RENTAL SERVICE CORP
S-1/A, 1997-05-23
EQUIPMENT RENTAL & LEASING, NEC
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<PAGE>
 
      
   AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON MAY 23, 1997     
                                                   
                                                REGISTRATION NO. 333-26753     
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
                                   FORM S-1
                                
                             AMENDMENT NO. 1     
                                       
                                    TO     
                            REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                          THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
 
                          RENTAL SERVICE CORPORATION
            (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
 
<TABLE>
 <S>                               <C>                              <C>
             DELAWARE                            7353                          33-0569350
 (STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF     (PRIMARY STANDARD INDUSTRIAL           (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
  INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)     CLASSIFICATION CODE NUMBER)         IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)
</TABLE>
 
                        14505 N. HAYDEN ROAD, SUITE 322
                           SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA 85260
                                (602) 905-3300
  (ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF
                   REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
 
                                MARTIN R. REID
               CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
                          RENTAL SERVICE CORPORATION
                        14505 N. HAYDEN ROAD, SUITE 322
                           SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA 85260
                                (602) 905-3300
(NAME, ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE,
                             OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
 
                                  COPIES TO:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                              <C>
          ELIZABETH A. BLENDELL, ESQ.                         LARRY A. BARDEN, ESQ.
                LATHAM & WATKINS                                 SIDLEY & AUSTIN
             633 WEST FIFTH STREET                           ONE FIRST NATIONAL PLAZA
                   SUITE 4000                                       SUITE 4400
         LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90071                       CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60603
                 (213) 485-1234                                   (312) 853-7000
</TABLE>
 
                               ---------------
 
  APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: AS SOON AS
PRACTICABLE AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT.
 
  If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, check the following box.  [_]
 
  If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following
box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering.  [_]
 
  If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering.  [_]
 
  If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box. [_]
 
                               ---------------
       
  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>
 
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+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 MAY 23, 1997     
 
PROSPECTUS
 
                                4,000,000 SHARES
 
                      [LOGO OF RENTAL SERVICE CORPORATION]
 
                                  COMMON STOCK
 
  Of the 4,000,000 shares of Common Stock offered hereby, 3,000,000 are being
sold by Rental Service Corporation ("RSC" or the "Company") and 1,000,000 are
being sold by the Selling Stockholders. The Company will not receive any of the
proceeds from the sale of shares by the Selling Stockholders. See "Principal
and Selling Stockholders."
   
  The Common Stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol
"RSV." On May 22, 1997 the last sale price of the Company's Common Stock as
reported on the New York Stock Exchange was $19.375 per share. See "Price Range
of Common Stock."     
 
SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 7 FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN FACTORS THAT
SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BY PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS OF THE SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
OFFERED HEREBY.
 
                                  -----------
 
 THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED  OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
  EXCHANGE  COMMISSION  OR  ANY  STATE  SECURITIES  COMMISSION  NOR  HAS  THE
   SECURITIES  AND EXCHANGE  COMMISSION OR  ANY STATE SECURITIES  COMMISSION
    PASSED   UPON  THE  ACCURACY  OR  ADEQUACY  OF  THIS   PROSPECTUS.  ANY
      REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 PROCEEDS TO
                                      PRICE TO     UNDERWRITING   PROCEEDS TO      SELLING
                                       PUBLIC      DISCOUNT(1)     COMPANY(2)    STOCKHOLDERS
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
Per share........................      $              $              $              $
Total(3).........................    $              $              $              $
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) The Company and the Selling Stockholders have agreed to indemnify the
    Underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the
    Securities Act of 1933, as amended. See "Underwriting."
(2) Before deducting expenses payable by the Company estimated at $1,000,000.
(3) Certain Selling Stockholders have granted the Underwriters a 30-day option
    to purchase up to an additional 600,000 shares of Common Stock solely to
    cover over-allotments, if any. See "Underwriting." If all such shares are
    purchased, the total Price to Public, Underwriting Discount and Proceeds to
    Selling Stockholders will be $         , $          and $         ,
    respectively.
 
  The shares of Common Stock are offered by the several Underwriters when, as
and if delivered to and accepted by them and subject to their right to reject
orders in whole or in part. It is expected that delivery of the certificates
for the shares of Common Stock will be made on or about      , 1997.
 
WILLIAM BLAIR & COMPANY
                       MORGAN STANLEY & CO.
                               INCORPORATED
                                         DONALDSON, LUFKIN & JENRETTE
                                            SECURITIES CORPORATION
 
                 THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS          , 1997
<PAGE>
 
   
    [MAP SHOWING RENTAL LOCATIONS IN TEXAS, ARKANSAS, TENNESSEE, LOUISIANA,
 MISSISSIPPI, ALABAMA, SOUTH CAROLINA, GEORGIA & FLORIDA [AND LOCATIONS TO BE
 ACQUIRED IN ARKANSAS, FLORIDA, ILLINOIS, IOWA, KANSAS, MISSOURI AND
 OKLAHOMA]]    
   
  CERTAIN PERSONS PARTICIPATING IN THIS OFFERING MAY ENGAGE IN TRANSACTIONS
THAT STABILIZE, MAINTAIN OR OTHERWISE AFFECT THE PRICE OF THE COMMON STOCK.
SPECIFICALLY, THE UNDERWRITERS MAY OVERALLOT IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING
AND MAY BID FOR AND PURCHASE COMMON STOCK IN THE OPEN MARKET, FOR A
DESCRIPTION OF THESE ACTIVITIES, SEE "UNDERWRITING."     
       
<PAGE>
 
 
                               PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
 
  The following summary is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed
information and Consolidated Financial Statements, including the Notes thereto,
appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus. Unless otherwise indicated, all
information in this Prospectus assumes no exercise of the Underwriters' over-
allotment option.
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
  The Company is a leading equipment rental company serving the needs of a wide
variety of industrial, manufacturing, construction, government and homeowner
markets. RSC rents a broad selection of equipment ranging from small items such
as pumps, generators, welders and electric hand tools, to larger equipment such
as backhoes, forklifts, air compressors, scissor lifts, aerial manlifts and
skid-steer loaders. The Company also sells maintenance, repair and operations
("MRO") supplies, small tools, contractor supplies, parts, and used rental
equipment, and acts as a distributor for new equipment on behalf of certain
national equipment manufacturers. Depending upon market needs, RSC also offers
its customers 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week support services, including on-
site maintenance and repair.
   
  RSC's strategy is to expand its presence in existing markets and capitalize
on opportunities to enter new geographic markets through a combination of
acquisitions and start-up locations. From July 1992 through September 1996, the
Company acquired 16 businesses comprised of 65 locations and opened 30 start-up
locations. In September 1996, the Company completed an initial public offering
and used the net proceeds primarily to redeem outstanding preferred stock and
to repay indebtedness which had been incurred to fund its growth strategy.
Since the initial public offering, the Company has completed 13 acquisitions
consisting of 22 locations, has executed definitive agreements (subject to
closing conditions and governmental approvals) to acquire an additional two
companies consisting of eight locations and has opened two start-up locations.
See "Recent Developments." The Company also focuses on increasing revenues
across its locations through investments in fleet expansion, the implementation
of sophisticated information systems designed to improve asset utilization and
targeted marketing efforts. Total revenues have increased from $25.6 million in
the year ended December 31, 1993 to $128.4 million in the year ended December
31, 1996. During the same period, operating income increased from $578,000 to
$13.8 million.     
 
  The Company believes that the rental equipment industry offers substantial
consolidation opportunities for large, well-capitalized equipment rental
companies such as RSC. The equipment rental industry is highly fragmented and
primarily consists of a large number of relatively small, independent
businesses typically serving discrete local markets within 30 to 50 miles of
the store location, and a small number of multi-location regional or national
operators. Relative to smaller companies with only one or two rental locations,
the Company believes that national operators such as RSC benefit from several
competitive advantages, including sophisticated management information systems,
volume purchasing, professional management, the ability to transfer equipment
among rental locations to satisfy customer demand, the ability to service
national accounts and national brand identity. As a result of consolidation and
industry growth, 1995 rental revenues of the top 100 rental equipment companies
increased over 1994 rental revenues by approximately 22%, to $2.5 billion,
according to estimates by the Rental Equipment Register (the "RER"), an
industry trade magazine. In spite of this growth, these top 100 companies
accounted for less than one-fifth of the estimated $15 billion in industry
rental revenues in 1995.
 
  Management believes that the equipment rental industry benefits from the
trend among businesses to outsource non-core operations in order to reduce
capital investment and minimize the downtime, maintenance, repair and storage
associated with equipment ownership. According to surveys published in 1995 by
The CIT Group, contractors intended to increase the percentage of equipment
they rent without a purchase option to an estimated 8% of their total equipment
requirements in 1996 from less than 5% in 1994.
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
  The Company focuses on operating rental locations in underserved small- to
medium-sized rental markets where the Company can capitalize on its competitive
advantages relative to small, local equipment rental businesses and equipment
dealers who have traditionally served such markets. RSC has developed a cluster
strategy, whereby the Company establishes a comprehensive pool of rental
equipment at a central, readily accessible "hub" location and surrounds the hub
with smaller "satellite" locations 30 to 50 miles away, which draw on this
equipment pool to serve local customers. The Company believes this strategy
increases fleet utilization and gives it a competitive advantage in serving
markets with populations as small as 25,000 by allowing the Company to bring
the benefits of a large, high-quality and diversified rental equipment fleet to
markets where a full-scale rental facility might not otherwise be justified.
 
  The Company has made substantial investments in its state-of-the-art, real-
time management information systems in order to improve asset utilization and
financial performance. Every rental location has on-line access to centralized
computer systems which allow an employee at any location to identify and
reserve a specific piece of equipment anywhere in a region and schedule
delivery (generally within 24 hours) to a customer's job site. These
information systems have also enabled the Company to implement a decentralized
management structure, whereby RSC's regional vice presidents and district
managers are responsible for local management, customer service, local
marketing strategies and business growth in their regions. A small corporate
staff at the Company's headquarters focuses on corporate planning, financial
reporting and analysis and overseeing the execution of the Company's growth
strategy.
 
                                  THE OFFERING
 
<TABLE>   
<S>                                            <C>
Shares Offered by the Company................  3,000,000
Shares Offered by the Selling Stockholders...  1,000,000
Shares Outstanding Immediately After the
 Offering....................................  14,571,777(1)
Use of Proceeds to the Company...............  To reduce the Company's indebtedness under
                                               its revolving credit facility, in order to
                                               provide borrowing availability for general
                                               corporate purposes including acquisitions.
                                               See "Use of Proceeds."
New York Stock Exchange Symbol...............  RSV
</TABLE>    
- --------
   
(1) Excludes (i) 863,980 shares subject to options outstanding as of April 30,
    1997 pursuant to the Company's Equity Participation Plans at a weighted
    average exercise price of $17.66 per share, (ii) 403,410 shares reserved
    for issuance pursuant to the Company's Equity Participation Plans, (iii)
    250,000 shares reserved for issuance pursuant to the Company's Employee
    Qualified Stock Purchase Plan (the "QSP Plan") and (iv) 686,855 shares
    reserved for issuance in connection with certain acquisitions. See
    "Management--Equity Participation Plans," "--Employee Qualified Stock
    Purchase Plan" and "Recent Developments."     
 
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
         SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND OPERATING DATA
      (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SELECTED OPERATING DATA AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                               YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,                       MARCH 31,
                                      ---------------------------------------------- -----------------------------
                            7/17/92
                          (INCEPTION)                                     PRO FORMA                     PRO FORMA
                            THROUGH                                      AS ADJUSTED                   AS ADJUSTED
                           12/31/92    1993     1994    1995     1996      1996(1)    1996     1997      1997(1)
                          ----------- -------  ------- -------  -------  ----------- -------  -------  -----------
<S>                       <C>         <C>      <C>     <C>      <C>      <C>         <C>      <C>      <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
 DATA(2):
Revenues:
 Equipment rentals......    $2,145    $17,238  $27,775 $47,170  $94,218   $139,932   $19,656  $27,527    $36,083
 Sales of parts,
  supplies
  and equipment.........     2,042      8,394   14,040  18,747   34,136     95,935     7,541   13,782     25,114
                            ------    -------  ------- -------  -------   --------   -------  -------    -------
Total revenues..........     4,187     25,632   41,815  65,917  128,354    235,867    27,197   41,309     61,197
Cost of revenues:
 Cost of equipment
  rentals, excluding
  equipment rental
  depreciation..........     1,153     11,405   16,284  27,854   55,202     77,734    12,449   14,316     17,938
 Depreciation, equipment
  rentals ..............       245      2,161    4,020   7,691   17,840     24,839     3,633    6,306      7,854
 Cost of sales of parts,
  supplies and
  equipment.............     1,898      5,959   10,298  12,617   24,070     71,452     5,067    9,709     18,536
                            ------    -------  ------- -------  -------   --------   -------  -------    -------
Total cost of revenues..     3,296     19,525   30,602  48,162   97,112    174,025    21,149   30,331     44,328
                            ------    -------  ------- -------  -------   --------   -------  -------    -------
Gross profit............       891      6,107   11,213  17,755   31,242     61,842     6,048   10,978     16,869
Selling, general and
 administrative expense.       341      2,683    4,747   6,421   12,254     27,807     2,734    3,784      6,847
Depreciation and
 amortization, excluding
 equipment rental
 depreciation...........        11        211      504   1,186    2,835      3,685       571    1,068      1,232
Amortization of
 intangibles(3).........       321      2,635    2,078     718    2,379      4,504       561      624      1,152
                            ------    -------  ------- -------  -------   --------   -------  -------    -------
Operating income........       218        578    3,884   9,430   13,774     25,846     2,182    5,502      7,638
Interest expense, net...        77        407      731   3,314    7,063      7,452     1,639    1,597      1,757
                            ------    -------  ------- -------  -------   --------   -------  -------    -------
Income before income
 taxes and extraordinary
 items..................       141        171    3,153   6,116    6,711     18,394       543    3,905      5,881
Provision for income
 taxes..................        81        465    1,177   2,401    2,722      7,468       213    1,722      2,594
                            ------    -------  ------- -------  -------   --------   -------  -------    -------
Income (loss) before                                                      $ 10,926                       $ 3,287
 extraordinary items....        60       (294)   1,976   3,715    3,989   ========       330    2,183    =======
Extraordinary items(4)..       --         --       --     (478)  (1,269)                 --      (534)
                            ------    -------  ------- -------  -------              -------  -------
Net income (loss).......        60       (294)   1,976   3,237    2,720                  330    1,649
Redeemable Preferred
 Stock accretion........       133      1,013    1,646   1,717    1,643                  554      --
                            ------    -------  ------- -------  -------              -------  -------
Net income (loss)
 available to common
 stockholders...........    $  (73)   $(1,307) $   330 $ 1,520  $ 1,077              $  (224) $ 1,649
                            ======    =======  ======= =======  =======              =======  =======
Income (loss) before
 extraordinary items per                                                  $    .72                       $   .22
 common share...........    $ (.01)   $  (.23) $   .06 $   .39  $   .33   ========   $  (.04) $   .19    =======
Extraordinary items per
 common share(4)........       --         --       --     (.09)    (.18)                 --      (.05)
                            ------    -------  ------- -------  -------              -------  -------
Net income (loss) per
 common share...........    $ (.01)   $  (.23) $   .06 $   .30  $   .15              $  (.04) $   .14
                            ======    =======  ======= =======  =======              =======  =======
Weighted average common
 shares(5)..............     5,590      5,632    5,428   5,088    7,218     15,225     5,507   11,493     15,172
SELECTED OPERATING DATA:
Beginning locations.....       --          11       21      25       50                   50       94
Locations acquired......        11         11        1      26       25                    8       12
Locations opened........       --         --         3      10       19                    5      --
Locations closed, sold
 or held for sale(6)....       --          (1)     --      (11)     --                   --       --
                            ------    -------  ------- -------  -------              -------  -------
Ending locations........        11         21       25      50       94                   63      106
                            ======    =======  ======= =======  =======              =======  =======
</TABLE>    
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                        DECEMBER 31,                      MARCH 31, 1997
                          ------------------------------------------- -----------------------
                                                                                 PRO FORMA
                           1992    1993     1994      1995     1996    ACTUAL  AS ADJUSTED(1)
                          ------- -------  -------  -------- -------- -------- --------------
<S>                       <C>     <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Net book value of rental
 equipment..............  $ 8,591 $16,223  $24,138  $ 52,818 $116,921 $155,395    $186,481
Total assets............   18,360  35,877   48,098   137,832  218,933  267,543     381,714
Total debt (including
 capital leases)........    5,024   4,411   12,752    68,555   68,594  101,624     145,176
Redeemable Preferred
 Stock (net of treasury
 stock).................   10,144  25,956   26,684    28,401      --       --          --
Common Stockholders'
 equity (deficit).......       24  (1,281)  (1,474)       46   95,072   96,721     163,594
</TABLE>    
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
- --------
   
(1) The pro forma as adjusted consolidated statement of operations for the year
    ended December 31, 1996 gives effect to (a) the acquisitions and pending
    and proposed acquisitions described in "Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated
    Financial Information," and (b) the following transactions, in each case as
    if such transactions had occurred on the first day of the period presented:
    (i) the sale by the Company of 6,027,813 shares of Common Stock in the
    initial public offering at a price of $16.00 per share and the sale by the
    Company of 3,000,000 shares of Common Stock offered hereby at an assumed
    price of $19.375 per share, (ii) the redemption of the Company's Redeemable
    Preferred Stock upon application of a portion of the net proceeds to the
    Company from its initial public offering (and the related elimination of
    Redeemable Preferred Stock accretion), (iii) the repurchase of a warrant
    upon application of a portion of the net proceeds to the Company from its
    initial public offering, (iv) a reduction in interest expense as a result
    of reductions in indebtedness upon application of a portion of the net
    proceeds to the Company from its initial public offering and this offering,
    (v) the elimination of a $235,000 annual monitoring fee paid to an
    affiliate of the Company and (vi) the reduction of interest expense and
    amortization of intangibles expense resulting from amendments and
    restatements to the Revolver in September 1996, January 1997 and May 1997.
    In addition to the acquisitions completed in 1997 and the pending and
    proposed acquisitions described in "Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated
    Financial Information," the pro forma as adjusted consolidated statements
    of operations for the three months ended March 31, 1997 and the pro forma
    as adjusted balance sheet at March 31, 1997 give additional effect to the
    following transactions, in the case of the statement of operations as if
    such transactions had occurred on the first day of the period presented and
    in the case of the balance sheet as if they had occurred at March 31, 1997:
    (i) the sale by the Company of 3,000,000 shares of Common Stock offered
    hereby at an assumed offering price of $19.375 per share, (ii) a reduction
    in interest expense as a result of reductions in indebtedness upon
    application of a portion of the net proceeds to the Company from this
    offering, and (iii) the reduction of interest expense and amortization of
    intangibles resulting from amendments and restatements to the Revolver in
    January 1997 and May 1997. See "Use of Proceeds," "Capitalization,"
    "Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information," "Management's
    Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,"
    "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions" and the Company's
    Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes thereto.     
   
(2) The Company's acquisitions have been accounted for as purchases and,
    accordingly, the operations of the acquired businesses are included in the
    statement of operations data from the effective date of acquisition. On
    April 25, 1997 the Company completed its acquisition of IAT, and pursuant
    to the acquisition agreement, the Company assumed effective control of
    IAT's operations on March 1, 1997. Accordingly, the Company has included
    IAT's revenues, costs and expenses from such date in its consolidated
    statements of operations, net of imputed purchase price adjustments, and
    has included IAT's balance sheet in its consolidated balance sheet as of
    April 25, 1997.     
 
(3) 1993 data includes $781,000 for the write-off of costs in excess of net
    assets acquired.
 
(4) The Company's 1995 extraordinary item represents the loss on extinguishment
    of debt related to the $30.0 million revolving credit facility paid off
    September 12, 1995. The Company's 1996 extraordinary item represents the
    loss on extinguishment of debt related to the amendment to the Revolver in
    September 1996. The Company's 1997 extraordinary item represents the loss
    on extinguishment of debt related to the amendment and restatement to the
    Revolver in January 1997.
 
(5) See Note 1 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
(6) In 1996, the Company closed or disposed of Holdings' California locations,
    which were previously classified as "assets held for sale" in the Company's
    Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
                                ----------------
 
  The Company operates through subsidiaries and, unless the context otherwise
requires, references in this Prospectus to the "Company" or "RSC" include
Rental Service Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and its direct and indirect
subsidiaries. The Company's principal executive offices are located at 14505 N.
Hayden Road, Suite 322, Scottsdale, Arizona 85260, and its telephone number is
(602) 905-3300.
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
                                 RISK FACTORS
 
  Prospective investors should carefully consider the following risk factors,
in addition to the other information set forth in this Prospectus, in
evaluating an investment in the shares of Common Stock offered hereby.
 
RISKS RELATING TO GROWTH STRATEGY
   
  A principal component of the Company's growth strategy is to continue to
expand through additional acquisitions and start-up locations which complement
the Company's business in new or existing markets. Between its formation in
1992 and its initial public offering of Common Stock in September 1996, the
Company, through its aggressive expansion strategy, acquired 16 businesses
comprised of 65 locations and opened 30 start-up locations. Since its initial
public offering, the Company has completed 13 acquisitions consisting of 22
locations, has executed definitive agreements to acquire an additional two
companies consisting of eight locations and has opened two start-up locations.
The Company's future growth will be dependent upon a number of factors
including, among others, the Company's ability to identify acceptable
acquisition candidates and suitable start-up locations, consummate
acquisitions and obtain sites for start-up locations on favorable terms,
promptly and successfully integrate acquired businesses and start-up locations
with the Company's existing operations, expand its customer base and obtain
financing to support expansion. There can be no assurance that the Company
will successfully expand or that any expansion will result in profitability.
The failure to effectively identify, evaluate and integrate acquired
businesses and start-up locations could adversely affect the Company's
operating results, possibly causing adverse effects on the market price of the
Common Stock. Through two pending acquisitions, the Company expects to operate
in the midwest, a region in which it has no prior experience. The results
achieved to date by the Company may not be indicative of its prospects or
ability to succeed in the midwest or in other new markets, many of which may
have different competitive conditions, seasonality and demographic
characteristics than the Company's current markets. As a result of its recent
acquisition of Comtect, Inc. d/b/a Industrial Air Tool ("IAT"), the Company
has substantially increased its presence in the MRO supply business, which
generally requires maintenance of higher levels of inventory, is more
dependent on industrial customers and has lower operating margins than the
Company's rental equipment business.     
 
  In connection with prospective acquisitions and start-up locations, the
Company anticipates experiencing growth in the number of its employees, the
scope of its operating and financial systems and the geographic area of its
operations. The Company believes this growth will increase the operating
complexity of the Company and the level of responsibility for both existing
and new management personnel. To manage this expected growth, the Company
intends to increase its investment in its operating and financial systems and
to continue to expand, train and manage its employee base. There can be no
assurance that the Company will be able to attract and retain qualified
management and employees or that the Company's current operating and financial
systems and controls will be adequate as the Company grows or that any steps
taken to improve such systems and controls will be sufficient. See "Business--
Growth Strategy."
 
COMPETITION
 
  The equipment rental industry is highly fragmented and competitive. The
Company's competitors include: large national companies (such as Hertz
Equipment Rental Corporation, Prime Service, Inc., U.S. Rentals, Inc. and BET
Plant Services U.S.A.); regional competitors which operate in one or two
states; small, independent businesses with one or two rental locations; and
equipment vendors and dealers who both sell and rent equipment directly to
customers. The Company also competes against MRO suppliers, including large
companies (such as W.W. Grainger and McMaster Carr), as well as regional and
independent competitors. Some of the Company's competitors have greater
financial resources, are more geographically diverse and have greater name
recognition than the Company. There can be no assurance that the Company will
not encounter increased competition from existing competitors or new market
entrants that may be significantly larger and have greater financial and
marketing resources. In addition, to the extent existing or future competitors
seek to gain or retain market share by reducing prices, the Company may be
required to lower its prices, thereby impacting operating results.
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
Existing or future competitors also may seek to compete with the Company for
acquisition candidates which could have the effect of increasing the price for
acquisitions or reducing the number of suitable acquisition candidates. In
addition, such competitors may also compete with the Company for start-up
locations, thereby limiting the number of attractive locations for expansion.
See "Business--Competition."
 
GENERAL ECONOMIC CONDITIONS
 
  The Company believes that its business is sensitive to economic and
competitive conditions, including national, regional and local slowdowns in
construction, petrochemical or other industrial activity. RSC operates in nine
states (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South
Carolina, Tennessee and Texas) and has executed definitive agreements to
acquire operations in five more states (Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and
Oklahoma). The Company's operating results may be adversely affected by events
or conditions in a particular area, such as regional economic slowdowns,
adverse weather and other factors. In addition, the Company's operating
results may be adversely affected by increases in interest rates that may lead
to a decline in economic activity, while simultaneously resulting in higher
interest payments by the Company under its variable rate credit facilities.
There can be no assurance that economic slowdowns, a decline in the
petrochemical industry or adverse economic or competitive conditions will not
have a material adverse effect on the Company's operating results and
financial condition. See "Business--Locations."
 
SEASONALITY AND QUARTERLY FLUCTUATIONS
 
  Historically, the Company's revenues and operating results have varied from
quarter to quarter and are expected to continue to fluctuate in the future.
These fluctuations have been due to a number of factors, including: general
economic conditions in the Company's markets; the timing of acquisitions and
start-up locations and related costs; the effectiveness of integrating
acquired businesses and start-up locations; the timing of fleet expansion
capital expenditures; the realization of targeted equipment utilization rates;
seasonal rental and purchasing patterns of the Company's customers; and price
changes in response to competitive factors. The Company incurs various costs
in establishing or integrating newly acquired locations or start-ups, and the
profitability of a new location is generally expected to be lower in the
initial period of its operation than in subsequent periods. These factors,
among others, make it likely that in some future quarter the Company's results
of operations may be below the expectations of securities analysts and
investors, which could have a material adverse effect on the market price of
the Common Stock. In addition, operating results historically have been
seasonally lower during the first and fourth fiscal quarters than during the
other quarters of the fiscal year. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Seasonality and Selected
Quarterly Operating Results."
 
HOLDINGS' BANKRUPTCY; INCREASE IN INDEBTEDNESS
 
  In September 1995, the Company acquired Acme Holdings Inc. ("Holdings"), an
equipment rental business with 22 locations, primarily serving Florida, the
Texas/Louisiana Gulf Coast and California. Between 1986 and 1990, Holdings had
acquired nine equipment rental businesses financed primarily with debt. In
1993, Holdings refinanced its debt through the public sale of $78.0 million of
senior notes (the "Senior Notes"). In 1994, due to a downturn in business
conditions, combined with Holdings' highly leveraged capital structure,
Holdings faced liquidity constraints and was unable to service its debt. In
response, Holdings brought in a new management team and hired Martin R. Reid,
the Company's current Chief Executive Officer, as Holdings' Chief Executive
Officer in June 1994. This new management team initiated restructuring
discussions with the holders of the Senior Notes in August 1994, culminating
in the prepackaged bankruptcy of Holdings and its subsidiaries. On September
12, 1995, the effective date of the prepackaged bankruptcy plan, the holders
of the Senior Notes received an aggregate of $35.4 million in cash from the
Company in exchange for the surrender of the Senior Notes and the release of
all claims against Holdings. In addition, in exchange for providing the
financing necessary for the consummation of Holdings' prepackaged bankruptcy
plan, the Company acquired Holdings through a stock merger. Prior to such
acquisition, the Company and Holdings shared certain common stockholders,
including members of Holdings' management and affiliates of Brentwood
Associates. In addition,
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
from July 1992 to September 1995, Holdings provided executive management
services to the Company pursuant to a Management Agreement. Holdings currently
operates as a subsidiary of the Company under the name RSC Holdings Inc. The
Company's growth strategy has increased and is expected to continue to
increase the Company's indebtedness. As a result of such increased levels of
indebtedness, a similar downturn in business could have a material adverse
effect on the Company. See "Capitalization" and "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
 
DEPENDENCE ON KEY PERSONNEL
 
  The Company's future performance and development will depend, in large part,
upon the efforts and abilities of certain members of senior management,
particularly Martin R. Reid, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive
Officer, and Douglas A. Waugaman, Ronald Halchishak and David G. Ledlow, each
a Senior Vice President of Operations. The loss of service of one or more
members of senior management could have a material adverse effect on the
Company's business. The Company's future success also will depend on its
ability to attract, train and retain skilled personnel in all areas of its
business. See "Management."
 
CONTROL BY EXISTING STOCKHOLDERS
   
  After the sale of the shares of Common Stock offered hereby, the Company's
executive officers and directors, and investors currently represented on its
Board of Directors, will in the aggregate beneficially own approximately 25.6%
of the Company's outstanding Common Stock (21.5% if the Underwriters' over-
allotment option is exercised in full). Accordingly, such persons, if they
choose to act together, generally will be able to elect a majority of the
directors and exercise significant control over the business, policies and
affairs of the Company. Similarly, such persons, acting together, would
generally be in a position to prevent a takeover of the Company by one or more
third parties, which could deprive the Company's stockholders of a control
premium that might otherwise be realized by them in connection with an
acquisition of the Company. See "Principal and Selling Stockholders."     
 
GOVERNMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION
 
  The Company and its operations are subject to various federal, state and
local laws and regulations governing, among other things, worker safety, air
emissions, water discharge and the generation, handling, storage,
transportation, treatment and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes.
Under such laws, an owner or lessee of real estate may be liable for the costs
of removal or remediation of certain hazardous or toxic substances located on
or in, or emanating from, such property, as well as related costs of
investigation and property damage. Such laws often impose such liability
without regard to whether the owner or lessee knew of, or was responsible for,
the presence of such hazardous or toxic substances. There can be no assurance
that acquired or leased locations have been operated in compliance with
environmental laws and regulations or that future uses or conditions will not
result in the imposition of environmental liability upon the Company or expose
the Company to third-party actions such as tort suits. In addition, the
Company dispenses petroleum products from underground and above-ground storage
tanks located at certain rental locations that it owns or leases. The Company
maintains an environmental compliance program that includes the implementation
of required technical and operational activities designed to minimize the
potential for leaks and spills, maintenance of records and the regular testing
and monitoring of tank systems for tightness. There can be no assurance,
however, that these tank systems have been or will at all times remain free
from leaks or that the use of these tanks has not or will not result in spills
or other releases. The Company incurs ongoing expenses associated with the
removal of older underground storage tanks and the performance of appropriate
remediation at certain of its locations. The Company also uses hazardous
materials such as solvents to clean and maintain its rental equipment fleet.
In addition, the Company generates and disposes waste such as used motor oil,
radiator fluid and solvents, and may be liable under various federal, state
and local laws for environmental contamination at facilities where its waste
is or has been disposed. See "Business--Government and Environmental
Regulation."
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
 
DEPENDENCE ON ADDITIONAL CAPITAL FOR FUTURE GROWTH
 
  Expansion of the Company through acquisitions, start-up locations and
internal growth will require significant capital expenditures. The Company
must continue to reinvest in ongoing capital expenditures to maintain the age
and condition of its rental equipment fleet in order to remain competitive and
provide its customers with high-quality equipment. The Company historically
has financed capital expenditures, acquisitions and start-up locations
primarily through the issuance of equity securities, secured bank borrowings
and internally generated cash flow. To implement its growth strategy and meet
its capital needs, the Company may in the future issue additional equity
securities (which could result in dilution to the purchasers of Common Stock
offered hereby) or may incur additional indebtedness. Such additional
indebtedness would increase RSC's leverage, may make the Company more
vulnerable to economic downturns and may limit its ability to withstand
competitive pressures. There can be no assurance that additional capital, if
and when required, will be available on terms acceptable to the Company, or at
all. Failure by the Company to obtain sufficient additional capital in the
future could have a material adverse effect on the Company's operating results
and financial condition. See "Business--Growth Strategy" and "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
 
LIABILITY AND INSURANCE
 
  The Company's business exposes it to possible claims for personal injury or
death resulting from the use of equipment rented or sold by the Company and
from injuries caused in motor vehicle accidents in which Company delivery and
service personnel are involved. The Company carries comprehensive insurance
subject to a deductible. There can be no assurance that existing or future
claims will not exceed the level of the Company's insurance, or that such
insurance will continue to be available on economically reasonable terms, if
at all. In addition, certain types of claims, such as claims for punitive
damages or for damages arising from intentional misconduct, are generally not
covered by the Company's insurance. See "Business--Legal Proceedings."
 
ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS
 
  The Company's Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the
"Certificate of Incorporation") and Amended and Restated Bylaws ("Bylaws")
include provisions that may delay, defer or prevent a takeover attempt that
may be in the best interest of stockholders. These provisions include the
ability of the Board of Directors to issue up to 500,000 shares of preferred
stock without any further stockholder approval, a provision under which only
the Board of Directors may call meetings of stockholders and certain advance
notice procedures for nominating candidates for election to the Board of
Directors. Issuance of preferred stock could also discourage bids for the
Common Stock at a premium as well as create a depressive effect on the market
price of the Common Stock. In addition, under certain conditions, Section 203
of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the "DGCL") would prohibit the
Company from engaging in a "business combination" with an "interested
stockholder" (in general, a stockholder owning 15% or more of the Company's
outstanding voting stock) for a period of three years. See "Description of
Capital Stock."
 
VOLATILITY OF STOCK PRICE
   
  The Common Stock's market price has experienced and can be expected to
continue to experience significant volatility. Such volatility may be caused
by fluctuations in the Company's operating results, changes in earnings
estimates by investment analysts, the degree of success the Company achieves
in implementing its business and growth strategies, changes in business or
regulatory conditions affecting the Company, its customers or its competitors,
and other factors. In addition, the New York Stock Exchange historically has
experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that often have been
unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of companies. These
fluctuations, as well as general economic, political and market conditions,
may adversely affect the market price of the Common Stock. There can be no
assurance that the market price of the Common Stock will not decline below the
price at which shares of Common Stock are offered hereunder.     
 
                                      10
<PAGE>
 
SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE; REGISTRATION RIGHTS
 
  Upon consummation of the offering, the Company will have outstanding an
aggregate of 14,571,777 shares of Common Stock. After the offering, the
holders of 4,237,507 shares of Common Stock (3,637,507 shares if the
Underwriters' over-allotment option is exercised in full) will be entitled to
certain registration rights under the Securities Act, at the expense of the
Company. Such shares may also be sold under Rule 144 of the Securities Act,
depending on the holding period of such securities and subject to significant
restrictions in the case of shares held by persons deemed to be affiliates of
the Company. The Company, the Selling Stockholders, the Company's directors
and executive officers, and certain of the Company's other current
stockholders have, subject to certain exceptions in the case of the Company
described in "Underwriting," agreed not to directly or indirectly offer, sell,
contract to sell or otherwise dispose of or transfer any capital stock of the
Company, or any security convertible into, or exercisable or exchangeable for,
such capital stock, for a period of 90 days after the date of this Prospectus,
without the prior written consent of William Blair & Company, L.L.C. In
addition, the Company has the authority to issue additional shares of Common
Stock and shares of one or more series of preferred stock. The issuance of
such shares could result in the dilution of the voting power of the shares of
Common Stock purchased in the offering and could have a dilutive effect on
earnings per share. No prediction can be made as to the effect, if any, that
future sales of shares, or the availability of shares for future sale, will
have on the market price of the Common Stock. The Company currently has no
plans to designate and/or issue any shares of preferred stock. See
"Description of Capital Stock," "Principal and Selling Stockholders," "Shares
Available for Future Sale" and "Underwriting."
 
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
  This Prospectus contains certain forward-looking statements, including
without limitation, statements concerning the Company's operations, economic
performance and financial condition, including in particular, the integration
of acquisitions and start-up locations into the Company's existing operations.
These forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor
provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words
"believe," "expect," "anticipate" and other similar expressions generally
identify forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned not to place
undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of
their dates. These forward-looking statements are based largely on the
Company's current expectations and are subject to a number of risks and
uncertainties, including without limitation, those identified under "Risk
Factors" and elsewhere in this Prospectus and other risks and uncertainties
indicated from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and
Exchange Commission. Actual results could differ materially from these
forward-looking statements. In addition, important factors to consider in
evaluating such forward-looking statements include changes in external market
factors, changes in the Company's business or growth strategy or an inability
to execute its strategy due to changes in its industry or the economy
generally, the emergence of new or growing competitors and various other
competitive factors. In light of these risks and uncertainties, there can be
no assurance that the forward-looking statements contained in this Prospectus
will in fact occur.
 
                                      11
<PAGE>
 
                              RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
 
 Initial Public Offering
 
  In September 1996, the Company completed an initial public offering of
6,325,000 shares of Common Stock. In the offering, the Company sold 6,027,813
shares of Common Stock at an initial public offering price of $16.00 per share
and used the net proceeds primarily to redeem its cumulative preferred stock
and to repay indebtedness. Consistent with its growth and business strategies,
the Company has taken the following actions since its initial public offering.
 
 Acquisitions and Start-ups
   
  On April 25, 1997, the Company acquired Comtect, Inc., d/b/a Industrial Air
Tool (the "IAT Acquisition") for a purchase price of $32.6 million cash and
189,189 shares of Common Stock, plus up to 108,108 shares of Common Stock if
certain performance objectives are achieved. IAT is a leading MRO supplier,
"on-site" small tool provider and rental management company, with three
locations in Texas and one in Louisiana. Pursuant to the acquisition
agreement, the Company assumed effective control of IAT's operations on March
1, 1997, and has included IAT's results of operations, net of imputed purchase
price adjustments, in its consolidated statements of operations beginning
March 1, 1997. IAT's balance sheet is consolidated with the Company's under
the purchase method of accounting as of April 25, 1997.     
 
  IAT serves a variety of industrial customers, primarily petrochemical
refineries and contractors who perform maintenance and construction in the
refineries. IAT also sells and rents oilfield winches, blowout preventers and
other oilfield supply equipment. IAT manages "on-site" tool rooms at
petrochemical plants in the Houston area, controlling the issuance and return
of client-owned tools, equipment and supplies, as well as fulfilling rental
requisitions from the IAT rental fleet or on re-rent from third parties. IAT
also maintains a fleet of tool trailers which are stocked in advance to
customer requirements and taken into plants during turnarounds, shutdowns or
new construction to provide rental equipment and supplies to both plant
personnel and outside contractors. IAT's revenues for the year ended March 31,
1997 were approximately $49.0 million. See "Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated
Financial Information" and the combined financial statements of IAT and notes
thereto appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
  The acquisition of IAT allows RSC to expand its MRO supply and equipment
sales businesses, while providing additional opportunities to expand its
rental business in the industrial sector. IAT will serve as the basis for the
Company's new Industrial Division, with a dedicated and specially-trained
sales force focusing exclusively on industrial customers.
   
  Since its initial public offering, the Company has also completed 12 other
acquisitions of equipment rental businesses, with 18 locations in Georgia,
Arkansas, Louisiana, Alabama and Texas for a total of $24.7 million cash and
has opened start-up locations in Tennessee and South Carolina.     
 
 Pending Acquisitions
 
  On April 25, 1997, the Company reached a definitive agreement to acquire
substantially all of the assets of Brute Equipment Co. ("Foxx"), with a total
of four locations in Iowa and Illinois. The purchase price is $32.7 million
cash and 284,250 shares of Common Stock, of which 233,034 shares will be paid
at closing and the remaining 51,216 shares will be issued one year from the
date of closing. In addition, up to 89,630 additional shares of Common Stock
may be paid to the seller over a three year period if certain performance
objectives are achieved. The purchase price is subject to adjustment based on
levels of accounts receivable, inventory and equipment. Foxx specializes in
the rental and sale of aerial equipment to construction and industrial
customers. Foxx's revenues for its fiscal year ended December 31, 1996, were
approximately $20.0 million. The Foxx acquisition is anticipated to close by
June 30, 1997. See "Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information"
and the Financial Statements of Brute Equipment Co. and notes thereto
appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
 
                                      12
<PAGE>
 
  On April 26, 1997, the Company reached a definitive agreement to acquire
substantially all of the assets of Central States Equipment, Inc. and
Equipment Lessors, Inc. ("Central States"). The purchase price (subject to
adjustment) is $18.0 million in cash and 204,867 shares of Common Stock, of
which 102,435 shares of Common Stock will be paid to the sellers over a five
year period, which may be accelerated to three years if certain performance
objectives are achieved. The purchase price is subject to adjustment based on
levels of accounts receivable, inventory and equipment. Central States
specializes in the rental and sale of aerial equipment, ladders and
scaffolding, with a total of four locations in Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma.
Central States' revenues for the year ended September 30, 1996 were
approximately $12.0 million. This transaction is expected to close by June 30,
1997. See "Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information."
 
  The Foxx and Central States acquisitions are each subject to a number of
closing conditions, including the expiration or early termination of the
waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976,
as amended.
 
  The Company believes it can expand the existing Foxx and Central States
businesses by supplementing their aerial fleets with RSC's full range of
rental equipment and supplies, as well as using RSC's "hub" and "satellite"
strategy. In addition, RSC believes that by providing a broader range of
rental equipment at the Foxx and Central States locations, it will be able to
generate additional business from existing customers by providing a single
source of "one-stop shopping" for equipment rentals and supply sales.
   
  The Company has also entered into letters of intent for the acquisition of
three equipment rental businesses with seven locations in Arkansas and
Florida.     
 
 Directors and Officers
 
  To support its continued growth, the Company has added to its board of
directors and senior management team. Eric Mattson, Chief Financial Officer of
Baker Hughes Incorporated, and Britton Murdoch, former Chief Financial Officer
of Airgas, Inc., have joined the board as outside directors. Effective April
14, 1997, Douglas Waugaman was promoted from Chief Financial Officer to Senior
Vice President of Operations, and Robert Wilson joined RSC as Senior Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer. The Company has also hired Bruce
Lisanti as Senior Vice President of Marketing.
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
   
  The net proceeds to be received by the Company from the sale of Common Stock
offered hereby, after deducting the underwriting discount and offering
expenses payable by the Company, are estimated to be $54.1 million (assuming
an offering price of $19.375 per share).     
   
  The Company intends to use the estimated net proceeds of the offering to
reduce the Company's indebtedness under the senior secured revolving credit
facility (the "Revolver") among the Company's subsidiaries and certain
financial institutions, in order to provide borrowing availability for general
corporate purposes including acquisitions. Proceeds from the Revolver, under
which approximately $169.2 million principal amount of indebtedness was
outstanding at May 21, 1997, were used to, among other things, fund capital
expenditures, acquisitions and start-up locations and meet seasonal
fluctuations in working capital. A reduction of amounts outstanding under the
Revolver will increase the amount of available borrowings under such facility.
At May 22, 1997, the Company was a party to two definitive purchase agreements
and three letters of intent to acquire additional businesses, a significant
portion of the purchase price of which is expected to be funded by future
borrowings by the Company. See "Description of Capital Stock," "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and
"Recent Developments."     
 
  The Company will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of shares by
the Selling Stockholders. See "Principal and Selling Stockholders."
 
                                      13
<PAGE>
 
                          PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK
   
  The Company's Common Stock commenced trading on the New York Stock Exchange
on May 22, 1997 and is traded under the symbol 'RSV.' Prior thereto, the
Company's Common Stock was traded on the Nasdaq National Market from September
18, 1996 until May 21, 1997 under the symbol 'RSVC.' The following table sets
forth for each period indicated, the high and low closing sales prices for the
Company's Common Stock as reported by the New York Stock Exchange or the
Nasdaq National Market System, as applicable.     
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                                  PRICE
                                                                 -----------
                                                                 HIGH    LOW
                                                                 ----    ---
   <S>                                                           <C>     <C>
   FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
     Third quarter (from September 18, 1996).................... 23 1/4  21 1/2
     Fourth quarter............................................. 28 1/2  20 3/8
   FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1997
     First quarter.............................................. 27 1/4  18
     Second quarter (through May 22, 1997)...................... 20 1/2  18
</TABLE>    
   
  On May 22, 1997, the last sale price of the Common Stock as reported on the
New York Stock Exchange was $19.375 per share. As of May 22, 1997, there were
approximately 32 holders of record of the Common Stock. The Company believes
that the number of beneficial owners is substantially greater than the number
of record holders because a large portion of the Common Stock is held of
record in broker "street names".     
 
                                DIVIDEND POLICY
 
  The Company has not paid any cash dividends on its Common Stock since its
formation and does not currently intend to pay cash dividends in the
foreseeable future. Management anticipates that all earnings and other cash
resources of the Company, if any, will be retained by the Company for the
operation and expansion of its business and for general corporate purposes.
The payment of any future dividends will be at the discretion of the Company's
Board of Directors and will depend upon, among other things, the Company's
earnings, financial condition, results of operations, level of indebtedness,
capital requirements, general business conditions and contractual restrictions
on payment of dividends, if any, as well as such other factors as the Board of
Directors may deem relevant. The Company is effectively restricted by the
terms of the revolving credit facility from paying cash dividends on its
Common Stock, and may in the future enter into loan or other agreements or
issue debt securities or preferred stock that restrict the payment of cash
dividends on Common Stock. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Liquidity and Capital
Resources."
 
                                      14
<PAGE>
 
                                CAPITALIZATION
   
  The following table sets forth the total debt and total capitalization of
the Company at March 31, 1997 on (i) an historical basis, (ii) a pro forma
combined basis to give effect to the IAT Acquisition, the pending Foxx
acquisition and the other pending 1997 acquisitions as though such
acquisitions were consummated as of January 1, 1997 and (iii) a pro forma as
adjusted basis to give effect to the IAT Acquisition, the pending Foxx
acquisition, the other pending 1997 acquisitions and the sale by the Company
of 3,000,000 shares of Common Stock offered hereby and the application of the
estimated net proceeds to the Company therefrom. This table should be read in
conjunction with "Use of Proceeds," "Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated
Financial Information," "Selected Consolidated Financial Information and
Operating Data" and the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements and the
Notes thereto included elsewhere in this Prospectus.     
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                         MARCH 31, 1997
                                                 ------------------------------
                                                          PRO FORMA  PRO FORMA
                                                  ACTUAL  COMBINED  AS ADJUSTED
                                                 -------- --------- -----------
                                                         (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                              <C>      <C>       <C>
Debt:
  Bank debt..................................... $101,005 $198,630   $144,557
  Notes payable.................................      301      301        301
  Capital leases................................       55       55         55
  Equipment contracts payable...................      263      263        263
                                                 -------- --------   --------
    Total debt..................................  101,624  199,249    145,176
Stockholders' equity:
  Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per share;
   500,000 authorized and none outstanding,
   actual, pro forma combined and pro forma as
   adjusted.....................................      --       --         --
  Common Stock, par value $.01 per share;
   20,000,000 authorized and 11,376,378
   outstanding, actual; 20,000,000 authorized
   and 12,054,684 outstanding, pro forma
   combined, 20,000,000 authorized and
   15,054,684 outstanding, pro forma as
   adjusted(1)..................................      114      119        149
  Additional paid-in capital....................   93,917  106,710    160,753
  Common Stock issuable.........................      --         2          2
  Retained earnings.............................    2,690    2,690      2,690
                                                 -------- --------   --------
    Total stockholders' equity..................   96,721  109,521    163,594
                                                 -------- --------   --------
      Total capitalization...................... $198,345 $308,770   $308,770
                                                 ======== ========   ========
</TABLE>    
- --------
   
(1) Excludes (i) 863,980 shares subject to options outstanding as of April 30,
    1997 pursuant to the Company's Equity Participation Plans at a weighted
    average exercise price of $17.66 per share, (ii) 403,410 shares reserved
    for issuance pursuant to the Company's Equity Participation Plans, (iii)
    250,000 shares reserved for issuance pursuant to the Company's QSP Plan.
    Actual and pro forma amounts exclude 686,855 and 197,738 shares,
    respectively, reserved for issuance in connection with certain
    acquisitions. See "Management--Equity Participation Plans," "--Employee
    Qualified Stock Purchase Plan" and "Recent Developments."     
 
                                      15
<PAGE>
 
            UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
   
  The following unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information of the
Company presents the unaudited pro forma consolidated statements of operations
for the year ended December 31, 1996 and the three months ended March 31,
1997, and the unaudited pro forma consolidated balance sheet at March 31,
1997. The pro forma combined consolidated statements of operations for the
year ended December 31, 1996 have been adjusted to give effect to the
following acquisitions (the "Pro Forma Combined Acquisitions") (i) the
Company's acquisitions of certain assets and liabilities of Sun Construction
Equipment, Inc. (completed in February 1996), Blanchard Machinery, Inc.
(completed in March 1996), B&S Rental Company, Inc. (completed in May 1996),
Equipment Rental & Supply Inc. (completed in June 1996), Hughes Rental and
Equipment Company, Inc. (completed in October 1996), AMKA, Inc. (completed in
October 1996), Performance Equipment Rental & Sales, Inc. (completed in
October 1996), Jones Tractor & Equipment Company, Inc. (completed in November
1996), Tool Shed Inc. (completed in November 1996) and City Sales, Inc.
(completed November 1996) (collectively, the "1996 Acquisitions"), (ii) the
Company's acquisition of all outstanding shares of Comtect, Inc. d/b/a
Industrial Air Tool (the "IAT Acquisition") effective March 1, 1997, (iii) the
Company's acquisitions of certain assets and liabilities of 3 W Services, Inc.
(completed in January 1997), Holt Equipment Rental & Supply (completed in
February 1997), Crider Electric Motor & Tool Rental Service, Inc. (completed
in March 1997), United Rental & Sales (completed in March 1997), Kastner
Rentals (completed in March 1997) and Stop Agan Rentals and Sales, Inc.
(completed in May 1997) (collectively, the "1997 Other Completed
Acquisitions"), (iv) the Company's proposed acquisition of certain assets and
liabilities of Foxx (the "Pending Foxx Acquisition") for which the definitive
purchase agreement was signed April 25, 1997 and (v) the Company's proposed
acquisitions of Central States and three other equipment rental businesses
with seven locations in two states (collectively, the "Other Pending
Acquisitions"). Such statements have been adjusted in each case as if such
transactions had occurred on January 1, 1996. The pro forma combined
consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31,
1997 have been adjusted to give effect to the IAT Acquisition, the 1997 Other
Completed Acquisitions, the Pending Foxx Acquisition and the Other Pending
Acquisitions as if these transactions had occurred on January 1, 1997. The pro
forma combined consolidated balance sheet gives effect to these transactions
as if they had occurred on March 31, 1997. The pro forma adjustments relating
to the acquisitions referred to in clauses (i) through (v) above are referred
to herein collectively as "Pro Forma Acquisition Adjustments." There can be no
assurance that the Pending Foxx Acquisition or the Other Pending Acquisitions
will be consummated.     
   
  In addition to the Pro Forma Combined Acquisitions, the pro forma as
adjusted consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31,
1996 gives effect to the following transactions, in each case as if such
transactions had occurred on the first day of the period presented: (i) the
sale by the Company of 6,027,813 shares of Common Stock in the initial public
offering at a price of $16.00 per share and the sale by the Company of
3,000,000 shares of Common Stock offered hereby at an assumed price of $19.375
per share, (ii) the redemption of the Company's Redeemable Preferred Stock
upon application of a portion of the net proceeds to the Company from its
initial public offering (and the related elimination of Redeemable Preferred
Stock accretion), (iii) the repurchase of a warrant upon application of a
portion of the net proceeds to the Company from its initial public offering,
(iv) a reduction in interest expense as a result of reductions in indebtedness
upon application of a portion of the net proceeds to the Company from its
initial public offering and this offering, (v) the elimination of a $235,000
annual monitoring fee paid to an affiliate of the Company and (vi) the
reduction of interest expense and amortization of intangibles expense
resulting from amendments and restatements to the Revolver in September 1996,
January 1997 and May 1997. In addition to the IAT Acquisition, the 1997 Other
Completed Acquisitions, the Pending Foxx Acquisition and the Other Pending
Acquisitions, the pro forma as adjusted consolidated statements of operations
for the three months ended March 31, 1997 and the pro forma as adjusted
balance sheet at March 31, 1997 give additional effect to the following
transactions, in the case of the statement of operations as if such
transactions had occurred on the first day of the period presented and in the
case of the balance sheet as if they had occurred at March 31, 1997: (i) the
sale by the Company of 3,000,000 shares of Common Stock offered hereby, at an
assumed offering price of $19.375 per share (ii) a reduction in interest
expense as a result of reductions in indebtedness upon application of a
portion of the net proceeds to the     
 
                                      16
<PAGE>
 
Company from this offering, and (iii) the reduction of interest expense and
amortization of intangibles resulting from amendments and restatements to the
Revolver in January 1997 and May 1997. The pro forma adjustments relating to
the transactions referred to in this paragraph are referred to herein
collectively as the "Pro Forma Offering Adjustments." See "Use of Proceeds,
"Capitalization," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations," "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions,"
and the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes thereto.
 
  The Pro Forma Acquisition Adjustments and Pro Forma Offering Adjustments
represent the Company's determination of all adjustments necessary to present
fairly the Company's pro forma results of operations and financial position
and are based upon available information and certain assumptions considered
reasonable under the circumstances. The pro forma consolidated financial
information presented herein does not purport to present what the Company's
financial position or results of operations would actually have been had such
events leading to the Pro Forma Acquisition Adjustments and Pro Forma Offering
Adjustments in fact occurred on the date or at the beginning of the periods
indicated or to project the Company's financial position or results of
operations for any future date or period.
 
  The unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information should be read in
conjunction with the historical Consolidated Financial Statements of the
Company and the Notes thereto and management's discussion thereof contained
elsewhere in this Prospectus. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and the Company's Consolidated
Financial Statements and the Notes thereto.
 
                                      17
<PAGE>
 
 
           UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                     FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                              1997 OTHER    PENDING      OTHER      PRO FORMA      PRO
                   HISTORICAL      1996            IAT        COMPLETED      FOXX       PENDING    ACQUISITION    FORMA
                    COMPANY   ACQUISITIONS(1) ACQUISITION(1) ACQUISITIONS ACQUISITION ACQUISITIONS ADJUSTMENTS   COMBINED
                   ---------- --------------- -------------- ------------ ----------- ------------ -----------   --------
<S>                <C>        <C>             <C>            <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>           <C>
Revenues:
 Equipment
 rentals.........   $ 94,218      $5,775         $ 7,319       $ 9,011      $11,842     $11,767      $   --      $139,932
 Sales of parts,
 supplies and
 equipment.......     34,136       3,213          41,694         2,855        7,976       6,061          --        95,935
                    --------      ------         -------       -------      -------     -------      -------     --------
Total revenues...    128,354       8,988          49,013        11,866       19,818      17,828          --       235,867
Cost of revenues:
 Cost of
 equipment
 rentals,
 excluding
 equipment rental
 depreciation....     55,202       4,591           5,170         4,730        4,228       3,813          --        77,734
 Depreciation,
 equipment
 rentals.........     17,840         999             445         2,060        2,718       3,660       (2,883)(2)   24,839
 Cost of sales of
 parts, supplies
 and equipment...     24,070       1,403          33,307         1,874        5,308       5,490          --        71,452
                    --------      ------         -------       -------      -------     -------      -------     --------
Total cost of
revenues.........     97,112       6,993          38,922         8,664       12,254      12,963       (2,883)     174,025
                    --------      ------         -------       -------      -------     -------      -------     --------
Gross profit.....     31,242       1,995          10,091         3,202        7,564       4,865        2,883       61,842
Selling, general
and
administrative
expense..........     12,254       1,280           7,107         2,129        5,782       3,882       (4,392)(3)   28,042
Depreciation and
amortization,
excluding
equipment rental
depreciation.....      2,835          87             164            72          258         269          --         3,685
Amortization of
intangibles......      2,379         --              --             61          --          --         2,216 (4)    4,656
                    --------      ------         -------       -------      -------     -------      -------     --------
Operating income.     13,774         628           2,820           940        1,524         714        5,059       25,459
Non-operating
income...........        --          --             (373)          --           --          --           373 (5)      --
Interest expense,
net..............      7,063          98              67           490          235         914        7,938 (6)   16,805
                    --------      ------         -------       -------      -------     -------      -------     --------
Income (loss)
before income
taxes and
extraordinary
items............      6,711         530           3,126           450        1,289        (200)      (3,252)       8,654
Provision
(benefit) for
income taxes.....      2,722         (60)            150            89          --         (141)         754 (7)    3,514
                    --------      ------         -------       -------      -------     -------      -------     --------
Income (loss)
before
extraordinary
items............      3,989         590           2,976           361        1,289         (59)      (4,006)       5,140
Redeemable
Preferred Stock
accretion........      1,643         --              --            --           --          --           --         1,643
                    --------      ------         -------       -------      -------     -------      -------     --------
Income (loss)
available to
common
stockholders
before
extraordinary
items............   $  2,346      $  590         $ 2,976       $   361      $ 1,289     $   (59)     $(4,006)    $  3,497
                    ========      ======         =======       =======      =======     =======      =======     ========
Income before
extraordinary
items per common
share............   $    .33                                                                                     $    .44
Weighted average
common
shares(12).......      7,218                                                                                        7,896
<CAPTION>
                    PRO FORMA
                    OFFERING       PRO FORMA
                   ADJUSTMENTS    AS ADJUSTED
                   -------------- -----------
<S>                <C>            <C>
Revenues:
 Equipment
 rentals.........    $   --        $139,932
 Sales of parts,
 supplies and
 equipment.......        --          95,935
                   -------------- -----------
Total revenues...        --         235,867
Cost of revenues:
 Cost of
 equipment
 rentals,
 excluding
 equipment rental
 depreciation....        --          77,734
 Depreciation,
 equipment
 rentals.........        --          24,839
 Cost of sales of
 parts, supplies
 and equipment...        --          71,452
                   -------------- -----------
Total cost of
revenues.........        --         174,025
                   -------------- -----------
Gross profit.....        --          61,842
Selling, general
and
administrative
expense..........       (235)(8)     27,807
Depreciation and
amortization,
excluding
equipment rental
depreciation.....        --           3,685
Amortization of
intangibles......       (152)(9)      4,504
                   -------------- -----------
Operating income.        387         25,846
Non-operating
income...........        --             --
Interest expense,
net..............     (9,353)(10)     7,452
                   -------------- -----------
Income (loss)
before income
taxes and
extraordinary
items............      9,740         18,394
Provision
(benefit) for
income taxes.....      3,954 (7)      7,468
                   -------------- -----------
Income (loss)
before
extraordinary
items............      5,786         10,926
Redeemable
Preferred Stock
accretion........     (1,643)(11)       --
                   -------------- -----------
Income (loss)
available to
common
stockholders
before
extraordinary
items............    $ 7,429       $ 10,926
                   ============== ===========
Income before
extraordinary
items per common
share............                  $    .72
Weighted average
common
shares(12).......                    15,225
                            (12)(13)(14)(15)
</TABLE>    
 
   See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Statements of
                                  Operations

                                       18
<PAGE>
 
      NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                     FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
   
 (1) Represents the results of the 1996 Acquisitions prior to their
     acquisition by the Company. Results of the 1996 Acquisitions subsequent
     to the dates of their acquisition are included in the historical
     Company's results for the year ended December 31, 1996. The results of
     operations for the IAT Acquisition represent the results for IAT's fiscal
     year ended March 31, 1997. See Note 1 to the Company's Consolidated
     Financial Statements.     
 
 (2) Represents the elimination of the historical carrying value rental
     depreciation of $9,882,000 and the Company's estimate of $6,999,000 for
     rental depreciation assuming the rental fleet acquired was stepped-up to
     fair market value at the beginning of the period. As a result, pro forma
     depreciation decreased by $2,883,000.
 
 (3) Represents the elimination of certain stockholders' salaries associated
     with the Pending Foxx Acquisition as one stockholder will not be employed
     by the Company, and one stockholder will be employed, under a lower
     contractual rate. Also, represents the elimination of $2,320,000 of
     nonrecurring litigation judgement expense associated with the Pending
     Foxx Acquisition.
   
 (4) Represents the elimination of the historical amortization of goodwill and
     covenants not to compete of $61,000 for the 1996 Acquisitions, the IAT
     Acquisition, the 1997 Other Completed Acquisitions, the Pending Foxx
     Acquisition and the Other Pending Acquisitions and the Company's estimate
     of amortization of goodwill and covenants not to compete for the above
     acquisitions of $2,277,000 as if the acquisitions were consummated at the
     beginning of the period presented. As a result, pro forma amortization
     expense increased by $2,216,000.     
 
 (5) Represents elimination of income earned on assets not acquired in the IAT
     Acquisition.
   
 (6) Represents the elimination of historical interest expense of $1,804,000
     and the effects on interest expense from borrowing to fund the above
     acquisitions of $9,742,000 as if the acquisitions were consummated at the
     beginning of the period presented. As a result, pro forma interest
     expense increased by $7,938,000.     
 
 (7) Represents the adjustment to effect pro forma adjustments for the
     Company's effective tax rate of 40.6%.
 
 (8) Represents elimination of a $235,000 annual monitoring fee paid to an
     affiliate of the Company.
 
 (9) Represents the elimination of the amortization of capitalized debt
     issuance costs associated with the Bank Note and the net reduction of
     amortization of capitalized debt issuance costs associated with the
     amended and restated Revolver.
 
(10) Represents the elimination of historical interest expense on the Bank
     Note and a portion of the Revolver assuming the repayment of such
     indebtedness at the beginning of the period presented with a portion of
     the net proceeds from the sale of Common Stock offered in the Company's
     initial public offering in September 1996 and this Offering, and the
     effect of the reduction of interest expense resulting from the Company's
     amendments and restatements to the Revolver.
 
(11) Represents the elimination of historical accretion of dividends on
     Redeemable Preferred Stock assuming the redemption of the Redeemable
     Preferred Stock at the beginning of the period presented.
 
(12) Reflects the issuance of capital stock on January 4, 1996, as if the
     stock was sold at the beginning of the period presented. See Note 1 to
     the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
(13) Gives additional effect to the repurchase and elimination of a warrant
     and issuance of shares in the Company's initial public offering as if
     such transactions were consummated at the beginning of the period
     presented. See Note 1 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.
   
(14) The acquisition agreements for the IAT Acquisition and the Pending Foxx
     Acquisition provide for the potential issuance of up to 108,108 shares of
     Common Stock and up to 89,630 shares of Common Stock, respectively, over
     three year periods following the acquisitions if certain performance
     objectives are met. The effects of the potential issuance of these shares
     are not considered in the pro forma consolidated financial statements, as
     the related performance objectives have not currently been achieved.     
 
(15) Weighted average common shares include 678,306 shares of Common Stock for
     IAT, Foxx, and Central States.
 
                                      19
<PAGE>
 
           UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                   FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1997
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                           1997 OTHER    PENDING      OTHER      PRO FORMA      PRO     PRO FORMA
                   HISTORICAL     IAT      COMPLETED      FOXX       PENDING    ACQUISITION    FORMA    OFFERING
                   COMPANY(1) ACQUISITION ACQUISITIONS ACQUISITION ACQUISITIONS ADJUSTMENTS   COMBINED ADJUSTMENTS
                   ---------- ----------- ------------ ----------- ------------ -----------   -------- -----------
<S>                <C>        <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>           <C>      <C>
Revenues:
 Equipment
 rentals.........   $27,527     $1,029       $1,729      $2,856       $2,942      $   --      $36,083    $   --
 Sales of parts,
 supplies and
 equipment.......    13,782      6,960          616       2,241        1,515          --       25,114        --
                    -------     ------       ------      ------       ------      -------     -------    -------
Total revenues...    41,309      7,989        2,345       5,097        4,457          --       61,197        --
Cost of revenues:
 Cost of
 equipment
 rentals,
 excluding
 equipment rental
 depreciation....    14,316        828          834       1,007          953          --       17,938        --
 Depreciation,
 equipment
 rentals.........     6,306         81          432         782          915         (662)(2)   7,854        --
 Cost of sales of
 parts, supplies
 and equipment...     9,709      5,595          377       1,482        1,373          --       18,536        --
                    -------     ------       ------      ------       ------      -------     -------    -------
Total cost of
revenues.........    30,331      6,504        1,643       3,271        3,241         (662)     44,328        --
                    -------     ------       ------      ------       ------      -------     -------    -------
Gross profit.....    10,978      1,485          702       1,826        1,216          662      16,869        --
Selling, general
and
administrative
expense..........     3,784      1,194          481         417          971          --        6,847        --
Depreciation and
amortization,
excluding
equipment rental
depreciation.....     1,068         30           15          52           67          --        1,232        --
Amortization of
intangibles......       624        --            15         --           --           397 (3)   1,036        116
                    -------     ------       ------      ------       ------      -------     -------    -------
Operating income
(loss)...........     5,502        261          191       1,357          178          265       7,754       (116)
Non-operating
income...........       --         (59)         --          --           --            59 (4)     --         --
Interest expense,
net..............     1,597         13          111          64          228        1,388 (5)   3,401     (1,644)(6)
                    -------     ------       ------      ------       ------      -------     -------    -------
Income (loss)
before income
taxes and
extraordinary
item.............     3,905        307           80       1,293          (50)      (1,182)      4,353      1,528
Provision
(benefit) for
income taxes.....     1,722         37           15         --           (35)         181 (7)   1,920        674 (7)
                    -------     ------       ------      ------       ------      -------     -------    -------
Income (loss)
before
extraordinary
item.............   $ 2,183     $  270       $   65      $1,293       $  (15)     $(1,363)    $ 2,433    $   854
                    =======     ======       ======      ======       ======      =======     =======    =======
Net income per
common share
before
extraordinary
item.............   $   .19                                                                   $   .20
Weighted average
common shares....    11,493                                                                    12,172
<CAPTION>
                    PRO FORMA
                   AS ADJUSTED
                   ---------------
<S>                <C>
Revenues:
 Equipment
 rentals.........    $36,083
 Sales of parts,
 supplies and
 equipment.......     25,114
                   ---------------
Total revenues...     61,197
Cost of revenues:
 Cost of
 equipment
 rentals,
 excluding
 equipment rental
 depreciation....     17,938
 Depreciation,
 equipment
 rentals.........      7,854
 Cost of sales of
 parts, supplies
 and equipment...     18,536
                   ---------------
Total cost of
revenues.........     44,328
                   ---------------
Gross profit.....     16,869
Selling, general
and
administrative
expense..........      6,847
Depreciation and
amortization,
excluding
equipment rental
depreciation.....      1,232
Amortization of
intangibles......      1,152
                   ---------------
Operating income
(loss)...........      7,638
Non-operating
income...........        --
Interest expense,
net..............      1,757
                   ---------------
Income (loss)
before income
taxes and
extraordinary
item.............      5,881
Provision
(benefit) for
income taxes.....      2,594
                   ---------------
Income (loss)
before
extraordinary
item.............    $ 3,287
                   ===============
Net income per
common share
before
extraordinary
item.............    $   .22
Weighted average
common shares....     15,172(8)(9)
</TABLE>    
 
   See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Statements of
                                  Operations
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
 
      NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                   FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1997
   
(1) Results of the 1997 Other Completed Acquisitions and the IAT Acquisition
    subsequent to the dates of their acquisition are included in the
    historical Company's results for the three months ended March 31, 1997.
    See Note 1 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.     
 
(2) Represents the elimination of the historical carrying value rental
    depreciation of $2,210,000 and the Company's estimate of $1,548,000 for
    rental depreciation assuming the rental fleet acquired was stepped up to
    fair market value at the beginning of the period presented. As a result,
    pro forma depreciation decreased by $662,000.
   
(3) Represents the Company's estimate of amortization of goodwill and
    covenants not to compete for the IAT Acquisition, the 1997 Other Completed
    Acquisitions, the Pending Foxx Acquisition and the Other Pending
    Acquisitions of $397,000, as if the acquisitions were consummated at the
    beginning of the period presented.     
 
(4) Represents elimination of income earned on assets not acquired in the IAT
    Acquisition.
   
(5) Represents the elimination of the IAT Acquisition, the 1997 Other
    Completed Acquisitions, the Pending Foxx Acquisition and the Other Pending
    Acquisitions historical interest expense of $416,000 and the effects on
    interest expense from borrowing to fund the acquisitions of $1,804,000, as
    if the acquisitions were consummated at the beginning of the period
    presented. As a result, pro forma interest expense increased by
    $1,388,000.     
          
(6) Represents the elimination of historical interest expense on a portion of
    the Revolver assuming the repayment of such indebtedness at the beginning
    of the period presented with a portion of the net proceeds from the sale
    of Common Stock offered hereby, and the effect of the reduction of
    interest expense resulting from the Company's amendments and restatements
    to the Revolver.     
   
(7) Represents the adjustment to effect pro forma adjustments for the
    Company's effective tax rate of 44.1%.     
   
(8) The acquisition agreements for the IAT Acquisition and the Pending Foxx
    Acquisition provide for the potential issuance of up to 108,108 shares of
    Common Stock and up to 89,630 shares of Common Stock, respectively, over
    three year periods following the acquisitions if certain performance
    objectives are met. The effects of the potential issuance of these shares
    are not considered in the pro forma consolidated financial statements, as
    the related performance objectives have not currently been achieved.     
   
(9) Weighted average common shares include 678,306 shares of Common Stock for
    IAT, Foxx and Central States.     
 
                                      21
<PAGE>
 
                 UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                           MARCH 31, 1997(1)
                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             1997 OTHER      PENDING      OTHER      PRO FORMA          PRO     PRO FORMA
                    HISTORICAL     IAT        COMPLETED       FOXX       PENDING    ACQUISITION        FORMA    OFFERING
                     COMPANY   ACQUISITION ACQUISITIONS(2) ACQUISITION ACQUISITIONS ADJUSTMENTS       COMBINED ADJUSTMENTS
                    ---------- ----------- --------------- ----------- ------------ -----------       -------- -----------
<S>                 <C>        <C>         <C>             <C>         <C>          <C>               <C>      <C>
ASSETS:
 Cash and cash
  equivalents......  $  1,578    $ 7,165       $   24        $     3     $   443     $ (7,635)(5)     $  1,578  $    --
 Accounts
  receivable, net..    22,844      6,993          435          2,453       1,594          --            34,319       --
 Other receivables
  and prepaid
  expense..........     2,850        217           20             51         153         (224)(5)        3,067       --
 Income tax
  receivable.......     1,524        --           --             --          --           --             1,524       --
 Parts and
  supplies
  inventories,
  net..............    10,515      6,664          109            405         857          --            18,550       --
 Deferred taxes....     8,645        --           --             --          --           --             8,645       --
 Rental equipment,
  net..............   155,395      1,010        3,633         13,841       7,409        5,193 (6)      186,481       --
 Operating
  property and
  equipment, at
  cost, net........    20,764      1,377          252            422       1,301          480 (6)       24,596       --
 Intangible
  assets...........    41,048        --           --             --            5       59,173 (7)      100,226       --
 Other assets......     2,380        716          737            237          91       (1,433)(5)        2,728       --
                     --------    -------       ------        -------     -------     --------         --------  --------
                     $267,543    $24,142       $5,210        $17,412     $11,853     $ 55,554         $381,714  $    --
                     ========    =======       ======        =======     =======     ========         ========  ========
LIABILITIES AND
 STOCKHOLDERS'
 EQUITY:
 Accounts payable..  $ 33,265    $ 2,513       $  509        $   236     $   966     $ (1,711)(5)     $ 35,778       --
 Payroll and other
  accrued
  expenses.........    21,389      1,233          909          2,642         225       (3,776)(5)       22,622       --
 Accrued interest
  payable..........       742        --            26            --          --           (26)(5)          742       --
 Income taxes
  payable..........       939        --           --             --           18          (18)(5)          939       --
 Deferred taxes....    12,863        --           --             --          201         (201)(5)       12,863       --
 Bank debt and
  long term
  obligations......   101,569        705        2,784          2,420       9,637       82,079 (8)      199,194   (54,073)(10)
 Obligations under
  capital leases...        55        --           --             --          --           --                55       --
                     --------    -------       ------        -------     -------     --------         --------  --------
 Total
  liabilities......   170,822      4,451        4,228          5,298      11,047       76,347          272,193   (54,073)
 Redeemable common
  stock............       --      10,775          --             --          --       (10,775)(5)          --        --
 Stockholders'
  equity
   Common stock(3).       114        903            8            100           4       (1,010)(9)          119        30 (10)
   Additional paid-
    in capital.....    93,917        --           869            --          275       11,649 (4)(9)   106,710    54,043 (10)
   Common stock
    issuable(4)....       --         --           --             --          --             2 (4)            2       --
   Accumulated
    earnings.......     2,690        956          105         12,014         527      (20,659)(9)        2,690       --
                     --------    -------       ------        -------     -------     --------         --------  --------
 Total
  stockholders'
  equity...........    96,721      8,916          982         12,114         806      (10,018)         109,521    54,073
                     --------    -------       ------        -------     -------     --------         --------  --------
                     $267,543    $24,142       $5,210        $17,412     $11,853     $ 55,554         $381,714  $    --
                     ========    =======       ======        =======     =======     ========         ========  ========
<CAPTION>
                     PRO FORMA
                    AS ADJUSTED
                    -----------
<S>                 <C>
ASSETS:
 Cash and cash
  equivalents......  $  1,578
 Accounts
  receivable, net..    34,319
 Other receivables
  and prepaid
  expense..........     3,067
 Income tax
  receivable.......     1,524
 Parts and
  supplies
  inventories,
  net..............    18,550
 Deferred taxes....     8,645
 Rental equipment,
  net..............   186,481
 Operating
  property and
  equipment, at
  cost, net........    24,596
 Intangible
  assets...........   100,226
 Other assets......     2,728
                    -----------
                     $381,714
                    ===========
LIABILITIES AND
 STOCKHOLDERS'
 EQUITY:
 Accounts payable..  $ 35,778
 Payroll and other
  accrued
  expenses.........    22,622
 Accrued interest
  payable..........       742
 Income taxes
  payable..........       939
 Deferred taxes....    12,863
 Bank debt and
  long term
  obligations......   145,121
 Obligations under
  capital leases...        55
                    -----------
 Total
  liabilities......   218,120
 Redeemable common
  stock............       --
 Stockholders'
  equity
   Common stock(3).       149
   Additional paid-
    in capital.....   160,753
   Common stock
    issuable(4)....         2
   Accumulated
    earnings.......     2,690
                    -----------
 Total
  stockholders'
  equity...........   163,594
                    -----------
                     $381,714
                    ===========
</TABLE>    
 
    See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Balance Sheet
 
                                       22
<PAGE>
 
            NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
                                MARCH 31, 1997
   
 (1) The purchase method of accounting has been used in preparing the
     Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company with
     respect to the IAT Acquisition, the 1997 Other Completed Acquisitions,
     the Pending Foxx Acquisition and the Other Pending Acquisitions. Purchase
     accounting values have been assigned to the IAT Acquisition, the 1997
     Other Completed Acquisitions, the Pending Foxx Acquisition and the Other
     Pending Acquisitions on a preliminary basis.     
   
 (2) Includes amounts for the acquisition of Stop Agan Rentals and Sales, Inc.
     (completed in May 1997).     
   
 (3) The acquisition agreements for the IAT Acquisition and the Pending Foxx
     Acquisition provide for the potential issuance of up to 108,108 shares of
     Common Stock and up to 89,630 shares of Common Stock, respectively, over
     three year periods following the acquisitions if certain performance
     objectives are met. The effects of the potential issuance of these shares
     were not considered in the pro forma consolidated financial statements.
            
 (4) The Common Stock issuable is associated with Common Stock for Foxx and
     Central States which vests over future time periods.     
   
 (5) Represents assets not acquired or liabilities not assumed in the IAT
     Acquisition, the Pending Foxx Acquisition and the Other Pending
     Acquisitions.     
   
 (6) Represents preliminary estimates of fair market value step-up for assets
     acquired.     
   
 (7) Represents the estimated fair market value of covenants not-to-compete
     and goodwill represented by the excess purchase price over the estimated
     fair market value of net assets acquired.     
   
 (8) Represents borrowings under the Revolver to fund the IAT Acquisition, the
     Pending Foxx Acquisition and the Other Pending Acquisitions .     
   
 (9) Represents the elimination of the equity accounts of the IAT Acquisition,
     the Pending Foxx Acquisition and the Other Pending Acquisitions.     
   
(10) Represents the use of the net proceeds (from the offering of the
     3,000,000 shares of Common Stock offered hereby at an assumed offering
     price of $19.375 per share) estimated at $54.1 million to paydown the
     Revolver.     
 
                                      23
<PAGE>
 
        SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND OPERATING DATA
          (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT LOCATION DATA AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
  The following selected consolidated statement of operations data for the
years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996, and selected consolidated
balance sheet data as of December 31, 1995 and 1996, has been derived from the
audited consolidated financial statements of the Company appearing elsewhere
in this Prospectus. The selected consolidated financial information with
respect to the Company's statement of operations data for the period ending
December 31, 1992 and for the year ending December 31, 1993, and with respect
to the balance sheet as of December 31, 1992, 1993 and 1994 has been derived
from audited financial statements of the Company that are not included in this
Prospectus. The selected consolidated financial information for the three
months ended March 31, 1996 and 1997 has been derived from the unaudited
consolidated financial statements of the Company, which, in the opinion of
management, include all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring
adjustments), necessary to present fairly the Company's results of operations
and financial position at such dates and for such periods. The results for the
three months ended March 31, 1997 are not necessarily indicative of the
results that may be expected for future periods or for the year ending
December 31, 1997. The selected operating data presented below has not been
audited. The selected consolidated financial information and operating data
presented below should be read in conjunction with the Company's Consolidated
Financial Statements and the Notes thereto and "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" appearing elsewhere
in this Prospectus.
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                               YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,                       MARCH 31,
                                      ---------------------------------------------- -----------------------------
                            7/17/92
                          (INCEPTION)                                     PRO FORMA                     PRO FORMA
                            THROUGH                                      AS ADJUSTED                   AS ADJUSTED
                           12/31/92    1993     1994    1995     1996      1996(1)    1996     1997      1997(1)
                          ----------- -------  ------- -------  -------  ----------- -------  -------  -----------
<S>                       <C>         <C>      <C>     <C>      <C>      <C>         <C>      <C>      <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
 DATA(2):
Revenues:
 Equipment rentals......    $2,145    $17,238  $27,775 $47,170  $94,218   $139,932   $19,656  $27,527    $36,083
 Sales of parts,
  supplies
  and equipment.........     2,042      8,394   14,040  18,747   34,136     95,935     7,541   13,782     25,114
                            ------    -------  ------- -------  -------   --------   -------  -------    -------
Total revenues..........     4,187     25,632   41,815  65,917  128,354    235,867    27,197   41,309     61,197
Cost of revenues:
 Cost of equipment
  rentals, excluding
  equipment rental
  depreciation..........     1,153     11,405   16,284  27,854   55,202     77,734    12,449   14,316     17,938
 Depreciation, equipment
  rentals ..............       245      2,161    4,020   7,691   17,840     24,839     3,633    6,306      7,854
 Cost of sales of parts,
  supplies and
  equipment.............     1,898      5,959   10,298  12,617   24,070     71,452     5,067    9,709     18,536
                            ------    -------  ------- -------  -------   --------   -------  -------    -------
Total cost of revenues..     3,296     19,525   30,602  48,162   97,112    174,025    21,149   30,331     44,328
                            ------    -------  ------- -------  -------   --------   -------  -------    -------
Gross profit............       891      6,107   11,213  17,755   31,242     61,842     6,048   10,978     16,869
Selling, general and
 administrative expense.       341      2,683    4,747   6,421   12,254     27,807     2,734    3,784      6,847
Depreciation and
 amortization, excluding
 equipment rental
 depreciation...........        11        211      504   1,186    2,835      3,685       571    1,068      1,232
Amortization of
 intangibles(3).........       321      2,635    2,078     718    2,379      4,504       561      624      1,152
                            ------    -------  ------- -------  -------   --------   -------  -------    -------
Operating income........       218        578    3,884   9,430   13,774     25,846     2,182    5,502      7,638
Interest expense, net...        77        407      731   3,314    7,063      7,452     1,639    1,597      1,757
                            ------    -------  ------- -------  -------   --------   -------  -------    -------
Income before income
 taxes and extraordinary
 items..................       141        171    3,153   6,116    6,711     18,394       543    3,905      5,881
Provision for income
 taxes..................        81        465    1,177   2,401    2,722      7,468       213    1,722      2,594
                            ------    -------  ------- -------  -------   --------   -------  -------    -------
Income (loss) before
 extraordinary items....        60       (294)   1,976   3,715    3,989   $ 10,926       330    2,183    $ 3,287
                                                                          ========                       =======
Extraordinary items(4)..       --         --       --     (478)  (1,269)                 --      (534)
                            ------    -------  ------- -------  -------              -------  -------
Net income (loss).......        60       (294)   1,976   3,237    2,720                  330    1,649
Redeemable Preferred
 Stock accretion........       133      1,013    1,646   1,717    1,643                  554      --
                            ------    -------  ------- -------  -------              -------  -------
Net income (loss)
 available to common
 stockholders...........    $  (73)   $(1,307) $   330 $ 1,520  $ 1,077              $  (224) $ 1,649
                            ======    =======  ======= =======  =======              =======  =======
Income (loss) before
 extraordinary items per
 common share...........    $ (.01)   $  (.23) $   .06 $   .39  $   .33   $    .72   $  (.04) $   .19    $   .22
                                                                          ========                       =======
Extraordinary items per
 common share(4)........       --         --       --     (.09)    (.18)                 --      (.05)
                            ------    -------  ------- -------  -------              -------  -------
Net income (loss) per
 common share...........    $ (.01)   $  (.23) $   .06 $   .30  $   .15              $  (.04) $   .14
                            ======    =======  ======= =======  =======              =======  =======
Weighted average common
 shares(5)..............     5,590      5,632    5,428   5,088    7,218     15,225     5,507   11,493     15,172
SELECTED OPERATING DATA:
Beginning locations.....       --          11       21      25       50                   50       94
Locations acquired......        11         11        1      26       25                    8       12
Locations opened........       --         --         3      10       19                    5      --
Locations closed, sold
 or held for sale(6)....       --          (1)     --      (11)     --                   --       --
                            ------    -------  ------- -------  -------              -------  -------
Ending locations........        11         21       25      50       94                   63      106
                            ======    =======  ======= =======  =======              =======  =======
</TABLE>    
 
                                      24
<PAGE>
 
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                        DECEMBER 31,                      MARCH 31, 1997
                          ------------------------------------------- -----------------------
                                                                                 PRO FORMA
                           1992    1993     1994      1995     1996    ACTUAL  AS ADJUSTED(1)
                          ------- -------  -------  -------- -------- -------- --------------
<S>                       <C>     <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Net book value of rental
 equipment..............  $ 8,591 $16,223  $24,138  $ 52,818 $116,921 $155,395    $186,481
Total assets............   18,360  35,877   48,098   137,832  218,933  267,543     381,714
Total debt (including
 capital leases)........    5,024   4,411   12,752    68,555   68,594  101,624     145,176
Redeemable Preferred
 Stock (net of treasury
 stock).................   10,144  25,956   26,684    28,401      --       --          --
Common Stockholders'
 equity (deficit).......       24  (1,281)  (1,474)       46   95,072   96,721     163,594
</TABLE>    
- --------
   
(1) In addition to the Pro Forma Combined Acquisitions, the pro forma as
    adjusted statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 1996
    gives effect to the following transactions, in each case as if such
    transactions had occurred on the first day of the period presented: (i)
    the sale by the Company of 6,027,813 shares of Common Stock in the initial
    public offering at a price of $16.00 per share and the sale by the Company
    of 3,000,000 shares of Common Stock offered hereby at an assumed price of
    $19.375 per share, (ii) the redemption of the Company's Redeemable
    Preferred Stock upon application of a portion of the net proceeds to the
    Company from its initial public offering (and the related elimination of
    Redeemable Preferred Stock accretion), (iii) the repurchase of a warrant
    upon application of a portion of the net proceeds to the Company from its
    initial public offering, (iv) a reduction in interest expense as a result
    of reductions in indebtedness upon application of a portion of the net
    proceeds to the Company from its initial public offering and this
    offering, (v) the elimination of a $235,000 annual monitoring fee paid to
    an affiliate of the Company and (vi) the reduction of interest expense and
    amortization of intangibles expense resulting from amendments and
    restatements to the Revolver in September 1996, January 1997 and May 1997.
    In addition to the IAT Acquisition, the 1997 Other Completed Acquisitions,
    the Pending Foxx Acquisition and the Other Pending Acquisitions, the pro
    forma as adjusted consolidated statements of operations for the three
    months ended March 31, 1997 and the pro forma as adjusted balance sheet at
    March 31, 1997 give additional effect to the following transactions, in
    the case of the statement of operations as if such transactions had
    occurred on the first day of the period presented and in the case of the
    balance sheet as if they had occurred at March 31, 1997: (i) the sale by
    the Company of 3,000,000 shares of Common Stock offered hereby at an
    assumed offering price of $19.375 per share, (ii) a reduction in interest
    expense as a result of reductions in indebtedness upon application of a
    portion of the net proceeds to the Company from this offering, and
    (iii) the reduction of interest expense and amortization of intangibles
    resulting from amendments and restatements to the Revolver in January 1997
    and May 1997. See "Use of Proceeds," "Capitalization," "Unaudited Pro
    Forma Consolidated Financial Information," "Management's Discussion and
    Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," "Certain
    Relationships and Related Transactions" and the Company's Consolidated
    Financial Statements and the Notes thereto.     
   
(2) The Company's acquisitions have been accounted for as purchases and,
    accordingly, the operations of the acquired businesses are included in the
    statement of operations data from the effective date of acquisition. On
    April 25, 1997 the Company completed its acquisition of IAT, and pursuant
    to the acquisition agreement, the Company assumed effective control of
    IAT's operations on March 1, 1997. Accordingly, the Company has included
    IAT's revenues, costs and expenses from such date in its consolidated
    statements of operations, net of imputed purchase price adjustments, and
    has included IAT's balance sheet in its consolidated balance sheet as of
    April 25, 1997.     
 
(3) 1993 data includes $781,000 for the write-off of costs in excess of net
    assets acquired.
 
(4) The Company's 1995 extraordinary item represents the loss on
    extinguishment of debt related to the $30.0 million revolving credit
    facility paid off September 12, 1995. The Company's 1996 extraordinary
    item represents the loss on extinguishment of debt related to the
    amendment to the Revolver in September 1996. The Company's 1997
    extraordinary item represents the loss on extinguishment of debt related
    to the amendment and restatement to the Revolver in January 1997.
 
(5) See Note 1 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
(6) In 1996, the Company closed or disposed of Holdings' California locations,
    which were previously classified as "assets held for sale" in the
    Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
                                      25
<PAGE>
 
                    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                 FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
  The following discussion and analysis of the Company's consolidated financial
condition and consolidated results of operations should be read in conjunction
with the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto
appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
OVERVIEW
   
  From its formation in 1992 through the initial public offering of its Common
Stock in September 1996, the Company acquired 16 businesses comprised of 65
locations and opened 30 start-up locations. Since the initial public offering,
the Company has completed 13 acquisitions consisting of 22 locations, has
executed definitive agreements (subject to closing conditions and governmental
approvals) to acquire an additional two companies consisting of eight locations
and has opened two start-up locations. See "Recent Developments." The Company
has also focused on increasing revenues and profitability across its locations
through investments in fleet expansion, the implementation of information
systems designed to improve asset utilization and targeted marketing efforts.
As a result, the Company's total revenues have increased from $25.6 million in
the year ended December 31, 1993 to $128.4 million in the year ended December
31, 1996. During the same period, the Company's operating margin has expanded
from 2.3% to 10.6%.     
 
  The Company has historically financed its acquisitions, start-up locations
and capital expenditures primarily through the issuance of equity securities,
internally generated cash flow and bank borrowings. Such financings have
increased the Company's interest expense and resulted in the accretion of
dividends on Redeemable Preferred Stock prior to its redemption in September
1996. Because all of the acquisitions have been accounted for under the
purchase method of accounting, such acquisitions have increased the Company's
goodwill and other intangibles (including covenants not to compete). During the
initial phase of an acquisition or start-up location, the Company typically
incurs expenses related to completing acquisitions and opening start-up
locations, training employees, installing or converting information systems,
facility set-up and marketing expenses. As a result, the profitability of a new
location is generally expected to be lower in the initial period of its
operation than in subsequent periods. Integration of acquisitions is generally
completed within the first six months, while the Company generally expects
start-up locations to achieve normalized profitability after one year. The
Company anticipates that as it continues to implement its growth strategy, new
locations will continue to impact the Company's margins until such locations
achieve normalized profitability.
   
  The Company is continually involved in the investigation and evaluation of
potential acquisitions and start-up locations. Any such transactions are
typically subject to numerous conditions, including due diligence
investigation, environmental review and negotiation of a definitive purchase
agreement. In evaluating acquisition targets, the Company considers, among
other things, its competitive market position, management team, growth
position, and the demographic characteristics of the target market. At any
time, the Company may have one or more offers outstanding and may have executed
one or more letters of intent or binding acquisition agreements. The Company
has executed definitive agreements to acquire Foxx and Central States. In
addition, the Company has entered into letters of intent to acquire three
rental businesses with a total of seven locations for an aggregate purchase
price of $10.5 million. There can be no assurance, however, that such
definitive agreements, letters of intent or discussions will result in any
particular transaction being consummated.     
 
  In connection with the acquisition of Holdings, the Company sold or closed
all of Holdings' 11 rental locations in California, which were previously
classified as "assets held for sale" in the Company's Consolidated Financial
Statements.
 
  The Company continually reinvests in ongoing capital expenditures in order to
acquire and maintain a competitive, high quality rental equipment fleet. For
the years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996, the Company's capital
expenditures aggregated $17.0 million, $23.6 million and $86.8 million,
respectively. The Company depreciates rental equipment over periods ranging
from three to seven years, which has resulted in
 
                                       26
<PAGE>
 
equipment rental depreciation of $4.0 million, $7.7 million and $17.8 million
for the years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively.
Depreciation related to new rental equipment periodically contributes to
short-term margin pressure, since new rental equipment does not immediately
generate revenues at historical equipment utilization rates. In recent years,
the Company has also made substantial investments in information systems.
 
  On September 18, 1996, the Company completed an initial public offering of
6,325,000 shares of its Common Stock, of which 6,027,813 shares were offered
by the Company, with the remainder offered by the selling stockholders. Net
proceeds to the Company of approximately $89.7 million were utilized to redeem
all outstanding shares of its preferred stock, repay in full a senior secured
term loan (the "Bank Note") and to repurchase the related warrants, reduce its
outstanding obligations under the Revolver and to pay offering expenses.
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
  The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, information
derived from the consolidated statements of operations of the Company
expressed as a percentage of total revenues, and the percentage change in such
items compared to the same period in the prior year. There can be no assurance
that the trends in revenue growth or operating results will continue in the
future.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL REVENUES              PERCENTAGE INCREASE (DECREASE)
                          -----------------------------------  -----------------------------------------
                                               THREE MONTHS
                             YEARS ENDED           ENDED
                            DECEMBER 31,         MARCH 31,                                THREE MONTHS
                          -------------------  --------------                            ENDED MARCH 31,
                          1994   1995   1996    1996    1997   1995 VS 1994 1996 VS 1995  1997 VS 1996
                          -----  -----  -----  ------  ------  ------------ ------------ ---------------
<S>                       <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>     <C>     <C>          <C>          <C>
Revenues:
 Equipment rentals......   66.4%  71.6%  73.4%   72.3%   66.6%     69.8%        99.7%          40.0%
 Sales of parts,
  supplies and
  equipment.............   33.6   28.4   26.6    27.7    33.4      33.5         82.1           82.8
                          -----  -----  -----  ------  ------
Total revenues..........  100.0  100.0  100.0   100.0   100.0      57.6         94.7           51.9
Cost of revenues:
 Cost of equipment
  rentals, excluding
  equipment rental
  depreciation..........   39.0   42.3   43.0    45.8    34.6      71.1         98.2           15.0
 Depreciation, equipment
  rentals...............    9.6   11.7   13.9    13.4    15.3      91.3        132.0           73.6
 Cost of sales of parts,
  supplies and
  equipment.............   24.6   19.1   18.8    18.6    23.5      22.5         90.8           91.6
                          -----  -----  -----  ------  ------
 Total cost of revenues.   73.2   73.1   75.7    77.8    73.4      57.4        101.6           43.4
                          -----  -----  -----  ------  ------
Gross profit............   26.8   26.9   24.3    22.2    26.6      58.3         76.0           81.5
Selling, general and ad-
 ministrative expense...   11.4    9.7    9.5    10.1     9.2      35.3         90.8           38.4
Depreciation and amorti-
 zation, excluding
 equipment rental depre-
 ciation................    1.2    1.8    2.2     2.1     2.6     135.3        139.0           87.0
Amortization of intangi-
 bles...................    4.9    1.1    1.9     2.0     1.5     (65.4)       231.3           11.2
                          -----  -----  -----  ------  ------
Operating income........    9.3   14.3   10.7     8.0    13.3     142.8         46.1          152.2
Interest expense, net...    1.8    5.0    5.5     6.0     3.8     353.4        113.1           (2.6)
                          -----  -----  -----  ------  ------
Income before income
 taxes and extraordinary
 items..................    7.5%   9.3%   5.2%    2.0%    9.5%     94.0          9.7          619.2
                          =====  =====  =====  ======  ======
Other Data:
 Rental gross profit....   26.9   24.6   22.5    18.2    25.1      55.6         82.2           93.2
 Sales gross profit.....   26.7   32.7   29.5    32.8    29.6      63.8         64.2           64.6
</TABLE>
 
                                      27
<PAGE>
 
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1997 COMPARED TO THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31,
1996
 
  Revenues. Total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 1997 increased
51.9% to $41.3 million from $27.2 million in the same period in 1996. This
increase was primarily due to the inclusion of revenues from acquisitions of
14 businesses (consisting of 28 locations) and the opening of 15 start-up
locations subsequent to March 31, 1996. Equipment rental revenues increased
40.0% to $27.5 million from $19.7 million due to a larger rental fleet as a
result of acquisitions, the partial period impact of $44.1 million in capital
expenditures during the first three months of 1997 and the full period impact
of $86.8 million in capital expenditures in 1996. Sales of parts, supplies and
equipment increased 82.8% to $13.8 million from $7.5 million due primarily to
the increased number of rental locations selling these items and the
acquisition of IAT, effective in the Company's results of operations from
March 1, 1997.
 
  Gross Profit. Gross profit for the three months ended March 31, 1997
increased to $11.0 million, or 26.6% of total revenues, from $6.0 million, or
22.2% of total revenues, in the same period in 1996. Gross margins on
equipment rentals increased to 25.1% of equipment rental revenues from 18.2%
for the three months ended March 31, 1996 primarily due to the impact of the
43 locations added since March 31, 1996 and the absence of start-up locations
during the three months ended March 31, 1997. Gross margin on sales of parts,
supplies and equipment decreased to 29.6% of sales from 32.8%, due primarily
to the acquisition of IAT (effective in the Company's results of operations
from March 1, 1997) and a change in the product mix of parts, supplies and
equipment sales. The Company believes that the gross margin on sales of parts,
supplies and equipment will likely continue to decline due to the impact of
IAT's product sales, which generally have lower gross margins than the parts,
supplies and equipment sold by the Company prior to the acquisition of IAT.
 
  Selling, General and Administrative Expense. Selling, general and
administrative expense for the three months ended March 31, 1997 was $3.8
million, or 9.2% of total revenues, compared to $2.7 million, or 10.1% of
total revenues, in the same period in 1996. This percentage decrease is a
result of total revenues increasing at a faster rate than selling, general and
administrative expenses.
 
  Depreciation and Amortization, excluding equipment rental
depreciation. Depreciation and amortization, excluding equipment rental
depreciation, for the three months ended March 31, 1997 was $1.1 million, or
2.6% of total revenues, compared to $571,000, or 2.1% of total revenues, for
the same period in 1996. This increase is primarily attributable to the larger
fleet of service and delivery vehicles in 1997 versus 1996, which has grown as
a result of the Company's increased number of locations.
 
  Amortization of Intangibles. Amortization of intangibles for the three
months ended March 31, 1997 was $624,000, or 1.5% of total revenues, compared
to $561,000, or 2.0% of total revenues, for the same period in 1996. This
increase is due to additional goodwill and covenants not-to-compete associated
with acquisitions since March 31, 1996.
 
  Provision for Income Taxes. Provision for income taxes was $1.7 million for
the three months ended March 31, 1997 compared to $213,000 in the same period
in 1996. The Company's effective tax rate was 44.1% for the three months
ending March 31, 1997, compared to 39.2% for the same period in 1996. The
increase in the Company's effective tax rate is a result of increased levels
of non-deductible items, primarily goodwill.
 
  Extraordinary Items. In connection with the implementation of the amended
Revolver in January 1997, the Company wrote off the related unamortized
deferred financing costs and recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt of
$920,000, which has been classified as an extraordinary item, net of income
taxes of $386,000.
 
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
 
  Revenues. Total revenues for the year ended December 31, 1996 increased
94.7% to $128.4 million compared to $65.9 million for the year ended December
31, 1995. This increase was primarily due to the full period impact of the
acquisition of Holdings (consisting of 11 locations), the full period impact
of ten start-up locations opened in 1995 and the inclusion of revenues from 11
acquired businesses (consisting of 25 locations) and the opening of 19 start-
up locations during 1996. Equipment rental revenues increased 99.7% to
$94.2 million for the year ended December 31, 1996 from $47.2 million in the
same period in 1995 due to a
 
                                      28
<PAGE>
 
larger rental fleet as a result of acquisitions, the partial year impact of
$86.8 million in capital expenditures in 1996 and the full year impact of 1995
capital expenditures of $23.6 million. Sales of parts, supplies and equipment
increased 82.1% to $34.1 million for the year ended December 31, 1996 from
$18.7 million for the year ended December 31, 1995 due primarily to the
increased number of rental locations selling these items.
 
  Gross Profit. Gross profit for the year ended December 31, 1996 increased to
$31.2 million, or 24.3% of total revenues, from $17.8 million, or 26.9% of
total revenues, for the year ended December 31, 1995. Gross margins on
equipment rentals decreased to 22.5% of equipment rental revenues from 24.6%
for the year ended December 31, 1995 primarily due to the impact of 44
location additions during the period. These new locations were comprised of 25
acquired locations and 19 start-ups, and operated for an average of seven
months during the period. Start-ups and acquisitions generally incur start-up
and integration expenses during their first six months of operation resulting
in lower profit margins than the Company's more established locations. Gross
margin on sales of parts, supplies and equipment decreased to 29.5% of sales
from 32.7% in 1995, due primarily to a change in the product mix of parts,
supplies and equipment sales.
 
  Selling, General and Administrative Expense. Selling, general and
administrative expense increased to $12.3 million, or 9.5% of total revenues,
for the year ended December 31, 1996, compared to $6.4 million, or 9.7% of
total revenues, for the year ended December 31, 1995. This increase is
attributable primarily to the increase in the number of locations from 1995.
 
  Depreciation and Amortization, excluding equipment rental
depreciation. Depreciation and amortization, excluding equipment rental
depreciation, for the year ended December 31, 1996 was $2.8 million, or 2.2%
of total revenues, compared to $1.2 million, or 1.8% of total revenues, for
the same period in 1995. This increase is primarily attributable to the larger
fleet of service and delivery vehicles in 1996 versus 1995, as well as to
capital expenditures on rental locations in order to standardize their
appearance.
 
  Amortization of Intangibles. Amortization of intangibles for the year ended
December 31, 1996 was $2.4 million, or 1.9% of total revenues, compared to
$718,000, or 1.1% of total revenues, for the same period in 1995. This
increase is due to the full year impact of additional goodwill and covenants
not-to-compete associated with 1995 acquisitions, the partial year impact of
additional goodwill and covenants not-to-compete associated with 1996
acquisitions and amortization of the capitalized costs associated with the
Revolver entered into in September 1995, amended in January 1996 and amended
and restated in September 1996.
 
  Interest Expense, net. Interest expense, net, for the year ended December
31, 1996 was $7.1 million, compared to $3.3 million for the year ended
December 31, 1995. This increase was the result of the Company's increased
average debt outstanding for the year ended December 31, 1996 compared to the
same period in 1995, as well as amortization of mandatory increases in the
prepayment price of the Bank Note. The increased debt resulted from start-up
locations, acquisitions and capital expenditures financed under the Company's
Revolver. In September 1996, the Company utilized proceeds from its initial
public offering of $13.0 million to repay the Bank Note and $37.7 million to
reduce its indebtedness under the Revolver.
 
  Provision for Income Taxes. Provision for income taxes was $2.7 million for
the year ended December 31, 1996, compared to $2.4 million for the same period
in 1995. The Company's effective tax rate was 40.6% for 1996, as compared to
39.3% for 1995. The Company's effective tax rate for the fourth quarter of
1996 increased to 42.0% as a result of increased levels of non-deductible
items. This higher tax rate is expected to continue in future periods.
 
  Extraordinary Items. In connection with the implementation of the amended
Revolver in September 1996, the Company wrote off the related unamortized
deferred financing costs and recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt of $2.5
million, which has been classified as an extraordinary item, net of income
taxes of $964,000. Additionally, in September 1996, the Company repaid the
Bank Note and repurchased the related warrants for $13.0 million, resulting in
a gain on extinguishment of debt of $362,000, which has been classified as an
extraordinary item, net of income taxes of $142,000. In 1995, the Company paid
off the borrowings under the 1993 revolving credit agreement upon entering
into the Revolver, resulting in a loss on extinguishment of such debt of
$783,000 which has been classified as an extraordinary item, net of income
taxes of $305,000.
 
                                      29
<PAGE>
 
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994
 
  Revenues. Total revenues for the year ended December 31, 1995 increased
57.6% to $65.9 million compared to $41.8 million for the year ended December
31, 1994. This increase was primarily due to the inclusion of revenues from
acquisitions of five businesses and the opening of ten start-up locations in
1995. Equipment rental revenues increased 69.8% to $47.2 million for the year
ended December 31, 1995 from $27.8 million in the same period in 1994. The
acquisition of Holdings accounted for $10.2 million or 52.6% of the increase
in equipment rental revenues. In addition, rental revenues increased due to a
larger rental fleet as a result of acquisitions, the partial year impact of
approximately $23.6 million of capital expenditures in 1995 and the full year
impact of 1994 capital expenditures of $17.0 million. Sales of parts, supplies
and equipment increased 33.5% to $18.7 million for the year ended December 31,
1995 from $14.0 million for the year ended December 31, 1994. The increase was
primarily due to an increase in the number of rental locations selling these
items. The acquisition of Holdings accounted for $1.7 million, or
approximately 36.2%, of the increase.
 
  Gross Profit. Gross profit for the year ended December 31, 1995 increased to
$17.8 million or 26.9% of total revenues from $11.2 million, or 26.8% of total
revenues, for the year ended December 31, 1994. Gross margin on equipment
rentals decreased to 24.6% of rental revenues from 26.9% for the year ended
December 31, 1994 due primarily to an increase in rental depreciation expense
as a percentage of rental revenues from 14.5% to 16.3% as a result of $23.6
million in capital expenditures in 1995, and a higher number of acquisitions
and start-ups in 1995, with correspondingly higher start-up and acquisition
expenses. Gross margin on sales of parts, supplies and equipment increased to
32.7% of sales in 1995 from 26.7% in 1994 due to a favorable product mix among
parts, supplies and equipment sales.
 
  Selling, General and Administrative Expense. Selling, general and
administrative expense increased to $6.4 million, or 9.7% of total revenues
for the year ended December 31, 1995, compared to $4.7 million or 11.4% of
total revenues, for the year ended December 31, 1994. The increase of $1.7
million was attributable to infrastructure costs associated with start-ups and
acquisitions.
 
  Depreciation and amortization, excluding equipment rental
depreciation. Depreciation and amortization, excluding equipment rental
depreciation, for the year ended December 31, 1995 was $1.2 million, or 1.8%
of total revenues, compared to $504,000, or 1.2% of total revenues, for the
same period in 1994. The increase of $682,000 was attributable to a larger
fleet of vehicles associated with start-up locations and continued replacement
of older delivery vehicles.
 
  Amortization of intangibles. Amortization of intangibles expense for the
year ended December 31, 1995 was $718,000 compared to $2.1 million for the
same period in 1994. The decrease of $1.4 million was caused by the completion
in 1994 of the amortization of covenants not-to-compete associated with 1993
acquisitions.
 
  Interest Expense, net. Interest expense, net, for the year ended December
31, 1995 was $3.3 million, compared to $731,000 for the year ended December
31, 1994. The increase was attributable primarily to increased average debt
outstanding, as well as amortization of mandatory increases in the prepayment
price of the Bank Note. During the year, total debt increased from $12.8
million to $68.6 million. The increase in debt resulted from acquisitions,
capital expenditures and start-up locations financed under the Company's
Revolver.
 
  Provision for Income Taxes. Provision for income taxes was $2.4 million for
fiscal 1995, as compared to $1.2 million for 1994. The Company's effective tax
rate was 39.3% for 1995, as compared to 37.3% for 1994.
 
  Extraordinary Item. In 1995, the Company paid off the borrowings under the
1993 revolving credit agreement upon entering into the Revolver, resulting in
a loss on extinguishment of such debt of $783,000 which has been classified as
an extraordinary item, net of income taxes of $305,000.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
  In September 1996, the Company received proceeds of $89.7 million, net of
underwriting discounts, from the sale of 6,027,813 shares of common stock in
an initial public offering. Specifically, the Company used these proceeds as
follows: (i) to redeem all of the outstanding shares of its redeemable
preferred stock for
 
                                      30
<PAGE>
 
$37.9 million; (ii) to repay the Bank Note and repurchase the related
warrants, which entitled the bank to purchase 87,120 shares of the Company's
Common Stock, for $13.0 million; (iii) to reduce indebtedness under its
Revolver through repayments of $37.7 million; and (iv) to pay offering
expenses.
 
  The Company's primary uses of cash have been the funding of capital
expenditures, acquisitions and start-up locations. The Company historically
has financed its capital expenditures, acquisitions and start-up locations
primarily through the issuance of equity securities, secured bank borrowings
and net cash provided by operating activities. The Company had cash and cash
equivalents of $1.6 million at March 31, 1997 and $1.5 million at December 31,
1996.
 
  During the three months ended March 31, 1997, the Company's operating
activities provided net cash flow of $20.3 million, as compared to $9.8
million for the same period in the prior year. The principal causes for the
variation in cash flow between the periods were higher net income, increased
depreciation and amortization, higher average accounts payable and decreased
levels of other receivables and prepaid expense. During the year ended
December 31, 1996, the Company's operating activities provided net cash flow
of $23.5 million, as compared to $12.5 million for the prior year. The
principal causes for the variation in cash flow between the periods were
increased profit level based on an increased number of locations, increased
depreciation and amortization and higher average accounts payable.
 
  Net cash used in investing activities was $51.5 million in the three months
ended March 31, 1997, compared to $29.7 million in the same period for the
prior year. The increase was primarily attributable to a higher combined level
of capital expenditures and acquisitions. Acquisition spending totaled $12.0
million in the three months ended March 31, 1997 and 1996. In addition, the
Company had capital expenditures of $44.1 million and $18.9 million in the
three months ended March 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively. Capital expenditures
were primarily for purchases of rental equipment. Included in investing
activities were proceeds from the sale of equipment, which were $4.6 million
for the three months ended March 31, 1997, compared to $2.7 million for the
same period in the prior year. This increase was primarily the result of a
larger fleet resulting from acquisitions and capital expenditures.
 
  Net cash used in investing activities was $84.7 million for the year ended
December 31, 1996, as compared to $61.6 million for the prior year. The
increase was primarily attributable to a higher combined level of capital
expenditures and acquisitions. The Company had capital expenditures of $86.8
million and $23.6 million in the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995,
respectively. Acquisition spending totaled $27.3 million and $42.1 million in
the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively. Capital expenditures
were primarily for purchases of rental equipment. Included in investing
activities were proceeds from the sale of equipment, which were $12.7 million
for the year ended December 31, 1996, compared to $4.1 million for the prior
year. This increase was primarily the result of a larger fleet resulting from
acquisitions and fleet investments made for start-up locations. Also included
in 1996 in investing activities were $16.7 million of proceeds from assets
held for sale.
 
  Net cash provided by financing activities was $31.3 million for the three
months ended March 31, 1997, compared to $19.9 million in the same period for
the prior year. The net cash provided by financing activities was primarily
due to borrowings under the Revolver.
 
  Net cash provided by financing activities was $61.3 million for the year
ended December 31, 1996, as compared to $49.8 million for the prior year. The
net cash provided by financing activities was primarily due to issuances of
capital stock, specifically from the Company's initial public offering, and
borrowings under the Revolver.
 
  The Company's principal source of liquidity is the Revolver, which consists
of a revolving line of credit and availability of letters of credit, which
combined initially could not exceed $125.0 million. As of February 1, 1997,
the Company amended the Revolver to, among other things, increase the
availability to $200.0 million, increase the advance rates on eligible rental
equipment to 100%, decrease the interest rate margins by 0.50% and extend the
maturity date to January 31, 2002. The amended Revolver increased the allowed
investments and
 
                                      31
<PAGE>
 
capital expenditures to $90.0 million in 1997, $105.0 million in each of 1998
and 1999, $115.0 million in 2000 and $105.0 million in 2001 (plus amounts
reinvested from asset sales). In connection with the implementation of the
amended Revolver, the Company recorded an extraordinary loss on extinguishment
of debt of $920,000, net of income taxes of $386,000, in the first quarter of
1997 associated with the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs.
 
  The amended Revolver also contains provisions to annually adjust the prime
and Eurodollar interest rate margins based on the Company's achievement of
specified interest coverage ratios. The total amount of credit available under
the amended Revolver is limited to a borrowing base equal to the sum of (i)
85% of eligible accounts receivable of the Company's subsidiaries and (ii)
100% of the value (at the lower of net book value or market) of eligible
rental equipment. The amended Revolver expires January 31, 2002. The
obligation of the lender to make loans or issue letters of credit under the
Revolver is subject to certain customary conditions. In addition, the Revolver
has financial covenants for RSC regarding debt incurrence, interest coverage,
capital expenditure investment and minimum EBITDA levels. The Revolver also
contains covenants and provisions that restrict, among other things, the
Company's subsidiaries' ability to: (i) incur additional indebtedness; (ii)
incur liens on their property, (iii) enter into contingent obligations; (iv)
make certain capital expenditures and investments; (v) engage in certain sales
of assets; (vi) merge or consolidate with or acquire another person or engage
in other fundamental changes; (vii) enter into leases; (viii) engage in
certain transactions with affiliates; and (ix) declare or pay dividends to
RSC. As of March 31, 1997, the Company was in compliance with all covenants of
the Revolver, and substantially all of the Company's net consolidated assets
were restricted under the terms of the Revolver.
 
  Borrowings under the Revolver are secured by all of the real and personal
property of the Company's subsidiaries and a pledge of the capital stock and
intercompany debt of the Company's subsidiaries. RSC is a guarantor of the
obligations of its subsidiaries under the Revolver, and has granted liens on
substantially all of its assets (including the stock of its subsidiaries) to
secure such guaranty. The Revolver also restricts the Company from declaring
or paying dividends on its Common Stock. In addition, the Company's
subsidiaries are guarantors of the obligations of the other subsidiaries under
the Revolver. The Revolver includes a $2 million letter of credit facility,
with a fee equal to 2.75% of the face amount of letters of credit payable to
the lenders and other customary fees payable to the issuer of the letter of
credit. A commitment fee equal to 0.5% of the unused commitment, excluding the
face amount of all outstanding and undrawn letters of credit, is also payable
monthly in arrears.
   
  At May 21, 1997, the principal amount outstanding under the Revolver was
$169.2 million, the interest rate on such borrowings was 7.8%, and an
additional $21.2 million was available to the Company under the Revolver. In
conjunction with and subject to completion of the offering, the Company
intends to amend the Revolver to increase the availability to $300.0 million,
to decrease the interest rate margins by 25 basis points, with further
decreases if certain interest coverage ratios are met, and to reduce the
unused line fee to .25% of the unused commitment.     
   
  As part of its growth strategy, the Company is continually involved in the
investigation and evaluation of potential acquisitions and start-up locations.
The Company is currently evaluating a number of acquisition opportunities and
start-up locations and may at any time be a party to one or more letters of
intent or acquisition agreements. The Company has executed definitive
agreements to acquire Foxx and Central States. In addition, the Company has
also entered into letters of intent for the acquisition of three businesses
with seven locations in Arkansas and Florida. Since December 31, 1996, the
Company has completed seven acquisitions of rental equipment businesses with
an aggregate of 13 locations in Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana and Texas. The
Company's liquidity and capital resources have been and will continue to be
significantly impacted by the Company's growth strategy and by the need to
offer customers a modern and well-maintained rental equipment fleet. The
Company must be able to make the capital expenditures necessary to acquire and
maintain its rental fleet.     
 
  The Company believes that cash flow from operations, together with
availability under the amended Revolver and vendor financing in appropriate
cases, will be sufficient to support its operations and capital liquidity
requirements for the next 12 months. However, if significant acquisition
opportunities arise, the Company may need to seek additional capital to
complete them. Such acquisitions could be financed through
 
                                      32
<PAGE>
 
incurrence of additional indebtedness, including convertible debt, or issuance
of common or preferred stock (which may be issued to third parties or to
sellers of acquired businesses), depending on market conditions. If such
financing were not available, the Company's growth strategy could be hampered
and its cash flow from operations reduced, thereby constraining funds
available for growth and acquisitions. Further, additional indebtedness would
increase RSC's leverage and may make the Company more vulnerable to economic
downturns and may limit its ability to withstand competitive pressures.
However, there can be no assurance that the Company's business will generate
sufficient cash flow or that future borrowings or additional capital, if and
when required, will be available on terms acceptable to the Company, or at
all.
 
REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK AND ACCRETION
 
  Between July 1992 and January 1996, the Company issued a total of 319,805
shares of its Redeemable Preferred Stock at a price of $100 per share. The
Redeemable Preferred Stock accrued dividends at the rate of 6% per annum,
compounded quarterly. The dividends accrued were $1.6 million, $1.7 million
and $1.6 million for the years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996,
respectively. In September 1996, the Company utilized $37.9 million of the
proceeds from its initial public offering to redeem all outstanding shares of
its Redeemable Preferred Stock.
 
ENVIRONMENTAL
 
  The Company and its operations are subject to a variety of federal, state
and local laws and regulations governing, among other things, worker safety,
air emissions, water discharge and the generation, handling, storage,
transportation, treatment and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes.
Under such laws, an owner or lessee of real estate may be liable for the costs
of removal or remediation of certain hazardous or toxic substances located on
or in, or emanating from, such property, as well as related costs of
investigation and property damage. The Company incurs ongoing expenses
associated with the removal of older underground storage tanks and the
performance of appropriate remediation at certain of its locations. The
Company has accrued $763,000 at December 31, 1996 and March 31, 1997, related
to the removal of underground tanks and remediation expenses. The Company
believes that the impact of the cost of such remediation on its financial
position, results of operations and cash flows will not be material. See "Risk
Factors--Government and Environmental Regulation."
 
ASSETS HELD FOR SALE
 
  In connection with the acquisition of Holdings, the Company decided to sell,
close or dispose of Holdings' rental locations in California, as they did not
meet the Company's financial performance criteria and were not part of the
Company's strategic plans. The assets related to those rental locations,
consisting primarily of rental equipment and accounts receivable, were
classified as assets held for sale in the Company's Consolidated Financial
Statements at December 31, 1995. The Company accrued the expected cash
outflows from operations of the rental locations through the expected date of
disposal as part of the allocation of the purchase price. The initial accrual
of $2,492,000 included $1,404,000 of allocated interest expense. The pre-tax
income during the period from September 12, 1995 through December 31, 1995 was
$508,000, which included allocated interest expense of $422,000 and a gain on
disposal of assets of $649,000, and was credited to the accrual. The pre-tax
loss during the year ended December 31, 1996 was $3,380,000, which included
allocated interest expense of $751,000 and a gain on disposal of assets of
$513,000, and was charged to the accrual. In 1996, the Company revised its
estimates of the operating cash outflows expected to be incurred as part of
the disposal of the California locations and accrued an additional $1,292,000,
which was recorded as an adjustment to goodwill. During 1996, the Company sold
or closed all of the California locations, and has a remaining balance in the
accrual of $912,000 at December 31, 1996. During the three months ended March
31, 1997, $249,000 was charged to the accrual, leaving a remaining balance of
$663,000 at March 31, 1997.
 
COMMITMENTS TO PURCHASE EQUIPMENT
 
  At March 31, 1997, the Company was obligated, under noncancellable purchase
commitments, to purchase $17.8 million of rental equipment. Such purchases are
expected to be financed with cash flows from operations and through borrowings
under the Revolver.
 
                                      33
<PAGE>
 
SEASONALITY AND SELECTED QUARTERLY OPERATING RESULTS
 
  The following table sets forth unaudited quarterly consolidated statement of
operations data for the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1996 and the quarter
ended March 31, 1997. The unaudited quarterly information has been prepared on
the same basis as the annual financial information and, in management's
opinion, includes all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring
adjustments) necessary to present fairly the information for the quarters
presented. Historically, the Company's revenues and operating results have
varied from quarter to quarter and are expected to continue to fluctuate in
the future. These fluctuations have been due to a number of factors,
including: general economic conditions in the Company's markets; the timing of
acquisitions and start-up locations and related costs; the effectiveness of
integrating acquired businesses and start-up locations; the timing of fleet
expansion capital expenditures; the realization of targeted equipment
utilization rates; seasonal rental patterns of the Company's customers; and
price changes in response to competitive factors. In addition, operating
results have been seasonally lower during the first and fourth fiscal quarters
than during the other quarters of the fiscal year. The operating results for
any historical quarter are not necessarily indicative of results for any
future period.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 1995 QUARTERS ENDED                1996 QUARTERS ENDED          1997 QUARTER
                          ---------------------------------- -----------------------------------    ENDED
                          MARCH 31 JUNE 30 SEPT. 30  DEC. 31 MARCH 31  JUNE 30 SEPT. 30  DEC. 31   MARCH 31
                          -------- ------- --------  ------- --------  ------- --------  ------- ------------
                                         (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AND LOCATION DATA)
<S>                       <C>      <C>     <C>       <C>     <C>       <C>     <C>       <C>     <C>
Revenues:
 Equipment rentals......  $ 7,578  $ 9,009 $11,894   $18,689 $19,656   $22,874 $25,212   $26,476   $27,527
 Sales of parts,
  supplies and
  equipment.............    4,005    3,943   4,567     6,232   7,541     8,393   9,419     8,783    13,782
                          -------  ------- -------   ------- -------   ------- -------   -------   -------
Total revenues..........   11,583   12,952  16,461    24,921  27,197    31,267  34,631    35,259    41,309
Cost of revenues:
 Cost of equipment
  rentals, excluding
  equipment rental
  depreciation..........    4,476    5,067   7,189    11,122  12,449    13,551  14,977    14,225    14,316
 Depreciation, equipment
  rentals...............    1,317    1,558   1,881     2,935   3,633     4,156   4,586     5,465     6,306
 Cost of sales of parts,
  supplies and
  equipment.............    2,550    2,683   3,157     4,227   5,067     5,802   6,750     6,451     9,709
                          -------  ------- -------   ------- -------   ------- -------   -------   -------
Total cost of revenues..    8,343    9,308  12,227    18,284  21,149    23,509  26,313    26,141    30,331
                          -------  ------- -------   ------- -------   ------- -------   -------   -------
Gross profit............    3,240    3,644   4,234     6,637   6,048     7,758   8,318     9,118    10,978
Selling, general and
 administrative expense.    1,097    1,159   1,413     2,752   2,734     3,028   3,299     3,193     3,784
Depreciation and
 amortization, excluding
 equipment rental
 depreciation...........      159      193     237       597     571       607     651     1,006     1,068
Amortization of
 intangibles............      155      157      14       392     561       600     664       554       624
                          -------  ------- -------   ------- -------   ------- -------   -------   -------
Operating income........    1,829    2,135   2,570     2,896   2,182     3,523   3,704     4,365     5,502
Interest expense, net...      355      456     890     1,613   1,639     2,045   2,135     1,244     1,597
                          -------  ------- -------   ------- -------   ------- -------   -------   -------
Income before income
 taxes and extraordinary
 items..................    1,474    1,679   1,680     1,283     543     1,478   1,569     3,121     3,905
Provision for income
 taxes..................      575      660     659       507     213       581     617     1,311     1,722
                          -------  ------- -------   ------- -------   ------- -------   -------   -------
Income before
 extraordinary items....      899    1,019   1,021       776     330       897     952     1,810     2,183
Extraordinary items, net
 of income tax benefit
 of $305 in 1995 and
 $822 in 1996 and $386
 in 1997................      --       --     (478)      --      --        --   (1,269)      --       (534)
                          -------  ------- -------   ------- -------   ------- -------   -------   -------
Net income..............      899    1,019     543       776     330       897    (317)    1,810     1,649
Redeemable preferred
 stock accretion........      420      426     432       439     554       565     524       --        --
                          -------  ------- -------   ------- -------   ------- -------   -------   -------
Net income (loss)
 available to common
 stockholders...........  $   479  $   593 $   111   $   337 $  (224)  $   332 $  (841)  $ 1,810   $ 1,649
                          =======  ======= =======   ======= =======   ======= =======   =======   =======
Weighted average common
 and common equivalent
 shares.................    5,090    5,090   5,090     5,081   5,507     5,511   6,289    11,508    11,493
Income (loss) before
 extraordinary items per
 common share...........  $   .09  $   .12 $   .11   $   .07 $  (.04)  $   .06 $   .07   $   .16   $   .19
Extraordinary items per
 common share...........      --       --     (.09)      --      --        --     (.20)      --       (.05)
                          -------  ------- -------   ------- -------   ------- -------   -------   -------
Net income (loss) per
 common share...........  $   .09  $   .12 $   .02   $   .07 $  (.04)  $   .06 $  (.13)  $   .16   $   .14
                          =======  ======= =======   ======= =======   ======= =======   =======   =======
Net increase in
 locations at period
 end....................        2        1      15         7      13        17       3        11        12
</TABLE>
 
                                      34
<PAGE>
 
INCOME TAXES
 
  At December 31, 1996, the Company had net operating loss carryforwards for
federal income tax purposes of approximately $14.1 million that expire in
years 2005 through 2011. In addition, the Company had combined state net
operating loss carryforwards of approximately $11.3 million that expire in
years 1997 through 2011. Approximately $8.5 million of the federal
carryforwards and $1.1 million of the state carryforwards are attributable to
the Company's September 12, 1995 acquisition of Holdings. For financial
reporting purposes a valuation allowance of $4.0 million has been recognized
to offset the deferred tax assets related to those carryforwards. These
separate Company net operating loss carryforwards are subject to restrictions
in accordance with Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended, and the ultimate utilization of the net operating losses is further
limited based on the profitability of certain subsidiaries of Holdings.
 
  The Company also has alternative minimum tax credit carryovers of
approximately $1.4 million for federal and $165,000 for state of California
income tax purposes which are available to offset future regular income tax
that is in excess of the alternative minimum tax in such year, of which
$589,000 of the federal and all of the state alternative minimum tax credit
carryovers resulted from the Company's September 12, 1995 acquisition of
Holdings. For financial reporting purposes a valuation allowance of $754,000
has been recognized to offset the deferred tax assets related to all
alternative minimum tax credit carryovers. Limitations similar to those
restricting the use of the net operating losses also restrict the use of the
credit carryovers.
 
  The valuation allowance decreased $3.1 million in 1996. This decrease is
principally due to a $9.5 million decrease in the estimated net operating loss
that is not expected to be realized from the Company's discontinued California
operations.
 
  Any tax benefit resulting from the utilization of the net operating loss
carryforwards or the tax credit carryovers obtained in the acquisition of
Holdings will be accounted for as a reduction of the purchase price in the
periods they are realized.
 
INFLATION AND GENERAL ECONOMIC CONDITIONS
 
  Although the Company cannot accurately anticipate the effect of inflation on
its operations, it does not believe that inflation has had, or is likely in
the foreseeable future to have, a material impact on its results of
operations. The Company's operating results may be adversely affected by
events or conditions in a particular region, such as regional economic,
weather and other factors. In addition, the Company's operating results may be
adversely affected by increases in interest rates that may lead to a decline
in economic activity, while simultaneously resulting in higher interest
payments by the Company under its variable rate credit facilities.
 
                                      35
<PAGE>
 
                                   BUSINESS
 
GENERAL
 
  The Company is a leading equipment rental company serving the needs of a
wide variety of industrial, manufacturing, construction, government and
homeowner markets. RSC rents a broad selection of equipment ranging from small
items such as pumps, generators, welders and electric hand tools to larger
equipment such as backhoes, forklifts, air compressors, scissor lifts, booms,
aerial manlifts and skid-steer loaders. The Company also sells MRO supplies,
small tools, contractor supplies, parts and used rental equipment, and acts as
a distributor for new equipment on behalf of certain national equipment
manufacturers.
   
  Since its formation in 1992, the Company has pursued an aggressive expansion
strategy and has acquired 29 businesses comprised of 87 locations and has
opened 32 start-up locations through May 22, 1997. With a focus on operating
rental locations in underserved small- to medium-sized markets, RSC intends to
continue to expand its presence in existing markets and capitalize on
opportunities to enter new geographic markets through a combination of
acquisitions and start-up locations. The Company also seeks to increase
revenues across its locations through fleet expansion, improved asset
utilization and targeted marketing efforts. Management believes that RSC is
well-positioned to capitalize on the substantial consolidation opportunities
in the equipment rental industry, and to take advantage of the growing demand
for equipment rental as businesses increasingly outsource non-core operations.
    
INDUSTRY OVERVIEW
 
  The equipment rental industry serves a wide variety of industrial,
manufacturing, construction, governmental and homeowner markets. Equipment
available for rent ranges from construction and industrial equipment to
general tools and homeowners equipment. A survey conducted for the Associated
Equipment Distributors ("AED") estimates that industry rental revenues were
approximately $13 billion in 1993, which the author of the survey estimates
increased to $15 billion in 1995.
 
  Management believes that the equipment rental industry benefits from the
trend among businesses to outsource non-core operations in order to reduce
capital investment and minimize the downtime, maintenance, repair and storage
associated with equipment ownership. While customers traditionally rented
equipment for specific purposes such as supplementing capacity during peak
periods and using equipment in connection with special projects, customers are
increasingly looking to rental operators to provide an on-going comprehensive
supply of equipment that can enable such customers to benefit from the
economic advantages and convenience of rental. According to surveys published
in 1995 by The CIT Group, contractors intended to increase the percentage of
equipment they rent without a purchase option to an estimated 8% of their
total equipment requirements in 1996 from less than 5% in 1994. Many of the
businesses that rent equipment also purchase complimentary tools and supplies
from MRO distributors. The Company believes that many of such customers would
be interested in a one-stop solution consisting of both equipment rental and
MRO supplies.
 
  The equipment rental industry is highly fragmented and primarily consists of
a large number of relatively small, independent businesses typically serving
discrete local markets within 30 to 50 miles of the store location, and a
small number of multi-location regional or national operators. Traditionally,
large equipment rental companies have focused their operations on serving
relatively large customers, primarily in medium to large metropolitan markets,
while generally serving smaller markets through delivery from distant major
markets without establishing a local presence. In such smaller markets, the
primary source of rental equipment has traditionally been relatively small,
local equipment rental businesses and equipment dealers with product offerings
typically limited in both depth and breadth.
 
  The Company believes that the rental equipment industry offers substantial
consolidation opportunities for large, well-capitalized equipment rental
companies such as RSC. Relative to smaller companies with only one or two
rental locations, the Company believes that national operators such as RSC
benefit from several competitive
 
                                      36
<PAGE>
 
advantages, including sophisticated management information systems, volume
purchasing, professional management, the ability to transfer equipment among
rental locations to satisfy customer demand, the ability to service national
accounts and national brand identity. In addition, the Company believes that
national operators are less sensitive to localized cyclical downturns and can
justify significant investments in professional management and information
systems. As a result of consolidation and industry growth, 1995 rental
revenues of the top 100 rental equipment companies increased over 1994 rental
revenues by approximately 22%, to $2.5 billion in 1995, according to estimates
by the RER. In spite of this growth, these top 100 companies represent less
than one-fifth of the total estimated 1995 industry rental revenues. See "--
Competition."
 
BUSINESS STRATEGY
 
  The Company's goal is to increase revenues and profitability by taking
advantage of its strong market position and pursuing a business strategy that
includes the following key elements:
 
  Small- to Medium-Sized Market Focus. The Company focuses on operating rental
locations in underserved small- to medium-sized rental markets where the
Company can capitalize on its competitive advantages relative to the small,
local equipment rental businesses and equipment dealers who have traditionally
served such markets. In addition, the Company believes that small- to medium-
sized markets provide an extensive selection of acquisition candidates and
start-up locations and permit broader geographic and customer diversification.
Through its geographic diversification, the Company believes that it can more
effectively manage economic fluctuations than single-location businesses by
transferring equipment to regions with higher demand. The Company believes
that future acquisitions and start-up locations will provide opportunities to
achieve greater geographic and customer diversification. See "--Locations" and
"--Growth Strategy."
 
  Cluster Strategy. Under its cluster strategy, RSC establishes a
comprehensive pool of rental equipment at a central, readily-accessible "hub"
location, and surrounds the hub with smaller "satellite" locations 30 to 50
miles away, which draw on this equipment pool to serve local customers' needs.
The hub locations provide full-service maintenance and repair operations for
the satellite locations. The Company believes that this strategy increases
fleet utilization and allows RSC to bring the benefits of a large, high-
quality and diversified rental equipment fleet to markets with populations as
small as 25,000 where a full-scale rental facility might not otherwise be
justified. See "--Fleet Management."
 
  Advanced Information Systems. The Company has made substantial investments
in its state-of-the-art management information systems in order to improve
asset utilization and financial performance. Every rental location has on-line
access to centralized computer systems which provide real-time transaction
processing, extensive fleet management tools and daily financial management
reports. Use of these systems allows the Company to improve its asset
utilization by deploying assets to locations generating higher returns and
identifying underperforming assets for disposition. These systems also allow
an employee at any location to identify and reserve a specific piece of
equipment anywhere in a region, and schedule delivery (generally within 24
hours) to a customer's job site. See "--Fleet Management" and "--Information
Systems."
 
  Decentralized Management. Under the Company's decentralized management
structure, RSC's region vice presidents and district managers, who currently
average over 20 years of rental experience, are responsible for management,
customer service, marketing strategies and business growth in their regions.
Each region vice president and district manager is compensated through a stock
option program and cash bonus plan tied directly to his region's performance.
A small corporate staff at the Company's headquarters focuses on corporate
planning, financial reporting and analysis and overseeing execution of the
Company's growth strategy. The Company has also centralized its purchasing and
equipment disposal functions in order to maximize purchase discounts and used
rental equipment sale prices.
 
  Superior Customer Service. The Company believes that it differentiates
itself from many of its competitors by providing responsive customer service,
a broad selection of high-quality rental equipment and "one-stop shopping" for
a wide range of supplies, tools, parts, and equipment. Depending upon market
needs, RSC also
 
                                      37
<PAGE>
 
offers value-added services to its customers such as a radio-dispatched
transportation fleet and 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week support services,
including on-site maintenance and repair. The Company believes that its rapid
response time in delivering, servicing or replacing equipment at job sites
generates customer loyalty. A cornerstone to the Company's customer service
commitment is its extensive training system, Rental Service University
("RSU"), which provides formal training to all Company employees relating to
customer service, strategy, finance, information systems, fleet management,
safety and risk management and human resources. See "--Products" and "--Sales
and Marketing."
 
GROWTH STRATEGY
 
  RSC's growth strategy is to continue to expand its presence in existing
markets and capitalize on opportunities to enter new geographic markets
through a combination of acquisitions and start-up locations. The Company also
seeks to increase revenues across its locations through fleet expansion,
improved asset utilization and targeted marketing efforts. Following its
recent acquisition of IAT, the Company also plans to increase revenue across
existing locations by cross selling its industrial customers both equipment
rental services and MRO tools and supplies. The Company is systematic in its
selection of new markets for expansion and, together with Arthur D. Little,
Inc., has developed a proprietary model to guide future expansion efforts by
identifying and ranking desirable locations based on 25 demographic
characteristics found in the Company's most successful geographic markets.
   
  Acquisitions. RSC's acquisition efforts focus on acquiring stable, respected
businesses in markets that the Company believes offer the opportunity for
additional growth in rental equipment demand. The Company primarily targets
acquisitions of businesses in small- to medium-sized markets where an existing
owner has limited resources to expand the rental equipment fleet and/or the
owner's decision to sell coincides with the decision to retire. After
completing an acquisition, the Company integrates the operations of the
acquired business into its management information systems, consolidates its
equipment purchasing and disposal functions, and centralizes its fleet
management, while assuring consistent, high-quality service to the acquired
business' customers. Proprietors of smaller businesses often place significant
emphasis on the Company's proven track record in completing and integrating
acquisitions and the Company believes that its reputation in these areas
provides it access to other acquisition opportunities. Since its formation in
1992, RSC has acquired 29 businesses comprised of 87 locations. See "--
Business Strategy--Small- to Medium-Sized Market Focus" and "--Locations."
    
  Start-Up Locations. RSC also enters targeted markets through start-up
locations where there is no quality business available for acquisition or
where such a business cannot be acquired on terms acceptable to the Company.
The Company's decision to open a start-up location is based upon its review of
demographic information, business growth projections and the level of existing
competition. RSC maximizes the flexibility of start-up locations by entering
into real estate leases with short initial terms and multiple option periods.
In addition, RSC typically minimizes capital expenditures at a start-up
location by redeploying and sharing equipment with an existing hub. If a
start-up location does not meet expectations, the Company can redeploy the
equipment elsewhere. Since January 1, 1994, the Company has opened 32 start-up
locations. See "--Business Strategy--Cluster Strategy" and "--Locations."
 
  Internal Growth. The Company focuses on achieving internal growth through an
emphasis on fleet expansion, improved asset utilization and targeted marketing
efforts. The Company intends to expand its rental equipment fleet through
capital expenditures made to replace assets in, and increase the breadth and
depth of, its existing fleet. In addition, RSC's information systems provide
the data necessary to improve asset deployment based upon such factors as
price realization, time utilization and individual asset return on investment.
Through its recently-introduced national accounts marketing program, the
Company targets large petrochemical, industrial and commercial customers. The
Company recently began offering these customers In-Plant Maintenance ("IPM")
services whereby RSC will locate equipment at a customer's facility and assume
complete responsibility for the maintenance of such equipment. The IPM program
allows the Company to eliminate
 
                                      38
<PAGE>
 
operating expenses such as equipment transportation and delivery, and improve
asset utilization rates resulting from the sole-source arrangement with the
customer. In addition, through the acquisition of IAT, the Company has
increased its MRO supply business and its tool room management and small tool
trailer business. The Company has also recently announced the creation of an
Industrial Division, with a dedicated and specially trained sales force
focusing exclusively on industrial customers. See "--Fleet Management," "--
Information Systems" and "--Sales and Marketing."
 
PRODUCTS
 
  The Company believes that it offers one of the most comprehensive and well-
maintained rental equipment fleets in the industry. The Company sells parts,
supplies and used rental equipment, and acts as a distributor for new
equipment on behalf of certain national equipment manufacturers.
 
  Rental Equipment. The Company rents over 50 categories of equipment on a
daily, weekly or monthly basis and occasionally for periods of up to one year.
The Company's rental equipment fleet of over 40,000 units includes a broad
selection of equipment ranging from small items such as pumps, generators,
welders, electric hand tools and concrete finishing equipment; to larger
equipment such as air compressors, dirt equipment, booms, aerial manlifts,
forklifts, scissor lifts, skid-steer loaders and backhoes. Each of the
Company's rental locations has access to a product mix tailored to satisfy the
needs and preferences of the local customer base. In 1996, equipment rental
accounted for approximately 73.4% of the Company's total revenues.
 
  Sales of Parts, Supplies and Equipment. In addition to equipment rental,
most RSC locations carry a wide range of parts and supplies, including
"convenience consumables" used in conjunction with the rental equipment, such
as safety equipment, diamond saw blades and sandpaper. This sales activity
allows the Company to attract and retain customers by offering the convenience
of "one-stop shopping." In addition, RSC is a distributor for new equipment on
behalf of certain national equipment manufacturers, including Black & Decker,
Honda, Multiquip, Norton, Terramite, Wacker, and as a result of its
acquisition of IAT, Ingersoll-Rand, Stanley Proto and Weldon Pumps. Following
its acquisition of Foxx and Central States, RSC will also become a dealer for
JGL, Sky-Jack, Sky Trak, Lull and Genie. In connection with the IAT
Acquisition, the Company will also begin to offer its customers a one-source
catalog for a variety of equipment, tools and supplies.
 
  The Company also routinely sells used rental equipment in order to maintain
an economically competitive fleet and to adjust to fluctuations in the demand
for specific rental products. The Company has developed a proprietary
algorithm, the "CAPCOM" model, to determine the optimal timing for the sale
and replacement of a piece of equipment given, among other things, original
purchase price, maintenance expense, rental demand and prices in the used
rental equipment market. RSC is able to realize attractive prices on used
equipment sales due to its strong preventative maintenance program, ability to
use offshore, retail and direct mail distribution channels to redirect
disposals to markets where the equipment is in highest demand, and ability to
negotiate attractive fee arrangements with third-party auctioneers. In
addition, the Company markets its used rental equipment via the Internet. The
Company is also currently evaluating additional disposal alternatives,
including the creation of a used rental equipment catalog.
 
  In 1996, the sale of parts, supplies and equipment accounted for
approximately 26.6% of the Company's total revenues. As a result of the
acquisition of IAT, which focuses primarily on MRO tool and supply sales
rather than equipment rentals, management expects that the sale of parts,
supplies and equipment will constitute a greater percentage of the Company's
total revenues in the near future.
 
FLEET MANAGEMENT
 
  The Company believes its advanced information systems, combined with its
cluster strategy and ability to redeploy equipment among locations, allow RSC
to better manage its fleet and achieve higher equipment utilization rates than
many of its competitors. Under this strategy, an employee at any location can
locate a specific piece of equipment throughout the region, whether on rent
(in which case the estimated date available is
 
                                      39
<PAGE>
 
provided), in transit, in the service bay or ready for rent. Once identified,
the equipment can be reserved for a customer through the system and scheduled
for delivery (generally within 24 hours) to the job site or store location by
the Company's radio-dispatched transportation fleet of trucks, trailers and
independent carriers. The Company is able to further increase fleet
utilization and moderate capital expenditures through its "use-it-or-lose-it"
policy, whereby equipment is deployed to areas where it can provide the
highest return. Through its information systems, the Company generates a
monthly management report showing, for each region, every rental asset which
had an unacceptable utilization rate for the most recent 90-day period. Region
managers have 30 days to correct the problem or the asset may be redeployed to
another region where demand exceeds supply, or sold, depending on the age of
the asset. The Company's information systems also track each individual rental
asset and automatically schedule preventative maintenance, frequently in
advance of that suggested by the manufacturer. As a result, the Company
believes that it is able to enhance the reliability and extend the useful life
of its rental equipment fleet, and obtain favorable prices when used rental
equipment is sold.
 
INFORMATION SYSTEMS
 
  Each rental location is networked with a commonly configured hardware and
software PC equipped with electronic links to all other RSC locations and the
Company's central databases. The Company has developed a comprehensive set of
management information databases covering financial performance, fleet
utilization, sales and pricing. Company management can access these databases
24 hours-a-day at all locations via the Internet to analyze such items as: (i)
price trends by store, region, salesperson, end-user, equipment category or
customer; (ii) sales trends by store, customer, region or end-user; (iii)
fleet utilization by individual asset or asset class; (iv) financial results
and (v) performance of selected acquisitions and start-up locations. In
addition, all rental transactions are processed in real-time through a
centralized AS400 system located at corporate headquarters, which can be
accessed by the employee at the point of sale to determine equipment
availability. Local, regional and corporate management can access this
information to monitor current business activity, including daily sales volume
and fleet availability. As a result of its acquisition of IAT, the Company
also has a proprietary tool management software system which controls the
issuance, return and management of tools and equipment used by plant personnel
and contractors. The Company believes that its use of advanced information
technology will continue to create profit improvement opportunities and
improve equipment utilization.
 
CUSTOMERS
 
  In 1996, the Company rented equipment to over 20,000 customers, with no one
customer accounting for more than 3% of the Company's total revenues, and the
top ten customers representing less than 8% of total revenues. The composition
of RSC's customer base varies widely by location and is determined by several
factors, including the business composition of the local economy. The
Company's customer base consists of the following general categories: (i)
industrial, including manufacturers, petrochemical facilities, large chemical
processing companies, paper mills, entertainment companies and public
utilities; (ii) construction, including contractors; and (iii) government and
homeowners. For 1996, management estimates that industrial, construction and
government/homeowner customers accounted for approximately 45%, 45% and 10%,
respectively, of the Company's total revenues. The Company believes the loss
of any one customer would not have a material adverse effect on the Company's
business.
 
  The Company has recently announced the creation of an Industrial Division,
with a dedicated and specially trained sales force focusing exclusively on
industrial customers. Management expects that as a result of the Company's
acquisitions of IAT, Foxx and Central States and the formation of the
Industrial Division, industrial customers will account for an increased
portion of the Company's total revenues. See "--Growth Strategy--Internal
Growth."
 
SALES AND MARKETING
   
  The Company markets its products and services through a sales force
consisting of approximately 121 field-based commissioned salespeople and 131
store-based salespeople as of May 22, 1997. The field-based sales     
 
                                      40
<PAGE>
 
force calls regularly on contractors' job sites and industrial facilities with
the objective of building strong business relationships and ensuring that such
customers' rental and supply needs are fulfilled. The Company's store-based
sales force handles telephone inquiries and assists customers at each rental
location to select the proper equipment and supplies to meet their needs. In
addition, through its national accounts program, the Company has begun to
target large petrochemical, industrial and commercial customers in order to
develop national relationships and increase awareness of its IPM program. The
Company's sales force attends RSU training programs in order to develop
extensive product knowledge and refine their customer service skills. See "--
Business Strategy--Superior Customer Service."
 
  The Company supplements its sales and marketing activities through
participation in industry trade shows and conferences, direct mail, and
advertising in local industry publications and the yellow pages in the markets
it serves. In addition, the Company maintains a home page on the Internet
describing the Company's products and services, geographic locations and used
rental equipment for sale. RSC's home page can be found at
"http://www.rentalservice.com." The Company also maintains a Website on the
Internet describing the products and services of IAT at
"http://www.industrial.air.tool.mrop.net."
 
LOCATIONS
   
  At May 22, 1997, the Company operated 107 rental locations (including 13
locations acquired since December 31, 1996), in the following 9 states:
Alabama (10), Arkansas (10), Florida (17), Georgia (18), Louisiana (8),
Mississippi (10), South Carolina (4), Tennessee (5) and Texas (25). Through
its acquisitions of Foxx and Central States, the Company expects to add 8
locations in the following states: Illinois (2), Iowa (2), Kansas (1),
Missouri (2) and Oklahoma (1).     
   
  The following table shows the increase in the number of RSC locations since
the Company's formation in 1992 (through March 31, 1997):     
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      QUARTER
                                                       ENDED
                          YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,   MARCH 31,
                          -------------------------- ---------
                          1992 1993  1994 1995  1996   1997
                          ---- ----  ---- ----  ----   ----
<S>                       <C>  <C>   <C>  <C>   <C>  <C>
Beginning locations......  --   11    21   25    50      94
 Locations acquired......  11   11     1   26    25      12
 Locations opened........  --   --     3   10    19      --
 Locations closed, sold
  or held for sale(1)....  --   (1)   --  (11)   --      --
                          ---  ---   ---  ---   ---     ---
Ending locations.........  11   21    25   50    94     106
                          ===  ===   ===  ===   ===     ===
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) In connection with the acquisition of Holdings, the Company sold or closed
    all of Holdings' California rental locations, which were previously
    included in "assets held for sale" in the Company's Consolidated Financial
    Statements.
 
  The Company's locations are generally situated in industrial, commercial or
mixed-use zones. The buildings range from approximately 1,500 to 47,000 square
feet, consisting of a customer showroom, an equipment service area and storage
facilities, and are located on parcels of one to five acres of land. Eight of
the Company's rental locations are owned, with the remaining locations subject
to leases with terms expiring from 1997 to 2005, most with options to extend.
In a number of instances, the Company's rental locations are leased from the
former owners of businesses acquired by the Company.
 
COMPETITION
 
  The equipment rental industry is highly fragmented and competitive. The
Company's competitors include: large national companies (such as Hertz
Equipment Rental Corporation, Prime Service, Inc., U.S. Rentals, Inc. and BET
Plant Services U.S.A.); regional competitors which operate in one or two
states; small, independent
 
                                      41
<PAGE>
 
businesses with one or two rental locations; and equipment vendors and dealers
who both sell and rent equipment directly to customers. The Company also
competes against MRO suppliers, including large companies such as W.W.
Grainger and McMaster Carr as well as regional and independent competitors.
Some of the Company's competitors have greater financial resources, are more
geographically diverse and have greater name recognition than the Company.
Existing or future competitors also may seek to compete with the Company for
acquisition candidates which could have the effect of increasing the price for
acquisitions or reducing the number of suitable acquisition candidates. In
addition, such competitors may also compete with the Company for start-up
locations, thereby limiting the number of attractive locations for expansion.
See "Risk Factors--Competition."
 
  The equipment rental business is highly service-oriented. The success of an
individual rental operator is predicated on its customer handling and problem
solving abilities; quality, condition and servicing of its equipment; and
overall operation of its business. Other components of competition include
location, availability of equipment (both depth and breadth) and price. The
Company believes that it competes in the markets it serves primarily on the
basis of responsive customer service and a broad selection of high-quality
rental equipment and supplies. Relative to smaller companies with only one or
two rental locations, the Company believes national operators such as RSC
benefit from several competitive advantages, including sophisticated
management information systems, volume purchasing, professional management,
the ability to transfer equipment among rental locations to satisfy customer
demand, the ability to service national accounts and national brand identity.
In addition, the Company believes national operators are less sensitive to
localized cyclical downturns and can justify significant investments in
professional management and information systems.
 
GOVERNMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION
 
  The Company and its operations are subject to a variety of federal, state
and local laws and regulations governing, among other things, worker safety,
air emissions, water discharge and the generation, handling, storage,
transportation, treatment and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes.
Under such laws, an owner or lessee of real estate may be liable for the costs
of removal or remediation of certain hazardous or toxic substances located on
or in, or emanating from, such property, as well as related costs of
investigation and property damage. Such laws often impose such liability
without regard to whether the owner or lessee knew of, or was responsible for,
the presence of such hazardous or toxic substances. In connection with its
acquisitions and start-up locations, the Company usually obtains Phase I
environmental assessment reports prepared by independent environmental
consultants. A Phase I assessment consists of a site visit, historical record
review, interviews and report, with the purpose of identifying potential
environmental conditions associated with the subject real estate. There can be
no assurance, however, that acquired or leased locations have been operated in
compliance with environmental laws and regulations or that future uses or
conditions will not result in the imposition of environmental liability upon
the Company or expose the Company to third-party actions such as tort suits.
 
  The Company dispenses petroleum products from underground and above-ground
storage tanks located at certain rental locations that it owns or leases. The
Company maintains an environmental compliance program that includes the
implementation of required technical and operational activities designed to
minimize the potential for leaks and spills, maintenance of records and the
regular testing and monitoring of tank systems for tightness. There can be no
assurance, however, that these tank systems have been or will at all times
remain free from leaks or that the use of these tanks has not or will not
result in spills or other releases. The Company incurs ongoing expenses
associated with the removal of older underground storage tanks and the
performance of appropriate remediation at certain of its locations. The
Company does not believe that such removal and remediation will have a
material adverse effect on the Company's operating results or financial
position. The Company also uses hazardous materials such as solvents to clean
and maintain its rental equipment fleet. In addition, the Company generates
and disposes waste, such as used motor oil, radiator fluid and solvents, and
may be liable under various federal, state and local laws for environmental
contamination at facilities where its waste is or has been disposed. The
Company believes it currently conducts its operations in material compliance
with all applicable laws and regulations. Compliance by the Company with
applicable environmental laws has
 
                                      42
<PAGE>
 
not had a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition or
competitive position to date. See "Risk Factors--Government and Environmental
Regulation."
 
TRADE NAMES
 
  The Company currently does business under the name Rental Service
CorporationSM. The Company believes this brand name identity enables it to
more effectively target national accounts. In certain local markets the
Company also selectively continues to use the name of an acquired business
where there is strong local name recognition and customer loyalty.
 
EMPLOYEES
   
  At May 22, 1997, the Company employed 1,193 people, including 252
salespeople, 850 operational employees and 91 corporate and regional
management employees. None of these employees is represented by a union or a
collective bargaining agreement. However, upon consummation of the Central
States acquisition, approximately 20 of the Company's employees in Kansas City
will be represented by a union. The Company considers its labor relations to
be good.     
 
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
  The Company and its subsidiaries are parties to various litigation matters,
in most cases involving ordinary and routine claims incidental to the business
of the Company. The ultimate legal and financial liability of the Company with
respect to such pending litigation cannot be estimated with certainty but the
Company believes, based on its examination of such matters, that such ultimate
liability will not have a material adverse effect on the business or financial
condition of the Company.
 
                                      43
<PAGE>
 
                                  MANAGEMENT
 
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
 
  The following table sets forth certain information as of the date of this
Prospectus with respect to the directors and executive officers of the
Company:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         NAME            AGE                                  TITLE
         ----            ---                                  -----
<S>                      <C> <C>
Martin R. Reid            54 Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
Douglas A. Waugaman       39 Senior Vice President of Operations
Ronald Halchishak         49 Senior Vice President of Operations
David G. Ledlow           38 Senior Vice President of Operations
Robert M. Wilson          39 Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer
Bruce A. Lisanti          46 Senior Vice President of Marketing
William M. Barnum, Jr.    43 Director
James R. Buch             43 Director
Christopher A. Laurence   29 Director
Eric L. Mattson           46 Director
Britton H. Murdoch        39 Director
John G. Quigley           43 Director
Frederick J. Warren       57 Director
</TABLE>
 
  The principal occupations and positions for the past five years and, in
certain cases prior years, of the directors and executive officers named above
are as follows:
 
  MARTIN R. REID was elected as a Director and Chief Executive Officer of the
Company in June 1994 and became Chairman of the Board in October 1995. Mr.
Reid is a director of Tuboscope Vetco International Corporation ("Tuboscope"),
a provider of oilfield-related inspection and coating services. Mr. Reid
served as Chief Executive Officer of Tuboscope from May 1991 to October 1993
and as Chairman of the Board of Directors from October 1990 to April 1996.
From September 1986 to June 1990, Mr. Reid was Chief Executive Officer of
Eastman Christensen Co., a provider of oil and gas drilling systems. Mr. Reid
was also Vice Chairman of Eastman Christensen Co. from August 1989 to June
1990. Mr. Reid is a director of Cobblestone Holdings, Inc. and Cobblestone
Golf Group, Inc.
 
  DOUGLAS A. WAUGAMAN has served as Senior Vice President of Operations of the
Company since April 1997. From January 1994 through April 1997, Mr. Waugaman
served as Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer of
the Company. From June 1993 until joining the Company in January 1994,
Mr. Waugaman served as Operations Manager for Plastiglide Manufacturing
Corporation, a subsidiary of Illinois Tool Works. From September 1991 until
June 1993, Mr. Waugaman was Vice President of Finance for Knapp Communications
Corporation, a magazine publisher. From September 1989 until September 1991,
Mr. Waugaman was Controller for Plastiglide Manufacturing Corporation. Mr.
Waugaman's experience also includes public accounting experience with Arthur
Andersen and Co. Mr. Waugaman is a Certified Public Accountant.
 
  RONALD HALCHISHAK joined the Company in October 1991 as Vice President of
Purchasing and Director of Safety and became Region Manager for California in
1994. He was appointed Regional Vice President of Operations in January 1995
and was promoted to Senior Vice President of Operations in December 1996.
Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Halchishak worked for 13 years at Hertz
Equipment Corporation in various positions, including Director of European
Operations and Region Manager of the Midwest Division.
 
  DAVID G. LEDLOW joined the Company in conjunction with the acquisition of
Walker Jones Equipment in 1992. Mr. Ledlow had been employed by Walker Jones
Equipment since 1982, serving most recently as its Vice President of
Marketing. Mr. Ledlow was promoted to Regional Vice President of Operations of
the Company in February 1993 and to Senior Vice President of Operations in
December 1996.
 
                                      44
<PAGE>
 
  ROBERT M. WILSON joined the Company in April 1997 as Senior Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer. From October 1994 until
joining the Company, Mr. Wilson served as Senior Vice President of Operations,
Finance and Administration for Shade/Allied Inc. From September 1989 through
October 1994, Mr. Wilson served in various positions at Simon Engineering plc,
including Vice President of Finance for the United States holding company and
President of Simon LGI. Mr. Wilson is a Certified Public Accountant and has
public accounting experience with Arthur Andersen and Co.
 
  BRUCE A. LISANTI joined the Company in April 1997 as Senior Vice President
of Marketing. From March 1992 until joining the Company, Mr. Lasonti served as
Vice President, Sales and Marketing for Petroleum Information Corporation.
Prior thereto, he served as Vice President, Sales and Marketing for Corporate
Express, National Sales Manager for General Electric Computer Services and in
various positions at Electronic Data Systems.
 
  WILLIAM M. BARNUM, JR. has served as a director of the Company since its
formation in 1992 and served as Chairman of the Board from June 1993 through
October 1995. Mr. Barnum is a general partner of BBP, the general partner of
Brentwood RSC Partners, L.P. ("Brentwood RSC Partners"). Brentwood RSC
Partners is a significant stockholder of the Company. See "Principal and
Selling Stockholders." Mr. Barnum was an associate at Morgan Stanley & Co.
Incorporated from October 1981 until joining Brentwood Associates, an
affiliate of Brentwood RSC Partners, in July 1984. Mr. Barnum is a director of
Quiksilver, Inc., and several privately held companies.
 
  JAMES R. BUCH has served as a director of the Company since October 1995.
From October 1990 through May 1996, Mr. Buch served as President and Chief
Executive Officer of Evans Rents, Inc. Previously, he served as Director of
U.S. Operations for Brittania Security Group.
 
  CHRISTOPHER A. LAURENCE has served as a director of the Company since
October 1995. Mr. Laurence is a Principal of Brentwood Associates and a member
of Brentwood Private Equity LLC. Prior to joining Brentwood Associates in
1991, Mr. Laurence was an analyst at Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated.
 
  ERIC L. MATTSON has served as a director of the Company since December 1996.
Mr. Mattson is and has been Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of
Baker Hughes Incorporated ("BHI") since July 1993. For more than five years
prior to 1993, Mr. Mattson was Vice President and Treasurer of BHI. Mr.
Mattson is also a director of Tuboscope.
 
  BRITTON H. MURDOCH has served as a director of the Company since January
1997. Mr. Murdoch is and has been Managing Director of Wendover Corp., a
privately held company, since October 1996. From 1990 to 1996, Mr. Murdoch was
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Airgas, Inc., an industrial gas
distribution and manufacturing company, and from 1987 to 1990, he was Vice
President of Corporate Development of Airgas, Inc.
 
  JOHN G. QUIGLEY has served as a director of the Company since January 1996.
Mr. Quigley is a founding member of Nassau Capital, L.L.C., the general
partner of Nassau Capital Partners L.P. ("Nassau Capital"). Nassau Capital is
a significant stockholder of the Company. See "Principal and Selling
Stockholders." From 1992 to January 1995, Mr. Quigley was a partner of Clipper
Capital Partners. Mr. Quigley was a partner at Adler & Shaykin from 1984 to
1989. From 1980 to 1984, Mr. Quigley was an attorney with the law firm of
Kirkland & Ellis in Chicago. Mr. Quigley was selected as a director pursuant
to the terms of a Preferred Stock and Common Stock Purchase Agreement.
 
  FREDERICK J. WARREN has served as a director of the Company since October
1995. Mr. Warren co-founded Brentwood Associates in 1972 and is a general
partner of BBP. See "Principal and Selling Stockholders." Mr. Warren is a
director of Digital Sound Corporation, a supplier of high-capacity network-
based message processing systems and applications, Cobblestone Holdings, Inc.,
Cobblestone Golf Group, Inc. and several privately held companies.
 
                                      45
<PAGE>
 
  Messrs. Reid, Waugaman, Warren and Barnum were also directors or executive
officers of Holdings at the time Holdings filed its prepackaged bankruptcy
plan under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. See "Risk
Factors--Holdings' Bankruptcy; Increase in Indebtedness."
 
  The Board of Directors presently consists of eight members, including four
independent directors. Directors of the Company serve until their successors
are elected and qualified or until the director resigns or is removed.
Officers of the Company serve at the discretion of the Company's Board of
Directors. There are no family relationships among executive officers or
directors of the Company.
 
  Messrs. Quigley and Warren have resigned from the Board of Directors of the
Company, effective upon completion of the offering.
 
COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
 
  The Board has the following standing committees: the Audit Committee and the
Compensation Committee. The Audit Committee was established to make
recommendations concerning the engagement of independent public accountants,
review with the independent public accountants the scope and results of the
audit engagement, approve professional services provided by the independent
public accountants, review the independence of the independent public
accountants, consider the range of audit and non-audit fees and review the
adequacy of the Company's internal accounting controls. The Audit Committee
consists of Messrs. Buch and Quigley. Upon the resignation of Mr. Quigley, Mr.
Murdoch will become a member of the Audit Committee. The Compensation
Committee was established on December 5, 1996 to establish remuneration levels
for executive officers of the Company and implementation of the Company's
stock option plans and any other incentive programs. The Compensation
Committee consists of Messrs. Mattson and Murdoch. The Audit Committee and the
Compensation Committee each met one time during 1996. The Company has no
nominating committee.
 
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
 
  Prior to December 5, 1996, the Company had no compensation committee or
other committee of the Board performing similar functions. Accordingly,
decisions concerning compensation of executive officers were made by the
entire Board. Other than Martin R. Reid, there were no officers or employees
of the Company who participated in deliberations concerning such compensation
matters. Mr. Reid was, until April 1996, an executive officer of Tuboscope,
and he currently serves on the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors
of Tuboscope, which is responsible for Tuboscope's compensation policies. Eric
L. Mattson is a director of Tuboscope.
 
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
 
  The Company did not pay any fees or remuneration to directors for their
service on the Board or any Board committee in 1996, however, the Company
reimbursed directors for their out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection
with attending meetings of the Board. In addition, during 1996, Mr. Buch was
granted stock options under the 1995 Plan (as defined) in connection with his
election to the Board.
 
  Effective January 1, 1997, in addition to reimbursement for out-of-pocket
expenses, all non-employee members of the Board will receive $10,000 per year
(payable $2,500 per quarter) as compensation for serving on the Board, plus
$1,500 for attendance at each Board meeting and $500 for attendance at each
committee meeting. In addition, each committee chairman will receive an
additional $1,500 per year. All non-employee directors receive non-qualified
stock options under the 1996 Plan (as defined) as described under "Equity
Participation Plans."
 
 
                                      46
<PAGE>
 
LIMITATIONS ON LIABILITY
 
  The Certificate of Incorporation provides that a director of the Company
will not be personally liable to the Company or its stockholders for monetary
damages for any breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except in certain
cases where liability is mandated by the General Corporation Law of the State
of Delaware. The provision has no effect on any non-monetary remedies that may
be available to the Company or its stockholders, nor does it relieve the
Company or its directors from compliance with federal or state securities
laws. The Bylaws of the Company generally provide that the Company shall
indemnify, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any person who was or is a
party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or
completed action, suit, investigation, administrative hearing or any other
proceeding (each, a "Proceeding") by reason of the fact that he is or was a
director or officer of the Company, or is or was serving at the request of the
Company as a director, officer, employee or agent of another entity, against
expenses (including attorneys' fees) and losses, claims, liabilities,
judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually incurred by him in
connection with such Proceeding. The Company has entered into, or intends to
enter into, agreements to provide indemnification for the Company's directors
and executive officers in addition to the indemnification provided for in the
Bylaws. These agreements, among other things, will indemnify the Company's
directors and executive officers for certain expenses (including attorney's
fees), and all losses, claims, liabilities, judgments, fines and settlement
amounts incurred by such person arising out of or in connection with such
person's service as a director or officer of the Company to the fullest extent
permitted by applicable law. In addition, the Company has obtained director
and officer liability insurance that insures the Company's directors and
officers against certain liabilities.
 
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
 Summary Compensation Table
 
  The following table provides certain summary information concerning
compensation paid or accrued by the Company to or on behalf of the Company's
Chief Executive Officer and each of the other executive officers of the
Company who earned more than $100,000 (salary and bonus) (the "Named Executive
Officers") for all services rendered in all capacities to the Company during
the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996:
 
                          SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      ANNUAL COMPENSATION
                             -------------------------------------
                                                                    LONG TERM
                                                      ALL OTHER    COMPENSATION
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION  SALARY($) BONUS($)(1) COMPENSATION($)  OPTIONS(#)
- ---------------------------  --------- ----------- --------------- ------------
<S>                          <C>       <C>         <C>             <C>
Martin R. Reid
 Chairman and Chief Execu-
 tive Officer..............   294,231     84,375      5,641 (2)          --
Douglas A. Waugaman
 Senior Vice President of
 Operations................   155,923     42,900      7,149 (3)          --
Ronald Halchishak
 Senior Vice President of
 Operations................   150,000    100,000        920 (2)       71,250
David G. Ledlow
 Senior Vice President of
 Operations................   117,692     36,709      4,200 (4)       71,250
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) The amount of bonus presented in this table for 1996 represents the bonus
    earned in 1995, which was paid during 1996. Bonuses earned with respect to
    1996 were as follows: Mr. Reid, $300,000; Mr. Waugaman, $200,000; Mr.
    Halchishak, $75,000 and Mr. Ledlow, $75,000. Such 1996 bonuses were paid
    during March 1997.
(2) Consists of an automobile allowance.
(3) Consists of an automobile allowance ($2,175) and insurance premiums paid
    by the Company ($4,974) for life insurance and disability policies
    covering Mr. Waugaman.
(4) Consists of relocation expenses reimbursed by the Company.
 
                                      47
<PAGE>
 
 Stock Options Granted in Fiscal 1996
 
  The following table sets forth information concerning individual grants of
stock options made by the Company during the fiscal year ended December 31,
1996 to each of the Named Executive Officers.
 
                       OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    
                                                                                    
                                                                                    
                                                                                    POTENTIAL REALIZABLE 
                                                                                      VALUE AT ASSUMED     
                                                 INDIVIDUAL GRANTS                     ANNUAL RATES OF        
                                            ----------------------------                 STOCK PRICE      
                             NUMBER OF      PERCENT OF TOTAL                           APPRECIATION FOR
                             SECURITIES     OPTIONS GRANTED  EXERCISE OR                 OPTION TERM
                             UNDERLYING       TO EMPLOYEES   BASE PRICE  EXPIRATION   --------------------
          NAME           OPTIONS GRANTED(#)  IN FISCAL YEAR    ($/SH)       DATE      5%($)     10%($)
          ----           ------------------ ---------------- ----------- ----------   -----     ------
<S>                      <C>                <C>              <C>         <C>        <C>       <C>
Martin R. Reid
 Chairman and Chief
 Executive Officer......          --               --             --         --           --          --
Douglas A. Waugaman
 Senior Vice President
 of Operations..........          --               --             --         --           --          --
Ronald Halchishak
 Senior Vice President of      11,250(1)           5.4%        $14.11       2006    $  99,829 $   252,987
 Operations.............       60,000(2)          28.7%        $21.00       2006     $792,407  $2,008,115
David G. Ledlow
 Senior Vice President of      11,250(1)           5.4%        $14.11       2006     $ 99,829  $  252,987
 Operations.............       60,000(2)          28.7%        $21.00       2006     $792,407  $2,008,115
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Such options vest equally over three years on April 1, 1997, 1998 and
    1999.
(2) Such options vest equally over four years on October 22, 1997, 1998, 1999
    and 2000.
 
                                      48
<PAGE>
 
 Aggregated Option Exercises
 
  The following table sets forth information (on an aggregated basis)
concerning each exercise of stock options during the year ended December 31,
1996 by each of the Named Executive Officers and the year-end value of
unexercised options.
 
                          AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES
                            IN THE LAST FISCAL YEAR
                         FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       NUMBER OF UNEXERCISED     VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
                                                      OPTIONS AT FISCAL YEAR-   "IN-THE-MONEY" OPTIONS
                            SHARES                              END              AT FISCAL YEAR-END(1)
                           ACQUIRED        VALUE     ------------------------- -------------------------
         NAME           ON EXERCISE (#) REALIZED ($) EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
         ----           --------------- ------------ ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
<S>                     <C>             <C>          <C>         <C>           <C>         <C>
Martin R. Reid
 Chairman and Chief
 Executive Officer.....        --           --           --            --            --           --
Douglas A. Waugaman
 Senior Vice President
 of Operations.........        --           --           --            --            --           --
Ronald Halchishak
 Senior Vice President
 of Operations.........      5,580          --           --         82,410           --      $847,426
David G. Ledlow
 Senior Vice President
 of Operations.........      4,725          --           855        82,410       $23,504     $847,426
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Options are "in-the-money" at the fiscal year-end if the fair market value
    (based on the closing price of the Company's Common Stock on the Nasdaq
    National Market System on December 31, 1996 of $27.50 per share, less the
    exercise price) of the underlying securities on such date exceeds the
    exercise or base price of the option.
 
401(k) PLAN
 
  The Company maintains a 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan (the "401(k) Plan")
to provide retirement and other benefits to employees of the Company and to
permit employees a means to save for their retirement. The 401(k) Plan is
intended to be a tax-qualified plan under Section 401(a) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code").
 
  Employees of the Company become eligible to participate in the 401(k) Plan
and to have salary deferral contributions made on their behalf after they
complete six months of service and attain the age of 18.
 
  Subject to legal limitations, participants may elect, by salary reduction,
to have 401(k) Plan contributions of 2% to 16% of their compensation made to
their accounts. Under the 401(k) Plan, the Company may make discretionary
profit sharing contributions on behalf of participants who have completed
1,000 hours of service during the plan year or six months of continuous
employment and are employed on the last day of the plan year (or have retired
after attaining age 65, died or incurred a disability in a plan year), based
on compensation.
 
  Participants in the 401(k) Plan always have a 100% vested and nonforfeitable
interest in the value of their 401(k) contributions. Participants become
vested in the Company's profit sharing and matching contributions based on a
graded five year vesting schedule (or upon a participant's retirement after
attaining age 65, death or disability, if earlier). Participants are entitled
to receive the vested amounts in their accounts in a single lump-sum payment
on death, disability, retirement or termination of employment. In certain
circumstances, participants may receive loans and hardship withdrawals from
their accounts in the 401(k) Plan.
 
                                      49
<PAGE>
 
EQUITY PARTICIPATION PLANS
 
  The Company currently maintains two plans, the Stock Option Plan for Key
Employees (the "1995 Plan") and the 1996 Equity Participation Plan (the "1996
Plan"), pursuant to which certain employees or directors may obtain options or
other awards that enable them to participate in the Company's equity. The
Board adopted the 1996 Plan on December 5, 1996, and the 1996 Plan was
approved by the Company's stockholders on February 5, 1997. The principal
purposes of the 1996 Plan are to provide incentives for officers, directors,
key employees and consultants of the Company and its subsidiaries through
granting options, restricted stock and other awards that stimulate the
personal and active interest of such persons in the Company's development and
financial success and induce them to remain in the Company's service. In
addition to awards made to officers, key employees or consultants, the 1996
Plan provides for the granting of options ("Director Options") to the
Company's independent non-employee directors pursuant to a formula. The 1995
Plan is maintained for the benefit of certain employees of the Company for
similar purposes.
 
  The 1995 Plan provides that the Board or a committee appointed by the Board
(in either case, the "1995 Plan Committee") may grant non-transferable
incentive stock options ("ISOs") and non-qualified stock options ("NQSOs") to
key employees. The 1995 Plan Committee has the full authority and discretion,
subject to the terms of the 1995 Plan, to determine those individuals who are
eligible to be granted options and the amount and type of such options. Terms
and conditions of options are set forth in written option agreements. An
aggregate of up to 324,000 shares of Common Stock are issuable under the 1995
Plan, however, as of April 30, 1997, only 1,860 of these shares were available
for future stock option grants.
 
  The 1996 Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee or a
subcommittee thereof (the "Committee") with respect to grants to employees or
consultants of the Company and by the full Board with respect to Director
Options. Subject to the terms and conditions of the 1996 Plan, the Committee
or the Board, as applicable, has the authority to select the persons to whom
awards are to be made, to determine the number of shares to be subject thereto
and the terms and conditions thereof, and to make all other determinations and
to take all other actions necessary or advisable for the administration of the
1996 Plan.
 
  The 1996 Plan provides that the Committee may grant or issue stock options,
stock appreciation rights ("SARs"), restricted stock, deferred stock, dividend
equivalents, performance awards, stock payments, other stock related benefits
and other awards (collectively, "Awards"), or any combination thereof. Each
Award will be set forth in a separate agreement with the person receiving the
Award. Under the 1996 Plan, not more than 1,000,000 shares of Common Stock (or
the equivalent in other equity securities) are authorized for issuance upon
exercise or vesting of any Awards. Furthermore, the maximum number of shares
which may be subject to options or SARs granted under the 1996 Plan to any
individual in any calendar year cannot exceed 200,000. As of March 31, 1997,
575,050 shares of Common Stock were available for future Awards under the 1996
Plan.
 
  Awards under the 1996 Plan may be granted to (i) individuals who are then
officers or other employees of the Company or any of its present or future
subsidiaries who are determined by the Committee to be key employees and (ii)
consultants of the Company selected by the Committee for participation in the
1996 Plan. Approximately 60 officers and other employees are currently
eligible to participate in the 1996 Plan. On February 26, 1997, Martin R. Reid
was granted options to purchase 200,000 shares and Douglas A. Wagaman was
granted options to purchase 100,000 shares. In addition, non-employee
directors of the Company are granted NQSOs by the Board under the 1996 Plan.
On February 26, 1997, Director Options to purchase an aggregate of 61,000
shares were granted to the Company's non-employee directors. During the term
of the 1996 Plan and pursuant to a formula, (a) each non-employee director is
automatically granted an option to purchase 10,000 shares of Common Stock on
the date of his initial election and (b) each then-current non-employee
director is automatically granted a NQSO to purchase 2,500 shares of Common
Stock at each subsequent annual meeting at which he is reelected to the Board.
On April 28, 1997, Robert M. Wilson and Bruce A. Lisanti were each granted
options to purchase 75,000 shares.
 
                                      50
<PAGE>
 
EXECUTIVE INCENTIVE BONUS PLAN
 
  The Company maintains a Corporate Management Bonus Plan (the "Management
Bonus Plan") for key corporate employees. The purpose of the Management Bonus
Plan is to offer incentives to key management of the Company so as to (i)
reward them for achieving financial goals and (ii) further the alignment of
interests of key management with the Company's stockholders. Bonuses under the
Management Bonus Plan are based on achieving certain earnings per share
objectives. Each participant's bonus award is calculated as a percentage of
base salary, and generally ranges from 20% to 30% of base salary.
 
  In addition, the Company maintains Region Manager and General Manager Bonus
Plans (the "Operations Bonus Plan"). The Operations Bonus Plan is designed to
provide incentives to operations management to maintain a high level of
profitability and asset utilization and to achieve the Company's financial
goals in their individual market. Bonuses under the Operations Bonus Plan are
based on the degree to which region or individual location operating profit
objectives are met and generally range from 20% to 75% of the participant's
base salary if financial targets are achieved. If financial targets are
exceeded, participants may receive an additional bonus based on incremental
regional or store profit.
 
  Bonuses under the Management Bonus Plan and the Operations Bonus Plan are
paid semi-annually. The first payment is made after finalization of the first
six months results, and the amount of the first payment is 50% of the bonus
earned for that six months, with the remainder of the bonus to be paid at year
end. The second payment is calculated after year end audited financial
statements are finalized, and the amount of the second payment is the total
bonus paid less the amount paid for the first six-month period.
 
EMPLOYEE QUALIFIED STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
 
  In 1997, the Company adopted its Employee Qualified Stock Purchase Plan (the
"QSP Plan"). In general, the QSP Plan authorizes employees of the Company and
its subsidiaires to purchase shares of the Company's Common Stock, through
payroll deductions, at a purchase price of 85% of the fair market value of
such shares. The QSP Plan is intended to help the Company attract and retain
experienced and capable persons who can make significant contributions to the
further growth and success of the Company and to align further the interests
of such persons with those of the Company's stockholders.
 
  The QSP Plan provides that an aggregate of up to 250,000 shares of the
Company's Common Stock may be issued thereunder. The QSP Plan also provides
for appropriate adjustments in the number and kind of shares subject to the
plan and to outstanding purchase rights in the event of a stock split, stock
dividend or certain other similar changes in the Company's Common Stock and in
the event of a merger, reorganization, consolidation or certain other types of
recapitalizations of the Company.
 
  Each employee of the Company who has been employed by the Company for not
less than one year and who is customarily employed by the Company for more
than 20 hours per week and more than five months per calendar year is eligible
to participate in the QSP Plan. The Company presently has approximately
700 employees who are eligible to participate in the QSP Plan.
 
  The per share exercise price of each purchase right shall be an amount equal
to the lesser of 85% of the fair market value of a share of Common Stock on
the first day of the Offering Period in which the eligible employee began
participating in the QSP Plan or 85% of the fair market value of a share of
Common Stock on the date of exercise of an installment of the purchase right.
 
                                      51
<PAGE>
 
                      PRINCIPAL AND SELLING STOCKHOLDERS
   
  The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial
ownership of the Company's Common Stock outstanding as of May 22, 1997 and as
adjusted to reflect the sale of Common Stock offered hereby by: (i) each
person known by the Company to own beneficially 5% or more of any class of the
Company's voting securities; (ii) each director and Named Executive Officer of
the Company; (iii) each Selling Stockholder and (iv) all directors and
executive officers of the Company as a group. Except as otherwise indicated,
each stockholder listed below has informed the Company that such stockholder
has (i) sole voting and investment power with respect to such stockholder's
shares of stock, except to the extent that authority is shared by spouses
under applicable law, and (ii) record and beneficial ownership with respect to
such stockholder's shares of stock.     
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 SHARES BENEFICIALLY                    SHARES BENEFICIALLY
                                   OWNED PRIOR TO                              OWNED
                                     OFFERING(1)           NUMBER OF   AFTER OFFERING(1)(3)
                                 -----------------------    SHARES     -----------------------
       NAME AND ADDRESS            NUMBER     PERCENT    OFFERED(2)(3)   NUMBER      PERCENT
       ----------------          ------------ ---------- ------------- ------------ ----------
<S>                              <C>          <C>        <C>           <C>          <C>
Brentwood RSC Partners,
 L.P.(4).......................     3,731,715     32.2%     809,361       2,922,354     20.1%
William M. Barnum, Jr.(4)(8)...     3,731,715     32.2          --        2,922,354     20.1
Frederick J. Warren(4)(8)......     3,731,715     32.2          --        2,922,354     20.1
David H. Wong(4)...............     3,731,715     32.2          --        2,922,354     20.1
John G. Quigley(5)(8)..........       711,045      6.1          --          556,828      3.8
Nassau Capital Partners
 L.P.(5).......................       707,220      6.1      153,387         553,833      3.8
NAS Partners I L.L.C. .........         3,825        *          830           2,995        *
Martin R. Reid(6)(7)(8)........       160,022      1.4          --          160,022        *
Douglas A. Waugaman(6)(7)(8)...        58,806        *          --           58,806        *
Ronald Halchishak(6)(8)........        16,930        *          --           16,930        *
David G. Ledlow(6)(8)..........        16,830        *          --           16,830        *
James R. Buch(6)(8)............         1,800        *          --            1,800        *
Britton H. Murdoch(8)(9).......         1,000        *          --            1,000        *
Christopher A. Laurence(4)(8)..           --       --           --              --       --
Eric L. Mattson(8)(10).........           --       --           --              --       --
Robert M. Wilson(6)(8).........           --       --           --              --       --
Bruce A. Lisanti(6)(8).........           --       --           --              --       --
UST Private Equity Investors
 Fund Inc. ....................       142,200      1.2       30,842         111,358        *
George Johnson.................         5,580        *        5,580             --       --
All directors and executive
 officers as a group (13
 persons)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10).    4,698,148     40.6      963,578       3,734,570     25.6%
</TABLE>
- --------
 *  Less than 1.0%.
(1) A person is deemed as of any date to have "beneficial ownership" of any
    security that such person has a right to acquire within 60 days after such
    date. Shares which each identified stockholder has the right to acquire
    within 60 days of the date of the table set forth above are deemed to be
    outstanding in calculating the percentage ownership of such stockholder,
    but are not deemed to be outstanding as to any other person.
(2) The Underwriters' over-allotment option consists of 488,342 shares to be
    sold by Brentwood RSC Partners, L.P., 92,549 shares to be sold by Nassau
    Capital Partners L.P., 18,609 shares to be sold by UST Private Equity
    Investors Fund Inc. and 500 shares to be sold by NAS Partners I L.L.C.
(3) For purposes of this table, information as to shares of Common Stock
    assumes (i) the persons in the table do not purchase shares in the
    offering and (ii) no exercise of the Underwriters' over-allotment option.
(4) Messrs. Barnum and Warren, directors of the Company, and Mr. Wong are
    general partners of BBP, the general partner of Brentwood RSC Partners;
    accordingly Messrs. Barnum, Warren and Wong may be deemed to be the
    beneficial owners of such shares and for purposes of this table they are
    included. Messrs. Barnum, Warren and Wong disclaim beneficial ownership of
    such shares. The address of Brentwood RSC Partners, Mr. Barnum, Mr.
    Warren, Mr. Wong and Mr. Laurence is 11150 Santa Monica Boulevard, Suite
    1200, Los Angeles, California 90025.
 
                                      52
<PAGE>
 
(5)  Mr. Quigley, a director of the Company, is a member of Nassau Capital,
     L.L.C., the general partner of Nassau Capital; accordingly Mr. Quigley may
     be deemed to be beneficial owner of such shares and for purposes of this
     table they are included. Mr. Quigley is also a member of NAS Partners I
     L.L.C. which owns 3,825 shares of Common Stock; accordingly Mr. Quigley
     may be deemed to be the beneficial owner
     of such shares and for purposes of this table they are included. Mr.
     Quigley disclaims beneficial ownership of all such shares. The address of
     Nassau Capital, NAS Partners I L.L.C. and Mr. Quigley is 22 Chambers
     Street, Princeton, New Jersey 08542.
(6)  The address of such person is c/o Rental Service Corporation, 14505 N.
     Hayden Road, Suite 322, Scottsdale, Arizona 85260.
(7)  Includes shares subject to vesting which may be repurchased by the
     Company if they fail to vest.
(8)  Excludes shares issuable upon exercise of options which are not
     exercisable within 60 days of the date of the table set forth above, as
     follows: Mr. Barnum--10,000 shares; Mr. Buch--8,200 shares; Mr.
     Halchishak--71,160 shares; Mr. Laurence--10,000 shares; Mr. Ledlow--71,160
     shares; Mr. Mattson--10,000 shares; Mr. Murdoch--10,000 shares; Mr.
     Quigley--10,000 shares; Mr. Reid--200,000 shares; Mr. Lisanti--75,000
     shares; Mr. Warren--10,000 shares; Mr. Waugaman--100,000 shares and Mr.
     Wilson--75,000 shares.
(9)  The address of such person is c/o Wendover Corporation, 354 W. Lancaster
     Avenue, Haverford, PA 19041.
(10) The address of such person is c/o Baker Hughes Incorporated, 3900 Essex
     Lane, Suite 1200, Houston, Texas 77027.
 
                                      53
<PAGE>
 
                CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
 
MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
 
  Pursuant to a Corporate Development and Administrative Services Agreement
(the "Services Agreement"), the Company, prior to its initial public offering
in September 1996, paid BBP a monitoring fee in connection with management,
consulting and financial advisory services equal to one percent (1%) per annum
of the aggregate amount of debt and equity investment in the Company of or by
BBP and any persons or entities associated with BBP (collectively, the
"Brentwood Entities"), and investors in any of the Brentwood Entities, plus
reimbursement of customary costs and expenses. In 1996, the Company paid BBP a
monitoring fee of $235,000 pursuant to the Services Agreement. From time to
time, BBP has also received investment banking fees from the Company in
connection with the Company's acquisitions, calculated at 1.5% of the total of
the purchase price plus acquisition costs and net capital expenditures.
Investment banking fees paid to BBP totaled $388,000 during 1996 and $0 for
the four months ended April 30, 1997. The Company's obligation to pay such
monitoring and investment banking fees terminated upon completion of its
initial public offering, although the Company anticipates utilizing BBP's
investment banking services from time to time in connection with future
transactions. The Company believes that these investment banking fees are no
less favorable than those which could be obtained for comparable services from
unaffiliated third parties. Messrs. Warren and Barnum, general partners of
BBP, who also serve as directors of the Company, do not receive additional
compensation for service as directors.
 
OTHER ARRANGEMENTS
 
  The Company and Mr. Waugaman are parties to a Separation and Stock Purchase
Agreement dated July 25, 1995 (the "Waugaman Purchase Agreement"). Pursuant to
the Waugaman Purchase Agreement, if Mr. Waugaman's employment is terminated
without cause or if he is not offered a substantially similar position with a
successor entity following a change of control, he will be entitled to
severance pay equal to nine months base salary. Mr. Waugaman has agreed that
in consideration of such severance benefits, he will not compete with the
Company for a period of nine months if his employment is terminated other than
for cause. In addition, pursuant to an oral arrangement supplementing the
Waugaman Purchase Agreement, RSC has purchased a $500,000 life insurance
policy under which Mr. Waugaman's wife is the beneficiary and a disability
policy for Mr. Waugaman.
 
  The Company has entered into a severance agreement with each of Messrs.
Halchishak, Ledlow, Lisanti and Wilson providing for certain benefits upon
termination of employment either by the Company without cause or by such named
executive officer due to a reduction in base salary and benefits (other than
across the board salary cuts for employees at such named executive officer's
level or changes in benefits). These benefits include a lump sum severance
payment equal to 100% of such named executive officer's base salary, plus a
pro rata portion of the current-year bonus opportunity, plus life, disability,
accident and group health insurance benefits substantially similar to those
received by such named executive officer immediately prior to termination for
a twelve (12) month period. In addition, all stock options granted prior to
1996, all stock options that are scheduled to vest in the year of termination
and one-third of all other stock options held by him, if any, shall become
vested and exercisable effective as of the day immediately prior to the date
of termination of such named executive officer. As consideration for these
benefits, each of Messrs. Halchishak and Ledlow agreed that during the term of
the severance agreement and for twenty-four (24) months after termination of
employment for any reason they would not solicit any customers of the Company
or hire or offer employment to any employee of the Company. Messrs. Lisanti
and Wilson agreed that during the term of the severence agreement and for
twelve (12) months after termination of employment for any reason they would
not solicit any customers of the Company or hire or offer employment to any
employee of the Company. The severance agreements with Messrs. Halchishak and
Ledlow will continue in effect through December 31, 2001 and those with
Messrs. Lisanti and Wilson will continue in effect through April 2000.
 
FUTURE TRANSACTIONS
 
  The Company has adopted a policy that it will not enter into any material
transaction in which a Company director or officer has a direct or indirect
financial interest, unless the transaction is determined by the Company's
Board of Directors to be fair as to the Company or is approved by a majority
of the Company's disinterested directors or by the Company's stockholders, as
provided for under Delaware law. In addition, the Company's debt instruments
generally prohibit the Company from entering into any affiliate transaction on
other than arm's length terms.
 
                                      54
<PAGE>
 
                         DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
 
GENERAL
   
  The Certificate of Incorporation authorizes 20,000,000 shares of Common
Stock, par value $.01 per share, and 500,000 shares of Preferred Stock, par
value $.01 per share. As of April 30, 1997, no shares of Preferred Stock and
11,571,777 shares of Common Stock were issued and outstanding, 863,980 shares
of Common Stock were issuable upon exercise of outstanding options, 653,410
shares of Common Stock were reserved for issuance pursuant to the Company's
stock option and stock purchase plans and 686,855 shares of Common Stock were
reserved for issuance in connection with the Company's acquisition of IAT and
the pending acquisitions of Foxx and Central States.     
 
  The discussion below describes the capital stock of the Company as it will
exist upon the closing of this offering, unless otherwise noted. In addition,
the discussion below does not purport to be complete, and is subject to and
qualified in its entirety by reference to the Certificate of Incorporation and
Bylaws of the Company, forms of which are filed as exhibits to the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part.
 
COMMON STOCK
 
  The Board of Directors of the Company, in its sole discretion, may issue
Common Stock from the authorized and unissued shares of Common Stock. Each
share of Common Stock is entitled to one vote at all meetings of stockholders
of the Company for the election of directors and all other matters submitted
to stockholder vote. There are no cumulative voting rights. Accordingly, the
holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock can elect all
the directors if they choose to do so. The rights, privileges and preferences
of the holders of Common Stock are subject to the rights of the holders of any
shares of preferred stock that may be designated and issued by the Company in
the future. Subject to any restrictions contained in preferred stock issued by
the Company, if any, and to restrictions imposed by certain debt agreements of
the Company, holders of Common Stock are entitled to receive dividends when
and if declared by the Board of Directors out of legally available assets of
the Company. The Common Stock has no preemptive or similar rights. There are
no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to the Common Stock.
Holders of Common Stock are not liable to further call or assessment by the
Company. Upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, after
payment of the debts and other liabilities of the Company and subject to the
rights of holders of shares of preferred stock, if any, holders of Common
Stock are entitled to share pro rata in any distribution to the stockholders.
All outstanding shares of Common Stock are, and the shares offered hereby will
be, when issued and sold, fully paid and nonassessable.
 
PREFERRED STOCK
 
  The Company's Board of Directors, without the approval of the holders of the
Common Stock, is authorized to fix the number of shares of any series of
preferred stock and to designate for issuance up to 500,000 shares of
preferred stock, par value $.01 per share, in such number of series and with
such rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions (including without
limitation voting rights) as the Board of Directors may from time to time
determine. Issuance of preferred stock, while providing flexibility in
connection with possible acquisitions, may adversely affect the rights,
privileges and preferences afforded the holders of Common Stock, including a
decrease in the amount available for distribution to holders of the Common
Stock in the event of a liquidation or payment of preferred stock dividends.
Issuance of shares of preferred stock may also have the effect of preventing
or delaying a change in control of the Company without further action by the
stockholders and could make removal of present management of the Company more
difficult.
 
DELAWARE LAW AND LIMITATIONS ON CHANGES IN CONTROL
 
  Section 203 of the DGCL prevents an "interested stockholder" (defined in
Section 203, generally, as a person owning 15% or more of a corporation's
outstanding voting stock) from engaging in a "business
 
                                      55
<PAGE>
 
combination" with a publicly-held Delaware corporation for three years
following the date such person became an interested stockholder unless (i)
before such person became an interested stockholder, the board of directors of
the corporation approved the transaction in which the interested stockholder
became an interested stockholder or approved the business combination, (ii)
upon consummation of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming
an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of
the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time the transaction
commenced (excluding stock held by directors who are also officers of the
corporation and by employee stock plans that do not provide employees with the
right to determine confidentially whether shares held subject to the plan will
be tendered in a tender or exchange offer), or (iii) following the transaction
in which such person became an interested stockholder, the business
combination is approved by the board of directors of the corporation and
authorized at a meeting of stockholders by the affirmative vote of the holders
of two-thirds of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation not owned by
the interested stockholder. A "business combination" includes mergers, asset
sales and other transactions resulting in financial benefit to a stockholder.
Section 203 could prohibit or delay mergers or other takeover or change in
control attempts with respect to the Company and, accordingly, may discourage
attempts to acquire the Company.
 
  The Company's Bylaws will generally require 50 days advance notice of any
action to be proposed at any meeting of stockholders and set forth other
specific procedures that a stockholder must follow. There are also specific
procedures, including advance notice, for the nomination of a person to the
Board of Directors when such person is nominated other than at the direction
of the Board. In addition, the Company's Bylaws provide that a special meeting
of the Company's stockholders may only be called by certain officers of the
Company or by the Board of Directors; no such meeting may be called by
stockholders. These provisions could have the effect of delaying, deferring or
preventing a change in control of the Company or the removal of existing
management. See "Risk Factors--Control by Existing Stockholders" and "--Anti-
Takeover Provisions."
 
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
 
  The Transfer Agent and Registrar for the Common Stock is ChaseMellon
Shareholder Services, L.L.C.
 
                                      56
<PAGE>
 
                       SHARES AVAILABLE FOR FUTURE SALE
 
  Upon the consummation of this offering, the Company will have outstanding an
aggregate of 14,571,777 shares of Common Stock. All of the shares sold in the
offering will be freely tradeable by persons other than affiliates of the
Company which will be subject to the resale limitations of Rule 144 adopted
under the Securities Act.
 
REGISTRATION RIGHTS
 
  Pursuant to the Stockholders' Agreement, certain of the Company's
stockholders have been granted piggyback registration rights with respect to
Common Stock owned by such stockholders. Such piggyback registration rights
may be exercised by such stockholders, subject to the 90-day lock-up period
described under "Underwriting," on each occasion after the offering that the
Company proposes to register any public offering of shares of its capital
stock under the Securities Act (other than with respect to a registration of
(i) securities to be offered and sold by the Company pursuant to an employee
benefit plan, dividend or reinvestment plan, or other similar plan, (ii) debt
securities of the Company, (iii) preferred stock of the Company or (iv)
securities for the purpose of consummating any acquisition by the Company). In
addition, the Company has granted similar piggyback registration rights with
respect to 189,189 shares issued as a portion of the consideration for the IAT
Acquisition.
 
  In addition to such piggyback registration rights, pursuant to certain
Common Stock Purchase Agreements between the Company and certain stockholders,
subject to certain conditions, stockholders owning certain shares of Common
Stock have the right, exercisable on two occasions after January 4, 2001, to
require the Company to register under the Securities Act up to 100% of such
shares of Common Stock.
 
  Upon the consummation of the offering, there will be 4,237,507 shares of
Common Stock (3,637,507 shares if the Underwriters' over-allotment option is
exercised in full) subject to either piggyback or demand registration rights.
The Company is required to bear substantially all expenses of all such
registrations, except for underwriting discounts or commissions and fees and
disbursements of counsel for any stockholder; provided, however, the Company
is required to pay the reasonable fees and disbursements of one counsel for
all holders of Common Stock subject to demand registration rights.
   
  The Company has reserved an aggregate of 1,574,000 shares of Common Stock
for issuance pursuant to the 1995 Plan, the 1996 Plan and the QSP Plan
(collectively, the "Plans"). As of the date hereof, the Company has issued
options to purchase an aggregate of 904,480 shares of Common Stock under the
1995 Plan and the 1996 Plan, of which options for 40,500 shares have been
exercised. To the extent not held by affiliates or subject to a lock-up
agreement, shares of Common Stock issued under the Plans will be available for
sale in the public market without restriction. See "Management--Equity
Participation Plans," "Management--Employee Qualified Stock-Purchase Plan."
    
RULE 144
 
  In general, Rule 144, as currently in effect, provides that a person (or
persons whose sales are aggregated) who is an affiliate of the Company or who
has beneficially owned shares which are issued and sold in reliance upon
exemptions from registration under the Securities Act ("Restricted Shares")
for at least one year is entitled to sell within any three-month period a
number of shares that does not exceed the greater of one percent (1%) of the
then outstanding shares of Common Stock (beginning on the 91st day immediately
after this offering) or the average weekly trading volume in the Common Stock
during the four calendar weeks preceding the filing of a notice of intent to
sell. Sales under Rule 144 are also subject to certain manner-of-sale
provisions, notice requirements and the availability of current public
information about the Company. However, a person who is not deemed to have
been an "affiliate" of the Company at any time during the three months
preceding a sale, and who has beneficially owned Restricted Shares for at
least two years, would be entitled to sell such shares under Rule 144(k)
without regard to volume limitations, manner-of-sale provisions, notice
requirements or the availability of current public information about the
Company. The Company, the Selling Stockholders, the
 
                                      57
<PAGE>
 
Company's directors and executive officers and certain of the Company's other
present stockholders have, subject to certain exceptions in the case of the
Company, agreed that they will not, directly or indirectly, offer, sell,
contract to sell or otherwise dispose of or transfer any shares of capital
stock of the Company, or any security convertible into, or exercisable or
exchangeable for, such capital stock, for a period of 90 days after the date
of this Prospectus, without the prior written consent of William Blair &
Company, L.L.C. See "Underwriting."
 
  No predictions can be made as to the effect, if any, that sales of Common
Stock under Rule 144, pursuant to a registration statement or otherwise, or
the availability of shares of Common Stock for sale, will have on the market
price prevailing from time to time. Nevertheless, sales of substantial amounts
of Common Stock (including shares issued upon the exercise of stock options)
in the public market, or the perception that such sales could occur, could
adversely affect the prevailing market price and could impair the Company's
future ability to raise capital through an offering of its equity securities.
See "Risk Factors--Shares Eligible for Future Sale; Registration Rights."
 
                                      58
<PAGE>
 
                                 UNDERWRITING
 
  The Underwriters named below (the "Underwriters"), for whom William Blair &
Company, L.L.C., Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated and Donaldson, Lufkin &
Jenrette Securities Corporation are acting as Representatives, have severally
agreed, subject to the terms and conditions contained in the Underwriting
Agreement by and among the Company, the Selling Stockholders and the
Underwriters, to purchase from the Company and the Selling Stockholders the
aggregate number of shares of Common Stock set forth below opposite their
respective names:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        NUMBER
   UNDERWRITERS                                                        OF SHARES
   ------------                                                        ---------
   <S>                                                                 <C>
   William Blair & Company, L.L.C. ...................................
   Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated..................................
   Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation................
                                                                       ---------
     Total............................................................ 4,000,000
                                                                       =========
</TABLE>
 
  The Company is obligated to sell, and the Underwriters are obligated to
purchase, all of the shares of Common Stock offered hereby (other than those
subject to the over-allotment option) if any are purchased.
 
  The Underwriters, through their Representatives, have advised the Company
and the Selling Stockholders that they propose to offer the Common Stock to
the public initially at the offering price set forth on the cover page of this
Prospectus and to selected dealers at a price less a concession of not more
than $    per share. The Underwriters may allow, and such dealers may reallow,
a concession not in excess of $    per share to certain other dealers. The
public offering price and concessions and reallowances to dealers may in the
future be changed by the Representatives.
 
  Certain Selling Stockholders have granted to the Underwriters an option,
exercisable for 30 days from the date of this Prospectus, to purchase up to an
additional 600,000 shares of Common Stock, to cover over-allotments, at the
same price per share to be paid by the Underwriters for the other shares
offered hereby. To the extent such option is exercised, each Underwriter will
be committed to purchase such additional shares in approximately the same
proportion as set forth in the table above. The Underwriters may exercise the
option only for the purpose of covering over-allotments, if any, made in
connection with this offering.
 
  The Company, the Selling Stockholders, the Company's directors and executive
officers and certain of the Company's other current stockholders have agreed
that they will not, directly or indirectly, offer, sell, contract to sell or
otherwise dispose of or transfer any capital stock of the Company, or any
security convertible into, or exercisable or exchangeable for, such capital
stock, for a period of 90 days after the date of this Prospectus without the
prior written consent of William Blair & Company, L.L.C., which may be granted
or withheld in their sole discretion, except for the Common Stock offered
hereby and, with respect to the Company, except for the grant of stock options
and purchase rights to employees of the Company under the 1995 Plan, the 1996
Plan and the QSP Plan, the issuance of shares upon the conversion or exercise
of outstanding options and warrants, the registration of the shares of Common
Stock underlying the QSP Plan and the issuance of shares in connection with
the Foxx and Central States acquisitions. See "Shares Eligible for Future
Sale."
 
  The Company and the Selling Stockholders have agreed to indemnify the
Underwriters and their controlling persons against certain liabilities,
including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute to payments
the Underwriters may be required to make in respect thereof.
   
  In connection with the offering, the Underwriters may engage in transactions
that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of the Common Stock.
Specifically, the Underwriters may overallot the offering, creating a
syndicate short position. Underwriters may bid for and purchase Common Stock
in the open market to cover syndicate positions. In addition, the Underwriters
may bid for and purchase Common Stock in the open market to stabilize the
price of the Common Stock. These activities may stabilize or maintain the
market price of the Common Stock above independent market levels. The
Underwriters are not required to engage in these activities, and may end these
activities at any time.     
 
                                      59
<PAGE>
 
       
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
  The validity of the Common Stock offered hereby and certain other legal
matters in connection with this offering will be passed upon for the Company
by Latham & Watkins, Los Angeles, California. Certain partners of Latham &
Watkins, members of their families, related persons and others have an
indirect interest in, through a limited partnership, less than 1% of the
Common Stock. Such persons do not have the power to vote or dispose of such
shares. Certain legal matters in connection with this offering will be passed
upon for the Underwriters by Sidley & Austin, Chicago, Illinois.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
  The consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules of
Rental Service Corporation as of December 31, 1995 and 1996 and for each of
the three years in the period ended December 31, 1996, appearing in this
Prospectus and Registration Statement have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP,
independent auditors, as set forth in their reports thereon appearing
elsewhere herein, and are included in reliance upon such reports given upon
the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
 
  The financial statements of Brute Equipment Co. d/b/a Foxx Hy-Reach, Inc. as
of December 31, 1995 and 1996 and for the years then ended, appearing in this
Prospectus and Registration Statement have been audited by McGladrey & Pullen,
LLP, independent auditors, as set forth in their report thereon appearing
elsewhere herein, and are included in reliance upon such report given upon the
authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
 
  The combined financial statements of Industrial Air Tool as of March 31,
1996 and 1997 and for the years then ended, appearing in this Prospectus and
Registration Statement have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent
auditors, as set forth in their report thereon appearing elsewhere herein, and
are included in reliance upon such report given upon the authority of such
firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
 
                            ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
  The Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission") a Registration Statement on Form S-1 under the Securities Act
with respect to the Common Stock offered hereby. This Prospectus does not
contain all the information set forth in the Registration Statement and the
exhibits and schedules thereto, certain items of which are omitted in
accordance with the rules and regulations of the Commission. For further
information pertaining to the Company and the Common Stock offered hereby,
reference is made to the Registration Statement, including the exhibits
thereto and the financial statements, notes and schedules filed as a part
thereof. The Company is also subject to the informational requirements of the
Exchange Act, and in accordance therewith files reports, proxy statements and
other information with the Commission. The Registration Statement and reports,
proxy statements and other information may be inspected and copied at the
public reference facilities maintained by the Commission at 450 Fifth Street,
N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549; at its Chicago Regional Office, 500 W. Madison
Street, 14th Floor, Chicago, Illinois 60661; and at its New York Regional
Office, Seven World Trade Center, 13th Floor, New York, New York 10048. Copies
of such material can be obtained from the public reference section of the
Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed
rates. The Company's Common Stock is listed on the National Association of
Securities Dealers Automated Quotation National Market System. Consequently,
reports, proxy statements and other information concerning the Company may
also be inspected at the offices of the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc. at 1735 K Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006. Electronic
filings made through the Electronic Data Gathering Analysis and Retrieval
System are publicly available through the Commission's Website
(http://www.sec.gov).
 
 
                                      60
<PAGE>
 
                         INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                                        <C>
Consolidated Financial Statements of Rental Service Corporation
  Report of Independent Auditors..........................................  F-2
  Consolidated Balance Sheets--December 31, 1995 and 1996, and March 31,
   1997 (unaudited).......................................................  F-3
  Consolidated Statements of Operations--for the years ended December 31,
   1994, 1995 and 1996, and for the three months ended March 31, 1996 and
   1997 (unaudited).......................................................  F-4
  Consolidated Statements of Redeemable Preferred Stock and Common
   Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)--for the years ended December 31, 1994,
   1995 and 1996, and for the three months ended March 31, 1997
   (unaudited)............................................................  F-5
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows--for the years ended December 31,
   1994, 1995 and 1996, and for the three months ended March 31, 1996 and
   1997 (unaudited).......................................................  F-6
  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements--December 31, 1996 and March
   31, 1997 (unaudited)...................................................  F-7
Consolidated Financial Statements of Acme Holdings Inc.
  Report of Independent Auditors.......................................... F-23
  Consolidated Balance Sheets--December 31, 1993 and 1994, and June 30,
   1995 (unaudited)....................................................... F-24
  Consolidated Statements of Operations--for the years ended December 31,
   1992, 1993 and 1994, and for the six months ended June 30, 1994 and
   1995 (unaudited)....................................................... F-25
  Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Deficit--for the years ended
   December 31, 1992, 1993 and 1994, and for the six months ended June 30,
   1995 (unaudited)....................................................... F-26
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows--for the years ended December 31,
   1992, 1993 and 1994, and for the six months ended June 30, 1994 and
   1995 (unaudited)....................................................... F-27
  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements--December 31, 1994, and June
   30, 1995 (unaudited)................................................... F-29
Combined Financial Statements of Industrial Air Tool
  Report of Independent Auditors.......................................... F-42
  Combined Balance Sheets--March 31, 1996 and 1997........................ F-43
  Combined Statements of Operations--for the years ended March 31, 1996
   and 1997............................................................... F-44
  Combined Statements of Redeemable Stock and Other Stockholders' and
   Partners' Equity--for the years ended March 31, 1996 and 1997.......... F-45
  Combined Statements of Cash Flows--for the years ended March 31, 1996
   and 1997............................................................... F-46
  Notes to Combined Financial Statements--March 31, 1997.................. F-47
Financial Statements of Brute Equipment Co. (d/b/a Foxx Hy-Reach)
  Independent Auditor's Reports........................................... F-52
  Balance Sheets--December 31, 1995 and 1996, and March 31, 1997
   (unaudited)............................................................ F-53
  Statements of Operations--for the years ended December 31, 1995 and
   1996, and for the three months ended March 31, 1996 and 1997
   (unaudited)............................................................ F-54
  Statements of Stockholders' Equity--for the years ended December 31,
   1995 and 1996, and for the three months ended March 31, 1997
   (unaudited)............................................................ F-55
  Statements of Cash Flows--for the years ended December 31, 1995 and
   1996, and for the three months ended March 31, 1996 and 1997
   (unaudited)............................................................ F-56
  Notes to Financial Statements--December 31, 1996, and March 31, 1997
   (unaudited)............................................................ F-57
</TABLE>    
 
                                      F-1
<PAGE>
 
                        REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
Board of Directors
Rental Service Corporation
 
  We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Rental
Service Corporation (Company) as of December 31, 1995 and 1996, and the
related consolidated statements of operations, redeemable preferred stock and
common stockholders' equity (deficit) and cash flows for each of the three
years in the period ended December 31, 1996. 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 consolidated financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position
of Rental Service Corporation at December 31, 1995 and 1996, and the
consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the
three years in the period ended December 31, 1996, in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles.
 
                                          /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
 
Phoenix, Arizona
February 28, 1997
 
                                      F-2
<PAGE>
 
                           RENTAL SERVICE CORPORATION
 
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              DECEMBER 31,
                                        --------------------------
                                                                    MARCH 31,
                                            1995          1996         1997
                                        ------------  ------------ ------------
                                                                   (UNAUDITED)
                ASSETS
                ------
<S>                                     <C>           <C>          <C>
Cash and cash equivalents.............  $  1,455,000  $  1,452,000 $  1,578,000
Accounts receivable, net of allowance
 for doubtful accounts of $1,791,000
 and $2,165,000 at December 31, 1995
 and 1996, respectively and $2,811,000
 at March 31, 1997....................    14,427,000    20,856,000   22,844,000
Other receivables and prepaid expense.     2,178,000     3,170,000    2,850,000
Income tax receivable.................           --      1,563,000    1,524,000
Parts and supplies inventories, net of
 reserve for obsolescence of $603,000
 and $782,000 at December 31, 1995 and
 1996, respectively and $883,000 at
 March 31, 1997.......................     5,997,000    10,099,000   10,515,000
Assets held for sale (Note 2).........    16,054,000           --           --
Deferred taxes (Note 10)..............     7,310,000     8,645,000    8,645,000
Rental equipment, principally
 machinery, at cost, net of
 accumulated depreciation of
 $11,747,000 and $24,743,000 at
 December 31, 1995 and 1996,
 respectively and $29,420,000 at March
 31, 1997 (Notes 5 and 8).............    52,818,000   116,921,000  155,395,000
Operating property and equipment, at
   cost, net (Note 3).................    10,629,000    20,043,000   20,764,000
Intangible assets, net (Note 4).......    24,154,000    34,801,000   41,048,000
Other assets, primarily deferred
   financing costs, net...............     2,810,000     1,383,000    2,380,000
                                        ------------  ------------ ------------
                                        $137,832,000  $218,933,000 $267,543,000
                                        ============  ============ ============
<CAPTION>
  LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE PREFERRED
STOCK, AND COMMON STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
- --------------------------------------
<S>                                     <C>           <C>          <C>
Accounts payable......................  $ 10,185,000  $ 20,302,000 $ 33,265,000
Payroll and other accrued expenses....    19,839,000    21,540,000   21,389,000
Accrued interest payable..............       771,000       514,000      742,000
Income taxes payable (Note 10)........       220,000        48,000      939,000
Deferred taxes (Note 10)..............     9,815,000    12,863,000   12,863,000
Bank debt and long term obligations
   (Note 5)...........................    67,910,000    68,526,000  101,569,000
Obligations under capital leases (Note
   8).................................       645,000        68,000       55,000
                                        ------------  ------------ ------------
Total liabilities.....................   109,385,000   123,861,000  170,822,000
                                        ------------  ------------ ------------
Commitments and contingencies (Notes
   5, 8 and 12)
Redeemable preferred stock,
   cumulative, $.01 par value (Note
   6):
  Authorized shares--350,000
  Issued and outstanding shares--
   244,805 and none at December 31,
   1995 and 1996, respectively and
   none at March 31, 1997.............    28,401,000           --           --
Common stockholders' equity (Note 6):
  Preferred stock, $.01 par value:
   Authorized shares--500,000
   Issued and outstanding shares--none
                                                 --            --           --
  Common stock, $.01 par value:
   Authorized shares--20,000,000
   Issued and outstanding shares--
    4,247,730 and 11,376,378 at
    December 31, 1995 and 1996,
    respectively and 11,376,378 at
    March 31, 1997....................        42,000       114,000      114,000
  Additional paid-in capital..........        40,000    93,917,000   93,917,000
Retained earnings (deficit)...........       (36,000)    1,041,000    2,690,000
                                        ------------  ------------ ------------
Total common stockholders' equity.....        46,000    95,072,000   96,721,000
                                        ------------  ------------ ------------
                                        $137,832,000  $218,933,000 $267,543,000
                                        ============  ============ ============
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      F-3
<PAGE>
 
                           RENTAL SERVICE CORPORATION
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                 MARCH 31,
                          -------------------------------------  ------------------------
                             1994        1995          1996         1996         1997
                          ----------- -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------
                                                                       (UNAUDITED)
<S>                       <C>         <C>          <C>           <C>          <C>
Revenues:
  Equipment rentals.....  $27,775,000 $47,170,000  $ 94,218,000  $19,656,000  $27,527,000
  Sales of parts,
   supplies and
   equipment............   14,040,000  18,747,000    34,136,000    7,541,000   13,782,000
                          ----------- -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------
Total revenues..........   41,815,000  65,917,000   128,354,000   27,197,000   41,309,000
Cost of revenues:
  Cost of equipment
   rentals, excluding
   equipment rental
   depreciation.........   16,284,000  27,854,000    55,202,000   12,449,000   14,316,000
  Depreciation,
   equipment rentals....    4,020,000   7,691,000    17,840,000    3,633,000    6,306,000
  Cost of sales of
   parts, supplies and
   equipment............   10,298,000  12,617,000    24,070,000    5,067,000    9,709,000
                          ----------- -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------
Total cost of revenues..   30,602,000  48,162,000    97,112,000   21,149,000   30,331,000
                          ----------- -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------
Gross profit............   11,213,000  17,755,000    31,242,000    6,048,000   10,978,000
Selling, general and
 administrative expense.    4,747,000   6,421,000    12,254,000    2,734,000    3,784,000
Depreciation and
 amortization, excluding
 equipment rental
 depreciation...........      504,000   1,186,000     2,835,000      571,000    1,068,000
Amortization of
 intangibles............    2,078,000     718,000     2,379,000      561,000      624,000
                          ----------- -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------
Operating income........    3,884,000   9,430,000    13,774,000    2,182,000    5,502,000
Interest expense, net...      731,000   3,314,000     7,063,000    1,639,000    1,597,000
                          ----------- -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------
Income before income
 taxes and extraordinary
 items..................    3,153,000   6,116,000     6,711,000      543,000    3,905,000
Provision for income
 taxes (Note 10)........    1,177,000   2,401,000     2,722,000      213,000    1,722,000
                          ----------- -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------
Income before
 extraordinary items....    1,976,000   3,715,000     3,989,000      330,000    2,183,000
Extraordinary items,
 loss on extinguishment
 of debt less applicable
 income tax benefit of
 $305,000, $822,000 and
 $386,000 in 1995, 1996
 and the three months
 ended March 31, 1997,
 respectively (Note 5)..          --      478,000     1,269,000          --       534,000
                          ----------- -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------
Net income..............    1,976,000   3,237,000     2,720,000      330,000    1,649,000
Redeemable preferred
 stock accretion........    1,646,000   1,717,000     1,643,000      554,000          --
                          ----------- -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------
Net income (loss)
 available to common
 stockholders...........  $   330,000 $ 1,520,000  $  1,077,000  $  (224,000) $ 1,649,000
                          =========== ===========  ============  ===========  ===========
Earnings (loss) per
 common and common
 equivalent share:
  Income (loss) before
   extraordinary items..  $       .06 $       .39  $        .33  $      (.04) $       .19
  Extraordinary items...          --         (.09)         (.18)         --          (.05)
                          ----------- -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------
Net income (loss).......  $       .06 $       .30  $        .15  $      (.04) $       .14
                          =========== ===========  ============  ===========  ===========
Weighted average common
 and common equivalent
 shares.................    5,427,728   5,087,790     7,218,041    5,506,756   11,493,273
                          =========== ===========  ============  ===========  ===========
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      F-4
<PAGE>
 
                           RENTAL SERVICE CORPORATION
 
             CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK
                   AND COMMON STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     COMMON STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
                                                       ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                     REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK                COMMON STOCK
                  -----------------------------------  -------------------------------
                                                                                        ADDITIONAL    RETAINED
                                           TREASURY                          TREASURY     PAID-IN     EARNINGS
                   SHARES      AMOUNT        STOCK       SHARES     AMOUNT     STOCK      CAPITAL     (DEFICIT)      TOTAL
                  --------  ------------  -----------  ----------  --------  ---------  -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>               <C>       <C>           <C>          <C>         <C>       <C>        <C>          <C>          <C>
Balance at
 December 31,
 1993............  253,475  $ 25,956,000  $       --    4,675,320  $ 47,000  $     --   $    52,000  $(1,380,000) $(1,281,000)
 Issuance of
  preferred
  stock..........    2,586       259,000          --          --        --         --           --           --           --
 Purchase of
  treasury stock.      --            --    (1,177,000)        --        --    (523,000)         --           --      (523,000)
 Redeemable
  preferred stock
  accretion......      --      1,646,000          --          --        --         --           --    (1,646,000)  (1,646,000)
 Net income......      --            --           --          --        --         --           --     1,976,000    1,976,000
                  --------  ------------  -----------  ----------  --------  ---------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Balance at
 December 31,
 1994............  256,061    27,861,000   (1,177,000)  4,675,320    47,000   (523,000)      52,000   (1,050,000)  (1,474,000)
 Issuance of
  common stock...      --            --           --      278,685     2,000        --        (2,000)         --           --
 Retirement of
  treasury stock.  (11,256)   (1,177,000)   1,177,000    (706,275)   (7,000)   523,000      (10,000)    (506,000)         --
 Redeemable
  preferred stock
  accretion......      --      1,717,000          --          --        --         --           --    (1,717,000)  (1,717,000)
 Net income......      --            --           --          --        --         --           --     3,237,000    3,237,000
                  --------  ------------  -----------  ----------  --------  ---------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Balance at
 December 31,
 1995............  244,805    28,401,000          --    4,247,730    42,000        --        40,000      (36,000)      46,000
 Issuance of
  preferred
  stock..........   75,000     7,500,000          --          --        --         --           --           --           --
 Issuance of
  common stock,
  net of issuance
  costs of
  $8,723,000.....      --            --           --    7,094,358    71,000        --    95,152,000          --    95,223,000
 Exercise of
  stock options..      --            --           --       34,290     1,000        --           --           --         1,000
 Repurchase of
  preferred
  stock.......... (319,805)  (37,874,000)         --          --        --         --           --           --           --
 Preferred stock
  adjustment.....      --        330,000          --          --        --         --      (330,000)         --      (330,000)
 Repurchase of
  common stock
  warrants.......      --            --           --          --        --         --      (945,000)         --      (945,000)
 Redeemable
  preferred stock
  accretion......      --      1,643,000          --          --        --         --           --    (1,643,000)  (1,643,000)
 Net income......      --            --           --          --        --         --           --     2,720,000    2,720,000
                  --------  ------------  -----------  ----------  --------  ---------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Balance at
 December 31,
 1996............                                      11,376,378   114,000        --    93,917,000    1,041,000   95,072,000
 Net income
  (unaudited)....      --            --           --          --        --         --           --     1,649,000    1,649,000
                  --------  ------------  -----------  ----------  --------  ---------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Balance at March
 31, 1997
 (unaudited).....      --   $        --   $       --   11,376,378  $114,000  $     --   $93,917,000  $ 2,690,000  $96,721,000
                  ========  ============  ===========  ==========  ========  =========  ===========  ===========  ===========
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      F-5
<PAGE>
 
                           RENTAL SERVICE CORPORATION
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                  YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                    MARCH 31,
                          -----------------------------------------  --------------------------
                              1994          1995          1996           1996          1997
                          ------------  ------------  -------------  ------------  ------------
                                                                            (UNAUDITED)
<S>                       <C>           <C>           <C>            <C>           <C>           <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income..............  $  1,976,000  $  3,237,000  $   2,720,000  $    330,000  $  1,649,000
Adjustments to reconcile
 net income to net cash
 provided by operating
 activities:
 Depreciation and
  amortization..........     6,602,000     9,595,000     23,054,000     4,765,000     7,998,000
 Extraordinary item.....           --        478,000      1,269,000           --        534,000
 Interest paid in kind..           --        710,000      1,706,000       576,000           --
 Provision for losses
  on accounts
  receivable............       621,000     1,040,000      1,692,000       330,000       446,000
 Gain on sale of rental
  equipment.............      (920,000)   (1,948,000)    (3,729,000)   (1,179,000)   (1,766,000)
 Changes in operating
  assets and
  liabilities, net of
  effect of business
  acquisitions:
   Accounts receivable..    (2,834,000)   (3,346,000)    (5,725,000)      233,000    (1,677,000)
   Other receivables and
    prepaid expenses....       200,000    (1,182,000)    (1,703,000)   (2,435,000)      341,000
   Income tax
    receivable..........           --            --      (1,563,000)          --         39,000
   Intangible assets and
    other assets........      (192,000)    1,351,000        379,000      (778,000)       68,000
   Parts and supplies
    inventories.........      (469,000)   (1,403,000)    (2,444,000)     (344,000)       88,000
   Accounts payable.....     1,599,000     1,866,000     10,077,000     8,323,000    12,963,000
   Payroll and other
    accrued expenses and
    related party
    payables............       410,000    (1,000,000)    (3,523,000)      (82,000)   (1,485,000)
   Accrued interest
    payable.............       (18,000)      737,000       (257,000)       (4,000)      227,000
   Assets held for sale.           --      2,652,000            --            --            --
   Income taxes payable.       211,000      (375,000)      (172,000)       94,000       891,000
   Deferred taxes, net..       223,000       132,000      1,713,000         1,000           --
                          ------------  ------------  -------------  ------------  ------------
Net cash provided by
 operating activities...     7,409,000    12,544,000     23,494,000     9,830,000    20,316,000
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Acquisitions of rental
 operations, net of cash
 acquired...............       (20,000)  (42,057,000)   (27,270,000)  (11,997,000)  (12,015,000)
Cash purchases of rental
 equipment and operating
 property and equipment.   (17,043,000)  (23,632,000)   (86,842,000)  (18,933,000)  (44,119,000)
Proceeds from sale of
 used equipment.........     3,240,000     4,126,000     12,695,000     2,703,000     4,617,000
Proceeds from (additions
 to) assets held for
 sale...................           --            --      16,668,000    (1,442,000)          --
                          ------------  ------------  -------------  ------------  ------------
Net cash used in
 investing activities...   (13,823,000)  (61,563,000)   (84,749,000)  (29,669,000)  (51,517,000)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from bank debt.    20,557,000   114,826,000    225,335,000    55,154,000    71,400,000
Payments on bank debt...   (11,125,000)  (69,108,000)  (213,511,000)  (49,815,000)  (38,262,000)
Payments of debt
 issuance costs.........      (400,000)   (2,024,000)      (984,000)          --     (1,702,000)
Proceeds from long term
 obligations............           --     10,000,000            --            --            --
Payment on long term
 obligations............      (894,000)   (3,597,000)   (12,916,000)     (100,000)      (95,000)
Payment on capital lease
 obligations............      (197,000)     (276,000)      (577,000)     (264,000)      (14,000)
Purchase of treasury
 stock--preferred.......    (1,177,000)          --             --            --            --
Purchase of treasury
 stock--common..........      (523,000)          --             --            --            --
Proceeds from issuance
 of preferred stock.....       259,000           --       7,500,000     7,500,000           --
Repurchase of preferred
 stock..................           --            --     (37,874,000)          --            --
Proceeds from issuance
 common stock, net of
 issuance costs.........           --            --      95,223,000     7,387,000           --
Proceeds from exercise
 of stock options.......           --            --           1,000           --            --
Repurchase of common
 stock warrants.........           --            --        (945,000)          --            --
                          ------------  ------------  -------------  ------------  ------------
Net cash provided by
 financing activities...     6,500,000    49,821,000     61,252,000    19,862,000    31,327,000
                          ------------  ------------  -------------  ------------  ------------
Net increase (decrease)
 in cash and cash
 equivalents............        86,000       802,000         (3,000)       23,000       126,000
Cash and cash
 equivalents at
 beginning of period....       567,000       653,000      1,455,000     1,455,000     1,452,000
                          ------------  ------------  -------------  ------------  ------------
Cash and cash
 equivalents at end of
 period.................  $    653,000  $  1,455,000  $   1,452,000  $  1,478,000  $  1,578,000
                          ============  ============  =============  ============  ============
Supplemental disclosure
 of cash flow
 information:
Cash paid for interest..  $    749,000  $  1,863,000  $   5,614,000  $  1,068,000  $  1,369,000
Cash paid for income
 taxes..................  $    777,000  $  1,545,000  $   1,850,000  $     53,000  $     67,000
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      F-6
<PAGE>
 
                          RENTAL SERVICE CORPORATION
 
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
                     DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND MARCH 31, 1997
 
                 (THE INFORMATION AS OF MARCH 31, 1997 AND FOR
      THE THREE MONTH PERIODS ENDED MARCH 31, 1996 AND 1997 IS UNAUDITED)
 
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
 Basis of Presentation
 
  Rental Service Corporation (RSC or Company), a Delaware Corporation, was
formed in June 1993 when all of the outstanding preferred and common shares of
RSC Acquisition Corp. (RSC Acquisition) were exchanged for the same number,
class and par value of shares of RSC. RSC Acquisition was formed in July 1992.
 
  The Company operates in a single industry segment: the short-term rental of
equipment, including ancillary sales of parts, supplies and equipment, through
a network of rental center locations in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi,
Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, Arkansas and South Carolina. The nature
of the Company's business is such that short-term obligations are typically
met by cash flow generated from long-term assets. Consequently, consistent
with industry practice, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets are
presented on an unclassified basis.
 
  The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of
the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All material intercompany
accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
 
  The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates
and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the consolidated financial
statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those
estimates.
 
  Certain amounts in the prior year financial statements have been
reclassified to conform with the current year financial statement
presentation.
 
 Revenue Recognition
 
  Equipment rental revenue is recorded as earned under the operating method.
Equipment rentals in the consolidated statements of operations includes
revenues earned on equipment rentals, fuel sales and rental equipment delivery
fees. Revenue from the sale of parts, supplies and equipment is recorded at
the time of delivery to or pick-up by the customer.
 
 Credit Policy
 
  Substantially all of the Company's business is on a credit basis. The
Company extends credit to its commercial customers based on evaluations of
their financial condition and generally no collateral is required, although in
many cases mechanics' liens are filed to protect the Company's interests.
Invoices are generated when a piece of rental equipment is returned by the
customer or in any event after 21 days. The Company has diversified its
customer base by operating rental locations in nine states, primarily in the
Southeast. The Company maintains reserves it believes are adequate for
potential credit losses.
 
 Parts and Supplies Inventories
 
  Parts and supplies inventories consist principally of parts, commodity type
supplies and small- to medium-sized equipment for sale. All inventories are
valued at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market.
 
                                      F-7
<PAGE>
 
                          RENTAL SERVICE CORPORATION
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
 Depreciation and Amortization
 
  Rental equipment and operating property and equipment are being depreciated
using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:
 
<TABLE>
      <S>                                                          <C>
      Rental equipment............................................     3-7 years
      Operating property and equipment............................    3-27 years
      Leasehold improvements...................................... Term of lease
</TABLE>
 
  Rental equipment is depreciated to a salvage value of 10% of cost.
Amortization of assets under capital leases is included in depreciation
expense. Rental equipment costing less than $600 in 1994 and 1995 and less
than $400 in 1996 and 1997 is immediately expensed at the date of purchase.
 
 Intangible Assets
 
  Intangible assets are recorded at cost and are amortized using the straight-
line method over their estimated useful lives of usually one to three years
for covenants not to compete, and 30 to 40 years for goodwill. The
recoverability of goodwill attributable to the Company's acquisitions is
analyzed annually based on actual and projected levels of profitability and
cash flows of the locations acquired on an undiscounted basis.
 
 Income Taxes
 
  The Company utilizes the liability method of accounting for income taxes as
set forth in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, Accounting
for Income Taxes. Under the liability method, deferred taxes are determined
based on the difference between the financial statement and tax bases of
assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect in the years in which
the differences are expected to reverse. Recognition of deferred tax assets is
limited to amounts considered by management to be more likely than not of
realization in future periods.
 
 Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
  The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three
months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.
 
 Advertising Expense
 
  The cost of advertising is expensed as incurred. The Company incurred
$407,000, $491,000, $1,050,000, $178,000 and $233,000 in advertising costs
during the years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996 and the three months
ended March 31, 1996 and 1997, respectively.
 
 Debt Costs
 
  Deferred financing costs are amortized using the straight-line method over
the lives of the related debt. Deferred financing costs are expensed in
connection with refinancings if there are substantive changes in the terms of
the related debt. Interest expense for the Company's increasing interest rate
Bank Note (see Note 5) was determined based on the average effective interest
rate payable over the period in which the debt was expected to be outstanding,
which was three years.
 
 Stock Based Compensation
 
  The Company grants stock options for a fixed number of shares to employees
with an exercise price equal to the fair value of the shares at the date of
grant. The Company accounts for stock option grants in accordance
 
                                      F-8
<PAGE>
 
                          RENTAL SERVICE CORPORATION
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
with APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees (APB 25),
and, accordingly, recognizes no compensation expense for stock option grants.
 
 Concentrations of Credit Risk
 
  Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant
concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash investments and
trade accounts receivable.
 
  The Company maintains cash and cash equivalents with various financial
institutions located throughout the country in order to limit exposure to any
one institution. The Company performs periodic evaluations of the relative
credit standing of those financial institutions that are considered in the
Company's investment strategy.
 
  Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade accounts receivable are
limited due to the large number of customers.
 
 Fair Values of Financial Instruments
 
  The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets for cash
and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued
liabilities approximate fair value because of the immediate or short-term
maturity of these financial instruments. The fair value of long-term debt is
determined using current applicable interest rates as of the balance sheet
date and approximates the carrying value of such debt because the underlying
instruments are at variable rates which are repriced frequently.
 
 Interim Financial Statements
 
  The accompanying consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 1997 and the
consolidated statements of operations, redeemable preferred stock and common
stockholders' equity and cash flows for the three-month periods ended March
31, 1996 and 1997 are unaudited and have been prepared on the same basis as
the audited consolidated financial statements included herein. In the opinion
of management, such unaudited consolidated financial statements include all
adjustments necessary to present fairly the information set forth therein,
which consist solely of normal recurring adjustments. The results of
operations for such interim period are not necessarily indicative of results
for the full year.
 
 Earnings (Loss) Per Share and Supplemental Earnings (Loss) Per Share
 
  Earnings (loss) per share is computed using the weighted average number of
shares of common stock and common stock equivalents outstanding during the
year. In accordance with the accounting rules of the Securities and Exchange
Commission common stock and stock options and warrants issued by the Company
in the twelve month period prior to the Company's initial public offering have
been included in the calculation of common and common equivalent shares as if
they were outstanding for all periods presented, computed using the treasury
stock method and the initial offering price, through the effective date of the
Company's initial public offering. Dilutive common stock equivalent shares
subsequent to the Company's initial public offering are computed using the
treasury stock method.
 
  Supplementary pro forma net income per common and common equivalent share,
assuming the proceeds from the issuance of common shares in connection with
the initial public offering at the initial public offering price of $16.00
($14.88 net of issuance costs) were used to repay the Bank Note (Note 5) and
repurchase the related warrant and the Company's redeemable preferred stock as
of the beginning of the period, or the date upon which the debt was created,
whichever was later, would have been $.51 and $.36 for the years ended
December 31, 1995 and 1996, respectively, based upon 7,145,174 and 9,353,282
share issuances, respectively.
 
 Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Standards
 
  In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, Earnings per Share, which is
required to be adopted on December 31, 1997. At that time, the Company will be
required to change the method currently used to compute earnings per share and
to restate all prior periods. Under the new requirements for calculating
primary earnings per share, the dilutive effect of stock options will be
excluded. The impact is expected to result in no material change in earnings
(loss) per share (before or after extraordinary items) for the quarterly
periods ended March 31, 1997 and 1996.
 
                                      F-9
<PAGE>
 
                          RENTAL SERVICE CORPORATION
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
2. BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS
 
  A principal component of the Company's business strategy is to continue to
grow through acquisitions which augment its present operations as well as
enter into new geographic markets. In keeping with this strategy, the Company
has made several acquisitions of rental operations. These acquisitions have
been accounted for as purchases and, accordingly, the acquired tangible and
identifiable intangible assets and liabilities have been recorded at their
estimated fair values at the dates of acquisition with any excess purchase
price reflected as goodwill in the accompanying consolidated financial
statements. The operations of the acquired businesses are included in the
consolidated statements of operations from the date of acquisition.
 
  The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the net assets
acquired, liabilities assumed and cash purchase price for these acquisitions.
Certain 1997 acquisitions have been recorded based on preliminary estimates.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,          THREE MONTHS
                            -----------------------------------      ENDED
                              1994        1995         1996      MARCH 31, 1997
                            --------  ------------  -----------  --------------
                                                                  (UNAUDITED)
<S>                         <C>       <C>           <C>          <C>
Assets acquired............ $113,000  $ 50,109,000  $20,316,000   $ 6,551,000
Goodwill and covenants not
 to compete................  (91,000)   19,513,000   12,221,000     6,798,000
Less: liabilities assumed..   (2,000)  (27,565,000)  (5,267,000)   (1,334,000)
                            --------  ------------  -----------   -----------
Cash purchase price........ $ 20,000  $ 42,057,000  $27,270,000   $12,015,000
                            ========  ============  ===========   ===========
Number of acquisitions.....        1             5           11             5
</TABLE>
 
  The following table sets forth the unaudited pro forma results of operations
for each year in which acquisitions occurred and for the immediately preceding
year as if the above acquisitions were consummated at the beginning of the
immediately preceding year:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,              THREE MONTHS
                         ------------------------------------------     ENDED
                            1994          1995             1996     MARCH 31, 1997
                         -----------  ------------     ------------ --------------
                         (UNAUDITED)   (UNAUDITED)      (UNAUDITED)   (UNAUDITED)
<S>                      <C>          <C>              <C>          <C>
Total revenues.......... $85,712,000  $118,954,000     $194,120,000  $50,619,000
Income (loss) before
 non-recurring and
 extraordinary items....  (2,451,000)    1,660,000        2,123,000    2,024,000
Net income (loss).......  (2,451,000)   47,030,000 (a)      854,000    1,490,000
Earnings (loss) per
 common and common
 equivalent share:
  Income (loss) before
   non-recurring and
   extraordinary items..        (.76)         (.01)             .29          .17
  Net income (loss).....        (.76)         8.15 (a)          .12          .13
</TABLE>
- --------
(a) Net income in 1995 includes non-recurring and extraordinary items related
    to Holdings' prepackaged bankruptcy of $45,370,000 ($8.17 per share),
    including a gain on extinguishment of debt of $52,079,000 and charges for
    fresh start accounting adjustment and reorganization items of $6,709,000.
 
  On September 12, 1995, the Company acquired all of the assets and assumed
all of the liabilities of Acme Holdings Inc. (Holdings) (renamed as RSC
Holdings, Inc.) and its subsidiaries. Holdings and its subsidiaries had filed
a prepackaged joint plan of reorganization under Chapter 11 of title 11 of the
United States Code on July 13, 1995, which was subsequently approved by the
court on August 24, 1995 and became effective on September 12, 1995. Pursuant
to the approved plan, Holdings was merged into a wholly owned subsidiary of
the Company, the Company entered into the Revolver and Bank Note agreements
(see Note 5), and used proceeds therefrom of $35,350,000 to pay in full
satisfaction old outstanding notes payable of Holdings which had an aggregate
principal balance at that time of approximately $78,000,000. Additionally, the
Company paid Holdings' debtor-
 
                                     F-10
<PAGE>
 
                          RENTAL SERVICE CORPORATION
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
in-possession facility of approximately $3,795,000 and assumed the remaining
liabilities of Holdings in exchange for full releases from substantially all
of Holdings' note holders.
 
  In connection with the acquisition of Holdings, the Company decided to sell,
close or dispose of Holdings' rental locations in California, as they did not
meet the Company's financial performance criteria and were not part of the
Company's strategic plans. The assets related to those rental locations,
consisting primarily of rental equipment and accounts receivable, were
classified as assets held for sale in the accompanying consolidated balance
sheet at December 31, 1995. The Company accrued the expected cash outflows
from operations of the rental locations through the expected date of disposal
as part of the allocation of the purchase price. The initial accrual of
$2,492,000 included $1,404,000 of allocated interest expense. The pre-tax
income during the period from September 12, 1995 through December 31, 1995 was
$508,000, which included allocated interest expense of $422,000 and a gain on
disposal of assets of $649,000, and was credited to the accrual. The pre-tax
loss during the year ended December 31, 1996 was $3,380,000, which included
allocated interest expense of $751,000 and a gain on disposal of assets of
$513,000, and was charged to the accrual. In 1996, the Company revised its
estimates of the operating cash outflows expected to be incurred as part of
the disposal of the California locations and accrued an additional $1,292,000,
which was recorded as an adjustment to goodwill. During 1996, the Company sold
or closed all of the California locations, and has a remaining balance in the
accrual of $912,000 at December 31, 1996. During the three months ended March
31, 1997, $249,000 was charged to the accrual, leaving a remaining balance of
$663,000 at March 31, 1997.
 
   Effective March 1, 1997, the Company reached a definitive agreement, to
acquire all of the outstanding stock of Comtect, Inc. and subsidiaries d/b/a
Industrial Air Tool (IAT) for $32.6 million in cash and 189,189 shares of RSC
common stock. Up to an additional 108,108 shares of RSC common stock may be
paid to the sellers over a three year period if certain performance objectives
are met. IAT is a leading "on-site" small tool provider, rental management
company and maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) supplier and operates a
total of four locations in Texas and Louisiana. The transaction closed on
April 25, 1997, and IAT's balance sheet will be consolidated with the
Company's under the purchase method of accounting as of that date. This
acquisition is anticipated to result in $23.0 million in goodwill, which will
be amortized over 40 years. Pursuant to the acquisition agreement, the Company
assumed effective control of IAT's operations on March 1, 1997 and has
included IAT's revenues, costs and expenses from such date in its consolidated
statements of operations, net of related imputed purchase price adjustments.
The pro forma information above includes this acquisition as if it had
occurred as of the beginning of 1997 and 1996, respectively.
 
3. OPERATING PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
 
  Operating property and equipment consist of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 DECEMBER 31,
                                            -----------------------  MARCH 31,
                                               1995        1996        1997
                                            ----------- ----------- -----------
                                                                    (UNAUDITED)
   <S>                                      <C>         <C>         <C>
   Vehicles, machinery and equipment....... $ 7,010,000 $14,638,000 $15,914,000
   Leasehold improvements..................   1,284,000   2,695,000   2,844,000
   Furniture, fixtures and computer
    equipment..............................   2,663,000   5,385,000   5,683,000
   Land and building.......................   1,634,000   1,828,000   1,838,000
                                            ----------- ----------- -----------
   Total...................................  12,591,000  24,546,000  26,279,000
   Less: accumulated depreciation and
    amortization...........................   1,962,000   4,503,000   5,515,000
                                            ----------- ----------- -----------
                                            $10,629,000 $20,043,000 $20,764,000
                                            =========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>
 
                                     F-11
<PAGE>
 
                          RENTAL SERVICE CORPORATION
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
4. INTANGIBLE ASSETS
 
  Intangible assets consist of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 DECEMBER 31,
                                            -----------------------  MARCH 31,
                                               1995        1996        1997
                                            ----------- ----------- -----------
                                                                    (UNAUDITED)
   <S>                                      <C>         <C>         <C>
   Covenants not to compete................ $   141,000 $ 2,281,000 $ 2,556,000
   Goodwill................................  24,685,000  34,766,000  41,289,000
                                            ----------- ----------- -----------
   Total...................................  24,826,000  37,047,000  43,845,000
   Less: accumulated amortization..........     672,000   2,246,000   2,797,000
                                            ----------- ----------- -----------
                                            $24,154,000 $34,801,000 $41,048,000
                                            =========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>
 
  The Company has entered into noncompetition agreements with the former
owners of certain acquired businesses. The agreements are generally for terms
of one to three years and prohibit the former owners from competing with the
Company in the business of renting equipment in certain counties located in
the area of the acquired business.
 
5. BANK DEBT AND LONG TERM OBLIGATIONS
 
  Bank debt and long term obligations consist of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                DECEMBER 31,
                                           -----------------------  MARCH 31,
                                              1995        1996         1997
                                           ----------- ----------- ------------
                                                                   (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                        <C>         <C>         <C>
$200,000,000 Revolving Line of Credit
 (Revolver) with a bank, interest, at the
 prime rate plus 0.5%, due monthly, or
 Eurodollar rate plus 2.0%, due on
 demand, at the Company's option,
 principal due January 31, 2002. The
 interest rate in effect at December 31,
 1995 and 1996 and March 31, 1997 was
 8.9%, 8.3%, and 7.6%, respectively......  $56,042,000 $67,867,000 $101,005,000
Note payable to bank (Bank Note).........   10,710,000         --           --
Notes payable, interest at 8%, due in
 aggregate monthly installments of $3,400
 through 2008............................      393,000     306,000      301,000
Equipment contracts payable, interest at
 7-11%, payable in various monthly
 installments through 1998,
 collateralized by equipment.............      765,000     353,000      263,000
                                           ----------- ----------- ------------
                                           $67,910,000 $68,526,000 $101,569,000
                                           =========== =========== ============
</TABLE>
 
  On January 31, 1997, the Company amended the Revolver to, among other
things, increase the availability to $200 million, decrease the interest rate
margins by 0.5%, increase the advance rates on eligible rental equipment to
100% and extend the maturity date to January 31, 2002. The total amount of
credit available under the Revolver is limited to a borrowing base equal to
the sum of (i) 85% of eligible accounts receivable of the Company's
subsidiaries and (ii) 100% of the value (lower of net book value or market) of
eligible rental equipment. The Revolver also contains provisions to annually
adjust the prime and eurodollar interest rate margins based on the Company's
achievement of specified interest coverage ratios. The obligation of the
lender to make initial loans or issue letters of credit under the Revolver is
subject to certain customary conditions. In addition, the Revolver has
financial covenants for RSC regarding debt incurrence, interest coverage,
capital expenditure investment and minimum EBITDA levels. The Revolver also
contains covenants and provisions that restrict, among other things, the
Company's subsidiaries ability to: (i) incur additional indebtedness; (ii)
incur liens on its property, (iii) enter into contingent obligations; (iv)
make certain capital expenditures and
 
                                     F-12
<PAGE>
 
                          RENTAL SERVICE CORPORATION
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
investments; (v) engage in certain sales of assets; (vi) merge or consolidate
with or acquire another person or engage in other fundamental changes; (vii)
enter into leases; (viii) engage in certain transactions with affiliates; and
(ix) declare or pay dividends to RSC. As of December 31, 1996 and March 31,
1997, the Company was in compliance with all covenants of the Revolver, and
substantially all of the net consolidated assets of the Company were
restricted under the terms of the Revolver.
 
  Borrowings under the Revolver are secured by all of the real and personal
property of the Company's subsidiaries and a pledge of the capital stock and
intercompany debt of the Company's subsidiaries. RSC is a guarantor of the
obligations of its subsidiaries under the Revolver, and has granted liens on
substantially all of its assets (including the stock of its subsidiaries) to
secure such guaranty. The Revolver also restricts the Company from declaring
or paying dividends on its common stock. In addition, the Company's
subsidiaries are guarantors of the obligations of the other subsidiaries under
the Revolver. The Revolver includes a $2 million letter of credit facility,
with a fee equal to 2.75% of the face amount of letters of credit payable to
the lenders and other customary fees payable to the issuer of the letter of
credit. A commitment fee equal to 0.5% of the unused commitment, excluding the
face amount of all outstanding and undrawn letters of credit, is also payable
monthly in arrears.
 
  The amounts outstanding under the Revolver at December 31, 1995 and 1996 and
March 31, 1997 were $56,042,000, $67,867,000, and $101,005,000, respectively,
with approximately $6,815,000 and $28,888,000, and $65,974,000 respectively,
available based on the borrowing base. Outstanding letters of credit totaled
$212,000, $0 and $0 at December 31, 1995 and 1996 and March 31, 1997,
respectively.
 
  In connection with the amendment to the Revolver, in January 1997, the
Company wrote-off the related unamortized deferred financing costs and
recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt of $920,000, net of income taxes of
$386,000, which has been classified as an extraordinary item in the
accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended
March 31, 1997.
 
  The Company utilized proceeds from its initial public offering in September
1996 to reduce the outstanding amounts under the Revolver by $37.7 million. In
connection with the implementation of an amended Revolver, the Company wrote
off the related deferred financing costs and recorded a loss on extinguishment
of debt of $2,453,000 which has been classified as an extraordinary item, net
of income taxes of $964,000, in the accompanying consolidated statements of
operations for the year ended December 31, 1996.
 
  The Company entered into a redeemable note and warrant purchase agreement
(Bank Note) on September 12, 1995 with a financial institution that provided
$10,000,000 of 13% senior secured notes due September 15, 2005. Interest,
compounded quarterly, for the first two years was to be paid in kind through
the issuance of additional notes, thereafter paid semi-annually in cash. The
principal amount of the Bank Note was to be increased by $1,000,000 on each of
the first three anniversaries, which was being accounted for as interest
expense. Additionally, the financial institution was issued warrants entitling
the purchase of 87,120 shares of common stock at a purchase price of $4.83 per
share (subject to adjustment) through September 15, 2005. On September 24,
1996, the Company repaid the Bank Note and repurchased the related warrants
for $13,000,000, utilizing proceeds from its initial public offering. This
repayment resulted in a reduction of additional paid-in capital of $945,000
and a gain on extinguishment of debt of $362,000, which has been classified as
an extraordinary item, net of income taxes of $142,000, in the accompanying
consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 1996.
 
  In 1995, the Company paid off the borrowings under the 1993 Credit Agreement
upon entering into the Revolver, resulting in a loss on extinguishment of such
debt of $783,000, which has been classified as an extraordinary item, net of
income taxes of $305,000, in the accompanying consolidated statements of
operations for the year ended December 31, 1995.
 
                                     F-13
<PAGE>
 
                          RENTAL SERVICE CORPORATION
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
  The aggregate annual maturities of bank debt and long term obligations as of
December 31, 1996 are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           EQUIPMENT
                                  REVOLVER   NOTES PAYABLE CONTRACTS    TOTAL
                                 ----------- ------------- --------- -----------
   <S>                           <C>         <C>           <C>       <C>
   1997......................... $       --    $ 16,000    $279,000  $   295,000
   1998.........................         --      17,000      74,000       91,000
   1999.........................         --      19,000         --        19,000
   2000.........................         --      21,000         --        21,000
   2001.........................  67,867,000     23,000         --    67,890,000
   Thereafter...................         --     210,000         --       210,000
                                 -----------   --------    --------  -----------
                                 $67,867,000   $306,000    $353,000  $68,526,000
                                 ===========   ========    ========  ===========
</TABLE>
 
6. PREFERRED STOCK AND COMMON STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
 Preferred Stock
 
  The Company's Board of Directors, without approval of the holders of the
common stock, is authorized to fix the number of shares of any series of
preferred stock and to designate for issuance up to 500,000 shares of
preferred stock, par value $.01 per share, in such number of series and with
such rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions (including without
limitations voting rights) as the Board of Directors may from time to time
determine.
 
  The Company had outstanding at December 31, 1995, 244,805 shares of a series
of cumulative redeemable preferred stock. On September 24, 1996, the Company
utilized proceeds from its initial public offering to redeem all outstanding
shares of this preferred stock, including accumulated dividends, for
$37,874,000. The Redeemable Preferred Stock was cumulative at a rate of 6% per
annum, computed on a quarterly basis. No dividends could be paid on the common
stock in any quarter until the accumulated dividends on the Redeemable
Preferred Stock had been paid for all quarters ending prior to the date of
payment of dividends on the common stock.
 
 Stock Purchase Agreements
 
  Between 1992 and 1995, the Company entered into various stock purchase
agreements with a former chairman, a former president, the current chairman
and the current chief financial officer for the sale of 675,000 shares of
common stock at $.02 per share and 372,195 shares of common stock at $.01 per
share. The stock was issued subject to certain vesting requirements over
generally a four to five year period. However, the vesting for a portion of
the stock which otherwise vested in the last two years could be accelerated if
the Company achieved certain performance targets, as determined by the
Company's Board of Directors. Upon a change of control (as defined), any
unvested shares generally immediately vested. In the event the participant
terminated employment with the Company, the Company generally has the option
to purchase any unvested shares at the original issuance price.
 
  In connection with the former chairman's resignation, the Company in
September 1994 purchased all of his vested and unvested shares (675,000) of
the Company's common stock for $523,000, as well as all of his shares (11,256)
of the Company's preferred stock for $1,177,000. As of December 31, 1994,
these shares were held by the Company as treasury shares and were canceled
during 1995.
 
  In April 1995, the Company purchased 31,275 shares of outstanding unvested
stock of the former president at $.01 per share, which were subsequently
canceled.
 
 
                                     F-14
<PAGE>
 
                          RENTAL SERVICE CORPORATION
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
  At December 31, 1995 and 1996 and March 31, 1997, there were 144,787, 81,923
and 81,923 of these shares, respectively, which had not yet vested and were
subject to the Company's repurchase option at $.01 per share.
 
 Stock Option Plan
 
  The Company has elected to follow APB 25 and related Interpretations in
accounting for its employee stock options because, as discussed below, the
alternative fair value accounting provided for under Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation (SFAS
123), requires the use of option valuation models that were not developed for
use in valuing employee stock options. Under APB 25, because the exercise
price of the Company's employee stock options equals the market price of the
underlying stock on the date of grant, no compensation expense is recognized.
 
  On July 25, 1995, the Board of Directors of the Company adopted the Stock
Option Plan for Key Employees (1995 Plan) whereby under the plan officers,
directors, and key employees may be granted options to purchase the Company's
common stock at a price set by the option committee not to be less than 100%
of the fair market value of such shares on the date such option is granted,
further, not to exceed 110% of the fair market price on the date such option
is granted. If the Company's common stock is not publicly traded on an
exchange or not quoted on NASDAQ or a successor quotation system, the fair
market value established by the option committee acting in good faith may be
used for valuation. The aggregate number of such shares which may be issued
upon exercise of options may not exceed 324,000. Generally, the incentive
stock options will expire ten years from the date such options were granted.
At March 31, 1997, 1,860 of these shares were available for future stock
option grants.
 
  The options currently outstanding generally become exercisable in various
amounts over either a four or five year period; however, the vesting for
certain portions of the options may be accelerated if the employee and the
Company achieve certain performance targets, as determined by the Company's
option committee.
 
  On February 5, 1997, the Company's stockholders approved and the Company
adopted the 1996 Equity Participation Plan of Rental Service Corporation (1996
Plan). The 1996 Plan authorizes the issuance of not more than 1,000,000 shares
of the Company's common stock (or the equivalent in other equity securities)
upon the exercise of options, stock appreciation rights and other awards, or
upon vesting of restricted or deferred stock awards (Awards). Under the 1996
Plan, awards may be granted to officers, non-employee directors, key employees
and consultants of the Company at a price not to be less than 100% of the fair
market price on the date such award is granted. On February 26, 1997, 425,150
options were granted under the 1996 Plan at an exercise price of $20.25 per
share. These options vest in equal installments over a four year period from
the date of grant. At March 31, 1997, 575,050 shares of Common Stock were
available for future Awards under the 1996 Plan.
 
  Pro forma information regarding net income and earnings per share is
required by SFAS 123, which also requires that the information be determined
as if the Company has accounted for its employee stock options granted
subsequent to December 31, 1994 under the fair value method of that Statement.
The fair value for these options was estimated at the date of grant using a
Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average
assumptions for 1995 and 1996: a risk-free interest rate of 6.28%, a dividend
yield of 0%, a volatility factor of the expected market price of the Company's
Common Stock of .641 and a weighted average expected life of the option of
five years.
 
  The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in estimating
the fair value of traded options which have no vesting restrictions and are
fully transferable. In addition, option valuation models require the input of
highly subjective assumptions including the expected stock price volatility.
Because the Company's employee stock options have characteristics
significantly different from those of traded options, and because
 
                                     F-15
<PAGE>
 
                          RENTAL SERVICE CORPORATION
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair
value estimate, in management's opinion, the existing models do not
necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of the
Company's employee stock options.
 
  For purposes of pro forma disclosures, the estimated fair value of the
options is amortized to expense over the options' vesting period. The
Company's pro forma information follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           YEAR ENDED DECEMBER
                                                                   31,
                                                          ---------------------
                                                             1995       1996
                                                          ---------- ----------
     <S>                                                  <C>        <C>
     Pro forma net income................................ $3,237,000 $2,597,000
     Pro forma net income per share......................        .30        .13
</TABLE>
 
  Because SFAS 123 is applicable only to options granted after December 31,
1994, its pro forma effect will not be fully reflected until 1997. The effects
of applying SFAS 123 for the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1996 are not
likely to be representative of the effects on reported net income for future
years.
 
  A summary of the Company's stock option activity, and related information,
for the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1996, and the three months ended
March 31, 1997 follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   OUTSTANDING OPTIONS
                                           ------------------------------------
                                                                    WEIGHTED
                                 SHARES               EXERCISE      AVERAGE
                                AVAILABLE   NUMBER      PRICE    EXERCISE PRICE
                               FOR OPTIONS OF SHARES  PER SHARE    PER SHARE
                               ----------- --------- ----------- --------------
   <S>                         <C>         <C>       <C>         <C>
   Balance at December 31,
    1994.....................         --        --   $       --      $  --
   Authorized Shares--1995
    Plan.....................     324,000       --           --         --
   Grants--1995 Plan.........    (129,690)  129,690          .01        .01
                                ---------   -------                  ------
   Balance at December 31,
    1995.....................     194,310   129,690          .01        .01
   Grants--1995 Plan.........    (209,190)  209,190   7.03-21.00      17.12
   Exercises--1995 Plan......         --    (34,290)         .01        .01
   Forfeitures--1995 Plan....      16,740   (16,740)         .01        .01
   Cancellations--1995 Plan..         --    (12,510)         .01        .01
                                ---------   -------                  ------
   Balance at December 31,
    1996.....................       1,860   275,340    .01-21.00      13.01
   Authorized Shares--1996
    Plan.....................   1,000,000       --           --         --
   Grants--1996 Plan.........    (425,150)  425,150        20.25      20.25
   Forfeitures--1996 Plan....         200      (200)       20.25      20.25
   Cancellations--1995 Plan..         --     (3,600)       14.11      14.11
                                ---------   -------                  ------
   Balance at March 31, 1997.     576,910   696,690  $..01-21.00     $17.42
                                =========   =======                  ======
</TABLE>
 
  The weighted average fair value of options granted during the years ended
December 31, 1995 and 1996 was $.01 and $10.23, respectively.
 
  There were no options exercisable at December 31, 1995 and 9,333 options
exercisable with a weighted average exercise price of $2.53 per share at
December 31, 1996. The weighted average remaining contractual life of the
options outstanding at December 31, 1996 is 9.2 years.
 
7. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
 
  The Company maintains a Section 401(k) employees savings plan (Savings Plan)
covering substantially all full-time employees upon completion of at least
1,000 hours of service during the plan year or six months of continuous
employment.
 
 
                                     F-16
<PAGE>
 
                          RENTAL SERVICE CORPORATION
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
  The Savings Plan is a defined contribution plan and provides for the Company
to make discretionary contributions as deemed appropriate by the
administrative committee. During the years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and
1996 and the three months ended March 31, 1996 and 1997, the Company made
discretionary contributions totaling $0, $0, $150,000, $0 and $100,000,
respectively.
 
8. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
 Capital Leases
 
  The Company has capital lease obligations in connection with acquiring
certain rental equipment with aggregate costs and accumulated amortization of
$2,352,000 and $599,000, respectively, at December 31, 1995 and $107,000 and
$67,000, respectively, at December 31, 1996. Future minimum lease payments
under the capital leases and the present value of the minimum lease payments
as of December 31, 1996 are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
      <S>                                                               <C>
      1997............................................................. $65,000
      1998.............................................................   9,000
                                                                        -------
      Total minimum future lease payments..............................  74,000
      Less amount representing interest................................   6,000
                                                                        -------
      Present value of net minimum future lease payments............... $68,000
                                                                        =======
</TABLE>
 
 Operating Leases
 
  The Company leases certain operating premises and equipment under operating
leases. Substantially all of the property leases require the Company to pay
maintenance, insurance, taxes and certain other expenses in addition to the
stated rentals. Certain of the real property leases provide for escalation of
future rental payments based upon increases in the consumer price index.
Rental expense under such operating leases totaled $919,000, $2,397,000,
$3,081,000 $644,000 and $1,060,000 for the years ended December 31, 1994, 1995
and 1996 and the three months ended March 31, 1996 and 1997, respectively.
Future minimum lease payments, by year and in the aggregate, for
noncancellable operating leases with initial or remaining terms of one year or
more are as follows at December 31, 1996:
 
<TABLE>
      <S>                                                            <C>
      1997.......................................................... $ 4,084,000
      1998..........................................................   3,418,000
      1999..........................................................   2,864,000
      2000..........................................................   2,282,000
      2001..........................................................   1,575,000
      Thereafter....................................................   1,889,000
                                                                     -----------
                                                                     $16,112,000
                                                                     ===========
</TABLE>
 
 Purchase Obligations
 
  At December 31, 1996 and March 31, 1997, the Company was obligated, under
noncancellable purchase commitments, to purchase $28,145,000 and $17,753,000,
respectively of rental equipment.
 
 Risk Management
 
  The Company is self-insured for physical damage or loss to its rental
equipment. Presently, the Company has an insurance deductible of $50,000 per
occurrence for claims related to general and vehicle liability. The general
and vehicle policy includes an annual aggregate liability limit of $2,000,000
and a per occurrence liability limit of $1,000,000.
 
                                     F-17
<PAGE>
 
                          RENTAL SERVICE CORPORATION
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
 Environmental
 
  The Company and its operations are subject to a variety of federal, state
and local laws and regulations governing, among other things, worker safety,
air emissions, water discharge and the generation, handling, storage,
transportation, treatment and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes.
Under such laws, an owner or lessee of real estate may be liable for the costs
of removal or remediation of certain hazardous or toxic substances located on
or in, or emanating from, such property, as well as related costs of
investigation and property damage. The Company incurs ongoing expenses
associated with the removal of underground storage tanks and the performance
of appropriate remediation at certain of its locations. The Company has
accrued $800,000, $763,000 and $763,000 at December 31, 1995 and 1996 and
March 31, 1997, respectively, related to the removal of underground tanks at
the Company's locations. The actual costs of remediating these environmental
conditions may be different than that accrued by the Company due to the
difficulty in estimating such costs and due to potential changes in the status
of legislation and state reimbursement programs. The Company does not believe
that such removal and remediation will have a material adverse effect on the
Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash
flows.
 
 Legal Proceedings
 
  The Company and its subsidiaries are parties to various litigation matters,
in most cases involving ordinary and routine claims incidental to the business
of the Company. The ultimate legal and financial liability of the Company with
respect to such pending litigation cannot be estimated with certainty, but the
Company believes, based on its examination of such matters, that such ultimate
liability will not have a material adverse effect on the business, or the
consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the
Company.
 
9. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
  In July 1992, the Company entered into a five-year management agreement
(Management Agreement) with Holdings, which also operated an equipment rental
business. Under the Management Agreement, Holdings located potential
acquisition opportunities, provided administrative assistance in connection
with acquisitions and managed, supervised and provided administrative and
accounting support for the operation of the Company's rental center locations.
Pursuant to the Management Agreement, Holdings agreed, until April 1, 1995, to
make available first to the Company any opportunities which came to its
attention for acquiring additional rental center locations. The Company
reimbursed Holdings for any costs incurred in connection with such
acquisitions. Additionally, the Company paid a management fee based on a
percentage of the acquisition cost for each acquisition and the performance of
the companies acquired. Total management fee expense, included in general and
administrative expense, was $1,586,000 and $742,000 for the years ended
December 31, 1994 and 1995, respectively. The Management Agreement was
terminated on September 12, 1995.
 
  The Company and Holdings agreed to rerent equipment to each other in the
event the other party did not have sufficient rental equipment at a given
location to meet a customer's requirements. The party making such equipment
available received 70% of the gross rental receipts received by the other
party related to such rerental. During the years ended December 31, 1994 and
1995, rerent revenue received by the Company from Holdings was $230,000 and
$72,000, respectively, and rerent expense paid by the Company to Holdings was
$39,000, and $27,000, respectively. The agreement terminated on September 12,
1995.
 
  During 1994 and 1995, certain expenses incurred by Holdings were paid by the
Company and vice versa.
 
  One of the stockholders of the Company received an investment banking fee
from the Company in connection with the Company's acquisitions. The fee was
calculated at 1.5% of the total of the purchase price plus acquisition costs
plus planned first year capital expenditures less one-seventh of the seller's
original cost of
 
                                     F-18
<PAGE>
 
                          RENTAL SERVICE CORPORATION
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
rental equipment. Such fees paid to the stockholder during the years ended
December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996 and the three months ended March 31, 1996 and
1997 totaled $0, $663,000, $388,000, $213,000 and $0, respectively. Effective
November 1, 1993, the stockholder also received a monitoring fee, which
equaled 1% of the aggregate amount of debt and equity interest of or by the
stockholder in the Company. Such fees paid to the stockholder during the years
ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996 and three months ended March 31, 1996
and 1997 totaled $235,000, $235,000, $235,000, $59,000 and $0, respectively,
and are included in general and administrative expense. The Company's
obligation to pay such investment banking and monitoring fees terminated in
September 1996, in conjunction with the Company's initial public offering,
however, the Company, at its discretion, can utilize the stockholder's
investment banking services under the same fee arrangement.
 
  On December 31, 1994, RSC Acquisition purchased 37,512 shares of common
stock and 675,000 shares of preferred stock of Holdings for $10 from a former
officer of RSC Acquisition. This equated to a voting interest of 34.2% in
Holdings at December 31, 1994. These shares of Holdings were canceled
September 12, 1995 as part of Holdings' plan of reorganization.
 
10. INCOME TAXES
 
  The provision for income taxes is comprised of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                --------------------------------
                                                   1994       1995       1996
                                                ---------- ---------- ----------
     <S>                                        <C>        <C>        <C>
     Current:
       Federal................................. $  793,000 $1,135,000 $      --
       State...................................    161,000    337,000    187,000
                                                ---------- ---------- ----------
                                                   954,000  1,472,000    187,000
     Deferred:
       Federal.................................    123,000    581,000  1,550,000
       State...................................    100,000     43,000    163,000
                                                ---------- ---------- ----------
                                                   223,000    624,000  1,713,000
     Extraordinary item........................        --     305,000    822,000
                                                ---------- ---------- ----------
                                                $1,177,000 $2,401,000 $2,722,000
                                                ========== ========== ==========
</TABLE>
 
  For interim periods, the provision for income taxes is based upon the
estimated income tax rate for the full fiscal year.
 
                                     F-19
<PAGE>
 
                          RENTAL SERVICE CORPORATION
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
  Deferred income taxes reflect the tax effects of temporary differences
between the carrying value of assets and liabilities for financial reporting
purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. The significant
components of deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           DECEMBER 31,
                                                     -------------------------
                                                        1995          1996
                                                     -----------  ------------
   <S>                                               <C>          <C>
   Deferred tax assets:
     Accrued liabilities............................ $ 4,601,000  $  3,310,000
     Inventory reserve..............................     559,000       677,000
     Bad debt reserve...............................   1,161,000     1,245,000
     Net operating loss carryforwards...............   7,189,000     6,563,000
     Alternative minimum tax credit.................   1,658,000     1,590,000
     Valuation allowance............................  (7,858,000)   (4,740,000)
                                                     -----------  ------------
                                                       7,310,000     8,645,000
   Deferred tax liabilities:
     Depreciation...................................  (9,815,000)  (12,863,000)
                                                     -----------  ------------
   Net deferred tax liability....................... $(2,505,000) $ (4,218,000)
                                                     ===========  ============
</TABLE>
 
  The Company's effective income tax rate varied from the statutory U.S.
federal income tax rate of 34% as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                            ----------------------------------
                                               1994        1995        1996
                                            ----------  ----------  ----------
<S>                                         <C>         <C>         <C>
Expected provision using the statutory tax
 rate...................................... $1,072,000  $2,079,000  $2,282,000
State taxes, net of federal tax benefit....    172,000     290,000     204,000
Permanent differences......................     80,000     213,000     341,000
Other......................................   (147,000)   (181,000)   (105,000)
                                            ----------  ----------  ----------
                                            $1,177,000  $2,401,000  $2,722,000
                                            ==========  ==========  ==========
</TABLE>
 
  At December 31, 1996, the Company had net operating loss carryforwards for
federal income tax purposes of approximately $14,100,000 that expire in years
2005 through 2011. In addition the Company had combined state net operating
loss carryforwards of approximately $11,300,000 that expire in years 1997
through 2011. Approximately $8,500,000 of the federal carryforwards and
$1,100,000 of the state carryforwards are attributable to the Company's
September 12, 1995 acquisition of Holdings. For financial reporting purposes a
valuation allowance of $6,200,000 and $3,986,000 at December 31, 1995 and
1996, respectively, has been recognized to offset the deferred tax assets
related to those carryforwards. These separate company net operating loss
carryforwards are subject to restrictions in accordance with Internal Revenue
Service Code Section 382 and the ultimate utilization of the net operating
losses is further limited based on the profitability of certain subsidiaries
of Holdings.
 
  The Company also has alternative minimum tax credit carryovers of
approximately $1,425,000 for federal and $165,000 for state of California
income tax purposes which are available to offset future regular income tax
that is in excess of the alternative minimum tax in such year. $589,000 of the
federal and all of the state alternative minimum tax credit carryovers
resulted from the Company's September 12, 1995 acquisition of Holdings. For
financial reporting purposes a valuation allowance of $1,658,000 and $754,000
at December 31, 1995 and 1996, respectively, has been recognized to offset the
deferred tax assets related to all alternative minimum tax credit carryovers.
Limitations similar to those restricting the use of the net operating losses
also restrict the use of the credit carryovers.
 
 
                                     F-20
<PAGE>
 
                          RENTAL SERVICE CORPORATION
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
  The valuation allowances increased $7,831,000 in 1995 and decreased
$3,118,000 in 1996. The decrease in the 1996 valuation allowance is
principally due to a $9,506,000 decrease in the estimated net operating loss
that is not expected to be realized from the Company's discontinued California
operations.
 
  Any tax benefit resulting from the utilization of the net operating loss
carryforwards or the tax credit carryovers obtained in the acquisition of
Holdings will be accounted for as a reduction of the purchase price in the
periods they are realized.
 
11. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            FIRST       SECOND       THIRD       FOURTH
                           QUARTER      QUARTER     QUARTER      QUARTER       YEAR
                         -----------  ----------- -----------  ----------- ------------
<S>                      <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>
Total revenues:
  1996.................. $27,197,000  $31,267,000 $34,631,000  $35,259,000 $128,354,000
  1995..................  11,583,000   12,952,000  16,461,000   24,921,000   65,917,000
Gross profit:
  1996..................   6,048,000    7,758,000   8,318,000    9,118,000   31,242,000
  1995..................   3,240,000    3,644,000   4,234,000    6,637,000   17,755,000
Income before
 extraordinary items:
  1996..................     330,000      897,000     952,000    1,810,000    3,989,000
  1995..................     899,000    1,019,000   1,021,000      776,000    3,715,000
Net income (loss):
  1996..................     330,000      897,000    (317,000)   1,810,000    2,720,000
  1995..................     899,000    1,019,000     543,000      776,000    3,237,000
Earnings (loss) per
 common and common
 equivalent share:
  1996
  Income (loss) before
   extraordinary items.. $      (.04) $       .06 $       .07  $       .16 $        .33
  Extraordinary items...         --           --         (.20)         --          (.18)
                         -----------  ----------- -----------  ----------- ------------
  Net income (loss)..... $      (.04) $       .06 $      (.13) $       .16 $        .15
                         ===========  =========== ===========  =========== ============
  1995
  Income before
   extraordinary items.. $       .09  $       .12 $       .11  $       .07 $        .39
  Extraordinary items...         --           --         (.09)         --          (.09)
                         -----------  ----------- -----------  ----------- ------------
  Net income............ $       .09  $       .12 $       .02  $       .07 $        .30
                         ===========  =========== ===========  =========== ============
</TABLE>
 
12. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (UNAUDITED)
   
  On April 25, 1997, the Company reached a definitive agreement to acquire
substantially all of the assets of Brute Equipment Co. d/b/a Foxx Hy-Reach
Company (Foxx) for $32.7 million in cash and 284,250 shares of RSC common
stock, of which 233,034 shares will be paid to the Seller at closing, with the
remaining 51,216 shares to be issued one year from the date of closing. Up to
an additional 89,630 shares of RSC common stock may be paid to the seller over
a three year period if certain performance objectives are met. The purchase
price is subject to adjustment based on levels of accounts receivable,
inventory and equipment. Foxx specializes in the rental and sale of aerial
equipment to construction and industrial customers and operates a total of
four locations in Iowa and Illinois. The transaction is anticipated to close
by June 30, 1997, and will be recorded under the purchase method of
accounting. The closing is subject to a number of closing conditions,
including early termination or expiration of the waiting period under the
Hart-Scott-Rodino Act.     
 
                                     F-21
<PAGE>
 
                          RENTAL SERVICE CORPORATION
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
   
  On April 26, 1997, the Company reached a definitive agreement to acquire
substantially all of the assets of Central States Equipment, Inc. and
Equipment Lessors, Inc. (collectively, Central) for approximately
$18.0 million in cash and 204,867 shares of RSC common stock, of which 102,435
shares of RSC common stock will be paid to the sellers over a five year
period, and may be accelerated to three years if certain performance
objectives are met. The purchase price is subject to adjustment based on
levels of accounts receivable, inventory and equipment. Central specializes in
the rental and sale of aerial equipment, ladders and scaffolding and operates
a total of four locations in Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. The transaction is
anticipated to close by June 30, 1997, and will be recorded under the purchase
method of accounting. The closing is subject to a number of closing
conditions, including early termination or expiration of the waiting period
under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act.     
 
  On April 28, 1997, the Company's stockholders approved and the Company
adopted the Employee Qualified Stock Purchase Plan of Rental Service
Corporation (QSP Plan). Under the QSP Plan, the Company has reserved 250,000
shares of common stock for sale to employees. The QSP Plan allows eligible
employees of the Company to purchase shares of common stock at the lesser of
85% of the fair market value of such shares at the beginning of each
semiannual offering period or 85% of the fair market value of such shares on
the date of exercise of an installment of the purchase right. Purchases are
limited to 15% of an employee's eligible compensation, subject to a maximum
purchase of 1,500 shares in any semiannual offering period. The Stock Purchase
Plan is expected to commence on July 1, 1997.
 
  On April 28, 1997, 173,500 options were granted under the 1996 Plan at an
exercise price of $18.00 per share. These options vest in equal installments
over a four year period from the date of grant.
 
 
                                     F-22
<PAGE>
 
                        REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
Board of Directors and Shareholders
Acme Holdings Inc.
 
  We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Acme
Holdings Inc. ("Holdings") as of December 31, 1993 and 1994, and the related
consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' deficit, and cash flows
for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1994. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Holdings' management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.
 
  We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the 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 consolidated financial position of Holdings at
December 31, 1993 and 1994, and the consolidated results of its operations and
its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31,
1994 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
  The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that
Holdings will continue as a going concern. Holdings has incurred recurring
losses and has a net capital deficiency. In addition, as more fully described
in Note 3, Holdings has not complied with certain covenants of loan agreements
and has not made an interest payment due on December 1, 1994. These conditions
raise substantial doubt about the ability of Acme Holdings Inc. to continue as
a going concern. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that
might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
 
  As discussed in Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements, in 1993
Acme Holdings Inc. changed its method of accounting for income taxes.
 
                                          /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
 
Orange County, California
March 30, 1995
 
                                     F-23
<PAGE>
 
                               ACME HOLDINGS INC.
 
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            DECEMBER 31,
                                      --------------------------
                                                                    JUNE 30,
                                          1993          1994          1995
                                      ------------  ------------  ------------
                                                                  (UNAUDITED)
          ASSETS (NOTE 3)
          ---------------
<S>                                   <C>           <C>           <C>
Cash and cash equivalents (Note 1)..  $    599,000  $  3,183,000  $  1,627,000
Accounts receivable, net of
 allowance for doubtful accounts of
 $1,097,000 in 1993, $1,352,000 in
 1994 and $1,786,000 in 1995........     9,025,000     9,145,000     8,829,000
Other receivables...................       164,000       316,000       235,000
Receivables from related parties
 (Note 7)...........................       220,000       138,000       298,000
Parts and supplies inventories (Note
 1).................................     1,453,000     1,180,000     1,099,000
Prepaid expenses....................       609,000       585,000       897,000
Rental equipment, principally
 machinery, at cost, net of
 accumulated depreciation of
 $32,515,000 in 1993, $32,576,000 in
 1994 and $33,102,000 in 1995
 (Notes 1, 3 and 6).................    33,027,000    28,277,000    30,049,000
Operating property and equipment, at
 cost, net of accumulated
 depreciation of $3,505,000 in 1993,
 $3,856,000 in 1994 and $4,019,000
 in 1995 (Notes 1 and 3)............     3,931,000     3,067,000     3,698,000
Goodwill, net of accumulated
 amortization of $724,000 in 1993,
 $869,000 in 1994 and $941,000 in
 1995 (Note 1)......................     3,646,000     3,501,000     3,429,000
Other assets, net (Notes 1 and 6)...     3,830,000     3,001,000     2,682,000
                                      ------------  ------------  ------------
                                      $ 56,504,000  $ 52,393,000  $ 52,843,000
                                      ============  ============  ============
<CAPTION>
   LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS'
              DEFICIT
   -----------------------------
<S>                                   <C>           <C>           <C>
Accounts payable....................  $  3,369,000  $  2,720,000  $  3,238,000
Unfunded disbursements..............     1,214,000     1,635,000     3,093,000
Payroll and other accrued expenses..     7,240,000     8,804,000     8,339,000
Accrued interest payable............       763,000     5,398,000    10,309,000
Income taxes payable (Note 9).......       230,000        99,000        81,000
Deferred taxes based on income (Note
 9).................................       425,000       375,000       325,000
Obligations under capital leases
 (Note 6)...........................       990,000       685,000       505,000
Senior Notes (Note 3)...............    77,566,000    77,618,000    77,644,000
Senior secured borrowings (Note 3)..     5,839,000     5,058,000     4,353,000
                                      ------------  ------------  ------------
Total liabilities...................    97,636,000   102,392,000   107,887,000
Commitments (Note 6)
Shareholders' deficit (Notes 1, 4
 and 8):
  Preferred stock, $1.00 par value:
    Authorized, issued and
     outstanding shares at
     December 31, 1993 and 1994 and
     June 30, 1995--3,000,000.......     3,000,000     3,000,000     3,000,000
Common stock, $.01 par value:
  Authorized shares--500,000
  Issued and outstanding shares--at
   December 31, 1993 and 1994--
   112,095 and 104,598, respectively
   and 102,596 at June 30, 1995.....         1,000         1,000         1,000
  Additional paid-in capital........       724,000       724,000       724,000
  Accumulated deficit...............   (44,857,000)  (53,724,000)  (58,769,000)
                                      ------------  ------------  ------------
Total shareholders' deficit.........   (41,132,000)  (49,999,000)  (55,044,000)
                                      ------------  ------------  ------------
                                      $ 56,504,000  $ 52,393,000  $ 52,843,000
                                      ============  ============  ============
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      F-24
<PAGE>
 
                               ACME HOLDINGS INC.
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE
                                YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                     30,
                          --------------------------------------  ------------------------
                             1992          1993         1994         1994         1995
                          -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                                        (UNAUDITED)
<S>                       <C>          <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>
Revenues:
  Equipment rentals
   (Note 1).............  $58,423,000  $ 55,504,000  $57,444,000  $28,296,000  $26,772,000
  Sales of parts,
   supplies and used
   equipment............   10,166,000     7,985,000   10,890,000    4,765,000    5,282,000
                          -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Total revenues..........   68,589,000    63,489,000   68,334,000   33,061,000   32,054,000
Costs and expenses:
  Operating expenses....   36,134,000    40,454,000   37,912,000   18,569,000   17,516,000
  Cost of sales of
   parts, supplies and
   used equipment.......    7,074,000     6,087,000    8,188,000    3,565,000    3,912,000
  General and
   administrative
   expense..............    7,106,000     7,338,000   11,180,000    4,631,000    5,648,000
  Depreciation and
   amortization expense.   10,494,000    11,347,000    9,933,000    5,132,000    4,765,000
  Restructure costs
   (Note 2).............          --      1,887,000          --           --           --
  Provision for rental
   equipment
   retirements..........          --        880,000          --           --           --
                          -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Total costs and
 expenses...............   60,808,000    67,993,000   67,213,000   31,897,000   31,841,000
                          -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Operating income (loss).    7,781,000    (4,504,000)   1,121,000    1,164,000      213,000
Interest expense........    8,422,000     9,279,000    9,927,000    4,897,000    5,198,000
                          -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Loss before income
 taxes..................     (641,000)  (13,783,000)  (8,806,000)  (3,733,000)  (4,985,000)
Provision for income
 taxes (Note 9).........      427,000       274,000       61,000      124,000       60,000
                          -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Net loss................  $(1,068,000) $(14,057,000) $(8,867,000) $(3,857,000) $(5,045,000)
                          ===========  ============  ===========  ===========  ===========
</TABLE>
 
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      F-25
<PAGE>
 
                               ACME HOLDINGS INC.
 
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' DEFICIT
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            PREFERRED STOCK     COMMON STOCK   ADDITIONAL
                          -------------------- ---------------  PAID-IN   ACCUMULATED
                           SHARES     AMOUNT   SHARES   AMOUNT  CAPITAL     DEFICIT        TOTAL
                          --------- ---------- -------  ------ ---------- ------------  ------------
<S>                       <C>       <C>        <C>      <C>    <C>        <C>           <C>
Balance at
 December 31, 1991......        --  $      --  111,111  $1,000  $724,000  $(29,732,000) $(29,007,000)
Net loss................        --         --      --      --        --     (1,068,000)   (1,068,000)
Issuance of preferred
 stock, $1.00 par value.  3,000,000  3,000,000     --      --        --            --      3,000,000
                          --------- ---------- -------  ------  --------  ------------  ------------
Balance at
 December 31, 1992......  3,000,000  3,000,000 111,111   1,000   724,000   (30,800,000)  (27,075,000)
Net loss................        --         --      --      --        --    (14,057,000)  (14,057,000)
Issuance of common
 stock, $.01 par value..        --         --    5,985     --        --            --            --
Forfeiture of common
 shares under Restricted
 Stock Agreement (Note
 4).....................        --         --   (5,001)    --        --            --            --
                          --------- ---------- -------  ------  --------  ------------  ------------
Balance at December 31,
 1993...................  3,000,000  3,000,000 112,095   1,000   724,000   (44,857,000)  (41,132,000)
Net loss................        --         --      --      --        --     (8,867,000)   (8,867,000)
Forfeiture of common
 shares under Restricted
 Stock Agreement (Note
 4).....................        --         --   (7,497)    --        --            --            --
                          --------- ---------- -------  ------  --------  ------------  ------------
Balance at December 31,
 1994...................  3,000,000  3,000,000 104,598   1,000   724,000   (53,724,000)  (49,999,000)
                          --------- ---------- -------  ------  --------  ------------  ------------
Net loss (unaudited)....        --         --      --      --        --     (5,045,000)   (5,045,000)
Forfeiture of common
 shares under Restricted
 Stock Agreement (Note
 4) (unaudited).........        --         --   (2,002)    --        --            --            --
                          --------- ---------- -------  ------  --------  ------------  ------------
Balance at June 30, 1995
 (unaudited)............  3,000,000 $3,000,000 102,596  $1,000  $724,000  $(58,769,000) $(55,044,000)
                          ========= ========== =======  ======  ========  ============  ============
</TABLE>
 
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      F-26
<PAGE>
 
                               ACME HOLDINGS INC.
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                  JUNE 30,
                          --------------------------------------  ------------------------
                             1992          1993         1994         1994         1995
                          -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                                        (UNAUDITED)
<S>                       <C>          <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net loss................  $(1,068,000) $(14,057,000) $(8,867,000) $(3,857,000) $(5,045,000)
Adjustments to reconcile
 net loss to net cash
 provided by operating
 activities:
  Depreciation and
   amortization.........   10,327,000    11,394,000    9,985,000    5,157,000    4,792,000
  Interest payable
   financed through
   borrowings...........    2,648,000       421,000          --           --           --
  Provision for doubtful
   accounts.............      726,000     1,252,000      816,000      400,000      434,000
  (Gain) loss on sale of
   equipment............     (409,000)    1,666,000     (679,000)    (230,000)    (333,000)
  Increase (decrease) in
   deferred taxes.......      233,000       (26,000)     (50,000)         --           --
  Write-off of deferred
   financing fees.......          --        329,000          --           --           --
  Changes in operating
   assets:
    (Increase) decrease
     in accounts
     receivable.........   (2,307,000)       51,000     (936,000)     (35,000)    (119,000)
    Decrease in income
     tax refund
     receivable.........      211,000           --           --           --           --
    Increase in other
     and related party
     receivables........     (153,000)      (52,000)     (70,000)    (440,000)     (79,000)
    (Increase) decrease
     in parts and
     supplies
     inventories........     (201,000)      367,000      273,000      193,000       81,000
    (Increase) decrease
     in prepaid
     expenses...........     (115,000)      (97,000)      24,000       47,000     (313,000)
    (Increase) decrease
     in other assets....       37,000       (97,000)     259,000     (198,000)      94,000
    Increase (decrease)
     in accounts payable
     and unfunded
     disbursements......     (405,000)       83,000     (228,000)  (1,016,000)   1,976,000
    Increase (decrease)
     in payroll and
     other accrued
     expenses...........   (1,205,000)    3,042,000    1,564,000    1,035,000     (471,000)
    Increase (decrease)
     in accrued interest
     payable............    1,219,000    (1,066,000)   4,635,000       27,000    4,911,000
    Increase (decrease)
     in income taxes
     payable............      349,000      (119,000)    (131,000)     (51,000)     (66,000)
                          -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Net cash provided by
 operating activities...    9,887,000     3,091,000    6,595,000    1,032,000    5,862,000
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from sale of
 rental equipment and
 operating plant and
 equipment..............    1,500,000     2,194,000    5,122,000    1,866,000    2,204,000
Cash purchases of rental
 equipment and operating
 plant and equipment....   (3,287,000)   (4,219,000)  (5,653,000)  (1,322,000)  (8,737,000)
Financed purchases of
 rental equipment and
 operating equipment....   (3,163,000)   (3,789,000)  (2,394,000)  (2,535,000)         --
                          -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Net cash used in
 investing activities...   (4,950,000)   (5,814,000)  (2,925,000)  (1,991,000)  (6,533,000)
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      F-27
<PAGE>
 
                               ACME HOLDINGS INC.
 
               CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS--(CONTINUED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                    JUNE 30,
                          ----------------------------------------  --------------------------
                              1992          1993          1994          1994          1995
                          ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
                                                                           (UNAUDITED)
<S>                       <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Borrowings under
 revolving facility.....  $ 71,325,000  $ 40,238,000  $ 55,078,000  $ 23,766,000  $ 36,321,000
Payments under revolving
 facility...............   (71,840,000)  (53,336,000)  (55,952,000)  (22,182,000)  (36,109,000)
Proceeds from secured
 borrowings.............     3,015,000     2,765,000     2,242,000     2,409,000           --
Payments on secured
 borrowings.............    (9,387,000)  (28,664,000)   (2,149,000)   (1,339,000)     (917,000)
Payments on subordinated
 debt...................           --    (33,828,000)          --            --            --
Payments of loan
 origination costs......      (678,000)   (3,074,000)          --            --            --
Proceeds from capital
 lease borrowings.......       148,000     1,024,000       152,000       126,000           --
Payments on capital
 lease obligations......      (324,000)     (648,000)     (457,000)     (266,000)     (180,000)
Proceeds from sale of
 preferred stock........     3,000,000           --            --            --            --
Proceeds from issuance
 of Senior Notes........           --     77,544,000           --            --            --
                          ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
Net cash provided (used)
 in financing
 activities.............    (4,741,000)    2,021,000    (1,086,000)    2,514,000      (885,000)
                          ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
Net increase (decrease)
 in cash and cash
 equivalents............       196,000      (702,000)    2,584,000     1,555,000    (1,556,000)
Cash and cash
 equivalents at
 beginning of period....     1,105,000     1,301,000       599,000       599,000     3,183,000
                          ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
Cash and cash
 equivalents at end of
 period.................  $  1,301,000  $    599,000  $  3,183,000  $  2,154,000  $  1,627,000
                          ============  ============  ============  ============  ============
</TABLE>
 
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      F-28
<PAGE>
 
                              ACME HOLDINGS INC.
 
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
                      DECEMBER 31, 1994 AND JUNE 30, 1995
          (THE INFORMATION AS OF JUNE 30, 1995 AND FOR THE SIX MONTHS
                  ENDED JUNE 30, 1994 AND 1995 IS UNAUDITED)
 
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
 Basis of Presentation
 
  The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of
Acme Holdings Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its wholly owned subsidiaries
(together, "Holdings") Acme Rents, Inc. ("Acme Rents"), Acme Duval Inc. ("Acme
Duval") and Acme Dixie Inc. ("Acme Dixie"). All material intercompany accounts
and transactions have been eliminated. Certain reclassifications have been
made to prior years' amounts to conform to the current year presentation.
 
  Holdings operates in a single industry segment: the rental of equipment
through a network of rental center locations in California, Florida, Texas and
Louisiana, including sales of equipment, parts, supplies and used rental
equipment. The nature of Holdings' business is such that short-term
obligations are typically met by cash flow generated from long-term assets.
Consequently, consistent with industry practice, the accompanying balance
sheets are presented on an unclassified basis.
 
 Interim Financial Statements
 
  The accompanying consolidated balance sheet at June 30, 1995 and the
consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' deficit and cash flows
for the six-month periods ended June 30, 1994 and 1995 are unaudited and have
been prepared on the same basis as the audited consolidated financial
statements included herein. In the opinion of management, such unaudited
consolidated financial statements include all adjustments necessary to present
fairly the information set forth therein, which consist solely of normal
recurring adjustments. The results of operations for such interim period are
not necessarily indicative of results for the full year.
 
 Operations
 
  During the years ended December 31, 1992, 1993 and 1994, and six months
ended June 30, 1994 and June 30, 1995 Holdings had operating income (loss) of
$7,781,000, ($4,504,000), $1,121,000, $1,164,000 and $213,000 and net loss of
$1,068,000, $14,057,000, $8,867,000, $3,857,000 and $5,045,000, respectively.
The losses are primarily attributable to the interest expense associated with
Holdings' debt level. The results for the year ended December 31, 1994 and six
months ended June 30, 1995 include expenses related to discussions with
holders of Holdings' 11.75% $78,000,000 Senior Notes due 2000 (the Senior
Notes) regarding a possible recapitalization (Note 3). In the fourth quarter
of 1993, Holdings implemented a restructuring plan and recorded a charge of
$1,887,000 (Note 2).
 
  Effective March 31, 1992, Holdings sold 3,000,000 shares of newly authorized
preferred stock for $3,000,000 cash, and restructured the terms of its
financing agreements with its lenders as more fully described in Notes 3 and
4. The restructured agreements reduced the amounts available to borrow,
accelerated certain bank principal payments, deferred certain subordinated
debt interest payments and modified certain loan terms, conditions and
covenants. The restructured agreements were amended in March and April 1993 to
defer certain principal and interest payments and extend the term of the
revised covenant provisions.
 
  In June 1993, Holdings issued the Senior Notes (Note 3). Proceeds from this
issuance were used to pay off all then existing bank debt, senior subordinated
notes payable and junior subordinated notes payable.
 
  Holdings did not make an interest payment on the Senior Notes in the amount
of $4,582,500 which was due December 1, 1994 and another payment due June 1,
1995 for the accrued interest on the Senior Notes since
 
                                     F-29
<PAGE>
 
                              ACME HOLDINGS INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
December 1, 1994. The failure to make such payments constitutes an event of
default under the terms of the indenture to the Senior Notes (Note 3).
 
  Simultaneously with the offering of Senior Notes, Holdings established a
revolving credit facility (the New Credit Facility) with Citicorp USA Inc. and
other lenders (Citicorp). As of December 31, 1994 and June 30, 1995 Holdings
was not in compliance with the interest coverage ratio, fixed charges ratio,
leverage ratio, and capital expenditure limits in the covenant provisions
contained in the New Credit Facility agreement. In addition, Holdings' failure
to make the December 1, 1994 and June 1, 1995 interest payments on the Senior
Notes constitute an event of default under the terms of the New Credit
Facility. As of June 30, 1995, and July 12, 1995, Citicorp was making
discretionary advances to Holdings under the terms of the New Credit Facility
without any assurance that it would make such discretionary advances in the
future.
 
  In August 1994, Holdings hired Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities
Corporation ("DLJ") as its financial advisor to help Holdings explore
alternatives for restructuring the Senior Notes and to identify long term
solutions to strengthen Holdings' financial position (Note 3). Also, in August
1994, certain holders of the Senior Notes formed an unofficial committee (the
"Unofficial Committee") to evaluate and respond to proposals.
 
  On April 28, 1995, Holdings reached an agreement in principle with the
Unofficial Committee of the holders of the Senior Notes on a financial
restructuring of Holdings. On July 11, 1995, Holdings received and accepted
the requisite number of votes from holders of the Senior Notes approving the
contemplated financial restructuring plan. As part of the plan, on July 13,
1995, Holdings filed a prepackaged joint plan of reorganization involving
Holdings and its wholly-owned subsidiaries under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy
Code ("Chapter 11 Filing"). Simultaneous with the Chapter 11 Filing, the
Bankruptcy Court approved and Holdings established a $5,000,000 DIP Facility
with Citicorp USA, Inc. The DIP Facility paid off the $1,835,000 outstanding
under Holdings' New Credit Facility.
 
  An order confirming the Plan was entered by the Court on August 24, 1995 and
the Plan became effective September 11, 1995 (the "Effective Date"). For each
$1,000.00 principal amount of Holdings' 11% Senior Notes, holders received a
total of $525.75 consisting of $497.81 as payment for the Senior Notes and
$28.94 as payment for the Releases solicited with the Plan. All of the notes
were canceled pursuant to the Plan. The Plan provided that the holders of
Holdings' Preferred Stock, Common Stock, warrants and all other options to
acquire Holdings' stock and securities claims were not entitled to receive or
retain any property under the Plan and were deemed to reject the Plan, which
was approved by the Court. All applicable shares were canceled, annulled and
extinguished on the Effective Date. The other classes of claims and interests
were unimpaired under the Plan. The Plan provided for the payment of 100% of
their claims in the ordinary course of business, with the exception of two
rejected real estate leases.
 
  On September 12, 1995, Holdings was merged into a subsidiary of Rental
Service Corporation, and the Senior Notes, DIP Facility and certain equipment
financing were paid off.
 
 Revenue Recognition
 
  Equipment rental revenue is recorded as earned under the operating method.
Equipment rentals in the consolidated statements of operations include
revenues earned on fuel sales and equipment delivery fees. Revenue from the
sale of parts, supplies and equipment are recorded at the time of delivery to
or pick-up by the customer.
 
                                     F-30
<PAGE>
 
                              ACME HOLDINGS INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
 Parts and Supplies Inventories
 
  Parts and supplies inventories consist principally of parts, supplies and
small- to medium-sized equipment for sale. All inventories are valued at the
lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market.
 
 Depreciation and Amortization
 
  Rental equipment and operating property and equipment are being depreciated
for financial statement purposes primarily using the straight-line method over
the following estimated useful lives:
 
<TABLE>
     <S>                                                           <C>
     Rental equipment.............................................     3-7 years
     Operating property and equipment.............................     3-7 years
     Leasehold improvements....................................... Term of lease
</TABLE>
 
  Rental equipment costing less than $400 is immediately expensed at date of
purchase.
 
 Goodwill
 
  Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over fair market value of
net assets acquired and is amortized using the straight-line method over the
estimated periods to be benefited, ranging from five to thirty years. Included
in depreciation and amortization expense for the years ended December 31,
1992, 1993 and 1994 and the six months ended June 30, 1994 and 1995 is
$175,000, $167,000, $145,000, $73,000 and $72,000, respectively, of such
amortization expense. It is Holdings' policy to account for goodwill and all
other intangible assets at the lower of amortized cost or fair value. The
carrying value of goodwill is reviewed periodically (at least annually) based
on the undiscounted cash flows of the entity over the remaining amortization
period. Should this review indicate that goodwill will not be recoverable,
Holdings' carrying value of goodwill will be reduced by the estimated short
fall of undiscounted cash flows. In addition, management reviews the valuation
and amortization of other intangible assets, taking into consideration any
events and circumstances which might have diminished fair value.
 
 Other Assets
 
  Other assets consist of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  DECEMBER 31,
                                              ---------------------
                                                                     JUNE 30,
                                                 1993       1994       1995
                                              ---------- ---------- -----------
                                                                    (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                           <C>        <C>        <C>
Recapitalization and deferred finance costs,
 net of accumulated amortization of
 $277,000, $726,000 and $955,000 in 1993,
 1994 and 1995 respectively.................  $2,813,000 $2,364,000 $2,135,000
Noncompetition and consulting agreements,
 net of accumulated amortization of
 $1,951,000 in 1993.........................     121,000        --         --
Other, primarily deposits...................     896,000    637,000    547,000
                                              ---------- ---------- ----------
                                              $3,830,000 $3,001,000 $2,682,000
                                              ========== ========== ==========
</TABLE>
 
  In March 1992 Holdings entered into revised credit agreements (Note 3), and
amended the terms of the subordinated notes (the Refinancing). Costs incurred
in connection with the Refinancing were being amortized over two years, the
estimated benefit period. In June 1993 Holdings issued Senior Notes (Note 3),
therefore unamortized costs of $320,000 in connection with the 1992
refinancing were written off in 1993. Noncompetition and consulting agreements
are amortized ratably over the terms of the agreements (two to five years).
Included
 
                                     F-31
<PAGE>
 
                              ACME HOLDINGS INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
in depreciation and amortization expense for the years ended December 31,
1992, 1993 and 1994 and the six months ended June 30, 1994 and 1995 is
$919,000, $1,217,000, $574,000, $344,000 and $229,000, respectively, of other
assets' amortization expense.
 
 Statements of Cash Flows
 
  For purposes of the statements of cash flows, Holdings considers all highly
liquid debt instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or
less to be cash equivalents.
 
  Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,           JUNE 30,
                            -------------------------------- -------------------
                               1992       1993       1994       1994      1995
                            ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- --------
                                                                 (UNAUDITED)
   <S>                      <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
   Cash paid during the
    year for:
     Interest.............. $4,550,000 $9,924,000 $5,240,000 $4,876,000 $297,000
     Income taxes..........    160,000    282,000    381,000    324,000   54,000
</TABLE>
 
 Concentration of Credit Risk
 
  Holdings extends credit to its commercial customers based on evaluations of
their financial condition and generally no collateral is required, although in
many cases mechanics' liens are filed to protect Holdings' interests. Holdings
has diversified its customer base by operating rental center locations in
California, Florida, Texas and Louisiana. Customers of the Texas and Louisiana
and certain California rental center locations are primarily large
petrochemical companies or the maintenance contractors working therein.
Holdings maintains adequate reserves for potential credit losses and such
losses have been within management's estimates.
 
2. RESTRUCTURING PLAN
 
  In the fourth quarter of 1993, Holdings implemented a restructuring plan
which focused on critical aspects of its business. As a result, Holdings
recorded a charge to operations of $1,887,000. Costs applied against the
reserve in the fourth quarter were $466,000, resulting in a reserve balance at
December 31, 1993 of $1,421,000. The restructuring charge includes $356,000 of
noncash items and $1,531,000 of cash items, of which $112,000 of noncash items
and $354,000 of cash items were realized in 1993. The primary components of
the restructuring charge are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
   <S>                                                              <C>
   Closure and realignment of rental center locations (includes
    future lease commitments and the write down to net realizable
    value of owned locations)...................................... $1,398,000
   Severance or relocation of 19 employees.........................    489,000
                                                                    ----------
                                                                    $1,887,000
                                                                    ==========
</TABLE>
 
  For the year ended December 31, 1994, Holdings applied $1,166,000 of costs
against the restructuring reserve of which $866,000 related to cash items and
$300,000 related to noncash items. As of December 31, 1994 and June 30, 1995,
the restructuring reserve was $255,000 and $195,000 respectively, which
related to the incremental costs associated with the sublet of the Hollywood,
California location, which is a future cash item.
 
                                     F-32
<PAGE>
 
                              ACME HOLDINGS INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
3. FINANCING AGREEMENTS
 
  Secured and unsecured debt consists of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 DECEMBER 31,
                                            -----------------------
                                                                     JUNE 30,
                                               1993        1994        1995
                                            ----------- ----------- -----------
                                                                    (UNAUDITED)
     <S>                                    <C>         <C>         <C>
     Bank debt under revolving advances.... $ 1,919,000 $ 1,045,000 $ 1,257,000
     Equipment contracts payable...........   3,920,000   4,013,000   3,096,000
                                            ----------- ----------- -----------
     Senior secured borrowings.............   5,839,000   5,058,000   4,353,000
     11.75% senior notes due 2000..........  77,566,000  77,618,000  77,644,000
                                            ----------- ----------- -----------
                                            $83,405,000 $82,676,000 $81,997,000
                                            =========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>
 
 Bank Debt
 
  On March 30, 1992, Holdings entered into a revised credit agreement (the
1992 Credit Agreement) with its banks which consisted of $20 million available
($18 million at December 31, 1992) through a revolving line of credit, a $22
million acquisition note and an $8.9 million equipment note; the amounts
available decreased over the term of the agreement. Amounts outstanding under
the 1992 Credit Agreement bore interest, due monthly, at the bank's prime rate
plus 2.25% or LIBOR plus 3.50% (8.25% or 7.5%, effective rate at December 31,
1992), provided that not more than 80% of such amounts outstanding could be at
LIBOR plus 3.50%. The bank debt was paid off in June 1993 with proceeds from
the issuance of the Senior Notes.
 
  Simultaneous with the issuance of Senior Notes in June 1993, Holdings
established the $10,000,000 New Credit Facility with a financial institution.
Holdings may borrow, on a revolving basis, up to the amount of a borrowing
base calculated as a percentage of eligible accounts receivable and a
percentage of resale inventory. The financial institution has a security
interest in all of Holdings' accounts receivable, inventory, and proceeds
thereof. The New Credit Facility is available for general corporate purposes,
including working capital requirements. Interest is due monthly at a rate of
1.25% over the financial institution's prime rate or 2.50% over the LIBOR rate
(9.75% or 9.0%, effective rate at December 31, 1994 and 10.25% or 9.0%,
effective rate at June 30, 1995), at Holdings' option. Availability on the
revolving facility and principal borrowings outstanding were $5,027,000 and
$1,045,000, respectively, at December 31, 1994 and $4,134,000 and $1,257,000,
respectively, at June 30, 1995. Commitment fees on the unused portion of the
revolving credit facility at the rate of one-half of 1% per annum, payable in
arrears on March 1, June 1, September 1, and December 1, are due commencing
September 1, 1993. Principal is due in its entirety on June 2, 1998, unless
accelerated prior thereto.
 
  Up to $1,000,000 of letters of credit may be issued under the New Credit
Facility. Outstanding letters of credit totaled $114,000 and $14,000 at
December 31, 1994 and June 30, 1995, respectively. Fees at the rate of 2.5%
per annum are paid upon issuance of letters of credit.
 
  Certain financial covenants and other affirmative and negative covenants are
required to be maintained as called for by the New Credit Facility agreement.
The financial covenants were amended in 1993 and again on March 29, 1994. As
of December 31, 1994 and June 30, 1995, Holdings was not in compliance with
the interest coverage ratio, fixed charges ratio, leverage ratio and capital
expenditure limits of the covenant provisions. Holdings' failure to make the
interest payment on the Senior Notes is also an event of default under the
terms of its New Credit Facility. As of March 15, 1995, Citicorp acknowledged
all the covenant non-compliance and defaults, did not waive such defaults and
reserved any and all rights and remedies under or with respect to the New
Credit Facility and the Loan Documents (as defined in the credit agreement)
resulting from such event of
 
                                     F-33
<PAGE>
 
                              ACME HOLDINGS INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
default. Moreover, because the covenants are based on the trailing 12 months'
earnings, pursuant to Management's estimates for 1995, Holdings anticipates
not being in compliance with covenant provisions of the New Credit Facility at
the end of any quarter during 1995. As of June 30, 1995 and July 12, 1995,
Citicorp was making discretionary advances under the New Credit Facility
without assurance that it would make discretionary advances or issue a waiver
or continue to preserve their rights for any future defaults. If Holdings is
not able to obtain an advance or a waiver in the future and a default is
declared and demand is made for the payment of all amounts outstanding under
the New Credit Facility, Holdings does not believe it will be able to satisfy
such demand. In this event, Citicorp under the New Credit Facility would also
be entitled to exercise their rights and remedies under the related Security
Agreement, which include all rights and remedies of a secured party upon
default under the New York Uniform Commercial Code.
 
  There can be no assurance that demand for payment of all amounts outstanding
under the New Credit Facility will not be made or how much longer Citicorp
will continue to make discretionary advances under the New Credit Facility or
that funds will otherwise be available under the New Credit Facility.
 
 Subordinated Notes Payable
 
  In 1990, Holdings issued $25 million in senior subordinated notes to a
financial institution for cash, and granted a warrant to purchase 27,778
shares of Holdings' common stock at an exercise price of $146.25 per share
(the Original Warrant); the Original Warrant was valued at $500,000. On April
1, 1993, the senior subordinated note agreement was amended to allow Holdings
to issue 13.5% senior subordinated interest notes (the Interest Notes) in lieu
of its July 15, 1991, January 15, 1992 and July 15, 1992 interest payments.
 
  In conjunction with amending the senior subordinated note agreement and in
exchange for the Original Warrant, Holdings issued to the holder of the senior
subordinated notes a warrant to purchase 27,778 shares of Holdings' common
stock at an exercise price of $0.10 per share (Replacement Warrant) for the
Original Warrant. The exercise price of the Replacement Warrant was based on
the estimated fair market value of Holdings' common stock at the date of the
amendment as determined by Holdings' Board of Directors. If exercised, the
related shares would represent 21% of the outstanding shares of common stock
at December 31, 1994. The warrant is fully exercisable, in whole or in part,
and expires on January 15, 2000.
 
  Holdings also had unsecured promissory notes payable, principally to its
shareholders, aggregating $2,250,000 at December 31, 1992 bearing simple
interest at 10% to 12%. The notes were subordinated to obligations outstanding
under the 1992 Credit Agreement with the bank and the amended senior
subordinated note agreement. In accordance with a subordination agreement
dated as of March 31, 1992, the principal and interest on the junior
subordinated notes could not be paid until all obligations outstanding under
the 1992 Credit Agreement and the amended senior subordinated note agreement
were paid in full.
 
  All Senior and Junior subordinated notes payable were paid off with proceeds
from the issuance of the Senior Notes.
 
 11.75% Senior Notes Due 2000
 
  On June 1, 1993, Holdings sold $78,000,000 of 11.75% Senior Notes due 2000
less a discount of $455,000 in a public debt offering. Each of Holdings'
wholly owned subsidiaries guarantee the Senior Notes on a full, unconditional,
and joint and several basis. The Senior Notes are senior obligations of
Holdings and rank pari passu with all unsubordinated indebtedness of Holdings.
Proceeds of the Senior Notes were used for the repayment of all bank debt,
senior subordinated notes payable, and junior subordinated notes payable
outstanding at June 1, 1993. The Senior Notes are redeemable, in whole or in
part, at the option of Holdings, at any time on or after June 1, 1996, at
certain agreed upon redemption prices. In addition, until June 1, 1996, upon
an Initial
 
                                     F-34
<PAGE>
 
                              ACME HOLDINGS INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
Public Offering of Holdings' stock, up to 20% of the originally issued
aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes may be redeemed at the option of
Holdings at a certain agreed upon price. The indenture relating to the Senior
Notes (Indenture) contains certain covenants that, among other things, limit
the type and amount of additional indebtedness that may be incurred by
Holdings and certain of its subsidiaries and imposes limitation on
investments, loans, advances, the payment of dividends and the making of
certain other payments, the creation of liens, certain transactions with
affiliates and certain mergers.
 
  Interest, at a rate of 11.75%, is due semiannually on June 1 and December 1.
The interest payments on the Senior Notes are in the amount of $4,582,500. To
date, Holdings has not made the interest payment on the Senior Notes due
December 1, 1994 and is in default with the terms of the Senior Notes
Indenture. Since an event of default under the Indenture has occurred and is
continuing, the holders of at least 25 percent in aggregate principal amount
of the outstanding Senior Notes may, by written notice to Holdings and the
Trustee under the Indenture, and the Trustee upon the written request of such
holders, can declare the principal amount of and accrued interest on all of
the outstanding Senior Notes due and payable immediately. If an event of
default under the Indenture occurs related to the bankruptcy of Holdings or
any Holdings subsidiary of Holdings, then the principal of and accrued
interest on the Senior Notes shall become immediately due and payable. If the
indebtedness under the Senior Notes is accelerated, Holdings would not be able
to pay such amounts. In such event, the Trustee is entitled to pursue any
available remedy by proceeding at law or in equity to collect the payment of
principal of or interest on the Senior Notes or to enforce the performance of
any provision of the Senior Notes or the Indenture. If not accelerated before
such date, principal under the Senior Notes, in its entirety, is due June 1,
2000.
 
 Equipment Contracts Payable
 
  The equipment contracts bear interest at rates ranging from 7% to 14%, are
secured by equipment purchased and are payable in various monthly principal
installments.
 
 Debt Maturities
 
  The aggregate annual maturities of debt as of December 31, 1994, are as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      BANK    EQUIPMENT    SENIOR
                                    DEBT(A)   CONTRACTS   NOTES(B)      TOTAL
                                   ---------- ---------- ----------- -----------
     <S>                           <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>
     1995......................... $      --  $1,708,000 $       --  $ 1,708,000
     1996.........................        --   1,399,000         --    1,399,000
     1997.........................        --     797,000         --      797,000
     1998.........................  1,045,000    109,000         --    1,154,000
     1999.........................        --         --          --          --
     Thereafter...................        --         --   77,618,000  77,618,000
                                   ---------- ---------- ----------- -----------
                                   $1,045,000 $4,013,000 $77,618,000 $82,676,000
                                   ========== ========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>
- --------
(A)  Currently, the New Credit Facility is in default and if the outstanding
     principal is not accelerated, then the principal in its entirety is due
     June 2, 1998.
(B)  Currently, the Senior Notes are in default and if not accelerated, then
     the principal in its entirety is due June 1, 2000.
 
                                     F-35
<PAGE>
 
                              ACME HOLDINGS INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
4. SHAREHOLDERS' DEFICIT
 
  On March 31, 1992, in connection with the 1992 Credit Agreement (Note 3)
Holdings issued and sold 3,000,000 shares of Series A preferred stock, par
value $1.00, (the Preferred Stock) for $3,000,000 cash. Each share of the
Preferred Stock is entitled to .005 (five one-thousandths) of one vote. No
dividends may be paid on common stock in any fiscal year unless Holdings has
first paid to the Preferred Stock shareholders a dividend of not less than
$0.06 per share, which is noncumulative. Any additional dividends declared
shall be declared on the common stock only. Upon liquidation, the Preferred
Stock carries a liquidation preference of $1.00 per share, plus an amount
equal to all declared and unpaid dividends thereon. After the payment or
distribution to the Preferred Stock shareholders of the full preferential
amounts, the common shareholders are entitled to all remaining assets of
Holdings to be distributed. Concurrent with the issuance of the Preferred
Stock, Holdings' Board of Directors declared a one-for-ten reverse stock split
of Holdings' stock outstanding on such date. The authorized shares of
Holdings' common stock was changed to 500,000 shares, $.01 par value.
 
  Additionally, Holdings entered into a restricted stock agreement with its
former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer subjecting 25,005 shares of
Holdings' common stock owned by him to forfeiture. The restrictions on 10,002
of such shares were to lapse based on ratable monthly vesting over 36 months.
The restrictions on the remaining 15,003 shares were to lapse ratably each
year if certain earnings levels were achieved for fiscal years 1992, 1993 and
1994. At December 31, 1993, restrictions on 10,839 of the shares had lapsed
and 5,001 shares were forfeited and returned to Holdings. As of December 31,
1994, restrictions on 12,507 of the shares had lapsed and 12,498 were
forfeited and returned to Holdings. On December 31, 1994, AAC purchased all of
the former Chairman's outstanding common and preferred shares in Holdings for
a total consideration of $10.
 
  On December 28, 1993, Holdings entered into a stock purchase agreement with
the former President (Management Participant) whereby the Management
Participant purchased 5,985 shares of Holdings' authorized but unissued common
stock at $.01 per share. One-half of the shares are referred to as Employment
Stock and the remaining one-half of the shares are referred to as Eligible
Time Accelerated Stock (ETA Stock). The shares of common stock subject to this
agreement are held in escrow until such time as the shares vest. The
Employment Stock vests at the rate of 25% on December 31, 1993, 1994, 1995 and
1996. The ETA Stock vests at the rate of 25% on December 31, 1993, 1997, 1998
and 1999, however, the vesting may be accelerated if Holdings achieves certain
performance targets, as determined by Holdings' Board of Directors. As of
December 31, 1994, 1,496 shares of Employment Stock and 748 shares of ETA
Stock had vested.
 
5. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
 
  Holdings has a Section 401(k) employees savings plan (the Savings Plan)
covering substantially all full-time employees upon completion of at least 500
hours of service and six-months of continuous employment. The Savings Plan is
a defined contribution plan and provides for Holdings to make discretionary
contributions as deemed appropriate by the Savings Plan administrative
committee. No contributions were made by Holdings to the Savings Plan during
the years ended December 31, 1992, 1993 or 1994 or the six months ended June
30, 1995.
 
  Holdings also has a group medical and dental insurance plan (the Health
Plan) covering substantially all full time employees (and their eligible
dependents) as defined, who have completed a minimum of three months of
continuous service (12 months of service to qualify for dental benefits).
Holdings is insured for individual and aggregate claims in excess of defined
stop-loss limits and has provided reserves for amounts it believes are
sufficient to cover claims which have been incurred but not reported as of
December 31, 1994 and June 30, 1995.
 
                                     F-36
<PAGE>
 
                              ACME HOLDINGS INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
6. COMMITMENTS
 
 Obligations Under Capital Leases
 
  Holdings has entered into capital lease obligations in connection with
acquiring certain rental equipment with aggregate costs and accumulated
amortization of $1,463,000 and $230,000 at December 31, 1993, and $1,553,000
and $355,000 at December 31, 1994, respectively. Future minimum lease payments
under the capital leases and the present value of the minimum lease payments
as of December 31, 1994 are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
      <S>                                                              <C>
      1995............................................................ $482,000
      1996............................................................  251,000
      1997............................................................   23,000
      1998............................................................    7,000
      1999............................................................      --
      Thereafter......................................................      --
                                                                       --------
      Total minimum future lease payments.............................  763,000
      Less amount representing interest...............................   73,000
                                                                       --------
      Present value of net minimum future lease payments.............. $690,000
                                                                       ========
</TABLE>
 
 Obligations Under Operating Leases
 
  At December 31, 1994, Holdings had minimum annual lease commitments for
property and equipment under noncancelable operating leases as follows:
 
<TABLE>
      <S>                                                            <C>
      1995.......................................................... $ 3,686,000
      1996..........................................................   2,997,000
      1997..........................................................   2,045,000
      1998..........................................................   1,141,000
      1999..........................................................     948,000
      Thereafter....................................................   2,649,000
                                                                     -----------
                                                                     $13,466,000
                                                                     ===========
</TABLE>
 
  The property leases require Holdings to pay certain property taxes and
insurance costs. Certain of the real property leases provide for escalation of
future rental payments based upon increases in the consumer price index.
Rental expense under all operating leases totaled $3,631,000, $4,022,000,
$4,380,000, $2,224,000 and $2,110,000 for the years ended December 31, 1992,
1993, 1994, and six months ended June 30, 1994 and 1995, respectively.
 
  Holdings leases all or a portion of one of its California locations from a
partnership that is comprised of certain present and former shareholders and
directors of Holdings and leases property which is part of a second California
location from certain present and former shareholders and directors of
Holdings. The corporate offices in California are leased from a former officer
and director of Holdings. Two locations in Louisiana are leased from a former
officer of Acme Dixie. The leases require monthly lease payments aggregating
approximately $43,000. Total rent expense attributable to these leases and
included in operations was $421,000, $532,000 and $533,000 for the years ended
December 31, 1992, 1993 and 1994, respectively and $231,000 and $231,000 for
the six months ended June 30, 1994 and 1995, respectively.
 
 Purchase Commitments
 
  As of December 31, 1994 and June 30, 1995, Holdings had commitments to
purchase equipment of approximately $2,395,000 and $1,977,000, respectively.
 
                                     F-37
<PAGE>
 
                              ACME HOLDINGS INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
 Noncompetition Agreements
 
  Holdings in the past has entered into noncompetition and/or consulting
agreements with the former owners of certain businesses it has acquired, some
of which require cash payments in future periods. The agreements are for terms
of two to five years and prohibit the former owners from competing with
Holdings in the business of renting equipment in certain California, Texas and
Louisiana counties. The present values of these future cash payments have been
capitalized and included in other assets (Note 1) with the corresponding
liabilities included in other accrued expenses in the accompanying balance
sheets.
 
  Any breach of the agreements by the former owners terminates Holdings'
obligations. Amounts charged to expense, including amortization expense on
capitalized costs, were approximately $546,000, $376,000, $121,000, $121,000
and $0, for the years ended December 31, 1992, 1993 and 1994, and the six
months ended June 30, 1994 and 1995, respectively.
 
7. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
  In July 1992, Holdings entered into a five-year management agreement
(Management Agreement) with a company owned by certain shareholders of
Holdings (AAC) that is acquiring equipment rental businesses. Under the
Management Agreement, Holdings locates potential acquisition opportunities,
provides administrative assistance in connection with acquisitions and
manages, supervises and provides administrative and accounting support for the
operation of AAC's rental locations. Pursuant to the Management Agreement,
Holdings has agreed, until April 1, 1995, to make available first to such
company any opportunities which come to its attention for acquiring additional
rental locations. During 1992, 1993 and 1994, Holdings assisted AAC in making
six acquisitions. AAC reimburses Holdings for any costs incurred by Holdings
to acquire the companies. Additionally, AAC pays Holdings a management fee
based on a percentage of the acquisition cost for each acquisition and the
performance of the companies acquired. As of December 31, 1993, the
miscellaneous receivable and the management fee receivable were $45,000 and
$146,000, respectively and as of December 31, 1994, the net miscellaneous
payable and the management fee receivable were $117,000 and $255,000,
respectively, and as of June 30, 1995, the net miscellaneous payable and the
management fee receivable were $82,000 and $381,000, respectively. As a result
of the chairman's resignation in June 1994, AAC at its discretion may
terminate the Management Agreement between AAC and Holdings. AAC has not
notified Holdings as to its intentions with respect to the termination or
continuation of the Management Agreement. Total management fee revenue,
included as a reduction in general and administrative expense, was $162,000,
$1,082,000, $1,496,000, $718,000 and $524,000, for the years ended December
31, 1992, 1993 and 1994, and the six months ended June 30, 1994 and 1995,
respectively.
 
  In addition, Holdings and AAC have agreed to rerent equipment to each other
in the event the other party does not have sufficient rental equipment at a
given rental center location to meet a customer's requirements. The party
making such equipment available receives 70% of the gross rental receipts
received by the other party related to such rerental. For the years ended
December 31, 1992, 1993 and 1994 and the six months ended June 30, 1994 and
1995, rerent revenue received by Holdings from AAC was $13,000, $151,000,
$39,000, $6,000 and $16,000, respectively, and rerent expense paid by Holdings
to AAC was $37,000, $111,000, $230,000, $62,000 and $35,000, respectively.
 
  Holdings also leases certain facilities owned by certain of Holdings'
present and former officers, directors and shareholders (Note 6).
 
 
                                     F-38
<PAGE>
 
                              ACME HOLDINGS INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
8. STOCK OPTION PLAN
 
  In May 1990, Holdings' Board of Directors approved the Acme Holdings Inc.
1990 Stock Option Plan which authorizes the granting of options to various
directors, officers, employees and outside consultants to purchase, within a
period of 10 years from date of grant, up to 7,310 shares of common stock at
an exercise price to be determined at the time of grant by Holdings' Board of
Directors. The exercise price shall be not less than fair market value on the
date of grant for incentive stock options (ISOs), and not less than 85% of the
fair market value on the date of grant for nonstatutory stock options (NSOs).
Any otherwise eligible participant who owns more than 10% of the total
combined voting power of all classes of outstanding stock of Holdings is not
eligible to receive options under the plan unless the exercise price is at
least 110% of the fair market value of such shares on the date of grant and
the options are exercisable for a term of only five years from the date of
grant. Options vest in such increments as determined by Holdings' Board of
Directors.
 
  ISOs to purchase 3,290 shares of common stock at $.10 per share were granted
in March 1992 to replace previously issued and canceled options. In January
1993, 1,097 ISOs to purchase shares of common stock at $2.69 per share were
granted. Such ISOs become exercisable at various dates commencing July 1993.
ISOs covering 1,097 shares are exercisable at December 31, 1994. On March 31,
1992, NSOs to purchase 365 shares of common stock at $27.00 per share were
granted to replace previously issued and canceled options; such exercise price
was based upon isolated negotiations with a single option holder and bore no
relationship to the fair market value of the common stock. The NSOs were fully
exercisable at date of grant. No options were granted during 1994.
 
9. INCOME TAXES
 
  Effective January 1, 1993, Holdings changed its method of accounting for
income taxes from the deferred method to the liability method required by
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, Accounting for Income
Taxes (Statement No. 109). Under this method, deferred tax assets and
liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting
and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using enacted tax
rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to
reverse.
 
  As permitted under Statement No. 109, Holdings has elected not to restate
the financial statements of any prior years. There was no effect from this
change on net income for the year ended December 31, 1993 or on the deferred
tax balance at December 31, 1992.
 
  The provision (benefit) for income taxes is comprised of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      1992     1993      1994
                                                    -------- --------  --------
     <S>                                            <C>      <C>       <C>
     Current:
       Federal..................................... $    --  $    --   $    --
       State.......................................  400,000  300,000   111,000
                                                    -------- --------  --------
                                                     400,000  300,000   111,000
     Deferred:
       Federal.....................................      --       --        --
       State.......................................   27,000  (26,000)  (50,000)
                                                    -------- --------  --------
                                                      27,000  (26,000)  (50,000)
                                                    -------- --------  --------
                                                    $427,000 $274,000  $ 61,000
                                                    ======== ========  ========
</TABLE>
 
 
                                     F-39
<PAGE>
 
                              ACME HOLDINGS INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
  In 1994, deferred income taxes reflect the tax effects of temporary
differences between the value of assets and liabilities for financial
reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant
components of Holdings' net deferred tax assets and liabilities are as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            DECEMBER 31,
                                                      -------------------------
                                                         1993          1994
                                                      -----------  ------------
   <S>                                                <C>          <C>
   Deferred tax assets:
     Net operating loss carryforwards................ $ 8,614,000  $ 11,899,000
     Alternative minimum tax credit..................     754,000       754,000
     Allowance for doubtful accounts.................     384,000       501,000
     Accrued health & general insurance..............   1,298,000     1,257,000
     State taxes, net................................     297,000       123,000
     Other accruals..................................   1,733,000     1,183,000
                                                      -----------  ------------
     Total deferred tax assets.......................  13,080,000    15,717,000
     Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets.....  (7,396,000)  (11,596,000)
                                                      -----------  ------------
   Net deferred tax assets...........................   5,684,000     4,121,000
   Deferred tax liabilities:
     Depreciation, tax over book.....................  (5,904,000)   (4,146,000)
     Other accruals..................................    (205,000)     (350,000)
                                                      -----------  ------------
   Total deferred tax liabilities....................  (6,109,000)   (4,496,000)
                                                      -----------  ------------
   Net deferred tax liabilities...................... $  (425,000) $   (375,000)
                                                      ===========  ============
</TABLE>
 
  A reconciliation between the provision for income taxes computed by applying
the federal statutory tax rate to loss before taxes for the years ended
December 31 is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                           -----------------------------------
                                             1992        1993         1994
                                           ---------  -----------  -----------
   <S>                                     <C>        <C>          <C>
   Federal tax benefit at statutory rate.  $(218,000) $(4,686,000) $(2,994,000)
   Losses without benefit................    218,000    4,686,000    2,994,000
   State taxes...........................    427,000      274,000       61,000
                                           ---------  -----------  -----------
                                           $ 427,000  $   274,000  $    61,000
                                           =========  ===========  ===========
</TABLE>
 
  At December 31, 1994, Holdings has approximately $29,300,000 of net
operating loss carryforwards for federal income tax purposes that expire
$9,500,000 in 2005, $6,000,000 in 2006, $1,700,000 in 2007 and $6,800,000 in
2008 and $5,300,000 in 2009. In addition, Holdings has net operating loss
carryforwards for California income tax purposes of approximately $17,800,000
which are available to offset taxable income starting in 1993 and expire
$4,300,000 in 1996, $5,800,000 in 1997, $3,900,0000 in 1998 and $3,800,000 in
1999. The ultimate realization of the benefit of these loss carryforwards is
dependent on Holdings achieving proper levels of operating profits in the
future.
 
  Holdings also has alternative minimum tax credit carryovers of approximately
$590,000 for federal income tax purposes and $164,000 for California income
tax purposes which are available to offset future regular income tax that is
in excess of the alternative minimum tax in such year. The credits carry over
indefinitely.
 
  Pursuant to the Tax Reform Act of 1986, use of Holdings' net operating loss
carryforwards and other tax attributes may be substantially limited if a
cumulative change in ownership of more than 50% occurs within any three year
period. As of December 31, 1994, a cumulative change of more than 50% occurred
which could
 
                                     F-40
<PAGE>
 
                               ACME HOLDINGS INC.
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
significantly impact the future benefit of the federal and state net operating
loss carryforwards under Internal Revenue Service Code Section 382.
 
10. SUBSEQUENT EVENT
 
  Holdings has decided to relocate its corporate office to Scottsdale, Arizona
during the second and third quarters of 1995.
 
                                      F-41
<PAGE>
 
                        REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
Board of Directors
Rental Service Corporation
 
  We have audited the accompanying combined balance sheets of the corporations
and partnerships listed in Note 1 (the Company) as of March 31, 1997 and 1996
and the related combined statements of operations, redeemable stock and other
stockholders' and partners' equity and cash flows for the years then ended.
These combined financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these combined
financial statements based on our 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 combined financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the combined financial position of the
corporations and partnerships listed in Note 1 at March 31, 1997 and 1996, and
the combined results of their operations and their cash flows for the years
then ended, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
                                       /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
 
Phoenix, Arizona
May 6, 1997
 
                                     F-42
<PAGE>
 
                              INDUSTRIAL AIR TOOL
 
                            COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              MARCH 31,
                                                       ------------------------
                                                          1996         1997
                                                       -----------  -----------
                        ASSETS
<S>                                                    <C>          <C>
Cash and cash equivalents............................. $ 1,816,726  $ 7,164,847
Investments, at market value (cost of $2,687,731).....   2,813,546          --
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful
 accounts of $120,000 at March 31, 1996 and 1997......   7,482,984    6,993,000
Inventory.............................................   6,843,218    6,663,676
Prepaid expenses and other assets.....................     306,003      217,400
Rental equipment, at cost, net of accumulated
 depreciation of $2,086,440 and $1,835,658 at March
 31, 1996 and 1997....................................   1,103,985    1,010,027
Operating property and equipment, at cost, net of
 accumulated depreciation.............................   1,350,901    1,377,166
Other assets..........................................     764,371      716,238
                                                       -----------  -----------
                                                       $22,481,734  $24,142,354
                                                       ===========  ===========
<CAPTION>
       LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE STOCK, AND OTHER
          STOCKHOLDERS' AND PARTNERS' EQUITY
       ----------------------------------------
<S>                                                    <C>          <C>
Accounts payable...................................... $ 2,717,936  $ 2,513,777
Payroll and other accrued expenses....................   1,120,553    1,232,929
Notes payable to stockholders.........................     705,127      705,127
                                                       -----------  -----------
Total liabilities.....................................   4,543,616    4,451,833
Commitments and contingencies
Class B common stock--redeemable, at liquidation
 value................................................  11,399,437   10,774,506
Other stockholders' and partners' equity:
  Unrealized gain on investments available for sale...     125,815          --
  Preferred stock, at liquidation value...............     890,800      890,800
  Class A common stock................................      10,000       10,000
  Common stock--Bayview...............................       2,500        2,500
  Partners' equity....................................   6,021,363    7,781,958
  Retained earnings (deficit).........................    (511,797)     230,757
                                                       -----------  -----------
Total other stockholders' and partners' equity........   6,538,681    8,916,015
                                                       -----------  -----------
                                                       $22,481,734  $24,142,354
                                                       ===========  ===========
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      F-43
<PAGE>
 
                              INDUSTRIAL AIR TOOL
 
                       COMBINED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       YEAR ENDED MARCH 31,
                                                      ------------------------
                                                         1996         1997
                                                      -----------  -----------
<S>                                                   <C>          <C>
Revenues:
  Sales of parts, supplies and equipment............. $38,159,436  $41,694,541
  Equipment rentals..................................   6,848,704    7,318,643
                                                      -----------  -----------
Total revenues.......................................  45,008,140   49,013,184
Cost of revenues:
  Cost of sales of parts, supplies and equipment.....  30,377,393   33,306,804
  Cost of equipment rentals, excluding equipment
   rental depreciation...............................   4,624,537    5,169,571
  Depreciation, equipment rentals....................     528,926      445,504
                                                      -----------  -----------
Total cost of revenues...............................  35,530,856   38,921,879
                                                      -----------  -----------
Gross profit.........................................   9,477,284   10,091,305
Selling, general and administrative expenses.........   6,366,204    7,107,647
Depreciation and amortization, excluding equipment
 rental depreciation.................................     205,742      164,243
                                                      -----------  -----------
Operating income.....................................   2,905,338    2,819,415
Other income (expense):
  Interest income....................................     159,477      204,263
  Gain on sale of investments........................         --       251,540
  Interest expense...................................     (48,661)     (67,070)
  Other, net.........................................      10,496      (82,379)
                                                      -----------  -----------
                                                        3,026,650    3,125,769
Provision for income taxes...........................     100,000      150,000
                                                      -----------  -----------
Net income........................................... $ 2,926,650  $ 2,975,769
                                                      ===========  ===========
</TABLE>
 
 
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
 
                                      F-44
<PAGE>
 
                              INDUSTRIAL AIR TOOL
 
 COMBINED STATEMENTS OF REDEEMABLE STOCK AND OTHER STOCKHOLDERS' AND PARTNERS'
                                    EQUITY
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                COMTECT, INC.             BAYVIEW
                                                                        ------------------------------ -------------
                                                        REDEEMABLE
                                                         CLASS B                           CLASS A
                                                       COMMON STOCK     PREFERRED STOCK  COMMON STOCK  COMMON STOCK
                                                    ------------------  --------------- -------------- ------------- PARTNERS'
                                                    SHARES   AMOUNT     SHARES  AMOUNT  SHARES AMOUNT  SHARES AMOUNT  CAPITAL
                                                    ------ -----------  ------ -------- ------ ------- ------ ------ ----------
<S>                                                 <C>    <C>          <C>    <C>      <C>    <C>     <C>    <C>    <C>
Balance at March
31, 1995........                                    10,000 $11,158,316  8,908  $890,800 10,000 $10,000 2,500  $2,500 $3,889,279
Net income......                                       --          --     --        --     --      --    --      --   2,638,684
Change in
liquidation
value of
redeemable
stock...........                                       --      241,121    --        --     --      --    --      --         --
Unrealized
appreciation on
investments.....                                       --          --     --        --     --      --    --      --         --
Distributions to
stockholders and
partners........                                       --          --     --        --     --      --    --      --   (506,600)
                                                    ------ -----------  -----  -------- ------ ------- -----  ------ ----------
Balance at March
31, 1996........                                    10,000  11,399,437  8,908   890,800 10,000  10,000 2,500   2,500  6,021,363
Net income......                                       --          --     --        --     --      --    --      --   2,657,487
Change in
liquidation
value of
redeemable
stock...........                                       --     (624,931)   --        --     --      --    --      --         --
Liquidation of
investment
portfolio.......                                       --          --     --        --     --      --    --      --         --
Distributions to
stockholders and
partners........                                       --          --     --        --     --      --    --      --   (896,892)
                                                    ------ -----------  -----  -------- ------ ------- -----  ------ ----------
Balance at March
31, 1997........                                    10,000 $10,774,506  8,908  $890,800 10,000 $10,000 2,500  $2,500 $7,781,958
                                                    ====== ===========  =====  ======== ====== ======= =====  ====== ==========
<CAPTION>
                                                      UNREALIZED                  TOTAL
                                                    GAINS (LOSSES)                OTHER
                                                    ON INVESTMENTS RETAINED   STOCKHOLDERS'
                                                    AVAILABLE FOR  EARNINGS   AND PARTNERS'
                                                         SALE      (DEFICIT)     EQUITY
                                                    -------------- ---------- -------------
<S>                                                 <C>            <C>        <C>
Balance at March
31, 1995........                                      $(159,812)   $(159,643)  $ 4,473,124
Net income......                                            --       287,966     2,926,650
Change in
liquidation
value of
redeemable
stock...........                                            --      (241,121)     (241,121)
Unrealized
appreciation on
investments.....                                        285,627          --        285,627
Distributions to
stockholders and
partners........                                            --      (398,999)     (905,599)
                                                    -------------- ---------- -------------
Balance at March
31, 1996........                                        125,815     (511,797)    6,538,681
Net income......                                            --       318,282     2,975,769
Change in
liquidation
value of
redeemable
stock...........                                            --       624,931       624,931
Liquidation of
investment
portfolio.......                                       (125,815)         --       (125,815)
Distributions to
stockholders and
partners........                                            --      (200,659)   (1,097,551)
                                                    -------------- ---------- -------------
Balance at March
31, 1997........                                      $     --     $ 230,757   $ 8,916,015
                                                    ============== ========== =============
</TABLE>

                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      F-45
<PAGE>
 
                              INDUSTRIAL AIR TOOL
 
                       COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       YEAR ENDED MARCH 31,
                                                      ------------------------
                                                         1996         1997
                                                      -----------  -----------
<S>                                                   <C>          <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income..........................................  $ 2,926,650  $ 2,975,769
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
 provided by operating activities:
  Depreciation......................................      734,668      609,747
  Gain on sale of investments available for sale....          --      (251,540)
  Provision for deferred taxes......................     (105,000)      60,000
  Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
    Accounts receivable.............................   (1,760,654)     489,984
    Prepaid expenses and other assets...............      (68,793)      76,736
    Inventory.......................................     (748,832)     179,542
    Accounts payable ...............................     (159,262)    (204,159)
    Payroll and other accrued expenses..............      502,565      112,376
                                                      -----------  -----------
Net cash provided by operating activities...........    1,321,342    4,048,455

INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from the sale of investments available for
 sale, net..........................................      321,927    2,939,271
Acquisition of property and equipment ..............     (871,473)    (542,054)
                                                      -----------  -----------
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities.     (549,546)   2,397,217

FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Distributions to stockholders and partners..........     (905,599)  (1,097,551)
Principal repayments of notes payable...............     (284,873)         --
                                                      -----------  -----------
Net cash used by financing activities...............   (1,190,472)  (1,097,551)
                                                      -----------  -----------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash
 equivalents........................................     (418,676)   5,348,121
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year......    2,235,402    1,816,726
                                                      -----------  -----------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year............  $ 1,816,726  $ 7,164,847
                                                      ===========  ===========
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      F-46
<PAGE>
 
                              INDUSTRIAL AIR TOOL
 
                    NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
                                MARCH 31, 1997
 
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
 Basis of Presentation
 
  The accompanying combined financial statements include the accounts of the
following companies (collectively, Industrial Air Tool or IAT):
 
  .  Comtect Inc. (Comtect), a Nevada Corporation, and its wholly owned
     subsidiaries:
 
    -- IAT interests of Nevada, Inc., a Nevada corporation.

    -- RNJB, Inc., a Nevada corporation.
 
    -- CFTSIJC., Inc., a Nevada corporation.
 
    -- Industrial Air Tool Pasadena, Inc., a Texas corporation.
 
    -- Industrial Air Tool Texas City, Inc., a Texas corporation.
 
    -- PST, Inc. of Louisiana, A Louisiana corporation.
 
    -- LRB Supply, Inc., a Texas corporation.
 
  .  GT Financial Ltd., a Texas limited partnership
 
  .  Shield Pt., Ltd. (Shield), a Texas limited partnership
 
  .  Bayview Interests, Inc. (Bayview), a Nevada Corporation
 
  Each of these companies and partnerships are owned by substantially the same
shareholders and partners. All material intercompany accounts and transactions
have been eliminated.
 
  Comtect sells maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) equipment and
supplies, and rents equipment to customers throughout the world from its
locations in Texas and Louisiana. Comtect grants credit to customers, the
majority of whom are in the petrochemical or construction industries. GT
Financial purchases certain accounts receivable from Comtect. Shield owns land
and buildings which are leased to Comtect. Bayview is a domestic international
sales corporation which has received a commission of 4 percent (to a maximum
commission of $400,000) on all export sales.
 
  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and
accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
 Revenue Recognition
 
  Revenue from the sale of parts, supplies and equipment are recorded at the
time of delivery to or pick-up by the customer. Equipment rental revenue is
recorded as earned under the operating method.
 
 Cash and Cash Equivalents.
 
  IAT considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months
or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.
 
                                     F-47
<PAGE>
 
                              INDUSTRIAL AIR TOOL
 
              NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
 Credit Policy
 
  IAT extends credit to its customers based on evaluations of their financial
condition. Collateral generally is not required. IAT maintains reserves which
it believes are adequate for potential credit losses.
 
 Inventories
 
  Inventories consist principally of equipment, parts, and supplies. All
inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market using the specific
identification last-in, first-out (LIFO) method of accounting, which
approximates the first-in, first-out method of accounting.
 
 Depreciation and Amortization
 
  Rental equipment and operating property and equipment are stated at cost and
are depreciated using the straight-line method over the following estimated
useful lives:
 
<TABLE>
     <S>                                                             <C>
     Rental equipment...............................................   5-7 years
     Operating property and equipment...............................     5 years
     Buildings and leasehold improvements........................... 28-40 years
</TABLE>
 
  All rental equipment costing more than $500 and greater than one year useful
life is capitalized at the date of purchase.
 
 Income Taxes
 
  Comtect utilizes the liability method of accounting for income taxes as set
forth in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, Accounting for
Income Taxes. Under the liability method, deferred taxes are determined based
on the difference between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and
liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect in the years in which the
differences are expected to reverse. Deferred tax assets are recognized and
measured based on the likelihood of realization of the related tax benefits in
the future.
 
  GT Financial Ltd. and Shield are Texas limited liability partnerships, and,
accordingly, taxes related to their income are the responsibility of the
individual partners.
 
 Advertising Expense
 
  Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expense was $46,057
and $88,912 for the years ended March 31, 1996 and 1997, respectively.
 
                                     F-48
<PAGE>
 
                              INDUSTRIAL AIR TOOL
 
              NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
2. OPERATING PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
 
  Operating property and equipment consist of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                MARCH 31,
                                                          ---------------------
                                                             1996       1997
                                                          ---------- ----------
<S>                                                       <C>        <C>
Land and building........................................ $1,424,593 $1,424,593
Vehicles, machinery and equipment........................    618,069    607,631
Office equipment.........................................    272,747    298,585
                                                          ---------- ----------
    Total................................................  2,315,409  2,330,809
Less accumulated depreciation............................    964,508    953,643
                                                          ---------- ----------
                                                          $1,350,901 $1,377,166
                                                          ========== ==========
</TABLE>
 
3. NOTES PAYABLE TO STOCKHOLDERS
 
  Notes payable at March 31, 1996 and 1997 are payable by GT Financial Ltd. to
two shareholders with interest at 10 percent, and due on demand. No interest
was paid in the years ended March 31, 1996 and 1997.
 
4. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
 
  IAT maintains the ERISA qualified IAT Interests, Inc. Profit Sharing Plan
(the Plan) covering substantially all employees who complete 1,000 hours of
service annually. The Plan allows IAT to make discretionary contributions.
Contributions are allocated to employee accounts based upon individual wages
as compared to total IAT wages. Employees are not permitted or required to
make contributions to the Plan. Vesting of an employee's interest in the Plan
occurs over a seven year period. Contributions to the Plan were $543,065 and
$617,824 for the years ended March 31, 1996 and 1997, respectively.
 
5. REDEEMABLE STOCK AND OTHER STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
  Comtect has 20,000 shares of preferred stock authorized, $10 par value, with
8,908 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 1996 and 1997. The preferred
stock is nonvoting and is entitled to receive, when and as declared by the
board of directors, a noncumulative dividend of $9.00 per share. The preferred
stock has a liquidation preference of $100 per share plus any declared and
unpaid dividends.
 
  Comtect has 20,000 shares of Class A voting common stock authorized, $1.00
par value, with 10,000 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 1996 and
1997. Comtect also has 20,000 shares of Class B nonvoting common stock, $1.00
par value, with 10,000 shares issued and outstanding at March 31,1997. The
Class B common stock is subordinate to the preferred stock and Class A common
stock with respect to dividends and upon liquidation.
 
  Bayview has 5,000 shares of common stock authorized, $1.00 par value, with
2,500 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 1996 and 1997.
 
  Pursuant to a buy-sell agreement dated March 31, 1992, Comtect has agreed
with the holders of it's Class B common stock to purchase such shares upon the
shareholder's termination of employment, death, disability, or at the
shareholder's option, at its estimated fair value at the date of purchase, as
defined in the agreement. The shareholders have agreed not to sell their
shares except to Comtect.
 
                                     F-49
<PAGE>
 
                              INDUSTRIAL AIR TOOL
 
              NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
6. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
 Environmental
 
  IAT and its operations are subject to a variety of federal, state and local
laws and regulations governing, among other things, worker safety, air
emissions, water discharge and the generation, handling, storage,
transportation, treatment and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes.
Under such laws, an owner or lessee of real estate may be liable for the costs
of removal or remediation of certain hazardous or toxic substances located on
or in, or emanating from, such property, as well as related costs of
investigation and property damage. IAT incurs ongoing expenses associated with
the performance of appropriate remediation at certain of its locations. IAT
does not believe that such remediation will have a material adverse effect on
IAT's combined financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
 
 Legal Proceedings
 
  IAT is party to various litigation matters, in most cases involving ordinary
and routine claims incidental to the business of IAT. The ultimate legal and
financial liability of IAT with respect to such pending litigation cannot be
estimated with certainty, but IAT believes, based on its examination of such
matters, that such ultimate liability will not have a material adverse effect
on the business, or the combined financial position, results of operations or
cash flows of IAT.
 
7. INCOME TAXES
 
  Income tax expense differs from the amount computed by applying the
statutory federal income tax to the income before income taxes due to the
effect of state taxes and the portion of IAT's income which is attributable to
limited partnerships, which are not subject to income taxes.
 
  Deferred tax assets consist of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  MARCH 31,
                                                              -----------------
                                                                1996     1997
                                                              -------- --------
     <S>                                                      <C>      <C>
     Deferred tax assets:
       Nondeductible reserves and accruals................... $156,000 $131,000
       Uniform capitalization adjustment.....................   90,000   86,000
       Depreciation and other................................  104,000   73,000
                                                              -------- --------
         Total deferred tax assets........................... $350,000 $290,000
                                                              ======== ========
</TABLE>
 
   The tax provision is comprised of:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 YEAR ENDED
                                                                 MARCH 31,
                                                             -------------------
                                                               1996       1997
                                                             ---------  --------
     <S>                                                     <C>        <C>
     Federal:
       Current.............................................. $ 135,000  $ 30,000
       Deferred.............................................  (105,000)   60,000
                                                             ---------  --------
                                                                30,000    90,000
     State:
       Current..............................................    70,000    60,000
       Deferred.............................................       --        --
                                                             ---------  --------
                                                                70,000    60,000
                                                             ---------  --------
         Total.............................................. $ 100,000  $150,000
                                                             =========  ========
</TABLE>
 
                                     F-50
<PAGE>
 
                              INDUSTRIAL AIR TOOL
 
              NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
8. SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMERS
 
  A single customer represented 10% and 12% of IAT's revenues for the years
ended March 31, 1996 and 1997, respectively.
 
  Export sales, primarily to offshore petrochemical operators, totaled
$10,801,000 and $13,107,000 during the years ended March 31, 1996 and 1997,
respectively.
 
  A significant portion of the Company's revenues are generated based on
manufacturers' distribution agreements. The loss of any such distributorships
could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business. Sales of one
manufacturer's products under a distribution arrangement represented 21% and
25% of revenues in the years ended March 31, 1996 and 1997, respectively.
 
9. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
   
  Pursuant to a Purchase Agreement signed March 14, 1997, all of the
outstanding common and preferred stock of Comtect was purchased on April 25,
1997 by Rental Service Corporation (RSC), effective March 1, 1997, in exchange
for $32.6 million in cash and 189,189 shares of RSC Common Stock. Up to an
additional 108,108 shares of RSC Common Stock may be paid to the sellers over
a three year period if certain performance objectives are met. Under the terms
of the Purchase Agreement all previously factored accounts receivable sold to
GT Financial Ltd. were repurchased by Comtect, and all real estate owned by
Shield and leased to Comtect was purchased by Comtect, effective March 31,
1997, and Bayview ceased its affiliation with Comtect. The transaction closed
on April 25, 1997, and IAT's balance sheet was consolidated with RSC's under
the purchase method of accounting as of that date. Pursuant to the acquisition
agreement, RSC assumed effective control of IAT's operations on March 1, 1997
and has included IAT's revenues of $4,322,000 and costs and expenses of
$3,848,000 from such date in its consolidated statements of operations for the
three months ended March 31, 1997, net of related imputed purchase price
adjustments of $48,000.     
 
 
                                     F-51
<PAGE>
 
 
 
                         INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
 
To the Board of Directors
Brute Equipment Co.
d/b/a Foxx Hy-Reach, Inc.
Moline, Illinois
 
  We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Brute Equipment Co. d/b/a
Foxx Hy-Reach, Inc. as of December 31, 1995 and 1996, and the related
statements of operations, stockholders' equity and cash flows for the years
then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audits.
 
  We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the 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 Brute Equipment Co. d/b/a
Foxx Hy-Reach, Inc. as of December 31, 1995 and 1996, and the results of its
operations and its cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles.
                                             
                                          /s/ McGLADREY & PULLEN, LLP     
 
Moline, Illinois
April 26, 1997
 
                                     F-52
<PAGE>
 
                              BRUTE EQUIPMENT CO.
                           D/B/A FOXX HY-REACH, INC.
 
                                 BALANCE SHEETS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                DECEMBER 31,
                                           -----------------------  MARCH 31,
                                              1995        1996        1997
                                           ----------- ----------- -----------
                                                                   (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                        <C>         <C>         <C>
ASSETS (NOTE 4)
Cash...................................... $    27,250 $     3,350 $     3,350
Accounts receivables, less allowance for
 doubtful accounts December 31, 1995
 $20,000; December 31, 1996 $40,475;
 March 31, 1997 $40,475...................   2,002,199   2,649,607   2,453,143
Parts and supplies inventories............     142,796     405,161     404,783
Other receivables and prepaid expense.....      42,737      23,986      51,397
Investment, life insurance................     205,034     230,399     236,740
Rental equipment, net of accumulated
 depreciation December 31, 1995
 $3,826,500; December 31, 1996 $5,098,656;
 March 31, 1997 $5,368,193................  11,277,363  14,226,511  13,841,221
Operating equipment and leasehold
 improvements, net of accumulated
 depreciation December 31, 1995 $625,695;
 December 31, 1996 $718,709; March 31,
 1997 $717,093 (Note 3)...................     590,759     492,441     421,874
                                           ----------- ----------- -----------
                                           $14,288,138 $18,031,455 $17,412,508
                                           =========== =========== ===========
   LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Accounts payable.......................... $    68,850 $   560,202 $   235,905
Accrued expenses..........................     260,084     338,251     321,961
Litigation judgment liability (Note 9)....         --    2,320,000   2,320,000
Notes payable, including notes to related
 parties December 31, 1995 $1,567,635;
 December 31, 1996 $579,355; March 31,
 1997 $551,839 (Note 4)...................   4,426,776   3,991,157   2,420,408
                                           ----------- ----------- -----------
    Total liabilities.....................   4,755,710   7,209,610   5,298,274
                                           ----------- ----------- -----------
Commitments (Notes 5, 6 and 11)
Stockholders' Equity:
  Common stock, no par value; authorized
   100,000 shares issued 1,000 shares, at
   amounts paid in........................     100,000     100,000     100,000
  Retained earnings.......................   9,432,428  10,721,845  12,014,234
                                           ----------- ----------- -----------
                                             9,532,428  10,821,845  12,114,234
                                           ----------- ----------- -----------
                                           $14,288,138 $18,031,455 $17,412,508
                                           =========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>
 
                       See Notes to Financial Statements.
 
                                      F-53
<PAGE>
 
                              BRUTE EQUIPMENT CO.
                           D/B/A FOXX HY-REACH, INC.
 
                            STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           THREE-MONTHS ENDED
                                  YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,       MARCH 31,
                                  ----------------------- ---------------------
                                     1995        1996        1996       1997
                                  ----------- ----------- ---------- ----------
                                                               (UNAUDITED)
<S>                               <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>
Revenues:
  Equipment rentals.............. $ 9,465,624 $11,842,440 $2,473,235 $2,856,078
  Sales of parts, supplies and
   equipment.....................   7,774,425   7,976,069  1,961,169  2,241,285
                                  ----------- ----------- ---------- ----------
                                   17,240,049  19,818,509  4,434,404  5,097,363
                                  ----------- ----------- ---------- ----------
Cost of revenues:
  Cost of equipment rentals,
   excluding equipment rental
   depreciation..................   3,969,880   4,228,171    951,111  1,007,432
  Depreciation, equipment
   rentals.......................   1,940,332   2,718,397    593,398    781,806
  Cost of sales of parts,
   supplies and equipment........   5,250,625   5,308,453  1,351,574  1,482,261
                                  ----------- ----------- ---------- ----------
    Total cost of revenues.......  11,160,837  12,255,021  2,896,083  3,271,499
                                  ----------- ----------- ---------- ----------
    Gross profit.................   6,079,212   7,563,488  1,538,321  1,825,864
  Selling, general and
   administrative expense........   3,107,090   3,461,510    352,700    417,299
  Depreciation, excluding
   equipment rental depreciation.     225,877     257,723     63,718     51,840
  Litigation judgment expense
   (Note 9)......................         --    2,320,000        --         --
                                  ----------- ----------- ---------- ----------
    Operating income.............   2,746,245   1,524,255  1,121,903  1,356,725
Interest expense, including
 amounts paid to related parties
 December 31, 1995 $57,045;
 December 31, 1996 $73,840;
 March 31, 1996 $27,246
 March 31, 1997 $11,260..........     141,539     234,838     68,079     64,336
                                  ----------- ----------- ---------- ----------
    Net income................... $ 2,604,706 $ 1,289,417 $1,053,824 $1,292,389
                                  =========== =========== ========== ==========
</TABLE>
 
 
                       See Notes to Financial Statements.
 
                                      F-54
<PAGE>
 
                              BRUTE EQUIPMENT CO.
                           D/B/A FOXX HY-REACH, INC.
 
                       STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            COMMON   RETAINED
                                                            STOCK    EARNINGS
                                                           -------- -----------
<S>                                                        <C>      <C>
Balance, December 31, 1994................................ $100,000 $ 6,827,722
  Net income..............................................      --    2,604,706
                                                           -------- -----------
Balance, December 31, 1995................................  100,000   9,432,428
  Net income..............................................      --    1,289,417
                                                           -------- -----------
Balance, December 31, 1996................................  100,000  10,721,845
  Net income (unaudited)..................................      --    1,292,389
                                                           -------- -----------
Balance, March 31, 1997 (unaudited)....................... $100,000 $12,014,234
                                                           ======== ===========
</TABLE>
 
 
 
                       See Notes to Financial Statements.
 
                                      F-55
<PAGE>
 
                              BRUTE EQUIPMENT CO.
                           D/B/A FOXX HY-REACH, INC.
 
                            STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        THREE-MONTHS ENDED
                           YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,           MARCH 31,
                          --------------------------  ------------------------
                              1995          1996         1996         1997
                          ------------  ------------  -----------  -----------
                                                            (UNAUDITED)
<S>                       <C>           <C>           <C>          <C>
Operating Activities:
  Net income............. $  2,604,706  $  1,289,417  $ 1,053,824  $ 1,292,389
  Adjustments to
   reconcile net income
   to net cash provided
   by operating
   activities:
    Depreciation.........    2,166,209     2,976,120      657,116      833,646
    Gain on sale of
     rental equipment ...   (1,866,525)   (2,019,108)    (457,612)    (535,731)
    Changes in operating
     assets and
     liabilities:
      Accounts
       receivables ......     (543,772)     (647,408)     255,106      196,464
      Parts and supplies
       inventories.......      (22,620)     (262,365)         394          378
      Other receivables
       and prepaid
       expense...........      (20,702)       18,751         (502)     (27,411)
      Accounts payable
       and accrued
       expenses..........       26,902       569,519      (86,334)    (340,587)
      Litigation judgment
       liability.........          --      2,320,000          --           --
                          ------------  ------------  -----------  -----------
        Net cash provided
         by operating
         activities......    2,344,198     4,244,926    1,421,992    1,419,148
                          ------------  ------------  -----------  -----------
Investing Activities:
  Proceeds from sale of
   equipment.............    7,225,096     7,350,903    1,831,976    2,076,763
  Purchase of equipment..  (11,520,436)  (11,158,745)  (1,520,970)  (1,918,821)
  Purchase of investment
   in life insurance.....      (25,365)      (25,365)      (6,341)      (6,341)
                          ------------  ------------  -----------  -----------
        Net cash provided
         by (used in)
         investing
         activities......   (4,320,705)   (3,833,207)     304,665      151,601
                          ------------  ------------  -----------  -----------
Financing Activities:
  Borrowings from
   stockholders..........    1,833,024           --           --           --
  Payments to
   stockholders..........   (1,122,509)     (988,280)    (251,444)     (27,516)
  Net borrowings
   (payments) from note
   payable...............    1,266,392      (947,339)  (1,475,213)  (1,543,233)
  Proceeds from long-term
   obligations...........          --      1,500,000          --           --
                          ------------  ------------  -----------  -----------
        Net cash provided
         by (used in)
         financing
         activities......    1,976,907      (435,619)  (1,726,657)  (1,570,749)
                          ------------  ------------  -----------  -----------
        Net increase
         (decrease) in
         cash............          400       (23,900)         --           --
Cash balance, beginning
 of period...............       26,850        27,250       27,250        3,350
                          ------------  ------------  -----------  -----------
Cash balance, end of
 period.................. $     27,250  $      3,350  $    27,250  $     3,350
                          ============  ============  ===========  ===========
Supplemental Disclosure
 of Cash Flow
 Information,
  Cash paid for interest. $    145,501  $    215,184  $    53,885  $    61,477
</TABLE>
 
                       See Notes to Financial Statements.
 
                                      F-56
<PAGE>
 
                              BRUTE EQUIPMENT CO.
                           D/B/A FOXX HY-REACH, INC.
 
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
NOTE 1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
  Basis of presentation: Brute Equipment Co. was incorporated in the state of
Iowa in May 1984 and qualified to do business under the assumed name of Foxx
Hy-Reach, Inc. in the same month. During 1986, the Company, with the consent
of its stockholders, elected to be taxed as an S-Corporation. The Company's
operations consist principally of the short-term rental and the sale of
equipment to the construction industry primarily in the midwest United States.
The nature of the Company's business is such that short-term obligations are
typically met by cash flow generated from long-term assets. Consequently,
consistent with industry practice, the accompanying balance sheets are
presented on an unclassified basis.
 
  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
  Certain amounts for 1995 have been reclassified to conform with the
classifications used in 1996, with no effect on net income or stockholders'
equity.
 
  Revenue recognition: Equipment rental revenue is recorded as earned under
the operating method. Equipment rentals in the statements of operations
include revenues earned on equipment rentals, fuel sales and rental equipment
delivery fees. Revenue from the sale of parts, supplies and equipment is
recorded at the time of delivery to or pick-up by the customer.
 
  Credit policy: Substantially all of the Company's business is on a credit
basis. The Company extends credit to its commercial customers based on
evaluations of their financial condition and generally no collateral is
required, although in many cases, mechanics' liens are filed to protect the
Company's interests. The Company maintains reserves it believes are adequate
for potential credit losses.
 
  Parts and supplies inventories: Inventories are stated at the lower of cost
(first-in, first-out method) or market.
 
  Equipment and leasehold improvements: Equipment and leasehold improvements
are stated at cost. Depreciation is computed by the straight-line method over
the following estimated useful lives:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           YEARS
                                                                           -----
     <S>                                                                   <C>
     Rental equipment.....................................................  6-7
     Office and computer equipment........................................  5-7
     Transportation equipment.............................................  3-5
     Leasehold improvements...............................................  10
</TABLE>
 
  Advertising costs: Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and totaled
$35,320 and $36,101 for the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1996,
respectively, and $10,030 and $12,217 for the three-months ended March 31,
1996 and 1997 (unaudited), respectively.
 
  Concentrations of credit risk: Financial instruments that potentially
subject the Company to significant concentrations of credit risk consist
principally of accounts receivable which is limited due to the large number of
customers.
 
  Fair value of financial instruments: The carrying amount of cash, accounts
receivables, litigation judgment liability and accounts payable approximates
fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments. The
 
                                     F-57
<PAGE>
 
                              BRUTE EQUIPMENT CO.
                           D/B/A FOXX HY-REACH, INC.
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
carrying amount of notes payable which carry current interest rates and have
short maturities approximates fair value.
 
NOTE 2. UNAUDITED INTERIM INFORMATION
 
  In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed financial
information of the Company contains all adjustments, consisting only of those
of a recurring nature, necessary to present fairly the Company's financial
position as of March 31, 1997, and the results of its operations and its cash
flows for the three-months ended March 31, 1996 and 1997. These results are
not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full fiscal
year.
 
NOTE 3. OPERATING EQUIPMENT AND LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS
 
  Operating equipment and leasehold improvements consist of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  DECEMBER 31,
                                              ---------------------  MARCH 31,
                                                 1995       1996       1997
                                              ---------- ---------- -----------
                                                                    (UNAUDITED)
   <S>                                        <C>        <C>        <C>
   Vehicles, machinery and equipment......... $1,086,270 $1,003,294 $  922,770
   Leasehold improvements....................     73,494     73,494     73,494
   Furniture, fixtures and computer
    equipment................................     56,690    134,362    142,703
                                              ---------- ---------- ----------
                                               1,216,454  1,211,150  1,138,967
   Less accumulated depreciation and
    amortization.............................    625,695    718,709    717,093
                                              ---------- ---------- ----------
                                              $  590,759 $  492,441 $  421,874
                                              ========== ========== ==========
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 4. PLEDGED ASSETS AND NOTES PAYABLE
 
  Long-term obligations consist of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               DECEMBER 31,
                                                           ---------------------
                                                              1995       1996
                                                           ---------- ----------
   <S>                                                     <C>        <C>
   Revolving credit agreement with a bank, $2,000,000,
    ($3,000,000 as of December 31, 1995) interest at 3/8%
    under the bank's prime rate, (8.5% as of December 31,
    1996), due June 30, 1997, collateralized by
    substantially all assets of the Company and the
    personal guarantees of the officer-stockholders and
    the spouse of one of the officer-stockholders. ......  $2,859,141 $1,911,802
   Note payable, bank, due in annual installments of
    $300,000 plus interest at 7.84%, due April 1999,
    collateralized by substantially all assets of the
    Company and the personal guarantees of the officer-
    stockholders and the spouse of one of the officer-
    stockholders. .......................................         --   1,500,000
   Note payable, officer-stockholders, due on demand,
    unsecured. The interest rate in effect as of December
    31, 1995 and 1996 was 7% and 8%, respectively. ......   1,567,635    579,355
                                                           ---------- ----------
                                                           $4,426,776 $3,991,157
                                                           ========== ==========
</TABLE>
 
                                     F-58
<PAGE>
 
                              BRUTE EQUIPMENT CO.
                           D/B/A FOXX HY-REACH, INC.
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
  The Company also has an unused $1,500,000 line-of-credit agreement with a
bank that pays interest at 3/8% under the bank's prime rate (8.5% as of
December 31, 1996), due April 30, 1997, collateralized by substantially all
assets of the Company and the personal guarantees of the officer-stockholders
and the spouse of one of the officer-stockholders.
 
NOTE 5. STOCKHOLDERS' AGREEMENT
 
  The stockholders of the Company have entered into an agreement which places
restrictions on the transfer of their stock during their lifetime. The
agreement also contains provisions for the mandatory purchase of shares, by
the surviving stockholder, upon the death or disability of a stockholder under
the terms and conditions set forth in the agreement.
 
NOTE 6. LEASE COMMITMENTS AND RENTAL EXPENSE
 
  The Company leases its Morton, Illinois facility from an officer-
stockholder. The agreement expires July 24, 1997 and requires monthly rentals
of $2,500 plus the payment of all property taxes, utilities, insurance and
maintenance on the property.
 
  The Company leases its Moline, Illinois facility from an officer-
stockholder. The agreement expires June 30, 1997 and requires monthly rentals
of $5,500 plus the payment of all property taxes, utilities, insurance and
maintenance on the property.
 
  The Company leases a facility in Des Moines, Iowa. The agreement expires May
14, 2000 and requires monthly rentals of $3,500 plus the payment of all
property taxes, utilities, insurance and maintenance on the property.
 
  The Company also leases a facility in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The agreement
expires May 31, 1998 and requires monthly rentals of $3,000 plus the payment
of all property taxes, utilities, insurance and maintenance on the property.
 
  The total rental expense for the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1996 was
$165,400 and $179,600, respectively, and $45,600 and $44,700 for the three-
months ended March 31, 1996 and 1997 (unaudited), respectively. Of the total
rent expense, $96,000 was paid to an officer-stockholder for each of the years
ended December 31, 1995 and 1996, respectively, and $24,000 for each of the
three-months ended March 31, 1996 and 1997 (unaudited).
 
  The total minimum rental commitment under these leases as of December 31,
1996 is $242,500 which is due as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
        YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31:
        ------------------------
        <S>                                                             <C>
          1997......................................................... $126,000
          1998.........................................................   57,000
          1999.........................................................   42,000
          2000.........................................................  17,500
                                                                        --------
                                                                        $242,500
                                                                        ========
</TABLE>
 
                                     F-59
<PAGE>
 
                              BRUTE EQUIPMENT CO.
                           D/B/A FOXX HY-REACH, INC.
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 7. DISCRETIONARY BONUSES AND MANAGEMENT FEE
 
  The Company pays discretionary bonuses to its officers and key employees.
The amount of these bonuses totaled $1,198,500 and $1,107,500 for the years
ended December 31, 1995 and 1996, respectively. There were no discretionary
bonuses paid to officers or key employees during each of the three-months
ended March 31, 1996 and 1997 (unaudited).
 
  The Company purchases management services from Knox Rental Stores, Inc. The
principal stockholder of Knox Rental Stores, Inc. is also a stockholder of
Brute Equipment Co. The amount of these management services purchased totaled
$1,000,000 for each of the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1996.
 
NOTE 8. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS AND RETIREMENT PLANS
 
  The Company has a group health insurance plan for all of its employees. The
plan qualifies as a "cafeteria plan" under Section 125 of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986. The Company has elected to self-insure claims ranging from $100
to $500 whereby the Company pays 80% of all claims within this range. Expenses
relating to the plan totaled $10,345 and $9,346 for the years ended December
31, 1995 and 1996, respectively, and $2,050 and $2,320 for the three-months
ended March 31, 1996 and 1997 (unaudited), respectively.
 
  Effective January 1, 1995, the Company established a 401(k) retirement plan.
Employees are eligible to participate in the Plan after completing one year of
full-time service and attaining age 21. Eligible employees are allowed to
defer up to 15% of their salary. The Company makes matching contributions of
25% of the employee's contribution with a maximum Company contribution of 6%
of eligible employee wages. The employee vests in the employer matching
contribution at a rate of 20% per year after two years of service. Employees
are 100% vested in the employer contribution after six years of service. The
Company's contributions to the Plan for the years ended December 31, 1995 and
1996 was $19,734 and $29,534, respectively, and $1,336 and $1,045 for the
three-months ended March 31, 1996 and 1997 (unaudited), respectively.
 
NOTE 9. LITIGATION JUDGMENT LIABILITY
 
  In November 1996, a $3,200,000 judgment was awarded by a jury to a
construction worker injured while using equipment owned by the Company. The
Company has insurance coverage for $1,000,000 of this liability and may also
have a claim against its insurance provider for the remaining $2,200,000, plus
accrued interest.
 
NOTE 10. INCOME TAXES
 
  The Company, with the consent of its stockholders has elected to be taxed
under sections of the federal and state income tax laws as an S-Corporation.
This election provides, that in lieu of corporate income taxes, the
stockholders separately account for their pro rata shares of the Company's
items of income, deductions, losses and credits. Therefore, these financial
statements do not include any provision for corporate income taxes.
 
                                     F-60
<PAGE>
 
                              BRUTE EQUIPMENT CO.
                           D/B/A FOXX HY-REACH, INC.
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
  The net book value of the Company's assets and liabilities exceeded their tax
basis by $2,800,837 and $1,561,420 as of December 31, 1995 and 1996,
respectively. The differences between net book value and tax basis as of
December 31, 1995 and 1996, by major asset and liability, are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         1995                    1996
                                ----------------------- -----------------------
                                 NET BOOK                NET BOOK
                                   VALUE     TAX BASIS     VALUE     TAX BASIS
                                ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
   <S>                          <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
   Trade receivables........... $ 2,002,199 $ 2,022,199 $ 2,737,045 $ 2,757,045
   Rental equipment............  11,277,363   8,475,684  14,226,511  10,311,157
   Operating equipment and
    leasehold improvements.....     590,759     571,601     492,441     506,375
                                ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
                                 13,870,321  11,069,484  17,455,997  13,574,577
   Litigation judgment
    liability..................         --          --    2,320,000         --
                                ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
                                $13,870,321 $11,069,484 $15,135,997 $13,574,577
                                =========== =========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 11. SUBSEQUENT EVENT
 
  On April 25, 1997 the Company agreed to sell substantially all of its
operating assets to Rental Service Corporation at an amount greater than their
net book value. The closing of this transaction is expected to occur on or
before June 30, 1997 and is subject to a number of closing conditions.
 
                                      F-61
<PAGE>
 
Every rental location has on-line
access to centralized systems which
provide real-time transaction
processing, extensive fleet
management tools and daily financial
management reports. These systems
also allow an employee at any
location to identify and reserve a            [Photo of employee using the
specific piece of equipment anywhere          Company's advanced information
in a region and schedule delivery to          systems to assist customer]
a customer's job site.
 
 
                                          Depending upon market needs, RSC
                                          offers value-added services to its
                                          customers such as radio-dispatched
                                          transportation fleet and 24 hours-a-
                                          day, seven days-a-week support
[Photo of employee delivering rental      services, including on-site
equipment]                                maintenance and repair.
 
 
The Company's information systems
track each individual rental asset
and automatically schedule                    [Photo of employee performing
preventative maintenance. As a                rental equipment maintenance]
result, the Company is able to
enhance the reliability and extend
the useful life of its rental
equipment fleet.
<PAGE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
  NO DEALER, SALESPERSON OR ANY OTHER PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS IN CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING
OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS, AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH
INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN
AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY, THE SELLING STOCKHOLDERS OR ANY OF THE
UNDERWRITERS. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR A
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY OF THE SECURITIES OFFERED HEREBY BY ANYONE
IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION IS NOT AUTHORIZED OR
IN WHICH THE PERSON MAKING SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION IS NOT QUALIFIED TO DO
SO OR TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION.
NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER SHALL,
UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT ANY INFORMATION CONTAINED
HEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS.
 
                             ---------------------
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                                            Page
                                                                            ----
<S>                                                                         <C>
Prospectus Summary........................................................    3
Summary Consolidated Financial Information and Operating Data.............    5
Risk Factors..............................................................    7
Recent Developments.......................................................   12
Use of Proceeds...........................................................   13
Price Range of Common Stock...............................................   14
Dividend Policy...........................................................   14
Capitalization............................................................   15
Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information....................   16
Selected Consolidated Financial Information and Operating Data............   24
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
 Operations...............................................................   26
Business..................................................................   36
Management................................................................   44
Principal and Selling Stockholders........................................   52
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions............................   54
Description of Capital Stock..............................................   55
Shares Available for Future Sale..........................................   57
Underwriting..............................................................   59
Legal Matters.............................................................   60
Experts...................................................................   60
Additional Information....................................................   60
Index to Financial Statements.............................................  F-1
</TABLE>    
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                               4,000,000 SHARES
 
 
                     [LOGO OF RENTAL SERVICE CORPORATION]
 
                                 COMMON STOCK
 
 
                               -----------------
 
                                  PROSPECTUS
 
                                       , 1997
                               -----------------
 
                            WILLIAM BLAIR & COMPANY
 
                             MORGAN STANLEY & CO.
                                 INCORPORATED
 
                         DONALDSON, LUFKIN & JENRETTE
                            SECURITIES CORPORATION
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART II
 
                    INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 13. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.
 
  The following table sets forth all costs and expenses, other than the
underwriting discounts and commissions, payable by the Company in connection
with the sale of the Common Stock being registered hereby. All the amounts
shown are estimates, except for the Commission Registration Fee.
 
<TABLE>
   <S>                                                               <C>
   Commission Registration Fee...................................... $   26,833
   NASD Filing Fee..................................................      9,355
   Accounting Fees and Expenses.....................................    330,000
   Legal Fees and Expenses (other than Blue Sky)....................    300,000
   Printing and Engraving Expenses..................................    300,000
   Miscellaneous Expenses...........................................     33,812
                                                                     ----------
    Total........................................................... $1,000,000
</TABLE>
 
ITEM 14. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
 
  Section 145 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the
"Delaware Corporation Law") gives Delaware corporations broad powers to
indemnify their present and former directors and officers against expenses
(including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement
actually and reasonably incurred in connection with threatened, pending or
completed actions, suits or proceedings to which they are parties or are
threatened to be made parties by reason of being or having been such directors
or officers, subject to specified conditions and exclusions; gives a director
or officer who successfully defends an action the right to be so indemnified;
and permits a corporation to buy directors' and officers' liability insurance.
Such indemnification is not exclusive of any other rights to which those
indemnified may be entitled under any by-law, agreement, vote of stockholders
or otherwise.
 
  As permitted by Section 145 of the Delaware Corporation Law, Article VI of
the Bylaws of the Company provides for the indemnification by the Company of
its directors, officers, employees and agents against liabilities and expenses
incurred in connection with actions, suits or proceeds brought against them by
a third party or in the right of the corporation, by reason of the fact that
they were or are such directors, officers, employees or agents.
 
  Article Twelfth of the Company's Certificate of Incorporation, which is
incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement, provides that to the
fullest extent permitted by the Delaware Corporation Law as the same exists or
may hereafter be amended, a director of the Company shall not be liable to the
Company or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty
as a director.
 
  The Company has entered into, or intends to enter into, agreements to
indemnify its directors and executive officers in addition to the
indemnification provided for in the Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws.
These agreements, among other things, will indemnify the Company's directors
and executive officers for certain expenses (including attorneys' fees), and
all losses, claims, liabilities, judgments, fines and settlement amounts
incurred by such person arising out of or in connection with such person's
service as a director or officer of the Company to the fullest extent
permitted by applicable law.
 
  Policies of insurance may be obtained and maintained by the Company under
which its directors and officers will be insured, within the limits and
subject to the limitations of the policies, against certain expenses in
connection with the defense of, and certain liabilities which might be imposed
as a result of, actions, suits or proceedings to which they are parties by
reason of being or having been such directors or officers.
 
                                     II-1
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 15. RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES
 
  The following table and text specifies securities sold by the Registrant
within the last three years and not registered under the Securities Act of
1933, the date of each sale, the title and amount of securities sold, and the
nature and aggregate amount of consideration received by the issuer in
connection with each sale.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                         TITLE OF   NUMBER OF
DATE                    SECURITIES  SHARES(1)      PURCHASER      CONSIDERATION
- ----                    ----------  --------- ------------------- -------------
<S>                    <C>          <C>       <C>                 <C>
July 25, 1995......... Common Stock   4,741   Martin R. Reid          47.41
July 25, 1995......... Common Stock   1,210   Douglas A. Waugaman     12.10
October 9, 1995....... Common Stock     242   Douglas A. Waugaman      2.42
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Does not reflect 45-for-1 stock split effective August 21, 1996.
(2) Securities acquired pursuant to a Stock Purchase Agreement, which gave the
    security holders the right to acquire shares over time and as such,
    acquisitions occurred at various times from June 29, 1993 through April,
    1994. The consideration for these shares consisted of stock of another
    entity and cash.
 
  Since July 25, 1995, the Registrant has sold and issued the following
securities which were not registered under the Securities Act (items (a)
through (g) do not reflect 45-for-1 stock split effective August 21, 1996):
 
    a. Pursuant to the Preferred Stock and Common Stock Purchase Agreement
  dated as of January 4, 1996 by and between UST Private Equity Investors
  Fund, Inc. and the Registrant, the Registrant sold and issued: (1) 10,000
  shares of the Redeemable Preferred Stock at a cash purchase price of $100
  per share, or $1,000,000 in the aggregate and (2) 3,160 shares of the
  Common Stock at a cash purchase price of $316.44 per share, or $1,000,000
  in the aggregate.
 
    b. Pursuant to the Preferred Stock and Common Stock Purchase Agreement
  dated as of January 4, 1996 by and among the purchasers listed on Schedule
  I thereto and the Registrant, the Registrant sold and issued: (1) 15,000
  shares of the Redeemable Preferred Stock at a cash purchase price of $100
  per share, or $1,500,000 in the aggregate and (2) 4,740 shares of the
  Common Stock at a cash purchase price of $316.44 per share, or $1,500,000
  in the aggregate.
 
    c. Pursuant to the Preferred Stock and Common Stock Purchase Agreement
  dated as of January 4, 1996 by and among Nassau Capital Partners L.P. and
  NAS Partners I L.L.C., and the Registrant, the Registrant sold and issued:
  (1) 49,730 shares and 270 shares, respectively of the Redeemable Preferred
  Stock at a cash purchase price of $100 per share, or $4,973,000 and
  $27,000, respectively, in the aggregate and (2) 15,716 shares and 85
  shares, respectively, of the Common Stock at a cash purchase price of
  $316.44 per share, or $4,973,000 and $27,000, respectively, in the
  aggregate. All of the Redeemable Preferred Stock listed in items (a)
  through (c) was redeemed by the Registrant in September 1996 at the
  redemption price of $100 per share, plus accrued and unpaid dividends to
  the redemption date.
 
    d. In July 1995, pursuant to its Stock Option Plan for Key Employees (the
  "1995 Plan"), the Registrant granted 16 employees options to purchase an
  aggregate of 2,882 shares of Common Stock at a price of $.01 per share. In
  April 1996, pursuant to the 1995 Plan, the Registrant granted 23 employees
  options to purchase an aggregate of 1,360 shares of Common Stock at a price
  of $635.00 per share. In January 1996, pursuant to the 1995 Plan, the
  Registrant granted two employees and one director options to purchase an
  aggregate of 622 shares of Common Stock at a price of $316.44 per share.
  All such options are not transferable, and complete exercisability is not
  available prior to various dates from April 2000 through July 2001. Options
  covering 762 such shares were exercised prior to December 23, 1996, when
  the issuance of further shares pursuant to the 1995 Plan was registered
  under the Securities Act of 1933.
 
    g. Pursuant to a Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement by and between Acme
  Acquisition Holdings Corp. and Citicorp USA, Inc., on September 12, 1995,
  the Company issued and sold to Citicorp USA, Inc. (i) a Senior Secured
  Promissory Note in the aggregate principal amount of $10,000,000, which
  note bears interest at the rate of 13% per annum and is due and payable on
  September 15, 2005 and (ii) a Warrant to purchase shares of the
  Registrant's Common Stock at $217.35 per share. In September 1996, the
  Registrant repaid the Senior Secured Promissory Note in full and
  repurchased the Warrant.
 
                                     II-2
<PAGE>
 
    h. Pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of March 14, 1997 by
  and among certain Sellers, Acme Dixie, Inc., the Registrant, Comtect, Inc.
  and certain subsidiaries of Comtect, Inc., the Registrant issued 189,189
  shares of the Common Stock on April 25, 1997 as partial consideration for
  the acquisition by the Registrant of all the outstanding capital stock of
  Comtect, Inc.
 
  Any sale of securities described herein were carried out in reliance on the
exemptions from registration contained in Sections 3(a)(9), 3(a)(11) and 4(2)
of the Securities Act of 1933 as transactions not involving any public
offering, except that transactions involving the stock option plan were
carried out in reliance upon Rule 701 of the Securities Act of 1933. The
recipients in each case represented their intention to acquire the securities
for investment only and not with a view of the distribution thereof. All
recipients had adequate access, through employment or other relationships, to
information about the Registrant.
 
ITEM 16. EXHIBITS.
 
 (a) Exhibits
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBITS                              DESCRIPTION
 --------                              -----------
 <C>      <S>
  +++1.1  Form of Underwriting Agreement.
    *3.1  Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company.
   ##3.2  Form of Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company.
     5.1  Opinion of Latham & Watkins as to the validity of the securities
          being registered hereby.
   *10.1  Credit Agreement among Acme Alabama, Inc., Acme Dixie Inc., Acme
          Duval Inc., Acme Rents, Inc., The Air & Pump Company and Walker Jones
          Equipment, Inc., as Borrowers, Acme Acquisition Corp. and Acme
          Holdings Inc., as Parent Guarantors, each of the financial
          institutions initially a signatory thereto, together with those
          assignees pursuant to Section 12.8 thereof, as Lenders, Bankers Trust
          Company, as Issuing Bank, and BT Commercial Corporation, as Agent,
          dated as of September 12, 1995.
   *10.2  First Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of September 26, 1995.
   *10.3  Second Amendment and Consent to Credit Agreement dated as of December
          21, 1995.
   +10.4  Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of September 24, 1996.
   #10.5  First Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of
          January 31, 1997.
 +++10.6  Letter Agreement dated April 30, 1997, between the Company's
          subsidiaries and BT Commercial Corporation relating to a proposed
          amendment to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement.
   *10.7  Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of July 25, 1995, between Acme
          Acquisition Holdings Corp. and Martin R. Reid.
   *10.8  Stock Purchase and Severance Agreement dated as of July 25, 1995,
          between Acme Acquisition Holdings Corp. and Douglas A. Waugaman.
   *10.9  Stock Purchase and Severance Agreement dated as of October 4, 1995
          between Rental Service Corporation and Douglas A. Waugaman.
  *10.10  Corporate Development and Administrative Services Agreement dated as
          of July 17, 1992 between Brentwood Buyout Partners, L.P., a Delaware
          limited partnership, and Acme Acquisition Corp.
  *10.11  Amendment to Corporate Development and Administrative Services
          Agreement effective October 31, 1993.
  *10.12  Preferred Stock and Common Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of
          January 4, 1996 by and between Nassau Capital Partners L.P. and NAS
          Partners I L.L.C., and Rental Service Corporation.
  *10.13  Letter Agreement dated June 7, 1996 between Nassau Capital Partners
          L.P. and NAS Partners I L.L.C., and Rental Service Corporation.
  *10.14  Stockholders' Agreement dated as of January 4, 1996 by and among the
          parties listed on the signature page thereto and Rental Service
          Corporation.
</TABLE>    
 
                                     II-3
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
  EXHIBITS                              DESCRIPTION
 -----------                            -----------
 <C>         <S>
      *10.15 Stock Option Plan for Key Employees.
      *10.16 Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement for Directors.
      *10.17 Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement for Region Managers.
      *10.18 Form of Amended Incentive Stock Option Agreement for Region
             Managers.
      *10.19 Form of Amended Incentive Stock Option Agreement for Corporate
             Office Personnel.
      *10.20 Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement for Other Corporate and
             District Personnel.
      *10.21 Form of Indemnification Agreement.
      *10.22 Termination Agreement dated July 22, 1996, between Rental Service
             Corporation and Brentwood Buyout Partners, L.P. providing for
             termination of the Corporate Development and Administrative
             Services Agreement.
      *10.23 Letter Agreement dated June 1, 1996 between Rental Service
             Corporation and David G. Ledlow.
      *10.24 Form of Amendment to Amended Incentive Stock Option Agreement for
             Region Managers.
      *10.25 Form of Amendment to Amended Incentive Stock Option Agreement for
             Region Managers.
      *10.26 Form of Amendment to Amended Incentive Stock Option Agreement for
             Region Managers.
      *10.27 Form of Amendment to Amended Incentive Stock Option Agreement for
             Corporate Office Personnel.
     **10.28 1996 Equity Participation Plan of Rental Service Corporation.
    +++10.29 Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement for Employees.
    +++10.30 Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement for Directors.
     ++10.31 Employee Qualified Stock Purchase Plan of Rental Service
             Corporation.
    ***10.32 Stock Purchase Agreement by and among Andy G. Gessner; Larry R.
             Bush; Stacy K. Bush; Larry R. Bush; Trustee of the Stacy K. Bush
             Trust and Roy B. Bush as "Sellers," Acme Dixie Inc., as "Buyer,"
             Rental Service Corporation as "Parent" and Comtect, Inc. and
             Comtect, Inc.'s subsidiaries as the "Company," dated March 14,
             1997.
    ***10.33 Asset Purchase Agreement by and among Brute Equipment Co. d/b/a
             "Foxx Hy-Reach Company" as "Seller," Rental Service Corporation,
             Walker Jones Equipment Company as "Buyer" and Thomas H. Foster,
             dated April 25, 1997.
    ***10.34 Asset Purchase Agreement by and among Central States Equipment,
             Inc. and Equipment Lessors, Inc. as "Sellers," Walker Jones
             Equipment Company as "Buyer" and the stockholders of Sellers,
             dated April 26, 1997.
    +++11.1  Statement re: computation of per share earnings.
    +++21.1  Subsidiaries of Rental Service Corporation.
       23.1  Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
       23.2  Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
       23.3  Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
       23.4  Consent of McGladrey & Pullen, LLP
       23.5  Consent of Latham & Watkins (included in Exhibit 5.1).
    ###24.1  Powers of Attorney
    +++27.1  Financial Data Schedule
</TABLE>    
- --------
   
*     Filed as an exhibit to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1
      (Registration No. 333-05949), as amended, and incorporated herein by
      reference.     
+     Filed as an exhibit to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
      three months ended September 30, 1996, and incorporated herein by
      reference.
#     Filed as an Exhibit to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated
      January 31, 1997, and incorporated herein by reference.
**    Filed as an exhibit to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8
      (Registration No. 22403) dated February 26, 1997, and incorporated herein
      by reference.
++    Filed with the Company's Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed March 26,
      1997, and incorporated herein by reference.
##    Filed as an Exhibit to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
      year ended December 31, 1996, and incorporated herein by reference.
***   Filed as an Exhibit to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated
      April 14, 1997, and incorporated herein by reference.
   
+++   Filed as an Exhibit to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1
      (Registraton No. 333-26753), filed May 9, 1997, and incorporated herein by
      reference.     
   
###   Included in the signature pages in Part II of the Company's Registration
      Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-26753), filed May 9, 1997, and
      incorporated herein by reference.     
 
                                     II-4
<PAGE>
 
 (b) Financial Statement Schedules
 
  Report of Independent Auditors
 
    Schedule I--Condensed Financial Information of Registrant
 
    Condensed Balance Sheets--December 31, 1995 and 1996
    Condensed Statements of Operations--for the years ended December 31,
    1994, 1995 and 1996
    Condensed Statements of Cash Flows--for the years ended December 31,
    1994, 1995 and 1996
    Notes to Condensed Financial Statements--December 31, 1996
 
    Schedule II--Valuation and Qualifying Accounts--as of and for the years
  ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996
 
  Other schedules are not included because the required information is not
present or is included in the consolidated financial statements or notes
thereto.
 
ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS.
 
  The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes to provide to the Underwriters
at the closing specified in the underwriting agreement certificates in such
denominations and registered in such names as required by the Underwriters to
permit prompt delivery to each purchaser.
 
  Insofar as indemnifications for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
Registrant pursuant to the provisions referred to in Item 14 hereof, or
otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the
Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the
Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for
indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the
Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling
person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or
proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in
connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless
in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling
precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether
such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the
Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
 
  The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that:
 
    (1) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities
  Act, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of
  this Registration Statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a
  form of prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or
  (4) or Rule 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be a part of
  this Registration Statement as of the time it was declared effective; and
 
    (2) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities
  Act, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus 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.
 
                                     II-5
<PAGE>
 
                                  SIGNATURES
   
  Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the
Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of
Scottsdale, State of Arizona, on May 22, 1997.     
 
                                          RENTAL SERVICE CORPORATION
 
                                                     /s/ Martin R. Reid
                                          By: _________________________________
                                                       Martin R. Reid
                                                   Chairman of the Board
                                                and Chief Executive Officer
       
  Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in their
capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
             SIGNATURE                           TITLE                    DATE
             ---------                           -----                    ----
 
<S>                                  <C>                           <C>
         /s/ Martin R. Reid          Chairman of the Board and        May 22, 1997
____________________________________ Chief Executive Officer
           Martin R. Reid            (Principal Executive
                                     Officer)
 
                 *                   Chief Financial Officer,         May 22, 1997
____________________________________ Secretary and Treasurer
          Robert M. Wilson           (Principal Financial and
                                     Accounting Officer)
 
                 *                   Director                         May 22, 1997
____________________________________
       William M. Barnum, Jr.
 
                 *                   Director                         May 22, 1997
____________________________________
           James R. Buch
 
                 *                   Director                         May 22, 1997
____________________________________
      Christopher A. Laurence
 
                 *                   Director                         May 22, 1997
____________________________________
          Eric L. Mattson
 
                 *                   Director                         May 22, 1997
____________________________________
         Britton H. Murdoch
</TABLE>    
 
 
                                     II-6
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
             SIGNATURE                           TITLE                    DATE
             ---------                           -----                    ----
<S>                                  <C>                           <C>
                 *                   Director                         May 22, 1997
____________________________________
          John G. Quigley
 
                 *                   Director                         May 22, 1997
____________________________________
        Frederick J. Warren
</TABLE>    
      
   /s/ Martin R. Reid     
   
By: ____________________     
        
     Martin R. Reid     
       
    Attorney-in-Fact     
 
                                      II-7
<PAGE>
 
        REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS ON FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
 
Board of Directors
Rental Service Corporation
 
  We have audited the consolidated financial statements of Rental Service
Corporation (the "Company") as of December 31, 1995 and 1996, and for each of
the three years in the period ended December 31, 1996, and have issued our
report thereon dated February 28, 1997, included elsewhere in this
Registration Statement. Our audits also included the financial statement
schedules listed in Item 16(b) of this Registration Statement. These schedules
are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion based on our audits.
 
  In our opinion, the financial statement schedules referred to above, when
considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as
a whole, present fairly in all material respects the information set forth
therein.
 
                                          /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
 
Phoenix, Arizona
February 28, 1997
 
                                      S-1
<PAGE>
 
           SCHEDULE I--CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
 
                  RENTAL SERVICE CORPORATION (PARENT COMPANY)
 
                            CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             DECEMBER 31
                                                       ------------------------
                                                          1995         1996
                                                       -----------  -----------
<S>                                                    <C>          <C>
                        ASSETS
Cash.................................................. $     5,000  $     5,000
Investment in and net amounts due from wholly owned
 subsidiaries.........................................  39,152,000   95,075,000
                                                       -----------  -----------
                                                       $39,157,000  $95,080,000
                                                       ===========  ===========
         LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Accounts payable and accrued expenses................. $       --   $     8,000
Note payable to bank..................................  10,710,000          --
Redeemable preferred stock............................  28,401,000          --
Common stockholders' equity:
 Common stock.........................................      42,000      114,000
 Additional paid-in capital...........................      40,000   93,917,000
 Retained earnings (deficit)..........................     (36,000)   1,041,000
                                                       -----------  -----------
Total common stockholders' equity.....................      46,000   95,072,000
                                                       -----------  -----------
                                                       $39,157,000  $95,080,000
                                                       ===========  ===========
</TABLE>
 
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      S-2
<PAGE>
 
           SCHEDULE I--CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
 
                  RENTAL SERVICE CORPORATION (PARENT COMPANY)
 
                       CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                            ----------------------------------
                                               1994        1995        1996
                                            ----------  ----------  ----------
<S>                                         <C>         <C>         <C>
Costs and expenses:
  General and administrative expenses...... $   93,000  $      --   $      --
  Interest expense (income)................     28,000      (7,000)      3,000
                                            ----------  ----------  ----------
Income (loss) before equity in income of
 subsidiaries and extraordinary item.......   (121,000)     (3,000)  (121,000)
Equity in income of subsidiaries...........  2,097,000   3,230,000   2,503,000
                                            ----------  ----------  ----------
Income before extraordinary item...........  1,976,000   3,237,000   2,500,000
Extraordinary item, gain on extinguishment
 of debt less applicable income taxes of
 $142,000 in 1996..........................        --          --      220,000
                                            ----------  ----------  ----------
Net income................................. $1,976,000  $3,237,000  $2,720,000
                                            ==========  ==========  ==========
</TABLE>
 
 
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      S-3
<PAGE>
 
           SCHEDULE I--CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
 
                  RENTAL SERVICE CORPORATION (PARENT COMPANY)
 
                       CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                           -----------------------------------
                                              1994        1995        1996
                                           ----------  ----------  -----------
<S>                                        <C>         <C>         <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income................................ $1,976,000  $3,237,000  $ 2,720,000
Equity in income of subsidiaries.......... (2,097,000) (3,230,000)  (2,503,000)
Extraordinary item........................         --          --     (220,000)
Change in accounts payable and accrued
 expenses.................................    109,000    (109,000)       8,000
                                           ----------  ----------  -----------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating
 activities...............................    (12,000)   (102,000)       5,000
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from sale of preferred stock.....    259,000          --    7,500,000
Repurchase of preferred stock.............         --          --  (37,874,000)
Proceeds from notes payable...............         --  10,000,000           --
Payments on notes payable.................         --          --  (12,055,000)
Proceeds from sale of common stock........         --          --   95,223,000
Proceeds from exercise of stock options...         --          --        1,000
Repurchase of common stock warrants.......         --          --     (945,000)
Loans to subsidiaries.....................   (247,000) (9,893,000) (51,855,000)
                                           ----------  ----------  -----------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing
 activities...............................     12,000     107,000       (5,000)
                                           ----------  ----------  -----------
Increase in cash.......................... $       --  $    5,000  $        --
                                           ==========  ==========  ===========
</TABLE>
 
 
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      S-4
<PAGE>
 
           SCHEDULE I--CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
 
                  RENTAL SERVICE CORPORATION (PARENT COMPANY)
 
                    NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
                               DECEMBER 31, 1996
 
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
  Rental Service Corporation (RSC or Company), a Delaware Corporation, was
formed in June 1993 when all of the outstanding preferred and common shares of
RSC Acquisition Corp. were exchanged for the same number, class and par value
of shares of RSC. RSC Acquisition Corp. was formed in July 1992.
  Rental Service Corporation's investment in subsidiaries is stated at cost
plus equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries since the date of
acquisition. The Company's share of net income of its unconsolidated
subsidiaries is included in consolidated income using the equity method. The
parent company-only financial statements should be read in conjunction with
the Company's consolidated financial statements.
  Certain amounts in the prior year financial statements have been
reclassified to conform with the current year financial statement
presentation.
 
2. LONG-TERM DEBT
 
  The note payable to Bank was collateralized by the common stock of RSC
Holdings, Inc. and RSC Acquisition Corp. The note payable agreement includes
certain limitations and restrictions of payments and investments.
 
  On September 24, 1996, the Company repaid the note payable to Bank and
repurchased the related warrants for $13 million, utilizing proceeds from its
initial public offering. This redemption resulted in a reduction of additional
paid-in capital of $945,000 and a gain on extinguishment of debt of $362,000,
which has been classified as an extraordinary item, net of income taxes of
$142,000, in the accompanying condensed statements of operations for the year
ended December 31, 1996.
 
  The Company has guaranteed its subsidiaries $125,000,000 revolving line of
credit with a bank, of which $56,042,000 and $67,867,000 is outstanding at
December 31, 1995 and 1996, respectively.
 
3. SUBSEQUENT EVENT
 
  Effective January 31, 1997, the Company amended the Revolver to, among other
things, increase the availability to $200,000,000, increase the advance rates
on eligible rental equipment to 100%, decrease the interest rate margins by
0.50% and extend the maturity date to January 31, 2002. In addition, the
amended Revolver modifies certain covenants, including the restrictions on
investments, capital expenditures and acquisitions. In connection with the
implementation of the amended Revolver, the Company anticipates recording an
extraordinary loss on extinguishment of debt of $920,000, net of income taxes
of $386,000, in the first quarter of 1997 associated with the write-off of
unamortized debt issuance costs.
 
                                      S-5
<PAGE>
 
                 SCHEDULE II--VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
 
                           RENTAL SERVICE CORPORATION
 
                  YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994, 1995 AND 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  ADDITIONS
                                           -----------------------
                                           CHARGED TO
                            BALANCE AT     COSTS AND               DEDUCTIONS --   BALANCE AT
      DESCRIPTION        BEGINNING OF YEAR  EXPENSES  ACQUISITIONS   DESCRIBE      END OF YEAR
- ------------------------ ----------------- ---------- ------------ -------------   -----------
<S>                      <C>               <C>        <C>          <C>             <C>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
 1994
Deducted from assets
 accounts:
  Allowance for doubtful
   accounts                 $   379,000    $  621,000  $  236,000   $  280,000(a)  $   956,000
  Reserve for rental
   equipment                     97,000        92,000          --       32,000(b)      157,000
  Reserve for resale
   equipment............        202,000        78,000          --           --         280,000
  Income tax valuation
   allowance............             --        27,000          --           --          27,000
                            -----------    ----------  ----------   ----------     -----------
Total...................    $   678,000    $  818,000  $  236,000   $  312,000     $ 1,420,000
                            ===========    ==========  ==========   ==========     ===========
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
 1995
Deducted from assets
 accounts:
  Allowance for doubtful
   accounts                 $   956,000    $1,040,000  $  582,000   $  787,000(a)  $ 1,791,000
  Reserve for rental
   equipment                    157,000            --     519,000      165,000(b)      511,000
  Reserve for resale
   equipment............        280,000       138,000     185,000           --         603,000
  Income tax valuation
   allowance............         27,000            --   7,831,000           --       7,858,000
                            -----------    ----------  ----------   ----------     -----------
Total...................    $ 1,420,000    $1,178,000  $9,117,000   $  952,000     $10,763,000
                            ===========    ==========  ==========   ==========     ===========
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
 1996
Deducted from assets
 accounts:
  Allowance for doubtful
   accounts                 $ 1,791,000    $1,692,000  $  276,000   $1,594,000(a)  $ 2,165,000
  Reserve for rental
   equipment                    511,000       434,000          --       22,000(b)      923,000
  Reserve for resale
   equipment                    603,000        97,000     224,000      142,000(b)      782,000
  Income tax valuation
   allowance                  7,858,000            --          --    3,118,000(c)    4,740,000
                            -----------    ----------  ----------   ----------     -----------
Total...................    $10,763,000    $2,223,000  $  500,000   $4,876,000     $ 8,610,000
                            ===========    ==========  ==========   ==========     ===========
</TABLE>
- -------
(a) Write-off of uncollectible accounts, net of recoveries.
 
(b) Write-off of physical inventory shortages or obsolescence.
 
(c) Decrease due to changes in the expected future utilization of net operating
    loss carryforwards.
 
                                      S-6
<PAGE>
 
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                                   SEQUENTIALLY
                                                                     NUMBERED
 EXHIBITS                       DESCRIPTION                            PAGE
 --------                       -----------                        ------------
 <C>      <S>                                                      <C>
  +++1.1  Form of Underwriting Agreement.
    *3.1  Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of
          the Company.
   ##3.2  Form of Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company.
     5.1  Opinion of Latham & Watkins as to the validity of the
          securities being registered hereby.
   *10.1  Credit Agreement among Acme Alabama, Inc., Acme Dixie
          Inc., Acme Duval Inc., Acme Rents, Inc., The Air &
          Pump Company and Walker Jones Equipment, Inc., as
          Borrowers, Acme Acquisition Corp. and Acme Holdings
          Inc., as Parent Guarantors, each of the financial
          institutions initially a signatory thereto, together
          with those assignees pursuant to Section 12.8 thereof,
          as Lenders, Bankers Trust Company, as Issuing Bank,
          and BT Commercial Corporation, as Agent, dated as of
          September 12, 1995.
   *10.2  First Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of
          September 26, 1995.
   *10.3  Second Amendment and Consent to Credit Agreement dated
          as of December 21, 1995.
   +10.4  Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of
          September 24, 1996.
   #10.5  First Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit
          Agreement, dated as of January 31, 1997.
 +++10.6  Letter Agreement dated April 30, 1997, between the
          Company's subsidiaries and BT Commercial Corporation
          relating to a proposed amendment to the Amended and
          Restated Credit Agreement.
   *10.7  Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of July 25, 1995,
          between Acme Acquisition Holdings Corp. and Martin R.
          Reid.
   *10.8  Stock Purchase and Severance Agreement dated as of
          July 25, 1995, between Acme Acquisition Holdings Corp.
          and Douglas A. Waugaman.
   *10.9  Stock Purchase and Severance Agreement dated as of
          October 4, 1995 between Rental Service Corporation and
          Douglas A. Waugaman.
  *10.10  Corporate Development and Administrative Services
          Agreement dated as of July 17, 1992 between Brentwood
          Buyout Partners, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership,
          and Acme Acquisition Corp.
  *10.11  Amendment to Corporate Development and Administrative
          Services Agreement effective October 31, 1993.
  *10.12  Preferred Stock and Common Stock Purchase Agreement
          dated as of January 4, 1996 by and between Nassau
          Capital Partners L.P. and NAS Partners I L.L.C., and
          Rental Service Corporation.
  *10.13  Letter Agreement dated June 7, 1996 between Nassau
          Capital Partners L.P. and NAS Partners I L.L.C., and
          Rental Service Corporation.
  *10.14  Stockholders' Agreement dated as of January 4, 1996 by
          and among the parties listed on the signature page
          thereto and Rental Service Corporation.
  *10.15  Stock Option Plan for Key Employees.
  *10.16  Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement for
          Directors.
  *10.17  Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement for Region
          Managers.
  *10.18  Form of Amended Incentive Stock Option Agreement for
          Region Managers.
  *10.19  Form of Amended Incentive Stock Option Agreement for
          Corporate Office Personnel.
  *10.20  Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement for Other
          Corporate and District Personnel.
  *10.21  Form of Indemnification Agreement.
</TABLE>    
<PAGE>
 
                           
                        EXHIBIT INDEX--(CONTINUED)     
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                                   SEQUENTIALLY
                                                                     NUMBERED
    EXHIBITS                     DESCRIPTION                           PAGE
    --------                     -----------                       ------------
 <C>         <S>                                                   <C>
      *10.22 Termination Agreement dated July 22, 1996, between
             Rental Service Corporation and Brentwood Buyout
             Partners, L.P. providing for termination of the
             Corporate Development and Administrative Services
             Agreement.
      *10.23 Letter Agreement dated June 1, 1996 between Rental
             Service Corporation and David G.
             Ledlow.
      *10.24 Form of Amendment to Amended Incentive Stock Option
             Agreement for Region Managers.
      *10.25 Form of Amendment to Amended Incentive Stock Option
             Agreement for Region Managers.
      *10.26 Form of Amendment to Amended Incentive Stock Option
             Agreement for Region Managers.
      *10.27 Form of Amendment to Amended Incentive Stock Option
             Agreement for Corporate Office Personnel.
     **10.28 1996 Equity Participation Plan of Rental Service
             Corporation.
    +++10.29 Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement for
             Employees.
    +++10.30 Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement for
             Directors.
     ++10.31 Employee Qualified Stock Purchase Plan of Rental
             Service Corporation.
    ***10.32 Stock Purchase Agreement by and among Andy G.
             Gessner; Larry R. Bush; Stacy K. Bush; Larry R.
             Bush; Trustee of the Stacy K. Bush Trust and Roy B.
             Bush as "Sellers," Acme Dixie Inc., as "Buyer,"
             Rental Service Corporation as "Parent" and Comtect,
             Inc. and Comtect, Inc.'s subsidiaries as the
             "Company," dated March 14, 1997.
    ***10.33 Asset Purchase Agreement by and among Brute
             Equipment Co. d/b/a "Foxx Hy-Reach Company" as
             "Seller," Rental Service Corporation, Walker Jones
             Equipment Company as "Buyer" and Thomas H. Foster,
             dated April 25, 1997.
    ***10.34 Asset Purchase Agreement by and among Central
             States Equipment, Inc. and Equipment Lessors, Inc.
             as "Sellers," Walker Jones Equipment Company as
             "Buyer" and the stockholders of Sellers, dated
             April 26, 1997.
    +++11.1  Statement re: computation of per share earnings.
    +++21.1  Subsidiaries of Rental Service Corporation.
       23.1  Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
       23.2  Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
       23.3  Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
       23.4  Consent of McGladrey & Pullen, LLP
       23.5  Consent of Latham & Watkins (included in Exhibit
             5.1).
    ###24.1  Powers of Attorney
    +++27.1  Financial Data Schedule
</TABLE>    
- --------
   
*   Filed as an exhibit to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1
    (Registration No. 333-05949), as amended, and incorporated herein by
    reference.     
+   Filed as an exhibit to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
    three months ended September 30, 1996, and incorporated herein by
    reference.
#   Filed as an Exhibit to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated
    January 31, 1997, and incorporated herein by reference.
**  Filed as an exhibit to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8
    (Registration No. 22403) dated February 26, 1997, and incorporated herein
    by reference.
++  Filed with the Company's Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed March 26,
    1997, and incorporated herein by reference.
##  Filed as an Exhibit to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
    year ended December 31, 1996, and incorporated herein by reference.
*** Filed as an Exhibit to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated
    April 14, 1997, and incorporated herein by reference.
   
+++ Filed as an Exhibit to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1
    (Registraton No. 333-26753), filed May 9, 1997, and incorporated herein by
    reference.     
   
### Included in the signature pages in Part II of the Company's Registration
    Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-26753), filed May 9, 1997, and
    incorporated herein by reference.     

<PAGE>
 
                                                                     EXHIBIT 5.1


                                LATHAM & WATKINS
                                Attorneys At Law
                       633 West Fifth Street, Suite 4000
                       Los Angeles, California 90071-2007
                            Telephone (213) 485-1234
                               Fax (213) 891-8763



                                 May 23, 1997



Rental Service Corporation
14505 N. Hayden Road, Suite 322
Scottsdale, Arizona  85260


          Re:  Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-26753)
               4,600,000 Shares of Common Stock, par value $.01 per share
               ----------------------------------------------------------


Ladies and Gentlemen:

          In connection with the registration of 4,600,000 shares of common
stock, par value $.01 per share (the "Shares") of Rental Service Corporation, a
Delaware corporation (the "Company"), under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-26753)
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") on May 9,
1997, as amended by Amendment No. 1 filed May 23, 1997 (together, the
"Registration Statement"), you have requested our opinion with respect to the
matters set forth below.

<PAGE>
 
LATHAM & WATKINS                                          
Rental Service Corporation
May 23, 1997
Page 2


          In our capacity as your counsel in connection with such registration,
we are familiar with the proceedings taken and proposed to be taken by the
Company in connection with the authorization, issuance and sale of the Shares,
and for the purposes of this opinion, have assumed such proceedings will be
timely completed in the manner presently proposed.  In addition, we have made
such legal and factual examinations and inquiries, including an examination of
originals or copies certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction of
such documents, corporate records and instruments, as we have deemed necessary
or appropriate for purposes of this opinion.

          In our examination, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures,
the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, and the
conformity to authentic original documents of all documents submitted to us as
copies.

          We are opining herein as to the effect on the subject transaction only
of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware and we express no
opinion with respect to the applicability thereto, or the effect thereon, of any
other laws or as to any matters of municipal law or the laws of any local
agencies within the state.

          Subject to the foregoing, it is our opinion that as of the date hereof
the Shares have been duly authorized, and upon issuance, delivery and payment
therefor in the manner contemplated by the Registration Statement, will be
validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

          We consent to you filing this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement and to the reference to our firm under the heading "Legal
Matters."


                                           Very truly yours,



                                           /s/ Latham & Watkins

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1
 
                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
   
  We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" and to
the use of our reports dated February 28, 1997, with respect to the
consolidated financial statements and schedules of Rental Service Corporation
as of December 31, 1995 and 1996 and for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 1996, in the Registration Statement (Form S-1 No. 333-26753)
and related Prospectus of Rental Service Corporation for the registration of
4,600,000 shares of its common stock.     
 
                                          /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
 
Phoenix, Arizona
   
May 22, 1997     

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 23.2
 
                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
   
  We consent to the use of our report dated March 30, 1995 with respect to the
consolidated financial statements of Acme Holdings Inc. as of December 31,
1993 and 1994, and for each of the three years in the period ended December
31, 1994, in the Registration Statement (Form S-1 No. 333-26753) and related
Prospectus of Rental Service Corporation for the registration of 4,600,000
shares of its common stock.     
 
                                          /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
 
Orange County, California
   
May 22, 1997     

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 23.3
 
                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
   
  We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" and to
the use of our report dated May 6, 1997 with respect to the combined financial
statements of Industrial Air Tool as of March 31, 1996 and 1997 and for the
years then ended, in the Registration Statement (Form S-1 No. 333-26753) and
related Prospectus of Rental Service Corporation for the registration of
4,600,000 shares of its common stock.     
 
                                          /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
 
Phoenix, Arizona
   
May 22, 1997     
 

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.4
 
                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
   
  We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" and to
the use of our report dated April 26, 1997 with respect to the financial
statements of Brute Equipment Co. as of December 31, 1995 and 1996 and for each
of the years then ended, in the Registration Statement (Form S-1 No. 333-26753)
and related Prospectus of Rental Service Corporation for the registration of
4,600,000 shares of its common stock.     
 
                                          /s/ McGLADREY & PULLEN, LLP
 
Moline, Illinois
   
May 22, 1997     


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