SUBURBAN OSTOMY SUPPLY CO INC
S-1/A, 1996-07-26
MEDICAL, DENTAL & HOSPITAL EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES
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<PAGE>
 
     
  AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON JULY 26, 1996     
                                                    
                                                 REGISTRATION NO. 333-6621     
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
                               ----------------
                                
                             AMENDMENT NO. 1     
                                       
                                    TO     
                                   FORM S-1
                            REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                          THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
 
                               ----------------
                       SUBURBAN OSTOMY SUPPLY CO., INC.
            (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
 
      MASSACHUSETTS                  5047                    04-2675674
     (STATE OR OTHER     (PRIMARY STANDARD INDUSTRIAL     (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
     JURISDICTION OF      CLASSIFICATION CODE NUMBER)    IDENTIFICATION NO.)
    INCORPORATION OR
      ORGANIZATION)
 
                             75 OCTOBER HILL ROAD
                              HOLLISTON, MA 01746
                                (508) 429-1000
              (ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER,
       INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
 
                               ----------------
                                HERBERT P. GRAY
                            CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
                       SUBURBAN OSTOMY SUPPLY CO., INC.
                             75 OCTOBER HILL ROAD
                              HOLLISTON, MA 01746
                                (508) 429-1000
(NAME, ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE,
                             OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
 
                                  COPIES TO:
         JAMES WESTRA, ESQUIRE                 JOHN J. HUBER, ESQUIRE
      HUTCHINS, WHEELER & DITTMAR                 LATHAM & WATKINS
      A PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION                     SUITE 1300
          101 FEDERAL STREET               1001 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE, N.W.
      BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02110               WASHINGTON, DC 20004
            (617) 951-6600                         (202) 637-2200
 
  APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: As soon as
practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement.
 
  If the only securities being registered on this Form are to be offered
pursuant to a dividend or interest reinvestment plan, please check the
following box. [_]
 
  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, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or
interest reinvestment plans, 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, check the following box and
list the Securities Act registration statement number of 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 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, AS AMENDED, OR UNTIL THE
REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(A), MAY DETERMINE.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
 
                        SUBURBAN OSTOMY SUPPLY CO., INC.
 
                             CROSS-REFERENCE SHEET
        (PURSUANT TO ITEM 501 OF REGULATION S-K SHOWING THE LOCATION IN
    THE PROSPECTUS OF THE RESPONSES TO THE ITEMS IN PART I OF THE FORM S-1)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 ITEM NUMBER AND HEADING
 ON FORM S-1                               LOCATION IN PROSPECTUS
 -----------------------                   ----------------------
<S>                         <C>
 1. Forepart of the
   Registration Statement
   and Outside Front Cover
   Page of Prospectus.....  Outside Front Cover Page of Prospectus
 2. Inside Front Cover and
   Outside Back Cover                                                          
   Pages of Prospectus....  Inside Front Cover and Outside Back Cover Pages of 
                            Prospectus                                         
 3. Summary Information,
   Risk Factors and Ratio
   of Earning to Fixed
   Charges................  Prospectus Summary; Risk Factors
 4. Use of Proceeds.......  Prospectus Summary; Use of Proceeds
 5. Determination of
   Offering Price.........  Outside Front Cover Page of Prospectus; Underwriting
 6. Dilution..............  Risk Factors; Dilution
 7. Selling Security
   Holders................  Not Applicable
 8. Plan of Distribution..  Outside Front Cover Page; Underwriting
 9. Description of
   Securities to be
   Registered.............  Capitalization; Description of Capital Stock
10. Interests of Named
   Experts and Counsel....  Not Applicable
11. Information with
   Respect to the                                                               
   Registrant.............  Outside Front Cover Page of Prospectus; Prospectus  
                            Summary; Risk Factors; The Company; Recent          
                            Developments; Use of Proceeds; Dividend Policy;     
                            Capitalization; Dilution; Selected Consolidated     
                            Financial Data; Unaudited Combined Pro Forma        
                            Financial Data; Management's Discussion and Analysis
                            of Financial Condition and Results of Operations;   
                            Business; Management; Certain Transactions;         
                            Principal Stockholders; Description of Capital      
                            Stock; Shares Eligible for Future Sale; Consolidated
                            Financial Statements                                
12. Disclosure of
   Commission Position on
   Indemnification for
   Securities Act
   Liabilities............  Not Applicable
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
 
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A         +
+REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE   +
+SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY  +
+OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT        +
+BECOMES EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR   +
+THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE      +
+SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE    +
+UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF  +
+ANY SUCH STATE.                                                               +
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION
   
Dated July 26, 1996     
 
                                3,750,000 SHARES
 
                                     [LOGO]
 
 
                                  COMMON STOCK
 
                                  -----------
 
All  of the  shares of  Common Stock offered  hereby (the  "Shares") are  being
 offered by  Suburban Ostomy Supply  Co., Inc. ("Suburban" or  the "Company").
  Prior to  this offering,  there has  been no public  market for  the Common
   Stock. It is currently anticipated that the initial public offering price
   will  be between  $12.50 and  $14.50 per share.  See "Underwriting."  The
    Company has  applied to have the  Shares approved for quotation  on the
     Nasdaq National Market under the symbol "SOSC."
 
                                  -----------
 
 SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 7 FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION
              THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BY PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS.
 
                                  -----------
 
 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>
                     UNDERWRITING
           PRICE TO DISCOUNTS AND  PROCEEDS TO
            PUBLIC  COMMISSIONS(1) COMPANY(2)
- ----------------------------------------------
<S>        <C>      <C>            <C>
PER SHARE    $           $             $
TOTAL(3)    $           $             $
- ----------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------
</TABLE>    
 
(1) The Company has agreed to indemnify the several 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 $800,000.
(3) The Company has granted the several Underwriters a 30-day option to
    purchase up to an additional 562,500 shares of Common Stock to cover over-
    allotments, if any. If all such shares are purchased, the total price to
    public, underwriting discounts and commissions and proceeds to Company will
    be $   , $    and $   , respectively. See "Underwriting."
 
                                  -----------
 
  The Shares are offered by the several Underwriters named herein when, as and
if received and accepted by them, subject to their right to reject any order in
whole or in part and subject to certain other conditions. It is expected that
delivery of the Shares will be made in New York, New York, on or about    ,
1996.
 
                                  -----------
 
DEAN WITTER REYNOLDS INC.
          BEAR, STEARNS & CO. INC.
                     WILLIAM BLAIR & COMPANY
                                                      WHEAT FIRST BUTCHER SINGER
    , 1996
<PAGE>
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     COVER FROM THE WINTER 1995 WHOLESALE CATALOG FEATURING HERBERT
     P. GRAY, CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF SUBURBAN, AND
        CERTAIN REPRESENTATIVE MEDICAL SUPPLIES FROM THE CATALOG.
 
  IN CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING, THE UNDERWRITERS MAY OVER-ALLOT OR EFFECT
TRANSACTIONS WHICH STABILIZE OR MAINTAIN THE MARKET PRICE OF THE COMMON STOCK
OF THE COMPANY AT A LEVEL ABOVE THAT WHICH MIGHT OTHERWISE PREVAIL IN THE OPEN
MARKET. SUCH STABILIZING, IF COMMENCED, MAY BE DISCONTINUED AT ANY TIME.
<PAGE>
 
  NO DEALER, SALESPERSON OR OTHER PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS IN CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING OTHER
THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH OTHER
INFORMATION AND REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN
AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY OR THE UNDERWRITERS. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS
PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE
ANY IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY
SINCE THE DATE HEREOF OR THAT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS CORRECT AS
OF ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO ITS DATE. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN
OFFER TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY SECURITIES OTHER THAN
THE REGISTERED SECURITIES TO WHICH IT RELATES. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT
CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY SUCH
SECURITIES IN ANY CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION IS
UNLAWFUL.
 
                               ----------------
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      PAGE
                                                                      ----
<S>                                                                   <C>
Prospectus Summary...................................................    4
Risk Factors.........................................................    7
The Company..........................................................   11
Recent Developments..................................................   11
Use of Proceeds......................................................   12
Dividend Policy......................................................   13
Dilution.............................................................   14
Capitalization.......................................................   15
Selected Consolidated Financial Data.................................   16
Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Data..........................   18
Management's Discussion and
 Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations...........   22
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      PAGE
                                                                      ----
<S>                                                                  <C>
Business.............................................................   29
Management...........................................................   39
Certain Transactions.................................................   43
Principal Stockholders...............................................   45
Description of Capital Stock.........................................   46
Shares Eligible for Future Sale......................................   48
Underwriting.........................................................   50
Legal Matters........................................................   51
Experts..............................................................   51
Additional Information...............................................   51
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements...........................  F-1
</TABLE>
 
                               ----------------
 
  UNTIL     , 1996 (25 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THE PROSPECTUS), ALL DEALERS
EFFECTING TRANSACTIONS IN THE SHARES, WHETHER OR NOT PARTICIPATING IN THIS
DISTRIBUTION, MAY BE REQUIRED TO DELIVER A PROSPECTUS. THIS IS IN ADDITION TO
THE OBLIGATIONS OF DEALERS TO DELIVER A PROSPECTUS WHEN ACTING AS UNDERWRITERS
AND WITH RESPECT TO THEIR UNSOLD ALLOTMENTS OR SUBSCRIPTIONS.
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
                               PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
 
  The following summary is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed
information, including the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes
thereto, appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus. Unless otherwise indicated,
the information in this Prospectus: (i) reflects a 3.67 for 1 stock split
effected as of June 21, 1996 by means of a stock dividend; and (ii) assumes no
exercise of the Underwriters' over-allotment option. See "Capitalization."
References to a particular fiscal year of the Company are to the fiscal year of
the Company which ends on the Saturday nearest to August 31 of such year.
Unless the context requires otherwise, references to "Suburban" or the
"Company" are to Suburban Ostomy Supply Co., Inc., and with respect to periods
following their respective acquisitions, its subsidiaries, St. Louis Ostomy
Distributors, Inc. ("St. Louis Ostomy") and Patient-Care Medical Sales
("Patient-Care").
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
  Suburban is a leading national direct marketing wholesaler of medical
supplies and related products to the home health care industry. The Company
sells products to over 20,000 customers, including: (i) independent suppliers
of home health care products (principally home medical equipment dealers and
local and chain pharmacies); (ii) national home health care chains and
wholesalers; and (iii) managed care organizations. Through its direct sales and
marketing programs, the Company markets a comprehensive selection of more than
5,000 stock keeping units ("SKUs"), comprised primarily of ostomy,
incontinence, diabetic and wound care products. The Company's primary product
lines fulfill its customers' needs to provide a complete line of products for
their home health care patients. The Company believes that its success is
attributable to the expertise gained from more than 17 years of focus on its
product lines and its commitment to providing superior service and technical
support to its customers.
   
  The Company has positioned itself as a high volume, cost-effective direct
marketer of home health care products. The Company's direct marketing
materials, particularly its industry-recognized catalog, offer a broad
selection of products in an easy to use format, enabling the Company to offer
its customers a single source for the Company's product lines. During fiscal
1995, the Company distributed over 500,000 pieces of direct mail, consisting of
catalogs, flyers, trade press advertisements and package inserts. This
marketing program is supplemented by telemarketing and frequent "fax specials"
which provide customers competitive pricing and promotional information. The
Company's 40 experienced, highly-trained service representatives located at its
headquarters in Holliston, Massachusetts use the Company's proprietary software
to fill customer orders, explore additional product needs and respond to
customer inquiries. During fiscal 1995, the Company filled over 300,000
customer orders with an average order size of approximately $176. The Company
imposes no annual purchase commitments or minimum order requirements. The
Company's 20 largest customers accounted in the aggregate for less than 13.1%
and 16.2% of the net sales for fiscal 1995 and the thirty-nine weeks ended June
1, 1996, respectively. Suburban provides quick, cost-effective delivery on a
national basis, enabling the Company to meet the needs of national home health
care and managed care organizations as well as local independent suppliers. Its
national distribution network enables the Company to ship over 95% of orders on
the day of receipt, with a product fill rate of over 92%, and to deliver
product to 94% of the U.S. population within 48 hours. The Company also
provides customers with value-added services, such as the Company's stockless
inventory program (the "Stockless Inventory Program") in which the Company
ships products directly to its customers' patients and provides detailed
utilization reporting to customers. The Stockless Inventory Program is designed
to assist customers in reducing their inventory levels, controlling costs and
managing utilization.     
   
  The Company is committed to meeting the changing needs of manufacturers and
customers in the home health care market. Manufacturers are becoming
increasingly dependent upon wholesalers to help reduce manufacturers' costs by
assuming their small order distribution. The Company achieves volume discounts,
rebates and promotional allowances from manufacturers by providing significant
value added services to its suppliers through marketing support and information
management. Suburban's high degree of service, technical support and outbound
telemarketing complements the manufacturers' continuing product support. In
addition, Suburban's direct marketing expertise enhances the manufacturers'
ability to introduce new products and sustain on-going marketing campaigns.
With respect to customers, cost containment efforts are     
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
   
prompting many of the Company's customers to become "one stop shop" suppliers
of home health care products. Suburban offers customers a comprehensive
selection of products that customers typically are unable to stock cost
effectively because of the relatively low volume of sales of such products by
these customers. The Company's national distribution network and management
information systems ("MIS") enable it to fill a large quantity of the small and
broken case orders typically placed by home health care providers and which
many other wholesalers have difficulty filling efficiently.     
   
  The Company believes that there are economic and demographic factors that
will support the continued growth of home health care and the need for the
Company's products. Ongoing efforts to reform the health care system have
resulted in greater cost sensitivity on behalf of medical providers and payors.
Home delivered health and medical services are increasingly recognized as
viable, low-cost alternatives to inpatient care. Industry research indicates
that the majority of patients prefer home health care to institutional care,
and that patients recover more quickly in the home environment with the close
support of family and friends. Technological advancements have also enabled
patients who previously would have required hospitalization to be treated at
home. In addition, the elderly represent the largest and fastest-growing single
consumer segment of health care in the United States. The Company believes that
greater utilization of medical services by the elderly will drive growth in the
use of medical supplies, including products used in the home setting.     
 
  The Company's growth strategy is to increase sales and profitability by: (i)
making strategic acquisitions of health care wholesalers; (ii) increasing sales
to national home health care chains; (iii) adding contracts with managed care
organizations; and (iv) increasing sales to independent suppliers. Consistent
with the Company's acquisition strategy, the Company has recently completed two
acquisitions of home health care wholesalers that have enhanced the Company's
position as a leading national direct marketing wholesaler by increasing the
number of its customers, expanding its geographic markets and product
categories and leveraging its existing infrastructure. In January 1996, the
Company acquired St. Louis Ostomy, which had approximately $17.0 million in
sales in its fiscal 1995, expanding the Company's presence in the Midwest. In
June 1996, the Company acquired Patient-Care, based in Santa Fe Springs,
California, which had approximately $18.0 million in sales in its fiscal 1996.
The Company believes that the acquisition of Patient-Care will expand the
Company's market penetration in California as well as enhance its position in
the incontinence market.
 
                                  THE OFFERING
 
<TABLE>
<S>                              <C>
Common Stock Offered............ 3,750,000 shares
Common Stock Outstanding After   11,117,525 shares(1)
 the Offering...................
Use of Proceeds................. To repay an aggregate of $36,174,459 of
                                 senior and subordinated indebtedness, to
                                 redeem $7,408,747 in value of Suburban's
                                 outstanding Series A Redeemable Preferred
                                 Stock ("Redeemable Preferred Stock"), and for
                                 general corporate or working capital
                                 purposes. See "Use of Proceeds."
Proposed Nasdaq National Market  "SOSC"
 Symbol.........................
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Excludes: (i) 787,949 shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance under
    the Company's 1995 Stock Option Plan (the "Stock Option Plan") (of which
    options to purchase 741,340 shares of Common Stock have been granted and
    options to purchase 111,384 shares of Common Stock were exercisable at June
    1, 1996); and (ii) 102,026 shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance
    under a warrant (the "Bank Warrant") exercisable on or before January 22,
    2006, issued to The First National Bank of Boston (the "Bank") in
    connection with the Credit Agreement dated as of July 3, 1995, as amended
    as of January 22, 1996 and further amended as of June 14, 1996 (the "Credit
    Facility"). See "Use of Proceeds," "Management--Stock Option Plan" and
    "Certain Transactions."
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
                   SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
              (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AND OPERATING DATA)
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                                     FISCAL YEAR ENDED
                                                                     SEPTEMBER 2, 1995
                                FISCAL YEAR ENDED (1)               (52 WEEKS) (1) (2)         THIRTY-NINE WEEKS ENDED (1)
                    --------------------------------------------- ------------------------ ------------------------------------
                                                                                           JUNE 3, 1995      JUNE 1, 1996
                    AUGUST 31, AUGUST 29, AUGUST 28, SEPTEMBER 3,                          ------------ -----------------------
                       1991       1992       1993        1994                 PRO FORMA                            PRO FORMA
                    (52 WEEKS) (52 WEEKS) (52 WEEKS)  (53 WEEKS)  ACTUAL   AS ADJUSTED (3)    ACTUAL    ACTUAL   AS ADJUSTED(3)
                    ---------- ---------- ---------- ------------ -------  --------------- ------------ -------  --------------
<S>                 <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>      <C>             <C>          <C>      <C>
CONSOLIDATED
 INCOME STATEMENT
 DATA:
 Net sales.......    $32,571    $37,921    $42,738     $47,311    $52,667      $87,937       $39,324    $49,302     $70,462
 Cost of goods
  sold...........     24,411     28,599     32,305      35,599     39,872       67,918        29,660     37,476      54,276
                     -------    -------    -------     -------    -------      -------       -------    -------     -------
 Gross profit....      8,160      9,322     10,433      11,712     12,795       20,019         9,664     11,826      16,186
 Operating
  expenses.......      5,333      7,512      6,991       7,627      7,752       12,184         5,684      6,241       9,481
 Depreciation and
  amortization...        267        268        265         270        266          932           195        387         716
 Non-recurring
  executive
  compensation (4)..     --         --       2,111       2,237        --           --            --         --          --
                     -------    -------    -------     -------    -------      -------       -------    -------     -------
 Operating
  income.........      2,560      1,542      1,066       1,578      4,777        6,903         3,785      5,198       5,989
 Interest
  expense........         --         --         --          --        370           30             7      1,841          22
 Other expense
  (income), net..       (238)      (224)      (158)       (132)      (145)        (261)         (125)       (15)        (78)
                     -------    -------    -------     -------    -------      -------       -------    -------     -------
 Income before
  income taxes...      2,798      1,766      1,224       1,710      4,552        7,134         3,903      3,372       6,045
 Provision for
  income taxes...        142        101         69          88        358        1,520           236      1,446       2,616
                     -------    -------    -------     -------    -------      -------       -------    -------     -------
 Net income......    $ 2,656    $ 1,665    $ 1,155     $ 1,622    $ 4,194      $ 5,614       $ 3,667    $ 1,926     $ 3,429
                     =======    =======    =======     =======    =======      =======       =======    =======     =======
 Net income
  applicable to
  common
  stockholders
  (5)............    $ 2,656    $ 1,665    $ 1,155     $ 1,622    $ 4,083      $ 5,614       $ 3,667    $ 1,419     $ 3,429
                     =======    =======    =======     =======    =======      =======       =======    =======     =======
 Supplemental pro
  forma data (6):
 Net income......      1,679      1,060        735       1,026      2,955        4,150         2,342      3,047       3,429
                                                                  =======      =======                  =======     =======
 Net income per
  share..........                                                 $   .29      $   .35                  $   .26     $   .29
                                                                  =======      =======                  =======     =======
 Weighted average
  common shares
  outstanding....                                                  10,343       11,915                   11,916      11,916
                                                                  =======      =======                  =======     =======
OPERATING DATA:
 Number of
  orders.........    203,573    223,418    247,469     276,056    307,525                    228,028    295,949
 Inventory
  turnover (7)...        8.7x       8.7x       8.4x        9.8x      11.8x                      10.6x      10.9x
</TABLE>    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        JUNE 1, 1996
                                             -----------------------------------
                                                          PRO       PRO FORMA
                                              ACTUAL   FORMA (8) AS ADJUSTED (9)
                                             --------  --------- ---------------
<S>                                          <C>       <C>       <C>
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET DATA:
 Working capital............................ $  8,562   $ 9,783      $12,912
 Total assets...............................   26,808    33,522       36,179
 Long-term debt.............................   31,419    35,884          --
 Redeemable preferred stock (2).............    7,268     7,268          --
 Total stockholders' (deficit) equity ......  (18,389)  (18,389)      27,892
</TABLE>
- -------
(1) The Company's fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest to August 31, and is
    divided into four thirteen-week periods.
(2) In connection with a recapitalization completed in July 1995 (the
    "Recapitalization"), the Company: (i) issued to certain investors $6.75
    million in aggregate principal amount of 12% Junior Subordinated Notes due
    June 30, 2000 (the "Summit Notes") and $6.65 million stated value of
    Redeemable Preferred Stock which accretes a dividend of 10% per year; (ii)
    issued to certain executive officers $2.5 million in aggregate principal
    amount of 12% Junior Subordinated Promissory Notes (the "Management
    Notes"); and (iii) borrowed $13.5 million under the Credit Facility.
(3) Pro forma data for the fiscal year ended September 2, 1995 and the thirty-
    nine weeks ended June 1, 1996 have been adjusted to reflect the
    acquisitions of St. Louis Ostomy and Patient-Care (the "Recent
    Acquisitions") and the sale of the 3,750,000 shares of Common Stock offered
    hereby, at an assumed price of $13.50 per share and the application of the
    net proceeds therefrom, as if such transactions had been effected September
    4, 1994. In connection with the acquisition of St. Louis Ostomy in January
    1996, the Company issued to the former sole stockholder of St. Louis Ostomy
    a $1.235 million 10% Junior Subordinated Promissory Note due January 22,
    2001 (the "St. Louis Note"). See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
    Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Certain Transactions."
    See "Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Data."
(4) Represents bonuses paid to certain executive officers to facilitate their
    purchase of stock prior to the Recapitalization. See "Management's
    Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations"
    and "Management."
(5) Represents net income less the accretion of the Redeemable Preferred Stock
    during the period.
   
(6) Prior to the Recapitalization, the Company elected to be taxed as a
    Subchapter S corporation for federal income tax purposes. Supplemental pro
    forma information has been computed as if the Company had been subject to
    federal income taxes and all applicable state corporate income taxes for
    each period presented. With respect to the "Actual " columns above,
    supplemental pro forma net income and weighted average shares are presented
    as if, at the beginning of the respective periods, the Company had sold, at
    an assumed offering price of $13.50 per share, shares of Common Stock
    sufficient to fund the Recapitalization in 1995 and repay indebtedness
    incurred in 1996 to finance the acquisition of St. Louis Ostomy.     
(7) "Inventory turnover" means the cost of goods sold for the period divided by
    the average inventory balance for the period (annualized data for the
    thirty-nine week periods).
(8) Pro forma as adjusted to reflect the acquisition of Patient-Care as if it
    had occurred on June 1, 1996.
(9) Pro forma further adjusted to reflect the sale of the 3,750,000 shares of
    Common Stock offered hereby at an assumed price of $13.50 per share and the
    application of the net proceeds therefrom, as if it had occurred on June 1,
    1996.
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
                                 RISK FACTORS
   
  Acquisition Strategy. The Company intends to expand its geographic and
market penetration through acquisitions of health care wholesalers. The Recent
Acquisitions are the Company's first actions in implementing this strategy as
well as its first purchases of other businesses. Factors which the Company
considers in evaluating a proposed acquisition include the profitability,
customer list, product mix, management and location of the acquisition
candidate, as well as the feasability of integrating selected operations of
the acquisition candidate with those of the Company. In attempting to make
acquisitions, the Company will compete with other potential acquirers, some of
which have greater financial or operational resources than the Company.
Competition for acquisitions may intensify due to the ongoing consolidation in
the industry, which may increase the costs of capitalizing on such
opportunities. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to
locate, negotiate, finance and integrate the acquisitions it desires. While
the Company routinely evaluates potential acquisitions, and has initiated
conversations with several acquisition candidates, at present the Company is
not involved in preliminary negotiations with any such candidate, nor has it
reached any agreement or understanding with respect to any future acquisition.
Acquisitions involve numerous short and long term risks, including diversion
of management's attention, failure to retain key personnel and customers of
the acquired businesses, inability to integrate management information systems
of acquired businesses without material disruptions, amortization of acquired
intangible assets and the effects of contingent earn-out payments. While the
Company has not experienced these risks to date with respect to the Recent
Acquisitions, no assurance can be given that the Company will not experience
such risks with respect to the Recent Acquisitions or other acquisitions in
the future. In addition, health care wholesalers which the Company may acquire
may have product lines or operating assets not normally carried or proposed to
be used by the Company. These product lines or assets may be difficult to
sell, resulting in the Company incurring operating expenses, or writing off
any such unsold inventory or unused assets in future periods. The Company may
also incur one-time acquisition expenses. Consummation of acquisitions could
result in the incurrence or assumption by the Company of additional
indebtedness and the issuance of additional equity. There can be no assurance
that the Company will be able to finance an acquisition, or if financing is
available, that the terms will be favorable to the Company. The issuance of
shares of Common Stock to acquire a wholesaler may also result in dilution to
the Company's stockholders. See "Business--Growth Strategy."     
 
  Changes in Health Care Industry and Changing Market Conditions. In recent
years, the health care industry has undergone significant changes due in part
to cost reduction efforts, trends towards managed care, reduction in Medicare
reimbursement rates and other government-sponsored programs, collective
purchasing arrangements by health care practitioners and potential health care
reform. Government imposed limits on reimbursement of providers and cost
constraints imposed by private third party reimbursement plans have
significantly impacted spending budgets in certain markets. In response to
cost containment pressures, third party payors are increasingly developing
programs to reduce or control the prices paid for health care products and
services. As a consequence of such cost containment efforts and other trends
in the health care industry, the nature of the Company's customer base is
changing. Independent home medical equipment dealers and pharmacies, which
historically have accounted for the substantial majority of the Company's net
sales, are consolidating. Sales of certain of the Company's products are
dependent on the availability and amount of reimbursement to the Company's
customers from third party payors. There can be no assurance that changes in
the health care industry, including those affecting reimbursement for purchase
and use of the Company's products, will not have a material adverse effect on
the results of operations and financial condition of the Company. Reductions
in reimbursement rates and the increased buying power of larger suppliers have
resulted in competitive pricing pressures and lower gross margins on the part
of the Company. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations" and "Business--Industry Overview" and "--
Government Regulation."
   
  Intense Competition. Suburban faces intense competition from a variety of
local, regional and national wholesalers, a number of which have greater
financial and other resources than the Company. Most of the Company's products
are available from several sources, and the Company's customers often have
relationships with several wholesalers. In addition, manufacturers could
increase their efforts to sell directly to suppliers, thereby by-passing
wholesalers, such as the Company. Since barriers to entry in the home health
care     
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
distribution industry are relatively low, there is substantial risk that
current competitors will seek to expand their market presence and new
competitors will enter the market. There is ongoing consolidation of home
health care product wholesalers which could result in existing competitors
increasing their market positions through acquisitions, joint ventures or
exclusive supply relationships. In response to pressures from current or
future competitors, the Company may be required to lower selling prices to
maintain or increase market share. Such measures could have a material adverse
effect on the results of operations or financial condition of the Company. See
"Business--Customers" and "--Competition."
 
  Risks of Business Growth. While the Company plans to increase sales and
profitability by targeting existing and new customers, no assurance can be
given that the Company's efforts will result in additional revenues or
operating income. The Company's growth plans also could place significant
demands upon the Company's management and financial resources. The failure by
the Company to manage its growth could have a material adverse effect on the
results of operations or financial condition of the Company. See "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and
"Business--Industry Overview" and "--Customers."
   
  Dependence on Manufacturers. The Company distributes more than 5,000 SKUs
produced by approximately 200 manufacturers and is dependent on these
manufacturers to supply product. Three manufacturers accounted for
approximately 43.9% and 41.6% of the Company's total purchases for fiscal 1995
and for the thirty-nine weeks ended June 1, 1996, respectively, and the
Company's top ten manufacturers accounted for approximately 67.2% and 65.1%,
respectively, of the Company's total purchases during such periods.
Substantially all of the ostomy products marketed by the Company, which
accounted for 32.5% and 32.4% of the Company's net sales in fiscal 1995 and
for the thirty-nine weeks ended June 1, 1996, respectively, are purchased from
Hollister Incorporated and Convatec, a division of Bristol-Meyers Squibb
Company. The Company regularly searches for and evaluates new sources of
supply, but the Company expects that its reliance on a small group of
principal manufacturers will continue. While the Company has contracts with
one of its top three and seven of its top ten manufacturers, it does not have
contracts with the majority of its manufacturers. As a result, the Company may
be subject to unanticipated changes in the terms of its arrangements with
manufacturers, including pricing, minimum volume and dollar requirements,
return policies and promotional allowances. Where the Company has a contract
with a manufacturer, it is typically of short duration with a limited number
of terms. If any of the Company's principal manufacturers were to experience
financial difficulties, quality control problems or delays in the manufacture
or delivery of products, or were to raise the price of products substantially,
such events could have a material adverse effect on the results of operation
or financial condition of the Company. There can be no assurance that the
Company's principal manufacturers will not experience such events or that the
Company will maintain good relationships with such manufacturers. See
"Business--Purchasing."     
 
  Reliance on Efficiency of Distribution Systems. The Company believes that
its financial performance is dependent upon its ability to provide products to
its customers in a timely, reliable and efficient manner. An interruption in
one or more of the Company's computer, telephone, management information,
warehouse or delivery systems could adversely affect its ability to receive,
process and fill orders and therefore could have a material adverse effect on
its results of operations or financial condition. Delivery of orders and
marketing material, which is part of the Company's distribution system, is
handled by third parties, such as United Parcel Service ("UPS"), the U.S.
Postal Service and other common carriers. In fiscal 1995 and during the
thirty-nine weeks ended June 1, 1996, substantially all of the Company's sales
were delivered by UPS. Labor disruption or strikes by such carriers,
particularly UPS, or significant cost increases in delivery expense could have
a material adverse effect on the results of operations or financial condition
of the Company. See "Business--Order Entry and Fulfillment; Customer Service
and Technical Support."
 
  Government Regulation. The Company, its customers and manufacturers are
subject to varying degrees of federal and state regulation. Legislative or
regulatory changes which affect its customers or manufacturers may indirectly
affect the Company. The Company cannot predict whether state or federal
legislative or regulatory changes, such as health care reform, will occur and,
if so, the effect that such changes would have on its acquisition strategy or
its results of operations or financial condition. See "Business--Government
Regulation."
 
  Dependence on Key Personnel. The success of the Company is dependent upon
the efforts and abilities of its executive officers. In July 1995, the Company
entered into an employment agreement with each of its
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
executive officers for a term of five years. The loss of service of one or
more of these persons could have a material adverse effect on the results of
operations or financial condition of the Company. See "Management--Employment
and Other Agreements."
 
  Control by Current Stockholders. After the consummation of this offering,
Summit Ventures III, L.P. ("Summit Ventures"), Summit Investors II, L.P.
("Summit Investors") and Summit Subordinated Debt Fund, L.P. ("Summit Debt
Fund", and together with Summit Ventures and Summit Investors, "Summit") and
the Company's executive officers will own 45.0% and 20.1%, respectively, of
the outstanding Common Stock. In addition, two of the four members of the
Board of Directors are representatives of Summit. As a result, Summit and the
executive officers of the Company will be able to elect all of the Company's
directors, to determine the outcome of all corporate actions requiring
approval by the Board of Directors or stockholders and to control the business
affairs of the Company. See "Management" and "Principal Stockholders."
 
  Benefits of Offering to Certain Stockholders. Approximately $16,800,580 of
the net proceeds from the sale of the Shares offered hereby will be used to
retire the Management Notes and Summit Notes and to redeem the Redeemable
Preferred Stock issued in connection with the Recapitalization. See "Use of
Proceeds" and "Certain Transactions."
   
  Immediate and Substantial Dilution. The purchasers of the Shares will
experience immediate and substantial dilution in net tangible book value of
$12.00 per share of Common Stock as a result of the sale of 3,750,000 shares
of Common Stock offered hereby. See "Dilution."     
 
  Potential Adverse Impact of Shares Eligible for Future Sale. 7,367,525
shares representing 66.3% of the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding
after the consummation of this offering are or will be eligible for future
sale in the public market at prescribed times pursuant to Rule 144 or Rule 701
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or
pursuant to the exercise of registration rights. Sales of such shares in the
public market, or the perception that such sales may occur, could adversely
affect the market price of the Common Stock or impair the Company's ability to
raise additional capital in the future through the sale of equity securities.
See "Dilution," "Description of Capital Stock," "Shares Eligible for Future
Sale" and "Underwriting."
 
  No Prior Market; Potential Volatility. Prior to this offering, there has
been no public market for the Common Stock, and there can be no assurance that
an active trading market will develop or be sustained after this offering. The
initial public offering price will be determined by negotiations among the
Company and the representatives of the Underwriters and may not be indicative
of prices which may prevail in the trading market. See "Underwriting." There
has been significant volatility in the stocks of health care and related
companies that has often been unrelated to the operating performance of such
companies. In addition, the Company believes that certain factors, including
legislative and regulatory developments, the response by the investment
community and by competitors to such developments, quarterly fluctuations in
the actual or anticipated results of operations of the Company, lower revenues
or earnings than those anticipated by securities analysts, the overall economy
and the financial markets could cause the price of the Common Stock to
fluctuate substantially.
 
  Anti-Takeover Provisions; Possible Issuance of Preferred Stock. The
Company's Restated Articles of Organization, as amended ("Articles of
Organization") and Amended and Restated Bylaws ("Bylaws") contain provisions
that might diminish the likelihood that a potential acquiror would make an
offer for the Common Stock, impede a transaction favorable to the interest of
the stockholders or increase the difficulty of removing members of the Board
of Directors or management. After the consummation of this offering, the Board
of Directors will have the authority, without further stockholder approval, to
issue up to 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock in one or more series and to
determine the price, rights, preferences and privileges of those shares. The
rights of the holders of Common Stock will be subject to, and may be adversely
affected by, the rights of the holders of any preferred stock that may be
issued in the future. The issuance of shares of preferred stock, while
potentially providing desirable flexibility in connection with possible
acquisitions and other corporate purposes, could have the effect of making it
more difficult for a third party to acquire a majority of the outstanding
voting stock of the Company. The Company has no present plans to issue shares
of preferred stock. Furthermore, certain provisions of the Articles of
Organization, including provisions that provide for the Board of Directors to
be divided into three classes to serve for staggered three-year terms,
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
 
may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change of control of the
Company, which could adversely affect the market price of the Common Stock. In
addition, the Company is subject to Chapters 110D and 110F of the
Massachusetts General Laws, which prohibit the Company from engaging in a
"business combination" with an "interested stockholder" for a period of three
years after the date of the transaction in which the person became an
interested stockholder, unless the business combination is approved in a
prescribed manner. The application of such provisions also could have the
effect of delaying or preventing a change of control of the Company. Certain
licenses and permits held by the Company also prohibit a change of control of
the Company without applicable governmental or regulatory approval. See
"Business--Government Regulation" and "Description of Capital Stock--Certain
Articles of Organization, Bylaws and Statutory Provisions Affecting
Stockholders."
 
                                      10
<PAGE>
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
  Suburban is a leading national direct marketing wholesaler of medical
supplies and related products to the home health care industry. The Company
sells products to over 20,000 customers, including: (i) independent suppliers
of home health care products (principally home medical equipment dealers and
local and chain pharmacies); (ii) national home health care chains and
wholesalers; and (iii) managed care organizations. Through its direct sales
and marketing programs, the Company markets a comprehensive selection of more
than 5,000 SKUs, comprised primarily of ostomy, incontinence, diabetic and
wound care products. The Company's primary product lines fulfill its
customers' needs to provide a complete line of products for their home health
care patients. The Company believes that its success is attributable to the
expertise gained from more than 17 years of focus on its product lines and its
commitment to providing superior service and technical support to its
customers.
 
  The Company's first catalog was mailed in 1977, and Suburban was
incorporated as a Massachusetts corporation in 1979 by Herbert P. Gray. On
July 3, 1995, the Company effected the Recapitalization. In addition, the
Company acquired St. Louis Ostomy in January 1996 and Patient-Care in June
1996 as part of its strategy to expand its business through the acquisition of
wholesalers of health care products. See "Recent Developments" and "Certain
Transactions."
 
  The Company's executive offices are located at 75 October Hill Road,
Holliston, Massachusetts 01746, and its telephone number is (508-429-1000).
 
                              RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
   
   As part of its growth strategy, Suburban recently completed two
acquisitions designed to enhance its position as a leading national direct
marketing wholesaler. In January 1996, the Company acquired St. Louis Ostomy
for $12.4 million of which $11.2 million was paid in cash and $1.2 million was
paid by the issuance of the St. Louis Note. The acquisition has been accounted
for using the purchase method of accounting, with $10.9 million of goodwill
being amortized on a straight line basis over 25 years. This acquisition has
enabled the Company to expand its market penetration in the Midwest. The
Company has decided to consolidate the operations of St. Louis Ostomy with
those of the Company effective July 1, 1996, which consolidation will result
in the closing of the St. Louis distribution center and a reduction in
duplicative corporate overhead. As part of the consolidation process, the
Company aligned the pricing of Suburban and St. Louis Ostomy and is conducting
outbound telemarketing to contact customers of St. Louis Ostomy.     
   
  In June 1996, the Company acquired Patient-Care for $4.2 million, of which
$3.8 million was paid at closing and $375,000 is payable on the first
anniversary of the closing subject to offset with respect to any claims for
indemnity which may be asserted by the Company. The acquisition will be
accounted for using the purchase method of accounting resulting in
approximately $2.9 million of goodwill on a preliminary basis which is
expected to be amortized on a straight line basis over 25 years. Suburban
expects that the acquisition of Patient-Care will enable the Company to expand
its market penetration in California and its position in the incontinence
market. The Company is in the process of evaluating Patient-Care to determine
whether any of its operations should be integrated with those of Suburban.
    
                                      11
<PAGE>
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
  The net proceeds to be received by the Company from the sale of the
3,750,000 shares of Common Stock offered hereby, based upon an assumed initial
offering price of $13.50 per share, are estimated to be $46.3 million ($53.3
million if the Underwriters' over-allotment option is exercised in full).
 
  The Company intends to apply the net proceeds of this offering: (A) to repay
all indebtedness and other obligations incurred in connection with the
Recapitalization and the Recent Acquisitions as follows: (i) approximately
$25.7 million will be used to repay all outstanding indebtedness incurred
under the Credit Facility; (ii) approximately $9.4 million will be used to
retire in full the Summit Notes and Management Notes; (iii) approximately $7.4
million will be used to redeem all outstanding shares of the Redeemable
Preferred Stock; and (iv) approximately $1.3 million will be used to retire in
full the St. Louis Note; and (B) to fund general corporate purposes and
working capital. After giving effect to the application of the net proceeds of
this offering, the Company will have no outstanding long term indebtedness.
See "Certain Transactions."
 
  The Credit Facility provides that the Company may reborrow funds which it
has previously borrowed and subsequently re-paid, up to the maximum amount of
availability under the Credit Facility, which was $30.0 million as of June 14,
1996, and which amount of available borrowings declines as the Credit Facility
approaches its scheduled maturity date of June 30, 2000. To secure the
Company's obligations under the Credit Facility, the Company granted the Bank
a first priority security interest in all of the Company's assets, including a
lien on the stock of St. Louis Ostomy and Patient-Care. That portion of
outstanding indebtedness under the Credit Facility which is less than the sum
of (A) 80% of the Company's accounts receivable, plus (B) 50% of the Company's
inventory (the "Threshold Amount"), accrues interest at an annual rate equal
to, at the Company's option, either: (i) the London Interbank Offered Rate
("LIBOR") plus 200 basis points; or (ii) the higher of the annual rate of
interest announced by the Bank as its base rate (the "Base Rate") or the
overnight Federal Funds Effective Rate as published by the Board of Governors
of the Federal Reserve System plus 1/2% (the "Federal Funds Effective Rate").
That portion of outstanding indebtedness under the Credit Facility which
exceeds the Threshold Amount, accrues interest at an annual rate equal to, at
the Company's option, either: (i) LIBOR plus 250 basis points; or (ii) the
higher of the Bank's Base Rate plus 1/2% or the Federal Funds Effective Rate
plus 1/2%. In connection with the Credit Facility, the Company issued the Bank
Warrant.
 
  Prior to the consummation of this offering, the Company intends to enter
into an amendment to the Credit Facility (the "Amended Credit Facility") with
the Bank pursuant to which the Company will have maximum available borrowings
thereunder of $30.0 million. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Liquidity and Capital
Resources."
 
  Pending such uses, the net proceeds of this offering will be invested in
short-term interest-bearing securities.
 
                                      12
<PAGE>
 
                                DIVIDEND POLICY
 
  Other than the stock dividends declared in connection with the Company's 100
for 1 stock split pursuant to the Recapitalization, the 50 for 1 stock split
effected April 10, 1996 and the 3.67 for 1 stock split effected June 21, 1996,
the Company has not declared or paid dividends since the Recapitalization, nor
does it intend to declare or pay any dividends on its Common Stock in the
foreseeable future. The Company intends to retain all earnings for the
operation and expansion of its business. The declaration and payment of future
dividends will be at the sole discretion of the Board of Directors subject to
such factors as the Board of Directors may deem relevant, including future
earnings, results of operations, capital requirements, the general financial
condition of the Company, general business conditions and contractual
restrictions on the declaration and payment of dividends. The payment of cash
dividends on Common Stock is restricted by the Credit Facility and will be
restricted by the Amended Credit Facility.
 
  Prior to the Recapitalization, the Company elected to be treated as a
Subchapter S corporation under Section 1361(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended. In connection with the Company's status as a Subchapter S
corporation, on September 3, 1994 and July 1, 1995, the Company distributed to
each of its stockholders a proportionate share of the Company's income taxable
to such stockholders for fiscal 1994 and fiscal 1995, respectively. The
aggregate amount of the distributions were $428,000 in fiscal 1994 and $2.2
million in fiscal 1995. See "Certain Transactions."
 
 
                                      13
<PAGE>
 
                                   DILUTION
 
  As of June 1, 1996, the Company had a net tangible book value of $(29.6)
million, or $(4.02) per share of Common Stock. Net tangible book value per
share is determined by dividing the number of outstanding shares of Common
Stock into the net tangible book value of the Company. After giving effect to
the sale of the 3,750,000 shares offered hereby and the receipt and
application of net proceeds therefrom, the pro forma net tangible book value
of the Company at June 1, 1996 would have been approximately $16.7 million, or
$1.50 per share. This represents an immediate increase in pro forma net
tangible book value of $5.52 per share to existing stockholders and an
immediate dilution of $12.00 per share to new investors. The following table
illustrates the per share dilution.
 
<TABLE>
   <S>                                                           <C>     <C>
   Initial public offering price per share.....................          $13.50
    Net tangible book value per share at June 1, 1996..........  $(4.02)
    Increase in net tangible book value per share attributable
    to new investors...........................................    5.52
                                                                 ------
   Pro forma net tangible book value per share after the offer-
    ing........................................................            1.50
                                                                         ------
   Dilution per share to new investors.........................          $12.00
                                                                         ======
</TABLE>
 
  The following table sets forth, on a pro forma basis, at June 1, 1996 the
number of shares of Common Stock purchased from the Company, the total
consideration paid and the average price per share paid by existing
stockholders of Common Stock and by new investors purchasing shares of Common
Stock offered hereby:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 SHARES PURCHASED  TOTAL CONSIDERATION  AVERAGE
                                ------------------ -------------------   PRICE
                                  NUMBER   PERCENT   AMOUNT    PERCENT PER SHARE
                                ---------- ------- ----------- ------- ---------
<S>                             <C>        <C>     <C>         <C>     <C>
Existing stockholders..........  7,367,525   66.3% $   161,607    -- %  $  .02
New investors..................  3,750,000   33.7   50,625,000  100.0    13.50
                                ----------  -----  -----------  -----
    Total...................... 11,117,525  100.0% $50,786,607  100.0%
                                ==========  =====  ===========  =====
</TABLE>
- --------
  The foregoing tables assume: (i) no exercise of outstanding options under
the Stock Option Plan; and (ii) no exercise of the Bank Warrant. At June 1,
1996, there were outstanding options to purchase 741,340 shares of Common
Stock at a weighted average exercise price of $0.71 per share. To the extent
the Bank Warrant or outstanding or subsequently granted options are exercised,
there could be further dilution to new investors. If the Bank Warrant and
options outstanding at June 1, 1996 were exercised, new investors purchasing
shares of Common Stock in this offering would incur additional dilution in net
tangible book value per share of $0.06 per share. See "Management--Stock
Option Plan" and Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
                                      14
<PAGE>
 
                                 CAPITALIZATION
 
  The following table sets forth the consolidated capitalization of the Company
as of June 1, 1996: (i) on an actual basis; (ii) on a pro forma basis assuming
the acquisition of Patient-Care had occurred on June 1, 1996; and (iii) on a
pro forma basis as adjusted to reflect the sale of the Shares offered hereby
and the application of the estimated net proceeds therefrom as described under
"Use of Proceeds" and assuming the acquisition of Patient-Care had occurred on
June 1, 1996. This table should be read in conjunction with the Unaudited Pro
Forma Combined Financial Data and the Consolidated Financial Statements and
related notes thereto. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operation."
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                          JUNE 1, 1996
                                                  ------------------------------
                                                     (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                      PRO FORMA
                                                  ACTUAL   PRO FORMA AS ADJUSTED
                                                  -------  --------- -----------
<S>                                               <C>      <C>       <C>
Long-term debt:
  Credit Facility...............................  $21,058   $25,523    $   --
  Summit Notes and Management Notes(1)..........    9,250     9,250        --
  St. Louis Note(2).............................    1,235     1,235        --
Redeemable Preferred Stock, redeemable; $.01 par
 value, 66,500 shares authorized(3); 66,500
 shares outstanding(4)..........................    7,268     7,268        --
Stockholders' equity:
  Common Stock; no par value; 10,000,000 shares
   authorized(3); 7,367,525 actual shares issued
   and outstanding (11,117,525 Pro Forma as Ad-
   justed shares issued and outstanding)(5).....      162       162     46,443
Additional paid-in capital......................
Retained earnings...............................  (18,551)  (18,551)   (18,551)
                                                  -------   -------    -------
  Total stockholders' equity (deficit)..........  (18,389)  (18,389)    27,892
                                                  -------   -------    -------
  Total capitalization..........................  $20,422   $24,887    $27,892
                                                  =======   =======    =======
</TABLE>    
- --------
(1) In connection with the Recapitalization, the Company issued the Summit
    Notes and the Management Notes.
(2) In connection with the St. Louis Ostomy acquisition, the Company issued the
    St. Louis Note.
(3) Immediately prior to the consummation of this offering, the Company will
    amend its Articles of Organization to increase the number of authorized
    shares of Common Stock to 40,000,000 and to provide for authorized shares
    of preferred stock of 1,000,000. See "Description of Capital Stock."
(4) Represents an accreted value of the Redeemable Preferred Stock of $618,000.
(5) Excludes: (i) 787,949 shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance under
    the Stock Option Plan (of which options to purchase 741,340 shares of
    Common Stock have been granted and options to purchase 111,384 shares of
    Common Stock were exercisable at June 1, 1996); and (ii) 102,026 shares of
    Common Stock reserved for issuance upon exercise of the Bank Warrant. See
    "Management--Stock Option Plan."
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
 
                     SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
 
  The following Selected Consolidated Financial Data as of and for each fiscal
year in the five year period ended September 2, 1995 and for the thirty-nine
weeks ended June 1, 1996 have been derived from the Consolidated Financial
Statements. These financial statements have been audited by Arthur Andersen
LLP, independent public accountants. The Selected Consolidated Financial Data
of the Company as of and for the thirty-nine weeks ended June 3, 1995 are
derived from unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company and
include, in the opinion of the Company, all adjustments (consisting only of
normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the data set forth
herein. The results of operations for the thirty-nine weeks ended June 1, 1996
are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for any other
interim period or for the full year. The data should be read in conjunction
with the Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Data, "Management's Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and the
Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes thereto included elsewhere
in this Prospectus.
 
                                      16
<PAGE>
 
                     SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
 
              (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AND OPERATING DATA)
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         THIRTY-NINE
                                             FISCAL YEAR ENDED (1)                     WEEKS ENDED (1)
                          ------------------------------------------------------------ ----------------
                          AUGUST 31, AUGUST 29, AUGUST 28, SEPTEMBER 3,  SEPTEMBER 2,
                             1991       1992       1993        1994          1995      JUNE 3,  JUNE 1,
                          (52 WEEKS) (52 WEEKS) (52 WEEKS)  (53 WEEKS)  (52 WEEKS) (2)  1995    1996(2)
                          ---------- ---------- ---------- ------------ -------------- -------  -------
<S>                       <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>            <C>      <C>
CONSOLIDATED INCOME
 STATEMENT DATA:
 Net sales..............   $32,571    $37,921    $42,738     $47,311       $52,667     $39,324  $49,302
 Cost of goods sold.....    24,411     28,599     32,305      35,599        39,872      29,660   37,476
                           -------    -------    -------     -------       -------     -------  -------
 Gross profit...........     8,160      9,322     10,433      11,712        12,795       9,664   11,826
 Operating expenses.....     5,333      7,512      6,991       7,627         7,752       5,684    6,241
 Depreciation and
  amortization..........       267        268        265         270           266         195      387
 Non-recurring executive
  compensation (3)......       --         --       2,111       2,237           --          --       --
                           -------    -------    -------     -------       -------     -------  -------
 Operating income.......     2,560      1,542      1,066       1,578         4,777       3,785    5,198
 Interest expense.......       --         --         --          --            370           7    1,841
 Other expense (income),
  net...................      (238)      (224)      (158)       (132)         (145)       (125)     (15)
                           -------    -------    -------     -------       -------     -------  -------
 Income before income
  taxes.................     2,798      1,766      1,224       1,710         4,552       3,903    3,372
 Provision for income
  taxes.................       142        101         69          88           358         236    1,446
                           -------    -------    -------     -------       -------     -------  -------
 Net income.............   $ 2,656    $ 1,665    $ 1,155     $ 1,622       $ 4,194     $ 3,667  $ 1,926
                           =======    =======    =======     =======       =======     =======  =======
 Net income applicable
  to common
  stockholders (4) .....   $ 2,656    $ 1,665    $ 1,155     $ 1,622       $ 4,083     $ 3,667  $ 1,419
                           =======    =======    =======     =======       =======     =======  =======
 Supplemental pro forma
  data (5):
 Net income.............     1,679      1,060        735       1,026         2,955       2,342    3,047
                                                                           =======              =======
 Net income per common
  share.................                                                   $   .29              $   .26
                                                                           =======              =======
 Weighted average common
  shares outstanding....                                                    10,343               11,916
                                                                           =======              =======
OPERATING DATA:
 Number of orders.......   203,573    223,418    247,469     276,056       307,525     228,028  295,949
 Inventory turnover
  (6)...................       8.7x       8.7x       8.4x        9.8x         11.8x       10.6x    10.9x
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE
 SHEET DATA:
 Working capital........   $ 6,337    $ 4,849    $ 6,491     $ 7,838       $ 7,467     $ 9,294  $ 8,562
 Total assets...........    10,471     10,359     12,248      12,849        13,832      14,730   26,808
 Long-term debt.........       --         --         --          --         21,830         --    31,419
 Redeemable preferred
  stock (2).............       --         --         --          --          6,761         --     7,268
 Total stockholders'
  (deficit) equity......     7,392      6,179      7,868       9,061       (19,926)     10,692  (18,389)
</TABLE>    
- --------
(1) The Company's fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest to August 31, and
    is divided into four thirteen-week periods.
(2) In July 1995, the Company effected the Recapitalization, in connection
    with which the Company: (i) issued $6.75 million in aggregate value of
    Summit Notes; (ii) issued $2.5 million in aggregate principal amount of
    Management Notes; (iii) issued $6.65 million in stated value of Redeemable
    Preferred Stock; and (iv) borrowed $13.5 million under the Credit
    Facility. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
    and Results of Operations" and "Certain Transactions."
(3) Represents bonuses paid to certain executive officers to facilitate their
    purchase of stock prior to the Recapitalization. See "Management's
    Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations"
    and "Management."
(4) Represents net income less the accretion of the Redeemable Preferred Stock
    during the period.
   
(5) Prior to the Recapitalization, the Company elected to be taxed as a
    Subchapter S corporation for federal income tax purposes. Supplemental pro
    forma information has been computed as if the Company had been subject to
    federal income taxes and all applicable state corporate income taxes for
    each period presented. Supplemental pro forma net income and weighted
    average shares are presented as if, at the beginning of the respective
    periods, the Company had sold, at an assumed offering price of $13.50 per
    share, shares of Common Stock sufficient to fund the Recapitalization in
    1995 and repay indebtedness incurred in 1996 to finance the acquisition at
    St. Louis Ostomy.     
   
(6) "Inventory turnover" means the cost of goods sold for the period divided
    by the average inventory balance for the period (annualized data for the
    thirty-nine week periods).     
 
                                      17
<PAGE>
 
                  UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL DATA
 
  The following Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Balance Sheet as of June 1, 1996
and Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Statements of Income for the year ended
September 2, 1995 and for the thirty-nine weeks ended June 1, 1996, are based
on the Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes related thereto. The
Pro Forma Combined Balance Sheet is adjusted to give effect to (i) the
acquisition of Patient-Care and (ii) the consummation of this offering and
application of the estimated net proceeds therefrom as if these transactions
had occurred on June 1, 1996. The unaudited Pro Forma Combined Statements of
Operations are adjusted to give effect to: (i) the Recent Acquisitions; and
(ii) the consummation of this offering and the application of the estimated
net proceeds therefrom as if these transactions had occurred as of September
4, 1994. The Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Statements of Income combine the
unaudited pro forma consolidated financial statements with the historical
operations of the Recent Acquisitions prior to the dates the Company made such
acquisitions, using the purchase method of accounting. The pro forma operating
results are not necessarily indicative of the operating results that would
have been achieved had the acquisitions actually occurred at September 4,
1994, nor do they purport to indicate the results of future operations.
 
  The Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Data is based on the assumptions
set forth in the notes to such statements and should be read in conjunction
with the related Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto included
elsewhere in this Prospectus. The pro forma adjustments are based on available
information and certain adjustments that the Company believes are reasonable.
In the opinion of the Company, all adjustments have been made that are
necessary to fairly present the pro forma data.
 
                                      18
<PAGE>
 
                        PRO FORMA COMBINED BALANCE SHEET
 
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
                               AS OF JUNE 1, 1996
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                HISTORICAL
                         -------------------------   ACQUISITION                 OFFERING      PRO FORMA
                          SUBURBAN   PATIENT-CARE     PRO FORMA      PRO         PRO FORMA        AS
                         JUNE 1,1996 MARCH 31,1996 ADJUSTMENTS (A)  FORMA    ADJUSTMENTS(B)(C) ADJUSTED
                         ----------- ------------- --------------- --------  ----------------- ---------
<S>                      <C>         <C>           <C>             <C>       <C>               <C>
         ASSETS
Current Assets:
 Cash and cash
  equivalents...........  $  1,715      $   84         $  (275)    $  1,524       $ 2,657       $ 4,181
 Accounts receivable,
  net...................     7,192       1,894             --         9,086           --          9,086
 Inventories............     5,466       1,412             --         6,878           --          6,878
 Prepaid expenses and
  other.................       243         252             --           495           --            495
 Deferred income taxes..       380          90             --           470           --            470
                          --------      ------         -------     --------       -------       -------
  Total current assets..    14,996       3,732            (275)      18,453         2,657        21,110
Fixed assets, at cost,
 net:...................       884         324             --         1,208           --          1,208
Other assets............       194          27             --           221           --            221
Goodwill................    10,734         --            2,906       13,640           --         13,640
                          --------      ------         -------     --------       -------       -------
                          $ 26,808      $4,083         $ 2,631     $ 33,522       $ 2,657       $36,179
                          ========      ======         =======     ========       =======       =======
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS'
 (DEFICIT) EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
 Current maturities of
  long term debt........  $    124      $  455         $  (275)    $    304       $  (124)      $   180
 Bank line of credit....       --          890            (890)         --            --            --
 Patient-Care deferred
  payment...............       --          --              375          375           --            375
 Accounts payable and
  accrued expenses......     6,310       1,481             200        7,991          (348)        7,643
                          --------      ------         -------     --------       -------       -------
  Total current
   liabilities..........     6,434       2,826            (590)       8,670          (472)        8,198
Long-term Liabilities:
 Long-term debt, less
  current maturities....    21,058         --            4,465       25,523       (25,523)          --
 St. Louis Note.........     1,111         --              --         1,111        (1,111)          --
 Management Notes.......     2,500         --              --         2,500        (2,500)          --
 Summit Notes...........     6,750         --              --         6,750        (6,750)          --
 Deferred income taxes..        76          13             --            89           --             89
                          --------      ------         -------     --------       -------       -------
  Total long-term
   liabilities..........    31,495          13           4,465       35,973       (35,884)           89
 Redeemable Preferred
  Stock, $.01 par value,
  $100 redemption value
  plus 10% cumulative
  return--
  Authorized, issued and
  outstanding--66,500
  shares................     7,268         --              --         7,268        (7,268)          --
Stockholders' (deficit)
 equity:
 Common stock, no par
  value--
  Authorized--40,000,000
  shares
  issued and
  outstanding--
  7,367,525 actual
  shares at June 1, 1996
  (11,117,525 shares
  outstanding for Pro
  Forma
  as Adjusted purposes)
  ......................       162         --              --           162        46,281        46,443
 (Accumulated deficit)
  retained earnings.....   (18,551)      1,244          (1,244)     (18,551)          --        (18,551)
                          --------      ------         -------     --------       -------       -------
  Total stockholders'
   (deficit) equity.....   (18,389)      1,244          (1,244)     (18,389)       46,281        27,892
                          --------      ------         -------     --------       -------       -------
  Total liabilities and
   stockholders'
   (deficit) equity.....  $ 26,808      $4,083         $ 2,631     $ 33,522       $ 2,657       $36,179
                          ========      ======         =======     ========       =======       =======
</TABLE>    
 
                             See Accompanying Notes
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
 
                  PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                   (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT FOR PER SHARE DATA)
                          YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 2, 1995
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                    ST. LOUIS OSTOMY                                 PATIENT-CARE
                              ---------------------------------                -------------------------
                                YEAR ENDED JULY 29, 1995                       YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1995
                              ---------------------------------                -------------------------
                   HISTORICAL                      PRO FORMA            PRO                 PRO FORMA      PRO
                    SUBURBAN   HISTORICAL         ADJUSTMENTS          FORMA   HISTORICAL ADJUSTMENTS(A)  FORMA
                   ---------- ---------------    --------------       -------  ---------- -------------- -------
<S>                <C>        <C>                <C>                  <C>      <C>        <C>            <C>
Net sales........   $52,667    $        17,235      $         --      $69,902   $18,035       $ --       $87,937
Cost of goods
 sold............    39,872             13,756                --       53,628    14,290         --        67,918
                    -------    ---------------      -------------     -------   -------       -----      -------
Gross profit.....    12,795              3,479                --       16,274     3,745         --        20,019
Operating
 expenses........     7,752              1,972               (758)(d)   8,966     3,218         --        12,184
Depreciation and
 amortization....       266                 57                435 (d)     758        58         116 (d)      932
                    -------    ---------------      -------------     -------   -------       -----      -------
Operating
 income..........     4,777              1,450                323       6,550       469        (116)       6,903
Interest
 expense.........       370                 91              1,125 (e)   1,586       114         352(e)     2,052
Other expense
 (income), net...      (145)               (13)               --         (158)     (103)        --          (261)
                    -------    ---------------      -------------     -------   -------       -----      -------
Income before
 income taxes....     4,552              1,372               (802)      5,122       458        (468)       5,112
Pro Forma data
 (g):
 Provision for
  income taxes...     1,821                515               (147)      2,189       127        (141)       2,175
                    -------    ---------------      -------------     -------   -------       -----      -------
 Net income......   $ 2,731    $           857      $        (655)    $ 2,933   $   331       $(327)     $ 2,937
                    =======    ===============      =============     =======   =======       =====      =======
 Net income
  applicable to
  common
  stockholders
  (h)............
 Net income per
  common share...
 Weighted average
  common shares
  outstanding....
<CAPTION>
                        OFFERING      PRO FORMA
                       PRO FORMA         AS
                   ADJUSTMENTS (B)(C) ADJUSTED
                   ------------------ -----------
<S>                <C>                <C>
Net sales........        $  --         $87,937
Cost of goods
 sold............           --          67,918
                   ------------------ -----------
Gross profit.....           --          20,019
Operating
 expenses........           --          12,184
Depreciation and
 amortization....           --             932
                   ------------------ -----------
Operating
 income..........           --           6,903
Interest
 expense.........        (2,022)(f)         30
Other expense
 (income), net...           --            (261)
                   ------------------ -----------
Income before
 income taxes....         2,022          7,134
Pro Forma data
 (g):
 Provision for
  income taxes...           809          2,984
                   ------------------ -----------
 Net income......        $1,213        $ 4,150
                   ================== ===========
 Net income
  applicable to
  common
  stockholders
  (h)............                      $ 4,150
                                      ===========
 Net income per
  common share...                      $   .35
                                      ===========
 Weighted average
  common shares
  outstanding....                       11,915(i)
                                      ===========
 
                      THIRTY-NINE WEEKS ENDED JUNE 1, 1996
 
<CAPTION>
                                    ST. LOUIS OSTOMY                                 PATIENT-CARE
                              ---------------------------------                -------------------------
                                     FOR THE PERIOD
                                   SEPTEMBER 1, 1995                              THIRTY-NINE WEEKS
                              THROUGH JANUARY 22, 1996 (J)                      ENDED MARCH 31, 1996(J)
                              ----------------------------                     -------------------------
                   HISTORICAL                      PRO FORMA            PRO                 PRO FORMA      PRO
                    SUBURBAN   HISTORICAL         ADJUSTMENTS          FORMA   HISTORICAL ADJUSTMENTS(A)  FORMA
                   ---------- ---------------    --------------       -------  ---------- -------------- -------
<S>                <C>        <C>                <C>                  <C>      <C>        <C>            <C>
Net sales........   $49,302    $         7,511      $         --      $56,813   $13,649       $ --       $70,462
Cost of goods
 sold............    37,476              5,969                --       43,445    10,831         --        54,276
                    -------    ---------------      -------------     -------   -------       -----      -------
Gross profit.....    11,826              1,542                --       13,368     2,818         --        16,186
Operating
 expenses........     6,241              1,043               (437)(d)   6,847     2,634         --         9,481
Depreciation and
 amortization....       387                 22                167 (d)     576        53          87 (d)      716
                    -------    ---------------      -------------     -------   -------       -----      -------
Operating
 income..........     5,198                477                270       5,945       131         (87)       5,989
Interest
 expense.........     1,841                 13                433(e)    2,287       112         264(e)     2,663
Other expense
 (income) net....       (15)                (4)               --          (19)      (59)        --           (78)
                    -------    ---------------      -------------     -------   -------       -----      -------
Income before
 income taxes....     3,372                468               (163)      3,677        78        (351)       3,404
Provision for
 income taxes....     1,446                187                  2       1,635        31        (106)       1,560
                    -------    ---------------      -------------     -------   -------       -----      -------
Net income.......   $ 1,926    $           281      $        (165)    $ 2,042   $    47       $(245)     $ 1,844
                    =======    ===============      =============     =======   =======       =====      =======
Net income
 applicable to
 common
 stockholders(h)..
Net income per
 common share....
Weighted average
 common shares
 outstanding.....
<CAPTION>
                        OFFERING      PRO FORMA
                       PRO FORMA         AS
                   ADJUSTMENTS(B)(C)  ADJUSTED
                   ------------------ -----------
<S>                <C>                <C>
Net sales........        $  --         $70,462
Cost of goods
 sold............           --          54,276
                   ------------------ -----------
Gross profit.....           --          16,186
Operating
 expenses........           --           9,481
Depreciation and
 amortization....           --             716
                   ------------------ -----------
Operating
 income..........           --           5,989
Interest
 expense.........        (2,641)(f)         22
Other expense
 (income) net....           --             (78)
                   ------------------ -----------
Income before
 income taxes....         2,641          6,045
Provision for
 income taxes....         1,056          2,616
                   ------------------ -----------
Net income.......        $1,585        $ 3,429
                   ================== ===========
Net income
 applicable to
 common
 stockholders(h)..                     $ 3,429
                                      ===========
Net income per
 common share....                      $   .29
                                      ===========
Weighted average
 common shares
 outstanding.....                       11,916(i)
                                      ===========
</TABLE>    
                             See Accompanying Notes
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
 
             NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL DATA
   
(a) Represents adjustments for the acquisition of Patient-Care based on a
    purchase price of $4.2 million including expenses of $200,000. The
    acquisition has been accounted for using the purchase method. The purchase
    price has been allocated on a preliminary basis, subject to revision to
    the net assets acquired based on the fair values of such assets which are
    estimated to equal their book value. The $2.9 million balance of the
    purchase price was allocated to goodwill which will be amortized on a
    straight-line basis over 25 years. The Company expects to perform a
    complete allocation of purchase price in the near future and does not
    anticipate material changes to the preliminary allocation.     
 
(b) Reflects the issuance of 3,750,000 shares of Common Stock offered hereby
    and the receipt and application of the net proceeds therefrom as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                 --------------
   <S>                                                           <C>
   Gross proceeds from the offering.............................    $ 50,625
   Underwriting discounts and commissions.......................      (3,544)
   Estimated expenses of the offering...........................        (800)
                                                                    --------
   Net proceeds.................................................      46,281
   Repayment of long-term debt, including current portion, and
    Redeemable Preferred Stock and related accrued interest and
    dividend accretion..........................................     (43,624)
                                                                    --------
   Net increase in cash and cash equivalents....................    $  2,657
                                                                    ========
</TABLE>
   
(c) The non-recurring charge to write off deferred financing charges and a
    debt discount, net of related income tax effects, have been excluded from
    the Offering Pro Forma Adjustments. Deferred financing charges amounted to
    approximately $192,000 and $162,000 at September 2, 1995 and June 1, 1996,
    respectively. The debt discount amounted to approximately $69,000 at June
    1, 1996. Related income tax savings would have been approximately $77,000
    and $92,000 for the year ended September 2, 1995 and the thirty-nine weeks
    ended June 1, 1996, respectively.     
 
(d) The adjustment to operating expenses represents a reduction for
    compensation paid to a former employee of St. Louis Ostomy which ended
    effective May 31, 1996 as well as a one time bonus paid to another St.
    Louis Ostomy employee during the period from September 1, 1995 through
    January 22, 1996 net of the amortization over a 25-year period of $13.8
    million of costs in excess of net assets acquired by Suburban, as if the
    Recent Acquisitions occurred at September 4, 1994.
   
(e) Represents interest expense on amounts borrowed to finance the Recent
    Acquisitions as if such borrowings had occurred at the beginning of the
    periods presented. Assumes the entire purchase prices and related
    transaction fees for St. Louis Ostomy ($12.4 million) and Patient-Care
    ($4.2 million) were financed with the St. Louis Note ($1.2 million) at an
    interest rate of 10%, the $375,000 Patient-Care deferred payment at an
    interest rate of 8.0% and the balance under the Credit Facility at an
    interest rate of 9.0%.     
 
(f) The adjustment to interest expense reflects the retirement of certain
    outstanding debt of the Company by applying a portion of the estimated net
    proceeds of the offering as described under "Use of Proceeds", as if such
    transaction had ocurred at September 4, 1994.
 
(g) Prior to July 3, 1995, the Company elected to be taxed as a Subchapter S
    corporation for federal income tax purposes. Pro forma information has
    been subject to federal income taxes and all applicable state corporate
    income taxes for the period presented.
   
(h) See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.     
   
(i) Shares used in the computation of pro forma net income per share, as
    adjusted, give effect to the issuance and sale of the 3,750,000 shares of
    Common Stock offered hereby and the application of the net proceeds
    therefrom. See "Capitalization". Stock options and warrants granted within
    a 12-month period preceding the date of this Prospectus are included as if
    they were outstanding for all periods presented. The dilutive effect
    (825,187 shares and 816,988 shares at September 2, 1995 and June 1, 1996,
    respectively), of all options and warrants outstanding was calculated
    using the treasury stock method and the anticipated public offering price.
    See "Dilution."     
 
(j) The Company's results include the operations of St. Louis Ostomy from
    January 22, 1996, the date of acquisition.
 
(k) Represents the thirty-nine week period ended March 31, 1996.
 
                                      21
<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 Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Data and the
Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes thereto included elsewhere
in this Prospectus.
 
OVERVIEW
 
  The Company is a leading national direct marketing wholesaler of medical
supplies and related products to the home health care industry. While the
Company's growth has historically been internally generated, the consolidation
of the health care industry has created an opportunity for the Company also to
grow through strategic acquisitions. A key component of the Company's growth
strategy is to expand its geographic penetration and product lines through
acquisitions of health care product wholesalers, and pursuant to this
strategy, the Company has consummated the Recent Acquisitions. In January
1996, the Company acquired St. Louis Ostomy for $12.4 million, of which $11.2
million was paid in cash and $1.2 million was paid by the issuance of the St.
Louis Note. In June 1996, the Company acquired Patient-Care for $4.2 million,
of which $3.8 million was paid at closing, and $375,000 is payable on the
first anniversary of the closing, subject to offset with respect to any claims
for indemnity which may be asserted by the Company. The Company borrowed $11.5
million and $5.0 million under the Credit Facility to fund the cash payments
made in connection with the acquisitions of St. Louis Ostomy and Patient-Care,
respectively, and to fund the payment of related transactional expenses. The
Company intends to repay the entire outstanding balance of the Credit Facility
and the St. Louis Note with a portion of the net proceeds of this offering.
   
  The Company operates in an environment impacted by cost containment efforts
and consolidation of health care companies. This environment has led to the
Company's strategic decision to price its products competitively and offer
volume based pricing programs to its customers. As a result, while the
Company's gross profit increased from $8.2 million in fiscal 1991 to $12.8
million in fiscal 1995 and to $11.8 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended
June 1, 1996, the Company's gross profit as a percentage of net sales ("gross
margin") decreased from 25.1% in fiscal 1991 to 24.3% in fiscal 1995 and to
24.0% for the thirty-nine weeks ended June 1, 1996. The Company has sought to
mitigate the decline in gross margins through: (i) the negotiation of volume
discounts, rebates, promotional allowances and other favorable terms with
suppliers; (ii) the application of the Company's MIS capabilities to enhance
its inventory management; and (iii) regular evaluation of alternate suppliers
to ensure it receives competitive pricing and quality products. The Company
expects that as it continues to increase its net sales, its ability to
negotiate volume based incentives with suppliers will be enhanced. While the
Company believes that cost containment efforts and consolidation of health
care companies will continue to exert downward pressure on the Company's gross
margins, it also believes that the utilization of the foregoing programs will
mitigate the effects of these pressures such that the Company will not
experience any further significant decreases in its gross margins from their
current levels. Notwithstanding this belief, there can be no assurance that
the Company will be able to maintain or increase its gross margins.     
   
  The Company has successfully implemented a business strategy which has
enabled it to increase operating income as a percentage of net sales from 7.9%
in fiscal 1991 to 9.1% in fiscal 1995 and to 10.5% for the thirty-nine weeks
ended June 1, 1996 through decreasing operating expenses as a percentage of
net sales. Suburban's operating expenses decreased as a percentage of net
sales from 16.4% in fiscal 1991 to 14.7% in fiscal 1995 and to 12.7% for the
thirty-nine weeks ended June 1, 1996, although such expenses have increased in
total dollar amount due to the support required for higher sales volume over
this period. The principal components of the Company's strategy to improve its
operating income margin include leveraging its existing operating
infrastructure over a larger base of sales and the establishment of the
Company's budget and expense programs designed to control expense levels. The
Company has historically offered management incentives for the achievement of
cost reduction goals and intends to continue to offer such incentives, as well
as invest additional funds in its MIS infrastructure. In addition, operating
expenses decreased due to the reduction in compensation levels related to the
Recapitalization. Based on the fact that approximately 20% of the aggregate
space in the Company's regional distribution centers is not currently
utilized, the Company believes that it can increase sales significantly
without the need to make material investments in additional distribution
facilities.     
 
  As part of its acquisition strategy, after the Company completes an
acquisition, it typically operates the acquired company for a period of time
as a subsidiary. During this period, the Company decides whether,
 
                                      22
<PAGE>
 
   
and under what conditions, any of the acquired company's operations, including
MIS functions, should be integrated with those of the Company. The Company may
incur costs, such as additional rental costs, while operating an acquired
company prior to possible consolidation with the Company. Consistent with this
strategy, the Company has operated St. Louis Ostomy as a subsidiary since its
acquisition. During the first five months of calendar 1996, the Company
incurred the expense of additional rent for the St. Louis Ostomy facility and
additional personnel and overhead expenses in connection with the St. Louis
Ostomy acquisition. The Company decided to implement the consolidation of the
operations of St. Louis Ostomy with those of the Company effective July 1,
1996. The Company has incurred costs associated with the closing of the St.
Louis Ostomy distribution center and will continue to incur costs associated
with the integration of St. Louis Ostomy with the Company, such as severance
payments and the elimination of redundant corporate overhead. The Company
charged $109,000 to expense in the second and third quarters of fiscal 1996
for inventory and receivable write-offs. In addition, $225,000 of costs
associated with the closure of the St. Louis distribution center were reserved
as of the date of the St. Louis Ostomy acquisition. The Company estimates that
further consolidation costs of approximately $75,000 will be expensed in the
fourth quarter of fiscal 1996.     
   
  The gross margins of St. Louis Ostomy and Patient-Care were 20.2% and 20.4%,
respectively, for their fiscal 1995. The Company believes that St. Louis
Ostomy and Patient-Care had lower gross margins than the Company in 1995
because they were unable to purchase product on terms as favorable as those
negotiated by the Company and were unable to offer the level of service,
technical assistance and timely delivery the Company offers, and, therefore,
were required to compete principally on the basis of price. As a result, the
Company's pro forma gross margin for fiscal 1995 was 22.8%, which is lower
than the Company's actual gross margin of 24.3% for the same period. As part
of the process of integrating the Recent Acquisitions into the Company, the
Company is negotiating new supply arrangements and adjusting prices. While the
Company believes that the implementation of these measures will improve the
gross margins of the Recent Acquisitions, there can be no assurance that these
measures will result in increased gross margins of the Company on a
consolidated basis.     
   
  The acquisition of St. Louis Ostomy has been accounted for using the
purchase method of accounting, and accordingly, the results of operations of
St. Louis Ostomy are included within those of the Company subsequent to the
dates of its acquisition. In connection with the acquisition of St. Louis
Ostomy the Company recorded $10.9 million of goodwill which is being amortized
on a straight line basis over 25 years and which has resulted in a significant
increase in the Company's amortization expense beginning in the second quarter
of fiscal 1996. In connection with the acquisition of Patient-Care, the
Company expects to record approximately $2.9 million of goodwill which will be
amortized on a straight line basis over 25 years. See Note 2 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements.     
 
  Prior to the Recapitalization, the Company elected to be treated as a
Subchapter S corporation for income tax purposes and accordingly did not pay
federal and certain state income taxes during such period. In addition, the
amount of certain compensation and other expenses incurred prior to the
Recapitalization are not expected to be made in similar amounts following the
Recapitalization.
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
  The following table sets forth for the periods indicated information derived
from the consolidated statements of income of the Company expressed as a
percentage of net sales. The Company's past operating results are not
necessarily indicative of future operating results.
 
                                            PERCENTAGE OF NET SALES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 THIRTY-NINE
                                       YEAR ENDED                WEEKS ENDED
                          ------------------------------------ ---------------
                          AUGUST 28, SEPTEMBER 3, SEPTEMBER 2, JUNE 3, JUNE 1,
                             1993        1994         1995      1995    1996
                          ---------- ------------ ------------ ------- -------
<S>                       <C>        <C>          <C>          <C>     <C>
Net sales................   100.0%      100.0%       100.0%     100.0%  100.0%
Cost of goods sold.......    75.6        75.2         75.7       75.4    76.0
                            -----       -----        -----      -----   -----
Gross profit.............    24.4        24.8         24.3       24.6    24.0
Operating expenses.......    16.4        16.1         14.7       14.5    12.7
Depreciation and amorti-
 zation..................     0.6         0.6          0.5        0.5     0.8
Non-recurring compensa-
 tion expense............     4.9         4.7          --         --      --
                            -----       -----        -----      -----   -----
Operating income.........     2.5         3.4          9.1        9.6    10.5
Interest expense.........     --          --           0.7        --      3.7
Other (income) expense,
 net.....................    (0.4)       (0.2)        (0.2)      (0.3)    --
                            -----       -----        -----      -----   -----
Pre-tax (pro forma)......     2.9         3.6          8.6        9.9     6.8
Net income (pro forma)...     1.7         2.2          5.2        6.0     3.9
</TABLE>
 
                                      23
<PAGE>
 
THIRTY-NINE WEEKS ENDED JUNE 1, 1996 AND JUNE 3, 1995
   
  Net sales increased by $10.0 million, or 25.4%, to $49.3 million for the
thirty-nine weeks ended June 1, 1996 from $39.3 million for the thirty-nine
weeks ended June 3, 1995. The number of customer orders filled increased 29.8%
to approximately 296,000 orders for the thirty-nine weeks ended June 1, 1996
from approximately 228,000 orders for the thirty-nine weeks ended June 3,
1995. Of the $10.0 million increase in net sales, $7.0 million, or 70.0%, was
attributable to the acquisition of St. Louis Ostomy, and $3.0 million, or
30.0%, was attributable to a 7.6% growth rate in net sales to existing
customers for the thirty-nine weeks ended June 1, 1996. Same store growth in
net sales was primarily attributable to increases in sales to national home
health care chains and managed care organizations. The average order size
decreased to $171 for the thirty-nine weeks ended June 1, 1996 from $176 for
the same period ended June 3, 1995, primarily as a result of the lower order
size of sales made to customers of St. Louis Ostomy.     
 
  Gross profit increased by $2.2 million, or 22.4%, to $11.8 million for the
thirty-nine weeks ended June 1, 1996 from $9.7 million for the thirty-nine
weeks ended June 3, 1995, while gross margin decreased to 24.0% from 24.6%
over the same period. The decrease in gross margin was primarily attributable
to competitive pricing of products sold by the Company to maintain or increase
market share, particularly with respect to volume based pricing programs
offered by the Company.
 
  Operating expenses increased by $557,000, or 9.8%, to $6.2 million for the
thirty-nine weeks ended June 1, 1996 from $5.7 million for the thirty-nine
weeks ended June 3, 1995, and, as a percentage of net sales, decreased to
12.7% from 14.5% during the same period. The increase in operating expenses
was due to the support required for higher sales volume and the costs
associated with the operations of St. Louis Ostomy. The decrease in operating
expenses as a percentage of net sales was primarily attributable to the
leveraging of the Company's operating infrastructure over a larger base of
sales and the effect of Company's established budget and expense programs.
 
  Depreciation and amortization expense increased by $192,000 to $387,000 for
the thirty-nine weeks ended June 1, 1996 from $195,000 for the thirty-nine
weeks ended June 3, 1995 due to the amortization of expenses associated with
the acquisition of St. Louis Ostomy.
 
  Operating income increased by $1.4 million, or 37.4%, to $5.2 million for
the thirty-nine weeks ended June 1, 1996 from $3.8 million for the thirty-nine
weeks ended June 3, 1995. Operating income increased as a percentage of net
sales to 10.5% for the thirty-nine weeks ended June 3, 1996 from 9.6% for the
thirty-nine weeks ended June 1, 1995. The increase in operating income as a
percentage of net sales was primarily attributable to increased sales and
decreased operating expenses as a percentage of net sales, offset by declining
gross margins.
 
  Interest expense for the thirty-nine weeks ended June 1, 1996 was $1.8
million, due to borrowings to fund in part the Recapitalization and the
acquisition of St. Louis Ostomy. The Company did not have any interest expense
for the thirty-nine weeks ended June 3, 1995.
 
  Income taxes increased by $1.2 million to $1.5 million, or 42.9% of pre-tax
income, for the thirty-nine weeks ended June 1, 1996 from $236,000, or 6.0% of
pre-tax income, for the thirty-nine weeks ended June 3, 1995. This increase is
primarily attributable to the fact that prior to July 3, 1995, the Company
operated as a Subchapter S corporation.
 
YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 2, 1995 (52 WEEKS) AND SEPTEMBER 3, 1994 (53 WEEKS)
 
  Net sales increased by $5.4 million, or 11.3%, to $52.7 million in fiscal
1995 from $47.3 million in fiscal 1994. The number of customer orders filled
increased 11.6% to approximately 308,000 orders in fiscal 1995 from
approximately 276,000 orders in fiscal 1994. The net sales growth in fiscal
1995 was primarily attributable to increased sales to independent home health
care suppliers pursuant to volume based pricing programs and increased
penetration of national home health care chains. The average order size
remained constant in fiscal
 
                                      24
<PAGE>
 
1994 and fiscal 1995 at approximately $176, due to a larger volume of small
dollar amount orders under the Stockless Inventory Program in fiscal 1995
which offset the effect of price increases and inflation.
 
  Gross profit increased by $1.1 million, or 9.2%, to $12.8 million in fiscal
1995 from $11.7 million in fiscal 1994, while gross margin decreased to 24.3%
from 24.8% over the same period. The decrease in gross margin was primarily
attributable to competitive pricing of products sold by the Company to
maintain or increase market share, particularly with respect to volume based
pricing programs offered by the Company.
 
  Operating expenses increased by $125,000, or 1.6%, to $7.8 million in 1995
from $7.6 million in fiscal 1994, and, as a percentage of net sales, decreased
to 14.7% from 16.1% for the same period. The decrease in operating expenses as
a percentage of net sales was primarily attributable to the reduction in
compensation levels related to the Recapitalization.
 
  There was no non-recurring compensation expense in fiscal 1995, as compared
to non-recurring compensation expense of $2.2 million in fiscal 1994
representing 4.7% of net sales in fiscal 1994.
 
  Operating income increased by $3.2 million, or 202.7%, to $4.8 million for
fiscal 1995 from $1.6 million for fiscal 1994. The increase in operating
income was primarily attributable to the absence of bonus payments of $2.2
million in fiscal 1995 and is also attributable to increased sales and
decreased operating expenses as a percentage of net sales, offset by declining
gross margins. Excluding the effect of the non-recurring compensation,
operating income would have increased to $4.8 million in fiscal 1995 from $3.8
million in fiscal 1994, representing 9.1% of net sales in fiscal 1995 and 8.1%
of net sales in fiscal 1994.
 
  Interest expense for fiscal 1995 was $370,000 due to the incurrence of debt
under the Management Notes, the Summit Notes and the Credit Facility in
connection with the Recapitalization, including $188,000 of interest under the
Management Notes and Summit Notes and $176,000 of interest under the Credit
Facility.
 
  Income taxes increased by $270,000 to $358,000 in fiscal 1995 from $88,000
in fiscal 1994, representing 7.9% of pre-tax income in fiscal 1995. Prior to
July 3, 1995, the Company operated as a Subchapter S corporation and
accordingly was not responsible for federal and certain state income taxes. If
the Company had not elected Subchapter S corporation status for this period,
the Company's pro forma income tax expense for would have been $684,000 and
$1.8 million for fiscal 1994 and fiscal 1995, respectively.
 
YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 3, 1994 (53 WEEKS) AND AUGUST 28, 1993 (52 WEEKS)
 
  Net sales increased by $4.6 million, or 10.7%, to $47.3 million in fiscal
1994 from $42.7 million in fiscal 1993. The number of customer orders filled
increased by approximately 29,000, or 11.7%, to approximately 276,000 orders
in fiscal 1994 from approximately 247,000 orders in fiscal 1993. The net sales
growth in fiscal 1994 was primarily attributable to increased penetration of
national home health care chains and to increased sales to home medical
equipment dealers pursuant to volume based pricing programs.
 
  Gross profit increased by $1.3 million, or 12.3%, to $11.7 million in fiscal
1994 from $10.4 million in fiscal 1993, while gross profit increased to 24.8%
from 24.4% over the same period. The increase in gross profit was primarily
attributable to selective forward buying of product by the Company, effective
price management, especially with respect to products sold by the Company in
broken case orders, and more favorable pricing that became available from
suppliers pursuant to volume based incentives.
 
  Operating expenses increased $636,000, or 9.1%, to $7.6 million in fiscal
1994 from $7.0 million in fiscal 1993, and as a percentage of net sales
decreased to 16.1% from 16.4% for the same period. The increase in expenses
was primarily attributable to additional personnel hired to support the
increased level of sales.
 
  The Company incurred a non-recurring compensation expense of $2.2 million in
fiscal 1994 and $2.1 million in fiscal 1993.
 
                                      25
<PAGE>
 
  Operating income increased by $512,000, or 48.0%, to $1.6 million for fiscal
1994 from $1.1 million for fiscal 1993. Operating income as a percentage of
net sales increased to 3.3% for fiscal 1994 from 2.5% for fiscal 1993. The
increase in operating income was primarily attributable to the increased sales
and gross margins offset by increased operating expenses as a percentage of
net sales.
 
  Income taxes increased to $88,000 in fiscal 1994 from $69,000 in fiscal
1993. During both periods the Company operated as a Subchapter S corporation
and accordingly was not responsible for federal and certain state income
taxes. If the Company had not elected Subchapter S corporation status for
these periods, the Company's pro forma income tax expense for fiscal 1994 and
fiscal 1993 would have been $684,000 and $490,000, respectively.
 
QUARTERLY RESULTS
 
  The following table sets forth summary unaudited quarterly financial
information for each quarter in fiscal 1994 and 1995 and the fiscal quarters
ended December 2, March 2 and June 1, 1996. In the opinion of the Company,
such information has been prepared on the same basis as the audited
Consolidated Financial Statements appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus and
reflects all necessary adjustments (consisting of only normal, recurring
adjustments) for fair presentation of such unaudited quarterly results when
read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and related notes.
The operating results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of
results for any future period, and there can be no assurance that any trends
reflected in such results will continue in the future. The Company does not
believe that its business is seasonal.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                               FISCAL 1996
                               FISCAL 1994 PERIOD ENDED        FISCAL 1995 PERIOD ENDED       PERIOD ENDED
                          ---------------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------
                          11/27/93 2/26/94 5/28/94 9/3/94(1) 12/3/94 2/9/95 5/3/95 9/2/95 12/2/95 3/2/96 6/1/96
                          -------- ------- ------- --------- ------- ------ ------ ------ ------- ------ ------
                                                          (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S>                       <C>      <C>     <C>     <C>       <C>     <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>     <C>    <C>
Net sales...............   $11.1    $11.5   $11.7    $13.0    $12.9  $13.4  $13.0  $13.3   $13.5  $16.5  $19.3
Cost of goods sold......     8.4      8.6     8.8      9.8      9.7   10.1    9.8   10.2    10.2   12.6   14.6
Gross profit............     2.7      2.9     2.9      3.2      3.2    3.3    3.2    3.1     3.3    3.8    4.7
Operating expenses......     1.7      1.8     1.8      2.3      1.9    1.9    1.9    2.1     1.6    2.0    2.6
Depreciation and
 amortization...........     0.1      0.1     0.1      0.1      0.1    0.1    0.1    0.1     0.1    0.1    0.2
Operating income........     0.9     (0.1)    1.0     (0.3)     1.2    1.3    1.3    1.0     1.6    1.7    1.8
Interest expense........     --       --      --       --       --     --     --     0.4     0.5    0.6    0.7
Pre-tax (pro forma).....     0.9       *      1.0     (0.3)     1.2    1.4    1.3    0.6     1.1    1.1    1.1
Net income (pro forma)..     0.6       *      0.6     (0.2)     0.7    0.8    0.8    0.4     0.7    0.7    0.6
</TABLE>
- -------
(1) Fourth quarter of fiscal 1994 consists of 14 weeks.
 * Under $49,000.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
  Prior to the Recapitalization, the Company's principal cash requirements
were to fund working capital in order to support growth of net sales and to
fund dividends required as a result of the Company's Subchapter S corporation
status. The Company funded such working capital and dividend requirements
principally with cash generated from operations. Cash flows generated from
operations were $900,000, $1.5 million, and $4.1 million for fiscal 1993, 1994
and 1995, respectively. For the thrity-nine weeks ended June 1, 1996, the
Company used cash of $31,000.
 
  On July 3, 1995, the Company effected the Recapitalization pursuant to which
the Company redeemed an aggregate of 70.0% of the shares of Common Stock then
outstanding for total consideration of $29.5 million, of which $27.0 million
was paid in cash and $2.5 million was paid in the form of the Management
Notes. To finance the Recapitalization, the Company issued an aggregate of
$6.7 million Redeemable Preferred Stock and issued the Summit Notes in the
aggregate principal amount of $6.75 million. The Company also entered into the
Credit Facility with the Bank and borrowed $13.5 million thereunder. See
"Certain Transactions." These transactions resulted in a significant increase
in the Company's interest expense beginning in the fourth quarter of fiscal
1995.
 
                                      26
<PAGE>
 
  Following the Recapitalization, the Company's principal cash requirements
have been to fund acquisitions and debt service and provide working capital to
support growth of net sales. The Company has funded these requirements with
cash generated from operations and with borrowings under the Credit Facility.
 
  Borrowing capacity under the Credit Facility is $30.0 million, and
borrowings bear interest at either the Bank's Base Rate or LIBOR plus an
applicable margin, depending on the Company's earnings. The outstanding
borrowings under the Credit Facility are secured by substantially all of the
assets of the Company, including a pledge of all of the capital stock of its
subsidiaries. The Credit Facility contains covenants which require the Company
to maintain certain financial ratios and impose certain limitations and
prohibitions on the Company with respect to: (i) incurring additional
indebtedness; (ii) the creation of security interests on the assets of the
Company; and (iii) the payment of cash dividends on the Common Stock. At June
1, 1996, the Company was in compliance with such covenants. The terms of the
Credit Facility provide for reductions in the amount available for borrowing
thereunder at six month intervals until such time as availability reaches
$17.75 million at June 30, 2000, the maturity date of the Credit Facility.
Borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facility were $12.6 million at
September 2, 1995 as compared to $21.0 million at June 1, 1996.
 
  Prior to the consummation of this offering, the Company intends to enter
into the Amended Credit Facility which will provide the Company with a maximum
borrowing availability of $30.0 million. The entire $30.0 million of revolving
credit will be available for borrowing by the Company upon consummation of
this offering to fund working capital needs and acquisitions. Interest on
amounts borrowed under the Amended Credit Facility will bear interest, at the
Company's option, at either the Bank's Base Rate or at LIBOR plus an
applicable margin, depending upon the Company's earnings. All obligations
under the Amended Credit Facility will be required to be repaid by June 30,
2000. The Amended Credit Facility will contain customary covenants, including,
restrictions on the incurrence of indebtedness and liens, capital
expenditures, certain mergers and acquisitions, certain distributions on the
Company's capital stock and transactions with affiliates. The Amended Credit
Facility will also require that the Company satisfy certain financial
covenants. The ability of the Company to meet its debt service requirements
and to comply with such financial covenants will be dependent upon the
Company's future performance, which is subject to financial, economic,
competitive and other factors affecting the Company, some of which are beyond
its control. The Company's obligations under the Amended Credit Facility will
be secured by a first priority security interest in substantially all of the
assets and properties of the Company, including a pledge of all of the stock
of St. Louis Ostomy and Patient-Care. The Company expects that upon maturity
of the Amended Credit Facility, indebtedness thereunder will be repaid with
borrowings under a replacement credit facility or with proceeds of future
equity or debt financings.
 
  The net proceeds of this offering will be used to repay in full the
Management Notes, the Summit Notes, the St. Louis Note, the Redeemable
Preferred Stock and borrowings under the Credit Facility. See "Use of
Proceeds." As a result, after giving effect to this offering and the
application of the net proceeds therefrom, the Company will have no long-term
indebtedness other than amounts which the Company may reborrow under the
Amended Credit Facility in order to fund working capital and future
acquisitions. In connection with the repayment of this debt, the Company will
write-off approximately $162,000 of deferred financing costs associated with
the incurrence of the obligations which are being repaid, which write-off will
be reflected in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1996.
   
  The Company made capital expenditures totaling $213,000, $136,000, $293,000
and $229,000 in fiscal 1993, 1994, 1995 and for the thirty-nine weeks ended
June 1, 1996, respectively. The Company expects to make total capital
expenditures of $350,000 in fiscal 1996 and $450,000 in fiscal 1997, primarily
to expand its MIS capabilities. Such amounts may be increased due to
acquisitions and other expenditures required to expand the Company's
operations.     
 
                                      27
<PAGE>
 
  Other expenses of the Company include the cost of carrying inventory. During
the Company's last five fiscal years, the Company had negligible inventory
write-offs. At June 1, 1996, the Company maintained an investment in inventory
of approximately $5.5 million, of which approximately $526,000 (9.6%) was over
120 days. The Company's inventory turnover was approximately 11.8 times during
fiscal 1995, as compared to 9.8 times in fiscal 1994, and was 10.9 times for
the thirty-nine weeks ended June 1, 1996, as compared to 10.6 times for the
comparable period in fiscal 1995.
 
  Following consummation of this offering, the Company's long-term liquidity
needs will consist of working capital and capital required to fund future
acquisitions. The Company believes that the net proceeds from this offering,
together with funds generated from its operations and borrowings available
under the Amended Credit Facility, will be sufficient to fund its operations
and possible acquisitions through fiscal 1997. In the event the Company
requires additional funds for such purposes, it intends to raise such funds
through future equity or debt financings.
 
  The Company does not believe inflation had a material adverse effect on the
financial statements for the periods presented.
 
                                      28
<PAGE>
 
                                   BUSINESS
GENERAL
 
  Suburban is a leading national direct marketing wholesaler of medical
supplies and related products to the home health care industry. The Company
sells products to over 20,000 customers, including: (i) independent suppliers
of home health care products (principally home medical equipment dealers and
local and chain pharmacies); (ii) national home health care chains and
wholesalers; and (iii) managed care organizations. Through its direct sales
and marketing programs, the Company markets a comprehensive selection of more
than 5,000 SKUs, comprised primarily of ostomy, incontinence, diabetic and
wound care products. The Company's primary product lines fulfill its
customers' needs to provide a complete line of products for their home health
care patients. The Company believes that its success is attributable to the
expertise gained from more than 17 years of focus on its product lines and its
commitment to providing superior service and technical support to its
customers. Through its product knowledge and ability to efficiently process a
high volume of orders without a minimum order amount, the Company fills an
important need in the fragmented and diverse home health care industry.
 
INDUSTRY OVERVIEW
 
  Home Health Care Market. Home health care encompasses a broad spectrum of
both health and social services and products which can be delivered to the
recovering, disabled or chronically ill person in the home. The Company
believes that the following economic and demographic factors will support the
continued growth of home health care and the need for the Company's products:
 
    . Cost-Containment Efforts. Ongoing efforts to reform the health care
  system in light of increasing medical costs have resulted in greater cost
  sensitivity on behalf of medical providers and payors. Home health care
  services are increasingly recognized as viable, cost-effective alternatives
  to inpatient health care.
     
    . Patient Preference/Increased Acceptance. Industry research indicates
  that the majority of patients prefer home health care to institutional
  care, and that patients recover more quickly in the home environment with
  the close support of family and friends. In addition, the Company believes
  that people today are more health conscious than prior generations, and
  that they more readily acknowledge their medical conditions, home health
  care needs and their use of the products which the Company markets.     
 
    . Technological Advances. Technological advancements enable patients who
  previously would have required hospitalization to be treated at home. For
  example, advances in wound care products enable many persons with chronic
  wounds to be treated at home, rather than in a hospital. The use of
  minimally invasive surgical procedures has also reduced the length of
  hospital stays and increased the incidence and length of recovery in the
  home setting.
 
    . Changing Demographics. The elderly represent the largest and fastest-
  growing single consumer segment of health care in the United States. The
  Company believes that greater utilization of medical services by the
  elderly will drive the growth in the use of medical supplies, including
  products used in the home setting.
 
  Home Health Care Products Distribution Channels. The home health care
distribution industry is highly fragmented, with a large number of local and a
limited number of national wholesalers carrying a broad range of products and
serving similar customers. Increasingly, local and regional wholesalers are
consolidating in response to pressure from both customers and manufacturers.
To minimize costs while maintaining high service levels, health care payors
have demonstrated a preference for home health care chains which serve as a
cost-effective "one stop shop" source of a comprehensive range of home health
products and services. Due to the complexity of supporting the wide variety of
home health care products and the geographically dispersed nature of home
health care patients, the Company believes that such national home health care
 
                                      29
<PAGE>
 
chains are seeking wholesalers which can quickly and efficiently provide
supplies for all of their patients on a nationwide basis. In addition to such
pressures from their own customers, home health care wholesalers face
increasing pressure from manufacturers which, to reduce their distribution
costs, prefer to sell higher volumes of product to a reduced number of larger
wholesalers. This evolving marketplace provides an opportunity for wholesalers
with national distribution capabilities and sophisticated management
information systems to offer value added services to meet the needs of
manufacturers and customers.
 
BUSINESS STRENGTHS
 
  The Company believes its position as a leading national direct marketer to
the home health care industry is principally attributable to the following
factors:
   
  National Distribution Network. The Company's distribution network provides
quick, cost-effective delivery on a national basis. This network enables the
Company to meet the needs of national home health care chains and managed care
organizations, as well as local independent suppliers. The Company's MIS is
designed to coordinate inventory with order fulfillment so that the Company is
able to fill orders from any of its five regional distribution centers located
in Holliston, Massachusetts; Atlanta, Georgia; Dallas, Texas; South Bend,
Indiana; and Rancho Cucamonga, California. Its national distribution network
enables the Company to ship over 95% of orders on the day of receipt, with a
product fill rate of over 92%, and to deliver product to 94% of the U.S.
population within 48 hours. Given existing capacity, the Company believes that
it can increase sales significantly without the need to make material
investments in additional facilities. See "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation--Liquidity and
Capital Resources."     
 
  Superior Customer Service and Technical Support. The Company provides
superior customer service and technical support through extensive training and
systems support. All of the Company's new service representatives receive at
least four continuous weeks of specialized training, two of which precede any
customer contact. In addition, the Company regularly conducts sales and
product training to ensure that all service representatives and marketing and
purchasing staff have current knowledge of products and their applications.
Service representatives are available to offer technical advice and support to
customers to assist them in product selection. Additionally, the Company
performs daily outbound telemarketing to welcome new customers, including
those added through acquisitions, to extend special pricing to customers and
to implement new programs with chain customers. To augment its service
representatives, the Company also employs two registered nurses, including an
enterostomal therapist, who are available to respond to more complex inquiries
about the Company's products. The Company provides a toll-free number and uses
its call center and automated call routing technology to process an average of
2,500 calls per day during the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. eastern time,
with service representatives answering 95% of calls within thirty seconds.
Utilizing the Company's proprietary software, service representatives have
access to the customer's profile which includes information on product
availability, prices, order history, shipping address and billing information.
The software assists service representatives in fulfilling customer orders, as
well as in exploring additional, complementary product needs and handling
customer inquiries.
 
  Comprehensive Catalog and Direct Marketing. The Company's direct marketing
program is designed to provide customers with frequent access to the Company's
products. The Company believes that direct marketing is the most cost-
effective and convenient distribution method to reach the Company's customers.
In fiscal 1995, the Company's marketing staff produced in-house and
distributed to the Company's customers over 500,000 pieces of direct mail,
consisting of catalogs, flyers, trade press advertisements and package
inserts. This marketing program is supplemented by direct telemarketing and
frequent "fax specials" which provide its customers timely pricing and
promotional information. Suburban's comprehensive wholesale product catalog
has been continually published since 1977 and is published two or three times
a year. This catalog strengthens the Company's position as a leader in its
markets by serving as a valuable reference source for its products,
facilitating the ordering process and providing a complete description of
products and a listing of manufacturers and prices for all ordering
quantities. In addition, Suburban publishes and sells a retail catalog to its
customers which can be customized with their name and logo for use in
marketing the Company's products. The Company has also developed and maintains
a proprietary customer and product
 
                                      30
<PAGE>
 
database which it uses to target its direct mailings. The Company believes
that this database, which contains the names of more than 20,000 customers and
13,000 prospects, provides a significant competitive advantage to Suburban.
This database contains detailed information about each customer, including
purchase history by product, pricing history, shipping address and billing
information.
 
  Focused Product Offering. The Company's broad product offering within its
ostomy, incontinence, diabetic and wound care product categories enables
Suburban to provide "one stop shopping" within these lines. In addition, the
Company sells a large assortment of other products for use in home health care
and which are frequently used by purchasers of its principal products. The
Company continually evaluates new product lines within the home health care
market to meet the evolving needs of its customers and to take advantage of
changes in medical technologies.
 
  Stockless Inventory Program. The Company markets its Stockless Inventory
Program to its customers to enhance their service capability and to promote
their ability to be a "one stop shop" provider to managed care organizations.
This is accomplished by shipping products on the customer's behalf directly to
the customer's patients. The transaction is transparent to the patient as only
the names of the Company's customer and the recipient of the product appear in
the shipping materials received. Because its customers, particularly the
national home health care chains, do not have to carry product inventory, this
program eliminates the customer's inventory costs for the product and reduces
its handling costs, improving the customer's cash flow and space utilization.
The program also provides to the customer the benefits of detailed utilization
reporting and accelerated billing cycles.
 
GROWTH STRATEGY
 
  The Company's strategy is to expand sales to existing and new customers by
continuing to focus on its business strengths and by implementing the
following growth strategy:
 
  Acquisitions. The Company believes that the consolidation in the home health
care industry provides an opportunity for the Company to expand its business
through acquisitions. The Company intends to enhance its position as a leading
national direct marketing wholesaler by increasing its number of customers,
expanding its geographic markets and product categories and leveraging its
existing infrastructure. As part of this strategy, the Company has completed
the Recent Acquisitions. The Company's acquisition of St. Louis Ostomy enabled
the Company to expand its presence in the Midwest, and the Patient-Care
acquisition enabled the Company to expand its presence in California, as well
as increase its sales of incontinence products. After making an acquisition,
the Company operates the acquired company as a subsidiary for a period of
time, which allows the Company to decide whether to consolidate any of the
operations of the acquired company with those of Suburban. Where appropriate,
the Company will consolidate the operations of an acquired company with its
own and may close facilities of acquired businesses and transfer operations to
the Company's facilities. Consistent with this strategy, the Company has
decided to close the St. Louis Ostomy facility effective July 1, 1996 and
fully integrate its operations with those of Suburban. See "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation."
   
  Increase Sales to National Home Health Care Chains. With the continued
growth of national home health care chains, the Company has increasingly
focused on marketing to these larger, national companies. The Company has
supply arrangements with 22 national chains, including exclusive supply
arrangements with two of these chains. Sales to national home health care
chains were $6.8 million for fiscal 1995 and $7.6 million for the thirty-nine
weeks ended June 1, 1996, representing approximately 15% of net sales for each
period. Suburban believes its Stockless Inventory Program is particularly
attractive to national home health care chains. Suburban intends to establish
additional relationships with national home health care chains to become their
preferred or exclusive provider of specialty product lines.     
 
  Add Contracts with Managed Care Organizations. The Company believes that
there are significant growth opportunities in marketing its products to
managed care organizations. Sales of products to managed
 
                                      31
<PAGE>
 
care organizations accounted for less than 1% of the Company's net sales in
fiscal 1995 and increased to 1.9% of the Company's net sales for the thirty-
nine weeks ended June 1, 1996. To meet the cost containment and informational
needs of managed care organizations, the Company has developed a detailed
reporting and utilization system which allows for reduced product acquisition
costs and better management and control of utilization.
   
  Expand Penetration of Independent Supplier Base. The Company believes that
there exists an opportunity to leverage its existing customer relationships
and to expand the number of independent suppliers to which it sells products.
In fiscal 1995, the Company sold products to over 20,000 independent home
medical equipment dealers and local and chain pharmacies. The Company believes
there are approximately 50,000 additional such suppliers to which it does not
currently sell its products. The Company intends to expand its penetration of
the independent provider base by: (i) implementing its acquisition strategy;
(ii) expanding the Company's outbound telemarketing effort, direct mail
coverage and frequent "fax specials" program; and (iii) expanding the
Company's product line offering. See "Business--Customers."     
 
PRODUCTS
 
  The Company supplies more than 5,000 SKUs, primarily in the ostomy,
incontinence, diabetic and wound care categories. These four product
categories accounted for approximately 81.5% of Suburban's net sales for the
thirty-nine weeks ended June 1, 1996.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         NET SALES FOR  PERCENTAGE
                                          THIRTY-NINE     OF NET
                                             WEEKS      SALES FOR
                                             ENDED     THIRTY-NINE
                                         JUNE 1, 1996     WEEKS     NO. OF SKUS
                                          (DOLLARS IN     ENDED          AT
PRODUCT CATEGORIES                        THOUSANDS)   JUNE 1, 1996 JUNE 1, 1996
- ------------------                       ------------- ------------ ------------
<S>                                      <C>           <C>          <C>
Ostomy..................................    $16,539        33.5%       1,562
Incontinence............................      9,344        19.0        1,021
Diabetic Care...........................      6,824        13.8          109
Wound Care..............................      7,503        15.2          671
Other...................................      9,092        18.5        1,665
                                            -------       -----        -----
Total...................................    $49,302       100.0%       5,028
                                            =======       =====        =====
</TABLE>
 
  Ostomy Products. Suburban has developed an expertise in the ostomy market
and markets a broad spectrum of related products, primarily one and two piece
ostomy appliances, accessories, adhesives, pastes, skin barriers and odor
control products. A common reason for ostomy surgery is cancer. An ostomy is
usually conducted when a patient's condition requires that a surgeon
disconnect or remove part or all of the patient's colon. The surgeon
constructs a new elimination route to replace the function of the colon. The
surgeon brings a portion of the patient's intestine through the abdominal
wall, folds it over, and sutures it to the skin, forming a stoma. The stoma
provides an exit for waste material that is drained into a disposable pouch,
commonly referred to as an ostomy appliance. Ostomy appliances come in
numerous shapes and sizes, including one-piece and two-piece models, and
reusable or disposable systems. Depending on the manufacturer and the system,
patients may replace their ostomy dressing as frequently as daily, or as
infrequently as once per week.
 
  According to a leading industry source, in 1995 there were an estimated
750,000 to 1,000,000 ostomates (persons with an ostomy) living in the U.S. and
Canada. Based upon industry data, the Company estimates that in 1996 the
wholesale market for ostomy and related products in the U.S. was approximately
$228.0 million. Industry sources estimate that there are approximately 95,000
ostomy surgeries each year, 60% resulting in temporary stomas, which typically
range from one to six months, and 40% resulting in permanent stomas. In
response to its customers' individual needs and preferences, the Company
offers a large number of SKUs within the ostomy category which the Company
believes acts as a barrier to entry to those competitors unable to stock a
complete assortment of these products on a cost-effective basis.
 
                                      32
<PAGE>
 
  The market for ostomy products is closely related to that for
incontinence/urological and wound/skin care products. Due to the nature of
their condition, ostomates commonly purchase incontinence products in
conjunction with ostomy supplies. In addition, ostomates also purchase wound
care products. Since the fecal discharge has not been subject to enzyme
neutralization, which would normally occur in the colon, the area surrounding
the stoma can become irritated and damaged if left unprotected, and therefore
must be cared for as a wound.
 
  Incontinence Products. The Company markets a broad selection of incontinence
and urological products, including disposable and reusable adult diapers and
undergarments, irrigation trays, intermittent and external catheters, and
drainage and leg bags. According to industry statistics, urinary incontinence
("UI") affects 15%-30% of non-institutionalized persons over the age of 60. UI
can be caused by pathologic, anatomic, or physiologic factors affecting the
urinary tract as well as by external factors. The UI market is generally
segmented into three distinct usage categories--light, moderate and severe.
The severely incontinent tend to use 50% more product than either other
segment and are usually older than those in the other two categories. The
severely incontinent generally prefer to purchase in an easy and discreet
manner, and generally purchase in case quantity rather than by the package.
 
  Diabetic Care Products. The American Diabetes Association estimates that
there were 11.0 million diabetics in the U.S., 1.1 million of whom must test
themselves four to seven times daily to control the potentially degenerative
effects of diabetes. The Company markets a broad selection of products for the
treatment of diabetes, including test strips, blood-glucose meters, lancets
and accessories. Based on the American Diabetes Association's estimates and
the average price of monitoring devices prevailing in the market, the Company
estimates that the annual wholesale market for blood glucose monitoring
products will be approximately $1.4 billion in calendar 1996.
   
  Wound Care Products. According to industry sources, approximately five
million Americans suffered from chronic wounds in 1995 that required wound
care. Based on industry statistics, the Company believes that the total U.S.
market for wound care and related products of the type marketed by the Company
was approximately $400 million in 1995. Wound care products marketed by the
Company include traditional tapes, gauze, bandages and sponges and advanced
dressings such as hydrocolloid, calcium alginates, hydrogel and transplant
dressings. The most common types of treatable chronic wounds are venous stacis
ulcers, pressure sores, vessel disease wounds, surgery wound breakdown, spinal
injury wounds, burns as a result of radiation treatment and chemical wounds,
usually resulting from chemotherapy. Since wound treatment programs have
improved technologically and become more individualized, the number of SKUs
which the Company carries relating to wound care has increased to 671 SKUs as
of June 1, 1996.     
 
  Other Products. The Company sells a large assortment of products for home
health care other than those in its principal four product categories. These
products are frequently ordered by its customers and include respiratory,
convalescent care, skin care, home diagnostic and enteral feeding products.
The Company continually evaluates new product categories within the home
health care market to meet the evolving needs of its customers and to take
advantage of changes in medical technologies.
 
CUSTOMERS
 
  The Company's three market segments consist of over 20,000 customers,
including: (i) independent suppliers of home health care products, principally
home medical equipment dealers and local and chain pharmacies; (ii) national
home health care chains and wholesalers; and (iii) managed care organizations.
Sales to independent suppliers, national home health care chains and
wholesalers and managed care organizations accounted for approximately 86.4%,
12.9% and 0.7%, respectively, of net sales in fiscal 1995, and 83.0%, 15.2%
and 1.8%, respectively, of net sales for the thirty-nine weeks ended June 1,
1996. While the number of independent home medical equipment dealers and
pharmacies continues to decline due to consolidation, the Company continues to
add new customers in this market. Of Suburban's broad customer base, only two
customers accounted for more than 1% of the Company's net sales for each of
fiscal 1995 and the thirty-nine
 
                                      33
<PAGE>
 
weeks ended June 1, 1996, and the twenty largest customers accounted, in the
aggregate, for less than 13.1% and 16.2% of net sales for fiscal 1995 and for
the thirty-nine weeks ended June 1, 1996, respectively. See "Business--Sales
and Marketing."
 
SALES AND MARKETING
 
  The Company's direct marketing program is designed to provide its customers
with frequent exposure to the Company's comprehensive product categories on a
cost-effective basis. The Company's direct marketing program consists of the
following components: (i) a wholesale catalog for customer orders; (ii) a
retail catalog sold to customers for their use as a marketing tool; (iii)
monthly flyers; (iv) frequent "fax specials" to targeted customer segments;
(v) package inserts; (vi) general advertising; (vii) trade press literature;
and (viii) trade show materials. The components of this program enable the
Company to determine the market acceptance of new products prior to the
Company making a significant inventory investment or including such products
in its catalog. The Company continually evaluates these direct marketing
components to arrive at the optimal mix of marketing techniques.
 
  The Company's comprehensive wholesale catalog has been continually published
since 1977 and is published two or three times a year. This catalog
strengthens the Company's position as a leader in its markets by serving as a
valuable reference tool for the its products, facilitating the ordering
process and providing a complete description of products and listing of
manufacturers and prices for all ordering quantities. In fiscal 1995, the
Company circulated approximately 120,000 wholesale catalogs. Unlike most
wholesalers, the Company produces each component of the direct marketing
program using its in-house marketing staff, which provides the Company with
greater flexibility in timing its production and updates and enables it to
control quality and reduce production costs. The Company has invested in desk-
top publishing hardware and software to produce direct marketing materials and
maintains a library of product photos that can be varied in size and color.
The costs of the Company's direct marketing programs are partially offset by
cooperative advertising support from manufacturers which have their products
included in the catalog.
 
  The Company also publishes and sells a retail catalog to its customers which
can be customized with their name and logo for use in marketing the Company's
products. The Company publishes retail catalogs approximately every eighteen
months and has sold 250,000 of its most recent catalog since its date of
publication. The Company has also developed and maintains a proprietary
customer and prospect database. The Company believes this database, which
contains the names of more than 20,000 customers and 13,000 prospects,
provides a significant competitive advantage to Suburban. The customer
database contains detailed information about each customer, including purchase
history by product, pricing history, shipping address and billing information.
Using this proprietary database, the Company cost-effectively targets its
directed mailings of monthly flyers, frequent "fax specials" and package
inserts.
 
ORDER ENTRY AND FULFILLMENT; CUSTOMER SERVICE AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT
 
 Order Entry and Fulfillment. Suburban makes purchasing its products as
convenient as possible. All of the Company's service operations are
centralized at its Holliston facility. Because the substantial majority of
orders are placed by telephone, the efficient and timely handling of calls is
key to the Company's business. The Company provides a toll-free number and
uses its call center and automated call routing technology to process an
average of 2,500 calls per day between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. eastern time,
with service representatives answering approximately 95% of all calls within
thirty seconds. The Company's 40 service representatives use the Company's
proprietary software to fill customer orders, explore additional product needs
and respond to customer inquiries. Each service representative has access to
the customer's profile, which contains information on product availability,
prices, order history, shipping address and billing information. Service
representatives are also trained and incentivized to cross-sell selected
products, to suggest the purchase of complementary products and to highlight
special product promotions sponsored by manufacturers. Senior service
representatives assume the additional responsibility of managing certain large
 
                                      34
<PAGE>
 
volume customers and are incentivized to exceed specified sales and margin
goals. In addition, the Company has a four person team which focuses primarily
on large, national accounts, particularly home health care chains and managed
care organizations. Members of this team visit customer locations, exhibit
products at trade shows and develop and negotiate contracts with leading home
health care companies. Outbound programs involve all 40 representatives and
consist primarily of follow-up with new customers, including those obtained
through acquisitions, national chain customer contact and new program
introductions.
 
  Once an order is entered into the system, a credit check is performed, and
if the credit is approved, the order is electronically sent to the appropriate
distribution center where a packing slip and invoice are printed for order
fulfillment. Approximately 85% of the Company's customers purchase on an open-
account basis, while the remainder are cash on delivery and credit card
purchases. For each of the Company's past five fiscal years, the Company's bad
debt experience has not exceeded 1/2 of 1% of net sales. Each of the Company's
distribution centers is a full-service facility capable of receiving,
preparing and shipping orders for customers. Given existing capacity, the
Company believes that it can increase sales significantly without the need to
make material investments in additional facilities. The Company's order
placement policy includes no minimum requirements and free freight for orders
over a specified dollar amount. The Company's MIS and national distribution
network enable the Company to ship over 95% of orders on the day of receipt,
with a product fill rate of over 92%, and to deliver product to 94% of the
U.S. population within 48 hours. In the event that an item is not in stock at
one distribution center, the Company's MIS immediately discloses to the
service representative the product's availability at an alternate distribution
center. Once the order is filled and packaged, substantially all orders are
shipped by UPS. For orders shipped through the Stockless Inventory Program,
customers are invoiced for merchandise promptly after shipment.
 
 Customer Service and Technical Support
 
  The Company provides its customers with a high level of customer service and
technical support, the principal bases of which are accurate and complete
order fulfillment and prompt product delivery. All new service representatives
receive at least four weeks of consecutive, specialized training, two of which
precede any customer contact. Thereafter, service representatives regularly
receive at least three hours per week of sales and product training. In
addition to in-house training, sales representatives regularly receive from
manufacturers technical training regarding various products. To augment its
service representatives, the Company employs two registered nurses, including
an enterostomal therapist, who are accessible to respond to more complex
customer inquiries regarding the Company's products.
 
  The Company markets its Stockless Inventory Program to all its customers to
enhance their service capability and to promote their ability to be a "one
stop shop" provider. This is accomplished by shipping products on the
customer's behalf directly to the customer's patients. The transaction is
transparent to the patient as only the names of the Company's customer and the
recipient of the product appear in the shipping materials received. Because
the customer does not have to carry product inventory, this program eliminates
the customer's inventory costs for these products and reduces its handling
costs, improving the customer's cash flow and space utilization. The Stockless
Inventory Program also enables both the Company and the customer to record a
sale at the time the order is shipped by the Company. The Company shipped 7.6%
and 8.4% of its net sales through its Stockless Inventory Program for fiscal
1995 and the thirty-nine weeks ended June 1, 1996, respectively. National home
health care chains have been the most frequent users of the Stockless
Inventory Program.
 
  With the Stockless Inventory Program, the Company also provides additional
value-added services for its larger customers, such as detailed reporting with
respect to the patient's payor and clinician as well as the products shipped
to the patient's home. This type of in-depth reporting is particularly helpful
in managed care settings where there is frequently limited data available on
utilization and patient populations of ostomy, diabetic and incontinent
members. Within this reporting system is a Medicare compatibility database
that assists the customer with its billing efforts. While the Company does no
third party billing, it does have an extensive support database that ties all
5,000 SKUs for which reimbursement is available to the correct Health
 
                                      35

<PAGE>
 
Care Financing Administration code and reimbursement information. This is
particularly helpful to suppliers under on-going pressure to manage costs.
 
MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS
 
  The Company operates a sophisticated proprietary management information
system that allows centralized management of key functions, including: (i)
accounts receivable and inventory management; (ii) communication links between
distribution centers; (iii) customized customer reporting; (iv) purchasing;
(v) pricing; (vi) order entry and fulfillment; (vii) mail list management; and
(viii) the preparation of daily management reports which provide timely
information regarding key aspects of the business. The system enables the
Company to ship customer orders on a same-day basis and respond to order
changes and supports a high level of customer service. See "Management
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Results and Operations--Liquidity and
Capital Resources."
 
PURCHASING
 
  The Company purchases products from over 200 manufacturers and regularly
evaluates its relationships and considers alternative suppliers to ensure
competitive costs and product quality. The Company's top ten manufacturers
accounted for approximately 67.2% and 65.1%, of the Company's total purchases
in fiscal 1995 and the thirty-nine weeks ended June 1, 1996, respectively.
Three of these manufacturers, Hollister Incorporated, Convatec, a division of
Bristol Meyers Squibb, and Lifescan, Inc., a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson,
accounted for 18.5%, 15.7% and 9.7%, respectively, of the Company's total
purchases in fiscal 1995. These three manufacturers accounted for 18.6%, 15.6%
and 7.3%, respectively of the Company's total purchases for the thirty-nine
weeks ended June 1, 1996, as compared to 18.5%, 15.9% and 9.6%, respectively,
for the thirty-nine weeks ended June 3, 1995. The Company is able to achieve
volume discounts, rebates and promotional allowances from manufacturers by
providing significant value added services through marketing support and
information management.
 
  While the Company has contracts with seven of its top ten manufacturers, it
does not have contracts with the majority of its manufacturers, and instead
relies on terms contained in purchase orders. As a result, the Company may be
subject to unanticipated changes in its arrangements with manufacturers,
including pricing, minimum volume and dollar requirements, return policies and
promotional allowances. Where the Company has a contract with a manufacturer,
it is typically of short duration with a limited number of terms. See "Risk
Factors--Dependence on Manufacturers."
 
  The Company's purchasing function is centralized at its corporate
headquarters in Holliston, Massachusetts and includes a manager and four
buyers, each of whom is responsible for approximately 50 vendor relationships,
plus expediting special orders. Each buyer's performance is measured
periodically against goals set for inventory turns, service level and gross
margins. Purchases from the Company's primary vendors occur on a weekly basis,
while purchases from smaller vendors occur bi-weekly or on an as needed basis.
Forward purchasing decisions are made on a selected, limited basis, such as
when the price discount exceeds the cost of carrying incremental inventory.
Forward purchasing typically is a function of expectations of price increases,
taking advantage of promotions and return on the Company's invested capital.
Purchasing is closely tied to the inventory management controls of the
Company. Due to the Company's effective inventory management, the Company's
inventory write-offs during the last five fiscal years have been negligible.
 
COMPETITION
 
  Suburban faces intense competition from a variety of local, regional and
national wholesalers. In addition to home health care wholesalers, Suburban's
competition includes drug wholesalers and distributors to hospitals and long
term care providers. Most of the Company's products are available from several
sources, and the Company's customers often have relationships with several
wholesalers. Since barriers to entry in the
 
                                      36
<PAGE>
 
home health care distribution industry are relatively low, there is
substantial risk that current competition will expand their market presence
and new competitors will enter the market. Certain of the Company's current
competitors have substantially greater capital resources, sales and marketing
experience and distribution capabilities than the Company. The ongoing
consolidation of home health care wholesalers could result in existing
competitors improving their market positions through acquisitions or joint
ventures. In addition, the Company faces competition from manufacturers that
may increase their efforts to sell directly to suppliers, thus bypassing
wholesalers such as Suburban. In response to competitive pressures from
current or future competitors, the Company may be required to lower selling
prices to maintain or increase market share. Such measures could have a
material adverse effect on the results of operations or the financial
condition of the Company. See "Management Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operation."
 
  The Company competes on the basis of its: (i) order and delivery
capabilities; (ii) product knowledge; (iii) product breadth; (iv) technical
support; (v) customer relationships with service representatives; and (vi)
price. The Company believes that its customers base their purchasing decisions
upon such factors and that the Company competes favorably with respect to each
of these factors. In particular, the Company believes that it differentiates
itself from other wholesalers with which it competes on the basis of a high
fill rate of its product line, knowledgeable service representatives, the
Stockless Inventory Program and its MIS capabilities.
 
GOVERNMENTAL REGULATION
 
  Suburban is subject to regulation under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic
Act, as well as under certain state regulations, because of its storage and
handling of certain medical devices and products. The amount of sales of
products that are subject to such regulation is not material to the Company's
results of operations. The Company believes that it is in compliance with all
applicable federal and state requirements and that it possesses all licenses
and permits required for the conduct of its business. In addition, certain
licenses and permits of the Company prohibit a change of control without
relevant regulatory approval.
 
PRODUCT LIABILITY INSURANCE
 
  The Company maintains product liability insurance of $5.0 million, and is
named as an additional insured under policies maintained by approximately 95%
of its manufacturers whose products represent approximately 98% of the
Company's net sales. While the Company believes that such coverage will be
adequate, no assurance can be given that such coverage will be adequate to
cover all future claims or will be available in adequate amounts or at a
reasonable cost or that such indemnification agreements will provide adequate
protection to the Company.
 
STATE SALES TAX
 
  The Company collects sales tax or other similar tax only with respect to
those states in which the Company maintains facilities. Although various other
state agencies have attempted to impose on direct marketers the burden of
collecting state sales taxes on the sale of products shipped to residents of
these states, no state has initiated any action to collect state sales taxes
from the Company. The Company does not believe that state sales tax collection
is material to the Company, in part because substantially all products
marketed by the Company are purchased for resale and in part because a large
portion of its products are exempt from state sales tax.
 
PROPRIETARY RIGHTS
 
  The Company holds a service mark for the name "Home Health Direct" which it
uses in certain of its direct marketing programs.
 
EMPLOYEES
 
  As of June 1, 1996, the Company had 120 full time employees and 13 part time
employees. There are 47 employees within the sales, marketing and customer
service area, 32 employees within the financial, administrative and purchasing
area, and 54 employees within the distribution, operations and MIS area.
 
 
                                      37
<PAGE>
 
  The Company considers its employee relations to be good. None of the
Company's employees are covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
 
PROPERTIES
 
  The Company currently conducts its operations from six leased distribution
centers. See Note 7 to Consolidated Financial Statements. The Holliston,
Massachusetts location also serves as the Company's corporate headquarters.
The Company's leases include:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      LOCATION                                 SQUARE FOOTAGE  EXPIRATION DATE
      --------                                 -------------- ------------------
     <S>                                       <C>            <C>
     Holliston, MA(1).........................     58,000      December 31, 2006
     Atlanta, GA (1)..........................     48,000         August 4, 2006
     Dallas, TX...............................     24,000           July 1, 2001
     South Bend, IN(1)........................     30,000          July 31, 2003
     Rancho Cucamonga, CA.....................     23,000     September 30, 2000
     Santa Fe Springs, CA.....................     33,500           May 31, 1998
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) See "Management--Certain Transactions."
 
  As a result of the acquisition of St. Louis Ostomy, the Company leases
20,000 square feet in St. Louis, Missouri, which space it does not currently
intend to use as a distribution center. The annual rental payment on this
lease, which expires on March 31, 1997, is $90,000.
 
LEGAL MATTERS
 
  The Company is party to certain claims and litigation in the ordinary course
of business. The Company is not involved in any legal proceeding that it
believes will result, individually or in the aggregate, in a material adverse
effect on its financial condition or results of operations.
 
                                      38
<PAGE>
 
                                  MANAGEMENT
 
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
 
  The executive officers and directors of the Company are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   NAME                     AGE                  POSITION WITH THE COMPANY
   ----                     ---                  -------------------------
   <S>                      <C> <C>
   Herbert P. Gray.........  62 Chairman of the Board of Directors; Chief Executive Officer
   Donald H. Benovitz......  55 President; Chief Operating Officer and Director
   Stephen N. Aschettino...  46 Vice President; Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
   Patrick Bohan...........  40 Vice President--Sales and Marketing
   John G. Manos...........  39 Vice President--MIS and Operations
   Martin J. Mannion.......  36 Director
   Joseph F. Trustey.......  33 Director
</TABLE>
 
  Herbert P. Gray has served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors and
Chief Executive Officer of Suburban since 1979. Mr. Gray, who was a practicing
pharmacist before forming Suburban's predecessor in 1962, has delivered
numerous seminars and lectures in the home health care industry.
 
  Donald H. Benovitz has served as Suburban's President and Chief Operating
Officer since 1987. Prior to that time, Mr. Benovitz, a pharmacist with over
25 years experience in the distribution of health care products, worked for
Medi-Mart Drug Stores, a regional drug store chain, serving in various
capacities, including Vice President of Corporate Pharmacy Operations and
President.
 
  Stephen N. Aschettino has served as Chief Financial Officer of Suburban
since 1991 and as Vice President and Treasurer since 1992. Prior to that time,
he served as Vice President and General Manager for Woodcraft Supply Company,
a national direct marketer and distributer of specialty woodworking tools and
equipment.
 
  Patrick Bohan has served as Vice President--Sales and Marketing since 1990.
Prior to that time, Mr. Bohan was the Vice President-Sales and Marketing for
H.L. Moore, a national direct marketing wholesaler of pharmaceuticals, over-
the-counter and home health care products.
 
  John G. Manos has served as Vice President--MIS and Operations since 1992.
Prior to that time, he served as Director of Management Information Systems at
National Medical Care, a division of W.R. Grace.
 
  Martin J. Mannion has served as a director of the Company since July 1995.
Since 1985, Mr. Mannion has been employed by Summit Partners, where he has
been a general partner since 1987. Mr. Mannion currently serves and has served
as a director of numerous private companies.
 
  Joseph F. Trustey has served as a director of the Company since July 1995.
Mr. Trustey has been employed by Summit Partners since June 1992, where he has
been a Vice President from December 1994 to January 1996 and as general
partner since January 1996. Prior to that time, Mr. Trustey was a strategy
consultant with Bain & Co., Inc., a management consultant firm. Mr. Trustey
also serves as a director of Home Health Corporation of America, Inc. and
Wilmar Industries, Inc.
 
                                      39
<PAGE>
 
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
  Summary Compensation Table. The following table sets forth the total
compensation paid or accrued by the Company, for services rendered during the
fiscal year ended September 2, 1995, to the Company's Chief Executive Officer
and certain other officers whose total 1995 salary and bonus exceeded $100,000
during such year.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     LONG-TERM
                                ANNUAL COMPENSATION                 COMPENSATION
                                --------------------                ------------
                                                          OTHER      SECURITIES
                         FISCAL                           ANNUAL     UNDERLYING       ALL OTHER
NAME                      YEAR  SALARY ($) BONUS ($)   COMPENSATION OPTIONS (#)  COMPENSATION ($)(1)
- ----                     ------ ---------- ---------   ------------ ------------ -------------------
<S>                      <C>    <C>        <C>         <C>          <C>          <C>
Herbert P. Gray.........  1995   324,722        --         --         220,200            --
Donald H. Benovitz......  1995   192,907        --         --         146,800            --
Stephen N. Aschettino...  1995   115,000        --         --         183,500            --
Patrick Bohan...........  1995   130,000        --         --             --             --
John Manos..............  1995   100,000    300,000(2)     --         183,500            --
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Does not include other benefits that did not exceed in the aggregate
    $50,000 or 10% of total annual salary and bonus reported for the named
    executive officer.
(2) Includes a $300,000 bonus paid by the Company to Mr. Manos at the time of
    the Recapitalization with proceeds from capital contributions from certain
    stockholders.
 
  The following table sets forth certain information regarding the option
grants made during the fiscal year ended September 2, 1995, to each of the
Company's officers named in the Summary Compensation Table above:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       POTENTIAL REALIZABLE
                                                                                         VALUE AT ASSUMED
                                                                                          ANNUAL RATES OF
                                                                                            STOCK PRICE
                                                                                         APPRECIATION FOR
                                               INDIVIDUAL GRANTS                         OPTION TERM(1)(3)
                         ------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------
                         NUMBER OF
                         SECURITIES
                         UNDERLYING  PERCENT OF TOTAL
                          OPTIONS   OPTIONS GRANTED TO  EXERCISE OR BASE
                          GRANTED   EMPLOYEES IN FISCAL  PRICE ($) PER    EXPIRATION
NAME                      (1) (#)        YEAR (%)        SHARE (1), (2)      DATE        5% ($)    10% ($)
- ----                     ---------- ------------------- ---------------- ------------- ---------- ----------
<S>                      <C>        <C>                 <C>              <C>           <C>        <C>
Herbert P. Gray.........  220,200            30%             $0.68       June 30, 2005  4,461,252  6,859,230
Donald H. Benovitz......  146,800            20%             $0.68       June 30, 2005  2,974,168  4,572,820
Stephen N. Aschettino...  183,500            25%             $0.68       June 30, 2005  3,717,710  5,716,025
John Manos..............  183,500            25%             $0.68       June 30, 2005  3,717,710  5,716,025
</TABLE>
- --------
(1)  After giving effect to the Company's 50 for 1 split of its Common Stock
     on April 10, 1996 and its 3.67 for 1 split of Common Stock on June 21,
     1996.
(2)  All options were granted at exercise prices equal to the fair market
     value of a Common Stock on the date of grant.
(3)  Potential realizable value is based on the difference between the option
     exercise price and the initial public offering price of the Common Stock
     (based upon an assumed initial offering price to the public of $13.50)
     multiplied by the number of shares of Common Stock underlying the option.
     These assumed annual rates of appreciation were used in compliance with
     the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission and are not intended
     to forecast future price appreciation of the Common Stock or to take into
     account the immediate increase in potential realizable value that will
     occur. The actual value realized from the options could be higher or lower
     than the values reported above, depending on the future appreciation or
     depreciation of the Common Stock during the option period and the timing
     of exercise of the options.
 
                                      40
<PAGE>
 
  Year End Option Table. The following table sets forth information regarding
exercise of options and the number and value of options held at September 2,
1995, by each of the officers named in the Summary Compensation Table above.
No options were exercised during fiscal 1995 by such executives.
 
           AGGREGATE UNEXERCISED OPTIONS AND YEAR-END OPTION VALUES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           NUMBER OF UNEXERCISED OPTIONS         VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
                          SHARES                        AT                       IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS
                         ACQUIRED                  YEAR END (#)                   AT YEAR-END ($)(1)
                            ON     VALUE   --------------------------------    -------------------------
NAME                     EXERCISE REALIZED  EXERCISABLE      UNEXERCISABLE     EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
- ----                     -------- -------- -------------    ---------------    ----------- -------------
<S>                      <C>      <C>      <C>              <C>                <C>         <C>
Herbert P. Gray.........   --       --                7,354            212,846   94,278      2,728,686
Donald H. Benovitz......   --       --                4,903            141,897   62,856      1,819,120
Stephen N. Aschettino...   --       --                6,128            177,372   78,561      2,273,909
Patrick Bohan...........   --       --                  --                 --       --             --
John Manos..............   --       --                6,128            177,372   78,561      2,273,909
</TABLE>
- --------
   
(1)  Value is based on the difference between the option exercise price and
     the initial public offering price of the Common Stock (based upon an
     assumed initial offering price to the public of $13.50) multiplied by the
     number of shares of Common Stock underlying the option. No market existed
     for the Common Stock prior to this offering.     
 
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
 
  Effective July 3, 1995, the Company entered into five year employment
agreements with each of Messrs. Gray, Benovitz, Aschettino, Bohan and Manos.
Mr. Gray's agreement provides for his employment as Chairman of the Board of
Directors and Chief Executive Officer at a base annual salary of $150,000. Mr.
Benovitz' agreement provides for his employment as President and Chief
Operating Officer of Suburban at a base annual salary of $195,000. Mr.
Aschettino's agreement provides for his employment as Vice President, Chief
Financial Officer, Treasurer and Clerk of Suburban at a base annual salary of
$115,000. Mr. Bohan's agreement provides for his employment as Vice
President--Sales and Marketing of Suburban at a base annual salary of
$130,000. Mr. Manos' agreement provides for his employment as Vice President--
MIS and Operations of Suburban at an annual base salary of $100,000. Each of
the foregoing agreements provides for annual salary increases (i) to reflect
increases in the applicable consumer price index and (ii) in such other
amounts, if any, as determined by the Compensation Committee. In addition,
Messrs. Gray, Benovitz, Aschettino, Bohan and Manos are eligible to receive
bonuses upon the achievement by the Company of certain financial targets
determined by the Compensation Committee. Each of the employment agreements
extends until July 1, 2000, with annual renewals thereafter unless terminated
prior thereto in accordance with their respective terms.
 
STOCK OPTION PLAN
 
  Under the Stock Option Plan, which was adopted in July 1995, 815,474 shares
are reserved for issuance upon exercise of stock options. The Stock Option
Plan is designed to attract, retain and motivate key employees and investors.
The Board of Directors is responsible for the administration and
interpretation of the Stock Option Plan and is authorized to grant options
thereunder to all eligible employees and directors of the Company, except that
no director who is not also an employee of the Company is eligible to receive
incentive stock options (as defined in Section 422 of the Internal Revenue
Code).
 
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
 
  The Compensation Committee was established July 3, 1995 and currently
consists of Messrs. Gray, Mannion and Trustey. Mr. Gray participated in
deliberations of the Compensation Committee regarding compensation of other
executive officers, but did not participate in deliberations relating to his
own compensation. See "Certain Transactions."
 
                                      41
<PAGE>
 
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY; INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
 
  The Company has entered into separate indemnification agreements with its
directors and officers. These agreements require the Company, among other
things, to indemnify the directors and officers of the Company against certain
liabilities that may arise by reason of their status or service as directors
or officers (other than liabilities arising from actions not taken in good
faith or in a manner the indemnitee believed to be opposed to the best
interests of the Company or arising from certain other actions taken by the
indemnitee), to advance their expenses incurred as a result of any proceedings
against them as to which they could be indemnified and to obtain directors'
insurance if available on reasonable terms. The Company believes that the
indemnification agreements are necessary to attract and retain qualified
persons as directors and officers. The Articles of Organization limit the
personal liability of directors to the Company, and the Bylaws provide that
the Company shall indemnify the Company's directors and officers, in each
case, to the full extent permitted by the Massachusetts General Laws. See
"Description of Capital--Certain Articles of Organization, Bylaws and
Statutory Provisions Affecting Stockholders."
 
                                      42
<PAGE>
 
                             CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
 
RECAPITALIZATION
 
  The Company completed the Recapitalization on July 3, 1995 to provide
liquidity to Messrs. Aronson, Gray, Benovitz, Aschettino and Bohan
(collectively, the "Recapitalization Participants"). By aligning the
organizational and capital structure of the Company with that of other private
companies with professional investors, the Recapitalization was intended to
allow the Company to (i) attract experienced and qualified outside directors
such as Mr. Trustey and Mr. Mannion, who could assist management with
operational as well as strategic advice, and (ii) facilitate raising
additional capital, if necessary, by making the Company more attractive to
other professional investors who would not ordinarily invest in a closely-held
company. Pursuant to the Recapitalization, the Company redeemed an aggregate
of 70.0% of the then outstanding shares of Common Stock from the
Recapitalization Participants for total consideration of $29,500,000, which
was allocated to the Recapitalization Participants in the following amounts:
Mr. Gray ($11,800,000), Mr. Aronson ($11,800,000), Mr. Benovitz ($4,425,000),
Mr. Aschettino ($737,500) and Mr. Bohan ($737,500). Of such amount,
$27,000,000 was paid in cash and $2,500,000 was paid in Management Notes. Each
of the Recapitalization Participants received a pro rata share of the cash and
note consideration. To finance these redemptions and related expenses, the
Company: (i) issued an aggregate of $6,650,000 of Redeemable Preferred Stock
to Summit Ventures ($6,323,544), Summit Investors ($129,052) and The Bear
Stearns Companies, Inc. ("BSC") ($197,404), an affiliate of which served as
the Company's financial advisor in connection with the Recapitalization; (ii)
issued an aggregate of $100,000 of Common Stock at a price of $.02 per share
to Summit Ventures ($83,113), Summit Investors ($1,948), Summit Debt Fund
($12,343) and BSC ($2,596); (iii) issued an aggregate of $6,750,000 in
principal amount of Summit Notes to Summit Debt Fund ($6,615,000) and Summit
Investors ($135,000); and (iv) borrowed $13,500,000 under the Credit Facility.
See "Use of Proceeds." In connection with the Recapitalization, the Company
issued the Bank Warrant to purchase 102,026 shares of Common Stock. Messrs.
Mannion and Trustey, who are general partners of Summit, became members of the
Board of Directors at the time of the Recapitalization.
 
  In connection with the Recapitalization, the Company entered into a
Shareholders' Agreement dated July 3, 1995 (the "Shareholders' Agreement")
which will be terminated upon consummation of this offering, and a
Registration Rights Agreement dated July 3, 1995 (the "Registration Rights
Agreement") with Summit and the Recapitalization Participants. The
Shareholders' Agreement provides for, among other things, restrictions on
transfer of shares, rights of first refusal, rights of participation in sales,
take along rights and election of directors. Pursuant to the Registration
Rights Agreement, holders of at least 25% of the shares of Common Stock
subject to the Registration Rights Agreement may require the Company to effect
the registration of shares of Common Stock held by such parties for sale to
the public on any two occasions, subject to certain conditions and
limitations. In addition, under the terms of the Registration Rights
Agreement, if the Company proposes to register any of its securities under the
Securities Act whether for its own account or otherwise, the parties to the
Registration Rights Agreement are entitled to receive notice of such
registration and to include their shares therein, subject to certain
conditions and limitations. The Company has agreed to pay the fees, costs and
expenses of any registration effected on behalf of the parties to the
Registration Rights Agreement (other than underwriting discounts and
commissions.) All rights to register Common Stock in connection with this
offering have been waived by the parties to the Registration Rights Agreement.
See "Shares Eligible for Future Sale--Registration Rights."
 
  Also in connection with the Recapitalization, Messrs. Gray and Aronson each
made a $150,000 capital contribution to the Company which was used to pay a
one-time bonus to Mr. Manos.
 
AFFILIATED LEASES
 
  The Company leases a distribution center in Atlanta, Georgia from the
Suburban Grayson Atlanta Partnership, a Georgia general partnership in which
Messrs. Gray and Aronson each has a 50.0% interest. In May 1995, the Company
exercised an option to renew the lease covering this property through August
4, 2006. The monthly rent payable under the lease is $13,333. See "Business--
Properties."
 
                                      43
<PAGE>
 
   
  The Company leases its distribution center in Holliston, Massachusetts from
the GBA Realty Trust a Massachusetts realty trust in which Messrs. Gray,
Aronson and Benovitz have a 40%, 40% and 20% interest, respectively. This
lease, which expires in December 31, 2006, provides for monthly rental
payments equal to 110% of the amounts due and payable each month under a
promissory note between GBA Realty Trust and United of Omaha Life Insurance,
provided that the minimum annual rent is $329,037. The rent paid to GBA Realty
Trust was $330,000 during fiscal 1995 and $247,500 for the thirty-nine weeks
ended June 1, 1996. Such promissory note is the obligation solely of GBA
Realty Trust and is not guaranteed by, or otherwise an obligation of, the
Company. See "Business--Properties."     
 
  In addition, the Company leases its South Bend, Indiana distribution center
from GBA Realty Corp., an Indiana corporation in which Messrs. Gray, Aronson,
Benovitz, Aschettino and Bohan and Mr. Doug Gray own 20%, 30%, 20%, 10%, 10%,
and 10%, respectively, of the outstanding capital stock. The lease, which
expires on July 31, 2003, provides for an annual rent of $108,000, subject to
periodic adjustments, at the option of GBA Realty Corp. The rent paid to GBA
Realty Corp was $108,000 in fiscal 1995 and $81,000 for the thirty-nine weeks
ended June 1, 1996.
 
  The Company believes that the terms of the leases with each of the
affiliated real estate entities are comparable to those which would be
available from an unaffiliated entity on the basis of an arms-length
negotiation.
 
OTHER RELATED PARTY ARRANGEMENTS
   
  The Company provides general business insurance to GBA Realty Corp., GBA
Realty Trust and Suburban Grayson Atlanta Partnership under its umbrella
policy.     
 
LIFE INSURANCE POLICIES
 
  On June 30, 1995, life insurance policies in the amount of $2.5 million for
each of Messrs. Gray and Aronson, which had previously been carried by the
Company were transferred to each of them. In the event of either individual's
death, the proceeds of this insurance were to be used to repurchase the
individual's stock in the Company at book value. In return for the transfer of
the insurance, the executives exchanged certain notes payable to them from the
Company and issued notes payable to the Company of $129,520, an amount equal
to the difference between the old notes payable and the cash surrender value
of the insurance, plus prepaid insurance premiums at the date of transfer.
These notes were paid in full by Messrs. Gray and Aronson on September 2,
1995. See Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
  The Company maintains life insurance policies in the amount of $1.0 million
on each of Messrs. Gray and Benovitz. Under the terms of the Credit Facility,
in the event of either individual's death, the proceeds from the applicable
policy must be used to pay down outstanding principal under Credit Facility.
 
AUTOMOBILE PURCHASE
 
  In December, 1995, Mr. Gray bought an automobile from the Company for a
purchase price of $20,000.
 
                                      44
<PAGE>
 
                            PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS
 
  The following table sets forth information with respect to the beneficial
ownership of the Company's outstanding Common Stock as of June 1, 1996 and as
adjusted to reflect the sale of the Common Stock offered hereby by: (i) each
person known by the Company to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the
outstanding shares of Common Stock; (ii) each director or executive officer of
the Company who beneficially owns any shares, of Common Stock; and (iii) all
directors and executive officers of the Company as a group. Except as
otherwise indicated, the persons listed below have sole voting and investment
power with respect to all shares of Common Stock owned by them.
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                                            PERCENT AFTER
NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER(1)(2)  NUMBER OF SHARES(1) PERCENT BEFORE OFFERING   OFFERING
- ------------------------------  ------------------- ----------------------- -------------
<S>                             <C>                 <C>                     <C>
Herbert P. Gray.........               785,394               10.6%               7.0%
Melvin Aronson(3).......               440,400                6.0%               4.0%
Donald H. Benovitz(4)...               364,563                4.9%               3.3%
Stephen N. Aschettino...                97,878                1.3%                 *
Patrick Bohan(5)........               152,916                2.0%               1.4%
John Manos..............                42,828                  *                  *
Summit Partners(6)(7)...             5,004,614               67.9%              45.0%
Martin J.
 Mannion(6)(7)..........             5,004,614               67.9%              45.0%
Joseph F.
 Trustey(6)(7)..........             5,004,614               67.9%              45.0%
All directors and execu-
 tive officers as a
 group (7 persons)......             6,350,327               84.5%              56.3%
</TABLE>    
- --------
* Less than one percent
(1) Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with rules of the
    Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") and includes general
    voting power or investment power with respect to securities. Shares of
    Common Stock subject to options and warrants currently exercisable or
    exercisable within sixty (60) days of June 14, 1996 are deemed outstanding
    for computing the percentage of the person holding such options, but are
    not deemed outstanding for computing the percentage of any other person.
    Except as otherwise specified below, the persons named in the table above
    have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of Common
    Stock shown as beneficially owned by them.
(2) Unless otherwise indicated, the address of each of the beneficial owners
    identified is 75 October Hill Road, Holliston, MA 01746. See "Management--
    Executive Officers and Directors," "Management--Employment Agreements and
    Certain Transactions" for a discussion of any material relationship which
    any person named in the table has had with the Company for the last three
    years.
(3) The address for this stockholder is 25 Dartmouth Drive, Framingham, MA
    01701.
(4) Includes 19,909 shares of Common Stock held in trust for Mr. Benovitz's
    daughter for which Mr. Benovitz retains general voting power and
    investment power.
   
(5) Includes options currently exercisable to purchase 97,866 shares of Common
    Stock.     
(6) Reflects the following shares held by Summit: Summit Ventures (4,270,340
    shares), Summit Investors (100,091 shares) and Summit Debt Fund (634,183
    shares). Messrs. Mannion and Trustey, as general partners of these funds
    may be deemed to be beneficial owners of such shares, but disclaim
    beneficial ownership of these shares.
(7) The address of this stockholder is 600 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 2800,
    Boston, MA 02210.
 
                                      45
<PAGE>
 
                         DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
 
  The Company's authorized capital stock consists of 10,000,000 shares of
Common Stock, no par value, and 66,500 shares of Redeemable Preferred Stock,
par value $.01 per share. As of June 1, 1996, an aggregate of 7,367,525 shares
of Common Stock were held of record by fifteen stockholders, and 66,500 shares
of Redeemable Preferred Stock were outstanding and held of record by three
stockholders. The Company will redeem all shares of Redeemable Preferred Stock
upon the consummation of this offering. See "Use of Proceeds." Copies of the
proposed Articles of Organization and Bylaws have been filed as exhibits to
the Registration Statement and are incorporated by reference herein. Prior to
the effectiveness of this offering, the Company will amend its Articles of
Organization to authorize 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock and increase the
number of authorized shares of Common Stock to 40,000,000.
 
COMMON STOCK
 
  All outstanding shares of Common Stock are, and the shares of Common Stock
offered hereby will be, fully paid and nonassessable. The holders of Common
Stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters
voted upon by stockholders and may not cumulate votes. Subject to the rights
of holders of any future series of undesignated preferred stock where defined
which may be designated, each share of the outstanding Common Stock is
entitled to participate equally in any distribution of net assets made to the
stockholders in the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company and
is entitled to participate equally in dividends as and when declared by the
Board of Directors. There are no redemption, sinking fund, conversion or
preemptive rights with respect to the shares of Common Stock. All shares of
Common Stock have equal rights and preferences.
 
PREFERRED STOCK
 
  The net proceeds of this offering will be used, in part, to redeem all of
the Redeemable Preferred Stock as soon as is practicable after the
consummation of the offering. See "Use of Proceeds." After the consummation of
this offering, the Board of Directors will have the authority, without further
stockholder approval, to issue 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock in one or
more series and to fix the relative rights, preferences, privileges,
qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof, including dividend
rights, dividend rates, conversion rights, voting rights, terms of redemption,
redemption prices, liquidation preferences and the number of shares
constituting any series or the designation of such series. The issuance of
preferred stock, while potentially providing desirable flexibility in
connection with possible acquisitions and other corporate purposes, could have
the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of the
Company, may discourage bids for the Common Stock at a premium over the market
price of the Common Stock and may adversely affect the market price of, and
the voting and other rights of the holders of the Common Stock. No shares of
preferred stock will be outstanding immediately following the consummation of
this offering. The Company has no present plans to issue any shares of
preferred stock. See "Risk Factors--Anti-takeover Provisions; Possible
Issuance of Preferred Stock."
 
CERTAIN ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION, BYLAWS AND STATUTORY PROVISIONS AFFECTING
STOCKHOLDERS
 
  Classified Board and Other Matters. The Board of Directors will be divided
into three classes, each of which, after a transitional period, will serve for
three years, with one class being elected each year. Under the Massachusetts
General Laws, in the case of a corporation having a classified board of
directors, stockholders may remove a director only for cause. In order for a
stockholder to bring business properly before a meeting of stockholders, such
stockholder must provide the Clerk of the Company sixty days' prior written
notice with respect to a general or special meeting in lieu of annual meeting
of stockholders or ten days' prior written notice with respect to a special
meeting in lieu of annual meeting of stockholders. The Articles of
Organization provide that special meetings of stockholders of the Company may
be called only by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board of
Directors or the President. The Articles of Organization as well as applicable
provisions of the Massachusetts General Law provide that no action required or
permitted to be taken at any annual or special meeting of the stockholders of
the Company may be taken without a meeting, unless the unanimous consent of
stockholders entitled to vote thereon is obtained. The affirmative vote of the
holders of at least 80% of the combined voting power of then outstanding
voting stock of the Company will be required to alter, amend or repeal the
foregoing provisions that might diminish the likelihood that a potential
acquiror
 
                                      46
<PAGE>
 
would make an offer for the Common Stock, impede a transaction favorable to
the interest of the stockholders or increase the difficulty of removing Board
of Directors or management. See "Risk Factors--Anti-Takeover Provisions;
Possible Issuance of Preferred Stock."
 
  Chapters 110D and 110F of Massachusetts General Laws. The Company is subject
to the provisions of Chapter 110F of the Massachusetts General Laws, an anti-
takeover law. In general, this statute prohibits a publicly held Massachusetts
corporation with sufficient ties to Massachusetts from engaging in a "business
combination" with an "interested stockholder" for a period of three years
after the date of the transaction in which the person becomes an interested
stockholder, unless either: (i) the interested stockholder obtains the
approval of the board of directors prior to becoming an interested
stockholder; (ii) the interested stockholder acquires 90% of the outstanding
voting stock of the corporation (excluding shares held by certain affiliates
of the corporation) at the time he becomes an interested stockholder; or (iii)
the business combination is approved by both the board of directors and two-
thirds of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation (excluding shares
held by the interested stockholder). An "interested stockholder" is a person
who, together with affiliates and associates, owns (or at any time within the
prior three years did own) 5% or more of the corporation's voting stock. A
"business combination" includes mergers, stock and asset sales and other
transactions resulting in a financial benefit to the stockholder. Holders of a
majority of the Company's voting stock may at any time amend the Articles of
Organization or Bylaws to elect not to be governed by Chapter 110F, but such
an amendment would not be effective for twelve months after the date of the
amendment and would not apply to a business combination with any person who
became an interested stockholder prior to the date of the amendment.
 
  The Company is also subject to the provisions of Chapter 110D of the
Massachusetts General Laws, entitled "Regulation of Control Share
Acquisitions." This statute provides, in general, that any stockholder who
acquires 20% or more of the outstanding voting stock of a corporation subject
to this statute may not vote that stock unless the stockholders of the
corporation so authorize. In addition, Chapter 110D permits a corporation to
provide in its articles of organization or bylaws that the corporation may
redeem (for fair value) all the shares thereafter acquired in a control share
acquisition if voting rights for those shares were not authorized by the
stockholders or if no control share acquisition statement was delivered. The
Bylaws include a provision which permits the Company to effect such
redemptions. See "Risk Factors--Anti-Takeover Provisions; Possible Issuance of
Preferred Stock."
 
  Directors Liability. The Articles of Organization provide that no director
shall be personally liable to the Company or its stockholders for monetary
damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for: (i) any breach
of the directors's duty of loyalty to the Company or its stockholders; (ii)
acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct;
(iii) pursuant to Chapter 156B, Section 61 or Section 62 of The Massachusetts
General Laws; or (iv) any transaction from which such director derives
improper personal benefit. The effect of this provision is to eliminate the
rights of the Company and its stockholders (through stockholders' derivative
suits on behalf of the Company) to recover monetary damages against a director
for breach of the fiduciary duty of care as a director (including breaches
resulting from negligent or grossly negligent behavior) except in the
situations described in clauses (i) through (iv) above. The limitations
summarized above, however, do not affect the ability of the Company or its
stockholders to seek non-monetary based remedies, such as an injunction or
rescission, against a director for breach of his fiduciary duty nor would such
limitations limit liability under the federal securities laws. The Articles of
Organization provide that the Company shall, to the full extent permitted by
the Massachusetts General Laws as currently in effect, indemnify and advance
expenses to each of its currently acting and former directors, officers,
employees and agents arising in connection with their acting in such
capacities. See "Management--Limitation of Liability; Indemnification of
Directors and Officers."
 
TRANSFER AGENT
 
  The transfer agent and registrar of the Common Stock is Boston EquiServe
Limited Partnership.
 
                                      47
<PAGE>
 
                        SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
 
  Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for the Common
Stock, and no prediction can be made as to the effect, if any, that market
sales of shares or the availability of such shares for sale will have on the
market price of the Common Stock. Nevertheless, sales of substantial amounts
of Common Stock in the public market may have an adverse impact on such market
price.
 
  Upon consummation of this offering, the Company will have 11,117,525 shares
of Common Stock outstanding, based upon the number of shares outstanding as of
June 1, 1996. Of these shares, the 3,750,000 shares sold in this offering
(4,312,500 shares if the Underwriters' over-allotment option is exercised in
full) will be freely tradeable without restriction or further registration
under the Securities Act, except for any shares purchased by "affiliates" of
the Company, as that term is defined under the Securities Act ("Affiliates").
 
SALES OF RESTRICTED SHARES
 
  There are 7,367,525 shares of Common Stock (the "Restricted Shares"), which
are deemed "restricted securities" under Rule 144 under the Securities Act and
may not be sold unless they are registered under the Securities Act or unless
an exemption, such as the exemption provided by Rule 144, is available. All
Restricted Shares are subject to the agreements with the Underwriters,
pursuant to which certain principal stockholders and executive officers agree
not to sell or otherwise transfer any shares of Common Stock or options to
purchase Common Stock for a period of 180 days following the consummation of
the offering (the "No-Sale Period") described below (the "Agreements with
Underwriters Regarding Restrictions on Sales"). All of these shares may be
eligible for sale in the public market in accordance with Rule 144 under the
Securities Act, subject to the terms of the agreements with Underwriters.
Certain stockholders have the right to have their Restricted Shares registered
by the Company under the Securities Act as described below.
 
  In general, under Rule 144 as currently in effect, a person (or persons
whose shares are aggregated), including an Affiliate, who has beneficially
owned Restricted Shares for at least two years, is entitled to sell, within
any three-month period, a number of such shares that does not exceed the
greater of (i) one percent of the then outstanding shares of Common Stock
(approximately 111,175 shares after this offering) or (ii) the average weekly
trading volume in the Common Stock during the four calendar weeks preceding
the date on which notice of such sale is filed with the Commission. In
addition, under Rule 144(k), a person who is not an Affiliate and has not been
an Affiliate for at least three months prior to the sale and who has
beneficially owned the Restricted Shares for at least three years may resell
such shares without compliance with the foregoing requirements. In meeting the
two and three year holding periods described above, a holder of Restricted
Shares can include the holding periods of a prior owner who was not an
Affiliate. The Commission has proposed to amend the holding periods under Rule
144 by reducing the two year period referred to above to one year, the three
year period referred to above to two years. The proposed amendments have not
yet been adopted by the Commission.
 
OPTIONS
 
  As of June 1, 1996, options to purchase a total of 741,340 shares of Common
Stock were outstanding. Of these shares, 706,475 shares are subject to
agreements pursuant to which certain of the Company's stockholders agree not
to sell or otherwise transfer their shares of Common Stock for a period of 180
days following the consummation of this offering. Options to purchase the
remaining 34,865 shares were granted to various employees of the Company. An
additional 19,084 shares are available for future grants under the Stock
Option Plan. Pursuant to Rule 701 under the Securities Act, persons who
purchase shares upon exercise
 
                                      48
<PAGE>
 
of options granted prior to the Company becoming subject to the provisions of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") and which
were otherwise granted pursuant to Rule 701 are entitled to sell such shares
in reliance upon Rule 144 commencing 90 days after the date of this offering
without regard to the holding period, volume limitations or other restrictions
of Rule 144, if such persons are not Affiliates, and without regard to the
holding period requirements of Rule 144, if such persons are Affiliates.
[Additionally, the Company intends to file one or more registration statements
on Form S-8 under the Securities Act to register all shares of Common Stock
subject to then outstanding stock options and Common Stock issuable pursuant
to the Stock Option Plan. The Company expects to file these registration
statements promptly following the consummation of this offering, and such
registration statements are expected to become effective upon filing. Shares
covered by these registration statements will thereupon be eligible for sale
in the public markets, subject to the Agreements with Underwriters Regarding
Restrictions on Sale, to the extent applicable. See "Management."
 
BANK WARRANT
   
  In connection with the Credit Facility, the Company issued to the Bank the
Bank Warrant. The exercise price of the Bank Warrant is $0.68 per share. The
Bank Warrant grants the Bank the right to cause the Company to redeem the Bank
Warrant upon the repayment in full of all borrowings under the Credit Facility
and expires on January 22, 2006. The difference between the $1.36 fair value
per share at the grant date and the exercise price has been treated as a debt
discount, which is being amortized during the term of the Credit Facility. The
Bank, at any time, may convert the Bank Warrant, in whole or in part, into the
number of shares of Common Stock determined by multiplying the number of
shares subject to the Bank Warrant (for which the conversion right is being
exercised) by a fraction, the numerator of which is the difference between the
market price of one share of Common Stock and the per share exercise price of
the Bank Warrant and the denominator of which is the market price of one share
of Common Stock. For purpose of the Bank Warrant, the market price of one
share of Common Stock at the Company shall be determined either according to
the trading price of the Common Stock during the ten days preceding the
exercise of the warrant, or, if the Common Stock does not trade on a national
securities exchange and is not quoted on the Nasdaq National Market System or
Nasdaq System, by agreement between the Company and the Bank. See Note 4 to
the Consolidated Financial Statements.     
 
AGREEMENTS WITH UNDERWRITERS REGARDING RESTRICTIONS ON SALE
 
  The Company and holders of all 7,367,525 outstanding shares of Common Stock
of the Company as of June 1, 1996, and options to purchase 706,475 shares of
Common Stock, have agreed, not to directly or indirectly, without the prior
written consent of Dean Witter Reynolds Inc., offer, sell or otherwise dispose
of any shares of Common Stock, options or warrants to acquire shares of Common
Stock, or any securities exercisable for or convertible into Common Stock for
a period of 180 days following the date of consummation of this offering.
 
REGISTRATION RIGHTS
 
  The holders of an aggregate of 7,340,000 shares of Common Stock will be
entitled to certain rights with respect to the registration of such shares
under the Securities Act. Under the terms of a Registration Rights Agreement,
if the Company proposes to register any of its securities under the Securities
Act, either for its own account or for the account of other securityholders
exercising registration rights, such holders are entitled to notice of such
registration and are entitled to include such shares of Common Stock in the
registration. The rights are subject to certain conditions and limitations. In
connection with this offering, the rights of the holders to have shares of
Common Stock registered under the Securities Act as part of this offering were
waived pursuant to the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement.
 
  No predictions can be made as to the effect, if any, that future sales of
shares, or the availability of shares for future sales, will have on the
prevailing market price for the Common Stock. Sales of substantial amounts of
Common Stock, or the perception that such sales could occur, could adversely
affect prevailing market prices for the Common Stock and could impair the
Company's future ability to obtain capital through an offering of equity
securities. See "Risk Factors--Potential Adverse Impact of Shares Eligible for
Future Sale."
 
                                      49
<PAGE>
 
                                 UNDERWRITING
 
  The Underwriters named below, for whom Dean Witter Reynolds Inc., Bear,
Stearns & Co. Inc., William Blair & Company, L.L.C. and Wheat, First
Securities, Inc. are acting as representatives (the "Representatives"), have
severally agreed, subject to the terms and conditions of the Underwriting
Agreement (a copy of which has been filed as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement), to purchase from the Company the number of shares of Common Stock
set forth opposite their respective names in the table below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        NUMBER
   NAME                                                                OF SHARES
   ----                                                                ---------
   <S>                                                                 <C>
   Dean Witter Reynolds Inc...........................................
   Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc............................................
   William Blair & Company, L.L.C.....................................
   Wheat, First Securities, Inc.......................................
                                                                          ---
       Total..........................................................
                                                                          ===
</TABLE>
 
  The Underwriting Agreement provides that the obligations of the several
Underwriters thereunder are subject to approval of certain legal matters by
counsel and to various other conditions. The nature of the Underwriters'
obligation is such that they must purchase all of the shares (other than those
subject to the over-allotment option) if any are purchased.
 
  Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for the Common
Stock. The initial public offering price for the Common Stock will be
determined through negotiations between the Company and the Representatives.
Among the factors to be considered in making such determination are prevailing
market conditions, the market capitalization of publicly traded companies
which the Company and the Representatives believe to be comparable to the
Company, the revenues and earnings of the Company in recent periods, the
experience of the Company's management, the economic characteristics of the
business in which the Company competes, estimates of the business potential of
the Company, the present state of the Company's development and other factors
deemed relevant.
 
  The Underwriters have advised the Company that they propose to offer the
shares of Common Stock directly to the public at the initial offering price
set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus and to certain dealers (who may
include the Underwriters) at such public offering price less a concession not
to exceed $    per share. Such dealers may reallow a concession not to exceed
$   per share to other dealers. After the initial public offering, the public
offering price may be reduced and concessions and reallowances to dealers may
be changed by the underwriters. The Representatives have informed the Company
that the Underwriters do not intend to confirm sales to any account over which
they exercise discretionary authority. The Representatives intend to make a
market in the Common Stock after consummation of this offering.
 
  The Company has granted to the Underwriters an option, exercisable during
the 30-day period after the date of this Prospectus, to purchase up to an
additional 562,500 shares of Common Stock at the initial public offering
price, less underwriting discounts and commissions to cover over-allotments,
if any. After the commencement of this offering, the Underwriters may confirm
sales subject to the over-allotment option.
 
  The Company has agreed to indemnify the Underwriters against certain
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute
to payments the Underwriters may be required to make in respect thereof.
   
  Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc., an affiliate of BSC, served as the Company's
financial advisor in connection with the Recapitalization. In consideration of
its financial advisory services, BSC received a fee of $450,000 from the
Company of which $250,000 was paid in cash and the balance was paid in the
form of 133,384 (post-April 10, 1996 and June 21, 1996 stock splits) shares of
Common Stock and 1,974.04 shares of Redeemable Preferred Stock. The Company
also reimbursed the financial advisor for its out-of-pocket expenses. See
"Certain Transactions."     
 
                                      50
<PAGE>
 
  The Company, certain principal Stockholders and the executive officers and
directors of the Company have agreed that they will not offer, sell, or
otherwise dispose of any shares of Common Stock for a period of 180 days from
the date of this Prospectus without the prior written consent of the
Representative except, in the case of the Company, under certain limited
circumstances.
 
  At the Company's request, the Representative has reserved up to 183,750
shares of Common Stock for sale at the initial public offering price to the
Company's employees and other persons having certain business relationships
with the Company. The number of shares of Common Stock available for sale to
the general public will be reduced to the extent these persons purchase such
reserved shares. Any reserved shares not purchased will be offered by the
Underwriters to the general public on the same terms as the other shares
offered hereby. Reserved shares purchased by individuals will, except as
restricted by applicable securities laws, be available for resale following
this offering.
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
  The validity of the shares of Common Stock offered hereby will be passed
upon for the Company by Hutchins, Wheeler & Dittmar, A Professional
Corporation. Certain legal matters relating to the offering will be passed
upon for the Underwriters by Latham & Watkins.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
  The consolidated financial statements included in this Prospectus and the
selected supplemental schedule of the Company incorporated by reference in the
Registration Statement have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent
public accountants, as indicated in their reports thereto, are included herein
in reliance upon the authority of said firm as experts in giving said reports.
 
                            ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
  The Company has filed with the Commission a Registration Statement on Form
S-1 (together with all amendments, exhibits and schedules thereto, the
"Registration Statement") under the Securities Act with respect to the Common
Stock offered hereby. This Prospectus does not contain all of the information
set forth in the Registration Statement. For further information with respect
to the Company and the Shares offered hereby, reference is hereby made to such
Registration Statement. Statements contained in this Prospectus as to the
contents of any contract or other document are not necessarily complete and,
in each instance, reference is made to the copy of such contract or document
field as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, each such statement being
qualified in all respects by such reference. Copies of the Registration
Statement may be obtained from the Commission's principal office at 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the following regional offices of
the Commission: Seven World Trade Center, New York, New York 1004, and 500
West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661. Copies of such
materials may be obtained from the public reference section of the Commission
at its Washington address upon payment of the fees prescribed by the
Commission, or may be examined without charge at the offices of the
Commission.
 
                                      51
<PAGE>
 
                        SUBURBAN OSTOMY SUPPLY CO., INC.
 
                         INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                        <C>
SUBURBAN OSTOMY SUPPLY CO., INC.
  Report of Independent Public Accountants................................ F- 2
  Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 3, 1994, September 2, 1995 and
   June 1, 1996........................................................... F- 3
  Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended August 28, 1993,
   September 3, 1994, September 2, 1995 and the Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
   June 1, 1996........................................................... F- 4
  Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) for
   the Years Ended August 28, 1993, September 3, 1994 and September 2,
   1995 and the Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended June 1, 1996...................... F- 5
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows For the Years Ended August 28,
   1993, September 3, 1994, September 2, 1995 and the Thirty-Nine Weeks
   Ended June 1, 1996..................................................... F- 6
  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.............................. F- 7
ST. LOUIS OSTOMY DISTRIBUTORS, INC.
  Report of Independent Public Accountants................................ F-19
  Balance Sheets at July 30, 1994 and July 29, 1995....................... F-20
  Statements of Income For the Years Ended July 31, 1993, July 30, 1994
   and July 29, 1995 and the Period from July 30, 1995 through January 22,
   1996................................................................... F-21
  Statements of Changes in Stockholders' (Deficit) Equity for the Years
   Ended July 31, 1993, July 30, 1994 and July 29, 1995 and the Period
   from July 30, 1995 through January 22, 1996............................ F-22
  Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended July 31, 1993, July 30,
   1994 and July 29, 1995 and the Period from July 30, 1995 through
   January 22, 1996....................................................... F-23
  Notes to Financial Statements........................................... F-24
PATIENT-CARE MEDICAL SALES
  Report of Independent Public Accountants................................ F-28
  Balance Sheets at March 31, 1995 and 1996............................... F-29
  Statements of Income for the Years Ended March 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996.. F-30
  Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity for the Years Ended March
   31, 1994, 1995 and 1996................................................ F-31
  Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended March 31, 1994, 1995 and
   1996................................................................... F-32
  Notes to Financial Statements........................................... F-33
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-1
<PAGE>
 
                   REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
To Suburban Ostomy Supply Co., Inc.:
 
  We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Suburban
Ostomy Supply Co., Inc. (a Massachusetts corporation) as of September 3, 1994,
September 2, 1995 and June 1, 1996, and the related consolidated statements of
income, changes in stockholders' equity (deficit) and cash flows for the years
ended August 28, 1993, September 3, 1994, September 2, 1995 and for the
thirty-nine weeks ended June 1, 1996. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express
an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
 
  We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the 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 Suburban Ostomy Supply
Co., Inc. as of September 3, 1994, September 2, 1995 and June 1, 1996, and the
results of its operations and its cash flows for the years ended August 28,
1993, September 3, 1994, September 2, 1995, and for the thirty-nine week
period ended June 1, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
 
                                          ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
 
Boston, Massachusetts
June 21, 1996
 
                                      F-2
<PAGE>
 
                        SUBURBAN OSTOMY SUPPLY CO., INC.
 
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                        SEPTEMBER 3, SEPTEMBER 2,    JUNE 1,
                                            1994         1995          1996
                                        ------------ ------------  ------------
<S>                                     <C>          <C>           <C>
                ASSETS
Current Assets:
 Cash and cash equivalents............  $ 4,133,807  $  3,970,113  $  1,714,889
 Accounts receivable, net of allowance
  for doubtful accounts of $25,000 in
  1994 and 1995 and $175,000 in 1996..    4,243,810     4,766,991     7,191,679
 Merchandise inventory................    3,082,047     3,659,499     5,465,948
 Prepaid expenses and other...........      165,162       153,145       242,946
 Deferred income taxes................          --         50,750       380,137
                                        -----------  ------------  ------------
  Total current assets................   11,624,826    12,600,498    14,995,599
                                        -----------  ------------  ------------
Fixed assets, at cost:
 Equipment and fixtures...............    1,234,792     1,270,335     1,501,528
 Leasehold improvements...............       72,994       206,918       245,531
                                        -----------  ------------  ------------
                                          1,307,786     1,477,253     1,747,059
  Less--Accumulated depreciation......      600,205       739,630       863,230
                                        -----------  ------------  ------------
 Total fixed assets, net..............      707,581       737,623       883,829
                                        -----------  ------------  ------------
 Other Assets:
 Goodwill.............................          --            --     10,734,163
 Other assets.........................      516,157       494,189       194,583
                                        -----------  ------------  ------------
  Total other assets..................      516,157       494,189    10,928,746
                                        -----------  ------------  ------------
  Total assets........................  $12,848,564  $ 13,832,310  $ 26,808,174
                                        ===========  ============  ============
 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
               (DEFICIT)
Current Liabilities:
 Current portion of St. Louis Note
  payable.............................          --            --   $    123,500
 Accounts payable and accrued ex-
  penses..............................  $ 2,876,501  $  3,302,710     5,244,725
 Notes payable to officers............      221,926           --            --
 Accrued compensation and related
  items...............................      676,769       370,791       328,369
 Accrued common stock dividends pay-
  able................................          --        900,000           --
 Accrued interest.....................          --        329,235       348,267
 Income taxes payable.................       12,011       230,448       388,786
                                        -----------  ------------  ------------
  Total current liabilities...........    3,787,207     5,133,184     6,433,647
                                        -----------  ------------  ------------
Long-term Liabilities:
 Long-term debt.......................          --     12,580,000    21,058,450
 Subordinated debt to related par-
  ties................................          --      6,750,000     6,750,000
 Notes payable to officers............          --      2,500,000     2,500,000
 St. Louis Note payable, less current
  portion.............................          --            --      1,111,500
 Deferred income taxes................          --         34,719        76,475
                                        -----------  ------------  ------------
  Total long-term liabilities.........          --     21,864,719    31,496,425
                                        -----------  ------------  ------------
Redeemable Preferred Stock:
 $.01 par value, $100 redemption value
  plus 10% cumulative return--
 Authorized, issued and outstanding--
  66,500 shares.......................          --      6,760,833     7,267,893
Stockholders' Equity (Deficit):
 Authorized--10,000,000 shares
 Issued and outstanding--22,000 shares
  in 1994, 7,340,000 shares in 1995
  and 7,367,525 shares in 1996........    2,402,700       142,857       161,607
 Additional paid-in capital...........       21,772           --            --
 Retained earnings (accumulated defi-
  cit)................................    6,636,885   (20,069,283)  (18,551,398)
                                        -----------  ------------  ------------
  Total stockholders' equity (defi-
   cit)...............................    9,061,357   (19,926,426)  (18,389,791)
                                        -----------  ------------  ------------
  Total liabilities and stockholders'
   equity (deficit)...................  $12,848,564  $ 13,832,310  $ 26,808,174
                                        ===========  ============  ============
</TABLE>    
 
  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                      F-3
<PAGE>
 
                       SUBURBAN OSTOMY SUPPLY CO., INC.
 
                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION>
   
                                                                    THIRTY-NINE
                              YEAR ENDED  YEAR ENDED   YEAR ENDED      WEEKS
                               AUGUST 28, SEPTEMBER 3, SEPTEMBER 2, ENDED JUNE 1,
                                  1993        1994         1995         1996
                              ---------- ------------ ------------ -------------
   
<S>                          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Net Sales..................  $42,737,715  $47,310,992  $52,667,379  $49,301,866
Cost of Goods Sold.........   32,304,359   35,598,531   39,872,671   37,475,443
                             -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
    Gross profit...........   10,433,356   11,712,461   12,794,708   11,826,423
Operating Expenses.........    6,990,928    7,627,408    7,752,234    6,241,450
Depreciation and
 Amortization..............      266,212      269,990      265,771      386,561
Non-recurring Executive
 Compensation..............    2,110,530    2,236,857          --           --
                             -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
    Operating income.......    1,065,686    1,578,206    4,776,703    5,198,412
Interest Expense...........          --           --       369,575    1,840,885
Other Expense (Income), net
 ..........................     (158,912)    (131,662)    (144,582)     (14,648)
                             -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
    Income before income
     taxes.................    1,224,598    1,709,868    4,551,710    3,372,175
Provision for Income
 Taxes.....................       69,252       88,128      357,422    1,446,010
                             -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
    Net income.............    1,155,346    1,621,740    4,194,288    1,926,165
Accretion of Preferred
 Stock.....................          --           --       110,833      507,060
                             -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
    Net income applicable
     to common
     stockholders..........  $ 1,155,346  $ 1,621,740  $ 4,083,455  $ 1,419,105
                             ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========
Supplemental Pro Forma
 (unaudited):
  Net income...............                            $ 2,954,576  $ 3,046,943
                                                       ===========  ===========
  Net income per share.....                            $       .29  $       .26
                                                       ===========  ===========
  Weighted average common
   shares outstanding......                             10,342,964   11,915,623
                                                       ===========  ===========
</TABLE>    
 
 
  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                      F-4
<PAGE>
 
                        SUBURBAN OSTOMY SUPPLY CO., INC.
 
      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                         SHARES OF                             RETAINED                   TOTAL
                          COMMON       COMMON     ADDITIONAL   EARNINGS               STOCKHOLDERS'
                         STOCK NO   STOCK, NO PAR  PAID-IN   (ACCUMULATED  TREASURY      EQUITY
                         PAR VALUE      VALUE      CAPITAL     DEFICIT)      STOCK      (DEFICIT)
                         ---------  ------------- ---------- ------------  ---------  -------------
<S>                      <C>        <C>           <C>        <C>           <C>        <C>
Balance, August 29,
 1992...................    21,900   $    98,000   $ 21,772  $  6,591,020  $(532,000) $  6,178,792
  Net income............       --            --         --      1,155,346        --      1,155,346
  Treasury stock
   retired..............    (1,900)      (95,000)       --       (437,000)   532,000           --
  Shares issued under
   Stock Option Plan....     2,000     1,200,000        --            --         --      1,200,000
  Dividends paid ($32
   per share of common
   stock)...............       --            --         --       (666,392)       --       (666,392)
                         ---------   -----------   --------  ------------  ---------  ------------
Balance, August 28,
 1993...................    22,000     1,203,000     21,772     6,642,974        --      7,867,746
  Shares retired........    (2,000)         (300)       --     (1,199,700)       --     (1,200,000)
  Shares issued under
   Stock Option Plan....     2,000     1,200,000        --            --         --      1,200,000
  Dividends on common
   stock ($21 per
   share)...............       --            --         --       (428,129)       --       (428,129)
  Net income............       --            --         --      1,621,740        --      1,621,740
                         ---------   -----------   --------  ------------  ---------  ------------
Balance, September 3,
 1994...................    22,000     2,402,700     21,772     6,636,885        --      9,061,357
  Shares retired........    (2,000)         (300)       --     (1,199,700)       --     (1,200,000)
  Dividends on common
   stock ($110 per
   share)...............       --            --         --     (2,199,929)       --     (2,199,929)
  Capital contribution..       --            --         --        300,000        --        300,000
  Redemption of 19,880
   shares of common
   stock................   (19,880)   (2,359,543)   (21,772)  (27,689,994)       --    (30,071,309)
  Effect of stock
   splits............... 2,201,880           --         --            --         --            --
  Issuance of 5,138,000
   shares of common
   stock................ 5,138,000       100,000        --            --         --        100,000
  Accretion of preferred
   stock................       --            --         --       (110,833)       --       (110,833)
  Net income............       --            --         --      4,194,288        --      4,194,288
                         ---------   -----------   --------  ------------  ---------  ------------
Balance, September 2,
 1995................... 7,340,000       142,857        --    (20,069,283)       --    (19,926,426)
  Shares issued under
   stock option plan....    27,525        18,750        --            --         --         18,750
  Capital contribution..       --            --         --         98,780        --         98,780
  Accretion of preferred
   stock................       --            --         --       (507,060)       --       (507,060)
  Net income............       --            --         --      1,926,165        --      1,926,165
                         ---------   -----------   --------  ------------  ---------  ------------
Balance, June 1, 1996... 7,367,525      $161,607   $    --   $(18,551,398) $     --   $(18,389,791)
                         =========   ===========   ========  ============  =========  ============
</TABLE>    
 
  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                      F-5
<PAGE>
 
                        SUBURBAN OSTOMY SUPPLY CO., INC.
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   THIRTY-NINE
                           YEAR ENDED   YEAR ENDED   YEAR ENDED       WEEKS
                           AUGUST 28,  SEPTEMBER 3, SEPTEMBER 2,  ENDED JUNE 1,
                              1993         1994         1995          1996
                           ----------  ------------ ------------  -------------
<S>                        <C>         <C>          <C>           <C>
Cash Flows from Operating
 Activities:
  Net income.............  $1,155,346   $1,621,740  $  4,194,288  $  1,926,165
  Adjustments to
   reconcile net income
   to net cash provided
   by (used in) operating
   activities--
    Depreciation and
     amortization........     266,212      269,990       265,771       386,561
    Provision for bad
     debt losses.........         --        25,000           --         45,058
    Net loss on sale of
     fixed assets........         --        50,959        34,056        21,102
    Deferred income tax
     benefit, net........         --           --        (16,031)      (92,116)
    Change in assets and
     liabilities net of
     effects from
     purchase of St.
     Louis Ostomy--
      Accounts
       receivable........    (187,021)    (901,139)     (523,181)     (684,184)
      Merchandise
       inventory.........    (593,462)   1,082,488      (577,452)     (963,574)
      Prepaid expenses
       and other.........      82,150      (86,226)       12,017       (89,801)
      Accounts payable
       and accrued
       expenses..........     200,369     (593,334)      667,903      (580,202)
                           ----------   ----------  ------------  ------------
        Net cash provided
         by (used in)
         operating
         activities......     923,594    1,469,478     4,057,371       (30,991)
                           ----------   ----------  ------------  ------------
Cash Flows from Investing
 Activities:
  Purchase of fixed
   assets................    (213,447)    (135,828)     (293,421)     (228,701)
  Proceeds from sale of
   fixed assets..........         --         3,484         9,563       109,968
  Payment for purchase of
   St. Louis Ostomy, net
   of cash acquired......         --           --            --    (10,709,366)
  (Increase) decrease in
   other assets..........     (99,617)     (35,671)      (53,760)      317,433
                           ----------   ----------  ------------  ------------
        Net cash used in
         investing
         activities......    (313,064)    (168,015)     (337,618)  (10,510,666)
                           ----------   ----------  ------------  ------------
Cash Flows from Financing
 Activities:
  Net decrease in notes
   receivable from
   officers..............       3,995       21,706           --        129,520
  Capital contribution
   from shareholders.....         --           --        300,000        98,780
  Issuance of common
   stock.................   1,200,000    1,200,000       100,000        18,750
  Issuance of preferred
   stock.................         --           --      6,650,000           --
  Dividends paid to
   stockholders..........    (666,392)    (428,129)   (1,299,929)          --
  Repurchase and
   retirement of common
   stock.................         --    (1,200,000)  (28,200,000)          --
  Capitalization of
   financing costs.......         --           --       (192,209)          --
  Expenses of
   recapitalization......         --           --       (571,309)          --
  Proceeds from issuance
   of long-term bank
   debt..................         --           --     13,580,000    12,517,517
  Principal repayment of
   long-term bank debt...         --           --     (1,000,000)   (4,478,134)
  Proceeds from issuance
   of subordinated debt..         --           --      6,750,000           --
                           ----------   ----------  ------------  ------------
        Net cash provided
         by (used in)
         financing
         activities......     537,603     (406,423)   (3,883,447)    8,286,433
                           ----------   ----------  ------------  ------------
Net Increase (Decrease)
 in Cash and Cash
 Equivalents.............   1,148,133      895,040      (163,694)   (2,255,224)
Cash and Cash
 Equivalents, beginning
 of period...............   2,090,634    3,238,767     4,133,807     3,970,113
                           ----------   ----------  ------------  ------------
Cash and Cash
 Equivalents, end of
 period..................  $3,238,767   $4,133,807  $  3,970,113  $  1,714,889
                           ==========   ==========  ============  ============
</TABLE>
 
  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                      F-6
<PAGE>
 
                       SUBURBAN OSTOMY SUPPLY CO., INC.
 
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
                                 JUNE 1, 1996
 
(1) ORGANIZATION AND RECAPITALIZATION
 
  Suburban Ostomy Supply Co., Inc. (the "Company") is a leading national
direct marketing wholesaler of home health care products. The Company's
principal location is in Holliston, Massachusetts, with additional
distribution centers in Atlanta, Georgia; Los Angeles, California; Dallas,
Texas; and South Bend, Indiana. The Company has a subsidiary operation in St.
Louis, Missouri (see Note 3).
 
  On July 3, 1995, the Company completed a series of transactions to effect a
recapitalization of the Company (the "Recapitalization"). The terms and
provisions of the Recapitalization are set forth in the Stock Purchase and
Redemption Agreement dated July 3, 1995 (the "Stock Purchase and Redemption
Agreement").
 
  The Company sold for $100,000 cash 5,138,000 shares of its common stock to
Summit Ventures III, L.P., Summit Ventures II, L.P., Summit Subordinated Debt
Fund, L.P. (collectively, "Summit") and The Bear Stearns Companies, Inc.
("BSC"), and borrowed $6.75 million in exchange for subordinated debt (the
"Summit Notes"). The terms of this debt are discussed in Note 4 to the
consolidated financial statements.
 
  The Company also issued to Summit and BSC 66,500 shares of Series A
Redeemable Preferred Stock, $.01 par value, for $6.65 million (the "Redeemable
Preferred Stock"). The Company may redeem, at any time, all or a portion of
the Redeemable Preferred Stock for an amount equal to $100 per share plus a
10% cumulative annual return since the July 3, 1995 issuance date through the
redemption date (the "Redemption Price"). Notwithstanding the Company's
redemption option, one third of the shares outstanding on July 1, 2000 will be
mandatorily redeemed on July 1 of each of the years 2000, 2001 and 2002. The
occurrence of a liquidity event (as defined in the Stock Purchase and
Redemption Agreement) would require 100% redemption of the outstanding stock
at the redemption price. Annually, the Company accretes the value of the
Redeemable Preferred Stock by charging retained earnings/accumulated deficit
until the Redeemable Preferred Stock reaches its redemption value.
 
  The Company entered into a $16.0 million credit agreement (the "Credit
Facility") with The First National Bank of Boston (the "Bank"), of which $13.5
million was drawn down to facilitate the stock repurchase discussed below. The
terms of the Credit Facility are further discussed in Note 4 to the
consolidated financial statements.
   
  The proceeds of the above transactions were used by the Company to
repurchase 19,880 shares or 70% of the then outstanding shares of Common Stock
from certain stockholders for a total purchase price of $29.5 million. An
amount of $27.0 million was paid in cash and $2.5 million in notes were issued
to the stockholders (the "Management Notes"). The Management Notes carry a 12%
annual rate of interest which is payable quarterly in arrears. Principal
repayment is due on June 30, 2000, and mandatory prepayment of the Management
Notes is required upon the occurrence of a liquidity event.     
 
  The Company incurred approximately $571,000 in professional fees related to
the above stock repurchase transactions, which have been reflected as a
reduction of retained earnings. Of these professional fees, $450,000 was paid
to BSC, $250,000 of which was paid in cash and $200,000 of which was paid in
the form of 133,384 shares of Common Stock and 1,974.04 shares of Redeemable
Preferred Stock. Costs incurred in connection with obtaining debt financing of
approximately $192,000 have been capitalized as deferred financing costs. They
are included in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets
and are being amortized over the lives of the underlying respective debt
agreements. Accumulated amortization at September 2, 1995 and June 1, 1996 is
approximately $3,000 and $30,000, respectively.
   
  Subsequent to the above transactions, the Company effected a 100-for-1
Common Stock split. In April 1996, the Company further effected a 50-for-1
Common Stock split. On June 21, 1996, the Company further effected a 3.67-to-1
Common Stock split. For periods subsequent to the Recapitalization all
references to common shares in the consolidated financial statements,
including these accompanying notes, retroactively reflects these splits.     
 
                                      F-7
<PAGE>
 
                       SUBURBAN OSTOMY SUPPLY CO., INC.
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                                 JUNE 1, 1996
 
 
(2) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
 Fiscal Year
 
  The Company's fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest to August 31. The
year ending September 3, 1994 contains 53 weeks and the years ending August
28, 1993, and September 2, 1995 contain 52 weeks.
 
 Use of Estimates
 
  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
 Disclosure of Fair Value of Financial Instruments
   
  The Company's financial instruments consist mainly of cash and cash
equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, notes payable and debt.
The carrying amounts of the Company's cash and cash equivalents, accounts
receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value due to the short-term
nature of these instruments. Certain of the Company's debt bears interest at a
variable market rate, and thus has a carrying amount that approximates fair
value. The remainder of the debt carries a fixed rate of interest which also
approximates fair value based on rates available to the Company for debt with
similar terms and maturities.     
 
 Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation
 
  The Financial Accounting Standards Board has issued Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" ("SFAS
123"). SFAS 123 requires that an entity account for employee stock
compensation under a fair value-based method. However, SFAS 123 also allows an
entity to continue to measure compensation cost for employee stock-based
compensation plans using the intrinsic value-based method of accounting
prescribed by APB Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees"
("APB 25"). Effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1995,
entities electing to remain with accounting under APB 25 are required to make
pro forma disclosures of net income and net income per share as if the fair
value-based method of accounting under SFAS 123 had been applied. The Company
will continue to account for employee stock-based compensation under APB 25
and will make the pro forma disclosures required under SFAS 123.
 
 Merchandise Inventory
 
  Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market and is accounted for
using the weighted moving-average cost method, which approximates the first-
in, first-out (FIFO) method.
 
 Fixed Assets
 
  The cost of property and equipment is depreciated and amortized over the
estimated useful lives of the related assets, as follows:
 
<TABLE>
      <S>                                                <C>       <C>
      Equipment, computers and fixtures................. 5-7 years Straight-line
      Leasehold improvements............................ 4-5 years Straight-line
</TABLE>
 
  Repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred.
 
                                      F-8
<PAGE>
 
                       SUBURBAN OSTOMY SUPPLY CO., INC.
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                                 JUNE 1, 1996
 
(2) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
 
 Long-Lived Assets
 
  During 1995, the Company adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards, No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived
Assets" ("SFAS 121"). SFAS 121 requires, among other things, that an entity
review its long-lived assets and certain related intangibles for impairment
whenever changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an
asset may not be fully recoverable. As a result of its review, the Company
does not believe that any impairment currently exists related to its long-
lived assets.
   
 Goodwill     
   
  The Company has classified as goodwill the cost in excess of fair value of
the net assets acquired in the purchase of St. Louis Ostomy (see Note 3).
Goodwill is being amortized on a straight-line basis over an estimated useful
life not exceeding 25 years. The carrying value of goodwill is evaluated
whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the current useful
life has diminished. If undiscounted cash flows over the remaining
amortization period indicate that goodwill may not be recoverable, the
carrying value of goodwill will be reduced.     
       
 Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
  For the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows, the Company
considers all highly liquid instruments with original maturities of three
months or less to be cash equivalents.
 
 Other Assets
 
  Other assets include an intangible asset for an agreement not to compete,
which is being amortized on a straight-line basis over the 82-month agreement
life, which expired in January 1996. Accumulated amortization as of September
2, 1995 and June 1, 1996 amounted to approximately $238,000 and $256,000,
respectively.
 
 Income Taxes
 
  Effective July 3, 1995, the Company's tax status changed from a Subchapter S
corporation to a C corporation, and accordingly, it is subject to federal and
state income taxes. The Company accounts for taxes in accordance with
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 109, Accounting for
Income Taxes, which is an asset and liability method. Under the asset and
liability method, deferred taxes are established for the temporary differences
between the financial reporting and tax bases of the Company's assets and
liabilities at currently enacted tax laws and rates.
   
 Common Stock Equivalents     
   
  The Common Stock equivalents used to calculate supplemental pro forma net
income per share represent, in periods in which they have a dilutive effect,
the effect of common shares contingently issuable from stock options and
warrants using the treasury-stock method. Additionally, stock, options and
warrants issued within one year prior to the anticipated filing of the
Registration Statement (see Note 12) are considered issued and outstanding for
the periods presented using the treasury stock method.     
 
 
                                      F-9
<PAGE>
 
                       SUBURBAN OSTOMY SUPPLY CO., INC.
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                                 JUNE 1, 1996
          
(2) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)     
   
 Supplemental Pro Forma Net Income Per Share     
   
  Prior to the Recapitalization on July 3, 1995, the Company elected to be
taxed as a Subchapter S corporation, and accordingly, was not subject to
federal income taxes and certain state income tax jurisdictions. Further, the
Company plans to repay borrowings under the Credit Facility, the Summit Notes,
the Management Notes, the St. Louis Note and related accrued interest thereon
with a portion of the net proceeds from the public offering of Common Stock.
    
       
       
          
  Supplemental pro forma net income per share for the year ended September 2,
1995 and the thirty-nine weeks ended June 1, 1996 has been calculated (1) as
if the Company had been subject to federal and state income taxes for 1995 and
(2) as if, at the beginning of the respective periods, the Company had sold,
at an assumed offering price of $13.50 per share, shares of Common Stock
sufficient to fund the July 3, 1995 Recapitalization and repay indebtedness
incurred in 1996 to finance the acquisition of St. Louis Ostomy.     
   
  The weighted average number of shares is the actual weighted average number
of shares of Common Stock or equivalents thereof outstanding effected for the
Recapitalization as if it had occurred September 4, 1994, plus (1) for the
year ended September 2, 1995, the additional shares of Common Stock sufficient
to fund the Recapitalization (2,177,777) and (2) for the thirty-nine weeks
ended June 1, 1996 the 3,750,000 shares of Common Stock that are expected to
be sold (see Note 12).     
          
  Supplemental pro forma net income per share has been calculated as follows
(in thousands):     
 
<TABLE>     
<CAPTION>
                                                                     THIRTY-NINE
                                                         YEAR ENDED  WEEKS ENDED
                                                        SEPTEMBER 2,   JUNE 1,
                                                            1995        1996
                                                        ------------ -----------
   <S>                                                  <C>          <C>
    Historical income before taxes....................    $ 4,552      $ 3,372
    Provision for income taxes........................     (1,821)      (1,446)
    Reversal of interest charges and amortization of
     deferred financing costs relating to debt treated
     as being repaid, net of tax......................        224        1,121
                                                          -------      -------
    Net income........................................    $ 2,955      $ 3,047
                                                          =======      =======
    Net income per share..............................    $   .29      $   .26
                                                          =======      =======
    Weighted average shares outstanding...............     10,343       11,916
                                                          =======      =======
</TABLE>    
          
  Supplemental pro forma net income per share for the fiscal 1993 and 1994 has
not been presented as it is not meaningful due to the Company's Subchapter S
Corporation status and the Recapitalization on July 3, 1995.     
 
                                     F-10
<PAGE>
 
                       SUBURBAN OSTOMY SUPPLY CO., INC.
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                                 JUNE 1, 1996
   
(2) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)     
       
 Stock Splits
   
  The Company effected a 100-for-1 Common Stock split in July 1995. In April
1996, the Company further effected a 50-for-1 Common Stock split. On June 21,
the Company further effected a 3.67-for-1 Common Stock split. All references
to shares of Common Stock in the consolidated financial statements, including
these accompanying notes retroactively reflect these splits for periods
subsequent to the Recapitalization.     
 
 Reclassifications
 
  Certain reclassifications have been made to the 1993, 1994 and 1995
consolidated financial statements to conform to the 1996 presentation.
 
(3) ACQUISITION
   
  On January 22, 1996, the Company acquired all of the outstanding common
stock of St. Louis Ostomy Distributors, Inc., a Missouri corporation ("St.
Louis Ostomy"), for an aggregate purchase price, including expenses, of
approximately $12,364,000, of which $1,235,000 was paid through the issuance
of a subordinated promissory note (the "St. Louis Note") (see Note 4). The
acquisition was accounted for as a purchase and, accordingly, the results of
operations of St. Louis Ostomy are included in the consolidated financial
statements from January 22, 1996. The purchase price was allocated to the net
assets acquired and identified based on their respective estimated fair
values, which resulted in approximately $10,888,000 of goodwill (See Note 2).
The acquisition was financed using bank debt (see Note 4). On an unaudited pro
forma basis, assuming St. Louis Ostomy had been acquired at September 3, 1995,
the Company's net sales and net income would have been approximately
$56,813,000, and $1,526,000, respectively. Had the acquisition occurred on
September 4, 1994, the Company's unaudited pro forma net sales and net income
would have been approximately $69,900,000 and $2,798,000, respectively.     
 
                                     F-11
<PAGE>
 
                       SUBURBAN OSTOMY SUPPLY CO., INC.
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                                 JUNE 1, 1996
 
 
(4) DEBT
 
  Debt consisted of the following at September 2, 1995 and June 1, 1996:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           1995        1996
                                                        ----------- -----------
<S>                                                     <C>         <C>
Secured loans, payable to The First National Bank of
 Boston, interest rates at June 1, 1996 ranging from
 7.5% to 8.75%......................................... $12,580,000 $21,058,450
Summit Notes due June 30, 2000, interest payable quar-
 terly at 12% .........................................   6,750,000   6,750,000
Management Notes due June 30, 2000, interest payable
 quarterly at 12%......................................   2,500,000   2,500,000
St. Louis Note.........................................         --    1,235,000
                                                        ----------- -----------
                                                        $21,830,000 $31,543,450
                                                        =========== ===========
</TABLE>
 
  The Company had no debt at September 3, 1994.
   
  On July 3, 1995, the Company entered into the Credit Facility with the Bank
for $16,000,000. Of the $13,580,000 initial drawdown by the Company,
$13,500,000 was used to repurchase certain outstanding common stock in
connection with the Recapitalization (discussed in Note 1), and $80,000
represents the Bank's facility fee. In January 1996, the Credit Facility was
increased by $9,000,000 to facilitate the Company's acquisition of St. Louis
Ostomy (see Note 3). In connection with the Credit Facility amendment, the
Company provided the Bank with warrants to purchase 102,026 shares of the
Company's Common Stock at $.68 per share (the "Bank Warrant"). The Bank
Warrant may also be converted into that number of shares of Common Stock
determined by multiplying the number of shares subject to the Bank Warrant
(for which the conversion right is being exercised) by a fraction, the
numerator of which is the difference between the market price of one share
Common Stock and the per share exercise price of the Bank Warrant and the
denominator of which is the market price of one share of Common Stock. For
purpose of the Bank Warrant, the market price of one share of Common Stock of
the Company shall be determined either according to the trading price of the
Common Stock during the ten days preceding the exercise of the warrant, or, if
the Common Stock does not trade on a national securities exchange and is not
quoted on the Nasdaq National Market System or Nasdaq System, by agreement
between the Company and the Bank. Should the Company prepay the outstanding
borrowings and terminate the related Credit Facility, the Bank may request
that the Company redeem the warrants from the Bank for $90,000. The warrants
expire in January 2006. The difference between the $1.36 fair value per share
at the grant date and the exercise price has been treated as a debt discount.
This amount of approximately $69,000 is being amortized using the effective
interest method during the term of the Credit Facility. The outstanding
borrowings are secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company.
Advances made under the Credit Facility bear interest at either the Bank's
base rate (8.25% at June 1, 1996) plus 1/2%, or the LIBOR rate (5 21/32% at
June 1, 1995) plus an applicable margin. The applicable margin for the LIBOR
advances ranges from 2.0% to 2.5% based on the amount of the borrowings
relative to the Company's eligible accounts receivable and inventory (as
defined in the Credit Facility). Interest is payable monthly in arrears. The
average daily unused line bears a commitment fee of .375% per annum payable
quarterly. The total commitment may be irrevocably reduced by the Company at
any time in an amount equal to $250,000 or an integral multiple of $100,000 in
excess thereof. If not accelerated by option of the Company, the commitment
reduces in approximate six-month intervals to $17,750,000 until the June 30,
2000 maturity date.     
   
  Subsequent to June 1, 1996, the Credit Facility was further amended to
provide for an additional $5,000,000 of borrowings to facilitate the Company's
acquisition of Patient-Care (see Note 12).     
 
  On July 3, 1995, the Company issued at face value, the Summit Notes. The
proceeds were used to fund the Recapitalization, as discussed in Note 1. The
Summit Notes are subordinate to the Bank debt and are secured by substantially
all of the assets of the Company. Principal repayment is due on June 30, 2000,
and
 
                                     F-12
<PAGE>
 
                       SUBURBAN OSTOMY SUPPLY CO., INC.
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                                 JUNE 1, 1996
   
(4) DEBT (CONTINUED)     
 
early payments may be made from time to time at the option of the Company
without penalty. Interest of 12% per annum is payable quarterly in arrears
beginning September 30, 1995.
       
  Also in connection with the Recapitalization, the Company issued the
Management Notes for the repurchase of a portion of their outstanding stock.
The Management Notes carry a 12% annual rate of interest which is payable
quarterly in arrears. Principal repayment is due on June 30, 2000, optional
prepayments may be made without penalty, and mandatory prepayment of the notes
is required upon the occurrence of a liquidity event (as defined in the Stock
Purchase and Redemption Agreement).
 
  In connection with the acquisition of St. Louis Ostomy (see Note 3), the
Company issued the St. Louis Note. The St. Louis Note bears interest at 10%
per annum and requires annual principal payments of approximately $123,500 in
each of January 1997 and 1998 and approximately $329,400 in each of January
1999, 2000 and 2001.
   
  The Company is required to comply with a number of affirmative and negative
covenants under the Credit Facility and the terms of the Summit Notes. Among
other things, the Company is required to satisfy certain financial tests and
ratios (including debt service coverage, minimum net income and leverage
ratio). As of June 1, 1996, the Company is in full compliance with all debt
covenants.     
 
  Should the Company not make any optional principal prepayments on its
indebtedness, aggregate minimum maturities would be as follows at June 1,
1996:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                AMOUNT
                                              -----------
            <S>                               <C>
            June 1 through August 31, 1996... $       --
            1997.............................     123,500
            1998.............................     181,950
            1999.............................   2,329,333
            2000.............................  28,579,333
            2001.............................     329,334
                                              -----------
                                              $31,543,450
                                              ===========
</TABLE>
 
(5) INCOME TAXES
 
  Effective July 3, 1995, the Company's tax status changed from a Subchapter S
corporation to a C corporation, and accordingly, it is subject to federal and
state income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities were not material at
the conversion date. The Company accounts for taxes in accordance with SFAS
No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, which is an asset and liability method.
 
  The provision (benefit) for income taxes for the years ended August 28,
1993, September 3, 1994, September 2, 1995 and the thirty-nine weeks ended
June 1, 1996 consisted of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    THIRTY-NINE
                                                                    WEEKS ENDED
                                          1993    1994     1995    JUNE 1 , 1996
                                         ------- ------- --------  -------------
<S>                                      <C>     <C>     <C>       <C>
U.S. Federal--
  Current............................... $   --  $   --  $ 88,242   $1,145,358
  Deferred..............................     --      --   (12,083)     430,494
State--
  Current...............................  69,252  88,128  285,211      (93,203)
  Deferred..............................     --      --    (3,948)     (36,640)
                                         ------- ------- --------   ----------
                                         $69,252 $88,128 $357,422   $1,446,010
                                         ======= ======= ========   ==========
</TABLE>
 
                                     F-13
<PAGE>
 
                       SUBURBAN OSTOMY SUPPLY CO., INC.
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                                 JUNE 1, 1996
   
(5) INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)     
 
  Under SFAS No. 109, net current deferred tax assets or liabilities and net
long-term deferred tax assets or liabilities are reported separately in the
Company's balance sheets. The Company had a Subchapter S corporation status in
fiscal 1993 and fiscal 1994 and, accordingly, did not have any deferred taxes
recorded as of September 3, 1994.
 
  The effect of temporary differences which give rise to a significant portion
of deferred taxes are as follows at September 2, 1995 and June 1, 1996:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              1995      1996
                                                            --------  --------
<S>                                                         <C>       <C>
Deferred tax assets:
  Reserves and accruals not yet deductible for tax
   purposes................................................ $ 10,150  $335,038
  Inventory basis differences..............................   40,600    45,099
                                                            --------  --------
Total deferred tax assets..................................   50,750   380,137
Deferred tax liabilities:
  Property basis differences...............................  (32,188)  (74,804)
  Other....................................................   (2,531)   (1,671)
                                                            --------  --------
Total deferred tax liabilities.............................  (34,719)  (76,475)
                                                            --------  --------
Net deferred tax assets.................................... $ 16,031  $303,662
                                                            ========  ========
</TABLE>
 
  During fiscal 1993 and fiscal 1994, the Company was operating as a
Subchapter S corporation and was not subject to federal income taxes. The
provision for income taxes in the accompanying statements of operations
represents certain state tangible and net worth taxes. A reconciliation of tax
on income at the federal statutory rate to the recorded income tax provision
for fiscal 1995 and for the thirty-nine weeks ended June 1, 1996 is presented
below.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  THIRTY-NINE
                                                                  WEEKS ENDED
                                                        1995      JUNE 1, 1996
                                                     -----------  ------------
<S>                                                  <C>          <C>
Tax provision at statutory rate..................... $ 1,547,581   $1,146,539
State tax provision, net of federal taxes...........     304,054      259,944
Subchapter S corporation earnings not subject to
 federal and state income taxes.....................  (1,599,209)         --
Subchapter S corporation related taxes..............     168,334          --
Book expenses not deductible for tax purposes.......         --        59,203
Other...............................................     (63,338)     (19,676)
                                                     -----------   ----------
Recorded income tax provision....................... $   357,422   $1,446,010
                                                     ===========   ==========
</TABLE>
 
(6) RETIREMENT PLAN
 
  The Company has adopted a qualified, noncontributory defined contribution
retirement plan which covers all employees who have completed one year of
service and who have reached age 21. Employees qualify for benefits upon
reaching the age of 62; however, an employee cannot receive benefits from the
defined contribution retirement plan until actual retirement. Vesting begins
at 20% after two years of employment and is increased by 20% each subsequent
year until full vesting occurs. Retirement plan contributions are made at the
discretion of the Company and for fiscal 1993, 1994 and 1995 and for the
thirty-nine weeks ended June 1, 1996 were approximately $215,000, $217,000,
$176,000 and $149,000, respectively.
 
 
                                     F-14
<PAGE>
 
                       SUBURBAN OSTOMY SUPPLY CO., INC.
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                                 JUNE 1, 1996
 
(7) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
 Leases
 
  The Company occupies five warehouse facilities and a corporate office
building (which includes a warehouse) under operating leases expiring at
various dates through 2006. Two of the warehouses and the Company's corporate
office and warehouse facility in Holliston, Massachusetts, are leased from
related parties (see Note 10).
 
  Certain of the Company's leased premises are subject to renewal options at
their fair rental values at the time of renewal. Rent expense for fiscal 1993,
1994 and 1995 and for the thirty-nine weeks ended June 1, 1996, under all
operating leases, including certain motor vehicle and equipment leases,
amounted to approximately $595,000, $636,000, $702,000 and $583,000 (net of
sublease income of approximately $72,000, $47,000, $42,000 and $11,000),
respectively.
       
  At June 1, 1996, approximate future minimum lease payments, net of sublease
income, for the next five years and thereafter under noncancelable operating
leases including $149,500 in the period June 1, 1996 through August 31, 1996,
$598,000 in each year from 1997 through 2001 and $2,684,780 thereafter, to
related parties, are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            FISCAL YEAR                          AMOUNT
            -----------                        ----------
            <S>                                <C>
            June 1 through August 31, 1996.... $  213,025
            1997..............................    814,597
            1998..............................    768,192
            1999..............................    763,542
            2000..............................    763,542
            2001..............................    682,077
            Thereafter........................  2,684,780
                                               ----------
                                               $6,689,755
                                               ==========
</TABLE>
 
 Employment Contracts
 
  In connection with the Recapitalization (discussed in Note 1) on July 3,
1995, the Company entered into employment and noncompetition agreements (the
"Employment Agreements") with five executive officers. The Employment
Agreements provide for an employment term through July 1, 2000, after which
the term will be automatically renewed on an annual basis unless written
notice to the contrary is given at least 90 days in advance by either party.
The Employment Agreements provide for an aggregate initial annual base salary
of $690,000, subject to such annual increases to reflect increases in the
applicable consumers price index as may be determined by the Board of
Directors, as well as certain benefits and reimbursement of expenses. Should
employment be terminated by the Company for any reason other than cause (as
defined in the Employment agreements) prior to July 3, 1996, the officer shall
be entitled to receive all salary and bonus earned through the termination
date, the remaining salary through July 3, 1996 and an additional 12 months of
salary. In the event of termination by the Company for any reason other than
cause in subsequent years, the officer shall be entitled to receive all salary
and bonus earned through the termination date plus an additional 12 months of
salary.
 
 
                                     F-15
<PAGE>
 
                       SUBURBAN OSTOMY SUPPLY CO., INC.
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                                 JUNE 1, 1996
 
(8) STOCK TRANSACTIONS
   
  On July 3, 1995, the Recapitalization of the Company was completed. These
transactions are described in Note 1. In connection with the Recapitalization,
the Company effected a 100-for-1 Common Stock split. In April 1996, the
Company further effected a 50-for-1 Common Stock split. On June 21, 1996, the
Company further effected a 3.67-for-1 Common Stock split. All references to
the number of common shares and per share amounts in the consolidated
financial statements, including these accompanying notes have been
retroactively restated to reflect these splits for periods subsequent to the
Recapitalization.     
   
  In August 1993, the Company adopted an employee stock option plan for three
key employees and granted options to purchase 4,000 shares of Common Stock at
the estimated fair market value on the date of grant. These options were to
expire 15 years from the date of grant and were exercisable immediately. In
1993, 2,000 options were exercised, and the remaining 2,000 options were
exercised in 1994. To facilitate the exercise of these options, the Company
made bonus payments to the executives in the amounts of approximately
$2,111,000 and $2,237,000 in 1993 and 1994, respectively. In connection with
the Recapitalization, this stock option plan was terminated.     
   
  The Company redeemed 2,000 shares of Common Stock held by certain officers
of the Company on both September 6, 1993 and September 26, 1994 at their
estimated fair market value.     
 
  On July 3, 1995, in connection with the Recapitalization, the Company
adopted an incentive stock option plan (the "Stock Option Plan") under which
815,474 shares of Common Stock have been authorized. In July 1995, the Company
granted options to certain officers to purchase a total of 734,000 shares of
Common Stock. In October 1995, the Company granted to certain employees
options to purchase 34,865 shares of Common Stock. The exercise price of the
options granted in July, 1995 is $0.68 per share, and the exercise price of
the options granted in October, 1995 is $1.36 per share which, in both
instances, is not less than estimated fair market value on the grant date. The
options vest over seven years at rates set forth in the Stock Option Plan
agreement and are exercisable for a 10-year period. A summary of option
activity is presented below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        EXERCISE
                                                               SHARES    PRICE
                                                               -------  --------
      <S>                                                      <C>      <C>
      Options granted......................................... 734,000   $0.68
      Outstanding, September 2, 1995.......................... 734,000    0.68
        Granted...............................................  34,865    1.36
        Exercised............................................. (27,525)   0.68
                                                               -------
      Outstanding, June 1, 1996............................... 741,340   $0.71
                                                               -------   -----
      Options exercisable, June 1, 1996....................... 111,384   $0.71
                                                               -------   -----
      Shares available for future grants......................  46,609
                                                               =======
</TABLE>
 
  On July 3, 1995, certain stockholders of the Company made a $300,000 capital
contribution pursuant to the Recapitalization, which was used to pay a onetime
bonus to an executive officer of the Company. Payment of the bonus was made
prior to year-end and is included in the operating expenses in the
accompanying consolidated statements of income.
 
  In 1995, the Company declared dividends in the amount of approximately
$2,200,000. In 1996, certain stockholders contributed approximately $99,000 of
this dividend back to the Company. These transactions are reflected in the
accompanying consolidated statements of changes in stockholders' equity
(deficit).
 
                                     F-16
<PAGE>
 
                       SUBURBAN OSTOMY SUPPLY CO., INC.
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                                 JUNE 1, 1996
 
 
(9) SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW DISCLOSURE
 
  Cash payments for interest and income taxes and certain noncash transactions
were as follows for the periods indicated:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                          YEAR ENDED  YEAR ENDED   YEAR ENDED  THIRTY-NINE WEEKS
                          AUGUST 28, SEPTEMBER 3, SEPTEMBER 2,   ENDED JUNE 1,
                             1993        1994         1995           1996
                          ---------- ------------ ------------ -----------------
<S>                       <C>        <C>          <C>          <C>
Interest................   $   --      $   --      $   51,494     $1,821,854
Income taxes............    18,560      73,328        149,792      1,420,690
Issuance of subordinated
 note to acquire net
 assets of St. Louis
 Ostomy.................       --          --             --       1,235,000
1995 unpaid dividends
 contributed by
 stockholders back to
 the Company in 1996....       --          --             --          98,780
Issuance of 12% note
 payable on June 30,
 2000 for the repurchase
 of common stock........       --          --       2,500,000            --
Issuance of 200 shares
 of preferred stock for
 certain
 Recapitalization fees..       --          --         200,000            --
Accretion of preferred
 stock..................       --          --         110,833        507,060
Transfer of cash
 surrender value of life
 insurance to officers..       --          --         309,966            --
Exchange of notes
 payable by officers for
 cash surrender value of
 life insurance.........       --          --         234,739            --
</TABLE>
 
(10) OTHER RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
  The stockholders of the Company and, in certain cases, two of its officers,
participate in three partnerships with which the Company has entered into
certain transactions. The Company leases warehouse facilities in Holliston,
Massachusetts; Atlanta, Georgia; and South Bend, Indiana, from a related
parties under 15- and 10-year leases expiring in fiscal 2006, 2006 and 2003,
respectively. Rent expense under these leases amounted to approximately
$563,000, $571,000, $591,000 and $449,000 for 1993, 1994, 1995 and the thirty-
nine weeks ended June 1, 1996, respectively. In the opinion of the Company,
the rent paid to related parties is not materially different than the amounts
which would be paid to third parties for comparable space. In July 1995, the
Company was released from the guarantee of repayment of a mortgage loan on the
Atlanta facility.
 
  In December 1995, the Company sold an automobile with a net book value of
$2,000 to one of the executives for $20,000.
 
(11) LIFE INSURANCE ON KEY EXECUTIVES
 
  On June 30, 1995, $5,000,000 of life insurance for two key executives which
had previously been carried by the Company was transferred back to the
executives. In the event of either individual's death, the proceeds of this
insurance were to be used to repurchase the individual's stock in the Company
at book value. In return for the transfer of the insurance, the executives
exchanged certain notes payable to them from the Company and issued notes
payable of $129,520 in the amount of the difference between the old notes
payable and the cash surrender value of the insurance plus prepaid insurance
premiums at the date of transfer. At September 2, 1995, the entire $129,520 is
due from the executives and is included in accounts receivable in the
accompanying balance sheet. The notes were paid in full during the thirty-nine
weeks ended June 1, 1996.
 
 
                                     F-17
<PAGE>
 
                       SUBURBAN OSTOMY SUPPLY CO., INC.
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                                 JUNE 1, 1996
 
(11) LIFE INSURANCE ON KEY EXECUTIVES
 
  In order to comply with certain debt covenants, the Company acquired term
life insurance policies in the amount of $1,000,000 each on the two key
executives. In the event of either individual's death, the proceeds of this
insurance must be used to pay down outstanding principal under the terms of
the Credit Facility Agreement.
 
(12) SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
 
  On June 14, 1996, the Company acquired all of the outstanding common stock
of Patient-Care Medical Sales, a California corporation, for an aggregate
purchase price, including expenses, of approximately $4,150,000, of which
$375,000 is payable on the first annual anniversary of the closing, subject to
set off ("Patient-Care Deferred Payment"). The acquisition is expected to be
accounted for as a purchase, and the purchase price will be allocated to the
net assets acquired based on their respective estimated fair values. The
acquisition was financed using bank debt (see Note 4).
 
  In June 1996, the Company plans to file a registration statement with the
Securities and Exchange Commission to sell 3,750,000 shares, or 33.7% of its
common stock, through a public offering.
 
                                     F-18
<PAGE>
 
                   REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
To St. Louis Ostomy Distributors, Inc.:
 
  We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of St. Louis Ostomy
Distributors, Inc. (a Missouri corporation) as of July 30, 1994 and July 29,
1995, and the related statements of income, changes in stockholders' (deficit)
equity and cash flows for each of the three years ended July 29, 1995 and for
the period from July 30, 1995 through January 22, 1996. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.
 
  We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the 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 St. Louis Ostomy
Distributors, Inc. as of July 30, 1994 and July 29, 1995, and the results of
its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years ended July 29,
1995 and for the period from July 30, 1995 through January 22, 1996, in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
                                          Arthur Andersen LLP
 
Boston, Massachusetts
June 14, 1996
 
                                     F-19
<PAGE>
 
                      ST. LOUIS OSTOMY DISTRIBUTORS, INC.
 
                BALANCE SHEETS--JULY 30, 1994 AND JULY 29, 1995
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           1994         1995
                                                        -----------  ----------

                        ASSETS
<S>                                                     <C>          <C>
Current Assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents............................ $    86,042  $  448,782
  Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful
   accounts of $90,015 and $91,651 in 1994 and 1995,
   respectively........................................   1,710,283   1,741,359
  Merchandise inventory................................     764,829     681,323
  Prepaid expenses and other...........................      68,748      39,949
  Deferred income taxes................................      36,502      36,767
                                                        -----------  ----------
    Total current assets...............................   2,666,404   2,948,180
                                                        -----------  ----------
Fixed Assets, at cost:
  Equipment and fixtures...............................     396,097     466,681
  Leasehold improvements...............................      48,037      48,037
                                                        -----------  ----------
                                                            444,134     514,718
  Less--Accumulated depreciation.......................     187,107     243,865
                                                        -----------  ----------
    Total fixed assets, net............................     257,027     270,853
                                                        -----------  ----------
Other Assets:
  Cash surrender value of life insurance...............      34,071      40,688
  Deposits.............................................      20,350      20,350
                                                        -----------  ----------
    Total other assets.................................      54,421      61,038
                                                        -----------  ----------
    Total assets....................................... $ 2,977,852  $3,280,071
                                                        ===========  ==========
         LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
  Current portion of long-term debt.................... $       --   $  303,384
  Note payable.........................................   1,545,262         --
  Accounts payable.....................................     998,950   1,049,773
  Accrued expenses, including payroll and related
   taxes...............................................     158,460     205,442
  Income taxes payable.................................      14,596      14,057
                                                        -----------  ----------
    Total current liabilities..........................   2,717,268   1,572,656
                                                        -----------  ----------
Long-term Debt.........................................         --      585,724
Deferred Income Taxes..................................       5,819       9,913
Stockholders' Equity:
  Common stock, $1 par value--
    Authorized--30,000 shares
    Issued--500 shares in 1994 and 250 shares in 1995..         500         250
  Additional paid-in capital...........................      51,957      51,957
  Retained earnings....................................   2,166,118   1,059,571
  Treasury stock at cost, 250 shares in 1994...........  (1,963,810)        --
                                                        -----------  ----------
    Total stockholders' equity.........................     254,765   1,111,778
                                                        -----------  ----------
    Total liabilities and stockholders' equity......... $ 2,977,852  $3,280,071
                                                        ===========  ==========
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                      F-20
<PAGE>
 
                      ST. LOUIS OSTOMY DISTRIBUTORS, INC.
 
                              STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
       FOR THE YEARS ENDED JULY 31, 1993, JULY 30, 1994 AND JULY 29, 1995
           AND THE PERIOD FROM JULY 30, 1995 THROUGH JANUARY 22, 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   PERIOD FROM
                                                                  JULY 30, 1995
                                                                     THROUGH
                                                                   JANUARY 22,
                               1993         1994        1995          1996
                            -----------  ----------- -----------  -------------
<S>                         <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>
Net Sales.................. $14,025,192  $15,905,672 $17,235,282   $9,272,034
Cost of Goods Sold.........  11,102,211   12,490,194  13,756,393    7,375,178
                            -----------  ----------- -----------   ----------
  Gross profit.............   2,922,981    3,415,478   3,478,889    1,896,856
Operating Expenses.........   1,838,181    1,812,520   1,972,352    1,120,079
Depreciation and amortiza-
 tion......................      54,685       53,658      56,758       55,113
                            -----------  ----------- -----------   ----------
  Operating income.........   1,030,115    1,549,300   1,449,779      721,664
Interest Expense, net......     173,635      135,974      90,263       17,857
Other (Income) Expense.....     (16,920)       5,285     (12,841)      (4,882)
                            -----------  ----------- -----------   ----------
  Income before provision
   for income taxes........     873,400    1,408,041   1,372,357      708,689
Provision for Income Tax-
 es........................     324,777      506,408     515,344      277,278
                            -----------  ----------- -----------   ----------
  Net income............... $   548,623  $   901,633 $   857,013   $  431,411
                            ===========  =========== ===========   ==========
</TABLE>
 
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                      F-21
<PAGE>
 
                      ST. LOUIS OSTOMY DISTRIBUTORS, INC.
 
            STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' (DEFICIT) EQUITY
 
       FOR THE YEARS ENDED JULY 31, 1993, JULY 30, 1994 AND JULY 29, 1995
           AND THE PERIOD FROM JULY 30, 1995 THROUGH JANUARY 22, 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                TOTAL
                             COMMON    ADDITIONAL                           STOCKHOLDERS'
                             STOCK,     PAID-IN    RETAINED     TREASURY      (DEFICIT)
                          $1 PAR VALUE  CAPITAL    EARNINGS       STOCK        EQUITY
                          ------------ ---------- -----------  -----------  -------------
<S>                       <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>          <C>
Balance, July 25, 1992..     $ 500      $   --    $   715,862  $(1,963,810)  $(1,247,448)
  Capital contribution..       --        51,957           --           --         51,957
  Net income............       --           --        548,623          --        548,623
                             -----      -------   -----------  -----------   -----------
Balance, July 31, 1993..       500       51,957     1,264,485   (1,963,810)     (646,868)
  Net income............       --           --        901,633          --        901,633
                             -----      -------   -----------  -----------   -----------
Balance, July 30, 1994..       500       51,957     2,166,118   (1,963,810)      254,765
  Retirement of treasury
   stock................      (250)         --     (1,963,560)   1,963,810           --
  Net income............       --           --        857,013          --        857,013
                             -----      -------   -----------  -----------   -----------
Balance, July 29, 1995..       250       51,957     1,059,571          --      1,111,778
  Net income............       --           --        431,411          --        431,411
                             -----      -------   -----------  -----------   -----------
Balance, January 22,
 1996...................     $ 250      $51,957   $ 1,490,982  $       --    $ 1,543,189
                             =====      =======   ===========  ===========   ===========
</TABLE>
 
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                      F-22
<PAGE>
 
                      ST. LOUIS OSTOMY DISTRIBUTORS, INC.
 
                            STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
       FOR THE YEARS ENDED JULY 31, 1993, JULY 30, 1994 AND JULY 29, 1995
           AND THE PERIOD FROM JULY 30, 1995 THROUGH JANUARY 22, 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  PERIOD FROM
                                                                 JULY 30, 1995
                                                                    THROUGH
                                1993       1994        1995     JANUARY 22, 1996
                              ---------  ---------  ----------  ----------------
<S>                           <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>
Cash Flows from Operating
 Activities:
  Net income................  $ 548,623  $ 901,633  $  857,013     $ 431,411
  Adjustments to reconcile
   net income to net cash
   provided by operating
   activities--
    Depreciation and amorti-
     zation.................     54,685     53,658      56,758        55,113
    Provision for bad debt
     losses.................     10,432     13,445       1,636        13,291
    Net loss on sale of
     fixed assets...........        --      20,000         --            --
    Deferred income tax
     (benefit) provision....     (3,361)   (19,861)      3,829       (14,010)
    Change in assets and li-
     abilities--
      Accounts receivable...   (208,637)  (268,907)    (32,712)     (187,014)
      Merchandise invento-
       ry...................   (181,288)  (107,198)     83,506      (161,552)
      Prepaid expenses and
       other................    (38,316)   (18,998)     28,799        39,949
      Deposits..............      6,150    (12,634)        --            --
      Accounts payable......    292,160   (160,124)     50,823       192,900
      Accrued expenses......    (10,721)   (21,096)     46,982        85,703
      Income taxes payable..   (280,067)     5,561        (539)        7,241
                              ---------  ---------  ----------     ---------
        Net cash provided by
         operating
         activities.........    189,660    385,479   1,096,095       463,032
                              ---------  ---------  ----------     ---------
Cash Flows from Investing
 Activities:
  Repayments from affiliated
   company..................     16,707        --          --            --
  Purchase of fixed assets..    (73,137)   (82,679)    (70,584)      (36,653)
  Increase in cash surrender
   value of life insurance..    (13,749)   (13,332)     (6,617)       (4,384)
  Proceeds from surrender of
   life insurance policy....        --      41,268         --            --
                              ---------  ---------  ----------     ---------
        Net cash used in
         investing
         activities.........    (70,179)   (54,743)    (77,201)      (41,037)
                              ---------  ---------  ----------     ---------
Cash Flows from Financing
 Activities:
  Capital contribution from
   stockholder..............     51,957        --          --            --
  Proceeds from notes pay-
   able to bank.............    300,000        --          --            --
  Principal repayment of
   notes payable to bank....   (223,059)  (231,679)    (28,332)          --
  Principal repayment of
   long-term bank debt......   (108,830)  (227,184)   (627,822)     (451,693)
                              ---------  ---------  ----------     ---------
        Net cash provided by
         (used in) financing
         activities.........     20,068   (458,863)   (656,154)     (451,693)
                              ---------  ---------  ----------     ---------
Net Increase (Decrease) in
 Cash and Cash Equivalents..    139,549   (128,127)    362,740       (29,698)
Cash and Cash Equivalents,
 beginning of period........     74,620    214,169      86,042       448,782
                              ---------  ---------  ----------     ---------
Cash and Cash Equivalents,
 end of period..............  $ 214,169  $  86,042  $  448,782     $ 419,084
                              =========  =========  ==========     =========
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                      F-23
<PAGE>
 
                      ST. LOUIS OSTOMY DISTRIBUTORS, INC.
 
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
                                 JULY 29, 1995
 
(1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
 General
 
  St. Louis Ostomy Distributors, Inc. (the "Company") is a wholesaler of home
health care products. The Company is located in St. Louis, Missouri.
 
 Use of Estimates
 
  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
 Disclosure of Fair Value of Financial Instruments
 
  The Company's financial instruments consist mainly of cash and cash
equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, notes payable and debt.
The carrying amounts of the Company's cash and cash equivalents, accounts
receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value due to the short-term
nature of these instruments. Certain of the Company's debt bears interest at a
variable market rate, and thus has a carrying amount that approximates fair
value. The debt carries a fixed rate of interest which approximates fair value
based on rates available to the Company for debt with similar terms and
maturities.
 
 Merchandise Inventory
 
  Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market and is accounted for
using the weighted moving-average cost method, which approximates the first-
in, first-out (FIFO) method.
 
 Fixed Assets
 
  The cost of property and equipment is depreciated and amortized over the
estimated useful lives of the related assets, as follows:
 
<TABLE>
      <S>                                                <C>       <C>
      Equipment, computers and fixtures................. 3-7 years Straight-line
      Leasehold improvements............................  31 years Straight-line
</TABLE>
 
  Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred.
 
 Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
  For the accompanying statements of cash flows, the Company considers all
highly liquid instruments with original maturities of three months or less to
be cash equivalents.
 
 Income Taxes
 
  The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes,
which is an asset and liability method. Under the asset and liability method,
deferred taxes are established for the temporary differences between the
financial reporting and tax bases of the Company's assets and liabilities at
currently enacted tax laws and rates.
 
(2) DEBT
 
  Debt consists of the following at July 30, 1994 and July 29, 1995:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              1994      1995
                                                           ---------- --------
      <S>                                                  <C>        <C>
      Note payable to Jefferson Bank...................... $      --  $889,108
      Note payable to Colonial Bank. The note was
       refinanced in September 1994.......................  1,545,262      --
                                                           ---------- --------
                                                           $1,545,262 $889,108
                                                           ========== ========
</TABLE>
 
                                     F-24
<PAGE>
 
                      ST. LOUIS OSTOMY DISTRIBUTORS, INC.
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                                 JULY 29, 1995
 
(2) DEBT (CONTINUED)
 
  In connection with the acquisition of certain shares held by a former
stockholder in 1993 (discussed in Note 7), the Company entered into a note
agreement in the amount of $1,963,810. The note was collateralized by all of
the Company's assets and shares of common stock and was guaranteed by the
remaining sole stockholder of the Company. The note was refinanced with
$1,700,000 of bank debt in February 1994.
 
  The $1,700,000 debt payable to Colonial Bank was secured by the Company's
accounts receivable, inventory and equipment, and was guaranteed by the
stockholder of the Company. Interest on the note was at prime (7.25% at July
30, 1994) plus .5%. Monthly payments were required in the amount of $28,333
plus interest. In September 1994, this debt was refinanced with new bank debt
in the amount of $1,516,929.
 
  The $1,516,929 original debt with Jefferson Bank is collateralized by
accounts receivable and inventory of the Company, as well as the assignment of
a Company-owned life insurance policy on the life of the stockholder. The debt
is guaranteed by the stockholder. Interest accrues annually at the prime rate
(8.75% at July 29, 1995). The terms of the debt agreement provide for monthly
payments of $25,282 plus interest, with the final payment due in September
1999. In addition to the required minimum monthly payments, the Company has
made optional prepayments in accordance with the terms of the agreement in the
amount of approximately $442,000 through July 29, 1995.
 
  In February 1992, the Company entered into a $80,000 loan agreement with
Colonial Bank secured by an automobile. The loan bore interest at prime (6.0%
at July 31, 1993) plus 1% and was fully repaid in April 1994.
 
  In October 1992, the Company entered into a loan agreement with Colonial
Bank secured by accounts receivable, inventory and equipment of the Company.
The loan was guaranteed by the stockholder. Interest accrued at a rate of
prime plus .5%, and monthly payments were due in the amount of $25,901 plus
interest. The note was fully repaid in October 1993.
 
  At July 29, 1995, aggregate minimum maturities are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            FISCAL YEAR                           AMOUNT
            -----------                          --------
            <S>                                  <C>
            1996................................ $303,384
            1997................................  303,384
            1998................................  282,340
                                                 --------
                                                 $889,108
                                                 ========
</TABLE>
 
(3) INCOME TAXES
 
  The provision (benefit) for income taxes for the years ended July 31, 1993,
July 30, 1994 and July 29, 1995 and for the period from July 30, 1995 through
January 22, 1996 consists of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    PERIOD FROM
                                                                   JULY 30, 1995
                                                                      THROUGH
                                                                    JANUARY 22,
                                        1993      1994      1995       1996
                                      --------  --------  -------- -------------
<S>                                   <C>       <C>       <C>      <C>
U.S. Federal--
  Current............................ $295,328  $480,470  $452,895   $261,488
  Deferred...........................   (3,025)  (18,133)    3,390    (13,232)
State--
  Current............................   32,810    45,799    58,620     29,800
  Deferred...........................     (336)   (1,728)      439       (778)
                                      --------  --------  --------   --------
                                      $324,777  $506,408  $515,344   $277,278
                                      ========  ========  ========   ========
</TABLE>
 
                                     F-25
<PAGE>
 
                      ST. LOUIS OSTOMY DISTRIBUTORS, INC.
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                                 JULY 29, 1995
 
(3) INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
 
  Under SFAS No. 109, net current deferred tax assets or liabilities and net
long-term deferred tax assets or liabilities are reported separately in the
Company's accompanying balance sheets. The components of the deferred taxes as
of July 30, 1994 and July 29, 1995 are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                1994     1995
                                                               -------  -------
<S>                                                            <C>      <C>
Deferred tax assets:
  Reserves and accruals not yet deductible for tax purposes... $33,306  $33,192
  Other.......................................................   3,196    2,855
                                                               -------  -------
Total deferred tax assets.....................................  36,502   36,767
Deferred tax liabilities:
  Property basis differences..................................  (5,819)  (9,913)
                                                               -------  -------
Net deferred taxes............................................ $30,683  $22,854
                                                               =======  =======
</TABLE>
 
  The provision for income taxes is different from the amount computed by
applying the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 34% to income before
provision for income taxes, primarily due to state taxes net of federal income
tax benefit.
 
(4) RETIREMENT PLAN
 
  The Company has a qualified, noncontributory, profit-sharing plan covering
eligible full-time employees. The plan provides for contributions by the
Company in such amounts as the Board of Directors may annually determine.
Contributions to the plan amounted to approximately $52,000, $60,000, $75,000
and $0 in 1993, 1994, 1995 and the period from July 30, 1995 through January
22, 1996, respectively.
 
(5) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
 Leases
 
  In December 1991, the Company entered into a lease for rental of a warehouse
facility commencing in April 1992 and expiring in March 1997. Rent expense
charged against operations under the lease amounted to approximately $117,000,
$83,000, $86,000 and $35,000 in 1993, 1994, 1995 and the period from July 30,
1995 through January 22, 1996, respectively.
 
  In March 1994, the Company entered into a lease for rental of a luxury box
at a sports facility for a five-year period expiring in August 1999. Rent
expense for fiscal 1995 and for the period from July 30, 1995 through January
22, 1996 was approximately $13,000 and $14,000, respectively.
 
  At July 29, 1995, approximate future minimum lease payments under
noncancelable operating leases are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            YEAR                                  AMOUNT
            ----                                 --------
            <S>                                  <C>
            1996................................ $114,666
            1997................................   89,959
            1998................................   32,056
            1999................................   34,300
                                                 --------
                                                 $270,981
                                                 ========
</TABLE>
 
                                     F-26
<PAGE>
 
                      ST. LOUIS OSTOMY DISTRIBUTORS, INC.
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                                 JULY 29, 1995
 
 
(6) SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOWS DISCLOSURE
 
  Cash payments for interest and income taxes and certain noncash transactions
were as follows for the periods indicated:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   PERIOD FROM
                                                                    JULY 30,
                                                                      1995
                                                                     THROUGH
                                                                   JANUARY 22,
                                      1993      1994       1995       1996
                                    -------- ---------- ---------- -----------
<S>                                 <C>      <C>        <C>        <C>
Interest........................... $170,520 $  137,239 $  108,117  $ 33,472
Income taxes.......................  644,157    543,816    478,835   284,586
Refinance of note payable through
 the issuance of long-term debt....      --         --   1,516,929       --
Retirement of long-term debt
 through the issuance of note
 payable...........................      --   1,512,990        --        --
</TABLE>
 
(7) STOCK REDEMPTION AGREEMENT
 
  On April 24, 1992, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire the
outstanding shares of one of the Company's stockholders. The purchase of 250
shares of the Company's stock was funded through the issuance of a promissory
note in the amount of $1,963,810. In February 1994, this obligation was
refinanced with bank debt (see Note 2).
 
  The agreement contained a covenant not to compete in the amount of $250,000
to be paid in monthly installments ranging from $3,125 to $5,208 through March
1998. Additionally, a one-year employment agreement for $50,000 and a five-
year consulting agreement for $100,000 per year were entered into between the
Company and the former stockholder. Amounts paid under these agreements
amounted to approximately $145,000 in 1993.
 
  On May 19, 1993, in connection with the sale of the remaining stockholder's
interest in an affiliated company, the terms of the above agreement were
modified to release the Company from further obligation under the
noncompetition and consulting agreements.
 
(8) RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
  The Company engaged in transactions with a company formerly related through
common ownership. Sales in the amount of $335,565 were made to the affiliate
during 1993. On May 19, 1993, the stockholder of the Company sold his interest
in the affiliated company. Under the agreement, the Company agreed to maintain
the same profit margin on future sales to the former affiliate. During 1994,
this provision was eliminated. The companies also entered into a mutual
covenant not to compete for a period of three years.
 
(9) STOCK TRANSACTIONS
 
  In April 1992, the Company acquired 250 shares of stock held by a former
stockholder. This transaction is discussed in Note 7.
 
  In March 1995, the Company's stockholder transferred 175 shares of stock to
a limited partnership in which the stockholder is the general partner.
 
(10) SUBSEQUENT EVENT
 
  On September 22, 1995, the stockholders of the Company signed a confidential
letter of intent to sell the outstanding stock to Suburban Ostomy Supply Co.,
Inc. The transaction was completed on January 22, 1996.
 
                                     F-27
<PAGE>
 
                   REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
To Patient-Care Medical Sales:
 
  We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Patient-Care Medical
Sales (a California corporation) as of March 31, 1995 and 1996, and the
related statements of income, changes in stockholders' equity and cash flows
for the three years ended March 31, 1996. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express
an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
 
  We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the 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 Patient-Care Medical Sales
as of March 31, 1995 and 1996, and the results of its operations and its cash
flows for the three years ended March 31, 1996, in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles.
 
                                          Arthur Andersen LLP
 
Boston, Massachusetts
May 3, 1996
 
                                     F-28
<PAGE>
 
                           PATIENT-CARE MEDICAL SALES
 
                    BALANCE SHEETS--MARCH 31, 1995 AND 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             1995       1996
                                                          ---------- ----------

                         ASSETS
<S>                                                       <C>        <C>
Current Assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents.............................. $  117,030 $   84,116
  Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful
   accounts of $132,399 and $123,791 in 1995 and 1996,
   respectively..........................................  2,239,783  1,893,234
  Merchandise inventory..................................  1,233,667  1,412,178
  Prepaid expenses and other.............................     21,697     90,887
  Prepaid income taxes...................................        --     161,813
  Deferred income taxes..................................    113,350     89,826
                                                          ---------- ----------
    Total current assets.................................  3,725,527  3,732,054
                                                          ---------- ----------
Fixed Assets, at cost:
  Equipment and fixtures.................................    674,693    813,439
  Leasehold improvements.................................     40,864     45,422
                                                          ---------- ----------
                                                             715,557    858,861
                                                          ---------- ----------
  Less--Accumulated depreciation.........................    464,581    534,682
                                                          ---------- ----------
    Total fixed assets, net..............................    250,976    324,179
                                                          ---------- ----------
Other Assets:
  Deposits...............................................     14,738     27,282
  Deferred income taxes..................................      9,816        --
                                                          ---------- ----------
    Total assets......................................... $4,001,057 $4,083,515
                                                          ========== ==========
          LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
  Current portion of long-term debt...................... $  195,113 $  455,620
  Bank line of credit....................................    880,000    890,000
  Accounts payable.......................................  1,050,488    951,584
  Accrued expenses, including payroll and related taxes..    280,345    529,269
  Income taxes payable...................................    206,986        --
                                                          ---------- ----------
    Total current liabilities............................  2,612,932  2,826,473
                                                          ---------- ----------
Long-Term Debt...........................................    271,500        --
Deferred Income Taxes....................................        --      12,615
Commitments and Contingencies
Stockholders' Equity:
  Common stock, no par value--
    Authorized--100,000 shares
    Issued--295 shares in 1995 and 1994..................      5,000      5,000
  Retained earnings......................................  1,111,625  1,239,427
                                                          ---------- ----------
    Total stockholders' equity...........................  1,116,625  1,244,427
                                                          ---------- ----------
    Total liabilities and stockholders' equity........... $4,001,057 $4,083,515
                                                          ========== ==========
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                      F-29
<PAGE>
 
                           PATIENT-CARE MEDICAL SALES
 
                              STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
               FOR THE YEARS ENDED MARCH 31, 1994, 1995 AND 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            1994         1995         1996
                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                      <C>          <C>          <C>
Net Sales............................... $17,580,778  $18,100,947  $18,321,220
Cost of Goods Sold......................  14,405,775   14,403,101   14,545,214
                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
  Gross profit..........................   3,175,003    3,697,846    3,776,006
Operating Expenses......................   2,919,138    3,120,145    3,435,205
Depreciation and Amortization...........      70,626       57,897       70,101
                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
  Operating income......................     185,239      519,804      270,700
Interest Expense, Net...................     109,783      105,979      146,182
Other Income, Net.......................     (33,258)     (78,442)     (88,976)
                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
  Income before provision for income
   taxes................................     108,714      492,267      213,494
Provision for Income Taxes..............      36,669      210,773       85,692
                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
  Net income............................ $    72,045  $   281,494  $   127,802
                                         ===========  ===========  ===========
</TABLE>
 
 
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                      F-30
<PAGE>
 
                           PATIENT-CARE MEDICAL SALES
 
                 STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
               FOR THE YEARS ENDED MARCH 31, 1994, 1995 AND 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              COMMON                   TOTAL
                                              STOCK,     RETAINED  STOCKHOLDERS'
                                           NO PAR VALUE  EARNINGS     EQUITY
                                           ------------ ---------- -------------
<S>                                        <C>          <C>        <C>
Balance, March 31, 1993...................    $5,000    $  758,086  $  763,086
  Net income..............................       --         72,045      72,045
                                              ------    ----------  ----------
Balance, March 31, 1994...................     5,000       830,131     835,131
  Net income..............................       --        281,494     281,494
                                              ------    ----------  ----------
Balance, March 31, 1995...................     5,000     1,111,625   1,116,625
  Net income..............................       --        127,802     127,802
                                              ------    ----------  ----------
Balance, March 31, 1996...................    $5,000    $1,239,427  $1,244,427
                                              ======    ==========  ==========
</TABLE>
 
 
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                      F-31
<PAGE>
 
                           PATIENT-CARE MEDICAL SALES
 
                            STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
               FOR THE YEARS ENDED MARCH 31, 1994, 1995 AND 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  1994       1995       1996
                                                ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                             <C>        <C>        <C>
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
  Net income..................................  $  72,045  $ 281,494  $ 127,802
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
   cash provided by operating activities--
    Depreciation and amortization.............     70,626     57,897     70,101
    Provision for bad debt losses.............     50,000     82,399     (8,608)
    Loss on sale of fixed assets..............      1,713     17,225        --
    Change in assets and liabilities--
      Deferred income tax (benefit) provision,
       net....................................    (25,070)   (57,957)    45,955
      Accounts receivable.....................   (321,538)  (357,215)   355,157
      Merchandise inventory...................    (83,041)  (108,311)  (178,511)
      Prepaid expenses and other..............     15,597    (17,051)   (69,190)
      Prepaid income taxes....................        --         --    (161,813)
      Deposits................................        --         320    (12,544)
      Accounts payable........................    121,769     95,579    (98,904)
      Accrued expenses........................     94,465      4,494    248,924
      Income taxes payable....................     25,518    180,606   (206,986)
                                                ---------  ---------  ---------
        Net cash provided by operating
         activities...........................     22,084    179,480    111,383
                                                ---------  ---------  ---------
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
  Purchase of fixed assets....................    (29,247)   (47,000)  (143,304)
                                                ---------  ---------  ---------
        Net cash used in investing
         activities...........................    (29,247)   (47,000)  (143,304)
                                                ---------  ---------  ---------
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
  Payments on capital lease obligations.......    (31,227)   (34,015)   (10,993)
  Net proceeds from bank line of credit.......   (163,000)   280,000     10,000
  Principal repayment of notes payable........        --     (65,000)       --
                                                ---------  ---------  ---------
        Net cash (used in) provided by
         financing activities.................   (194,227)   180,985       (993)
                                                ---------  ---------  ---------
Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash and Cash
 Equivalents..................................   (201,390)   313,465    (32,914)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Year..      4,955   (196,435)   117,030
                                                ---------  ---------  ---------
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Year........  $(196,435) $ 117,030  $  84,116
                                                =========  =========  =========
</TABLE>
 
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                      F-32
<PAGE>
 
                          PATIENT-CARE MEDICAL SALES
 
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
                                MARCH 31, 1996
 
(1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
 General
 
  Patient-Care Medical Sales (the "Company") is a wholesaler of home health
care products, primarily incontinence, ostomy and wound care supplies. The
Company is located in Santa Fe Springs, California.
 
 Merchandise Inventory
 
  Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market and is accounted for
using the weighted moving-average cost method, which approximates the first-
in, first-out (FIFO) method.
 
 Fixed Assets
 
  The cost of property and equipment is depreciated and amortized over the
estimated useful lives of the related assets, as follows:
 
<TABLE>
      <S>                                <C>       <C>
      Equipment, computers and fixtures  5-7 years Straight-line
      Leasehold improvements               5 years Straight-line
</TABLE>
 
 Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
  For the accompanying statements of cash flows, the Company considers all
highly liquid instruments with original maturities of three months or less to
be cash equivalents.
 
 Income Taxes
 
  The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes,
which is an asset and liability method. Under the asset and liability method,
deferred taxes are established for the temporary differences between the
financial reporting and tax bases of the Company's assets and liabilities at
currently enacted tax laws and rates.
 
 Use of Estimates
 
  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
 Disclosure of Fair Value of Financial Instruments
 
  The Company's financial instruments consist mainly of cash and cash
equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, bank line-of-credit
payable and note payable to shareholder. The carrying amounts of the Company's
cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable
approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments. The
Company's outstanding bank line of credit bears interest at a variable market
rate and has a carrying amount that approximates fair value. The note payable
to shareholder carries a fixed rate of interest that also approximates fair
value, based on rates available to the Company for debt with similar terms and
remaining maturities.
 
                                     F-33
<PAGE>
 
                          PATIENT-CARE MEDICAL SALES
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                                MARCH 31, 1996
 
 
(2) DEBT
 
  Debt consists of the following at March 31, 1995 and 1996:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             1995       1996
                                                          ---------- ----------
   <S>                                                    <C>        <C>
   Sanwa Bank line of credit............................. $  880,000 $  890,000
   Note payable to a shareholder.........................    271,500    271,500
   Equipment capital leases..............................    195,113    184,120
                                                          ---------- ----------
                                                          $1,346,613 $1,345,620
                                                          ========== ==========
</TABLE>
 
  The Company has an agreement with Sanwa Bank which provides for a $1,400,000
line of credit secured by substantially all the assets of the Company.
Outstanding borrowings bear interest monthly at the annual rate of prime plus
1% (or 9.25% at March 31, 1996). The line of credit agreement expires on July
31, 1996, at which time all outstanding borrowings and unpaid interest are due
in full. The agreement requires the Company to comply with certain covenants
and to satisfy certain financial tests and ratios.
 
  In February 1993, the shareholder of the Company advanced funds to the
Company in the amount of $271,500 in return for a promissory note. The note is
due in February 1997 and bears interest monthly at an interest rate of 11% per
annum. The note is secured by substantially all the Company's assets and is
subordinate to the bank line of credit.
 
  The Company also has equipment capital leases ranging in maturities from
June 1997 to February 2000 and bearing interest rates ranging from 7% to 13%.
 
(3) INCOME TAXES
 
  The provision (benefit) for income taxes for the years ended March 31, 1994,
1995 and 1996 consists of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       1994      1995     1996
                                                     --------  --------  -------
<S>                                                  <C>       <C>       <C>
U.S. Federal--
  Current........................................... $ 45,603  $210,896  $30,529
  Deferred..........................................  (19,262)  (44,528)  35,308
State--
  Current...........................................   16,136    57,834    9,208
  Deferred..........................................   (5,808)  (13,429)  10,647
                                                     --------  --------  -------
                                                     $ 36,669  $210,773  $85,692
                                                     ========  ========  =======
</TABLE>
 
                                     F-34
<PAGE>
 
                          PATIENT-CARE MEDICAL SALES
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                                MARCH 31, 1996
 
(3) INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
 
 
  Under SFAS No. 109, net current deferred tax assets or liabilities and net
long-term deferred tax assets or liabilities are reported separately in the
Company's accompanying balance sheets. Deferred taxes result primarily from
nondeductible accruals and reserves and tax bases differing from financial
reporting bases of inventories and fixed assets. The components of the
deferred taxes as of March 31, 1995 and 1996 are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   1995
                                                             -----------------
                                                                       LONG-
                                                             CURRENT    TERM
                                                             -------- --------
<S>                                                          <C>      <C>
Deferred tax assets......................................... $113,350 $  9,816
Deferred tax liabilities....................................      --       --
                                                             -------- --------
                                                             $113,350 $  9,816
                                                             ======== ========
<CAPTION>
                                                                   1996
                                                             -----------------
                                                                       LONG-
                                                             CURRENT    TERM
                                                             -------- --------
<S>                                                          <C>      <C>
Deferred tax assets......................................... $ 89,826 $    --
Deferred tax liabilities....................................      --   (12,615)
                                                             -------- --------
                                                             $ 89,826 $(12,615)
                                                             ======== ========
</TABLE>
 
  The provision for income taxes is different from the amount computed by
applying the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 34% to income before
provision for income taxes, primarily due to state taxes net of federal income
tax benefit.
 
(4) RETIREMENT PLAN
 
  In 1996, the Company adopted a qualified, defined contribution 401(k) plan
covering eligible full-time employees during the 1996 fiscal year. The Company
matches 25% of employee contributions up to 6% of their annual salary and may
also make discretionary contributions. Contributions to the plan by the
Company amounted to $7,014 in 1996.
 
(5) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
 Lease
 
  The Company currently has a lease for its Santa Fe Springs warehouse
facility which expires in May 1998. Rent expense, including common area
maintenance charges, charged against operations under the lease amounted to
$212,433, $169,739 and $176,077 in 1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively.
 
  At March 31, 1996, approximate future minimum lease payments under this
noncancelable operating lease are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            YEAR                                  AMOUNT
            ----                                 --------
            <S>                                  <C>
            1997................................ $160,920
            1998................................  160,920
            1999................................   26,820
                                                 --------
                                                 $348,660
                                                 ========
</TABLE>
 
 
                                     F-35
<PAGE>
 
                          PATIENT-CARE MEDICAL SALES
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                                MARCH 31, 1996
(6) SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOWS DISCLOSURE
 
  Cash payments for interest and income taxes and certain noncash transactions
were as follows for the fiscal years indicated:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       1994     1995     1996
                                                      ------- -------- --------
<S>                                                   <C>     <C>      <C>
Interest............................................. $61,740 $268,730 $146,182
Income taxes.........................................  36,222   88,124  408,535
Equipment acquired under capital lease obligations...     --   179,172      --
                                                      ======= ======== ========
</TABLE>
 
(7) SUBSEQUENT EVENT
 
  On April 18, 1996, the stockholder of the Company signed a confidential
letter of intent to sell the outstanding stock to Suburban Ostomy Supply Co.,
Inc. The proposed transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including
the negotiation of a definitive agreement and satisfactory completion of due
diligence by the buyer.
 
                                     F-36
<PAGE>
 
 
 
                                    [LOGO]
 
 
                               3,750,000 SHARES
                                 COMMON STOCK
 
 
                                  PROSPECTUS
 
 
                           DEAN WITTER REYNOLDS INC.
 
                           BEAR, STEARNS & CO. INC.
 
                            WILLIAM BLAIR & COMPANY
 
                          WHEAT FIRST BUTCHER SINGER
 
 
                                      , 1996
 
 

<PAGE>
 
                PART II. INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 13. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION
 
  The expenses (other than underwriting discounts and commissions) payable in
connection with the sale of the Common Stock offered hereby (including the
Common Stock which may be issued pursuant to an over-allotment option) are as
follows:
 
<TABLE>     
<CAPTION>
                                                                      AMOUNTS
                                                                     ----------
   <S>                                                               <C>
   SEC Registration fee............................................. $21,563.00
   NASD filing fee.................................................. $ 6,753.00
   Nasdaq National Market fee....................................... $46,700.06
   Printing Expenses................................................
   Legal fees and expenses..........................................
   Accounting Fees and expenses.....................................
   Blue sky fees and expenses (including legal fees and expenses)...
   Transfer agent and registrar fees and expenses...................
   Miscellaneous....................................................
                                                                     ----------
       Total........................................................ $
                                                                     ----------
</TABLE>    
 
  The Company will bear all expenses shown above.
- --------
* All amounts are estimated, except SEC Registration, NASD and Nasdaq National
  Market Fees.
 
ITEM 14. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
 
  Section 67 of Chapter 156B of the Massachusetts Business Corporation Law,
which is applicable to the Company, provides as follows:
 
  Indemnification of directors, officers, employees and other agents of a
corporation, and persons who serve at its request as directors, officers,
employees or other agents of another organization, or who serve at its request
in any capacity with respect to any employee benefit plan, may be provided by
it to whatever extent shall be specified in or authorized by: (i) the articles
of organization or (ii) a by-law adopted by the stockholders or (iii) a vote
adopted by the holders of a majority of the shares of stock entitled to vote
on the election of directors. Except as the articles of organization or by-
laws otherwise require, indemnification of any persons referred to in the
preceding sentence who are not directors of the corporation may be provided by
it to the extent authorized by the directors. Such indemnification may include
payment by the corporation of expenses incurred in defending a civil or
criminal action or proceeding in advance of the final disposition of such
action or proceeding, upon receipt of an undertaking by the person indemnified
to repay such payment if he shall be adjudicated to be not entitled to
indemnification under this Section which undertaking may be accepted without
reference to the financial ability of such person to make repayment. Any such
indemnification may be provided although the person to be indemnified is no
longer an officer, director, employee or agent of the corporation or of such
other organization or no longer serves with respect to any such employee
benefit plan.
 
  No indemnification shall be provided for any person with respect to any
matter as to which he shall have been adjudicated in any proceeding not to
have acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that his action was in the
best interest of the corporation or to the extent that such matter relates to
service with respect to an employee benefit plan, in the best interests of the
participants or beneficiaries of such employee benefit plan.
 
  The absence of any express provision for indemnification shall not limit any
right of indemnification existing independently of this section.
 
  A corporation shall have power to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf
of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or other agent of
the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the
 
                                     II-1
<PAGE>
 
corporation as a director, officer, employee or other agent of another
organization or with respect to any employee benefit plan, against any
liability incurred by him in any such capacity, or arising out of his status as
such, whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify him
against such liability.
 
  In addition, pursuant to its Articles of Organization and Bylaws, the Company
shall indemnify its directors and officers against expenses (including
judgments or amounts paid in settlement) incurred in any action, civil or
criminal, to which any such person is a party by reason of any alleged act or
failure to act in his capacity as such, except as to a matter as to which such
director or officer shall have been finally adjudged not to have acted in good
faith in the reasonable belief that his action was in the best interest of the
corporation.
 
  The Underwriting Agreement provides that the Underwriters are obligated,
under certain circumstances, to indemnify directors, officers and controlling
persons of the Company against certain liabilities, including liabilities under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"). Reference is made to the
form of Underwriting Agreement filed as Exhibit 1 hereto.
 
  The Company maintains directors and officers liability insurance for the
benefit of its directors and certain of its officers and has entered into
indemnification agreements with its directors and certain of its officers.
 
ITEM 15. RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES
 
  During the past three years, Suburban has issued the following securities,
none of which have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
(the "Act"):
     
    (a) On July 3, 1995, in connection with the recapitalization of the
  Company, the Company sold: (i) an aggregate of 5,138,000 shares (after
  giving effect to the 100 for 1 Common Stock split effected July 3, 1995,
  the 50 for 1 Common Stock split effected April 10, 1996 and the 3.67 for 1
  Common Stock split effected June 21, 1996) to Summit Ventures, Summit
  Investors, Summit Debt Fund and BSC for an aggregate purchase price of
  $100,000; and (ii) an aggregate of 66,500 shares of its Redeemable
  Preferred Stock to Summit Partners for an aggregate consideration of
  $6,650,000. In connection with the July 3, 1995 recapitalization, the
  Company also issued $9,250,000 in principal amount of Summit Notes and the
  Management Notes. Finally, in connection with the July 3, 1995
  recapitalization, the Company granted to certain officers of the Company
  options to purchase 734,000 (post-splits) shares of its Common Stock.     
 
    (b) In connection with the acquisition of St. Louis Ostomy the Company
  issued the St. Louis Note.
 
    (c) On October 12, 1995 and April 31, 1996, the Company issued an
  aggregate of 27,525 shares (post-splits) of Common Stock upon the exercise
  by Mr. Manos of option to purchase such shares, at exercise price of $0.68
  per share (post-splits).
     
    (d) On October 31, 1995, the Company granted to various employees options
  to purchase an aggregate of 34,865 shares (post-splits) pursuant to the
  Company's 1995 Stock Option Plan.     
 
    (e) On January 22, 1996, the Company issued the Bank Warrant.
 
ITEM 16. EXHIBITS
 
  Exhibits:
 
<TABLE>
   <C>  <S>
   3.1  Restated Articles of Organization, as amended
   3.2  Bylaws
   5.1  Form of Opinion of Hutchins, Wheeler & Dittmar, A Professional
        Corporation, as to the legality of the securities being registered
   10.1 Stock Purchase and Redemption Agreement, among the Company, Summit,
        BSC, the Management Stockholders and Melvin Aronson, dated July 3, 1995
   10.2 Subordinated Debenture Purchase Agreement among the Company, Summit
        Debt and Summit Investors, dated July 3, 1995
   10.3 Shareholders' Agreement among the Company, Summit, BSC, the Management
        Stockholders and Melvin Aronson, dated July 3, 1995
   10.4 Registration Rights Agreement among the Company, Summit, BSC, the
        Management Stockholders and Melvin Aronson, dated July 3, 1995
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-2
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>     
   <C>   <S>
   10.5  $6,615,000 12% Subordinated Debenture of the Company issued to Summit
         Debt, dated July 3, 1995
   10.6  $135,000 12% Subordinated Debenture of the Company issued to Summit
         Investors, dated July 3, 1995
   10.7  Suburban Ostomy Supply Co., Inc. Stock Option Plan
   10.8  Stock Option Agreement with Herbert Grey, dated July 3, 1995
   10.9  Stock Option Agreement with Donald Benovitz, dated July 3, 1995
   10.10 Stock Option Agreement with Stephen N. Aschettino, dated July 3, 1995
   10.11 Stock Option Agreement with John Manos, dated July 3, 1995
   10.12 Employment Agreement with Herbert Gray, dated July 3, 1995
   10.13 Employment Agreement with Donald Benovitz, dated July 3, 1995
   10.14 Employment Agreement with Stephen N. Aschettino, dated July 3, 1995
   10.15 Employment Agreement with Patrick Bohan, dated July 3, 1995
   10.16 Employment Agreement with John Manos, dated July 3, 1995
   10.17 $1,000,000 12% Non-Negotiable Subordinated Promissory Note of the
         Company issued to Melvin Aronson, dated July 3, 1995
   10.18 $1,000,000 12% Non-Negotiable Subordinated Promissory Note of the
         Company issued to Herbert P. Gray, dated July 3, 1995
   10.19 $375,000 12% Non-Negotiable Subordinated Promissory Note of the
         Company issued to Donald Benovitz, dated July 3, 1995
   10.20 $62,500 12% Non-Negotiable Subordinated Promissory Note of the Company
         issued to Stephen N. Aschettino, dated July 3, 1995
   10.21 $62,500 12% Non-Negotiable Subordinated Promissory Note of the Company
         issued to Patrick Bohan, dated July 3, 1995
   10.22 Credit Agreement between the Company and The First National Bank of
         Boston, dated July 3, 1995
   10.23 First Amendment to Credit Agreement among the Company, the Bank and
         St. Louis Ostomy, dated January 22, 1996
   10.24 Second Amendment to Credit Agreement among the Company, the Bank and
         St. Louis Ostomy, dated June 14, 1996
   10.25 Proposed terms and conditions of Amended Credit Facility from the Bank
   10.26 Warrant to purchase shares of Common Stock issued to the Bank, dated
         January 22, 1996
   10.27 Stock Purchase Agreement relating to the Purchase of St. Louis Ostomy
         by the Company, dated January 22, 1996
   10.28 Non-Competition Agreement between the Company and Michael J. Quinn,
         dated January 22, 1996
   10.29 $1,235,000 10% Subordinated Promissory Note of the Company issued to
         Michael J. Quinn, dated January 22, 1996
   10.30 Employment Letter Agreement between the Company and Michael J. Quinn,
         dated January 22, 1996
   10.31 Stock Purchase Agreement relating to the Purchase of Patient-Care by
         the Company, dated June 14, 1996
   10.32 Escrow Agreement among the Company and the Stockholders of Patient-
         Care, dated June 14, 1996
   10.33 Non-Competition Agreement by Nate Spunt for the benefit of the Company
         and Patient-Care, dated June 14, 1996
   10.34 Employment Agreement between Patient-Care and John Somers, dated June
         14, 1996
   10.35 UPS Ground Incentive Program Contract Carrier Agreement between the
         Company and UPS, dated February 13, 1995
   10.36 Letter Agreement between the Company and UPS, dated August 23, 1995
   10.37 UPS Consignee Billing Contract Courier Agreement between the Company
         and UPS, dated September 23, 1995
</TABLE>    
 
                                     II-3
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>     
   <C>    <S>
   10.38  Lease of New Englander Industrial Park between the Company and GBA
          Realty Trust, dated August 1991
   10.39  Lease and Agreement between the Company and GBA Realty Corp., dated
          August 1, 1993
   10.40  Lease Agreement between the Company and Suburban Grayson Atlanta
          Partnership, dated August 1, 1986
   10.41  Lease Agreement between the Company and Christmas Joint Venture,
          dated July 1, 1994
   10.42  Single Tenant Industrial Lease between the Company and Watson Land
          Company, dated August 18, 1994
   *10.43 Agreement between the Company and Hollister Incorporated, as amended,
          dated March 16, 1984
   *11.1  Earnings Per Share Computations
   *23.1  Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP
   23.2   Consent of Hutchins, Wheeler & Dittmar, A Professional Corporation
          (included in Exhibit 5.1)
   24.1   Power of Attorney (included on signature page)
   27.1   Financial Data Schedule
</TABLE>    
- --------
   
* Filed with this Amendment No. 1.     
   
  FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.     
   
  The following financial statement schedule of the Company is furnished at the
indicated page:     
         
      Report of Independent Public Accountants (Page S-1)     
         
      Schedule II--Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Page S-2)     
   
  All other schedules not listed are omitted because of the absence of
conditions under which they are required.     
 
ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS
 
  The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the
registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit
plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement 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.
 
  The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that: (1) For purposes 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 497(h) under the Securities Act
shall be deemed to be 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.
 
  Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Act may be
permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant
pursuant to provisions described in Item 14 above, or otherwise, the registrant
has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission
such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is,
therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against
such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred
or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the
successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the
matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of
appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is
against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final
adjudication of such issue.
 
                                      II-4
<PAGE>
 
                                   SIGNATURES
   
  PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, THE
REGISTRANT CERTIFIES THAT IT HAS REASONABLE GROUNDS TO BELIEVE THAT IT MEETS
ALL OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR FILING ON FORM S-1 AND HAS DULY CAUSED THIS
REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-1 TO BE SIGNED ON ITS BEHALF BY THE
UNDERSIGNED, THEREUNTO DULY AUTHORIZED, IN BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, ON JULY 26,
1996.     
 
                                         Suburban Ostomy Supply Co., Inc.
 
                                                   /s/ Herbert P. Gray
                                         By: __________________________________
                                              HERBERT P. GRAY CHAIRMAN AND
                                                CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
       
  PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, THIS
REGISTRATION STATEMENT HAS BEEN SIGNED BY THE FOLLOWING PERSONS IN THE
CAPACITIES AND ON THE DATES INDICATED.
 
             SIGNATURE                       TITLE                 DATE
    
        /s/ Herbert P. Gray           Chairman of the         
- ------------------------------------   Board of Directors     July 26, 1996
          HERBERT P. GRAY              and Chief                       
                                       Executive Officer
    
       /s/ Donald H. Benovitz         Director, President     
- ------------------------------------   and Chief              July 26, 1996
         DONALD H. BENOVITZ            Operating Officer               
 
     /s/ Stephen N. Aschettino        Vice President,            
- ------------------------------------   Treasurer and          July 26, 1996
       STEPHEN N. ASCHETTINO           Clerk (principal                
                                       accounting
                                       officer)
 
                                                     
    * /s/ Martin J. Mannion           Director                July 26, 1996
- ------------------------------------                                   
         MARTIN J. MANNION
 
                                                      
    * /s/ Joseph F. Trustey           Director                July 26, 1996
- ------------------------------------                                   
         JOSEPH F. TRUSTEY
     
  * By: Stephen N. Aschettino 
         ATTORNEY-IN-FACT     
 
 
                                      II-5
 
<PAGE>
 
             REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS ON SCHEDULE
 
To Suburban Ostomy Supply Co., Inc.:
   
  We have audited in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards the
1993, 1994 and 1995 consolidated financial statements of Suburban Ostomy
Supply Co., Inc. included in this Registration Statement and have issued our
report thereon dated June 21, 1996. Our audits were made for the purpose of
forming an opinion on the basic financial statements taken as a whole. The
schedule listed in item 16.b. of this Registration Statement is the
responsibility of the Company's management and is presented for purposes of
complying with the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and is not part
of the basic financial statements. The schedule has been subjected to the
auditing procedures applied in the audits of the basic financial statements as
of September 3, 1994, September 2, 1995 and June 1, 1996 and for the years
ended August 28, 1993, September 3, 1994 and September 2, 1995 and the thirty-
nine weeks ended June 1, 1996, and, in our opinion, fairly states in all
material respects the financial data required to be set forth therein in
relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole.     
 
                                          Arthur Andersen LLP
 
Boston, Massachusetts
   
June 21, 1996     
 
                                      S-1
<PAGE>
 
                         SUBURBAN OSTOMY AND SUBSIDIARY
 
                 SCHEDULE II--VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
            FOR THE PERIOD FROM AUGUST 29, 1992 THROUGH JUNE 1, 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         ADDITIONS
                                    --------------------
                         BALANCE AT CHARGED TO           DEDUCTIONS  BALANCE AT
                         BEGINNING  COSTS AND            WRITE-OFFS     END
                         OF PERIOD   EXPENSES  OTHER (1) OF BAD DEBT OF PERIOD
                         ---------- ---------- --------- ----------- ----------
<S>                      <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>         <C>
Year ended August 28,
 1993
  Accounts receivable...  $   --     $ 89,974       --    $ 89,974    $    --
                          =======    ========  ========   ========    ========
Year ended September 3,
 1994
  Accounts receivable...  $   --     $ 49,802       --    $ 24,802    $ 25,000
                          =======    ========  ========   ========    ========
Year ended September 2,
 1995
  Accounts receivable...  $25,000    $ 21,384       --    $ 21,384    $ 25,000
                          =======    ========  ========   ========    ========
Thirty-nine weeks ended
 June 1, 1996
  Accounts receivable...  $25,000    $167,518  $104,942   $122,460    $175,000
                          =======    ========  ========   ========    ========
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Represents accounts receivable allowance of St. Louis Ostomy acquired on
   January 22, 1996.
 
                                      S-2
<PAGE>
 
                                  
                               EXHIBIT INDEX     
 
  Exhibits:
 
<TABLE>     
   <C>   <S>
   3.1   Restated Articles of Organization, as amended
   3.2   Bylaws
   5.1   Form of Opinion of Hutchins, Wheeler & Dittmar, A Professional
         Corporation, as to the legality of the securities being registered
   10.1  Stock Purchase and Redemption Agreement, among the Company, Summit,
         BSC, the Management Stockholders and Melvin Aronson, dated July 3,
         1995
   10.2  Subordinated Debenture Purchase Agreement among the Company, Summit
         Debt and Summit Investors, dated July 3, 1995
   10.3  Shareholders' Agreement among the Company, Summit, BSC, the Management
         Stockholders and Melvin Aronson, dated July 3, 1995
   10.4  Registration Rights Agreement among the Company, Summit, BSC, the
         Management Stockholders and Melvin Aronson, dated July 3, 1995
   10.5  $6,615,000 12% Subordinated Debenture of the Company issued to Summit
         Debt, dated July 3, 1995
   10.6  $135,000 12% Subordinated Debenture of the Company issued to Summit
         Investors, dated July 3, 1995
   10.7  Suburban Ostomy Supply Co., Inc. Stock Option Plan
   10.8  Stock Option Agreement with Herbert Grey, dated July 3, 1995
   10.9  Stock Option Agreement with Donald Benovitz, dated July 3, 1995
   10.10 Stock Option Agreement with Stephen N. Aschettino, dated July 3, 1995
   10.11 Stock Option Agreement with John Manos, dated July 3, 1995
   10.12 Employment Agreement with Herbert Gray, dated July 3, 1995
   10.13 Employment Agreement with Donald Benovitz, dated July 3, 1995
   10.14 Employment Agreement with Stephen N. Aschettino, dated July 3, 1995
   10.15 Employment Agreement with Patrick Bohan, dated July 3, 1995
   10.16 Employment Agreement with John Manos, dated July 3, 1995
   10.17 $1,000,000 12% Non-Negotiable Subordinated Promissory Note of the
         Company issued to Melvin Aronson, dated July 3, 1995
   10.18 $1,000,000 12% Non-Negotiable Subordinated Promissory Note of the
         Company issued to Herbert P. Gray, dated July 3, 1995
   10.19 $375,000 12% Non-Negotiable Subordinated Promissory Note of the
         Company issued to Donald Benovitz, dated July 3, 1995
   10.20 $62,500 12% Non-Negotiable Subordinated Promissory Note of the Company
         issued to Stephen N. Aschettino, dated July 3, 1995
   10.21 $62,500 12% Non-Negotiable Subordinated Promissory Note of the Company
         issued to Patrick Bohan, dated July 3, 1995
   10.22 Credit Agreement between the Company and The First National Bank of
         Boston, dated July 3, 1995
   10.23 First Amendment to Credit Agreement among the Company, the Bank and
         St. Louis Ostomy, dated January 22, 1996
   10.24 Second Amendment to Credit Agreement among the Company, the Bank and
         St. Louis Ostomy, dated June 14, 1996
   10.25 Proposed terms and conditions of Amended Credit Facility from the Bank
   10.26 Warrant to purchase shares of Common Stock issued to the Bank, dated
         January 22, 1996
   10.27 Stock Purchase Agreement relating to the Purchase of St. Louis Ostomy
         by the Company, dated January 22, 1996
</TABLE>    
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>     
   <C>    <S>
   10.28  Non-Competition Agreement between the Company and Michael J. Quinn,
          dated January 22, 1996
   10.29  $1,235,000 10% Subordinated Promissory Note of the Company issued to
          Michael J. Quinn, dated January 22, 1996
   10.30  Employment Letter Agreement between the Company and Michael J. Quinn,
          dated January 22, 1996
   10.31  Stock Purchase Agreement relating to the Purchase of Patient-Care by
          the Company, dated June 14, 1996
   10.32  Escrow Agreement among the Company and the Stockholders of Patient-
          Care, dated June 14, 1996
   10.33  Non-Competition Agreement by Nate Spunt for the benefit of the
          Company and Patient-Care, dated June 14, 1996
   10.34  Employment Agreement between Patient-Care and John Somers, dated June
          14, 1996
   10.35  UPS Ground Incentive Program Contract Carrier Agreement between the
          Company and UPS, dated February 13, 1995
   10.36  Letter Agreement between the Company and UPS, dated August 23, 1995
   10.37  UPS Consignee Billing Contract Courier Agreement between the Company
          and UPS, dated September 23, 1995
   10.38  Lease of New Englander Industrial Park between the Company and GBA
          Realty Trust, dated August 1991
   10.39  Lease and Agreement between the Company and GBA Realty Corp., dated
          August 1, 1993
   10.40  Lease Agreement between the Company and Suburban Grayson Atlanta
          Partnership, dated August 1, 1986
   10.41  Lease Agreement between the Company and Christmas Joint Venture,
          dated July 1, 1994
   10.42  Single Tenant Industrial Lease between the Company and Watson Land
          Company, dated August 18, 1994
   *10.43 Agreement between the Company and Holister Incorporated, as amended,
          dated March 16, 1984
   *11.1  Earnings Per Share Computations
   *23.1  Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP
   23.2   Consent of Hutchins, Wheeler & Dittmar, A Professional Corporation
          (included in Exhibit 5.1)
   24.1   Power of Attorney (included on signature page)
   27.1   Financial Data Schedule
</TABLE>    
- --------
   
* Filed with this Amendment No. 1.     
       
       

<PAGE>
 
                             DISTRIBUTOR AGREEMENT
                             ---------------------

This Agreement is entered into on March 16, 1983 between Hollister Incorporated,
an Illinois corporation ("Hollister") and Suburban Ostomy Supply Company, Inc.,
a Massachusetts corporation ("Suburban").

     Hollister is engaged principally in the development, manufacture, marketing
and sale of specialized, disposable medical devices, including ostomy pouches
and related accessories. These devices are sold directly by Hollister to
hospitals and other institutional customers and to a limited number of retail
establishments which have specifically been authorized by Hollister to resell
its products to, consumers.  Because of the unique and personal nature of the
products sold by Hollister, and because their safe and effective use depends on
informed selection, a fundamental policy of Hollister is that its products must
be resold to consumers by knowledgeable, service-oriented retailers.

     During the last several years, Suburban has engaged in the resale of
Hollister products to retailers located principally in the eastern half of the
United States.  Hollister recognizes that Suburban has thereby developed an
expertise in servicing such retailers, particularly in providing prompt delivery
and other services ancillary to the sale of products which Hollister believes
are important in effectively distributing its product in the retail channel.
Hollister further recognizes that by the operation of one of the retailers that
has been authorized by Hollister to resell its products to consumers, Suburban's
management has developed expertise in understanding and serving the individual
needs of ostomates.

     Suburban concomittantly acknowledges that substantially all of its
experience and expertise is in the servicing of retailers, as distinguished from
institutions, and that sales and

                                       1
<PAGE>
 
servicing of the institutional channel involves methods and factors largely
outside of Suburban's experience.

     In contemplation of the foregoing, it is the desire and intention of the
parties that Suburban become an authorized distributor of Hollister products to
the retail channel and that Suburban devote its efforts to the promotion and
sale of such products in such channel in accordance with the terms and
conditions set forth below.

     NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein,
the sufficiency of which is acknowledged, the parties hereby agree as follows:

     1.  Definitions.
         ------------

         1.01  "Authorized Retailer" shall mean a retail seller of health care
products which has been granted the right by Hollister to purchase for resale to
consumers the ostomy and other health care products from time to time offered by
Hollister.

         1.02  "Products" shall mean such products manufactured by Hollister as
Hollister shall from time to time in its sole discretion deem appropriate for
distribution under this Agreement, including, as and when Hollister deems
appropriate, new products and product improvements.

         1.03  "Territory" shall mean all of the states of the United States
completely east of the Mississippi River except Illinois and Wisconsin.

     2.  Grant of Distributorship.
         ------------------------ 

         2.01  Hollister hereby grants to Suburban and Suburban hereby accepts 
the right (and, to the extent set forth in subsection 7.01, undertakes the
obligation) to purchase Products from Hollister for resale upon the terms and
conditions hereafter provided.

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
         2.02  Hollister reserves the right to appoint, at any time and from 
time to time, additional authorized distributors of Products, either within or
outside of the Territory.

         2.03  Hollister reserves the right to sell Products directly to all
customers in the retail and institutional channels, including Authorized
Retailers, and to provide ancillary services to such customers including,
without limitation, education concerning existing and new Products and
assistance with in-store merchandising and promotion.

         2.04  Except as otherwise provided in section 17 hereof, this Agreement
shall remain in force for an initial term of five years from the date hereof and
for successive one-year periods thereafter unless notice in writing to the
contrary shall be given by either party to the other not less than 90 days prior
to the end of the initial five-year term or any subsequent one-year period, as
the case may be.

         2.05  Hollister hereby expressly recognizes the sole and exclusive 
right of Suburban to determine the prices at which it will resell Products.

     3.  Pricing and Other Terms of Purchase.
         ----------------------------------- 

         3.01  Suburban's purchases of Products shall be at such prices and 
pursuant to such minimum order requirements as are set forth in Hollister's most
current Distributor's Price List. The initial Distributor's Price List is
attached hereto as Exhibit A. As and when any of the prices or minimum order
quantities in such List are changed by Hollister in accordance with subsection
3.03, Hollister will deliver to Suburban a revised Distributor's Price List for
substitution as Exhibit A hereto. The Distributor's Price List attached as
Exhibit A contemplates one or more monthly orders, each with a minimum of 2,500
boxes (or 100 boxes in the case of certain Products as noted on the then current
Distributor's Price List).

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
Each order will be shipped separately or, if requested by Suburban, in no more
than weekly installments.  Hollister recognizes that, in exceptional
circumstances, and between orders, Suburban may have a legitimate need to
purchase additional Products in quantities substantially less than the minimum
order quantities specified in the Distributor's Price List.  In such
circumstances, and with Hollister's prior approval, Suburban may make purchases
in such lesser quantities.

         3.02  Suburban's purchases of Products shall further be subject to the
terms and conditions set forth in Exhibit B to this Agreement.

         3.03  Hollister reserves the right to change at any time and from time 
to time any of the prices or minimum order quantities contained in its
Distributor's Price List and any of the terms and conditions contained in
Exhibit B. Hollister will give Suburban written notice of any such change and
such change will be effective only with respect to orders received by Hollister
ten business days or more after the mailing of such notice to Suburban.

     4.  Primary Responsibility/Customers.
         -------------------------------- 
         4.01  In light of Suburban's experience and expertise in servicing the
retail channel (principally in the eastern half of the United States), Suburban
agrees that its primary responsibility under this Agreement will be to promote 
and sell Products within the Territory (i) to Authorized Retailers, (ii) to
other retailers through the Customer Support System (described in section 5
hereof), and (iii) through such other marketing and service programs, if any, as
Hollister may from time to time in its sole discretion establish. Suburban will
devote a reasonable amount of its business time and its best efforts to so
promote and sell Products. Suburban will not sell Products to any retailer which
is not either an Authorized Retailer or

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
one which qualifies under the Customer Support System or one of such other
programs, if any; provided, however, that Suburban shall have a period of three
months from the date hereof in which to discontinue selling Products to such of
its existing customers as do not satisfy the qualifications contained in this
subsection 4.01. Hollister reserves the sole right to designate Authorized
Retailers and to terminate the status of any retailer as an Authorized Retailer.
Hollister will provide Suburban with a list of Authorized Retailers in the
Territory and will advise Suburban of any additions to or deletions from such
list.

         4.02  (a)  For reasons which Hollister has discussed with Suburban and 
which Suburban acknowledges to be sufficient, Suburban agrees that it will not
at any time sell Products directly to consumers.

               (b)  Suburban acknowledges that Hollister has a significant 
interest in protecting itself from products liability litigation and protecting
its goodwill by controlling the distribution of its products in foreign markets
in a manner that allows it to adapt to language differences, variations in
medical practice and differences in government regulations. Suburban further
acknowledges that only Hollister is equipped to make determinations regarding
these and other factors so as to maximize the goodwill for Hollister's products
in foreign markets. Accordingly, Suburban agrees that it will not at any time
sell Products to customers which are located outside of the United States.

     5.  Customer Support System.  Hollister acknowledges that there are from
         -----------------------                                             
time to time consumers of its products who live in areas which, because of the
relatively small number of existing or potential consumers in such areas, could
not adequately support an Authorized Retailer.  Hollister further acknowledges
that the availability of Products to such consumers is

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
nonetheless important and that such consumers should have access to the type of
information and service otherwise provided by an Authorized Retailer.  In order
to serve the needs of these consumers, Hollister agrees that Suburban may sell
Products to retailers who are not Authorized Retailers provided that (i) such
retailers are first approved by Hollister, and (ii) in the case of each such
retailer, Suburban complies, and uses its best efforts to require each such
retailer to comply, with the requirements and procedures of Hollister's Customer
Support System, as the same are set forth in Exhibit C hereof.  Due to
foreseeable changes in demographics, customer needs, the number of Authorized
Retailers and other factors, Hollister reserves the right in its sole discretion
to change at any time and from time to time any of the requirements or
procedures of the Customer Support System and, if it deems appropriate, to
suspend or terminate the Customer Support System altogether.

     6.  Promotion.
         --------- 
         6.01  Suburban agrees to use its best efforts to promote and develop 
sales of Products. Without limiting by implication the generality of the
foregoing, Suburban agrees:

               (a)  to supply Products when its customers do not specify a 
particular brand;

               (b) to refrain from substituting or encouraging the substitution 
of competing products when its customers specify Products; and

               (c) to feature Products in its catalog more frequently and to a 
greater degree than it features competing products. For purposes hereof, the
term "feature" shall mean any prominent advertisement which conveys to the
reader more than the mere availability of a product and its price.

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
         6.02  Hollister shall at its expense provide Suburban with such
advertisements, literature, samples, displays and sales ideas as Hollister deems
appropriate.  Suburban shall at its expense utilize such materials and ideas to
the extent practicable.

         6.03  Suburban agrees to furnish to Hollister for review prior to use 
all advertisements, literature and other writings (other than those provided by
Hollister pursuant to subsection 6.02) referring or relating to Products.
Suburban agrees that it will not use any such advertisements, literature or
writings without Hollister's prior approval. Hollister agrees that, within five
business days of its receipt of any advertisements, literature or writings
pursuant to this subsection 6.03, it will notify Suburban of its determination
with respect to such advertisements, literature or writings.

     7.  Inventory/Order Filling.
         ----------------------- 

         7.01  Subject to the provisions of the next sentence, Suburban shall 
at all times stock the Products. The inventory levels maintained by Suburban
shall be sufficient to ensure that out-of-stock levels do not at any time exceed
1% of Suburban's outstanding unit demand for Products; provided, however, that
Suburban shall not be deemed in breach of this paragraph if an out-of-stock in
excess of such 1% limitation is the result of limited availability of a Product
or Products from Hollister.

         7.02  Suburban agrees that, without material exception, it will 
process and ship each order received by it from a customer within 48 hours of
receipt of such order.

     8.  Facilities.  Suburban acknowledges that Hollister has a legitimate
         ----------                                                        
interest in securing the prompt and efficient distribution of Products and
Hollister acknowledges that Suburban offers such distribution.  In the interests
of maintaining such distribution, Suburban

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
agrees that it will not move its existing facilities outside the State of
Massachusetts or add facilities outside the State of Massachusetts without prior
discussion with, and the prior written approval of, Hollister.

     9.  Reports.
         ------- 

         9.01  (a) Not later than thirty days after the close of each three-
month period during the term of this Agreement, Suburban shall provide Hollister
with a report showing the following data for such three-month period and, with
the exception of paragraph (a)(1), for the year-to-date:

                     (1) a report showing Suburban's beginning and ending 
inventory of Products for such three-month period. Such report shall show
inventory in units, by stock number, series number, Product line, and Product
group (as the terms Product line and Product group are from time to time defined
by Hollister);

                     (2) the number of accounts buying Products by Product line 
and group;

                     (3) the number of orders for Products received by Product 
line and group; and

                     (4) the average order size in number of boxes and in 
dollars by Product line and group.

For purposes hereof, the first three-month period shall be deemed to end on June
30, 1983.

         (b) Not later than thirty days after the close of each month during the
term of this Agreement, Suburban shall provide Hollister with a report showing
the following data for such month and for the year-to-date:

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
                     (1) total unit sales of Products by stock number, series 
number, Product line and Product group;

                     (2) the data described in paragraph (b)(1) above for the 
Territory and for Hollister's territory, district and region classifications
(which classifications will be provided by Hollister to Suburban at the outset
and changes therein provided from time to time as they are made); and

                     (3) unit sales of Products by account, with the name, 
address and zip code of each account shown.

         (c) In the event that Suburban shall have more than one warehouse 
facility (see section 8), the data required by paragraphs (a) and (b) above
shall, in addition, be shown for each warehouse.

         (d) Suburban will provide Hollister with such other information as
Hollister may from time to time reasonably request.  Hollister shall reimburse
Suburban for its out-of-pocket expenses in providing such other information.

     10.  Customer Satisfaction Policy/Returned Goods.  Suburban agrees to
          -------------------------------------------                     
comply, and to require its customers to comply, with Hollister's "Customer
Satisfaction Policy," as the same is amended from time to time by Hollister.  In
furtherance of the foregoing, Suburban agrees to (i) replace all Products
returned to it by its customers in accordance with such Policy, (ii) hold all
Products so returned for inspection and approval by Hollister or its designated
agent, and (iii) ship all Products approved for return to a location designated
by Hollister.  Hollister shall reimburse Suburban at Hollister's invoice prices
to Suburban (plus any transportation costs paid by Suburban in returning
Products to Hollister) for all goods (i)

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
approved by Hollister or its agent for return under the Customer Satisfaction
Policy, or (ii) which Hollister specifically requests Suburban to return.

     11.  Confidential Information.  Suburban agrees not to disclose to third
          ------------------------                                           
parties any confidential information received from Hollister pertaining to
marketing, research and development, Products, sales promotion, packaging or
market research plans.  Suburban further agrees that it will not sell or
disclose, without Hollister's prior written consent, any information relating to
its purchases, inventories or sales of Products.  The obligations of Suburban
under this paragraph shall in all events be subject to the requirements of
applicable law.

     12.  Other Obligations.
          ----------------- 

          12.01  Suburban agrees to give Hollister prompt written notice of all
opinions, attitudes, complaints, experiences, ideas and suggestions of
Suburban's customers which may relate to the proper or effective use of
Products.  All such information shall, upon receipt, become the property of
Hollister to use as it deems appropriate.

          12.02  Suburban agrees that, if so requested, it will cooperate in any
market research efforts conducted by Hollister and will supply such information
as may reasonably be requested by Hollister or any market research or consulting
firm retained by Hollister in connection therewith.  In all cases, the fees of
any such market research or consulting firm will be paid by Hollister.

          12.03  Suburban agrees that its personnel shall attend such seminars 
and product training programs sponsored by Hollister as Hollister may reasonably
request and that

                                       10
<PAGE>
 
it will, in general, consult with Hollister's representatives concerning new
Products, modifications of existing Products and similar matters.

     13.  Trademarks, Packaging, etc.  Suburban agrees to sell and advertise the
          ---------------------------                                           
Products only under the trademarks, tradenames and trade dresses used by
Hollister; provided that Suburban shall acquire no proprietary rights to any of
such trademarks, tradenames or trade dresses by virtue of distributing Products
under this Agreement.  Suburban shall distribute all Products in the packages
supplied by Hollister and shall not remove from such packages any of the
instructions, advertisements or other writings included in the packages by
Hollister. Suburban may affix its name, address and telephone number to
Hollister's packaging or literature so long as the affixed material does not
obliterate or obscure any information placed thereon by Hollister.

     14.  Independent Contractor.  Suburban shall at all times be an independent
          ----------------------                                                
contractor and may not incur any obligation of any kind, express or implied, on
behalf of Hollister.  All purchases of Products by Suburban from Hollister shall
be for Suburban's own account and Suburban shall assume all credit risks in
connection with its sale of Products.

     15.  Indemnification.
          --------------- 

          15.01  Suburban shall indemnify and hold Hollister harmless from any 
and all losses, damages, fees and expenses arising out of (i) Suburban's failure
to comply with the covenants, terms and conditions of this Agreement, (ii)
Suburban's use of any advertisement, literature or writing (other than one
provided by Hollister) referring or relating to Products without Hollister's
prior written approval, or (iii) any misrepresentation, written or oral, by
Suburban concerning Products or their use.

                                       11
<PAGE>
 
          15.02  Hollister shall indemnify and hold Suburban harmless from any 
and all losses, damages, fees and expenses arising out of (i) any alleged
patent, trademark or copyright infringement by any of the Products, (ii)
Suburban's refusal to sell Products to persons or entities to which it is
prohibited from selling pursuant to this Agreement, or (iii) claims made by
consumers of Products on grounds of products liability to the extent that such
losses, damages and expenses are attributable to defects existing at the time of
shipment of Products by Hollister to Suburban. Suburban agrees to cooperate with
and afford all reasonable assistance to Hollister in connection with the defense
of any claim or suit involving issues of the type described in this subsection.

     16.  Claims and Remedies.
          ------------------- 

          16.01  Except as provided in subsection 15.02, in the event of (i) a
Product sold to Suburban which does not meet one or more of the warranties set
forth in paragraph IV of Exhibit B hereof, (ii) a defect in a Product sold by
Hollister to Suburban, (iii) a delay in delivery of any Product to Suburban, or
(iv) the failure of Hollister to perform any other obligation with respect to an
order accepted by it, then Suburban's sole and exclusive remedy against
Hollister shall be to have Hollister either (at Hollister's option) replace the
Product delivered to Suburban or refund the invoice price upon return of such
Product, if any, to Hollister.  In no event shall Hollister be liable to
Suburban or other entities or persons (other than consumers) in the retail
channel to which Suburban sells or distributes Products for consequential, 
special or contingent damages which may, or allegedly may, result from failure
of any Product to meet warranties, a defect in a Product, delay in delivery of a
Product, or the

                                       12
<PAGE>
 
failure of Hollister to perform any other obligation with respect to an order
accepted by Hollister.

          16.02 Except as provided in subsection 15.02 and in the last sentence 
of section 10, any claim made by Suburban on account of an event of the type
specified in subsection 16.01 shall be deemed waived by Suburban unless Suburban
serves Hollister with written notice thereof within 180 days from the date of
shipment by Hollister. If such written notice is served on Hollister, Hollister
shall thereafter be given a reasonable opportunity to investigate any such
claim.

          16.03  Neither party shall be liable to the other for delay or 
failure in performance arising from any cause not within its reasonable control,
including but not limited to: accidents to, breakdowns or mechanical failures of
plant, machinery or equipment arising from any cause whatsoever; strikes or
other labor troubles; labor shortages; fires; floods; war; acts of public
enemies; acts of God; riots; failure of any usual source of supply to Hollister;
shortages, rationing or other limitation on availability of oil, plastics or
derivatives of either; and priorities, allocations, limitations or other acts
required or requested by federal, state, local or foreign governments or any
division or agency thereof.

          16.04  Except as provided in subsection 15.02, any action by either 
party against the other for breach of this Agreement or otherwise arising out of
the sale of Products shall be commenced within one year from the date the cause
of action accrued.

     17.  Termination.
          ----------- 
          17.01  In addition to the rights of the parties under applicable law 
to terminate the Agreement for a material breach, this Agreement shall
terminate:

                                       13
<PAGE>
 
                 (a) immediately, if a receiver or trustee in bankruptcy is 
appointed to administer any of the assets of Suburban, or if Suburban or one of
Suburban's officers is convicted of a criminal offense in connection with its
business operations; or

                 (b) immediately upon written notice from Hollister if Subur-
ban's business or control thereof is transferred to a person or persons other 
than those in control on the date of this Agreement.

          17.02  In the event of a material breach of this Agreement by Subur-
ban, Hollister may, if it deems appropriate and upon written notice, terminate
this Agreement in its entirety, or cancel Suburban's right to sell any Product
line or group, or to sell Products in any part or parts of the Territory, and
enforce the remainder of the Agreement. The remedy provided for in this
subsection 17.02 shall not be deemed exclusive, but shall be in addition to any
other remedies available to Hollister under applicable law upon a breach of this
Agreement by Suburban.

          17.03  Upon termination of this Agreement (or any portion hereof 
pursuant to subsection 17.02) Hollister shall have the option for a period of
sixty days after such termination to repurchase from Suburban any unsold
Products (which are the subject of the termination) at Hollister's invoice price
for such Products (in the case of Products which are in merchantable condition)
or the reasonable salvage value thereof (in the case of Products which are not
in merchantable condition). In the event Hollister does not exercise its option
with respect to any unsold Products, Suburban shall be free to dispose of such
Products in its discretion. In the case of Products repurchased by Hollister
hereunder for which Suburban

                                       14
<PAGE>
 
was invoiced more than 180 days prior to termination, a restocking charge equal
to 15% of the invoice price of such Products will be netted against the
repurchase price otherwise applicable.

     18.  Governmental Authorities.  Except as required by law, Suburban shall
          -------------------------                                           
not submit any petitions, requests, data, samples, prototypes or other
information with respect to any of the Products to any governmental authority or
agency for purposes of any safety or efficacy study or application or for any
other purpose whatsoever, without Hollister's prior written approval.
Suburban's obligations under this paragraph shall also extend to any actual,
threatened or contemplated recall, any request for market withdrawal, any order
of any governmental agency or court, and any inquiry, written or oral, from any
government agency, quasi-governmental agency or self-regulatory authority
resulting, relating or referring to any complaint with respect to any of the
Products.  Suburban shall give Hollister notice of any such recall, request,
order or inquiry as soon as possible after Suburban learns of it, confirm it in
writing and permit Hollister to assume sole responsibility for any response.
Suburban agrees to provide all such assistance and support as Hollister may
reasonably request in connection with any such response or any such recall,
request, order or inquiry.  Should any recall or market withdrawal take place
with Hollister's approval, Hollister shall reimburse Suburban for all direct
expenses reasonably incurred by Suburban due to the recall or market withdrawal
except that such expenses shall not include any liability for lost sales or
profits or for consequential, special or contingent damages which may allegedly
result from such recall or market withdrawal.

     19.  Security Interest.  To secure payment of the purchase of Products,
          -----------------                                                 
Suburban hereby grants to Hollister a security interest, pursuant to the Uniform
Commercial Code, in all

                                       15
<PAGE>
 
Products from time to time in Suburban's possession and in all receivables due
Suburban as the result of its sale of Products.  Suburban agrees that, upon
written request from Hollister, it shall execute and deliver to Hollister, and
permit Hollister to file, any financing statement or other form necessary or
appropriate to perfect Hollister's security interest.  Hollister's security
interest shall continue in effect until the later to occur of (i) payment in
full of all amounts due and owing from Suburban to Hollister, or (ii) the
termination of this Agreement.  Further, in the event that Suburban does not pay
any amount to Hollister when due, Suburban agrees that, upon written notice from
Hollister, it shall furnish Hollister with a list of all receivables due
Suburban arising, in whole or in part, from its sale of Products.  Suburban
hereby represents and warrants to

     Libertyville, IL 60048           One Watson Place

     Attention: President             Framingham, MA 01701

                                      Attention:  Herbert P. Gray

          20.04  This Agreement shall be governed and construed under the laws
(including conflict of laws rules) of the State of Illinois and may be executed
in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all
of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

          20.05  The failure of either party to require performance by the other
party of any provision of this Agreement shall not be deemed a waiver of the
right to require future performance nor shall the waiver by one party of a
breach of any provision hereof be deemed a waiver of any subsequent breach of
such provision or any other provision.

                                       16
<PAGE>
 
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date
set forth above.
 
                                         HOLLISTER INCORPORATED


                                         By 
                                               ---------------------------------

                                         Title 
                                               ---------------------------------

 
                                         SUBURBAN OSTOMY SUPPLY COMPANY, INC.



                                         By    
                                               ---------------------------------

                                         Title 
                                               ---------------------------------

                                       17
<PAGE>
 
                                   Amendment
                                   ---------


     This Amendment is entered into this 7th day of December, 1984 by and
between Hollister Incorporated, an Illinois corporation ("Hollister"), and
Suburban Ostomy Supply Company, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation ("Suburban").

     WHEREAS on March 16, 1983, Hollister entered into a Distributor Agreement
(the "Agreement") with Suburban; and

     WHEREAS Hollister has always believed and continues to believe that it is
in the consumer's best interest to purchase Hollister products from Hollister's
authorized retailers ("Authorized Retailers") who are properly trained to
provide the informed service necessary to insure that consumers of its products
receive the best possible products to serve their needs; and

     WHEREAS Hollister has determined that some consumers because there are no
Authorized Retailers in their immediate vicinity or for other reasons purchase
Hollister's products from retailers other than Authorized Retailers; and

     WHEREAS Hollister believes that such retailers without assistance are
incapable of providing the informed service which Hollister believes is
necessary in connection with the sale of its products; and

     WHEREAS Hollister has determined that in order to insure that consumers who
purchase Hollister products from such retailers receive informed service, it is
necessary that these consumers and such retailers receive assistance in
accordance with the terms of Hollister's Customer Support System set forth in
Exhibit C to the Agreement; and
<PAGE>
 
     WHEREAS Suburban has demonstrated that it has the requisite expertise to
provide such assistance;

     NOW, THEREFORE, it is hereby agreed as follows:
     1.  Paragraph 5 of the Agreement is hereby deleted in its entirety and the
following paragraph 5 is substituted in its stead:

         "5. Customer Support System. Hollister acknowledges that there are from
         time to time consumers of its products who because they live in areas
         which have a relatively small number of existing or potential consumers
         do not have an Authorized Retailer in their immediate vicinity or who
         because of other reasons purchase Hollister products from retailers
         other than Authorized Retailers. Hollister further acknowledges that
         the availability of Products to such consumers is nonetheless important
         and that such consumers should have access to the type of information
         and service otherwise provided by an Authorized Retailer. In order to
         serve the needs of these consumers, Hollister agrees that Suburban may
         sell products to retailers who are not Authorized Retailers provided
         that in the case of each such retailer, Suburban complies, and requires
         each such retailer to comply, with the requirements and procedures of
         Hollister's Customer Support System, as the same are set forth in
         Exhibit C hereof. Due to foreseeable changes in demographics, customer
         needs, the number of Authorized Retailers and other factors, Hollister
         reserves the right in its sole discretion to change at any time and
         from time to time any of the
<PAGE>
 
         requirements or procedures of the Customer Support System and, if it
         deems appropriate, to suspend or terminate the Customer Support System
         altogether."

     2.  Except as expressly modified by this Amendment or as elsewhere modified
in a writing in accordance with the terms of the Agreement, all of the terms,
covenants and conditions of the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties have caused this Amendment to be executed by
their duly authorized officers on the date set forth above.

HOLLISTER INCORPORATED                 SUBURBAN OSTOMY SUPPLY CO., INC.



By:                                    By:                                   
   ----------------------------------     -----------------------------------

Title:                                 Title:                                
      -------------------------------        --------------------------------

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   
                                                                EXHIBIT 11     
                        
                     EARNINGS PER SHARE COMPUTATIONS     
                                  
                               (UNAUDITED)     
 
<TABLE>     
<CAPTION>
                                                                 THIRTY-NINE
                                                 YEAR ENDED      WEEKS ENDED
                                                SEPTEMBER 2,       JUNE 1,
                                                    1995            1996
                                                ------------     -----------
   <S>                                          <C>              <C>
   SUPPLEMENTAL PRO FORMA PRIMARY EPS:
    Historical net income before provision for
     income taxes.............................  $ 4,551,710      $ 3,372,175
    Provision for income taxes................   (1,820,684)(A)   (1,446,010)
    Reversal of interest expense and
     amortization of deferred financing
     charges, net of tax .....................      223,550        1,120,778
                                                -----------      -----------
    Net income................................  $ 2,954,576      $ 3,046,943
                                                ===========      ===========
    Weighted average common shares outstand-
     ing......................................    7,340,000(B)     7,348,635
    Common shares outstanding from assumed is-
     suance of shares sufficient to fund the
     Recapitalization (in 1995) as well as ac-
     quisition debt (in 1996).................    2,177,777(C)     3,750,000(C)
    Weighted shares issued from assumed exer-
     cise of:
    Options...................................      728,309          720,110
    Warrants..................................       96,878           96,878
                                                -----------      -----------
    Shares for EPS calculation................   10,342,964       11,915,623
                                                ===========      ===========
   SUPPLEMENTAL REPORTED EPS:
    Net income................................  $      0.29      $      0.26
<CAPTION>
   FULLY DILUTED EPS:
   <S>                                          <C>              <C>
    For the periods presented in this exhibit,
     there is no dilution from Primary EPS
</TABLE>    
          
(A) Prior to the Recapitalization, the Company elected to be taxed as a
    Subchapter S corporation for federal income tax purposes. Supplemental pro
    forma information has been computed as if the Company has been subject to
    Federal income taxes and all applicable state corporate income taxes for
    each period presented.     
   
(B) For purposes of weighting the common shares, the Recapitalization is
    assumed to have occurred on September 4, 1994.     
   
(C) Common shares are assumed sold (at an assumed offering price of $13.50 per
    share) at the beginning of the respective period to fund the
    Recapitalization and acquisition indebtedness.     
          
This exhibit should be reviewed in conjunction with Note 2 to the Consolidated
                          Financial Statements.     

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1

                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use of our reports
and to all references to our firm included in or made a part of this
Registration Statement on Form S-1.



                                                       /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP

Boston, Massachusetts
July 26, 1996


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