Old Notes, if such procedure is available, into the Exchange Agent's account
at The Depository Trust Company (the "Book-Entry Transfer Facility") pursuant
to the procedure for book-entry transfer described below, must be received by
the Exchange Agent prior to the Expiration Date, or (iii) the Holder must
comply with the guaranteed delivery procedures described below. THE METHOD OF
DELIVERY OF OLD NOTES, LETTERS OF TRANSMITTAL AND ALL OTHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
IS AT THE ELECTION AND RISK OF THE HOLDERS. IF SUCH DELIVERY IS BY MAIL, IT IS
RECOMMENDED THAT REGISTERED MAIL, PROPERLY INSURED, WITH RETURN RECEIPT
REQUESTED, BE USED. IN ALL CASES, SUFFICIENT TIME SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO ASSURE
TIMELY DELIVERY. NO LETTERS OF TRANSMITTAL OR OLD NOTES SHOULD BE SENT TO THE
COMPANY.


                                      45



    

<PAGE>




         Signatures on a Letter of Transmittal or a notice of withdrawal, as
the case may be, must be guaranteed unless the Old Notes surrendered for
exchange pursuant thereto are tendered (i) by a registered Holder of the Old
Notes who has not completed the box entitled "Special Issuance Instructions"
or "Special Delivery Instructions" on the Letter of Transmittal or (ii) for
the account of an Eligible Institution (as defined below). In the event that
signatures on a Letter of Transmittal or a notice of withdrawal, as the case
may be, are required to be guaranteed, such guarantees must be by a firm which
is a member of a registered national securities exchange or a member of the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. or by a commercial bank or
trust company having an office or correspondent in the United States
(collectively, "Eligible Institutions"). If Old Notes are registered in the
name of a person other than a signer of the Letter of Transmittal, the Old
Notes surrendered for exchange must be endorsed by, or be accompanied by a
written instrument or instruments of transfer or exchange, in satisfactory
form as determined by the Company in its sole discretion, duly executed by the
registered Holder with the signature thereon guaranteed by an Eligible
Institution.

         All questions as to the validity, form, eligibility (including time
of receipt) and acceptance of Old Notes tendered for exchange will be
determined by the Company in its sole discretion, which determination shall be
final and binding. The Company reserves the absolute right to reject any and
all tenders of any particular Old Notes not properly tendered or to not accept
any particular Old Notes which acceptance might, in the judgment of the
Company or its counsel, be unlawful. The Company also reserves the absolute
right to waive any defects or irregularities or conditions of the Exchange
Offer as to any particular Old Notes either before or after the Expiration
Date (including the right to waive the ineligibility of any Holder who seeks
to tender Old Notes in the Exchange Offer). The interpretation of the terms
and conditions of the Exchange Offer as to any particular Old Notes either
before or after the Expiration Date (including the Letter of Transmittal and
the instructions thereto) by the Company shall be final and binding on all
parties. Unless waived, any defects or irregularities in connection with
tenders of Old Notes for exchange must be cured within such reasonable period
of time as the Company shall determine. Neither the Company, the Exchange
Agent nor any other person shall be under any duty to give notification of any
defect or irregularity with respect to any tender of Old Notes for exchange,
nor shall any of them incur any liability for failure to give such
notification.

         If the New Notes are to be issued, or untendered Old Notes are to be
reissued, to a person other than the Holder thereof, the Old Notes surrendered
for exchange must be properly endorsed or accompanied by appropriate bond
powers in satisfactory form as determined by the Exchange Agent in its sole
discretion. If Old Notes are registered in the name of the person other than a
signer of the Letter of Transmittal, the Old Notes surrendered for exchange
must be properly endorsed or accompanied by appropriate bond powers in
satisfactory form as determined by the Exchange Agent in its sole discretion,
duly executed by the registered Holder with the signature thereon guaranteed
by an Eligible Institution.

         If the Letter of Transmittal or any Old Notes or powers of attorney
are signed by trustees, executors, administrators, guardians,
attorneys-in-fact, officers of corporations or others acting in a fiduciary or
representative capacity, such persons should so indicate when signing, and,
unless waived by the Company, proper evidence satisfactory to the Exchange
Agent of their authority to so act must be submitted.

         Tenders must be made in round number multiples of the principal
amount of $1,000. Subject to the foregoing, tendering Holders of Old Notes may
tender less than the aggregate principal amounts represented by the Old Notes
deposited with the Company provided they appropriately indicate this fact on
the Letter of Transmittal accompanying the tendered Old Notes. If less than
all of the Old Notes evidenced by a submitted certificate are to be tendered,
a reissued certificate representing the untendered Old Notes, together with a
certificate representing the New Notes, will be sent to such tendering Holder,
unless otherwise provided in the appropriate box on the Letter of Transmittal.

         By tendering, each Holder will represent to the Company that, among
other things, the New Notes acquired pursuant to the Exchange Offer are being
acquired in the ordinary course of business of the person receiving such New
Notes, whether or not such person is the Holder, that neither the Holder nor
any such other person has an intention to, or an arrangement or understanding
with any person, to participate in the distribution of such New Notes and that
neither the Holder nor any such other person is an "affiliate," as defined
under Rule 405 of the Act, of the Company. A broker-dealer holding Old Notes
may participate in the Exchange Offer provided that it acquired the Old Notes
for its own account as a result of market-making or other trading activities.
Each broker-dealer that receives New Notes for its own account pursuant to the
Exchange Offer must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in
connection with any resale


                                      46



    

<PAGE>





of such New Notes. The Letter of Transmittal states that by so acknowledging
and by delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit
that it is an "underwriter" within the meaning the Act.

ACCEPTANCE OF OLD NOTES FOR EXCHANGE; DELIVERY OF NEW NOTES

         Upon satisfaction or waiver of all of the conditions to the Exchange
Offer, the Company will accept, promptly after the Expiration Date, all Old
Notes properly tendered and will issue the New Notes promptly after acceptance
of the Old Notes. See "-- Certain Conditions to the Exchange Offer" below. For
purposes of the Exchange Offer, the Company shall be deemed to have accepted
properly tendered Old Notes for exchange when, as and if the Company has given
oral or written notice thereof to the Exchange Agent.

         For each Old Note accepted for exchange, the Holder of such Old Note
will receive a New Note having a principal amount at maturity equal to that of
the surrendered Old Note. Interest on the New Notes will accrue from April 3,
1996, the date of original issuance of the Old Notes.

         In all cases, issuance of New Notes for Old Notes that are accepted
for exchange pursuant to the Exchange Offer will be made only after timely
receipt by the Exchange Agent of certificates for such Old Notes or a timely
Book-Entry Confirmation of such Old Notes into the Exchange Agent's account at
the Book-Entry Transfer Facility, a properly completed and duly executed
Letter of Transmittal and all other required documents. If any tendered Old
Notes are not accepted for any reason set forth in the terms and conditions of
the Exchange Offer (including, without limitation, the determination that the
tendering Holder is an affiliate of the Company or is not acquiring the New
Notes in the ordinary course of business with no arrangement or understanding
with any person to participate in the distribution of the New Notes) or if Old
Notes are submitted for a greater principal amount than the Holder desires to
exchange, such unaccepted or non-exchanged Old Notes will be returned without
expense to the tendering Holder thereof (or, in the case of Old Notes tendered
by book-entry transfer into the Exchange Agent's account at the Book-Entry
Transfer Facility pursuant to the book-entry transfer procedures described
below, such non-exchanged Old Notes will be credited to an account maintained
with such Book-Entry Transfer Facility) as promptly as practicable after the
expiration or termination of the Exchange Offer.

BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER

         The Exchange Agent, if requested by the Company, will make a request
to establish an account with respect to the Old Notes at the Book-Entry
Transfer Facility for purposes of the Exchange Offer within two business days
after the date of this Prospectus, and any financial institution that is a
participant in the Book-Entry Transfer Facility's systems may make book-entry
delivery of Old Notes by causing the Book-Entry Transfer Facility to transfer
such Old Notes into the Exchange Agent's account at the Book-Entry Transfer
Facility in accordance with such Book-Entry Transfer Facility's procedures for
transfer. However, although delivery of Old Notes may be effected through
book-entry transfer at the Book-Entry Transfer Facility, the Letter of
Transmittal or facsimile thereof, with any required signature guarantees and
any other required documents, must, in any case, be transmitted to and
received by the Exchange Agent at one of the addresses set forth below under
"Exchange Agent" on or prior to the Expiration Date or the guaranteed delivery
procedures described below must be complied with.

GUARANTEED DELIVERY PROCEDURES

         If a registered Holder of the Old Notes desires to tender such Old
Notes and the Old Notes are not immediately available, or time will not permit
such Holder's Old Notes or other required documents to reach the Exchange
Agent before the Expiration Date, or the procedure for book-entry transfer
cannot be completed on a timely basis, a tender may be effected if (i) the
tender is made through an Eligible Institution, (ii) prior to the Expiration
Date, the Exchange Agent received from such Eligible Institution a properly
completed and duly executed Letter of Transmittal (or a facsimile thereof) and
Notice of Guaranteed Delivery, substantially in the form provided by the
Company (by telegram, telex, facsimile transmission, mail or hand delivery),
setting forth the name and address of the Holder of Old Notes and the amount
of Old Notes tendered, stating that the tender is being made thereby and
guaranteeing that within five New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") trading days
after the date of execution of the Notice of Guaranteed Delivery, the
certificates for all physically tendered Old Notes, in proper form for
transfer, or a Book-Entry Confirmation, as the case may be,



                                      47



    

<PAGE>





and any other documents required by the Letter of Transmittal will be deposited
by the Eligible Institution with the Exchange Agent, and (iii) the certificates
for all physically tendered Old Notes, in proper form for transfer, or a
Book-Entry Confirmation, as the case may be, and all other documents required
by the Letter of Transmittal, are received by the Exchange Agent within five
NYSE trading days after the date of execution of the Notice of Guaranteed
Delivery.

WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS

         Tenders of Old Notes may be withdrawn at any time prior to the
Expiration Date.

         For a withdrawal to be effective, a written notice of withdrawal must
be received by the Exchange Agent at one of the addresses set forth below under
"Exchange Agent." Any such notice of withdrawal must specify the name of the
person having tendered the Old Notes to be withdrawn, identify the Old Notes to
be withdrawn (including the principal amount of such Old Notes), and (where
certificates for Old Notes have been transmitted) specify the name in which
such Old Notes are registered, if different from that of the withdrawing
Holder. If certificates for Old Notes have been delivered or otherwise
identified to the Exchange Agent, then, prior to the release of such
certificates, the withdrawing Holder must also submit the serial numbers of the
particular certificates to be withdrawn and a signed notice of withdrawal with
signatures guaranteed by an Eligible Institution unless such Holder is an
Eligible Institution. If Old Notes have been tendered pursuant to the procedure
for book-entry transfer described above, any notice of withdrawal must specify
the name and number of the account at the Book-Entry Transfer Facility to be
credited with the withdrawn Old Notes and otherwise comply with the procedures
of such facility. All questions as to the validity, form and eligibility
(including time of receipt) of such notices will be determined by the Company,
whose determination shall be final and binding on all parties. Any Old Notes so
withdrawn will be deemed not to have been validly tendered for exchange for
purposes of the Exchange Offer. Any Old Notes which have been tendered for
exchange but which are not exchanged for any reason will be returned to the
Holder thereof without cost to such Holder (or, in the case of Old Notes
tendered by book-entry transfer into the Exchange Agent's account at the
Book-Entry Transfer Facility pursuant to the book-entry transfer procedures
described above, such Old Notes will be credited to an account maintained with
such Book-Entry Transfer Facility for the Old Notes) as soon as practicable
after withdrawal, rejection of tender or termination of the Exchange Offer.
Properly withdrawn Old Notes may be retendered by following one of the
procedures described under "-- Procedures for Tendering Old Notes" above at any
time on or prior to the Expiration Date.

CERTAIN CONDITIONS TO THE EXCHANGE OFFER

     Notwithstanding any other provision of the Exchange Offer, the Company
shall not be required to accept for exchange, or to issue New Notes in exchange
for, any Old Notes and may terminate or amend the Exchange Offer, if at any
time before the acceptance of such Old Notes for exchange or the exchange of
the New Notes for such Old Notes, any of the following events shall occur:

         (a) there shall be threatened, instituted or pending any action or
         proceeding before, or any injunction, order or decree shall have been
         issued by, any court or governmental agency or other governmental
         regulatory or administrative agency or commission, (i) seeking to
         restrain or prohibit the making or consummation of the Exchange Offer
         or any other transaction contemplated by the Exchange Offer, or
         assessing or seeking any damages as a result thereof or in connection
         therewith, or (ii) resulting in a material delay in the ability of
         the Company to accept for exchange or exchange some or all of the Old
         Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer, or any statute, rule,
         regulation, order or injunction shall be sought, proposed,
         introduced, enacted, promulgated or deemed applicable to the Exchange
         Offer or any of the transactions contemplated by the Exchange Offer
         by any government or governmental authority, domestic or foreign, or
         any action shall have been taken, proposed or threatened, by any
         government, governmental authority, agency or court, domestic or
         foreign, that in the sole judgment of the Company might directly or
         indirectly result in any of the consequences referred to in clauses
         (i) or (ii) above or, in the sole judgment of the Company, might
         result in the holders of New Notes having obligations with respect to
         resales and transfers of New Notes which are greater than those
         described in the interpretation of the Commission referred to on the
         cover page of this Prospectus, or would otherwise make it inadvisable
         to proceed with the Exchange Offer; or



                                      48



    

<PAGE>



         (b) there shall have occurred (i) any general suspension of or
         general limitation on prices for, or trading in, securities on any
         national securities exchange or in the over-the-counter market, (ii)
         any limitation by any governmental agency or authority which may
         adversely affect the ability of the Company to complete the
         transactions contemplated by the Exchange Offer, (iii) a declaration
         of a banking moratorium or any suspension of payments in respect of
         banks in the United States or any limitation by any governmental
         agency or authority which adversely affects the extension of credit
         or (iv) a commencement of war, armed hostilities or other similar
         international calamity directly or indirectly involving the United
         States, or, in the case of any of the foregoing existing at the time
         of the commencement of the Exchange Offer, a material acceleration or
         worsening thereof; or

         (c) any change (or any development involving a prospective change)
         shall have occurred or be threatened in the business, properties,
         assets, liabilities, financial condition, operations, results of
         operations or prospects of the Company and its subsidiaries taken as
         a whole that, in the sole judgment of the Company, is or may be
         adverse to the Company, or the Company shall have become aware of
         facts that, in the sole judgment of the Company, have or may have
         adverse significance with respect to the value of the Old Notes or
         the New Notes;

which, in the sole judgment of the Company in any case, and regardless of the
circumstances (including any action by the Company) giving rise to any such
condition, makes it inadvisable to proceed with the Exchange Offer and/or with
such acceptance for exchange or with such exchange.

         The foregoing conditions are for the sole benefit of the Company and
may be asserted by the Company regardless of the circumstances giving rise to
any such condition or may be waived by the Company in whole or in part at any
time and from time to time in its sole discretion. The failure by the Company
at any time to exercise any of the foregoing rights shall not be deemed a
waiver of any such right and each such right shall be deemed an ongoing right
which may be asserted at any time and from time to time.

         In addition, the Company will not accept for exchange any Old Notes
tendered, and no New Notes will be issued in exchange for any such Old Notes,
if at such time any stop order shall be threatened or in effect with respect
to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus constitutes a part or
the qualification of the Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (the
"TIA").

EXCHANGE AGENT

         The Huntington National Bank has been appointed as the Exchange Agent
for the Exchange Offer. All executed Letters of Transmittal should be directed
to the Exchange Agent at one of the addresses set forth below.


                                      49



    

<PAGE>




Questions and requests for assistance, requests for additional copies of this Prospectus or
of the Letter of Transmittal and requests for Notices of Guaranteed Delivery
should be directed to the Exchange Agent addressed as follows:


</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                               <C>                               <C>
                                   THE HUNTINGTON NATIONAL BANK

    By Mail/Overnight Courier:        By Facsimile Transmission:               By Hand:
                                            (216) 344-6584               In Cleveland, Ohio:
   The Huntington National Bank          Confirm by Telephone:       The Huntington National Bank
        917 Euclid Avenue                   (216) 344-6662                917 Euclid Avenue
      Cleveland, Ohio 44115                                             Cleveland, Ohio 44115
 Attention: Corporate Trust CM23                                   Attention: Corporate Trust CM23

                                                                        In New York, New York:
                                                                     The Huntington National Bank
                                                                         In care of The Bank of New York
                                                                           Drop Window Services
                                                                            101 Barclay Street
                                                                         New York, New York 10286
</TABLE>


         DELIVERY OF LETTERS OF TRANSMITTAL TO AN ADDRESS OTHER THAN AS SET
FORTH ABOVE OR TRANSMISSION OF INSTRUCTIONS VIA FACSIMILE OTHER THAN AS SET
FORTH ABOVE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A VALID DELIVERY.

FEES AND EXPENSES

         The Company has not retained any dealer-manager or similar agent in
connection with the Exchange Offer, and will not make any payment to brokers,
dealers, or others soliciting acceptances of the Exchange Offer.

         The estimated cash expenses to be incurred in connection with the
Exchange Offer will be paid by the Company and are estimated in the aggregate
to be $50,000.

TRANSFER TAXES

         Holders who tender their Old Notes for exchange will not be obligated
to pay any transfer taxes in connection therewith, except that holders who
instruct the Company to register New Notes in the name of, or request that Old
Notes not tendered or not accepted in the Exchange Offer be returned to, a
person other than the registered tendering holder will be responsible for the
payment of any applicable transfer tax thereon.

CONSEQUENCES OF FAILURE TO EXCHANGE

         Holders of Old Notes who do not exchange their Old Notes for New
Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer will continue to be subject to the
restrictions on transfer of such Old Notes as set forth in the legend thereon
as a consequence of the issuance of the Old Notes pursuant to exemptions from,
or in transactions not subject to, the registration requirements of the Act
and applicable state securities laws. In general, the Old Notes may not be
offered or sold, unless registered under the Act, except pursuant to an
exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the Act and applicable
state securities laws. The Company has no obligation to, and does not
currently anticipate that it will, register the offer and sale of the Old
Notes under the Act. Based on interpretations by the Staff of the Commission,
set forth in certain "no-action" letters issued to third parties and unrelated
to the Company and the Exchange Offer, the Company believes that New Notes
issued pursuant to the Exchange Offer in exchange for Old Notes may be offered
for resale, resold or otherwise transferred by Holders thereof (other than any
such Holder which is an "affiliate" of the Company within the meaning of Rule
405 under the Act) without compliance with the registration and prospectus
delivery provisions of the Act provided that such New Notes are acquired in
the ordinary course of such Holders' business and such Holders have no
intention, nor any arrangement with any person, to participate in the
distribution of such New Notes. If any Holder




                                      50



    

<PAGE>





has any arrangement or understanding with respect to the distribution of the
New Notes to be acquired pursuant to the Exchange Offer, such Holder (i) could
not rely on the applicable interpretations of the Staff of the Commission
enunciated in Exxon Capital Holdings Corporation (available April 13, 1989) or
similar letters and (ii) must comply with the registration and prospectus
delivery requirements of the Act in connection with any resale transaction. A
broker-dealer holding Old Notes may participate in the Exchange Offer provided
that it acquired the Old Notes for its own account as a result of market-making
or other trading activities. Each broker-dealer that receives New Notes for its
own account in exchange for Old Notes must acknowledge that it will deliver a
prospectus meeting the requirements of the Act in connection with any resale of
such New Notes since such broker-dealer may be considered a statutory
underwriter. Such prospectus may be the prospectus relating to the Exchange
Offer only if it contains a plan of distribution with respect to such resale
transactions (but need not name the broker-dealer or disclose the amount of New
Notes held by the broker-dealer). See "Plan of Distribution." In addition, to
comply with the securities laws of certain jurisdictions, if applicable, the
New Notes may not be offered or sold unless they have been registered or
qualified for sale in such jurisdiction or an exemption from registration or
qualification is available and is complied with. The Company does not currently
intend to register or qualify the sale of the New Notes in any such
jurisdictions.

                            DESCRIPTION OF THE NOTES

         The Old Notes have been, and the New Notes will be, issued under the
indenture dated as of April 3, 1996 (the "Indenture") between the Company and
the Trustee. The following summary of certain provisions of the Indenture
contains the material terms of the Notes, but does not purport to be complete
and is subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, the Trust
Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the "Trust Indenture Act"), and to all of
the provisions of the Indenture, including the definitions of certain terms
therein and those terms made a part of the Indenture by reference to the Trust
Indenture Act, as in effect on the date of the Indenture. The definitions of
certain capitalized terms used in the following summary are set forth below
under "Certain Definitions."

GENERAL

         The New Notes will be issued only in registered form, without
coupons, in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000.
Principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes will be payable, and
the Notes will be transferable, at the corporate trust office or agency of the
Exchange Note Trustee in the City of New York maintained for such purposes at
114 West 47th Street, New York, New York 10036-1532. No service charge will be
made for any registration of transfer or exchange of the Notes, except for any
tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection therewith.

MATURITY, INTEREST AND PRINCIPAL

     The New Notes will be unsecured obligations of the Company, limited to
$48,750,000 aggregate principal amount, and will mature on September 1, 2001.
Interest on the Notes will accrue at the rate of 11 1/8% per annum and will be
payable semi-annually on March 1 and September 1, commencing September 1, 1996
to the holders of record of Notes at the close of business on the February 15
and August 15 immediately preceding such interest payment date. Interest on the
Notes will accrue from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or,
if no interest has been paid, from the Issue Date. Interest will be computed on
the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months. Interest on
overdue principal and (to the extent permitted by law) on overdue installments
of interest, will accrue at the rate of interest borne by the Notes.

REDEMPTION

         Optional Redemption. The Notes will be redeemable, in whole or in
part, at the option of the Company, if redeemed during the 12-month period
beginning on June 1 of the years indicated below at the redemption prices
(expressed as percentages of principal amount) set forth below plus accrued
and unpaid interest to the redemption date:


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<PAGE>


 Year                                                          Percentage

 1995........................................                  103.438%
 1996........................................                  101.719%
 1997 and thereafter.........................                  100.000%


         Selection and Notice. In the event that less than all of the Notes
are to be redeemed at any time, selection of Notes for redemption will be made
by the Note Trustee in compliance with the requirements of the principal
national securities exchange, if any, on which the Notes are listed or, if the
Notes are not listed on a national securities exchange, on a pro rata basis,
by lot or by such method as the Note Trustee shall deem fair and appropriate,
provided, however, that no Notes of $1,000 or less shall be redeemed in part.
Notice of redemption shall be mailed by first class mail at least 30 but not
more than 60 days before the redemption date to each holder of Notes to be
redeemed at its registered address. If any Note is to be redeemed in part
only, the notice of redemption that relates to such Note shall state the
portion of the principal amount thereof to be redeemed. A new Note in a
principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion thereof will be issued in the
name of the holder thereof upon cancellation of the original Note. On and
after the redemption date, interest will cease to accrue on Notes or portions
thereof called for redemption.

CHANGE OF CONTROL

         In the event of a Change of Control (the date of such occurrence
being the "Change of Control Date"), the Company shall notify the holders in
writing of such occurrence and shall make an offer to purchase (the "Change of
Control Offer"), on a business day (the "Change of Control Payment Date") not
later than 60 days following the Change of Control Date, all Notes then
outstanding at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof
plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the Change of Control Payment
Date. Notice of a Change of Control Offer shall be mailed by the Company to
the holders not less than 25 days nor more than 45 days before the Change of
Control Payment Date. The Change of Control Offer is required to remain open
for at least 20 business days and until the close of business on the business
day next preceding the Change of Control Payment Date.

         The Company will comply with any tender offer rules under the
Exchange Act, which may then be applicable, including, but not limited to,
Rule 14e-1, in connection with any Change of Control Offer required to be made
by the Company to repurchase the Notes as a result of a Change of Control.

PROVISION OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION

         Pursuant to the Indenture, whether or not required by the rules and
regulations of the Commission, so long as any Notes are outstanding, the
Company will submit for filing with the Commission such annual reports,
quarterly reports and other documents and distribute or cause to be
distributed to holders of the Notes copies of such annual reports, quarterly
reports and other documents that the Company would have been required to file
with the Commission pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act if the
Company were so subject. Such annual reports will contain consolidated
financial statements and notes thereto, together with an opinion thereon
expressed by an independent public accounting firm, and management's
discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations and
such quarterly reports will contain unaudited condensed consolidated financial
statements for the first three quarters of each fiscal year.

CERTAIN COVENANTS

         Set forth below are certain covenants which are contained in the
Indenture.

         Limitation on Additional Indebtedness. The Indenture will provide
that the Company shall not, and shall not cause or permit any of its
Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create, incur, assume, issue,
guarantee or in any manner become liable for or with respect to the payment
of, any Attributable Indebtedness or Indebtedness (including any Acquired
Indebtedness) except for (each of which shall be given independent effect):





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<PAGE>


          (a) Indebtedness of the Company under the Notes and the Indenture;

          (b) Indebtedness of Subsidiaries of the Company outstanding from time
to time pursuant to the Credit Agreement not to exceed at any one time, an
amount (the "Permitted Amount") equal to, when added to the principal amount of
Indebtedness of Subsidiaries of the Company outstanding pursuant to clause (h)
below, (A) the sum of 85% of the net book value of the accounts receivable and
50% of the net book value of the inventory of the Subsidiaries of the Company,
in each case calculated on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP minus
(B) the amount of Indebtedness pursuant to the Credit Agreement prepaid after
the Issue Date with the Net Cash Proceeds from an Asset Sale pursuant to the
provisions described below under "Disposition of Proceeds of Asset Sales";

               (c) Indebtedness of the Company and Subsidiaries of the Company
outstanding on the Issue Date;

                  (d) Indebtedness of the Company that is subordinated or pari
passu in right of payment to the Notes if, immediately after giving pro forma
effect to the incurrence thereof, the Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio of
the Company would be equal to or greater than 2.25:1;

                  (e) Indebtedness of a Subsidiary of the Company issued to
and held by the Company or a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the Company or
Indebtedness of the Company to a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the Company in
respect of intercompany advances or transactions;

                  (f) Indebtedness represented by Interest Rate Protection
Obligations and Currency Hedging Agreements of Subsidiaries of the Company
with respect to Indebtedness of Subsidiaries of the Company (which
Indebtedness is otherwise permitted to be incurred under this covenant) to the
extent the notional principal amount of such Interest Rate Protection
Obligations or Currency Hedging Agreements, as the case may be, does not
exceed the principal amount of the Indebtedness to which such Interest Rate
Protection Obligations or Currency Hedging Agreements, as the case may be,
relate;

                  (g) any replacements, renewals, refinancing and extensions
of Indebtedness incurred under clauses (a), (c) and (d) above, provided that
(i) any such replacement, renewal, refinancing and extension (x) shall not
provide for any mandatory redemption, amortization or sinking fund requirement
in an amount greater than or at a time prior to the amounts and times
specified in the Indebtedness being replaced, renewed, refinanced or extended
and (y) shall be contractually subordinated to the Notes at least to the
extent, if at all, that the Indebtedness being replaced, renewed, refinanced
or extended is subordinate to the Notes, (ii) any such Indebtedness of any
Person must be replaced, refinanced or extended with Indebtedness incurred by
such Person or by the Company and (iii) the principal amount of Indebtedness
incurred pursuant to this clause (g) (or, if such Indebtedness provides for an
amount less than the principal amount thereof to be due and payable upon a
declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof, the original issue price
of such Indebtedness) shall not exceed the sum of the principal amount (or
with respect to Indebtedness which provides for an amount less than the
principal amount thereof to be due and payable upon a declaration of
acceleration of the maturity thereof, the accreted value thereof) of
Indebtedness so replaced, renewed, refinanced or extended, plus accrued
interest, the amount of any premium required to be paid in connection with
such replacement, renewal, refinancing or extension pursuant to the terms of
such Indebtedness or the amount of any premium reasonably determined by the
Company as necessary to accomplish such replacement, renewal, refinancing or
extension by means of a tender offer or privately negotiated purchase, and the
amount of fees and expenses incurred in connection therewith; and

                  (h) in addition to the items referred to in clauses (a)
through (g) above, (x) Indebtedness and Attributable Indebtedness of the
Company or Subsidiaries of the Company in an aggregate principal amount not to
exceed $5,000,000 at any one time outstanding, provided that Indebtedness of
Subsidiaries of the Company shall not exceed at any one time, when added to the
principal amount of Indebtedness outstanding pursuant to the preceding clause
(b), the Permitted Amount and (y) additional Indebtedness and Attributable
Indebtedness of the Company in a aggregate principal amount not to exceed
$10,000,000 at anytime outstanding.

         Limitation on Investments, Loans and Advances. The Indenture will
provide that the Company shall not make and shall not permit any of its
Subsidiaries to make any direct or indirect advance, loan, or other extension
of credit to


                                      53



    

<PAGE>



(including any guarantee of a loan or other extension of credit)
or investment in, capital contribution to (by means of any transfer of cash or
other property to others or any payment for property or services for the
account or use of others or otherwise), or purchase of Capital Stock, bonds,
notes, debentures or other securities issued by, any other Person
(collectively, "Investments"), except: (i) Investments by the Company or a
Subsidiary of the Company in any Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the Company
(including any such Investment pursuant to which a Person becomes a
Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the Company) or in the Company by any Subsidiary of
the Company; (ii) Investments represented by receivables created or acquired
in the ordinary course of business or the settlement of such receivables in
the ordinary course of business; (iii) Investments permitted to be made
pursuant to the "Limitation on Restricted Payments" covenant below; (iv)
Investments represented by advances to employees of the Company or its
Subsidiaries made in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past
business practices; and (v) Permitted Investments.

         Limitation on Restricted Payments. The Indenture will provide that
the Company shall not make, and shall not permit any of its Subsidiaries to
make, directly or indirectly, any Restricted Payment, unless:

                  (a) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and
be continuing at the time of or after giving effect to such Restricted
Payment;

                  (b) at the time of and after giving effect to such
Restricted Payment, the Company could incur at least $1.00 of Indebtedness
pursuant to clause (d) of the "Limitation on Additional Indebtedness" covenant
above; and

                  (c) immediately after giving effect to such Restricted
Payment, the aggregate of all Restricted Payments declared or made after the
Issue Date through and including the date of such Restricted Payment does not
exceed the sum of (1) 50% of the Company's Consolidated Net Income (or in the
event such Consolidated Net Income shall be a deficit, minus 100% of such
deficit) from and including April 1, 1996 to and including the last day of the
fiscal quarter immediately preceding the date of such Restricted Payment (the
"Base Period"), (2) 100% of the aggregate Net Proceeds received by the Company
from (x) the issue or sale, during the Base Period, of Capital Stock (other
than Disqualified Stock) of the Company, or any Indebtedness or other
securities of the Company convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for
Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company which has been so
converted, exercised or exchanged, as the case may be and (y) any common
equity contribution made to the Company during the Base Period plus (3) in the
case of the disposition of any Investment (other than an Investment which is a
loan) made after the Issue Date or the repayment or disposition of any loan
made after the Issue Date (other than any such Investment or loan made
pursuant to clause (i), (ii) (iv) or (v) of the "Limitation on Investments,
Loans and Advances" covenant above) an amount equal to, with respect to any
such Investment (other than an Investment which is a loan) the lesser of the
net cash proceeds received on disposition with respect to such Investment or
the initial amount of such Investment, in either case, less the cost of
disposition of such Investment and with respect to any such loan, an amount
equal to any cash received on account of (a) the repayment of principal on
such loan or (b) the disposition of such loan, less the cost of such
disposition and in each of the foregoing cases, not to exceed the principal
amount of such disposed of loan. For purposes of determining the amount
expended for Restricted Payments, cash distributed shall be valued at the face
amount thereof and property other than cash shall be valued at its Fair Market
Value.

         The provisions of this covenant shall not prohibit (i) the payment of
any dividend within 60 days after the date of declaration thereof, if such
payment would comply with the provisions of the Indenture at the date of the
declaration of such payment, (ii) the retirement of any shares of Capital
Stock of the Company or Indebtedness of the Company which is subordinated in
right of payment to the Notes by conversion into, or by an exchange for,
shares of Capital Stock of the Company that are not Disqualified Stock or out
of the Net Proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale (other than to a
Subsidiary of the Company) of other shares of Capital Stock (other than
Disqualified Stock) of the Company, (iii) the redemption or retirement of
Indebtedness of the Company which is subordinated in right of payment to the
Notes in exchange for, by conversion into, or out of the Net Proceeds of, a
substantially concurrent sale of Indebtedness of the Company which is
subordinated in right of payment to the Notes (other than to a Subsidiary of
the Company) that (x) is contractually subordinated in right of payment to the
Notes at least to the same extent that the Indebtedness being redeemed or
retired is subordinated to the Notes and (y) is permitted to be incurred in
accordance with the covenant described under "Limitation on Additional
Indebtedness" above, (iv) dividends to Waxman Industries to satisfy interest
payments on the Deferred Coupon Notes, including any Deferred Coupon Note
Refinancing Indebtedness, provided



                                      54



    

<PAGE>


that any such dividend is used on the date such dividend is paid to make
interest payments on the Deferred Coupon Notes or Deferred Coupon Note
Refinancing Indebtedness, as the case may be, and provided further that no
Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing after the
payment of any such dividend (v) the redemption or retirement, or dividends to
Waxman Industries for the redemption or retirement, (by way of open market
purchase or otherwise), within 365 days of the Issue Date, of Deferred Coupon
Notes or Deferred Coupon Note Refinancing Indebtedness in an amount not to
exceed the aggregate net cash proceeds received by the Company or Barnett from
the sale of shares of Capital Stock of Barnett representing not more than 55.1%
of the Barnett Common Stock pursuant to the Barnett Public Offering that are in
excess of $75.0 million, provided no Default or Event of Default shall have
occurred and be continuing after such redemption or retirement or the payment
of such dividend, as the case may be, (vi) the payment of any dividend or
distribution by the Company to Waxman Industries (A) pursuant to the Tax
Sharing Agreement, which dividend or distribution is used solely to pay income
taxes and may not exceed the lesser of (x) income taxes actually paid by Waxman
Industries (on a consolidated basis with its Subsidiaries) and (y) the amount
of income taxes which would be paid by the Company and its Subsidiaries if they
were a consolidated tax paying group filing a consolidated return and (B) which
dividend or distribution is used solely to pay taxes (other than income taxes)
actually payable by Waxman Industries; and (vii) Restricted Payments consisting
of 50% of Eligible Sale Proceeds (100% in the case of clause (iv) above),
provided no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing
after the making of such Restricted Payment.

         In determining the amount of Restricted Payments permissible under
clause (c) above, amounts expended pursuant to clauses (i), (ii), (iv) and
(vii) above shall be included as Restricted Payments.

         Limitation on Liens. In addition to the restrictions described below
under "Impairment of Security Interest," the Indenture will provide that the
Company shall not, and the Company shall not permit, cause or suffer any of
its Subsidiaries to, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien of any
kind upon any of its property or assets now owned or hereafter acquired by it,
which (a) secures Indebtedness of the Company subordinated in right of payment
to the Notes, unless the Notes are secured by a Lien on such property that is
senior to such Lien or (b) secures Indebtedness of the Company which is pari
passu in right of payment with the Notes, unless the Notes are secured by a
Lien on such property that is equal and ratable with such Lien, except for
Liens existing as of the Issue Date and Permitted Liens.

         Limitation on Dividends and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting
Subsidiaries. The Indenture will provide that the Company shall not, and shall
not permit any Subsidiary of the Company to, directly or indirectly, create or
otherwise cause or suffer to exist or become effective or enter into any
Agreement with any Person that would cause any consensual encumbrance or
restriction of any kind on the ability of any Subsidiary of the Company to (a)
pay dividends, in cash or otherwise, or make any other distributions on its
Capital Stock or any other interest or participation in, or measured by, its
profits owned by, or pay any Indebtedness owed to, the Company or a Subsidiary
of the Company, (b) make any loans or advances to the Company or any
Subsidiary of the Company or (c) transfer any of its properties or assets to
the Company or to any Subsidiary of the Company, except, in each case, for
such encumbrances or restrictions existing under or contemplated by or by
reason of any restrictions existing under (i) the Credit Agreement as in
effect on the Issue Date, (ii) any restrictions existing under any Agreement
that refinances, replaces, amends or extends an Agreement containing a
restriction permitted by clause (i); provided that the terms and conditions of
any such restrictions are not materially less favorable to the holders of the
Notes than those under or pursuant to the Agreement being refinanced,
replaced, amended or extended or (iii) customary non-assignment or sublease
provisions of any Agreement of the Company or its Subsidiaries.

         Disposition of Proceeds of Asset Sales. The Indenture will provide
that the Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its Subsidiaries to,
make any Asset Sale unless (i) such Asset Sale is for Fair Market Value and
(ii) the net proceeds therefrom consist of at least 75% cash or Cash
Equivalents (with Indebtedness of the Company or its Subsidiaries assumed by
the purchaser being counted as cash for such purposes if the Company and its
Subsidiaries are permanently released from all liability therefor).

         The Company shall or shall cause its Subsidiaries to, within 360 days
of receipt of any Net Cash Proceeds from an Asset Sale, (x) apply such Net
Cash Proceeds to permanently prepay Indebtedness outstanding under the Credit
Agreement, (y) apply such Net Cash Proceeds to acquire or construct assets of
the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company in lines of business related to the
Company's and its Subsidiaries' businesses a in existence on the Issue Date


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or (z) to the extent such Net Cash Proceeds are not applied as provided in the
previous clauses (x) and (y), designate such Net Cash Proceeds as "Excess
Proceeds" subject to disposition as provided in the next succeeding paragraph;
provided, however, that (i) to the extent that the Net Cash Proceeds applied to
permanently prepay Indebtedness consist in whole or in part of Barnett Sale
Proceeds, then such Barnett Sale Proceeds may be applied to prepay such
Indebtedness to the extent required by the terms of the Credit Agreement (as in
existence on the Issue Date) and to the extent such prepayment is not so
required, such Barnett Sale Proceeds shall be used to permanently prepay such
Indebtedness and to make an offer to purchase Securities as set forth below on
a pro rata basis based on the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness
outstanding under the Credit Agreement and the Securities outstanding, (ii) up
to $10.0 million of Barnett Sale Proceeds may be applied pursuant to clause (x)
above and not subject to the preceding clause (i) provided that any such
Barnett Sale Proceeds so applied must be applied to permanently prepay
Permitted Barnett Secured Indebtedness then outstanding.

         When the aggregate amount of unutilized Excess Proceeds equals or
exceeds $2.5 million, the Company shall make an offer to repurchase an
aggregate principal amount of Notes equal to such Excess Proceeds at a price
in cash equal to 100% of the outstanding principal amount thereof plus accrued
and unpaid interest, if any, to the repurchase date. If the aggregate
principal amount of Notes tendered exceeds the amount of Excess Proceeds, the
Notes tendered will be purchased on a pro rata basis. The Company shall,
subject to the provisions described herein, be required to repurchase all
Exchange Notes validly tendered into such offer and not withdrawn. Such offer
is required to remain open for at least 20 business days. Upon completion of
such offer to repurchase, the amount of Excess Proceeds shall be reset to zero
and any unutilized Excess Proceeds may be utilized by the Company for any
purpose.

         The provisions of this covenant shall not apply to any Eligible Sale
Proceeds used in accordance with clause (iv) of the "Limitations on Restricted
Payments" covenant above and shall otherwise only apply to 50% of any Eligible
Sale Proceeds.

         The Company will comply with Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and
any other securities laws and regulations thereunder to the extent such laws
and regulations are applicable, in the event that an Asset Sale occurs and the
Company is required to repurchase Notes as described above.

         Limitation on Transactions with Affiliates. The Indenture will
provide that the Company shall not, and shall not permit, cause, or suffer any
Subsidiary of the Company to, conduct any business or enter into any
transaction or series of transactions with or for the benefit of any of their
respective Affiliates (each an "Affiliate Transaction"), except in good faith
and on terms that are no less favorable to the Company or such Subsidiary, as
the case may be, than those that could have been obtained in a comparable
transaction on an arms' length basis from a Person not an Affiliate of the
Company or such Subsidiary. With respect to any Affiliate Transaction (and
each series of related Affiliate Transactions which are similar or part of a
common plan) involving aggregate payments or other market value in excess of
$1,000,000 the Company shall deliver an officers' certificate to the Trustee
certifying that such Affiliate Transaction (or series of related Affiliate
Transactions) complies with the foregoing provisions and that such Affiliate
Transaction (or series of related Affiliate Transactions) was approved by a
majority of the Independent Directors of the Company and the Board of
Directors of the Company as a whole. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the
restrictions set forth in this covenant shall not apply to (x) customary
directors' fees and consulting fees or (y) any Affiliate Transaction pursuant
to and in accordance with the provisions of the Tax Sharing Agreement,
Intercorporate Agreement, Barnett Intercorporate Agreement or the Trademark
License Agreements.

         Limitation on Issuances and Sales of Preferred Stock by Subsidiaries.
The Indenture will provide that the Company (i) will not permit any of its
Subsidiaries to issue any Preferred Stock (other than to the Company or a
Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the Company) and (ii) will not permit any Person
(other than the Company or a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the Company) to own
any Preferred Stock of any Subsidiary of the Company.

CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, CONVEYANCE, TRANSFER OR LEASE

         The Indenture will provide that the Company shall not consolidate
with or merge with or into or sell, assign, convey, lease, transfer or
otherwise dispose of or cause or permit any Subsidiary of the Company to sell,
assign, convey, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of all or substantially
all of the Company's and the Company's Subsidiaries'



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properties and assets (determined on a consolidated basis for the Company and
the Company's Subsidiaries taken as a whole) to any Person or Persons in a
single transaction or through a series of related transactions or permit any of
its Subsidiaries to do any of the foregoing, unless: (a) the Company shall be
the continuing Person or the Person formed by or surviving such consolidation
or merger or the Person to which such sale, assignment, conveyance, lease,
transfer or other disposition is made (the "surviving entity") shall be a
corporation organized and validly existing under the laws of the United States
or any State thereof or the District of Columbia; (b) the surviving entity (in
the case of a merger or consolidation in which the Company is not the surviving
Person or any sale, assignment, conveyance, lease, transfer or other
disposition of all or substantially all of the Company's properties and assets)
shall expressly assume, by a supplemental indenture executed and delivered to
the Trustee, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, all
of the obligations of the Company under the Notes and the Indenture; (c)
immediately before and immediately after giving effect to such transaction, or
series of transactions (including, without limitation, any Indebtedness
incurred or anticipated to be incurred in connection with or in respect of such
transaction or series of transactions), no Default or Event of Default shall
have occurred and be continuing; (d) the Company or the surviving entity (in
the case of a merger or consolidation in which the Company is not the surviving
Person or any sale, assignment, conveyance, lease, transfer or other
disposition of all or substantially all of the Company's properties and assets)
shall immediately after giving effect to such transaction or series of
transactions (including, without limitation, any Indebtedness incurred or
anticipated to be incurred in connection with or in respect of such transaction
or series of transactions) have a Consolidated Net Worth equal to or greater
than the Consolidated Net Worth of the Company immediately prior to such
transaction or series of transactions; (e) immediately after giving effect to
such transaction or series of transactions, the Company or the surviving entity
(in the case of a merger or consolidation in which the Company is not the
surviving Person or any sale, assignment, conveyance, lease, transfer or other
disposition of all or substantially all of the Company's properties and assets)
could incur $1.00 of Indebtedness pursuant to clause (d) of the "Limitation on
Additional Indebtedness" covenant described above; and (f) the Company or the
surviving entity (in the case of a merger or consolidation in which the Company
is not the surviving Person or any sale, assignment, conveyance, lease,
transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of the Company's
properties and assets) shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officer's
Certificate stating that such consolidation, merger, sale, assignment,
conveyance, lease, transfer or other disposition and, if a supplemental
indenture is required in connection with such transaction or series of
transactions, such supplemental indenture complies with this covenant and that
all conditions precedent in the Indenture relating to the transaction or series
of transactions have been satisfied.

EVENTS OF DEFAULT

         The following are Events of Default under the Indenture:

                  (i) default in the payment of any interest on the Notes when
it becomes due and payable, and continuance of any such default for a period of
30 days;or

                  (ii) default in the payment of the principal of, or premium,
if any, on the Notes when due (including a default in payment upon an offer to
purchase required to be made by the Indenture); or

                  (iii) default in the performance, or breach, of any covenant
in the Indenture (other than defaults specified in clause (i) or (ii) above),
and continuance of such default or breach for a period of 30 days after
written notice to the Company by the Trustee or to the Company and the Trustee
by the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the
outstanding Notes; or

                  (iv) failure by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (a)
to make any payment when due with respect to any other Indebtedness under one
or more classes or issues of Indebtedness which one or more classes or issues
of Indebtedness are in an aggregate principal amount of $5,000,000 or more; or
(b) to perform any term, covenant, condition, or provision of one or more
classes or issues of Indebtedness which one or more classes or issues of
Indebtedness are in an aggregate principal amount of $5,000,000 or more, which
failure, in the case of this clause (b), results in an acceleration of the
maturity thereof; or

                  (v) one or more judgments, orders or decrees for the payment
of money in excess of $5,000,000, either individually or in an aggregate
amount, shall be entered against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any



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properties of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and shall not be
discharged and there shall have been a period of 60 days during which a stay
of enforcement of such judgment or order, by reason of pending appeal or
otherwise, shall not be in effect; or

                  (vi) certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency with respect
to the Company or any of its Material Subsidiaries shall have occurred.

         If an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default specified in
clause (vi) above with respect to the Company) occurs and is continuing, then
the Trustee or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of
the outstanding Notes may, by written notice, and the Trustee upon the request
of the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the
outstanding Notes shall, declare the principal of, premium, if any, and
accrued interest on, all the Notes to be due and payable immediately. Upon any
such declaration, such principal, premium, if any, and accrued interest shall
become due and payable immediately. If an Event of Default specified in clause
(vi) above with respect to the Company occurs and is continuing, then the
principal of, premium, if any, and accrued interest on, all the Notes shall
ipso facto become and be immediately due and payable without any declaration
or other act on the part of the Note Trustee or any holder.

         After a declaration of acceleration, the holders of a majority in
aggregate principal amount of outstanding Notes may, by notice to the Trustee,
rescind such declaration of acceleration if all existing Events of Default
have been cured or waived, other than nonpayment of principal of, premium, if
any, and accrued interest on the Notes that has become due solely as a result
of such acceleration and if the rescission of acceleration would not conflict
with any judgment or decree. The holders of a majority in aggregate principal
amount of the outstanding Notes also have the right to waive past defaults
under the Indenture except a default in the payment of the principal of,
premium, if any, or interest on any Note, or in respect of a covenant or a
provision which cannot be modified or amended without the consent of all
holders.

         No holder of any of the Notes has any right to institute any
proceeding with respect to the Indenture or any remedy thereunder, unless the
holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes
have made written request, and offered reasonable indemnity, to the Trustee to
institute such proceeding as Trustee, the Trustee has failed to institute such
proceeding within 15 days after receipt of such notice and the Trustee has not
within such 15-day period received directions inconsistent with such written
request by holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the
outstanding Notes. Such limitations do not apply, however, to a suit
instituted by a holder of a Note for the enforcement of the payment of the
principal of, premium, if any, or accrued interest on, such Note on or after
the respective due dates expressed in such Note.

         During the existence of an Event of Default, the Trustee is required
to exercise such rights and powers vested in it under the Indenture and use
the same degree of care and skill in its exercise thereof as a prudent Person
would exercise under the circumstances in the conduct of such Person's own
affairs. Subject to the provisions of the Indenture relating to the duties of
the Trustee, in case an Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, the
Trustee is not under any obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers
under the Indenture at the request or direction of any of the holders unless
such holders shall have offered to such Trustee reasonable indemnity. Subject
to certain provisions concerning the rights of the Trustee, the holders of a
majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes have the right
to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any
remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising any trust, or power conferred
on the Trustee.

DEFEASANCE

         The Company may at any time terminate all of its obligations with
respect to the Notes ("defeasance"), except for certain obligations, including
those regarding any trust established for a defeasance and obligations to
register the transfer or exchange of the Notes, to replace mutilated,
destroyed, lost or stolen Notes and to maintain agencies in respect of Notes.
The Company may at any time terminate its obligations under certain covenants
set forth in the Indenture, some of which are described under "Certain
Covenants" above, and any omission to comply with such obligations shall not
constitute a Default or an Event of Default with respect to the Notes issued
under the Indenture ("covenant defeasance"). In order to exercise either
defeasance or covenant defeasance, the Company must irrevocably deposit in
trust with the Trustee, for the benefit of the holders of the Notes, money or
U.S. government obligations, or




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a combination thereof, in such amounts as will be sufficient to pay the
principal of, and premium, if any, and accrued interest on the Notes to
redemption or maturity, as the case may be, and comply with certain other
conditions, including the delivery of opinions as to certain tax and bankruptcy
matters.

SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE

         The Indenture will be discharged and will cease to be of further
effect (except as to surviving rights or registration of transfer or exchange
of Notes) as to all outstanding Notes when either (a) all such Notes
theretofore authenticated and delivered (except lost, stolen or destroyed
Notes which have been replaced or paid and Notes for the payment of which
money has theretofore been deposited in trust or segregated and held in trust
by the Company and thereafter repaid to the Company or discharged from such
trust) have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation and the Company has
paid all sums payable by it under the Indenture; or (b)(i) all such Notes not
theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation have become due and
payable or have been called for redemption and the Company has irrevocably
deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee as trust funds in trust
for the purpose an amount of money sufficient to pay and discharge the entire
indebtedness on the Notes not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for
cancellation, for principal, premium, if any, and accrued interest to the date
of such deposit or redemption, as the case may be; (ii) the Company has paid
all sums payable by it under the Indenture; and (iii) the Company has
delivered irrevocable instructions to the Trustee to apply the deposited money
toward the payment of the Notes at maturity or the redemption date, as the
case may be. In addition, the Company must deliver an Officers' Certificate
and an Opinion of Counsel stating that all conditions precedent to
satisfaction and discharge have been complied with.

AMENDMENTS AND WAIVERS

         From time to time the Company, when authorized by resolution of its
Board of Directors, and the Trustee may, without the consent of the holders of
the Notes, amend, waive or supplement the Indenture or the Notes for certain
specified purposes, including, among other things, curing ambiguities, defects
or inconsistencies, maintaining the qualification of the Indenture under the
Trust Indenture Act or making any change that does not adversely affect the
rights of any holder. Other amendments and modifications of the Indenture or
the Notes may be made by the Company and the Trustee with the consent of the
holders of not less than a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the
outstanding Notes; provided, however, that no such modification or amendment
may, without the consent of the holder of each outstanding Note affected
thereby, (i) reduce the principal amount outstanding of, extend the fixed
maturity of, or alter the redemption provisions of, the Notes, (ii) change the
currency in which any Notes or any principal, premium or the accrued interest
thereon is payable, (iii) reduce the percentage in principal amount
outstanding of Notes, who must consent to an amendment, supplement or waiver
or consent to take any action under the Indenture or the Notes, (iv) impair
the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with
respect to the Notes, (v) waive a default in payment with respect to the
Notes, (vi) reduce the rate or extend the time for payment of interest on the
Notes or (vii) following the mailing of a Change of Control Offer, modify the
provisions of the Indenture with respect to such Change of Control Offer in a
manner adverse to any holder.

REGARDING THE TRUSTEE

         United States Trust Company of New York will serve as Trustee under
the Indenture.


CERTAIN DEFINITIONS

         Set forth below is a summary of certain defined terms used in the
Indenture. Reference is made to the Indenture for the full definition of all
such terms, as well as any other capitalized terms used herein for which no
definition is provided.

         "Acquired Indebtedness" means with respect to any Person,
Indebtedness of another Person existing at the time such other Person becomes
a Subsidiary of such Person or is merged with or into such Person or a
Subsidiary of such Person including, without limitation, Indebtedness incurred
in connection with, or in anticipation of, such other Person becoming a
Subsidiary of such Person or the merger of such other Person with or into such
Person.




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         "Affiliate" of any specified Person means any other Person which,
directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by or is under direct or
indirect common control with, such specified Person. For the purposes of this
definition, "control" when used with respect to any Person means the power to
direct the management and policies of such Person, directly or indirectly,
whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise,
and the terms "controlling" and "controlled" have meanings correlative to the
foregoing.

         "Asset Acquisition" means (i) any capital contribution (by means of
transfer of cash or other property to others or payment for property or
services for the account or use of others, or otherwise) to, or purchase or
acquisition of Capital Stock in, any other Person by the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries, in either case pursuant to which such Person shall become a
Subsidiary of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or shall be merged with
or into the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or (ii) any acquisition by the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries of the assets of any Person which
constitute substantially all of an operating unit or business of such Person.

         "Asset Sale" means with respect to any Person any direct or indirect
sale, conveyance, transfer, lease or other disposition to any other Person
other than such Person or a Subsidiary of such Person, in one transaction or a
series of related transactions, of (i) any Capital Stock of any Subsidiary of
such Person (whether structured as a sale, issuance or other disposition by
such Person or a Subsidiary of such Person) or (ii) any other property or
asset of such Person (other than cash or Cash Equivalents) or any Subsidiary
of such Person, in each case, other than inventory in the ordinary course of
business and other than isolated transactions which do not exceed $1,000,000
individually. For the purposes of this definition, the term "Asset Sale" shall
not include (x) any disposition of properties and assets of such Person or any
Subsidiary of such Person that is governed under and complies with the
requirements set forth in "Consolidation, Merger, Conveyance, Transfer or
Lease" above or (y) any sale by the Company of its Capital Stock.

         "Attributable Indebtedness" means, in respect of a Sale/Leaseback
Transaction, as at the time of determination, the present value (discounted at
the interest rate borne by the Notes compounded annually) of the total
obligations of the lessee for rental payments during the remaining term of the
lease included in such Sale/Leaseback Transaction (including any period for
which such lease has been extended).

         "Barnett Common Stock" means the common stock, $.01 par value per
share, of Barnett.

         "Barnett Intercorporate Agreement" means the Intercorporate Agreement
among Waxman Industries, the Company, Barnett, Consumer Products and WOC as in
existence as of the consummation of the Barnett Public Offering.

         "Barnett Public Offering" means the initial public offering of
Barnett Common Stock.

         "Barnett Sale Proceeds" means the net proceeds from the sale of
Barnett Common Stock.

         "Board Resolution" means with respect to any Person, a copy of a
resolution certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of such
Person, to have been duly adopted by the Board of Directors of such Person and
to be in full force and effect on the date of such certification, and
delivered to the Trustee.

         "Capital Stock" means, with respect to any Person, any and all
shares, interests, participations, rights in, or other equivalents (however
designated and whether voting or non-voting) of such Person's capital stock,
whether outstanding on the Issue Date or issued after the Issue Date, and any
and all rights, warrants or options exchangeable for or convertible into such
capital stock.

         "Capitalized Lease Obligation" means any obligation to pay rent or
other amounts under a lease of (or other agreement conveying the right to use)
any property (whether real, personal or mixed) that is required to be
classified and accounted for as a capital lease obligation under GAAP, and,
for the purpose of the Indenture, the amount of such obligation at any date
shall be the capitalized amount thereof at such date, determined in accordance
with GAAP.

         "Cash Equivalents" means, at any time (i) any evidence of
Indebtedness with a maturity of 180 days or less issued or directly and fully
guaranteed or insured by the United States of America or any agency or
instrumentality thereof (provided that the full faith and credit of the United
States of America is pledged in support thereof); (ii)





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certificates of deposit or acceptances with a maturity of 180 days or less of
any financial institution that is a member of the Federal Reserve System having
combined capital and surplus and undivided profits of not less than
$500,000,000; (iii) commercial paper with a maturity of 180 days or less issued
by a corporation (except an Affiliate of the Company) organized under the laws
of any state of the United States or the District of Columbia and rated at least
A-1 by Standard & Poor's Corporation or at least P-1 by Moody's Investors
Service, Inc.; and (iv) repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements
relating to marketable direct obligations issued or unconditionally guaranteed
by the United States Government or issued by any agency thereof and backed by
the full faith and credit of the United States, in each case maturing within
one year from the date of acquisition; provided, however, that the terms of
such agreements comply with the guidelines set forth in the Federal Financial
Agreements of Depository Institutions with Securities Dealers and Others, as
adopted by the Comptroller of the Currency.

         "Change of Control" means (i) the direct or indirect, sale, lease,
exchange or other transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the
Company to any Person or entity or group (as such term is used in Section
13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act) (a "Group of Persons") other than Permitted
Holders, (ii) the merger or consolidation of the Company or Waxman Industries
with or into another corporation with the effect that the then existing
shareholders of the Company or Waxman Industries, as the case may be, together
with the Permitted Holders beneficially own (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3
under the Exchange Act) securities representing less than 50% of the Voting
Power of the surviving corporation of such merger or the corporation resulting
from such consolidation and do not otherwise have the right or ability by
contract or otherwise to elect a majority of the Board of Directors of such
surviving corporation, (iii) the replacement of a majority of the Board of
Directors of the Company or Waxman Industries from the directors who
constituted such Board of Directors on the Issue Date, and such replacement
shall not have been approved by a majority of such Board of Directors then
still in office who either were (x) members of such Board of Directors on the
Issue Date or (y) whose election as a member of such Board of Directors was
approved in the manner provided in this clause (iii) or (iv) a Person or Group
of Persons shall, as a result of a tender or exchange offer, open market
purchases, privately negotiated purchases or otherwise, have become the
beneficial owner (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of
securities of the Company or Waxman Industries representing 35% or more of the
Voting Power of the Company or Waxman Industries, as the case may be, and, at
such time, Permitted Holders are not the beneficial owners (as so defined) of
securities representing a greater percentage of such Voting Power and do not
otherwise have the right or ability by contract or otherwise to elect a
majority of the Board of Directors of the Company or Waxman Industries, as the
case may be.

         "Consolidated Cash Flow" means, with respect to any Person for any
period, the Consolidated Net Income of such Person for such period increased
(to the extent deducted in determining Consolidated Net Income) by the sum of
the following for such period: (i) all income taxes of such Person paid or
accrued according to GAAP for such period (other than income taxes
attributable to extraordinary, unusual or non-recurring gains); (ii)
Consolidated Interest Expense of such Person for such period; (iii)
depreciation expense of such Person for such period; (iv) amortization expense
of such Person for such period including, without limitation, amortization of
capitalized debt issuance costs; and (v) any other non-cash charges of such
Person for such period (excluding any non-cash charge to the extent that it
requires an accrual of or a reserve for cash disbursements for any future
period).

         "Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio" means, with respect to any
Person, the ratio of (i) Consolidated Cash Flow of such Person for the four
full fiscal quarters for which financial statements are available that
immediately precede the date of the transaction or other circumstances giving
rise to the need to calculate the Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio (the
"Transaction Date") to (ii) Consolidated Interest Expense of such Person and
the aggregate amount of dividends or other distributions declared or paid on
Capital Stock (other than Common Stock) of such Person and its Subsidiaries,
in each case for such four full fiscal quarter period. For purposes of this
definition, "Consolidated Cash Flow" and the items referred to in the
preceding clause (ii) shall be calculated after giving effect on a pro forma
basis for the period of such calculation to (i) the incurrence or retirement
of any Indebtedness of such Person or any of its Subsidiaries, other than the
incurrence or repayment of Indebtedness in the ordinary course of business
pursuant to working capital or revolving credit facilities, at any time during
the period (the "Reference Period") (A) commencing on the first day of the
four full fiscal quarter period for which financial statements are available
that precedes the Transaction Date and (B) ending on and including the
Transaction Date, including, without limitation, the incurrence of the
Indebtedness giving rise to the need to make such calculation, as if such
incurrence or retirement occurred on the first day of the Reference Period;
provided, that if such Person or any of its Subsidiaries directly or
indirectly guarantees



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Indebtedness of a third Person, the above clause shall give effect to the
incurrence of such guaranteed Indebtedness as if such Person or Subsidiary had
directly incurred such guaranteed Indebtedness and (ii) any Asset Sales or
Asset Acquisitions (including, without limitation, any Asset Acquisition giving
rise to the need to make such calculation as a result of the Company or any
Subsidiary of the Company (including any Person who becomes a Subsidiary of the
Company as a result of the Asset Acquisition) incurring Acquired Indebtedness)
occurring during the Reference Period and any retirement of Indebtedness in
connection with such Asset Sales, as if such Asset Sale or Asset Acquisition
and/or retirement occurred on the first day of the Reference Period.
Furthermore, in calculating the denominator (but not the numerator) of this
"Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio," (1) interest on Indebtedness determined
on a fluctuating basis as of the Transaction Date and which will continue to be
so determined thereafter shall be deemed to have accrued at a fixed rate per
annum equal to the rate of interest on such Indebtedness in effect on the
Transaction Date; (2) if interest on any Indebtedness actually incurred on the
Transaction Date may optionally be determined at an interest rate based upon a
factor of a prime or similar rate, a eurocurrency interbank offered rate, or
other rates, then the interest rate based upon a factor of a prime or similar
rate shall be deemed to have been in effect; and (3) notwithstanding clause (1)
above, interest on Indebtedness determined on a fluctuating basis, to the extent
such interest is covered by agreements relating to Interest Rate Protection
Obligations, shall be deemed to have accrued at the rate per annum resulting
after giving effect to the operation of such agreements.

         "Consolidated Interest Expense" means, with respect to any Person for
any period, without duplication, the sum of (a) the cash and non-cash interest
expense of such Person and its Subsidiaries for such period as determined on a
consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP (net of any interest income)
consistently applied, including, without limitation, (w) any amortization of
debt discount, (x) the net cost under Interest Rate Protection Obligations and
Currency Hedging Agreements insofar as they relate to interest, (y) the
interest portion of any deferred payment obligation and (z) all accrued
interest, and (b) the aggregate amount of the interest component of
Capitalized Lease Obligations paid, accrued and/or scheduled to be paid or
accrued by such Person and its Subsidiaries during such period as determined
on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP consistently applied.

         "Consolidated Net Income" means, with respect to any Person, for any
period, the aggregate of the Net Income of such Person and its Subsidiaries
for such period, on a consolidated basis, determined in accordance with GAAP;
provided, however, that (a) the Net Income of any Person (the "other Person")
in which the Person in question or one of its Subsidiaries has a joint
interest with one or more other Persons (which interest does not cause the Net
Income of such other Person to be consolidated into the Net Income of the
Person in question in accordance with GAAP) shall be included only to the
extent of the amount of dividends or distributions actually paid to the Person
in question or the Subsidiary, (b) the Net Income of any Subsidiary of the
Person in question that is subject to any restriction or limitation on the
payment of dividends or the making of other distributions (including
limitations resulting from the ownership of less than 100% of the Capital
Stock of such Subsidiary) shall be excluded to the extent of such restriction
or limitation, (c)(i) the Net Income (or loss) of any Person acquired in a
pooling of interests transaction for any period prior to the date of such
acquisition and (ii) any net gain or loss resulting from an Asset Sale by the
Person in question or any of its Subsidiaries shall be excluded, and (d)
extraordinary gains and losses and any one-time increase or decrease to Net
Income recorded because of the adoption of new accounting policies, practices
or standards required or permitted by generally accepted accounting principles
shall be excluded.

         "Consolidated Net Worth" means, with respect to any Person at any
date of determination, the consolidated equity represented by the shares of
such Person's Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) at such date, as
determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.

         "Covered Amount" means with respect to any disposition of Capital
Stock of Barnett or any Asset Sale involving WOC Inc. an amount equal to the
excess of (x) the aggregate fair value of the Capital Stock of Barnett owned
by the Company and its Subsidiaries immediately upon consummation of such
disposition or Asset Sale less the aggregate principal amount of any
outstanding Permitted Barnett Secured Indebtedness after taking into account
the application of the proceeds of such disposition or Asset Sale over (y) the
product of (i) the aggregate principal amount of Notes and other Indebtedness
incurred after the Issue Date that is pari passu or structurally senior in
right of payment (other than Indebtedness under the Credit Agreement) to the
Notes and is outstanding after taking into account the application of the
proceeds of such disposition or Asset Sale and (ii) two (2).




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         "Credit Agreement" means the credit agreement entered into between
the Company, certain of the Subsidiaries of the Company, the lenders listed
therein and Citicorp USA, Inc., as agent, providing for working capital and
other financing, as the same may at any time be amended, amended and restated,
supplemented or otherwise modified, including any refinancing, refunding,
replacement or extension thereof which provides for working capital and other
financings, whether by the same or any other lender or group of lenders.

         "Currency Hedging Obligations" means with respect to any Person, the
obligations and/or rights of such Person under currency hedging arrangements
designed to protect such Person against currency fluctuations.

         "Default" means any event that is, or after notice or passage of time
or both would be, an Event of Default.

         "Deferred Coupon Notes" means Waxman Industries' $92,797,000
aggregate principal amount at maturity of 12 3/4% Deferred Coupon Notes due
June 1, 2004.

         "Deferred Coupon Note Refinancing Indebtedness" means any
Indebtedness the net proceeds of which are used entirely to refinance, in
whole or in part, the Deferred Coupon Notes provided that (i) such
Indebtedness does not accrue interest prior to June 1, 1999, (ii) after June
1, 1999 such Indebtedness does not accrue interest at a rate per annum in
excess of the rate per annum that the Deferred Coupon Notes, as in existence
on the Issue Date, accrue interest and (iii) such Indebtedness does not
provide for any mandatory redemption, amortization or sinking fund requirement
earlier than six months after the final maturity of the Notes.

         "Disqualified Stock" means, with respect to any Person, any Capital
Stock which, by its terms (or by the terms of any security into which it is
convertible or for which it is exchangeable), or upon the happening of any
event, matures or is mandatorily redeemable, pursuant to a sinking fund
obligation or otherwise, or is exchangeable for Indebtedness, or is redeemable
at the option of the holder thereof, in whole or in part, on or prior to the
maturity date of the Notes.

         "Eligible Sale Proceeds" means an amount equal to the excess of (i)
the net cash proceeds received from any disposition of Capital Stock of
Barnett or any Asset Sale involving WOC over (ii) the Covered Amount.

         "Fair Market Value" or "fair value" means, with respect to any asset
or property, the price which could be negotiated in an arm's-length free
market transaction, for cash, between a willing seller and a willing buyer,
neither of whom is under undue pressure or compulsion to complete the
transaction. With respect to any Person, Fair Market Value shall be determined
by the Board of Directors of such Person (and with respect to the Company or a
Subsidiary of the Company, a majority of the Independent Directors of the
Company) acting in good faith and shall be evidenced by a Board Resolution
delivered to the Trustee.

         "GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles set forth in
the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board of the
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and
pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board or in such other
statements by such other entity as may be approved by a significant segment of
the accounting profession of the United States, which are applicable as of the
date of determination.

         "Indebtedness" means, with respect to any Person, without
duplication, (i) any liability, contingent or otherwise, of such Person (A)
for borrowed money (whether or not the recourse of the lender is to the whole
of the assets of such Person or only to a portion thereof), (B) evidenced by a
note, debenture or similar instrument or letter of credit (including purchase
money obligations but excluding undrawn documentary letters of credit for
trade payables arising in the ordinary course of business) or (C) for the
payment of money relating to a Capitalized Lease Obligation or other
obligation relating to the deferred purchase price of property (other than
trade payables or accrued liabilities arising in the ordinary course of
business); (ii) any liability of others of the kind described in the preceding
clause (i) which the Person has guaranteed or which is otherwise its legal
liability; (iii) any obligation secured by a lien to which the property or
assets of such Person are subject, whether or not the obligations secured
thereby shall have been assumed by or shall otherwise be such Person's legal
liability (the amount of such obligation being deemed to be the lesser of the
fair value of such property or asset or the amount of the obligation so
secured); and (iv) any and all deferrals, renewals, extensions



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and refundings of, or amendments, modifications or supplements to, any liability
of the kind described in any of the preceding clause (i), (ii) or (iii).

         "Independent Director" means any director that (i) is not and has not
been an officer or employee of Waxman Industries or any of its Affiliates,
(ii) does not have any relationship that, in the opinion of the Board of
Directors of the Company (exclusive of any such Independent Director), would
interfere with his/her exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the
responsibilities of directors and (iii) with respect to any transaction or
series of related transactions, does not have any material direct or indirect
financial interest in or with respect to such transaction or series of related
transactions.

         "Intercorporate Agreement" means the Intercorporate Agreement among
Waxman Industries, the Company, Barnett, Consumer Products and WOC dated as of
May 20, 1994, as amended to date.

         "Interest Rate Protection Obligations" means the obligations and/or
rights of any Person pursuant to any arrangement with any other Person,
designed to protect such Person against fluctuations in interest rates,
whereby, directly or indirectly, such Person is entitled to receive from time
to time periodic payments calculated by applying either a floating or a fixed
rate of interest on a stated notional amount in exchange for periodic payments
made by such Person calculated by applying a fixed or a floating rate of
interest on the same notional amount and shall include without limitation,
interest rate swaps, caps, floors, collars and similar agreements.

         "Lien" means any mortgage, lien (statutory or other), pledge,
security interest, encumbrance, claim, hypothecation, assignment for security,
deposit arrangement or preference or other security Agreement of any kind or
nature whatsoever. For purposes of the Indenture, a Person shall be deemed to
own subject to a Lien any property which it has acquired or holds subject to
the interest of a vendor or lessor under any conditional sale Agreement,
capital lease or other title retention Agreement.

         "Material Subsidiary" means, with respect to any Person, any
Subsidiary of such Person which would be a "significant subsidiary" pursuant
to Article 1-02 of Regulation S-X.

         "Net Cash Proceeds" means, with respect to any Asset Sale the
proceeds thereof in the form of cash or Cash Equivalents, including payments
in respect of deferred payment obligations when received in the form of cash
or Cash Equivalents net of (i) brokerage commissions and other reasonable fees
and expenses (including fees and expenses of counsel and investment bankers)
related to such Asset Sale; (ii) provisions for all taxes payable within one
year as a result of such Asset Sale; (iii) payments made to retire
Indebtedness secured by the assets subject to such Asset Sale to the extent
required pursuant to the terms of such Indebtedness; (iv) appropriate amounts
to be provided by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company, as the case
may be, as a reserve, in accordance with GAAP, against any liabilities
associated with such Asset Sale and retained by the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries, as the case may be, after such Asset Sale, including, without
limitation, pension and other post-employment benefit liabilities, liabilities
related to environmental matters and liabilities under any indemnification
obligations associated with such Asset Sale, provided, however, that the
amount of any such reserve at such time that such amount is no longer required
to be provided as a reserve in accordance with GAAP and is not applied to the
liability for which such reserve was established shall be deemed Net Cash
Proceeds; and (v) any amount required to be paid to any Person owning a
beneficial interest in the property or assets sold in an amount proportionate
to such beneficial interest.

         "Net Income" means, with respect to any Person for any period, the
net income (loss) of such Person and its Subsidiaries determined in accordance
with GAAP.

         "Net Proceeds" means with respect to any Person, (a) in the case of
any sale of Capital Stock by such Person or common equity contribution to such
Person, the aggregate net cash proceeds received by such Person after payment
of expenses, commissions and the like, if any, incurred in connection
therewith, (b) in the case of the issuance of any Indebtedness by such Person,
the aggregate net cash proceeds received by such Person, after payment of
expenses, commissions and the like incurred in connection therewith, or (c) in
the case of any exchange, exercise,



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conversion or surrender of outstanding securities of any kind of the Company
for or into shares of Capital Stock of the Company which is not Disqualified
Stock, the net cash proceeds received by the Company upon such exchange,
exercise, conversion or surrender (plus, with respect to the issuance of any
such securities after the Issue Date, the net cash proceeds received by such
person upon the issuance of such securities), less any and all payments made to
the holders, e.g., on account of fractional shares, and less all expenses,
commissions and the like incurred by the Company in connection therewith.

         "Permitted Barnett Secured Indebtedness" means Indebtedness of the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries in an aggregate principal amount not to
exceed $5.0 million that is secured by a Lien described under clause (h) of
the definition of "Permitted Liens" less the principal amount of Permitted
Barnett Secured Indebtedness permanently prepaid pursuant to the "Disposition
of Proceeds of Asset Sales" covenant.

         "Permitted Holders" means Armond Waxman, Melvin Waxman, trusts for
the benefit of any of Armond Waxman, Melvin Waxman or members of their
families, the heirs of or administrators or executors for the respective
estates of Armond Waxman or Melvin Waxman or any Person, entity or group of
Persons controlled by any of the foregoing.

         "Permitted Investments" means (i) obligations of the United States
government due within one year; (ii) certificates of deposit or Eurodollar
deposits due within one year with a commercial bank having capital funds of at
least $500,000,000 or more; (iii) commercial paper rated at least A-1 by
Standard & Poor's Corporation or at least P-1 by Moody's Investors Service,
Inc.; (iv) debt of any state or political subdivision that is rated among the
two highest rating categories obtainable from either Standard & Poor's
Corporation or Moody's Investors Service, Inc. and is due within one year; (v)
repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements relating to marketable
direct obligations issued or unconditionally guaranteed by the United States
Government or issued by any agency thereof and backed by the full faith and
credit of the United States, in each case maturing within one year from the
date of acquisition; provided, however, that the terms of such agreements
comply with the guidelines set forth in the Federal Financial Agreements of
Depository Institutions with Securities Dealers and Others, as adopted by the
Comptroller of the Currency; and (vi) Investments represented by Interest Rate
Protection Obligations and Currency Hedging Agreements.

         "Permitted Liens" means, with respect to any Person, any Lien arising
by reason of (a) any judgment, decree or order of any court, so long as such
Lien is being contested in good faith and is adequately bonded, and any
appropriate legal proceedings which may have been duly initiated for the
review of such judgment, decree or order shall not have been finally
terminated or the period within which such proceedings may be initiated shall
not have expired; (b) taxes, assessments, governmental charges or claims not
yet delinquent or which are being contested in good faith; (c) security for
payment of workers' compensation or other insurance or social security
legislation; (d) security for the performance of tenders, contracts (other
than contracts for the payment of money) or leases (excluding any Capitalized
Lease Obligations); (e) deposits to secure public or statutory obligations, or
in lieu of surety, performance or appeal bonds, entered into in the ordinary
course of business; (f) Liens arising by operation of law in favor of
carriers, warehousemen, landlords, mechanics, materialmen, laborers, employees
or suppliers, incurred in the ordinary course of business for sums which are
not yet delinquent or are being contested in good faith by negotiations or by
appropriate proceedings which suspend the collection thereof; (g) easements,
rights-of-way, zoning and similar covenants and restrictions and other similar
encumbrances or title defects which, in the aggregate, are not substantial in
amount, and which do not in any case materially detract from the value of the
property subject thereto or materially interfere with the ordinary conduct of
the business of such Person or any of its Subsidiaries; (h) Liens on up to
$10.0 million fair value of Barnett Common Stock provided such Liens secure
not more than $5.0 million of Permitted Barnett Secured Indebtedness; and (i)
Liens arising in the ordinary course of business in favor of custom and
revenue authorities to secure payment of custom duties.

         "Person" means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint
venture, association, joint stock company, trust, unincorporated organization,
or government or agency or political subdivision thereof.

         "Preferred Stock" means, with respect to any Person, any and all
shares, interests, participations or other equivalents (however designated) of
such Person's preferred or preference stock whether now outstanding or issued
after the Issue Date, and including, without limitation, all classes and
series of preferred or preference stock of such Person.


                                      65



    

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         "Restricted Payment" means any of the following: (i) the declaration
or payment of any dividend or any other distribution on Capital Stock of the
Company or any Subsidiary of the Company or any payment made to the direct or
indirect holders (in their capacities as such) of Capital Stock of the Company
or any Subsidiary of the Company (other than (x) dividends or distributions
payable solely in Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) or in options,
warrants or other rights to purchase Capital Stock (other than Disqualified
Stock), and (y) in the case of Subsidiaries of the Company, dividends or
distributions payable to the Company or to a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the
Company), (ii) the purchase, redemption or other acquisition or retirement for
value of any Capital Stock of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (iii)
the making of any principal payment on, or the purchase, defeasance,
repurchase, redemption or other acquisition or retirement for value, prior to
any scheduled maturity, scheduled repayment or scheduled sinking fund payment,
of any Indebtedness of the Company which is subordinated in right of payment
to the Notes (other than Indebtedness of the Company acquired in anticipation
of satisfying a sinking fund obligation, principal installment or final
maturity, in each case due within one year of the date of acquisition) and
(iv) the making of any Investment other than pursuant to clause (i), (ii),
(iv) or (v) of the "Limitation on Investments, Loans and Advances" covenant
above.

         "Senior Secured Notes" means the 12 1/4% Fixed Rate Senior Secured
Notes due September 1, 1998 and Floating Rate Senior Secured Notes due
September 1, 1998 of Waxman Industries.

         "Subsidiary" means with respect to any Person (i) a corporation a
majority of whose Capital Stock with voting power, under ordinary
circumstances, to elect directors is at the time, directly or indirectly,
owned by such Person, by one or more Subsidiaries of such Person or by such
Person and one or more Subsidiaries of such Person or (ii) any other Person
(other than a corporation) in which such Person, one or more Subsidiaries of
such Person or such Person and one or more Subsidiaries of such Person,
directly or indirectly, at the date of determination thereof, has at least a
majority ownership interest.

         "Tax Sharing Agreement" means the Tax Sharing Agreement among Waxman
Industries and certain of its subsidiaries, dated as of May 20, 1994, as in
existence on the Issue Date.

         "Trademark License Agreements" means the Trademark License Agreements
among certain of the Operating Companies dated as of May 20, 1994, as in
existence on the Issue Date.

         "Voting Power" means, with respect to any Person, the power under
ordinary circumstances pursuant to the ownership of shares of any class or
classes of Capital Stock to elect at least a majority of the board of
directors, managers or trustees of such Person (irrespective of whether or
not, at the time, stock of any other class or classes shall have, or might
have, voting power by reason of the happening of any contingency).

         "Wholly-Owned Subsidiary" means with respect to any Person any
Subsidiary of such Person, 100% of the Capital Stock of which (other than
shares of Capital Stock representing any director's qualifying shares or
investments by foreign nationals mandated by applicable law) is owned by such
Person, by a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of such Person or by such Person and one
or more Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries of such Person.


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                   DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN OTHER INDEBTEDNESS

THE NEW CREDIT AGREEMENT

         In connection with the Barnett Public Offering, Waxman USA entered
into an amendment and restatement of the Operating Companies Revolving Credit
Facility and Term Loan (the "Restated Credit Agreement") to provide for, among
other things, an approximately one year secured credit facility providing for
revolving credit advances of up to $25.0 million and term loans of up to $5.0
million ("Restated Term Loans") and a release of Barnett from such lending
arrangements. On June 28, 1996, Waxman Industries refinanced the Restated
Credit Agreement with the New Credit Agreement provided by BankAmerica
Business Credit, Inc. The New Credit Agreement provides for, among other
things, an approximately three year secured credit facility providing for
revolving credit advances of up to $30.0 million and New Term Loans of up to
$5.0 million.

         The New Credit Agreement provides for revolving credit advances of up
to 85.0% of the amount of eligible accounts receivable and up to the lesser of
(i) $16,000,000 or (ii) 60% of the amount of eligible raw and finished goods
inventory. Revolving credit advances will bear interest at a rate equal to (a)
Bank of America's reference rate plus 1.0% or (b) LIBOR plus 2.75%. The New
Credit Agreement includes a letter of credit subfacility of $2.0 million. New
Term Loans will bear interest at a rate per annum equal to .25% over the
interest rate applicable to revolving credit advances under the New Credit
Agreement. Borrowings under the New Credit Agreement will be secured by the
accounts receivable, inventory, certain general intangibles and unencumbered
fixed assets of Consumer Products and WOC (the "Borrowers"). In addition, New
Term Loans will also be secured by a pledge of 500,000 shares of Barnett
Common Stock (constituting approximately 3.8% of all outstanding Barnett
Common Stock) owned by the Company. The New Credit Agreement will require the
Borrowers to maintain cash collateral accounts into which all available funds
are deposited and applied to service the facility on a daily basis. The New
Credit Agreement will prevent dividends and distributions by the Borrowers
except in certain limited instances including, so long as there is no Default
or Event of Default, and the Borrowers are in compliance with certain
financial covenants, the payment of interest on the Senior Subordinated Notes
and Deferred Coupon Notes, and will contain customary negative, affirmative
and financial covenants and conditions.

         The New Credit Agreement will contain similar events of default as
those contained in the Restated Credit Agreement, which include the following:
(i) any Borrower shall fail to make any payment of principal or interest or
any other amount due under the agreements related to the New Credit Agreement
or fail to perform any covenant (after the expiration of any applicable grace
period) thereunder, or any representation or warranty made in connection
therewith shall prove to have been incorrect in any material respect when made
or deemed made; (ii) any Borrower shall fail to pay any indebtedness having a
principal amount of $250,000 or more; or any other event shall occur or
condition shall exist under any agreement or instrument relating to any such
indebtedness, if the effect of such event or condition is to accelerate, or to
permit the acceleration of (after the expiration of any applicable period of
grace), the maturity of such indebtedness; or any such indebtedness shall
become or be declared to be due and payable, or required to be repaid (other
than by a regularly scheduled required prepayment), or the Borrowers shall be
required to repurchase or offer to repurchase such indebtedness, prior to the
stated maturity thereof; (iii) certain events of bankruptcy with respect to
the Borrowers; (iv) there shall occur any Change of Control (as defined in the
New Credit Agreement); and (v) there shall occur an event which would have a
Material Adverse Effect (as defined in the New Credit Agreement).

                   CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

         The following discussion of certain income tax consequences is based
on laws, regulations, rulings and decisions now in effect, all of which are
subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis. The discussion does not
cover all aspects of federal taxation that may be relevant to, or the actual
tax effect that any of the matters described herein will have on, particular
Holders, and does not address state, local, foreign or other tax laws. Certain
Holders (including insurance companies, tax-exempt organizations, financial
institutions, broker-dealers, foreign corporations, nonresident aliens,
taxpayers subject to the alternative minimum tax and persons in special
situations such as those that hold the Old Notes or New Notes as part of a
hedging or conversion transaction or straddle) may be subject to special



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<PAGE>




rules not discussed below. The description assumes that Holders of the New
Notes will hold the New Notes as "capital assets" (generally, property held for
investment purposes) within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code. EACH
HOLDER SHOULD CONSULT ITS OWN TAX ADVISOR IN DETERMINING THE FEDERAL, STATE,
LOCAL AND ANY OTHER TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THE PARTICULAR HOLDER OF THE EXCHANGE
OF OLD NOTES FOR NEW NOTES AND THE OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF THE NEW NOTES.

EXCHANGE OF NOTES

         The exchange of Old Notes for New Notes pursuant to the Exchange
Offer should not be treated as an exchange or other taxable event for federal
income tax purposes because, under regulations proposed by the United States
Treasury, the New Notes should not be considered to differ materially in kind
or extent from the Old Notes. Rather, the New Notes received by a Holder
should be treated as a continuation of the Old Notes in the hands of such
Holder. As a result, there should be no federal income tax consequences to
Holders who exchange Old Notes for New Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer
and any such Holder should have the same adjusted basis and holding period in
the New Notes as it had in the Old Notes immediately before the exchange.

HOLDING AND DISPOSITION OF NOTES

         Stated Interest.  Holders of New Notes will include stated interest in
gross income in accordance with their methods of accounting.

         Original Issue Discount. If, as anticipated, neither the Old Notes
nor the Senior Subordinated Notes are considered to be Publicly Traded (and
assuming that the Old Notes are not considered to have been issued in a
potentially abusive transaction), with the result that the issue price of the
Old Notes equals their principal amount, the New Notes, as a continuation of
the Old Notes, will not be considered to bear OID. In the event that the issue
price is otherwise determined, the New Notes will be considered to bear OID to
the extent that their principal amount exceeds their issue price at the time
of the issuance of the Old Notes (provided that such excess is not less than
1/4 of 1% multiplied by the product of the principal amount and the number of
complete years to maturity of the Old Notes). Each holder of a New Note will
be required to include in gross income for each taxable year the sum of the
daily portions of OID attributable to each day during the taxable year in
which such holder held the New Notes. Such daily portion is determined by
allocating to each day a ratable portion of the OID allocable to the accrual
period in which such day is included. The amount of OID allocable to each full
accrual period is the product of the adjusted issue price of the New Notes at
the beginning of such accrual period and the yield to maturity of the New
Notes, less the amount of stated interest allocable to the accrued period. The
adjusted issue price of a New Note at the beginning of an accrual period is
equal to its issue price, increased by any prior accruals of OID and decreased
by the amount of any payments previously made on the New Notes, other than
payments of stated interest.

         Disposition of New Notes. If a New Note is redeemed, sold or
otherwise disposed of, a Holder thereof generally will recognize gain or loss
equal to the difference between the amount realized on the redemption, sale or
other disposition of such New Note and such Holder's adjusted basis in the New
Note. A Holder's tax basis in a New Note will be increased by the amount of
any OID that is includible in such Holder's income. Subject to the market
discount rules discussed below, such gain or loss will be capital gain or loss
and will be long-term capital gain or loss if, on the date of the sale, the
Holder has a holding period for the New Notes (which would include the holding
period of the Old Notes) of more than one year.

         Market Discount. Under the market discount rules of the Code, an
exchanging Holder (other than a Holder who made the election described below)
who purchased an Old Note with "market discount" (generally defined as the
amount by which the adjusted issue price of the Old Note on the Holder's date
of purchase exceeds the Holder's purchase price) will be required to treat any
gain recognized on the redemption, sale or other disposition of the New Note
received in the exchange as ordinary income to the extent of the market
discount that accrued during the holding period of such New Note (which would
include the holding period of the Old Note). Further, the Code requires that
partial principal payments on a market discount bond be included in gross
income to the extent that such payments do not exceed the accrued market
discount on such bond. A Holder of an Old Note who has acquired an Old Note
who has not made the election described below also will be required to defer
deduction of a portion of interest on debt incurred on continued




                                      68



    

<PAGE>



to purchase or carry the Old Note or New Note until disposition of the New Note
in a taxable transaction. A Holder who has elected under applicable Code
provisions to include market discount in income annually as such discount
accrues will not, however, be required to treat any gain recognized as ordinary
income under these rules. Holders should consult their tax advisors as to the
portion of any gain that would be taxable as ordinary income under these
provisions. Subsequent holders who acquire New Notes at a market discount also
will be subject to these rules.

         Acquisition Premium. An exchanging Holder who acquired an Old Note
(or a subsequent Holder of a New Note who acquires such New Note) at a cost in
excess of its adjusted issue price (i.e., its original issue price increased
by the portion of OID previously includible in the gross income of all prior
holders, determined without regard to any reduction of OID attributable to any
acquisition premium paid by prior holders, and decreased by all payments
previously made thereon) immediately after such acquisition, but less than or
equal to its stated redemption price at maturity, will be considered to have
purchased such Note at an "acquisition premium." Under the acquisition premium
rules contained in the Code, such Holder generally would be entitled to a
reduction in the amount of interest otherwise includible in income with
respect to such Note.

         Amortizable Bond Premium. Generally, if the initial tax basis of an
Old Note (or a New Note in the case of a subsequent Holder of a New Note) for
a holder exceeds its stated redemption price at maturity (which will be
determined by reference to an earlier call date if the call price would reduce
the amount of premium), such excess may be treated as "amortizable bond
premium" that is allocated among the interest payments on the Old Note (and
the New Note after the Exchange) using a constant interest rate method over
the Old Note's remaining term. In such case, a holder will not have to report
any OID in income. The amount allocated to each interest payment would be
applied against and reduce the amount of such interest payment (with a
corresponding reduction in basis). This interest offset would be available
only if an election under Section 171 of the Code is made or is in effect.
This election would apply to all debt instruments held or subsequently
acquired by the electing holder on or after the first day of the first taxable
year to which the election applies and may not be revoked without the consent
of the IRS.

Applicable High-Yield Discount Obligation Rules. The otherwise allowable
deductions for accrued OID on debt instruments issued by a corporation will be
deferred, and in certain circumstances subject to disallowance in part, if
such debt instruments constitute applicable high yield discount obligations
("AHYDOs"). The New Notes will constitute AHYDOs if: (i) the yield to maturity
of the New Notes exceed the relevant applicable federal rate at the time of
issue of the Old Notes (the "AFR") by more than 5 percentage points and (ii)
contrary to the Company's expectations, they have "significant original issue
discount" as defined in Section 163(i)(2) of the Code. If the New Notes
constitute AHYDOs then the Company will not be entitled to deduct OID accruing
with respect thereto until such interest is actually paid. In addition, if the
yield to maturity of the New Notes exceeds the AFR by more than 6 percentage
points then a portion of such interest corresponding to such excess (i) will
not be deductible by the Company at any time and (ii) may be eligible for the
dividends received deduction available to corporate holders in certain
circumstances.

BACKUP WITHHOLDING AND INFORMATION REPORTING

         In general, payments of principal (including any amounts in respect
of OID), premium, and any accrued interest with respect to a New Note, and the
proceeds of a sale of a New Note within the United States will be subject to
information reporting, and possibly to "backup withholding" at a rate of 31%
if the Holder fails to provide its taxpayer identification number on Service
Form W-9, or otherwise fails to establish an exemption from backup
withholding.


                                USE OF PROCEEDS

         There will be no proceeds to the Company from the exchange pursuant
to the Exchange Offer.

                              PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

         A broker-dealer holding Old Notes may participate in the Exchange
Offer provided that it acquired the Old Notes for its own account as a result
of market-making or other trading activities. Each broker-dealer that receives
New Notes for its own account pursuant to the Exchange Offer must acknowledge
that it will deliver a prospectus in




                                      69



    

<PAGE>



connection with any resale of such New Notes. This Prospectus, as it may be
amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used by a broker-dealer in
connection with resales of New Notes received in exchange for Old Notes where
such Old Notes were acquired as a result of market-making activities or other
trading activities. For a period of 180 days after the Expiration Date, the
Company will make this Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, available to any
broker-dealer for use in connection with any such resale.

         The Company will not receive any proceeds from any sale of New Notes
by broker-dealers. New Notes received by broker-dealers for their own account
pursuant to the Exchange Offer may be sold from time to time in one or more
transactions in the over-the-counter market, in negotiated transactions,
through the writing of options on the New Notes or a combination of such
methods of resale, at market prices prevailing at the time of resale, at
prices related to such prevailing market prices or negotiated prices. Any such
resale may be made directly to purchasers or to or through brokers or dealers
who may receive compensation in the form of commissions or concessions from
any such broker-dealer and/or the purchasers of any such New Notes. Any
broker-dealer that resells New Notes that were received by it for its own
account pursuant to the Exchange Offer and any broker or dealer that
participates in a distribution of such New Notes may be deemed to be an
"underwriter" within the meaning of the Act and any profit on any such resale
of New Notes and any commissions or concessions received by any such persons
may be deemed to be underwriting compensation under the Act. The Letter of
Transmittal states that by acknowledging that it will deliver and by
delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it
is an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Act.

         For a period of 180 days after the Expiration Date the Company will
promptly send additional copies of this Prospectus and any amendment or
supplement to this Prospectus to any broker-dealer that requests such
documents in the Letter of Transmittal. The Company has agreed to pay all
expenses incident to the Exchange Offer other than commissions or concessions
of any brokers or dealers and will indemnify the holders of the Notes
(including any broker-dealers) against certain liabilities, including
liabilities under the Act.

                                 LEGAL MATTERS

         The legality of the securities covered by this Prospectus has been
passed upon by Shereff, Friedman, Hoffman & Goodman, LLP, New York, New York,
counsel to the Company.

                                    EXPERTS

         The audited consolidated financial statements of the Company as of
June 30, 1994 and 1995 and for each of the three years in the period ended
June 30, 1995 included in this Prospectus and elsewhere in this Registration
Statement have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public
accountants, as indicated in their report with respect thereto, and are
included herein in reliance upon the authority of said firm as experts in
giving said reports. Reference is made to said report which includes an
explanatory paragraph with respect to the change in method of accounting for
certain distribution center start-up and catalog development costs as
discussed in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements.


                                      70



    





                        WAXMAN USA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                         INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                                                                         Page



  Report of Independent Public Accountants                                F-2
  Consolidated Financial Statements:
  Consolidated Balance Sheets                                             F-3
  Consolidated Statements of OPERATIONS                                   F-4

  Consolidated Statements of Stockholder's Equity                         F-5
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows                                   F-6
  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                              F-7






                                                        F-1




    
<PAGE>





                        WAXMAN USA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                    REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

To the Stockholder and Board of Directors of Waxman USA Inc.:

         We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Waxman
USA Inc., (a Delaware corporation) and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of June
30, 1994 and 1995, and the related consolidated statements of ^ OPERATIONS,
stockholder's equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended June 30, 1995. These consolidated financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these consolidated 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 audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. 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 Waxman USA Inc. and
subsidiaries as of June 30, 1994 and 1995, and the results of their operations
and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended June 30,
1995, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

         As explained in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements,
effective July 1, 1992, the Company changed its method of accounting for
certain distribution center start-up and catalog development costs.


Cleveland, Ohio,                                          Arthur Andersen LLP
March 29, 1996.






                                      F-2




    
<PAGE>





                        WAXMAN USA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                       (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
             (AMOUNTS AND DISCLOSURES AS OF MARCH 31, 1995 AND 1996
               AND FOR THE NINE MONTHS THEN ENDED ARE UNAUDITED)

                                                     JUNE 30,          MARCH 31,
                                                 1994        1995         1996
                                                -------    ---------     ------
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
   CASH                                            $2,065      $2,062    $1,792
   ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE, NET                        36,343      33,440    34,772
   INVENTORIES                                     79,112      70,931    66,588
   PREPAID EXPENSES                                 4,718       4,662     4,627
                                                    -----       -----     -----
         TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS                     122,238     111,095   107,779
                                                  -------     -------   -------
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:
   LAND                                               394         394       423
   BUILDINGS                                        8,634      10,035    10,389
   EQUIPMENT                                       18,174      16,996    18,432
                                                   ------      ------    ------
                                                   27,202      27,425    29,244
   LESS ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION AND
    AMORTIZATION
                                                 (14,240)    (13,274)  (15,509)
                                                 --------    --------  --------
                                                   12,962      14,151    13,735
                                                   ------      ------    ------
COST OF BUSINESSES IN EXCESS
 OF NET ASSETS ACQUIRED,
 NET                                               24,621      23,857    23,319
UNAMORTIZED DEBT ISSUANCE COSTS                     6,468       5,553     4,739
OTHER ASSETS                                        3,345       2,413     4,590
                                                    -----       -----     -----
                                                 $169,634    $157,069  $154,162
                                                 ========    ========  ========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
 CURRENT PORTION OF LONG-TERM DEBT                 $3,250       5,704    $5,597
 ACCOUNTS PAYABLE                                  17,742      19,070    22,568
 ACCRUED LIABILITIES                                4,716       5,862     7,035
                                                   ======      ======     ======
 ACCRUED INTEREST                                   1,919       1,929     2,637
                                                   ======      ======     ======
         TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES                 27,627      32,565     37,837
                                                   ------      ------    ------
LONG-TERM DEBT, NET OF CURRENT PORTION             53,372      54,693    49,944
PUSH-DOWN DEBT                                     87,425      87,536    81,897
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
 PREFERRED STOCK, $0.10 PAR VALUE PER SHARE;
 AUTHORIZED AND UNISSUED 1,000
 SHARES                                                --          --        --
 COMMON STOCK, $0.01 PAR VALUE PER SHARE; 9,000
 SHARES AUTHORIZED; 100 SHARES ISSUED AND
 OUTSTANDING                                           --          --        --

 PAID-IN CAPITAL                                   21,462      21,462    21,462
 RETAINED DEFICIT                                (13,157)    (12,654)     (736)
 ADVANCES TO WAXMAN INDUSTRIES, INC.              (7,095)    (26,533)  (36,242)
                                                  -------    --------  --------
         TOTAL STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY                 1,210    (17,725)  (15,516)
                                                    -----    --------  --------
                                                 $169,634    $157,069  $154,162
                                                 ========    ========  ========

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





                                      F-3




    
<PAGE>





                        WAXMAN USA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                                 (in thousands)
             (Amounts and disclosures as of March 31, 1995 and 1996
               and for the nine months then ended are unaudited)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                        Nine Months Ended
                                                      Fiscal Year Ended June 30,            March 31,
                                                 ------------------------------------   -------------------------

<S>                                                <C>             <C>          <C>        <C>           <C>
                                                   1993            1994         1995       1995          1996
                                                 --------        -------      --------   --------      ------
Net sales                                        $198,443       $213,571      $232,304   $177,161      $175,477
Cost of sales                                     133,177        139,262       152,368    115,559       123,239
                                                 --------       --------      --------   --------      --------
   Gross profit                                    65,266         74,309        79,936     61,602        52,238
 SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE expenses     50,526         53,321        58,590     43,787        46,207
 Corporate charge                                    3,946          4,217         3,891      3,164         2,521
Restructuring and other non-recurring charges       3,543             --         2,779         --            --
                                                 --------       --------      --------   --------      --------
   Operating income                                 7,251         16,771        14,676     14,651         3,510
Interest expense                                   13,321         13,790        18,952     13,735        13,567
                                                 --------       --------      --------   --------      --------
   Income (loss) from continuing operations
    before provision (benefit) for income
    taxes and cumulative effect of change
    in accounting                                 (6,070)          2,981       (4,276)        916      (10,057)

Provision (benefit) for income taxes              (1,600)          1,500       (1,100)        550       (2,990)
                                                 --------       --------      --------   --------      --------
   Income (loss) from continuing operations
   before cumulative effect of change in
   accounting                                     (4,470)          1,481       (3,176)        366       (7,067)
(Loss) on and reversal of loss on disposal of
Consumer Products, net of tax                          --             --       (6,600)         --         6,600
                                                 --------       --------      --------   --------      --------
   Income (loss) before cumulative effect of
   change in accounting                           (4,470)          1,481       (9,776)        366         (467)
Cumulative effect of change in accounting for
   distribution center start-up and catalog
   development costs, net of tax benefit            1,266             --            --         --            --
                                                 --------       --------      --------   --------      --------
Net income (loss)                                $(5,736)         $1,481      $(9,776)       $366        $(467)
                                                 ========       ========      ========   ========      ========
</TABLE>

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





                                                        F-4




    
<PAGE>



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         WAXMAN USA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                                  CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
                                                  (IN THOUSANDS)
                              (AMOUNTS AND DISCLOSURES AS OF MARCH 31, 1995 AND 1996
                                 AND FOR THE NINE MONTHS THEN ENDED ARE UNAUDITED)


                                                                                              Advances           Total
                                       Preferred     Common    Paid-in        Retained        to Waxman      Stockholder's
                                         Stock         Stock   Capital         Deficit     Industries, Inc.      Equity

<S>                              <C>               <C>           <C>          <C>              <C>                <C>

Balance June 30, 1992                    $  --           $  --          $29,843     $(47,974)         $37,912          $19,781
   Net loss                                                                           (5,736)                           (5,736)
   Capital contribution from parent,
      net                                                                              7,462                             7,462
   Advances to parent, net                                                                             (2,040)          (2,040)
   Currency translation adjustment                                                      (144)                             (144)
                                       -------        -------           -------      -------          -------          -------
Balance June 30, 1993                       --             --            29,843      (46,392)          35,872           19,323
   Net income                                                                          1,481                             1,481
   Capital contribution from parent,
      net                                                                             32,125                            32,125
   Advances to parent, net                                                                               (120)            (120)
   Contribution of intercompany
   balances with
   Waxman Industries, Inc. in
   connection with the Corporate                                         42,847                       (42,847)              --
   Restructuring
   Dividend to Waxman Industries,
   Inc. in connection with the
   Corporate Restructuring                                              (51,228)                                       (51,228)
   Currency translation adjustment                                                      (371)                             (371)
                                       -------        -------           -------      -------          -------          -------
Balance June 30, 1994                      --              --            21,462      (13,157)          (7,095)           1,210
   Net loss                                                                           (9,776)                           (9,776)
   Capital contribution from parent,
      net                                                                             10,298                            10,298
   Advances to parent, net                                                                            (19,438)         (19,438)
   Currency translation adjustment                                                       (19)                              (19)
                                       -------        -------           -------      -------          -------          -------
Balance June 30, 1995                      --              --            21,462      (12,654)         (26,533)         (17,725)
   Net loss (unaudited)                                                                 (467)                             (467)
   Capital contribution from parent,
   net (unaudited)                                                                    12,715                            12,715
   Advances to parent, net (unaudited)
                                                                                                       (9,709)          (9,709)
   Currency translation adjustment
   (unaudited)                                                                          (330)                             (330)
                                       -------        -------           -------      -------          -------          -------
Balance March 31, 1996 (unaudited)   $    --         $    --            $21,462        $(736)        $(36,242)        $(15,516)
                                       =======        =======           =======      =======         ========          =======
</TABLE>


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





                                                              F-5




    
<PAGE>



   


                        WAXMAN USA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                 (in thousands)
             (Amounts and disclosures as of March 31, 1995 and 1996
               and for the nine months then ended are unaudited)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                             Nine Months Ended
                                                                      Fiscal Year Ended June 30,                 March 31,
                                                               --------------------------------------      ------------------
                                                                   1993         1994          1995          1995         1996
                                                                   ----         ----          ----          ----         ----
<S>                                                          <C>          <C>           <C>            <C>          <C>

CASH FROM (USED FOR):
Operations:
      Net income (loss)                                         $(5,736)       $1,481    $(9,776)         $366         $(467)
      Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash
      provided by (used for) operations:
         Cumulative effect of change in accounting                 2,110           --         --            --            --
         Restructuring and other non-cash charges                  3,543           --      2,779            --        11,000
         Loss on (reversal of loss on) disposal of
         Consumer Products                                            --           --     11,000            --       (11,000)
         Depreciation and amortization                             8,401        7,108      8,278         6,077         6,378
         Bad Debt provision                                          695          617        692           591         3,137
   Changes in assets and liabilities:
         Accounts receivable, net                                 (2,704)      (1,692)       576          (728)       (4,469)
         Inventories                                                 609       (8,486)     1,270        (3,437)        2,237
         Prepaid expenses                                            342           59       (144)          205            35
         Accounts payable                                         (7,973)        (201)      (972)          309         3,498
         Accrued liabilities                                        (429)         237     (1,297)        4,652         1,881
         Other, net                                                 (144)        (371)       (19)          (79)         (330)

         Net cash provided by (used for) operations               (1,286)      (1,248)    12,387         7,956        11,900
                                                               ---------    ---------  ---------     ---------     ---------
Investments:
     Capital expenditures, net                                    (1,396)      (3,338)    (3,995)       (2,527)       (1,877)
     Change in other assets                                       (2,881)      (1,222)    (2,381)       (1,046)       (2,719)
                                                               ---------    ---------  ---------     ---------     ---------
         Net cash used for investments                            (4,277)      (4,560)    (6,376)       (3,573)       (4,596)
                                                               ---------    ---------  ---------     ---------     ---------
Financing:
    BORROWINGS under credit agreements                                88       54,891    241,953       185,485       175,465
                                                                      ==       ======    =======       =======       =======
   Payments under credit agreements                                 (174)     (15,948)  (237,178)     (180,592)     (177,321)
                                                                     ===       ======    =======       =======       =======
   Borrowings under (repayment of) term loan                          --       15,000     (1,000)       (1,000)       (3,000)
   Push-down debt                                                     --      (23,000)        --            --        (5,724)
   Debt issuance costs                                                --       (4,515)      (649)         (649)           --
   Advances to Waxman Industries, Inc., net                       (2,040)     (42,967)   (19,438)      (12,263)        (9,709)
   Capital contribution from parent, net                           7,462       32,125     10,298         4,874         12,715
   Net dividend to parent in connection with the Corporate
     Restructuring                                                  --         (8,381)        --            --             --
                                                               ---------    ---------  ---------     ---------      ---------
         Net cash provided by (used for) financing                 5,336        7,205     (6,014)       (4,145)        (7,574)
                                                               ---------    ---------  ---------     ---------      ---------
Net increase (decrease) in cash                                     (227)       1,397         (3)          238           (270)
Balance beginning of period                                          895          668      2,065         2,065          2,062
                                                               ---------    ---------  ---------     ---------      ---------
Balance end of period                                               $668       $2,065     $2,062        $2,303         $1,792
                                                               =========    =========  ==========    =========      =========
</TABLE>

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

    



                                      F-6




    
<PAGE>




                        WAXMAN USA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
             (AMOUNTS AND DISCLOSURES AS OF MARCH 31, 1995 AND 1996
               AND FOR THE NINE MONTHS THEN ENDED ARE UNAUDITED)

1.       SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

         A.       BASIS OF CONSOLIDATION AND REORGANIZATION

         The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the
accounts of Waxman USA Inc. ("Waxman USA") and its wholly-owned subsidiaries
(collectively, the "Company"). All significant intercompany transactions and
balances are eliminated in consolidation.

         Waxman USA, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Waxman Industries, Inc.
("Waxman Industries"), was formed on February 2, 1994. During fiscal 1994,
Waxman Industries restructured its domestic operations such that Waxman
Industries is now a holding company whose only material assets are the capital
stock of its subsidiaries (the "Corporate Restructuring"). As part of the
Corporate Restructuring, Waxman Industries formed (a) Waxman USA as a holding
company for the subsidiaries that comprise and support Waxman Industries'
domestic operations, (b) Waxman Consumer Products Group Inc. ("Consumer
Products"), to own and operate Consumer Products Group Division, and (c) WOC
Inc. ("WOC"), to own and operate Waxman USA's domestic subsidiaries, other than
Barnett Inc. ("Barnett") and Consumer Products. On May 20, 1994, Waxman
completed the Corporate Restructuring by (i) contributing the capital stock of
Barnett to Waxman USA, (ii) contributing the assets and liabilities of the
Consumer Products Group Division to Consumer Products, (iii) contributing the
assets and liabilities of Madison Equipment Division to WOC, (iv) contributing
the assets and liabilities of Medal Distributing Division to WOC, (v) merging
U.S. Lock Corporation and LeRan Copper & Brass Inc. into WOC, (vi) contributing
the capital stock of TWI International, Inc. ("TWI") to Waxman USA and (vii)
contributing the capital stock of Western American Manufacturing Inc. ("WAMI")
to TWI. The "Operating Companies" consist of Barnett, Consumer Products and
WOC. This restructuring was accounted for based upon each entity's historical
carrying amounts.

         The Company operates in a single business segment - the distribution
of plumbing, electrical and hardware products. Substantially all of the
Company's business is conducted in the United States.

         B.       RESTRICTED CASH BALANCES

         In accordance with the terms of the Operating Companies Credit
Facility (as defined in Note 5), all of the Operating Companies' available cash
is pledged to the lenders and is required to be used to pay down borrowings
under the Operating Companies Credit Facility on a daily basis.

         C.       ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

         Accounts receivable are presented net of allowances for doubtful
accounts of $1,353 and $1,422 at June 30, 1994 and 1995, respectively and
$4,137 at March 31, 1996. BAD DEBT EXPENSE TOTALED $695 IN 1993, $617 IN 1994,
$692 IN 1995 AND $3,137 IN THE NINE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1996.

         The Company sells plumbing, electrical and hardware products
throughout the United States to do-it-yourself retailers, mass merchandisers,
smaller independent retailers and plumbing, electrical repair and remodeling
contractors. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers'
financial condition. The Company's largest customer accounted for 12% of net
sales in 1993, 13% in 1994, 14% in 1995 and 11% for the nine months ended March
31, 1996. The Company's ten largest customers accounted for approximately 24%
of net sales in 1993, 25% in 1994, 24% in 1995 and 20% for the nine months
ended March 31, 1996 and approximately 29% and 25% of accounts receivable at
June 30, 1994 and 1995, respectively.

         D.       INVENTORIES

         At June 30, 1994 and 1995 and March 31, 1996, inventories, consisting
primarily of finished goods, are carried at the lower of first-in, first-out
(FIFO) cost or market. The Company regularly evaluates its inventory carrying
value, with appropriate consideration given to any excess, slow-moving and/or
nonsalable inventories. THE COMPANY RECORDED A $3.3 MILLION CHARGE IN THE NINE
MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1996 IN CONNECTION WITH ITS EVALUATION OF ITS INVENTORY
CARRYING VALUE DURING ITS REVIEW OF THE STRATEGIC DIRECTION OF CONSUMER
PRODUCTS (SEE NOTE 12).





                                      F-7







    
<PAGE>





         E.       PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

         Property and equipment are stated at cost. For financial reporting
purposes, buildings and equipment are depreciated on a straight-line basis over
the estimated useful lives of the assets at annual depreciation rates ranging
from 2 1/2% to 30%. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line
basis over the term of the lease or the useful life of the asset, whichever is
shorter. For income tax purposes, accelerated methods are used. Depreciation
expense totaled $2,320 in 1993, $2,419 in 1994, $2,534 in 1995 and $1,988 and
$2,293 for the nine months ended March 31, 1995 and 1996, respectively.

         F.       OTHER ASSETS

         Other assets consist principally of deposits and capitalized
transaction costs related to the Barnett Public Offering and Private Exchange
Offer (defined in Note 12). Such transaction costs will be written-off in the
quarter ending June 30, 1996.


         G.       Earnings Per Share

         The Company, as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Waxman Industries, had
minimal common shares outstanding. As such, historical earnings per share
amounts are not considered meaningful.

         H.     Cost of Businesses in Excess of Net Assets Acquired

         Cost of businesses in excess of net assets acquired is being amortized
primarily over 40 years using the straight-line method. Management has
evaluated its accounting for goodwill ON AN ORIGINATING ENTITY BASIS,
considering such factors as historical profitability and current UNDISCOUNTED
operating cash flows and believes that the asset is realizable and the
amortization period is appropriate under the Company's present strategic
direction. MANAGEMENT CONTINUES TO REEVALUATE THE REALIZABILITY OF THIS ASSETS
AS IT REVIEWS ITS STRATEGIC DIRECTION. Goodwill amortization expense totaled
$721 in 1993, $724 in 1994, $764 in 1995, and $538 for the nine months ended
March 31, 1995 and 1996. Accumulated amortization totaled $4,469, $5,233 and
$5,771 at June 30, 1994 and 1995 and March 31, 1996, respectively.

          I.     Unamortized Debt Issuance Costs

         Unamortized debt issuance costs relate to the long-term and push-down
debt (see Note 5) and are amortized over the life of the related debt.

          J.     Foreign Currency Translation

         All balance sheet accounts of foreign subsidiaries are translated at
the exchange rate as of the end of the fiscal year. Income statement items are
translated at the average currency exchange rates during the fiscal year. The
resulting translation adjustment is recorded as a component of stockholder's
equity. Foreign currency transaction gains or losses are included in the
consolidated statements of income as incurred.

          K.     Financial Statement 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 at the
date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and
expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those
estimates. Management estimated the loss on disposal of the Consumer Products
business to be $6.6 million, net of applicable income tax of $4.4 million as of
June 30, 1995. Refer to Notes 2 and 12 for further discussion of the loss on
disposal of the Consumer Products business.

          L.     Impact of New Accounting Standards

         The Financial Accounting Standards Board has issued SFAS No. 121,
"Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets
to be Disposed of," and SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation." The Company will recognize a charge in the fourth quarter for
the impairment of long-lived assets at Consumer Products and other certain
smaller divisions. Management is currently evaluating the impact, if any, the
adoption of SFAS No. 123 will have on the financial statements. Management
expects to adopt SFAS No. 121 by June 30, 1996 and SFAS No. 123 when
practicable, but no later than the first quarter of fiscal 1997.



                                      F-8



    
<PAGE>
         M.     Interim Unaudited Financial Information

         The financial statements as of and for the nine months ended March 31,
1995 and 1996 are unaudited; however, in the opinion of management, all
adjustments (consisting solely of normal recurring adjustments excluding an
$11.0 million charge recorded by the Consumer Products business described in
Note 12) necessary for a fair presentation of the unaudited financial
statements for these interim periods have been included. The results of interim
periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be obtained for a full
year.

2.       DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

         In August 1995, Waxman Industries announced its decision to sell the
Consumer Products business and entered into a letter of intent, which
subsequently expired, to sell the business for $50.0 million in cash. Consumer
Products markets and distributes its products primarily to mass merchandisers
and large D-I-Y retailers while Barnett's focus is directed primarily to repair
and remodeling contractors, independent hardware stores and maintenance
managers. As such, Consumer Products was reported as a discontinued operation
as of June 30, 1995 and an estimated loss on disposal of $6.6 million, net of
applicable income tax of $4.4 million, was recorded. Since the consummation of
the Barnett Public Offering, described in Note 12, the Company has ceased its
efforts to sell Consumer Products and instead retains and continues to operate
Consumer Products. Effective March 28, 1996, Consumer Products' results are
included as a continuing operation. Prior periods have been restated to conform
to the current period presentation. Refer to Note 12 -- Subsequent Events for
further discussion.

         Net assets related to Consumer Products at June 30, 1995 consisted of
working capital of $51,944, net property and equipment of $5,278, other assets
of $10,332 and bank debt of $2,689, without any allowance for the estimated
loss on disposal. Consumer Products' net sales were $71,971 and operating
income was $3,045 in fiscal 1995. The fiscal 1995 operating income was
negatively impacted by a restructuring charge of $2,779 discussed in Note 4
below.

3.       CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING

         Effective July 1, 1992, the Company accelerated its amortization of
certain distribution center start-up costs and catalog development costs. The
Company had historically amortized such costs over a period not to exceed five
years which, in management's opinion, represented the period over which
economic benefits were received. The acceleration of amortization was made to
conform with prevailing industry practice. By accelerating amortization,
certain costs associated with the opening of new distribution center operations
are amortized over a period of twelve months commencing the month in which the
distribution center opens. Costs associated with the development and
introduction of new catalogs are amortized over the life of the catalog, not to
exceed a period of one year.

         The cumulative effect of this change on years prior to 1993 totaled
$1,266 (net of applicable income tax benefit of $844) and is reported
separately in the fiscal 1993 consolidated statement of OPERATION. The
additional effect of the change in fiscal 1993 was to decrease the income from
continuing operations before provision for income taxes and cumulative effect
of change in accounting by $1,191. This is primarily the result of the
introduction of a new maintenance products catalog and, in management's
opinion, is not necessarily indicative of the expected impact of accelerated
amortization on future years.

4.       RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER NON-RECURRING CHARGES

   
         During the fourth quarter of 1993, as a result of certain actions
taken as a part of its strategy to refocus and build on its existing core
businesses, the Company recorded a $3,543 restructuring charge. The provision
for restructuring charge included $2,000 for an estimate of the loss to be
incurred upon the sale of two entities, including anticipated operating results
through the projected disposal dates. The Company was unable to come to terms
with the prospective buyer of the two entities. The Company evaluated the net
realizable value of the carrying value of the assets previously held for sale
in accordance with its normal ongoing policy regarding impairment and concluded
that no further writedown of the net carrying value of the assets was required
in excess of the reserve previously established. Therefore, the reversal of the
accrued loss on disposal in fiscal 1994 was offset by the writedown of assets to
net realizable value.
    
         The remainder of the 1993 restructuring charge included $1,543 of
costs incurred to consolidate administrative functions and transfer two of
Consumer Products' domestic packaging facilities to Mexico. These costs
principally consist of lease and severance termination costs of $500,
relocation costs, including payroll and freight costs of $500 and a write-off
of fixed assets of $100.

   
         During the fourth quarter of 1995, the Company downsized Consumer
Products' distribution network from four locations to three and as a result
incurred warehouse closure costs of $2,779, which included $635 of future LEASE
costs to be incurred relating to such closure. The remaining accrual at
March 31, 1996 is $400.
    
                                      F-9



    
<PAGE>


5.       DEBT

         A.       HISTORICAL

         Total historical debt consisted of the following:



                                                      June 30,      March 31,
                                                   1994      1995     1996
                                                --------  --------   ------
Operating Companies Credit Facility             $39,378   $43,708    $42,066
Term Loan                                        15,000    14,000     11,000
Other notes, maturing through 2007,
 bearing interest at rates ranging
 from 7.6% to 9.8%, secured by the
 land and building of TWI.                        2,244     2,689      2,475
                                                 ------    ------     ------
         Subtotal-long-term debt                 56,622    60,397     55,541
Less:  current portion                           (3,250)   (5,704)    (5,597)
                                                -------   -------    -------
    Long-term debt, net of current portion      $53,372   $54,693    $49,944
                                                =======   =======    =======


         On May 20, 1994, the Operating Companies entered into a $55 million
secured credit facility with an affiliate of Citibank, N.A., as agent, which
includes a $20 million letter of credit subfacility (the "Operating Companies
Credit Facility"). The Operating Companies Credit Facility has an initial term
of three years. The Operating Companies Credit Facility is subject to borrowing
base formulas. Interest is based, at the Company's option, on either (i) the
prime rate of Citibank, N.A. plus 1.5%, or (ii) LIBOR plus 3.0%. These rates
will be increased by 0.5% until such time as the term loan, discussed below,
has been repaid in full. The weighted average interest rate on borrowings
outstanding under the Operating Companies Credit Facility was 9.3% during
fiscal 1995. The Company is required to pay a commitment fee of 0.5% per annum
on the unused commitment. The Operating Companies Credit Facility is secured by
the accounts receivable, inventory, certain general intangibles and
unencumbered fixed assets of the Operating Companies and 65% of the capital
stock of one subsidiary of TWI. The agreement requires that the Company
maintain minimum amounts of fixed charge coverage, net worth, and EBITDA to
total cash interest ratios and not exceed specified amounts of leverage and
capital expenditures. In addition, the agreement restricts the Company's
ability to advance or dividend cash to Waxman Industries. The Company was in
compliance with all covenants at June 30, 1995.

         On May 20, 1994, the Operating Companies also entered into a $15
million three-year term loan with Citibank, N.A., as agent (the "Term Loan").
The Term Loan bears interest at a rate per annum equal to 1.5% over the
interest rate under the Operating Companies Credit Facility and is secured by a
junior lien on the collateral under the Operating Companies Credit Facility.
Principal payments on the Term Loan of $1.0 million each are required
quarterly. The Term Loan's financial covenants are identical to the covenants
contained in the Operating Companies Credit Facility.

         In September 1995, the Operating Companies entered into an amendment
to the Operating Companies Credit Facility and Term Loan which amended certain
definitions contained therein to eliminate the impact of Consumer Products'
loss on disposal as well as its warehouse closure charge from the financial
covenant calculations. In addition, the amendment modified certain of the
financial covenants.

         On April 3, 1996, the Company entered into an amendment and
restatement of the Operating Companies Credit Facility and Term Loan. Refer to
Note 12-Subsequent Events for further discussion.

         B.       PUSH-DOWN DEBT

         As discussed in Note 12, the Company offered to exchange $48.75
million of 11 1/8% Senior Notes due 2001 (the "Exchange Notes") for the 13 3/4%
Senior Subordinated Notes of Waxman Industries. Approximately $43.03 million of
Senior Subordinated Notes were exchanged on April 3, 1996. Also, as discussed
in Note 12, the Company and Barnett sold 55.1% of the common stock of Barnett.
As such, in accordance with certain Securities and Exchange Commission rules,
the consolidated financial statements presented herein have been adjusted to
reflect push-down adjustments from Waxman Industries, including debt which the
Company or Waxman Industries intend to refinance, or that is guaranteed by the
Company, together with related interest expense and debt issuance costs.
Borrowings that were secured by the inventories and accounts receivable of
certain


                                      F-10




    
<PAGE>


subsidiaries of the Company have also been pushed down. The push-down
adjustments have been made for all periods presented in the accompanying
consolidated financial statements. Debt pushed-down from Waxman Industries
consisted of the following:

                                        June 30,                March 31,
                            -------------------------------    ---------
                                1994              1995           1996
                                ----              ----           ----
Senior Secured Notes            $38,675        $38,786         $38,871
Senior Subordinated Notes        48,750         48,750          43,026
                                 ------         ------          ------
                                $87,425        $87,536         $81,897
                                =======        =======         =======

         Interest expense, including amortization of debt issuance costs
related to the pushed-down debt, totaling $13,139 in 1993, $13,068 in 1994,
$12,187 in 1995, and $8,993 and $8,651 for the nine months ended March 31, 1995
and 1996, respectively, has been reflected in the accompanying consolidated
statements of income. Unamortized debt issuance costs of $3,370, $2,990 and
$2,525 and accrued interest of $1,919, $1,929 and $2,637 relating to the
pushed-down debt has also been reflected in the accompanying consolidated
balance sheets as of June 30, 1994 and 1995 and March 31, 1996, respectively.
The net effect of push-down accounting adjustments has been reflected as a
contribution to Stockholder's Equity in the accompanying consolidated financial
statements.

         1.  Senior Secured Notes

     In September 1991, Waxman Industries completed a private placement of $50
million of 7-year Senior Secured Notes, including detachable warrants to
purchase 1.0 million shares of Waxman Industries' common stock (the
"Warrants"). At the time of issuance, the Senior Secured Notes included $42.5
million of 12.25% fixed rate notes and $7.5 million of floating rate notes with
interest at 300 basis points over the 90 day LIBOR rate. The Senior Secured
Notes are redeemable in whole or in part, at the option of Waxman Industries,
after September 1, 1995 at a price of 102.45% for the fixed rate notes and 103%
for the floating rate notes. The redemption prices decrease annually to 100% of
the principal amounts at September 1, 1996. Annual mandatory redemption payment
of $14.45 million for the fixed rate notes, and $2.55 million for the floating
rate notes are due on each of September 1, 1996 and September 1, 1997 and are
calculated to retire 68% of the principal amount of the Senior Secured Notes
prior to maturity. As discussed in Note 2, Waxman Industries intends to retire
the Senior Secured Notes with a portion of the net proceeds from the Barnett
Public Offering. Waxman Industries expects to incur an extraordinary charge
upon the early retirement of these notes which primarily will represent the
acceleration of unamortized debt issuance costs which were $1.8 million at
March 31, 1996. The Senior Secured Notes, which are guaranteed by the Company
and secured by a pledge of all of the outstanding stock of Barnett, Consumer
Products and WOC, are senior in right of payment to all subordinated
indebtedness and pari passu with all other senior indebtedness of Waxman
Industries. Refer to Note 12 - Subsequent Events - for further discussion.

         The Warrants are exercisable through September 1, 1996, at a price of
$4.60 per share. A portion of the proceeds of the private placement was
allocated to the Warrants and, as a result, Waxman Industries' paid-in capital
increased by $1.0 million in fiscal year 1992. The related $1 million reduction
in the recorded principal amount of the Senior Secured Notes is being amortized
as interest expense over the life of the Senior Secured Notes.

         The Senior Secured Note indenture contains various covenants,
including dividend restrictions and minimum operating cash flow requirements.
The operating cash flow covenant requires a minimum ratio of operating cash
flow to interest expense of 1.1 to 1.0 (Waxman Industries' actual ratio for
fiscal 1995 was approximately 1.2 to 1.0). For purposes of calculating this
ratio, operating cash flow is calculated based on the results of continuing
operations only and interest expense excludes any non-cash interest relating to
Waxman Industries' Deferred Coupon notes.

         During November 1993 and May 1994, Waxman Industries completed
solicitations of consents from the holders of the Senior Secured Notes which,
among other things, amended the net worth and certain other financial covenants
and permitted the completion of Waxman Industries' Restructuring and eliminated
any prospective defaults resulting from the adverse results and events relating
to Waxman Industries' discontinued Canadian operations.





                                     F-11







    
<PAGE>



         2.  Senior Subordinated Notes

         In June 1989, Waxman Industries issued $100 million principal amount
of 13 3/4% Senior Subordinated Notes (the "Senior Subordinated Notes") due June
1, 1999. The Senior Subordinated Notes are redeemable in whole or in part, at
the option of Waxman Industries, after June 1, 1995 at a price of 103.438%
which decreases annually to 100% of the principal amount at the maturity date.
Annual mandatory redemption payments of $20 million commencing June 1, 1996 are
calculated to retire 60% of the issue prior to maturity. In case of a change in
control of Waxman Industries, the Noteholders have the right to require Waxman
Industries to repurchase the Senior Subordinated Notes at established
redemption prices. The Senior Subordinated Notes, which are unsecured, are
subordinate in right of payment to all senior debt and are senior in right of
payment to Waxman Industries' Convertible Senior Subordinated Debentures. Under
the terms of the Senior Subordinated Note indenture, Waxman Industries may not
incur additional indebtedness which is subordinate to senior debt and senior to
the Senior Subordinated Notes. Additionally, the indenture agreement contains
various other covenants, including dividend restrictions and minimum net worth
requirements. As discussed above, the Company intends to issue the Exchange
Notes in exchange for the Senior Subordinated Notes.

         During 1994, Waxman Industries exchanged $50 million principal amount
of the Senior Subordinated Notes for a like amount of Deferred Coupon Notes.
The $50 million of Senior Subordinated Notes exchanged satisfy its mandatory
redemption requirements with respect to such issue and, as a result the $20
million mandatory redemption payments due on June 1, 1996 and 1997 have been
satisfied and the mandatory redemption payment due on June 1, 1998 has been
reduced to $8.8 million. The Deferred Coupon Notes are secured by a pledge of
the capital stock of the Company.

         During November 1993 and May 1994, Waxman Industries completed a
solicitation of consents from the holders of the Senior Subordinated Notes
which, among other things, amended the net worth and certain other financial
covenants and permitted the completion of Waxman Industries' restructuring and
eliminated any prospective defaults resulting from the adverse results and
events relating to Waxman Industries' discontinued Canadian operations.

         C.       MISCELLANEOUS

     The Company made interest payments of $603 in 1994, $5,606 in 1995, $4,388
for the nine months ended March 31, 1995 and $4,437 for the nine months ended
March 31, 1996.

         Management believes the carrying values of its bank loans approximate
their fair values as they bear interest based upon the banks' prime lending
rates. No quoted market prices are available for any of the push-down debt as
the debt is not actively traded. It was not practical to estimate the fair
value of the Senior Secured Notes and Senior Subordinated Notes because of the
inability to estimate fair value without incurring excessive costs.

6.       INCOME TAXES

     Effective July 1, 1993, the Company accounts for income taxes in
accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes" (SFAS No. 109). SFAS No. 109 utilizes an
asset and liability approach and deferred taxes are determined based on the
estimated future tax effects of differences between the financial statement and
tax bases of assets and liabilities given the provisions of the enacted tax
laws. Prior to the implementation of SFAS No. 109, the Company accounted for
income taxes using the provisions of Accounting Principles Bulletin No. 11. The
implementation of SFAS No. 109 had no material impact on the financial
statements.

     Commencing July 1, 1994, the Company began participating in a tax sharing
agreement with Waxman Industries. Under this agreement, the Company's federal
tax liability is equal to the lesser of (i) the federal tax liability
calculated on a stand-alone basis or (ii) Waxman Industries' federal tax
liability. Prior to July 1, 1994, the tax sharing agreement with Waxman
Industries' allocated income TAX LIABILITY to the Company at approximately
40% of pretax income. As Waxman Industries has $75.0 million of available
domestic net operating loss carry forwards at June 30, 1995 for income tax
purposes, which expire through 2010, the Company has no liability for federal
taxes at June 30, 1995. The Company files separate income tax returns in
certain states based on the results of operations within the applicable states.


                                     F-12




    
<PAGE>


         The components of income (loss) from continuing operations before
income taxes and cumulative effect of change in accounting are as follows:


                                                              Nine Months
                                                                  Ended
                       Fiscal Year Ended June 30,               March 31,
               -----------------------------------------   --------------------
                1993            1994         1995          1995         1996
                ----            ----         ----         ----         ----
Domestic      $(6,631)        $1,990     $(4,638)          $378    ($11,115)
Foreign           561            991         362            538       1,058
                  ---            ---         ---            ---         ---
    Total     $(6,070)        $2,981     $(4,276)          $916    ($10,057)
              ========        ======     ========          ====    =========

    The domestic income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
and cumulative effect of change in accounting includes all interest expense
related to the push-down debt.

    The components of the provisions (benefit) for income taxes, calculated on
a stand-alone basis, are as follows:


                                                                Nine Months
                                                                   Ended
                           Fiscal Year Ended June 30,             March 31,
                       --------------------------------       ---------------
                           1993        1994        1995      1995       1996
                           ----        ----        ----      ----       ----
U.S. Federal..........   $(1,810)     $1,300   $(1,280)      $400     ($3,286)
State and Foreign.....       210         200       180        150         296
                             ---         ---       ---        ---         ---
                         $(1,600)     $1,500   $(1,100)      $550     ($2,990)
                         ========     ======   ========      ====     ========

    Deferred income taxes reflect the impact of temporary differences between
the amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and such
amounts as measured by tax laws. The deferred tax assets and liabilities relate
primarily to depreciation of the Company's property and equipment, certain
accrued liabilities and inventory.

    Deferred taxes and amounts payable to Waxman Industries are included in
Advances to Waxman Industries, Inc. in the accompanying consolidated balance
sheets.

    The following table reconciles the U.S. statutory rate applied to pretax
income to the Company's provision (benefit) for income taxes:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                                     Nine Months
                                                                                         Ended
                                                       Fiscal Year Ended June 30,      March 31,
                                                   ------------------------------    -----------
<S>                                            <C>        <C>       <C>           <C>    <C>

                                                   1993      1994    1995         1995     1996
                                                   ----      ----    ----         ----     ----
U.S. Statutory Rate applied to pretax income..   $(2,064)  $1,014   $(1,497)      $321    ($3,520)
State and foreign taxes, net..................       139      132       117         98       192
Goodwill amortization.........................       245      246       267        188       188
Other.........................................        80      108        13        (56)      149
                                                      --       --        --       ----       ---
    Provision (benefit) for income taxes......   $(1,600)  $1,500   $(1,100)      $550   ($2,990)
                                                 ========  ======   ========      ====   ========
</TABLE>

    The Company made income tax payments of $421 in fiscal 1993, $368 in fiscal
year 1994, $510 in fiscal 1995 and $400 and $450 for the nine months ended
March 31, 1995 and 1996, respectively.






                                     F-13



    
<PAGE>


7.  STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY

    Stockholder's equity includes cumulative currency translation adjustments
of $(122), $(141) and $(471) at June 30, 1994 and 1995 and March 31, 1996,
respectively.

8.  LEASE COMMITMENTS

    The Company leases certain warehouse and office facilities and equipment
under operating lease agreements, which expire at various dates through 2003.

    Future minimum rental payments are as follows:

FISCAL YEAR ENDED
JUNE 30,
1996                                      $4,865
1997                                       4,262
1998                                       3,601
1999                                       2,908
2000                                       1,652
Thereafter                                 1,670
                                           -----
                                         $18,958

         Total rent expense charged to operations was $3,641 in 1993, $3,894 in
1994, $4,922 in 1995 and $3,008 and $3,097 for the nine months ended March 31,
1995 and 1996, respectively.

         Consumer Products leases certain warehouse space from related parties.
Related parties rent expense totaled $471, $588, $260 and $179 in fiscal 1994,
fiscal 1995, and for the nine months ended March 31, 1995 and 1996,
respectively.


9.       PROFIT SHARING PLAN

         The eligible employees of certain subsidiaries of the Company
participate in Waxman Industries' trusteed, profit sharing and 401(K)
retirement plan. Contributions are discretionary and are determined by Waxman
Industries' Board of Directors. The charges to operations for profit sharing
contributions totaled $115 in 1993, $0 in 1994 and $0 in 1995. The Company
offers no other post-retirement or postemployment benefits.

10.      RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS

         The Company engages in certain business transactions with Waxman
Industries and affiliates. Sales to Waxman Industries affiliates in 1993, 1994
and 1995 were immaterial.

   
         Management fees charged to the Company by Waxman Industries are
presented in the accompanying consolidated statements of income as corporate
charge. Commencing July 1, 1994, in accordance with the Intercorporate
Agreement, the management fees charged to the Company are the lesser of (a) 2%
of the net sales or (b) the actual cost of providing services to the Company.
Prior to July 1, 1994, management fees charged to the Company materially
approximated actual costs incurred by Waxman Industries.
    

         During 1992, Waxman Industries completed a private placement of
seven-year Senior Secured Notes. The notes are guaranteed by the Company and
secured by a pledge of all of the outstanding stock of Consumer Products,
Barnett and WOC.
See Notes 2 and 6.

         On May 20, 1994, Waxman Industries exchanged $50 million of its Senior
Subordinated Notes for $50 million initial accreted value of 12.75% Senior
Secured Deferred Coupon Notes. The Deferred Coupon Notes are secured by a
pledge of the capital stock of the Company.


                                     F-14



    
<PAGE>



         The following is a reconciliation of the activity contributed to
capital related to the push-down debt described in Note 5:


                                                                   Nine Months
                                                                       Ended
                                     Fiscal Year Ended June 30      March 31,
                                     -------------------------     -----------
                                         1993      1994         1995     1996
Push-down interest expense,
 including amortization of
 debt issuance costs                  $13,139   $13,068      $12,187   $8,651
Change in push-down debt                 (112)   22,888         (111)   5,639
Income taxes                           (5,087)   (4,677)      (1,388)    (402)
Change in push-down interest
 accrual                                  (26)      133          (10)    (708)
Change in push-down of unamortized
 debt issuance costs                     (452)      713         (380)    (465)
                                         -----      ---         -----    -----

Capital contribution from Waxman
  Industries, net                      $7,462   $32,125      $10,298  $12,715
                                       ======   =======      =======  =======


11.       CONTINGENCIES

          The Company is subject to various legal proceedings and claims that
arise in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the
amount of any ultimate liability with respect to these actions will not
materially affect the consolidated financial statements.

12.       SUBSEQUENT EVENTS AND RELATED MATTERS

          On February 1, 1996, Barnett filed a registration statement with the
Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to an initial public offering
(the "Barnett Public Offering") of its common stock (the "Barnett Common
Stock"). On March 28, 1996, the registration statement with respect to the
Barnett Public Offering was declared effective and on April 3, 1996, the
Barnett Public Offering was consummated. In such offering, 7,207,200 shares,
representing approximately 55.1% of the Barnett Common Stock, were sold in the
aggregate by Barnett and the Company at an initial public offering price per
share of $14.00, resulting in aggregate net proceeds of $93.4 million. As of
May 8, 1996, as a result of the Company's ownership of certain convertible
non-voting preferred stock of Barnett, the Company beneficially owns
approximately 49.9% of the Barnett Common Stock and approximately a 54%
economic interest of the capital stock of Barnett.

          Of the $48.5 million of net proceeds received by Barnett in the
Barnett Public Offering, Barnett used (i) approximately $23.0 million to repay
all of the outstanding indebtedness borrowed by it under the secured credit
facility (the "Operating Companies Revolving Credit Facility") among Citicorp
USA, Inc. as agent, and Barnett, Consumer Products and WOC Inc. ("WOC"), each a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Waxman USA Inc. ("Waxman USA"), (ii) $22.0 million
to pay a dividend evidenced by a note payable to Waxman USA, which funds were
in turn distributed to the Company, and (iii) $3.5 million for working capital.
The $44.9 million of net proceeds received by the Company from the Barnett
Public Offering, together with payment from Barnett of the $22.0 million note
payable described above, were, or will be, applied primarily to repay debt
including (i) all of the $39.2 million principal amount of Waxman Industries'
12 1/4% Senior Secured Notes due 1998 and Floating Rate Senior Secured Notes
due 1998 (collectively, the "Senior Secured Notes") plus accrued interest and
redemption premium of approximately $1.7 million, thereby eliminating the
mandatory sinking fund requirements relating to the Senior Secured Notes which
were scheduled to commence in September 1996, and (ii) approximately $5.0
million of the $10.0 million outstanding indebtedness and accrued interest
under the secured term loan (the "Term Loan") among Citibank, N.A., as agent,
and Barnett, Consumer Products and WOC. The remaining net proceeds received by
the Company (approximately $21.0 million) are intended to be used to (i) reduce
additional outstanding indebtedness borrowed by Consumer Products or WOC under
the Restated Credit Agreement, described later in this note, and/or (ii) retire
the Company's 12 3/4% Senior Secured Deferred Coupon Notes due 2004 (the
"Deferred Coupon Notes") and/or Waxman USA's 11 1/8% Senior Notes due 2001 (the
"Exchange Notes") and/or (iii) reinvest in Consumer Products' and/or WOC's
businesses.

                                     F-15




    
<PAGE>


          The Company will record an extraordinary charge of approximately $3.2
million, net of applicable taxes, in the fourth quarter related to the deferred
financing costs attributed to indebtedness repaid from the net proceeds of the
Barnett Public Offering, as well as a ^ gain of approximately $39.0 million,
net of applicable income taxes, from the Barnett Public Offering.

   
          The Company has decided to retain the Consumer Products business, as
described in Note 2, which was previously reported as a discontinued operation.
As a result of this decision, the $11.0 million loss on disposal recorded at
June 30, 1995 representing the difference between the net book value of the
assets to be sold at June 30, 1995 less the expected net proceeds from the sale
of approximately $50.0 million, has been reversed for the nine months ended
March 31, 1996. Also, as a result of management's preliminary review of and
refocus of Consumer Products as a continuing operation after being held for sale
for almost twelve months, an $11.0 million charge, primarily for the carrying
value of day to day operating investments of $5.8 million of inventory, $1.6
million of accounts receivable, $2.0 million of equipment, $.5 million of
unrealized deposits and approximately $1.1 million for pension and tax accruals,
has been recorded by Consumer Products for the nine months ended March 31, 1996
and is included in consolidated operating results. The decision to take the
$11.0 million charge is a result of the Company's preliminary review of Consumer
Products as a continuing operation.
    

          The Company is currently continuing its review of the strategic
direction of the Consumer Products business as a continuing operating and
charges may be recorded in the fourth quarter to restructure the business,
including eliminating certain product lines, optimizing product offerings and
reexamining certain warehousing costs. The Company is also assessing certain
accounting policies for capitalized costs at Consumer Products. The Company
will recognize a charge in the fourth quarter for the impairment of long-lived
assets at Consumer Products and other certain smaller divisions. Although the
Company believes that the reevaluation of Consumer Products' strategic
direction will improve its earnings potential, there can be no assurance that
Consumer Products results of operations will improve over time.

          On April 3, 1996, the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary
Waxman USA consummated the previously announced offer to exchange $48.75
million principal amount of Exchange Notes for a like amount of the Company's
outstanding 13 3/4% Senior Subordinated Notes ("Subordinated Notes") due 1999
and in connection therewith solicited consents to certain amendments to the
indenture pursuant to which the Subordinated Notes were issued. Approximately
$43.03 million of Subordinated Notes were exchanged. The Exchange Notes were
not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be
offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable
exemption from such registration requirements.

          In connection with the Barnett Public Offering, Waxman USA entered
into an amendment and restatement of the Operating Companies Revolving Credit
Facility and Term Loan (the "Restated Credit Agreement") to provide for, among
other things, an approximate one-year secured credit facility providing for
revolving credit advances of up to $25.0 million and term loans of up to $5.0
million ("Restated Term Loans") and a release of Barnett from such lending
arrangements. As a result of the limited duration of the Restated Credit
Agreement, the Company is currently negotiating with respect to a refinancing
of such credit facility. Although the Company believes, based on discussions to
date, that it will be able to refinance the Restated Credit Agreement before
its expiration, there can be no assurance that it will be able to do so or as
to the terms of any such refinancing it will be able to obtain.






                                      F-16




    
<PAGE>
                                    PART II

                    Information Not Required in Prospectus

Item 20.  Indemnification of Directors and Officers

            The Certificate of Incorporation of Waxman USA Inc. (the
"Company") provides that each person who is a party to or involved in any
action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or
investigative, by reason of the fact that he or she was a director or officer
of the Company, shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Company to the
fullest extent authorized by the Delaware General Corporation Law against all
expense, liability and loss reasonably incurred by such person in connection
therewith. The Certificate of Incorporation provides that the right to
indemnification contained therein is a contract right and includes the right
to be paid by the Company the expenses incurred in defending any such
proceeding in advance of its final disposition; provided, however, that if the
Delaware General Corporation Law requires, the payment of such expenses
incurred in advance of the final disposition of a proceeding shall be made
only upon delivery to the Company of an undertaking to repay all amounts so
advanced if it shall ultimately be determined that such director or officer is
not entitled to be indemnified. The Company maintains directors' and officers'
liability insurance covering certain liabilities incurred by the directors and
officers of the Company in connection with the performance of their duties.

Item 21.  Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

     (a) Exhibits
 3.1**        Certificate of Incorporation of Waxman USA Inc.

 3.2**        By-laws of Waxman USA Inc.^

 4.1*         Indenture, dated as of April 3, 1996, by and between Waxman
              USA Inc. and the United States. Trust Company of New York, as
              Trustee, with respect to the 111/8% Senior Notes due 2001 of
              Waxman USA Inc., including the form of Senior Notes (Exhibit
              10.14 to Waxman Industries, Inc.'s Amendment No. 9 to
              Registration Statement on Form S-2, Registration No. 33-54211,
              incorporated by reference herein).

 4.2*         Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of April 3, 1996, by
              and between Waxman USA Inc. and the United States Trust Company
              of New York (Exhibit 10.15 to Waxman Industries, Inc.'s
              Amendment No. 9 to Registration Statement on Form S-2, .

 5.1**        Opinion of Shereff, Friedman, Hoffman & Goodman, LLP regarding
              legality.

10.1*         Tax Sharing Agreement dated May 20, 1994 among Waxman
              Industries, Inc., Waxman USA Inc., Barnett Inc., Waxman Consumer
              Products Group Inc., WOC Inc. and Western American
              Manufacturing, Inc. (Exhibit 10.6 to Waxman Industries, Inc.'s
              Amendment No. 9 to Registration Statement on Form S-2,
              Registration No. 33-54211, incorporated by reference herein).

10.2*         Intercorporate Agreement dated May 20, 1994 among Waxman
              Industries, Inc., Waxman USA, Barnett Inc., Waxman Consumer
              Products Group Inc. and WOC Inc. (Exhibit 10.7 to Waxman
              Industries, Inc.'s Amendment No. 9 to Registration Statement on
              Form S-2, Registration No. 33- 54211, incorporated by reference
              herein).

10.3*         Intercorporate Agreement dated March 28, 1996 among Waxman
              Industries, Inc., Waxman USA Inc., Barnett Inc., Waxman Consumer
              Products Group Inc., WOC Inc. and TWI, International, Inc.
              (Exhibit 10.8 to Waxman Industries, Inc.'s Amendment No. 9 to
              Registration Statement on Form S-2, Registration No. 33-54211,
              incorporated by reference herein).

10.4*         Credit Agreement dated as of May 20, 1994 among Waxman USA
              Inc., Barnett Inc., Waxman Consumer Products Group Inc. and WOC
              Inc., the Lenders and Issuers party thereto and Citicorp USA,
              Inc. as Agent, and certain exhibits thereto (Exhibit 10.9 to
              Waxman Industries, Inc.'s Amendment No. 9 to Registration
              Statement on Form S-2, Registration No. 33-54211, incorporated
              by reference herein).

10.5*         Term Loan Credit Agreement dated as of May 20, 1994 among
              Waxman USA Inc., Barnett Inc., Waxman Consumer Products Group
              Inc. and WOC Inc., the Lenders and Issuers party thereto and
              Citibank, N.A., as Agent (Exhibit 10.10 to Waxman Industries,
              Inc.'s Amendment No. 9 to Registration Statement on Form S-2,
              Registration No. 33-54211, incorporated by reference herein).

10.6*         Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of April 3, 1996
              among Waxman USA Inc., Waxman Consumer Products Group Inc. and
              WOC Inc., the Lenders and Issuers party thereto and Citibank,
              N.A., as Agent (Exhibit 10.12 to Waxman Industries, Inc.'s
              Amendment No. 9 to Registration Statement on Form S-2,
              Registration No. 33-54211, incorporated by reference herein).

                               II-1




    
<PAGE>


   
12.1***       Statement re: computation of ratios.

21.1**        List of Subsidiaries of the Company.

23.1          Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP.

23.2**        Consent of Shereff, Friedman, Hoffman & Goodman, LLP (contained
              in its opinion filed as Exhibit 5.1 to this Registration
              Statement).

24.1**        Power of Attorney (included in Part II of this Registration
              Statement).

25.1***       Statement of eligibility and qualification on Form T-1 of the
              United States Trust Company of New York, as Senior Note Trustee
              (bound separately).

99.**       (a)     Form of Letter of Transmittal with respect to the
                    Exchange Offer

            (b)     Form of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery

            (c)     Substitute Form W-9 and Guidelines for Certification of
                    Taxpayer Identification Number on Substitute Form W-9

- ----------------
*     Incorporated herein by reference as indicated.
**    Filed on May 14, 1996.
***   Filed on July 3, 1996.
    

      (b)   Financial Statement Schedules

None.

Item 22.  Undertakings

      A.    The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

            (1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being
      made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement;

                    (i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)
            (3) of the Securities Act of 1933;

                    (ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events
            arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or
            the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which,
            individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change
            in the information set forth in the registration statement;

                    (iii) To include any material information with respect to
            the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the
            registration statement or any material change to such information
            in the registration statement.

            (2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
      Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be
      deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities
      offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall
      be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

            (3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective
      amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at
      the termination of the offering.

      B. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling
persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise,
the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and
Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed
in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for
indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the
Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling
person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or


                                     II-2




    
<PAGE>



                                  SIGNATURES

   
      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, Waxman USA
Inc. certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of
the requirements for filing on Form S-4 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in the City of Cleveland, State of Ohio on the 26th day of
July 1996.
    

                                WAXMAN USA INC.


                             By /s/  Armond Waxman
                                ------------------
                                     Armond Waxman,
                                     President and Co-Chief Executive Officer

   
            Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Amendment to the Registration Statement has been signed by the following
persons in the capacities as indicated on July 26, 1996.
    

                Name                                 Title
                ----                                 -----

                    *                          Chairman of the Board,
     ---------------------------------         Co-Chief Executive Officer
             Melvin Waxman                     and Director



/s/          Armond Waxman                     President,
     ---------------------------------         Co-Chief Executive Officer
             Armond Waxman                     and Director



                    *                          Vice President-Finance,
     ---------------------------------         Chief Financial Officer
             Michael J. Vantusko               and Assistant Secretary




                    *                          Director
     ---------------------------------
             William R. Pray


                    *                          Director
     ---------------------------------
             Samuel J. Krasney


                    *                          Director
     ---------------------------------
             Irving Z. Friedman


                    *                          Director
     ---------------------------------
             Judy Robins


* By: /s/         Armond Waxman
     ---------------------------------
             As Attorney-in-fact

                                     II-3




    
<PAGE>





                                 EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit Number           Exhibit Description           Sequential Page Number
- --------------   -----------------------------------   ----------------------

3.1**            Certificate of Incorporation of
                 Waxman USA Inc.

3.2**            By-laws of Waxman USA Inc.

4.1*             Indenture, dated as of April 3,
                 1996, by and between Waxman USA Inc.
                 and the United States Trust Company
                 of New York, as Trustee, with
                 respect to the 111/8% Senior Notes
                 due 2001 of Waxman USA Inc.,
                 including the form of Senior Notes
                 (Exhibit 10.14 to Waxman Industries,
                 Inc.'s Amendment No. 9 to
                 Registration Statement on Form S-2,
                 Registration No. 33-54211,
                 incorporated by reference herein).

4.2*             Registration Rights Agreement, dated
                 as of April 3, 1996, by and between
                 Waxman USA Inc. and the U.S. Trust
                 Company of New York (Exhibit 10.15
                 to Waxman Industries, Inc.'s
                 Amendment No. 9 to Registration
                 Statement on Form S-2, Registration
                 No. 33-54211, incorporated by
                 reference herein).

5.1**            Opinion of Shereff, Friedman, Hoffman
                 & Goodman, LLP regarding legality.

10.1*            Tax Sharing Agreement dated May 20,
                 1994 among Waxman Industries, Inc.
                 Waxman USA Inc., Barnett Inc. ,
                 Waxman Consumer Products Group Inc.,
                 WOC Inc. and Western American
                 Manufacturing, Inc. (Exhibit 10.6 to
                 Waxman Industries, Inc.'s Amendment
                 No. 9 to Registration Statement on
                 Form S-2, Registration No. 33-54211,
                 incorporated by reference herein).

10.2*            Intercorporate Agreement dated May
                 20, 1994 among Waxman Industries,
                 Inc. Waxman USA Inc., Barnett Inc.,
                 Waxman Consumer Products Group Inc.
                 and WOC Inc. (Exhibit 10.7 to Waxman
                 Industries, Inc.'s Amendment No. 9
                 to Registration Statement on Form
                 S-2, Registration No. 33-54211,
                 incorporated by reference herein).

10.3*            Intercorporate Agreement dated March
                 28, 1996 among Waxman Industries,
                 Inc., Waxman USA Inc., Barnett Inc.,
                 Waxman Consumer Products Group Inc.,
                 WOC Inc. and TWI, International,
                 Inc. (Exhibit 10.8 to Waxman
                 Industries, Inc.'s Amendment No. 9
                 to Registration Statement on Form
                 S-2, Registration No. 33-54211,
                 incorporated by reference herein).

10.4*            Credit Agreement dated as of May
                 20, 1994 among Waxman USA Inc.,
                 Barnett Inc., Waxman Consumer
                 Products Group Inc. and WOC Inc.,
                 the Lenders and Issuers party
                 thereto and Citicorp USA, Inc., as
                 Agent, and certain exhibits thereto
                 (Exhibit 10.9 to Waxman Industries,
                 Inc.'s Amendment No. 9 to
                 Registration Statement on Form S-2,


                                  II-4




    
<PAGE>


   
Exhibit Number           Exhibit Description           Sequential Page Number
- --------------   -----------------------------------   ----------------------

                 Registration No. 33-54211,
                 incorporated by reference herein).

10.5*            Term Loan Credit Agreement dated
                 as of May 20, 1994 among Waxman USA
                 Inc., Barnett Inc., Waxman Consumer
                 Products Group, Inc. and WOC Inc.,
                 the Lenders and Issuers party
                 thereto and Citibank, N.A., as Agent
                 (Exhibit 10.10 to Waxman Industries,
                 Inc.'s Amendment No. 9 to
                 Registration Statement on Form S-2,
                 Registration No. 33-54211,
                 incorporated by reference herein).

10.6*            Amended and Restated Credit Agreement
                 dated as of April 3, 1996 among
                 Waxman USA Inc., Waxman Consumer
                 Products Group Inc. and WOC Inc.,
                 the Lenders and Issuers party
                 thereto and Citibank, N.A., as Agent
                 (Exhibit 10.12 to Waxman Industries,
                 Inc.'s Amendment No. 9 to
                 Registration Statement on Form S-2,
                 Registration No. 33-54211,
                 incorporated by reference herein).

12.1***          Statement re: computation of ratios.

21.1**           List of Subsidiaries of the Company.

23.1             Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP.

23.2**           Consent of Shereff, Friedman,
                 Hoffman & Goodman, LLP (contained in
                 its opinion filed as Exhibit 5.1 to
                 this Registration Statement).

24.1**           Power of Attorney (included in
                 Part II of this Registration
                 Statement).

25.1***          Statement of eligibility and
                 qualification on Form T-1 of the
                 United States Trust Company of New
                 York as Senior Note Trustee (bound
                 separately).

99.**            (a) Form of Letter of Transmittal
                 with respect to the Exchange Offer

                 (b) Form of Notice of Guaranteed
                 Delivery

                 (c) Substitute Form W-9 and
                 Guidelines for Certification of
                 Taxpayer Identification Number on
                 Substitute Form W-9

- ------------------
*            Incorporated herein by reference as indicated.
**           Filed on May 14, 1996.
***          Filed on July 3, 1996.
    

                                     II-5





                                     ARTHUR
                                     ANDERSEN


                                                        --------------------
                                                        Arthur Andersen LLP

                                                        --------------------
                                                        Suite 1800
                                                        200 Public Square
                                                        Cleveland OH 44114
                                                        216 781 2140

                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use of our report
(and to all references to our firm) included in or made a part of this
registration statement (File No.333-3689).

                                                /s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

Cleveland, Ohio,
July 24, 1996.



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