FOUR M CORP
S-4/A, 1996-08-28
PAPERBOARD CONTAINERS & BOXES
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<PAGE>
   
    AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON AUGUST 28, 1996
    
 
   
                                                       REGISTRATION NO. 333-8043
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
                            ------------------------
 
   
                                AMENDMENT NO. 2
                                       TO
                                    FORM S-4
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
    
 
                            ------------------------
 
                               FOUR M CORPORATION
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
          MARYLAND                         2653                        52-0822639
<S>                            <C>                            <C>
(State or other jurisdiction   (Primary Standard Industrial         (I.R.S. Employer
     of incorporation or        Classification Code Number)        Identification No.)
        organization)
</TABLE>
 
                               115 STEVENS AVENUE
                            VALHALLA, NEW YORK 10595
                                 (914) 749-3200
              (Address, including zip code, and telephone number,
       including area code, of registrant's principal executive offices)
                 See Table of Additional Subsidiary Registrants
                               MICHAEL S. NELSON
                       KRAMER, LEVIN, NAFTALIS & FRANKEL
                                919 THIRD AVENUE
                            NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10022
                                 (212) 715-9100
           (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number,
                   including area code, of agent for service)
 
                         ------------------------------
 
    APPROXIMATE  DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: As soon as
practicable after the  registration statement  becomes effective  and all  other
conditions  to  the  exchange  offer  (the  "Exchange  Offer")  pursuant  to the
registration rights agreement (the "Registration Rights Agreement") described in
the enclosed Prospectus have been satisfied or waived.
 
    If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered  in
connection  with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with
General Instruction G, check the following box. / /
 
    THE REGISTRANT HEREBY  AMENDS THIS  REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON  SUCH DATE  OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL
FILE  A  FURTHER  AMENDMENT  WHICH SPECIFICALLY  STATES  THAT  THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE  IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(A)  OF
THE  SECURITIES ACT  OF 1933  OR UNTIL  THE REGISTRATION  STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION  8(A),
MAY DETERMINE.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
                       ADDITIONAL SUBSIDIARY REGISTRANTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              PRIMARY
                                                             STANDARD         I.R.S.       ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE
                                                            INDUSTRIAL       EMPLOYER         AND TELEPHONE NUMBER
                                        JURISDICTION OF   CLASSIFICATION   IDENTIFICATION    INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF
         NAME OF CORPORATION             INCORPORATION      CODE NUMBER       NUMBER       PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER
- -------------------------------------  -----------------  ---------------  -------------  -----------------------------
 
<S>                                    <C>                <C>              <C>            <C>
Box USA Group, Inc...................             NY              2653       13-2994891   115 Stevens Avenue
                                                                                          Valhalla, New York 10595
                                                                                          (914) 749-3200
 
Four M Paper Corporation.............             DE              2631       13-3739406   115 Stevens Avenue
                                                                                          Valhalla, New York 10595
                                                                                          (914) 749-3200
 
Page Packaging Corporation...........             CA              2653       93-0936895   115 Stevens Avenue
                                                                                          Valhalla, New York 10595
                                                                                          (914) 749-3200
 
Box USA, Inc. .......................             DE              2653       13-3813536   115 Stevens Avenue
                                                                                          Valhalla, New York 10595
                                                                                          (914) 749-3200
Four M Manufacturing Group of
 Georgia, Inc. ......................             PA              2653       23-1986917   115 Stevens Avenue
                                                                                          Valhalla, New York 10595
                                                                                          (914) 749-3200
</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 PRELIMINARY 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.
<PAGE>
   
      PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED AUGUST 28, 1996
    
 
                               FOUR M CORPORATION
 
                             OFFER TO EXCHANGE ITS
                   12% SERIES B SENIOR SECURED NOTES DUE 2006
              WHICH HAVE BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT
                       FOR ANY AND ALL OF ITS OUTSTANDING
                   12% SERIES A SENIOR SECURED NOTES DUE 2006
                  ($170,000,000 PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OUTSTANDING)
            GUARANTEED BY CERTAIN SUBSIDIARIES OF FOUR M CORPORATION
 
    THE EXCHANGE OFFER AND WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS WILL EXPIRE AT 5:00 P.M., NEW  YORK
CITY  TIME, ON             , 1996, AS SUCH DATE MAY BE EXTENDED (THE "EXPIRATION
DATE").
 
    Four M  Corporation, a  Maryland corporation  (the "Company"  or "Four  M"),
hereby  offers  (the  "Exchange  Offer"),  upon the  terms  and  subject  to the
conditions  set  forth  in  this  Prospectus  and  the  accompanying  letter  of
transmittal  (the "Letter  of Transmittal"), to  exchange an aggregate  of up to
$170,000,000 principal amount  of 12% Series  B Senior Secured  Notes due  2006,
including  the Guarantees thereof (the "New Notes") for an identical face amount
of the outstanding  12% Series A  Senior Secured Notes  due 2006, including  the
Guarantees  thereof (the "Old Notes" and, with  the New Notes, the "Notes"). The
terms of the New Notes  are identical in all material  respects to the terms  of
the  Old Notes  except that  the registration and  other rights  relating to the
exchange of Old Notes for New Notes  and the restrictions on transfer set  forth
on the Old Notes will not appear on the New Notes. See "The Exchange Offer." The
New Notes are being offered hereunder in order to satisfy certain obligations of
the  Company under a Registration Rights Agreement dated as of May 30, 1996 (the
"Registration Rights Agreement") among the  Company, the Guarantors (as  defined
herein)  and Bear,  Stearns &  Co. Inc. (the  "Initial Purchaser").  Based on an
interpretation by  the staff  of  the Securities  and Exchange  Commission  (the
"Commission")  set forth in no-action letters  issued to third parties unrelated
to the Company, New Notes issued pursuant to the Exchange Offer in exchange  for
Old  Notes may  be offered  for resale, resold,  and otherwise  transferred by a
holder thereof  (other than  a holder  which is  an "affiliate"  of the  Company
within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"Securities  Act")), without compliance with the registration and the prospectus
delivery provisions of  the Securities  Act, provided  that such  New Notes  are
acquired in the ordinary course of such holder's business and such holder has no
arrangement with any person to participate in or is engaged in or is planning to
be engaged in the distribution of such New Notes.
 
   
    The  New Notes  will bear  interest at  the rate  of 12%  per annum, payable
semi-annually in  arrears on  June 1  and December  1 of  each year,  commencing
December  1, 1996. The New Notes are guaranteed on a senior secured basis by Box
USA Group, Inc., Four M Paper Corporation, Page Packaging Corporation, Box  USA,
Inc.  and Four M Manufacturing Group of Georgia, Inc., each a direct or indirect
wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. The Company will not be required to make
any mandatory redemption or sinking fund  payment with respect to the New  Notes
prior to maturity. The New Notes are redeemable at the option of the Company, in
whole  or in part, at any time on or after June 1, 2001 at the redemption prices
set forth herein. In addition, at the option of the Company, up to one-third  of
the  New Notes may be redeemed prior to June 1, 1999 at the redemption price set
forth herein with the net proceeds of  a public offering of common stock of  the
Company;  PROVIDED that at least two-thirds of the aggregate principal amount of
the New Notes remain  outstanding following each  such redemption. In  addition,
upon  the occurrence of a Change of Control (as defined herein) prior to June 1,
2001, the Company, at its option, may redeem all, but not less than all, of  the
outstanding  New Notes  at a  redemption price  equal to  100% of  the principal
amount thereof plus the applicable Make-Whole Premium (as defined herein).  Upon
the  occurrence of a Change  of Control at any time,  the Company is required to
make an offer to repurchase each holder of the Notes ("Holder") at a price equal
to 101%  of the  aggregate  principal amount  thereof  plus accrued  and  unpaid
interest,  if any, to the  date of purchase. There can  be no assurance that the
Company will have the financial resources necessary to repurchase the New  Notes
upon  a Change of Control.  The New Notes are  senior secured obligations of the
Company, are senior in right of payment to all subordinated indebtedness of  the
Company  and are  PARI PASSU  in right  of payment  with all  other existing and
future senior indebtedness of  the Company. As of  April 30, 1996, after  giving
pro  forma  effect to  the Acquisition  (as defined  herein) and  the financings
therefor, the Company would  have had total  outstanding indebtedness of  $210.8
million,  including  the  New  Notes and  indebtedness  pursuant  to  the Credit
Facility (as defined herein). As of  June 30, 1996, the Company had  outstanding
$31.8 million of indebtedness that is subordinate to the Notes and no additional
indebtedness  could be  incurred by the  Company which  would be on  par with or
senior to the  Notes. The New  Notes are  secured by a  first priority  security
interest in substantially all of the equipment of the Company and its Restricted
subsidiaries  (as defined herein) and certain other assets (but excluding, among
other  things,  land   and  improvements  thereon,   inventories  and   accounts
receivable,  and the proceeds thereof), and by  a pledge of the capital stock of
the  Subsidiaries  of   the  Company  (collectively,   the  "Collateral").   See
"Description of New Notes."
    
 
    The Company will accept for exchange from an Eligible Holder any and all Old
Notes  that are validly tendered prior to 5:00  p.m., New York City time, on the
Expiration Date. For  purposes of  the Exchange Offer,  "Eligible Holder"  shall
mean  the  registered owner  of any  Old Notes  that remain  Transfer Restricted
Securities, as  reflected on  the records  of Norwest  Bank Minnesota,  National
Association, as registrar for the Old Notes (in such capacity, the "Registrar"),
or  any person whose Old Notes  are held of record by  the depository of the Old
Notes. Tenders of Old Notes may be withdrawn at any time prior to 5:00 p.m., New
York City time, on the Expiration Date, unless previously accepted for exchange.
For purposes of the Exchange Offer, "Transfer Restricted Securities" means  each
Old  Note until the earliest to occur of (i)  the date on which such Old Note is
exchanged in the Exchange Offer  and is entitled to be  resold to the public  by
the  holder thereof without complying  with the prospectus delivery requirements
of the Securities Act, (ii) the date on which such Old Note is registered  under
the Securities Act and is disposed of in a shelf registration statement or (iii)
the  date on which such Old Note has  been distributed to the public pursuant to
Rule 144 under the Securities Act or by a broker-dealer pursuant to the plan  of
distribution described herein. See "Plan of Distribution."
 
    Each  broker-dealer that receives New Notes  for its own account pursuant to
the Exchange  Offer  must acknowledge  that  it  will deliver  a  prospectus  in
connection  with any resale of such New  Notes. The Letter of Transmittal states
that by so acknowledging  and by delivering a  prospectus, a broker-dealer  will
not  be deemed to  admit that it is  an "underwriter" within  the meaning of the
Securities Act. This Prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from  time
to  time, may be used by a broker-dealer in connection with resales of New Notes
received in exchange for Old  Notes where such Old  Notes were acquired by  such
broker-dealer   as  a  result  of  market-making  activities  or  other  trading
activities. The Company  has agreed that,  for a  period of 270  days after  the
effective date of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement (as defined herein),
it  will  make  this  Prospectus  available  to  any  broker-dealer  for  use in
connection with  any  such  resale.  See  "The  Exchange  Offer"  and  "Plan  of
Distribution."
 
   
    Prior  to this Exchange Offer,  there has been no  public market for the Old
Notes or the  New Notes.  The Company  does not  expect that  an active  trading
market in the Notes will develop.
    
 
    The  Exchange  Agent  for  the Exchange  Offer  is  Norwest  Bank Minnesota,
National Association.
                         ------------------------------
 
   
       SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 10 HEREIN FOR A DISCUSSION OF
              RISKS THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BY ELIGIBLE HOLDERS
                       IN EVALUATING THE EXCHANGE OFFER.
    
                             ---------------------
 
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED  OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES  AND
  EXCHANGE  COMMISSION  OR  ANY  STATE  SECURITIES  COMMISSION  NOR  HAS THE
    SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES  COMMISSION
      PASSED  UPON  THE  ACCURACY  OR ADEQUACY  OF  THIS  PROSPECTUS. ANY
             REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
                            ------------------------
 
                  THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS      , 1996.
<PAGE>
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
   
    The  Company has filed  with the Commission  a Registration Statement (which
term shall include any amendments thereto) on Form S-4 under the Securities  Act
with  respect to  the securities  offered by  this Prospectus.  This Prospectus,
which constitutes a part of the Registration Statement, does not contain all the
information set  forth  in  the  Registration Statement  and  the  exhibits  and
schedules  thereto, to  which reference is  hereby made. Each  statement made in
this Prospectus referring to a document filed  as an exhibit or schedule to  the
Registration  Statement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the exhibit
or schedule for a complete statement  of its terms and conditions, although  all
of  the material terms of  the Company's contracts and  agreements that would be
material to an  investor have been  summarized in the  Prospectus. In  addition,
upon  the effectiveness of the Registration Statement filed with the Commission,
the Company will be subject to the informational requirements of the  Securities
Exchange  Act  of  1934, as  amended  (the  "Exchange Act"),  and  in accordance
therewith the Company will file periodic reports and other information with  the
Commission relating to its business, financial statements and other matters. Any
interested  parties  may inspect  and/or  copy the  Registration  Statement, its
schedules and exhibits, and the periodic reports and other information filed  in
connection  therewith,  at the  public  reference facilities  maintained  by the
Commission at Room 1024,  Judiciary Plaza, 450  Fifth Street, N.W.,  Washington,
D.C.  20549 and at the Commission's regional offices located at Citicorp Center,
500 W. Madison Street,  Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois  60661, and 7 World  Trade
Center,  Suite 1300, New York,  New York 10048. Copies  of such materials can be
obtained at prescribed rates by addressing  written requests for such copies  to
the  Public  Reference Section  of  the Commission  at  its principal  office at
Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Room 1024, Washington, D.C. 20549.  The
obligations  of the Company under the Exchange  Act to file periodic reports and
other  information  with  the  Commission   may  be  suspended,  under   certain
circumstances,  if the New Notes are held of record by fewer than 300 holders at
the beginning of any  fiscal year and  are not listed  on a national  securities
exchange. The Company has agreed that, whether or not it is required to do so by
the  rules and regulations  of the Commission, for  so long as  any of the Notes
remain outstanding it will furnish to the  holders of the Notes and if  required
by  the Exchange Act, file  with the Commission (unless  the Commission will not
accept such a filing) all annual, quarterly and current reports that the Company
is or would be required to file with the Commission pursuant to Section 13(a) or
15(d) of the  Exchange Act. In  addition, for so  long as any  of the Old  Notes
remain  outstanding, the Company has agreed to make available to any prospective
purchaser of the Old Notes  or beneficial owner of  the Old Notes in  connection
with  any sale  thereof the  information required  by Rule  144A(d)(4) under the
Securities Act.
    
 
    This Prospectus incorporates  documents by reference  which are not  present
herein or delivered herewith. Copies of any such documents filed by the Company,
including  exhibits to such documents, are available to any registered holder or
beneficial owner  of the  Old Notes  upon written  or oral  request and  without
charge from Four M Corporation, 115 Stevens Ave., Valhalla, NY 10595. Attention:
Chief  Financial Officer. Telephone  requests may be directed  to the Company at
914-749-3200. In order  to ensure  timely delivery  of the  documents, any  such
request should be made by            , 1996.
 
    NO  PERSON  HAS BEEN  AUTHORIZED  TO GIVE  ANY  INFORMATION OR  TO  MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS, OTHER  THAN THOSE  CONTAINED IN  THIS PROSPECTUS.  IF GIVEN  OR
MADE,  SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MAY NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN
AUTHORIZED BY  THE COMPANY.  THIS PROSPECTUS  DOES NOT  CONSTITUTE AN  OFFER  OR
SOLICITATION  WITH RESPECT  TO ANY  SECURITY OTHER  THAN THE  SECURITIES OFFERED
HEREBY OR AN OFFER TO OR SOLICITATION OF ANY PERSON IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH
SUCH AN OFFER OR  SOLICITATION WOULD BE UNLAWFUL.  NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF  THIS
PROSPECTUS  NOR  ANY  DISTRIBUTION  OF  SECURITIES  HEREUNDER  SHALL  UNDER  ANY
CIRCUMSTANCES CREATE ANY  IMPLICATION THAT THE  INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN  IS
CORRECT  AS OF ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO THE  DATE HEREOF OR THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO
CHANGE IN THE  INFORMATION SET FORTH  HEREIN OR  IN THE AFFAIRS  OF THE  COMPANY
SINCE THE DATE HEREOF.
 
                                       i
<PAGE>
                               PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
 
    THE  FOLLOWING SUMMARY  IS QUALIFIED  IN ITS  ENTIRETY BY  THE MORE DETAILED
INFORMATION AND  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS,  INCLUDING THE  NOTES THERETO,  APPEARING
ELSEWHERE  IN  THIS  PROSPECTUS.  UNLESS  THE  CONTEXT  OTHERWISE  REQUIRES, ALL
REFERENCES HEREIN TO THE  "COMPANY" OR "FOUR M"  INCLUDE FOUR M CORPORATION  AND
ITS  CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES. REFERENCES  TO "FISCAL 1995,"  "FISCAL 1994" AND
THE LIKE SHALL MEAN THE 12 MONTHS ENDED ON JULY 31 OF SUCH YEAR. ALL CAPITALIZED
TERMS USED IN  THIS PROSPECTUS  WITHOUT A DEFINITION  ARE DEFINED  AS SET  FORTH
BELOW UNDER THE CAPTION "DESCRIPTION OF NEW NOTES--CERTAIN DEFINITIONS."
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
   
    Four  M Corporation, which  operates under the trade  name Box USA, believes
that it is one of the largest independent full-service converters of  corrugated
packaging  materials  in North  America. The  Company operates  28 strategically
located converting facilities, which  sold 9.6 billion  square feet of  finished
corrugated  containers,  partitions and  sheets during  the twelve  months ended
April 30, 1996. The  Company has developed  and maintains longstanding  customer
relationships  with leading consumer products  and packaging companies including
Anchor Glass, Avon,  Clorox, Owens Illinois  and Procter &  Gamble. The  Company
also  owns and  operates a  paper mill  located in  Ft. Madison,  Iowa (the "Ft.
Madison Mill")  which produced  77,710  tons of  corrugating medium  during  the
twelve months ended April 30, 1996, most of which was sold to third parties. For
the  twelve months  ended April  30, 1996,  the Company  generated net  sales of
$223.0 million, net  income of $6.8  million and EBITDA  (as defined herein)  of
$19.3 million.
    
 
   
    On May 30, 1996, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of St.
Joe Container, which primarily consisted of 16 converting facilities and related
working  capital (the "Acquisition"). The Acquisition more than doubled the size
of the Company to 28 converting  facilities which sold 10.0 billion square  feet
of  corrugated packaging  materials in 1995.  The Company and  St. Joe Container
utilized similar manufacturing equipment and  production processes, and the  two
businesses  operated with minimal geographic redundancy and no material customer
overlap.  Accordingly,  the  Company  believes  that  the  Acquisition   creates
opportunities to pursue continued growth in its business, utilize its purchasing
power  to achieve  reductions in  raw material  costs, improve  productivity and
reduce operating expenses.  For the twelve  months ended April  30, 1996,  after
giving pro forma effect to the Acquisition, the Company would have generated net
sales of $524.6 million, net income of $7.0 million and EBITDA of $46.0 million.
See "Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Condensed Financial Data."
    
 
    The  Company was founded in 1966 as a manufacturer of corrugated partitions.
From a single partition plant,  the Company expanded initially through  internal
growth  and later  through 11  separate acquisitions  involving 17 manufacturing
facilities. The  Company has  historically  targeted distressed  properties  and
undermanaged   assets   which   could   significantly   improve   the  Company's
profitability. The  Company's  ability  to  target  and  integrate  acquisitions
successfully  is reflected in an increase in average revenue per plant from $9.0
million in 1991 to  $15.1 million in 1995,  while average annual production  per
plant has grown from 201.7 million square feet to 291.8 million square feet over
the same period.
 
    The  Company's strategy  is to  enhance its position  as one  of the largest
independent full-service converters of  corrugated packaging materials in  North
America. Fundamental elements of the Company's strategy include:
 
    -providing a full line of high-quality products
 
    -capitalizing on the Company's significant raw materials purchasing power
 
    -implementing   cost-reduction   manufacturing   techniques   and  operating
     efficiency programs
 
    -responding quickly to customer needs  and offering high levels of  customer
     service
 
    -expanding the Company's penetration of national accounts and increasing the
     Company's share of existing customers' business
 
   
    One  of the Company's competitive  advantages is its long-term relationships
with many customers, some of which have  been maintained for over 25 years.  The
Company currently has business relationships which
    
 
                                       1
<PAGE>
   
have  existed for  five or  more years  with approximately  800 customers; seven
customers have maintained their  relationship with the Company  for at least  25
years.  A second feature which distinguishes the Company from its competitors is
the  significant  relationships  it  has  established  with  its  containerboard
suppliers.  The Company believes  that it is  the largest customer  of its three
primary raw material suppliers. As one  of the largest purchasers of  linerboard
and  corrugating medium in the  industry, the Company believes  that it has been
able to purchase raw materials at  prices substantially below those reported  in
PULP & PAPER WEEK, an industry trade publication.
    
 
                                THE ACQUISITION
 
   
    On  November 1, 1995,  the Company entered into  an Asset Purchase Agreement
(the "Acquisition Agreement") pursuant to which on May 30, 1996 (i) the  Company
acquired  substantially all of the assets of  St. Joe Container and (ii) a joint
venture (the  "Mill Joint  Venture")  between the  Company and  Stone  Container
Corporation ("Stone Container") acquired a 500,000 tons per year linerboard mill
(the "St. Joe Mill"). In 1995, St. Joe Container sold 6.5 billion square feet of
corrugated  packaging materials and generated $326.7  million in net sales, $3.3
million in net income and  $11.5 million in EBITDA.  The purchase price for  the
St.  Joe  Container facilities  was  $87.8 million  for  the fixed  assets, plus
approximately $69.7 million for working capital,  for a total purchase price  of
$157.5  million,  subject  to  adjustment  for  changes  in  working  capital as
described herein. The purchase price for the St. Joe Mill was $185.0 million for
the fixed assets, plus  approximately $17.4 million for  working capital, for  a
total  purchase price  of $202.4 million,  subject to adjustment  for changes in
working capital as described  herein. The Company also  acquired a 50.0%  equity
interest in the Mill Joint Venture for $5.0 million.
    
 
    Historically,  the  St. Joe  Container facilities  have  been operated  as a
captive outlet  for linerboard  produced  by the  St.  Joe Mill.  Because  these
facilities  represented only a small portion of  the operations of St. Joe Paper
Company ("St. Joe Paper"),  the Company believes  that maximization of  revenues
and  profitability of  St. Joe  Paper's container  operations was  not a primary
priority  of  prior   management.  Based  on   its  experience  in   integrating
acquisitions,  the Company believes  that it can  successfully integrate the St.
Joe Container facilities and improve  overall productivity and profitability  by
(i)   increasing  revenues  through  utilization  of  available  capacity,  (ii)
capitalizing on  the  Company's  raw materials  purchasing  leverage  and  (iii)
enhancing productivity and reducing operating expenses.
 
   
    INCREASING  REVENUES.  The  Acquisition enabled the  Company to increase its
geographic coverage from nine to 17 states. As a result, the Company is able  to
serve new markets in the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic and the faster growing Southeast.
In  addition,  the  Company  believes that  the  Acquisition,  by  expanding the
Company's geographic coverage,  will particularly benefit  its national  account
sales  program  by enabling  it  to serve  national  accounts from  the  St. Joe
Container facilities  in  markets not  previously  covered by  the  Company.  In
addition,  the Company strives to operate  its corrugator plants at three shifts
per day, five days per week. The  Company believes that the addition of a  third
shift at the St. Joe Container facilities would increase aggregate production at
these  facilities  by  approximately  50.0%.  The  Company  intends  to  utilize
available capacity to increase production  of corrugated sheets to supply  sheet
plants  owned  by  third  parties  in the  vicinity  of  the  St.  Joe Container
facilities.
    
 
   
    CAPITALIZING ON RAW  MATERIALS PURCHASING LEVERAGE.   Historically, the  St.
Joe  Container  facilities purchased  linerboard from  the St.  Joe Mill  at the
prices reported  in PULP  & PAPER  WEEK. As  one of  the largest  purchasers  of
linerboard  and corrugating medium in the industry, the Company believes that it
has been able  to purchase  raw materials  at prices  substantially below  those
reported  in PULP  & PAPER  WEEK. Based  on the  Company's average  raw material
prices paid, St.  Joe Container's net  income and EBITDA  for the twelve  months
ended  March 31, 1996, after  giving pro forma effect  to the Acquisition, would
have each increased  by approximately  $17.3 million. See  "Unaudited Pro  Forma
Combined Condensed Financial Data."
    
 
   
    ENHANCING  PRODUCTIVITY  AND  REDUCING  OPERATING  EXPENSES.    The  Company
believes  it  can  achieve  improved   profitability  by  focusing  on   maximum
utilization  of  available production  capacity, minimization  of waste  and the
development and implementation of financial controls and management systems.  In
addition,
    
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
the  Company believes  that it can  eliminate certain  duplicative functions and
achieve efficiencies in manufacturing,  administration and sales and  marketing.
Furthermore,  the Company  believes that  it can  reduce manufacturing  costs by
reducing waste at the St. Joe Container facilities.
 
   
                               RECENT PERFORMANCE
    
 
   
    The Company's net sales declined to $164.7 million for the nine-month period
ended April 30, 1996  from $213.7 million in  the nine-month period ended  April
30,  1995, and the Company's operating income  declined to $11.0 million for the
nine-month period ended  April 30, 1996  from $16.0 million  for the  nine-month
period ended April 30, 1995. Both of these decreases were primarily attributable
to  the disposition  of two of  the Company's subsidiaries.  For the three-month
period ended July  31, 1996,  the Company and  St. Joe  Container experienced  a
continued  decline in  prices for  their products  as a  result of  a decline in
industry-wide demand during this period. This decline in prices and demand had a
negative effect  on  certain  financial  results of  the  Company  and  St.  Joe
Container.  Since such period, the Company believes that prices for its products
have  stabilized.  See  "Management's  Discussion  and  Analysis  of   Financial
Condition and Results of Operations."
    
 
   
    The  Company  is  incorporated under  the  laws of  Maryland.  The principal
executive office of the Company is located at 115 Stevens Avenue, Valhalla,  New
York 10595 and its telephone number is (914) 749-3200.
    
 
   
    The  following chart sets forth the relationship between the Company and its
Subsidiaries:
    
 
                             [ORGANIZATIONAL CHART]
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
                           ISSUANCE OF THE OLD NOTES
 
    The outstanding  $170.0 million  principal  amount of  12% Series  A  Senior
Secured  Notes due  2006 (the  "Old Notes")  were sold  by the  Company to Bear,
Stearns & Co.  Inc. (the  "Initial Purchaser"), on  May 30,  1996 (the  "Closing
Date")  pursuant  to a  Purchase Agreement,  dated May  30, 1996  (the "Purchase
Agreement"), among the Company, Box USA  Group, Inc., Four M Paper  Corporation,
Page  Packaging Corporation,  Box USA,  Inc. and  Four M  Manufacturing Group of
Georgia, Inc. (collectively  the "Guarantors")  and the  Initial Purchaser.  The
Initial  Purchaser subsequently  resold the Old  Notes in reliance  on Rule 144A
under the Securities Act and other available exemptions under the Securities Act
(the "Offering"). The  Company and  the Initial  Purchaser also  entered into  a
registration  rights  agreement, dated  as of  May  30, 1996  (the "Registration
Rights Agreement"), among the Company, the Guarantors and the Initial Purchaser,
pursuant to  which  the Company  granted  certain registration  rights  for  the
benefit  of the  holders of  the Old  Notes. The  Exchange Offer  is intended to
satisfy certain  of  the Company's  obligations  under the  Registration  Rights
Agreement with respect to the Old Notes. See "The Exchange Offer -- Purposes and
Effects."
 
    The Old Notes were issued under the Indenture, dated as of May 30, 1996 (the
"Indenture"),  among  the Company,  the Guarantors  and Norwest  Bank Minnesota,
National Association,  as trustee  (in such  capacity, the  "Trustee"). The  New
Notes are also being issued under the Indenture and are entitled to the benefits
of  the Indenture. The form and terms of  the New Notes will be identical in all
material respects to the form  and terms of the Old  Notes, except that (i)  the
New  Notes have been registered under the Securities Act and, therefore will not
bear legends restricting the  transfer thereof, (ii) holders  of New Notes  will
not  be entitled to the Liquidated Damages  otherwise payable under the terms of
the Registration Rights Agreement in respect of Old Notes constituting  Transfer
Restricted  Securities  held  by  such  holders during  any  period  in  which a
Registration  Default  (as  defined  herein)  is  continuing  (the   "Liquidated
Damages")  and  (iii) holders  of  New Notes  will no  longer  be, and  upon the
consummation of the Exchange Offer, Eligible Holders of Old Notes will no longer
be, entitled to certain rights under the Registration Rights Agreement  intended
for  the holders of unregistered securities.  The Exchange Offer shall be deemed
consummated upon  the  delivery  by  the Company  to  the  Registrar  under  the
Indenture  of New Notes in the same  aggregate principal amount as the aggregate
principal amount  of Old  Notes that  are validly  tendered by  holders  thereof
pursuant  to  the Exchange  Offer.  See "The  Exchange  Offer --  Termination of
Certain Rights"  and  "-- Procedures  for  Tendering" and  "Description  of  New
Notes -- Registration Rights; Liquidated Damages."
 
   
    The proceeds received by the Company from the issuance of the Old Notes were
used to fund a portion of the cash required to consummate the Acquisition. There
will  be no proceeds to  the Company from any  exchange pursuant to the Exchange
Offer.
    
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
                               THE EXCHANGE OFFER
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                 <C>
THE EXCHANGE OFFER................  The Company is offering, upon  the terms and subject  to
                                    the  conditions set forth herein and in the accompanying
                                    Letter of  Transmittal, to  exchange  its 12%  Series  B
                                    Senior  Secured Notes due 2006, including the Guarantees
                                    thereof, for an identical face amount of the outstanding
                                    Old Notes, including the  Guarantees thereof. As of  the
                                    date  of  this Prospectus,  $170.0 million  in aggregate
                                    principal amount of  the Old Notes  is outstanding,  the
                                    maximum  amount  authorized  by  the  Indenture  for all
                                    Notes. As  of                      ,  1996,  there  were
                                    registered  holders of  the Old Notes,  including Cede &
                                    Co. ("Cede"), which held $       of aggregate amount  of
                                    the  Old  Notes for      of  its participants.  See "The
                                    Exchange Offer -- Terms of the Exchange Offer."
 
EXPIRATION DATE...................  5:00 p.m., New York City time, on             , 1996, as
                                    the same may  be extended.  See "The  Exchange Offer  --
                                    Expiration Date; Extension; Termination; Amendments."
 
CONDITIONS OF THE EXCHANGE
 OFFER............................  The  Exchange Offer is not  conditioned upon any minimum
                                    principal  amount  of  Old  Notes  being  tendered   for
                                    exchange.  However,  the  Exchange Offer  is  subject to
                                    certain customary conditions, which may be waived by the
                                    Company. See "The  Exchange Offer --  Conditions of  the
                                    Exchange Offer."
 
ACCRUED INTEREST ON THE OLD
 NOTES............................  The  New Notes will bear interest at a rate equal to 12%
                                    per annum  from and  including their  date of  issuance.
                                    Eligible  Holders  whose  Old  Notes  are  accepted  for
                                    exchange will have the right to receive interest accrued
                                    thereon from the  date of original  issuance of the  Old
                                    Notes  or the last Interest Payment Date, as applicable,
                                    to, but not including, the  date of issuance of the  New
                                    Notes,  such  interest  to  be  payable  with  the first
                                    interest payment on the New  Notes. Interest on the  Old
                                    Notes  accepted for exchange, which  accrues at the rate
                                    of 12% per annum, will cease to accrue on the day  prior
                                    to the issuance of the New Notes.
 
PROCEDURES FOR TENDERING OLD
 NOTES............................  Each  holder of Old Notes wishing to accept the Exchange
                                    Offer  must  complete,  sign  and  date  the  Letter  of
                                    Transmittal,  or a facsimile thereof, in accordance with
                                    the instructions contained herein and therein, and  mail
                                    or otherwise deliver such Letter of Transmittal, or such
                                    facsimile,  together with  the Old  Notes and  any other
                                    required  documentation  to  the  exchange  agent   (the
                                    "Exchange  Agent") at the address  set forth herein. Old
                                    Notes may be physically delivered, but physical delivery
                                    is not required  if a  confirmation of  a book-entry  of
                                    such  Old Notes to  the Exchange Agent's  account at The
                                    Depositary Trust Company ("DTC" or the "Depositary")  is
                                    delivered  in a timely fashion.  By executing the Letter
                                    of  Transmittal,  each  holder  will  represent  to  the
                                    Company that, among other things, the New Notes acquired
                                    pursuant to the Exchange Offer are being obtained in the
                                    ordinary course of business of the person receiving such
                                    New  Notes, whether  or not  such person  is the holder,
                                    that neither the  holder nor  any such  other person  is
                                    engaged   in,  or  intends  to  engage  in,  or  has  an
                                    arrangement  or   understanding  with   any  person   to
                                    participate  in, the distribution of  such New Notes and
</TABLE>
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                 <C>
                                    that neither the holder nor any such other person is  an
                                    "affiliate," as defined under Rule 405 of the Securities
                                    Act,  of the  Company or  any Guarantor.  Each broker or
                                    dealer that receives  New Notes for  its own account  in
                                    exchange  for  Old  Notes,  where  such  Old  Notes were
                                    acquired by  such  broker  or  dealer  as  a  result  of
                                    market-making  activities  or other  trading activities,
                                    must acknowledge that  it will deliver  a prospectus  in
                                    connection  with any resale of  such New Notes. See "The
                                    Exchange Offer -- Procedures for Tendering" and "Plan of
                                    Distribution."
 
GUARANTEED DELIVERY PROCEDURES....  Eligible Holders of Old Notes  who wish to tender  their
                                    Old  Notes and (i)  whose Old Notes  are not immediately
                                    available or (ii) who cannot deliver their Old Notes  or
                                    any   other   documents  required   by  the   Letter  of
                                    Transmittal  to  the   Exchange  Agent   prior  to   the
                                    Expiration   Date   (or  complete   the   procedure  for
                                    book-entry transfer on a timely basis), may tender their
                                    Old  Notes   according   to  the   guaranteed   delivery
                                    procedures  set forth in the  Letter of Transmittal. See
                                    "The Exchange Offer -- Guaranteed Delivery Procedures."
 
ACCEPTANCE OF OLD NOTES AND
 DELIVERY OF NEW NOTES............  Upon satisfaction  or waiver  of all  conditions of  the
                                    Exchange  Offer, the Company will accept any and all Old
                                    Notes that are properly  tendered in the Exchange  Offer
                                    prior   to  5:00  p.m.,  New  York  City  time,  on  the
                                    Expiration Date. The  New Notes issued  pursuant to  the
                                    Exchange   Offer  will   be  delivered   promptly  after
                                    acceptance  of  the   Old  Notes.   See  "The   Exchange
                                    Offer -- Terms of the Exchange Offer."
 
WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS.................  Tenders  of Old Notes may be withdrawn at any time prior
                                    to 5:00  p.m., New  York City  time, on  the  Expiration
                                    Date,  unless previously accepted for exchange. See "The
                                    Exchange Offer -- Withdrawal of Tenders."
 
THE EXCHANGE AGENT................  Norwest Bank  Minnesota,  National  Association  is  the
                                    exchange agent (in such capacity, the "Exchange Agent").
                                    The  address and telephone number  of the Exchange Agent
                                    are set forth in "The Exchange Offer -- Exchange Agent."
 
FEES AND EXPENSES.................  All expenses incident to  the Company's consummation  of
                                    the  Exchange Offer and compliance with the Registration
                                    Rights Agreement  will  be  borne by  the  Company.  The
                                    Company  will also pay certain transfer taxes applicable
                                    to the Exchange Offer. See  "The Exchange Offer --  Fees
                                    and Expenses."
 
RESALES OF THE NEW NOTES..........  Based  on interpretations by the staff of the Commission
                                    set forth in no-action letters issued to third  parties,
                                    the  Company believes that New  Notes issued pursuant to
                                    the Exchange Offer to an Eligible Holder in exchange for
                                    Old  Notes  may  be  offered  for  resale,  resold   and
                                    otherwise  transferred  by such  Eligible  Holder (other
                                    than (i)  a broker-dealer  who purchased  the Old  Notes
                                    directly  from the  Company for resale  pursuant to Rule
                                    144A under  the Securities  Act or  any other  available
                                    exemption  under the  Securities Act,  or (ii)  a person
                                    that is an affiliate of  the Company within the  meaning
                                    of   Rule  405   under  the   Securities  Act),  without
                                    compliance  with   the   registration   and   prospectus
</TABLE>
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                 <C>
                                    delivery provisions of the Securities Act, provided that
                                    the  Eligible Holder is  acquiring the New  Notes in the
                                    ordinary course of  business and  is not  participating,
                                    and  has no arrangement or understanding with any person
                                    to participate, in a distribution of the New Notes. Each
                                    broker-dealer  that  receives  New  Notes  for  its  own
                                    account  in exchange for Old Notes, where such Old Notes
                                    were  acquired   by  such   broker   as  a   result   of
                                    market-making   or   other   trading   activities,  must
                                    acknowledge  that  it  will  deliver  a  prospectus   in
                                    connection  with any resale of such New Notes. See "Plan
                                    of Distribution."
</TABLE>
 
                            DESCRIPTION OF NEW NOTES
 
    The Exchange Offer applies to  $170.0 million aggregate principal amount  of
Old  Notes. The terms of the New Notes are identical in all material respects to
the Old Notes,  except for  certain transfer restrictions  and registration  and
other  rights relating to the  exchange of the Old Notes  for New Notes. The New
Notes will evidence the same debt as the  Old Notes and will be entitled to  the
benefits of the Indenture under which both the Old Notes were, and the New Notes
will be, issued. See "Description of New Notes."
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                 <C>
ISSUER............................  Four M Corporation.
 
SECURITIES OFFERED................  $170.0  million  in  aggregate principal  amount  of 12%
                                    Series B Senior Secured Notes due 2006.
 
MATURITY DATE.....................  June 1, 2006
 
INTEREST AND INTEREST PAYMENT
 DATES............................  12% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears on  June
                                    1 and December 1, commencing on December 1, 1996.
 
GUARANTEES........................  The  New Notes  will be  guaranteed on  a senior secured
                                    basis by all  current direct  or indirect,  wholly-owned
                                    Subsidiaries  (as defined  herein) of  the Company other
                                    than Box USA Paper Corporation  and Box USA of  Florida,
                                    L.P.  The Notes are jointly  and severally guaranteed by
                                    such Guarantors. The obligations  of each Guarantor  are
                                    unconditional  and remain in full force and effect until
                                    the guaranteed obligations  have been paid  in full.  In
                                    the  event of a sale of all of the assets or the capital
                                    stock of a Guarantor, such Guarantor or the  corporation
                                    acquiring   the  property  will  be  released  from  the
                                    guaranteed obligations. However,  the net proceeds  from
                                    the  sale of such property shall  be paid to the Company
                                    and applied pursuant to the terms of the Indenture.  Any
                                    release  of  a Guarantor  pursuant to  the terms  of the
                                    Collateral  Documents  will  have  minimal,  if  any   ,
                                    consequence  to  the  Holders  of  the  New  Notes.  See
                                    "Description  of   New  Notes--Subsidiary   Guarantees,"
                                    "--Repurchase  at  the Option  of Holders"  and "--Asset
                                    Sales and Events of Loss." As of the date hereof, all of
                                    the Company's  Subsidiaries  other than  Box  USA  Paper
                                    Corporation  will be Restricted Subsidiaries (as defined
                                    herein).  Box   USA  Paper   Corporation  will   be   an
                                    Unrestricted  Subsidiary  (as defined  herein),  and the
                                    Company will  be  able  to designate  other  current  or
                                    future  Subsidiaries  to  be  Unrestricted  Subsidiaries
                                    under certain  circumstances. Unrestricted  Subsidiaries
                                    will   not  be  subject  to   many  of  the  restrictive
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                 <C>
                                    covenants set forth in  the Indenture. See  "Description
                                    of  New  Notes--Certain  Covenants--Restricted Payments"
                                    and "--Certain Definitions--Unrestricted Subsidiaries."
 
RANKING...........................  The New Notes will be senior secured obligations of  the
                                    Company that will rank senior in right of payment to all
                                    subordinated  indebtedness of the Company. The New Notes
                                    will rank PARI PASSU in right of payment with all  other
                                    existing  and future senior indebtedness of the Company.
                                    As of April 30, 1996,  after giving pro forma effect  to
                                    the Acquisition and the financings therefor, the Company
                                    would  have had total outstanding indebtedness of $210.8
                                    million,  including  the  New  Notes  and   indebtedness
                                    pursuant to the Credit Facility.
 
SECURITY..........................  The  New  Notes  will  be secured  by  a  first priority
                                    security interest in substantially all of the  equipment
                                    of  the  Company  and  its  Restricted  Subsidiaries and
                                    certain other assets (but excluding, among other things,
                                    land and improvements thereon, inventories and  accounts
                                    receivable,  and the proceeds thereof),  and by a pledge
                                    of the capital stock of the Subsidiaries of the Company.
                                    See "Description of New Notes--Security."
 
OPTIONAL REDEMPTION...............  The New Notes  will not be  redeemable at the  Company's
                                    option  prior to June 1, 2001. Thereafter, the New Notes
                                    will be  subject to  redemption, at  the option  of  the
                                    Company,  in whole or in  part, at the redemption prices
                                    set forth herein  plus accrued and  unpaid interest,  if
                                    any,  to the applicable redemption date. Notwithstanding
                                    the foregoing, at any  time prior to  June 1, 1999,  the
                                    Company   may  redeem  up   to  one-third  in  aggregate
                                    principal amount of the New Notes at a redemption  price
                                    of  112% of the  principal amount thereof,  in each case
                                    plus  accrued  and  unpaid  interest,  if  any,  to  the
                                    redemption  date,  with  the net  proceeds  of  a public
                                    offering of common stock  of the Company; PROVIDED  that
                                    at least two-thirds in aggregate principal amount of the
                                    New Notes originally issued hereunder remain outstanding
                                    immediately   after   the   occurrence   of   each  such
                                    redemption; and  PROVIDED  that  such  redemption  shall
                                    occur  within 60 days following  the date of the closing
                                    of such public offering of common stock of the  Company.
                                    In  addition, upon the occurrence of a Change of Control
                                    prior to June 1, 2001,  the Company, at its option,  may
                                    redeem  all, but not  less than all,  of the outstanding
                                    New Notes at  a redemption  price equal to  100% of  the
                                    principal  amount thereof plus the applicable Make-Whole
                                    Premium.  See  "Description  of  New  Notes--   Optional
                                    Redemption."
 
CHANGE OF CONTROL.................  Upon  the occurrence of a Change of Control at any time,
                                    the Company  will  be  required  to  make  an  offer  to
                                    repurchase  each Holder's New Notes  at a price equal to
                                    101% of  the  aggregate principal  amount  thereof  plus
                                    accrued  and  unpaid interest,  if any,  to the  date of
                                    purchase. There  can be  no assurance  that the  Company
                                    will  have the financial resources to repurchase the New
                                    Notes upon a Change of Control. See "Description of  New
                                    Notes--Repurchase at the Option of Holders."
</TABLE>
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                 <C>
COVENANTS.........................  The  indenture pursuant to  which the New  Notes will be
                                    issued (the "Indenture") will contain certain  covenants
                                    that,  among  other  things, limit  the  ability  of the
                                    Company  and  its   Restricted  Subsidiaries  to   incur
                                    additional  indebtedness,  issue  preferred  stock,  pay
                                    dividends or make other distributions, repurchase Equity
                                    Interests (as  defined  herein)  or  repay  subordinated
                                    indebtedness  or make certain  other Restricted Payments
                                    (as defined herein),  create certain  liens, enter  into
                                    certain transactions with affiliates, sell assets, issue
                                    or  sell Equity Interests  of the Company's Subsidiaries
                                    or  enter  into  certain  mergers  and   consolidations.
                                    Subject   to   certain  exceptions,   pursuant   to  the
                                    Indenture, the  Company may  incur certain  indebtedness
                                    and  issue preferred stock if  the Fixed Charge Coverage
                                    Ratio for the  Company's most recently  ended four  full
                                    fiscal  quarters would be at least 2.0 to 1, if incurred
                                    prior to July 31,  1998 or 2.25  to 1 thereafter.  There
                                    can  be no  assurance that the  Company will  be able to
                                    obtain the necessary financing  to repurchase the  Notes
                                    upon  a Change  of Control,  an Event  of Default  or an
                                    Event  of  Loss.   In  addition,   the  requirement   to
                                    repurchase  the  Notes  upon  a  Change  of  Control may
                                    discourage persons from making a  tender offer for or  a
                                    bid   to  acquire  the   Company  or  its  Subsidiaries.
                                    Conversely, because the Indenture limits the ability  of
                                    the  Company or  any of  its Restricted  Subsidiaries to
                                    engage in  certain  transactions  except  under  certain
                                    circumstances,    the   Company   and   its   Restricted
                                    Subsidiaries  may  be  prohibited  from  entering   into
                                    transactions  that could  be beneficial  to the Company.
                                    See "Description of New Notes--Certain Covenants."
 
USE OF PROCEEDS...................  There will  be  no  proceeds to  the  Company  from  any
                                    exchange   pursuant  to  the  Exchange  Offer.  The  net
                                    proceeds from the issuance of the Old Notes were used to
                                    fund a portion  of the cash  required to consummate  the
                                    Acquisition by the Company.
 
ABSENCE OF A PUBLIC MARKET FOR THE
 NEW NOTES........................  The  New Notes  are a  new issue  of securities  with no
                                    established market, and the Company does not expect that
                                    an active  trading market  in  the Notes  will  develop.
                                    Accordingly,  there  can  be  no  assurance  as  to  the
                                    development or  liquidity  of  any market  for  the  New
                                    Notes.  The  Initial Purchaser  has advised  the Company
                                    that it  currently  makes a  market  in the  Notes.  The
                                    Company  does not currently intend  to apply for listing
                                    of the New Notes on any securities exchange.
</TABLE>
    
 
   
    FOR A DISCUSSION OF  FACTORS THAT SHOULD BE  CONSIDERED BY ELIGIBLE  HOLDERS
EVALUATING THE EXCHANGE OFFER, SEE "RISK FACTORS."
    
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
                             SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                       PRO FORMA (1)
                                                                                                   ----------------------
                                                                 NINE MONTHS ENDED      TWELVE
                                 FISCAL YEAR ENDED JULY 31,          APRIL 30,          MONTHS                NINE MONTHS
                               -------------------------------  --------------------  ENDED APRIL   FISCAL    ENDED APRIL
                                 1993       1994       1995       1995       1996      30, 1996      1995      30, 1996
                               ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  ---------  -----------
<S>                            <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Net sales....................  $ 214,936  $ 228,563  $ 271,994  $ 213,723  $ 164,736   $ 223,007   $ 534,680   $ 383,902
Cost of goods sold...........    192,208    205,025    232,154    181,870    141,973     192,257     442,332     336,580
                               ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  ---------  -----------
Gross profit.................     22,728     23,538     39,840     31,853     22,763      30,750      92,348      47,322
Selling, general and
 administrative expenses.....     21,813     22,018     19,703     15,810     11,664      15,557      36,847      29,550
                               ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  ---------  -----------
Income from operations.......        915      1,520     20,137     16,043     11,099      15,193      55,501      17,772
Other income (expense).......      3,651        126      1,927      1,761         --         166       4,174         (68)
Interest expense.............      4,948      5,448      5,607      4,672      2,697       3,632      24,518      18,388
Minority interest............         --       (180)      (146)        --         --        (146)       (146)         --
Provision (benefit) for
 income taxes................        453       (325)     5,483      4,350      3,658       4,791      12,480         494
Extraordinary item...........         --        381      2,219      2,219         --          --          --          --
                               ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  ---------  -----------
Net income (loss)............  $    (835) $  (3,276) $  13,047  $  11,001  $   4,744   $   6,790   $  22,531   $  (1,178)
                               ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  ---------  -----------
                               ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  ---------  -----------
OTHER FINANCIAL DATA:
Ratio of earnings to fixed
 charges (2).................       1.0x       0.5x       3.3x       3.3x       3.2x        3.3x        2.3x        1.0x
EBITDA (3)...................  $   6,209  $   6,796  $  25,382  $  20,033  $  13,951   $  19,300   $  68,349   $  26,831
Ratio of EBITDA to interest
 expense (4).................         --         --         --       3.3x       3.2x        3.3x        2.9x        1.5x
Net cash provided by (used
 in) operating activities
 (5).........................      8,860      4,794     (2,217)    (5,065)     7,319       9,432          --          --
Net cash used by investing
 activities..................     (4,135)    (9,126)    (1,975)    (1,235)    (2,704)     (3,207)         --          --
Net cash (used in) provided
 by financing activities.....     (3,841)     5,182      3,518      5,079     (3,892)     (5,482)         --          --
Depreciation and
 amortization................  $   5,294  $   5,276  $   5,245  $   3,990  $   2,852   $   4,107   $  12,848   $   9,059
Capital expenditures.........      3,935      3,916      3,690      2,950      4,281       5,021       8,054       4,659
Adjusted net sales (6).......    153,857    155,869    212,562    158,380    154,919     209,101          --          --
Adjusted EBITDA (6)..........      2,196      3,926     24,210     20,715     16,884      20,379          --          --
OPERATING DATA:
Corrugated Converting Operations:
  Million square feet sold...      3,513      3,799      3,794      2,944      2,629       3,476      10,754       7,116
  Average production per day
   (tons)....................      1,007      1,296      1,133        941        967       1,080       3,010       2,662
  Plants opened or
   acquired..................          2          4         --         --         --          --          16          16
  Plants closed or sold......          1          4          2          2          2           1           3           3
  Plants at period end.......         15         15         13         13         12          12          28          27
Ft. Madison Mill Operations:
  Tons sold..................         --     38,029     75,872     57,267     58,982      77,586      75,872      58,982
  Average production per day
   (tons)....................         --        119        217        214        214         213         217         214
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                 TWELVE
                                 MONTHS
                               ENDED APRIL
                                30, 1996
                               -----------
<S>                            <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Net sales....................   $ 524,607
Cost of goods sold...........     452,179
                               -----------
Gross profit.................      72,428
Selling, general and
 administrative expenses.....      38,863
                               -----------
Income from operations.......      33,565
Other income (expense).......       3,129
Interest expense.............      24,518
Minority interest............        (146)
Provision (benefit) for
 income taxes................       5,007
Extraordinary item...........          --
                               -----------
Net income (loss)............   $   7,023
                               -----------
                               -----------
OTHER FINANCIAL DATA:
Ratio of earnings to fixed
 charges (2).................        1.5x
EBITDA (3)...................   $  45,988
Ratio of EBITDA to interest
 expense (4).................        1.9x
Net cash provided by (used
 in) operating activities
 (5).........................          --
Net cash used by investing
 activities..................          --
Net cash (used in) provided
 by financing activities.....          --
Depreciation and
 amortization................   $  12,423
Capital expenditures.........       5,134
Adjusted net sales (6).......          --
Adjusted EBITDA (6)..........          --
OPERATING DATA:
Corrugated Converting Operati
  Million square feet sold...       9,593
  Average production per day
   (tons)....................       2,708
  Plants opened or
   acquired..................          16
  Plants closed or sold......           2
  Plants at period end.......          27
Ft. Madison Mill Operations:
  Tons sold..................      77,586
  Average production per day
   (tons)....................         213
</TABLE>
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            AS OF APRIL 30, 1996
                                                                                          ------------------------
                                                                                           ACTUAL    PRO FORMA (1)
                                                                                          ---------  -------------
<S>                                                                                       <C>        <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Working capital.........................................................................  $  12,925    $  83,805
Property, plant and equipment, net......................................................     34,977      127,666
Total assets............................................................................     77,254      269,782
Total long-term debt....................................................................     33,279      207,798
Total stockholder's equity..............................................................     13,393       13,993
</TABLE>
 
   
THE ACCOMPANYING FOOTNOTES TO THE SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA APPEAR ON THE FOLLOWING
                                     PAGE.
    
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
   
FOOTNOTES TO THE SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA:
    
 
- ----------------------------------
 
(1)  Gives  pro forma effect to (a) the Acquisition and the financings therefor,
     and (b) the  closing of the  Company's corrugator plant  located in  Flint,
     Michigan  ("Flint"), which the Company intends to close in 1996, as if such
     transactions had occurred on August 1, 1994 with respect to Fiscal 1995 and
     the nine months ended April  30, 1996, on May 1,  1995 with respect to  the
     twelve  months ended April 30, 1996, and  on April 30, 1996 with respect to
     the balance sheet  data. The  pro forma  statement of  operations data  for
     Fiscal  1995 reflect the  disposition in March  1995 by the  Company of The
     Fonda Group, Inc.  ("Fonda"), a  subsidiary of the  Company which  produced
     paper  plates, cups and other food  service disposables. See "Unaudited Pro
     Forma Combined Condensed Financial Data."
 
   
(2)  For purposes  of  calculating  the  ratio of  earnings  to  fixed  charges,
     earnings  consist of earnings (loss)  before provision (benefit) for income
     taxes, minority interest and extraordinary gain on early retirement of debt
     plus fixed charges, and fixed charges consist of interest expense plus that
     portion of rental payments on operating leases deemed representative of the
     interest factor.
    
 
   
(3)  EBITDA represents income from operations before interest expense, provision
     (benefit) for  income  taxes  and  depreciation  and  amortization.  EBITDA
     provides  information regarding a company's ability to service and/or incur
     debt. EBITDA should not be considered  in isolation or as a substitute  for
     net  income, cash  flows from operations,  or other  consolidated income or
     cash flow data  prepared in accordance  with generally accepted  accounting
     principles  or  as a  measure of  a  company's profitability  or liquidity.
     EBITDA is not intended to disclose excess funds available for  reinvestment
     because other commitments and obligations exist, including, but not limited
     to,  principal repayment  obligations and  lease commitments,  that are not
     considered in the  calculation of EBITDA.  See Notes  6, 11 and  12 to  the
     Company's financial statements.
    
 
   
(4)  Interest  expense excludes the amortization of debt issuance costs of $880,
     $660 and $880 for pro  forma Fiscal 1995, the  pro forma nine months  ended
     April  30,  1996 and  the pro  forma  twelve months  ended April  30, 1996,
     respectively.
    
 
   
(5)  Material differences between  EBITDA and net  cash provided by  or used  in
     operating  activities may occur because of the inherent differences in each
     such  calculation  including  (a)  the  change  in  operating  assets   and
     liabilities  between  the beginning  and  end of  each  period, as  well as
     certain non-cash  items  which  are considered  when  presenting  net  cash
     provided  by  or  used  in  operating  activities  but  are  not  used when
     calculating EBITDA and (b) interest expense, provision for income taxes and
     other income  or  expense  which  are included  when  presenting  net  cash
     provided  by or used  in operating activities  but are not  included in the
     calculation of EBITDA.
    
 
   
(6)  Adjusted to exclude the results of Fonda and Flint.
    
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
    HOLDERS OF THE OLD NOTES SHOULD CAREFULLY CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING MATTERS, AS
WELL  AS THE OTHER INFORMATION CONTAINED  IN THIS PROSPECTUS, BEFORE DECIDING TO
TENDER THEIR OLD NOTES IN THE EXCHANGE OFFER.
 
SUBSTANTIAL LEVERAGE
   
    Since the issuance of the Old  Notes and subsequent to the Acquisition,  the
Company  has become  highly leveraged.  As of April  30, 1996,  after giving pro
forma effect  to the  Acquisition  and the  financings therefor,  including  the
issuance  of  the New  Notes, the  Company would  have had  approximately $210.8
million  of  indebtedness  outstanding   and  approximately  $39.7  million   of
additional  borrowing capacity under  the Credit Facility,  subject to borrowing
base limitations. See "Capitalization." As of April 30, 1996, the Company's debt
to equity ratio was 2.8:1, and its  annual debt service is expected to be  $24.3
million.
    
 
    The  significant indebtedness  incurred as a  result of  the Acquisition has
several important consequences to the Holders  of the New Notes, including,  but
not  limited to, the following: (i) a  substantial portion of the Company's cash
flow from operations  must be dedicated  to service such  indebtedness, and  the
failure  of  the  Company  to  generate sufficient  cash  flow  to  service such
indebtedness could result in a default under such indebtedness, including  under
the  New Notes; (ii) the Company's ability to obtain additional financing in the
future for  working capital,  capital expenditures,  acquisitions or  for  other
purposes  may  be  impaired; (iii)  the  Company's flexibility  to  expand, make
capital expenditures  and  respond  to  changes in  the  industry  and  economic
conditions  generally may be limited; (iv) the Credit Facility and the Indenture
contain, and  future  agreements  relating to  the  Company's  indebtedness  may
contain,  numerous financial  and other restrictive  covenants, including, among
other things, limitations  on the  ability of  the Company  to incur  additional
indebtedness,  to create liens and other  encumbrances, to make certain payments
and investments,  to  sell  or otherwise  dispose  of  assets, or  to  merge  or
consolidate  with another entity, the failure to comply with which may result in
a default under such  agreements, which, if  not cured or  waived, could have  a
material  adverse effect on the  Company; and (v) the  ability of the Company to
satisfy its obligations pursuant to such indebtedness, including pursuant to the
New Notes, will  be dependent upon  the Company's future  performance which,  in
turn,  will be subject to management,  financial, business, regulatory and other
factors affecting the business and operations of the Company, some of which  are
not in the Company's control.
 
INTEGRATION OF THE ACQUIRED FACILITIES
    Although  St. Joe Container utilizes  manufacturing equipment, raw materials
and production processes which are similar  to those used by the Company,  there
can  be no assurance that the Company will be able to integrate successfully the
facilities acquired in the Acquisition  with the Company's existing  operations.
Integration of such facilities could be affected by a number of factors, some of
which  are not in the Company's control,  including the ability of the Company's
existing  management  and  systems   infrastructure  to  absorb  the   increased
operations,  the response  of competition  and general  economic conditions. The
Company may  pursue additional  acquisitions  in the  future.  There can  be  no
assurance  that  future acquisitions  will be  advantageous or  that anticipated
results of such acquisitions will be realized. See "The Acquisition."
 
   
HIGHLY COMPETITIVE INDUSTRY; INDUSTRY CONDITIONS
    
   
    The corrugated packaging  industry is  a highly  fragmented and  competitive
industry.  The  markets  for  corrugated packaging  materials  are  sensitive to
changes in industry capacity and cyclical changes in the economy. Both of  these
factors  can significantly impact the Company's profitability. After a period of
declining  prices  for  the   Company's  products  because   of  a  decline   in
industry-wide  demand,  beginning in  1994,  demand improved  which  allowed the
Company to increase prices for most of its products. Since October 1995,  prices
for  the Company's  products have  declined due  to a  decrease in industry-wide
demand. Since the end  of the fourth  quarter ended July  31, 1996, the  Company
believes  that  prices  for  its  products  have  stabilized.  See "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Recent
Performance."
    
 
   
    The Company's competitors  include large,  vertically integrated  corrugated
packaging   companies  and,  on  a  local  and  regional  level,  many  smaller,
independent  companies.  The  primary  competitive  factors  in  the  corrugated
packaging  industry  are  price,  design,  quality  and  service.  In  addition,
corrugated packaging materials compete with other packaging materials, including
paper, plastic, wood and metal.
    
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
    Linerboard and corrugating medium  are the principal  raw materials used  in
all  of  the  Company's  converting  facilities  and  are  purchased  in  highly
competitive and price sensitive markets.  These raw materials have  historically
exhibited  price and  demand cyclicality. In  addition, the supply  and price of
wood fiber, the principal  component of linerboard  and corrugating medium,  are
dependent  upon a  variety of  factors many  of which  are not  in the Company's
control,  including   environmental   and  conservation   regulations,   natural
disasters,  such  as  forest fires  and  hurricanes, and  weather.  Although the
Company has not experienced any  significant difficulty in obtaining wood  fiber
for  the  manufacture of  corrugating  medium at  the  Ft. Madison  Mill,  or in
obtaining  linerboard  and  corrugating  medium   for  use  in  its   converting
facilities,  there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to continue
to do so or that  increased costs of purchasing  such materials could be  passed
along to the Company's customers.
 
RELATIONSHIP WITH MILL JOINT VENTURE
 
    In  connection with the Acquisition, the  Company and Stone Container formed
the Mill Joint Venture for  the purpose of acquiring the  St. Joe Mill from  St.
Joe  Forest  Products  Company  ("St.  Joe Forest"),  an  affiliate  of  St. Joe
Container. The Company  and Stone Container  each invested $5.0  million in  the
common  equity of  the Mill Joint  Venture. In addition,  Stone Container loaned
$30.0 million to Florida Coast Paper Holding Co., L.L.C, the parent of the  Mill
Joint  Venture.  See  "The  Acquisition." In  addition,  the  Company  and Stone
Container each agreed to provide the Mill Joint Venture with up to $10.0 million
of subordinated indebtedness, if needed, in addition to the capital invested  in
the   Mill  Joint  Venture,  for  general   corporate  purposes  pursuant  to  a
Subordinated Credit Facility (the "Subordinated Credit Facility").
 
    Both the Company and Stone Container  also agreed to purchase from the  Mill
Joint Venture one-half of the St. Joe Mill's entire annual linerboard production
at a price that is $25 per ton below the price of such product published in PULP
&  PAPER WEEK, under  the section entitled "Price  Watch: Paper and Paperboard,"
subject to  a  minimum purchase  price,  which  price is  intended  to  generate
sufficient  funds  to  cover cash  operating  costs, cash  interest  expense and
maintenance capital expenditures. The price that the Company is required to  pay
the  Mill Joint  Venture for such  linerboard may  be higher than  the prices at
which the Company  could purchase  linerboard from unrelated  third parties.  In
addition,  there can  be no  assurance that  if the  prices that  the Company is
required to pay to the Mill Joint Venture for linerboard is substantially higher
than the prices available to the Company from third parties, such higher pricing
will not have a material adverse effect on the Company. See "The Acquisition."
 
FT. MADISON MILL OPERATIONS
 
   
    In Fiscal 1995 and  the nine months  ended April 30,  1996, the Ft.  Madison
Mill  contributed approximately 12.3% and  10.9%, respectively, to the Company's
net sales, approximately 38.2%  and 104.6%, respectively,  to the Company's  net
income  and approximately 27.1% and 34.4%, respectively, to the Company's EBITDA
before corporate overhead. After giving pro  forma effect to the Acqusition,  in
Fiscal  1995 and in the twelve months ended April 30, 1996, the Ft. Madison Mill
would have  contributed  approximately  6.3%  and  6.9%,  respectively,  to  the
Company's  net  sales,  approximately  23.4%  and  81.3%,  respectively,  to the
Company's net income  and approximately  11.3% and 21.1%,  respectively, to  the
Company's EBITDA before corporate overhead. Any adverse change in the operations
of  the Ft. Madison Mill  could have a material  adverse effect on the Company's
financial condition and results of operations. See "Management's Discussion  and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
    
 
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
 
    The Company's operations are subject to environmental regulation by federal,
state  and  local authorities  in  the United  States.  Unreimbursed liabilities
arising from environmental claims, if significant, could have a material adverse
effect  on  the  Company's  financial  condition  and  results  of   operations.
Furthermore,   actions  by  federal,  state  and  local  governments  concerning
environmental matters could result  in laws or  regulations that could  increase
the  cost of compliance with environmental laws and regulations. There can be no
assurance that future capital  expenditures by the Company  to comply with  such
laws  and regulations will not be significant or that such costs will not result
in a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition or results  of
operations.
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
    In  November  1993, the  U.S.  Environmental Protection  Agency  (the "EPA")
announced proposed regulations, known as the "cluster rules," that would require
more stringent controls on  air and water discharges  from pulp and paper  mills
under  the Clean  Water Act and  the Clean  Air Act. The  Company estimates that
these regulations,  if  adopted as  currently  proposed, would  require  capital
expenditures  of approximately $1.5 million to  $2.0 million by the Company with
respect to the Ft. Madison Mill.  The ultimate financial impact of the  proposed
regulations  on the Company will depend on  the nature of the final regulations,
the timing  of required  implementation and  the cost  and availability  of  new
technology.  See "Business--Environmental  Matters." St. Joe  Container, St. Joe
Paper and  St. Joe  Forest  (collectively, the  "Paper Indemnitors")  agreed  to
indemnify  the  Company for  certain environmental  matters based  on activities
prior to  the  closing of  the  Acquisition (the  "Closing").  There can  be  no
assurance  that this indemnification will be sufficient to reimburse the Company
for all environmental liabilities. See "Business--Environmental Matters."
 
CREDIT FACILITY AND INDENTURE RESTRICTIONS
 
   
    The Credit Facility and the Indenture contain numerous restrictive covenants
including, among other things, limitations on the ability of the Company and its
Restricted Subsidiaries  to incur  additional indebtedness,  to issue  preferred
stock,  to create liens and other  encumbrances, to pay dividends, to repurchase
Equity Interests, to repay  subordinated indebtedness or  to make certain  other
payments and investments, to enter into certain transactions with affiliates, to
sell  or otherwise dispose of  assets, to issue or  sell Equity Interests of the
Company's Subsidiaries  or to  merge  or consolidate  with another  entity.  The
Credit  Facility also requires the Company  to meet certain financial tests. The
Company's failure to comply  with its obligations under  the Credit Facility  or
the  Indenture, or  under agreements  relating to  indebtedness incurred  in the
future, could result in an event  of default under such agreements, which  could
permit acceleration of the related indebtedness and acceleration of indebtedness
under  other  financing  arrangements  that  may  contain  cross-acceleration or
cross-default provisions. See  "Description of  New Notes"  and "Description  of
Credit Facility."
    
 
   
    In addition, the Indenture requires the Company to repurchase the Notes upon
a  Change of Control, an Event  of Default or an Event  of Loss. There can be no
assurance that the  Company will be  able to obtain  the necessary financing  to
repurchase  the  Notes upon  any  such event.  In  addition, the  requirement to
repurchase the Notes upon a Change of Control may discourage persons from making
a tender  offer  for or  a  bid to  acquire  the Company  or  its  Subsidiaries.
Conversely,  because the Indenture limits  the ability of the  Company or any of
its Restricted  Subsidiaries  to engage  in  certain transactions  except  under
certain  circumstances,  the  Company  and its  Restricted  Subsidiaries  may be
prohibited from  entering into  transactions  that could  be beneficial  to  the
Company. See "Description of New Notes -- Certain Covenants."
    
 
LABOR MATTERS
 
    As  of April 30,  1996, approximately 44.0% of  the Company's employees were
covered by collective bargaining agreements. In addition, as of April 30,  1996,
approximately  53.0%  of  the  employees  at  the  facilities  acquired  in  the
Acquisition were covered by collective bargaining agreements. Since the  Company
has not assumed St. Joe Container's obligations under such collective bargaining
agreements,  the  Company must  negotiate  new collective  bargaining agreements
covering such employees.  There can  be no assurance  that the  Company will  be
successful  in renegotiating  collective bargaining  agreements that  are due to
expire or in negotiating  new collective bargaining  agreements relating to  the
employees  at  the  acquired facilities,  or  that  the Company  will  not incur
increased costs as a result of such negotiations. See "Business-- Employees."
 
CONTROL BY PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDER
 
    All of  the outstanding  common stock  of  the Company  is owned  by  Dennis
Mehiel, the Company's Chairman. As a result, Mr. Mehiel controls the Company and
has  the power to elect all of its directors, appoint new management and approve
any other action requiring the approval  of the holders of the Company's  stock,
including  adopting amendments  to the  Company's articles  of incorporation and
approving mergers or sales of all of the Company's assets.
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
DEPENDENCE ON KEY PERSONNEL
 
    The Company is dependent on the retention of, and continued performance  by,
its  senior  management, particularly  Dennis  Mehiel, its  Chairman,  and Chris
Mehiel, its Executive Vice  President and Chief  Operating Officer. The  Company
believes  that the loss of the services of either of these officers could have a
material adverse effect  on the Company.  The Company does  not have  employment
contracts with either Dennis Mehiel or Chris Mehiel.
 
UNCERTAIN VALUE OF SECURITY INTERESTS
 
    No  assurance can  be given that  the proceeds  of a sale  of the Collateral
securing the Notes would  be sufficient to  repay all of  the Notes following  a
foreclosure  upon the  Collateral or  a liquidation of  the Company.  If the net
proceeds received from  the sale of  the Collateral (after  payment of  expenses
relating  to the sale) were insufficient to  pay all amounts due with respect to
the Notes, then Holders of the Notes would, to the extent of such insufficiency,
have only  an unsecured  claim  against any  remaining  assets of  the  Company.
Furthermore,  the ability of the Trustee  to foreclose upon the Collateral would
be delayed if the  Company were the subject  of any bankruptcy, receivership  or
similar proceedings.
 
FRAUDULENT TRANSFER STATUTES; ENFORCEABILITY OF GUARANTEES
 
    Under federal or state fraudulent transfer laws, the Notes or the Subsidiary
Guarantees may be subordinated to existing or future indebtedness of the Company
or  the  Guarantors, as  the case  may be,  or  found not  to be  enforceable in
accordance with their terms. Under such statutes, if a court were to find  that,
at  the time the Notes and the Subsidiary Guarantees were issued, the Company or
any such Guarantor was insolvent, was rendered insolvent by the issuance of  the
Notes  or  its Subsidiary  Guarantee,  as the  case  may be,  together  with the
substantially concurrent  use  of  the  proceeds therefrom,  was  engaged  in  a
business  or transaction for which the assets remaining with the Company or such
Guarantor constituted unreasonably small capital, intended to incur, or believed
that it would incur, debts beyond its ability to pay such debts as they matured,
or intended to hinder, delay or defraud its creditors, such court could void the
Company's obligations under the Notes or such Guarantor's obligations under  its
Subsidiary  Guarantee, or subordinate the Notes  or such Subsidiary Guarantee to
all other indebtedness of the Company or such Guarantor, as the case may be.  In
such event, there can be no assurance that any repayment of the Notes could ever
be recovered by Holders of the Notes.
 
    For  purposes of the  foregoing, the measure  of insolvency varies depending
upon the law of the jurisdiction that is being applied. Generally, however,  the
Company  or a Guarantor would  be considered to have  been insolvent at the time
the Notes and the Subsidiary Guarantees were issued if the sum of its debts was,
at that time, greater than the sum of the value of all of its property at a fair
valuation, or if the then  fair saleable value of its  assets was less than  the
amount  that was  then required  to pay its  probable liability  on its existing
debts as they became absolute and matured.  There can be no assurance as to  the
standard  a court  would apply in  order to  determine whether the  Company or a
Guarantor was insolvent as of the  date the Notes and the Subsidiary  Guarantees
were  issued, or that, regardless of the  method of valuation, a court would not
determine that the Company or a Guarantor  was insolvent on that date, or  that,
regardless  of whether the Company  or such Guarantor was  insolvent on the date
the Notes  and  the  Subsidiary  Guarantees  were  issued,  that  the  issuances
constituted fraudulent transfers on another of the grounds summarized above.
 
CHANGE OF CONTROL PROVISIONS
 
    Upon  the occurrence of a Change of Control at any time, the Company will be
required to offer to repurchase each Holder's Notes at a price equal to 101%  of
the aggregate principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any,
to  the date of purchase.  There can be no assurance  that the Company will have
the financial  resources necessary  to repurchase  the Notes  upon a  Change  of
Control.   See  "Description   of  New   Notes--Repurchase  at   the  Option  of
Holders--Change of Control." In addition, a  Change of Control may constitute  a
default under the Credit Facility.
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
CONSEQUENCES OF FAILURE TO EXCHANGE
 
    Holders  of Old  Notes who  do not  exchange their  Old Notes  for New Notes
pursuant to the Exchange Offer will  continue to be subject to the  restrictions
on  transfer  of  such  Old Notes  as  set  forth  in the  legend  thereon  as a
consequence of the issuance of the Old Notes pursuant to exemptions from, or  in
transactions not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act
and  applicable state  securities laws.  In general,  the Old  Notes may  not be
offered or sold, unless registered under the Securities Act, except pursuant  to
an  exemption from, or in  a transaction not subject  to, the Securities Act and
applicable state securities laws. The Company does not currently anticipate that
it will  register the  Old Notes  under  the Securities  Act. New  Notes  issued
pursuant  to the  Exchange Offer in  exchange for  Old Notes may  be offered for
resale, resold or otherwise transferred by Holders thereof (other than any  such
holder  who is an "affiliate" of the Company or any Guarantor within the meaning
of Rule 405 under the Securities  Act) without compliance with the  registration
and  prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act provided that such New
Notes are acquired  in the ordinary  course of such  holders' business and  such
holders  have no arrangement with any  person to participate in the distribution
of such Notes. Each  broker-dealer that receives New  Notes for its own  account
pursuant  to  the  Exchange  Offer  must  acknowledge  that  it  will  deliver a
prospectus in  connection with  any resale  of  such new  Notes. The  Letter  of
Transmittal  states that, by so acknowledging  and by delivering a prospectus, a
broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an "underwriter" within the
meaning of  the  Securities  Act. This  Prospectus,  as  it may  be  amended  or
supplemented  from time to  time, may be  used by a  broker-dealer in connection
with resales of  New Notes received  in exchange  for Old Notes  where such  Old
Notes  were  acquired  by  such  broker-dealer  as  a  result  of  market-making
activities or  other trading  activities. The  Company has  agreed that,  for  a
period  270 days  after the  effective date  of the  Exchange Offer Registration
Statement (as defined  herein), it will  make this Prospectus  available to  any
broker-dealer  for  use  in  connection  with  any  such  resale.  See  "Plan of
Distribution."  However,  to  comply  with   the  securities  laws  of   certain
jurisdictions,  if applicable, the New  Notes may not be  offered or sold unless
they have been  registered or  qualified for sale  in such  jurisdictions or  an
exemption  from registration or qualification is available and is complied with.
To the extent that Old  Notes are tendered and  accepted in the Exchange  Offer,
the  trading market for untendered and tendered but unaccepted Old Notes will be
adversely affected.
 
ABSENCE OF PUBLIC MARKET
 
   
    Prior to this Prospectus, there has been no public market for the New Notes,
and the Company does not expect that an active trading market in the Notes  will
develop. In addition, the Company does not currently intend to apply for listing
of  the New  Notes on  any securities exchange.  If a  market for  the New Notes
should develop,  the  New Notes  may  trade at  a  discount from  their  initial
offering price, depending upon prevailing interest rates, the market for similar
securities,  the Company's performance and  other factors. The Initial Purchaser
has made a market in  the Notes as permitted  by applicable law and  regulation;
however,  the  Initial  Purchaser  is  not  obligated  to  do  so  and  any such
market-making activities  may be  discontinued at  any time  without notice.  In
addition,  such  market-making activities  may  be limited  during  the Exchange
Offer. Therefore, there can be  no assurance that an  active market for the  New
Notes  will develop after the Company's performance of its obligations under the
Registration Rights Agreement. See "Description of New Notes."
    
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
                               THE EXCHANGE OFFER
 
PURPOSES AND EFFECTS
 
    The Old  Notes were  sold by  the Company  on May  30, 1996  to the  Initial
Purchaser,  who resold  the Old  Notes to  "qualified institutional  buyers" (as
defined  in  Rule  144A  under  the  Securities  Act)  and  other  institutional
"accredited  investors" (as defined in Rule 501(a) under the Securities Act). In
connection with the sale of the Old Notes, the Company and the Initial Purchaser
entered into  a Registration  Rights Agreement  dated as  of May  30, 1996  (the
"Registration  Rights Agreement") pursuant  to which the  Company agreed to file
with the Commission a registration  statement (the "Exchange Offer  Registration
Statement")  with respect to  an offer to  exchange the Old  Notes for New Notes
within 45 days following  the closing date  of the Old  Notes. In addition,  the
Company  agreed to use its best efforts to cause the Exchange Offer Registration
Statement to become  effective under  the Securities Act  and to  issue the  New
Notes  pursuant  to  the  Exchange  Offer. A  copy  of  the  Registration Rights
Agreement has  been filed  as  an exhibit  to  the Exchange  Offer  Registration
Statement.
 
    The  Exchange  Offer  is  being made  pursuant  to  the  Registration Rights
Agreement to satisfy the Company's  obligations thereunder. For purposes of  the
Exchange  Offer, the term  "Eligible Holder" shall mean  the registered owner of
any Old Notes that  remain Transfer Restricted Securities,  as reflected on  the
records of Norwest Bank Minnesota, National Association as registrar for the Old
Notes  (in such capacity,  the "Registrar"), or  any person whose  Old Notes are
held of record by the depositary of  the Old Notes. The Company is not  required
to  include  any securities  other  than the  New  Notes in  the  Exchange Offer
Registration Statement. Holders of Old Notes  who do not tender their Old  Notes
or  whose  Old  Notes  are tendered  but  not  accepted would  have  to  rely on
exemptions to registration requirements under the securities laws, including the
Securities Act, if they wish to sell their Old Notes.
 
    Based on  an interpretation  by the  staff of  the Commission  set forth  in
no-action  letters issued to third parties unrelated to the Company, the Company
believes that the New  Notes issued pursuant to  the Exchange Offer in  exchange
for Old Notes may be offered for resale, resold and otherwise transferred by any
holder  of such  New Notes (other  than a person  that is an  "affiliate" of the
Company or a Guarantor within the meaning  of Rule 405 under the Securities  Act
and  except as  set forth  in the  next paragraph)  without compliance  with the
registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act,  provided
that  such  New Notes  are  acquired in  the  ordinary course  of  such holder's
business  and  such  holder  is  not  participating  and  does  not  intend   to
participate,  and  has  no  arrangement  or  understanding  with  any  person to
participate, in the distribution of such New Notes.
 
    If any person were to participate in  the Exchange Offer for the purpose  of
distributing   securities  in  a  manner   not  permitted  by  the  Commission's
interpretation (i) the position of the staff of the Commission enunciated in the
aforementioned interpretive letters  would be  inapplicable to  such person  and
(ii)  such  person  would  be  required  to  comply  with  the  registration and
prospectus delivery requirements of  the Securities Act  in connection with  any
resale  transaction.  Each broker-dealer  that receives  New  Notes for  its own
account in exchange for Old  Notes, where such Old  Notes were acquired by  such
broker-dealer   as  a  result  of  market-making  activities  or  other  trading
activities, must acknowledge  that it  will deliver a  prospectus in  connection
with any resale of such New Notes. See "Plan of Distribution."
 
    The  Exchange  Offer is  not  being made  to,  nor will  the  Company accept
surrenders for exchange from, holders of Old Notes in any jurisdiction in  which
the Exchange Offer or the acceptance thereof would not be in compliance with the
securities  or blue sky laws of such  jurisdiction. Prior to the Exchange Offer,
however, the Company will use  its best efforts to  register or qualify the  New
Notes  for  offer  and  sale under  the  securities  or blue  sky  laws  of such
jurisdictions as is necessary to permit  consummation of the Exchange Offer  and
do  any and all other acts or things  necessary or advisable to enable the offer
and sale in such jurisdictions of the New Notes.
 
TERMS OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER
 
    Upon the terms and  subject to the conditions  set forth in this  Prospectus
and  in the accompanying Letter of Transmittal,  the Company will accept any and
all Old Notes validly tendered prior to 5:00 p.m.,
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
New York  City time,  on  the Expiration  Date. The  Company  will issue  up  to
$170,000,000  aggregate principal  amount of  New Notes  in exchange  for a like
principal amount  of  outstanding  Old  Notes which  are  validly  tendered  and
accepted  in the Exchange Offer. Subject to the conditions of the Exchange Offer
described below, the  Company will accept  any and  all Old Notes  which are  so
tendered.  Holders may  tender some or  all of  their Old Notes  pursuant to the
Exchange Offer; however,  the Old  Notes may be  tendered only  in multiples  of
$1,000. See "Description of New Notes."
 
    The  form  and terms  of the  New Notes  will  be the  same in  all material
respects as the form and terms of the Old Notes, except that the New Notes  will
be  registered  under  the  Securities  Act  and  hence  will  not  bear legends
restricting the transfer thereof.
 
    Holders of Old Notes do not  have any appraisal or dissenters' rights  under
the  General  Corporation Law  of  the State  of  Maryland or  the  Indenture in
connection with the Exchange Offer. The Company intends to conduct the  Exchange
Offer  in accordance with  the provisions of  the Registration Rights Agreement.
Old Notes which are not tendered for  exchange or are tendered but not  accepted
in the Exchange Offer will remain outstanding and be entitled to the benefits of
the  Indenture, but will  not be entitled  to any registration  rights under the
Registration Rights Agreement.
 
    The Company shall  be deemed  to have  accepted validly  tendered Old  Notes
when,  as and  if the Company  has given oral  or written notice  thereof to the
Exchange Agent for the Exchange Offer. The Exchange Agent will act as agent  for
the  tendering holders  for the  purposes of  receiving the  New Notes  from the
Company.
 
    If any  tendered Old  Notes are  not  accepted for  exchange because  of  an
invalid  tender,  the occurrence  of certain  other events  set forth  herein or
otherwise, certificates  for any  such unaccepted  Old Notes  will be  returned,
without  expense, to  the tendering  holder thereof  as promptly  as practicable
after the Expiration Date.
 
    Eligible Holders who  tender Old  Notes in the  Exchange Offer  will not  be
required to pay brokerage commissions or fees or, subject to the instructions in
the  Letter of Transmittal, transfer  taxes with respect to  the exchange of Old
Notes pursuant  to the  Exchange Offer.  The Company  will pay  all charges  and
expenses,  other than  certain applicable  taxes described  below, in connection
with the Exchange Offer. See "--Fees and Expenses."
 
EXPIRATION DATE; EXTENSION; TERMINATION; AMENDMENTS
 
    The Exchange  Offer  will  expire at  5:00  p.m.,  New York  City  time,  on
         ,  1996, subject to extension by the  Company by notice to the Exchange
Agent as  herein provided.  The Company  reserves  the right  to so  extend  the
Exchange  Offer at  its discretion,  in which  event the  term "Expiration Date"
shall mean the time and  date on which the Exchange  Offer as so extended  shall
expire.  The Company will notify the Exchange  Agent of any extension by oral or
written notice and will make a  public announcement thereof, each prior to  9:00
a.m.,  New  York  City time,  on  the  next business  day  after  the previously
scheduled Expiration Date.
 
    The Company reserves the right (i)  to delay accepting for exchange any  Old
Notes  for any New  Notes or to extend  or terminate the  Exchange Offer and not
accept for exchange any  Old Notes for any  New Notes if any  of the events  set
forth  below under  the caption  "Conditions of  the Exchange  Offer" shall have
occurred and shall not have been waived by the Company by giving oral or written
notice of such delay or termination to the Exchange Agent, or (ii) to amend  the
terms  of the  Exchange Offer in  any manner.  Any such delay  in acceptance for
exchange, extension or amendment will be followed as promptly as practicable  by
public  announcement  thereof. If  the  Exchange Offer  is  amended in  a manner
determined by the  Company to  constitute a  material change,  the Company  will
promptly disclose such amendment in a manner reasonably calculated to inform the
holder  of the  New Notes  of such  amendment, and  the Company  will extend the
Exchange Offer  for  a  minimum  of  five  business  days,  depending  upon  the
significance of the amendment and the manner of disclosure to the holders of the
New  Notes,  if  the Exchange  Offer  would  otherwise expire  during  such five
business-day period. The rights reserved by the Company in this paragraph are in
addition to the Company's rights set  forth below under the caption  "Conditions
of the Exchange Offer."
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
TERMINATION OF CERTAIN RIGHTS
 
    The   Registration  Rights  Agreement  provides  that,  subject  to  certain
exceptions, in the  event of  a Registration  Default, Eligible  Holders of  Old
Notes  are entitled to receive Liquidated Damages in an amount equal to 50 basis
points per annum for each 90 day period or any portion thereof (up to a  maximum
of   200  basis  points  per  annum).   For  purposes  of  the  Exchange  Offer,
"Registration Default" shall occur if (i) the  Company fails to file any of  the
Registration  Statements  required by  the Registration  Rights Agreement  on or
before the date specified for such filing; (ii) any such Registration  Statement
is  not declared effective by  the Commission on or  prior to the date specified
for such effectiveness (the  "Effectiveness Target Date")  or (iii) the  Company
fails  to  consummate the  Exchange Offer  within 30  days of  the Effectiveness
Target Date with respect to the Exchange Offer Registration Statements; or  (iv)
the  Shelf  Registration  Statement  (as  defined  in  the  Registration  Rights
Agreement) or the  Exchange Offer Registration  Statement is declared  effective
but  thereafter ceases to be effective or  usable in connection with the resales
of the New Notes.
 
    Holders of New  Notes will  not be and,  upon consummation  of the  Exchange
Offer, Eligible Holders of Old Notes will no longer be entitled to (i) the right
to  receive  the  Liquidated Damages  or  (ii)  certain other  rights  under the
Registration Rights  Agreement  intended  for  holders  of  Transfer  Restricted
Securities.  The Exchange Offer shall be  deemed consummated upon the occurrence
of the delivery by the Company to the Registrar under the Indenture of New Notes
in the same aggregate principal amount as the aggregate principal amount of  Old
Notes that are tendered by holders thereof pursuant to the Exchange Offer.
 
PROCEDURES FOR TENDERING
 
    Only Eligible Holders of Old Notes may tender such Old Notes in the Exchange
Offer. To tender in the Exchange Offer, Eligible Holders must complete, sign and
date  the Letter  of Transmittal,  or a  facsimile thereof,  have the signatures
thereon guaranteed  if  required by  the  Letter  of Transmittal,  and  mail  or
otherwise  deliver such Letter  of Transmittal or  such facsimile, together with
the Old Notes (unless  such tender is being  effected pursuant to the  procedure
for  book-entry transfer described  below) and any  other required documents, to
the Exchange Agent prior  to 5:00 p.m.,  New York City  time, on the  Expiration
Date.
 
    Any  financial  institution  that  is  a  participant  in  the  Depositary's
Book-Entry Transfer  Facility system  may make  book-entry delivery  of the  Old
Notes  by causing the  Depositary to transfer  such Old Notes  into the Exchange
Agent's account in accordance with the Depositary's procedure for such transfer.
Although delivery of Old  Notes may be effected  through book-entry transfer  in
the  Exchange Agent's account  at the Depositary, the  Letter of Transmittal (or
facsimile thereof),  with  any  required  signature  guarantees  and  any  other
required  documents,  must,  in any  case,  be  transmitted to  and  received or
confirmed by the  Exchange Agent at  its addresses set  forth under the  caption
"Exchange Agent" below prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration
Date.  DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS TO THE DEPOSITARY IN ACCORDANCE WITH ITS PROCEDURES
DOES NOT CONSTITUTE DELIVERY TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT.
 
    The tender by an Eligible Holder  of Old Notes will constitute an  agreement
between  such holder and the Company in accordance with the terms and subject to
the conditions set forth herein and in the Letter of Transmittal.
 
    The method of delivery of  Old Notes and the  Letter of Transmittal and  all
other  required documents to the  Exchange Agent is at  the election and risk of
the Eligible  Holders. Instead  of  delivery by  mail,  it is  recommended  that
Eligible  Holders  use an  overnight  or hand  delivery  service. In  all cases,
sufficient time  should be  allowed to  assure delivery  to the  Exchange  Agent
before the Expiration Date. No Letter of Transmittal or Old Notes should be sent
to  the Company. Eligible Holders may request their respective brokers, dealers,
commercial banks, trust  companies or nominees  to effect the  tenders for  such
holders.
 
    Signatures on a Letter of Transmittal or a notice of withdrawal, as the case
may  be, must be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution (as defined below) unless
the Old Notes tendered pursuant thereto are tendered (i) by a registered  holder
who  has  not  completed the  box  entitled "Special  Issuance  Instructions" or
"Special Delivery Instructions" on  the Letter of Transmittal,  or (ii) for  the
account of an Eligible Institution. In the
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
event  that signatures on a Letter of  Transmittal or a notice of withdrawal, as
the case may  be, are required  to be guaranteed,  such guarantee must  be by  a
member of a signature guarantee program within the meaning of Rule 17Ad-15 under
the Exchange Act (an "Eligible Institution").
 
    If  the Letter of Transmittal or any Old  Notes or bond powers are signed by
trustees, executors, administrators,  guardians, attorneys-in-fact, officers  of
corporations  or others acting  in a fiduciary  or representative capacity, such
persons should  so indicate  when signing,  and unless  waived by  the  Company,
evidence  satisfactory  to the  Company of  their  authority to  so act  must be
submitted with the Letter of Transmittal.
 
    All questions  as to  the  validity, form,  eligibility (including  time  of
receipt)  and acceptance and withdrawal of tendered Old Notes will be determined
by the Company  in its sole  discretion, which determination  will be final  and
binding. The Company reserves the absolute right to reject any and all Old Notes
not  properly tendered or any Old Notes the Company's acceptance of which would,
in the  opinion  of counsel  for  the Company,  be  unlawful. The  Company  also
reserves  the right to waive any defects, irregularities or conditions of tender
as to  particular Old  Notes.  The Company's  interpretation  of the  terms  and
conditions  of the Exchange  Offer (including the instructions  in the Letter of
Transmittal) will  be final  and  binding on  all  parties. Unless  waived,  any
defects  or irregularities in connection with tenders of Old Notes must be cured
within such times as the Company  shall determine. Although the Company  intends
to  request the  Exchange Agent to  notify holders of  defects or irregularities
with respect to tenders  of Old Notes, neither  the Company, the Exchange  Agent
nor  any  other  person shall  incur  any  liability for  failure  to  give such
notification. Tenders of Old Notes  will not be deemed  to have been made  until
such defects or irregularities have been cured or waived. Any Old Notes received
by the Exchange Agent that are not properly tendered and as to which the defects
or irregularities have not been cured or waived will be returned by the Exchange
Agent  to  the tendering  holders, unless  otherwise provided  in the  Letter of
Transmittal, as soon as practicable following the Expiration Date.
 
    In addition, the Company reserves the right in its sole discretion  (subject
to  limitations contained in the  Indenture) (i) to purchase  or make offers for
any Old Notes that remain outstanding subsequent to the Expiration Date and (ii)
to the  extent permitted  by applicable  law, purchase  Old Notes  in  privately
negotiated  transactions or otherwise. The terms of any such purchases or offers
could differ from the terms of the Exchange Offer.
 
    By tendering, each Eligible Holder will represent to the Company that, among
other things, the New  Notes acquired pursuant to  the Exchange Offer are  being
obtained in the ordinary course of business by persons receiving such New Notes,
whether  or not such person  is the holder and  that neither the Eligible Holder
nor any such other person has an arrangement or understanding with any person to
participate in the distribution of such New Notes and that neither the  Eligible
Holder nor any such other person is an "affiliate," as defined in Rule 405 under
the  Securities Act, of the Company. If  the holder is a broker-dealer that will
receive New  Notes for  its own  account in  exchange for  Old Notes  that  were
acquired  as a result  of market-making activities  or other trading activities,
such holder by tendering will acknowledge  that it will deliver a prospectus  in
connection with any resale of such New Notes.
 
GUARANTEED DELIVERY PROCEDURES
 
    Eligible  Holders who wish to tender their Old Notes and (i) whose Old Notes
are not immediately available,  or (ii) who cannot  deliver their Old Notes  and
other  required documents to the Exchange Agent or cannot complete the procedure
for book-entry transfer prior to the Expiration Date, may effect a tender if:
 
       (a) the tender is made through an Eligible Institution;
 
       (b) prior to the Expiration Date,  the Exchange Agent receives from  such
           Eligible Institution a properly completed and duly executed Notice of
    Guaranteed  Delivery  (by  facsimile transmission,  mail  or  hand delivery)
    setting forth the name and address  of the Eligible Holder, the  certificate
    number(s)  of such Old Notes (if available)  and the principal amount of Old
    Notes tendered together  with a duly  executed Letter of  Transmittal (or  a
    facsimile  thereof),  stating  that the  tender  is being  made  thereby and
    guaranteeing that, within three business days after the Expiration Date, the
    certificate(s) representing
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
    the Old Notes to be tendered in proper form for transfer (or a  confirmation
    of a book-entry transfer into the Exchange Agent's account at the Depositary
    of  Old Notes delivered electronically) and  any other documents required by
    the Letter of Transmittal will be deposited by the Eligible Institution with
    the Exchange Agent; and
 
       (c) such certificate(s)  representing all  tendered Old  Notes in  proper
           form  for transfer (or confirmation of a book-entry transfer into the
    Exchange  Agent's  account  at  the   Depositary  of  Old  Notes   delivered
    electronically)   and  all  other  documents   required  by  the  Letter  of
    Transmittal are received by  the Exchange Agent  within three business  days
    after the Expiration Date.
 
    Upon  request to the Exchange Agent, a Notice of Guaranteed Delivery will be
sent to Eligible Holders  who wish to  tender their Old  Notes according to  the
guaranteed delivery procedures set forth above.
 
WITHDRAWAL OF TENDERS
 
    Except  as otherwise provided herein, tenders  of Old Notes may be withdrawn
at any time  prior to 5:00  p.m., New York  City time, on  the Expiration  Date,
unless previously accepted for exchange.
 
    To  withdraw  a tender  of Old  Notes in  the Exchange  Offer, a  written or
facsimile transmission notice  of withdrawal  must be received  by the  Exchange
Agent at its address set forth herein prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on
the  Expiration  Date,  and prior  to  acceptance  for exchange  thereof  by the
Company. Any such notice of withdrawal must  (i) specify the name of the  person
having  deposited the Old Notes to be withdrawn (the "Depositor"), (ii) identify
the Old Notes to be withdrawn  (including the certificate number or numbers  and
principal  amount of such  Old Notes), (iii)  be signed by  the Depositor in the
same manner as the original signature on the Letter of Transmittal by which such
Old Notes  were tendered  (including any  required signature  guarantees) or  be
accompanied by documents of transfer sufficient to have the Trustee with respect
to  the Old Notes register the  transfer of such Old Notes  into the name of the
person withdrawing the tender, and (iv) specify  the name in which any such  Old
Notes  are  to be  registered,  if different  from  that of  the  Depositor. All
questions as to the validity, form  and eligibility (including time of  receipt)
of  such  withdrawal notices  will  be determined  by  the Company  in  its sole
discretion, whose determination shall be final  and binding on all parties.  Any
Old  Notes so  withdrawn will be  deemed not  to have been  validly tendered for
purposes of the Exchange  Offer, and no  New Notes will  be issued with  respect
thereto unless the Old Notes so withdrawn are validly re-tendered. Any Old Notes
which  have been tendered but  which are not accepted  for exchange or which are
withdrawn will be returned to the holder thereof without cost to such holder  as
soon  as practicable after withdrawal, rejection of tender or termination of the
Exchange Offer. Properly withdrawn Old Notes may be re-tendered by following one
of  the  procedures  described  above   under  "Procedures  for  Tendering"   or
"Guaranteed Delivery Procedures" at any time prior to the Expiration Date.
 
CONDITIONS OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER
 
    In  addition, and notwithstanding any other  term of the Exchange Offer, the
Company will not be required  to accept for exchange any  Old Notes for any  New
Notes  tendered and may terminate or amend the Exchange Offer as provided herein
before the acceptance  of such  Old Notes, if  any of  the following  conditions
exist:
 
       (a) any  action or proceeding is instituted or threatened in any court or
           by or before  any governmental  agency or  regulatory authority  with
    respect  to the Exchange Offer  which, in the sole  judgment of the Company,
    might materially  impair the  ability of  the Company  to proceed  with  the
    Exchange  Offer  or  have  a material  adverse  effect  on  the contemplated
    benefits of the Exchange Offer to the Company; or
 
       (b) there shall have occurred any change, or any development involving  a
           prospective  change,  in the  business  or financial  affairs  of the
    Company or  any of  its subsidiaries,  which  in the  sole judgment  of  the
    Company,  might materially impair the ability of the Company to proceed with
    the Exchange Offer  or materially  impair the contemplated  benefits of  the
    Exchange Offer to the Company; or
 
                                       21
<PAGE>
       (c) there  shall have been proposed, adopted or enacted any law, statute,
           rule or regulation which, in the sole judgment of the Company,  might
    materially  impair the ability  of the Company to  proceed with the Exchange
    Offer or have a material adverse effect on the contemplated benefits of  the
    Exchange Offer to the Company; or
 
       (d) there  shall have occurred (i)  any general suspension of, shortening
           of hours for, or limitation on  prices for, trading in securities  on
    the  New York Stock Exchange (whether  or not mandatory), (ii) a declaration
    of a banking moratorium or any suspension of payments in respect of banks by
    Federal  or  state  authorities  in  the  United  States  (whether  or   not
    mandatory),  (iii)  a  commencement of  a  war, armed  hostilities  or other
    international or national crisis directly or indirectly involving the United
    States, (iv) any limitation (whether  or not mandatory) by any  governmental
    authority  on, or other  event having a  reasonable likelihood of affecting,
    the extension of credit by banks or other lending institutions in the United
    States, or (v) in the case of any  of the foregoing existing at the time  of
    the commencement of the Exchange Offer, a material acceleration or worsening
    thereof.
 
    The  foregoing conditions are for the sole benefit of the Company and may be
asserted by the  Company regardless  of the  circumstances giving  rise to  such
conditions  or may be waived by the Company in  whole or in part at any time and
from time to time in  its sole discretion. If the  Company waives or amends  the
foregoing  conditions, the Company  will, if required  by applicable law, extend
the Exchange Offer for a  minimum of five business days  from the date that  the
Company  first gives notice, by public announcement or otherwise, of such waiver
or amendment, if  the Exchange  Offer would  otherwise expire  within such  five
business-day  period.  Any determination  by the  Company concerning  the events
described above will be final and binding upon all parties.
 
FEES AND EXPENSES
 
    The expenses of soliciting  tenders pursuant to the  Exchange Offer will  be
borne  by the  Company. The principal  solicitation for tenders  pursuant to the
Exchange Offer is being  made by mail; however,  additional solicitation may  be
made  by telecopy, telephone or  in person by officers  and regular employees of
the Company and its affiliates.
 
    The Company  has not  retained  any dealer-manager  in connection  with  the
Exchange  Offer and  will not  make any payments  to brokers,  dealers or others
soliciting acceptances of the Exchange Offer. The Company, however, will pay the
Exchange Agent reasonable and customary fees for its services and will reimburse
it for  its  reasonable  out-of-pocket expenses  in  connection  therewith.  The
Company  may  also  pay  brokerage houses  and  other  custodians,  nominees and
fiduciaries the reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them in forwarding
copies of this Prospectus, Letters of  Transmittal and related documents to  the
beneficial  owners of the  Old Notes and  in handling or  forwarding tenders for
exchange. The Company will pay the  other expenses to be incurred in  connection
with  the Exchange Offer, including fees and expenses of the Trustee, accounting
and legal fees and printing costs.
 
    The Company will pay all transfer taxes, if any, applicable to the  exchange
of  Old  Notes  pursuant  to  the  Exchange  Offer.  If,  however,  certificates
representing New  Notes or  Old  Notes for  principal  amounts not  tendered  or
accepted  for exchange are to be  delivered to, or are to  be issued in the name
of, any person other than the registered holder of the Old Notes tendered, or if
tendered Old Notes  are registered  in the  name of  any person  other than  the
person  signing the Letter of  Transmittal, or if a  transfer tax is imposed for
any reason other than the exchange of Old Notes pursuant to the Exchange  Offer,
then  the amount of any  such transfer taxes (whether  imposed on the registered
holder or  any  other persons)  will  be payable  by  the tendering  holder.  If
satisfactory  evidence of  payment of such  taxes or exemption  therefrom is not
submitted with the Letter of Transmittal, the amount of such transfer taxes will
be billed directly to such tendering holder.
 
CONSEQUENCES OF FAILURE TO EXCHANGE OLD NOTES
 
    Generally, Eligible Holders (other than any holder who is an "affiliate"  of
the  Company  within the  meaning  of Rule  405  under the  Securities  Act) who
exchange their Old Notes for New Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer may  offer
such  New Notes for resale,  resell such New Notes,  and otherwise transfer such
 
                                       22
<PAGE>
New Notes  without  compliance with  the  registration and  prospectus  delivery
provisions  of the Securities Act,  provided such New Notes  are acquired in the
ordinary course of the holders' business,  and such holders have no  arrangement
with  any  person to  participate  in a  distribution  of such  New  Notes. Each
broker-dealer that receives New  Notes for its own  account in exchange for  Old
Notes,  where such Old Notes were acquired  by such broker-dealer as a result of
market-making activities or other trading  activities, must acknowledge that  it
will  deliver a prospectus in connection with  any resale of such New Notes. See
"Plan  of  Distribution."  To  comply  with  the  securities  laws  of   certain
jurisdictions, it may be necessary to qualify for sale or register the New Notes
prior  to offering or selling  such New Notes. Upon  request by Eligible Holders
prior to the Exchange Offer, the Company will register or qualify the New  Notes
in  certain jurisdictions subject  to the conditions  in the Registration Rights
Agreement. If an Eligible Holder does not exchange such Old Notes for New  Notes
pursuant  to the Exchange Offer,  such Old Notes will  continue to be subject to
the restrictions on transfer contained in  the legend thereon and will not  have
the  benefit of any covenant regarding registration under the Securities Act. In
general, the Old Notes may not be  offered or sold, unless registered under  the
Securities  Act, except pursuant to  an exemption from, or  in a transaction not
subject to, the  Securities Act  and applicable  state securities  laws. To  the
extent  that  Old Notes  are  tendered and  accepted  in the  Exchange  Offer, a
holder's ability to sell untendered Old Notes could be adversely affected.
 
ACCOUNTING TREATMENT
 
    The New Notes will be recorded at the same carrying value as the Old  Notes,
as  reflected in the Company's  accounting records on the  date of the exchange.
Accordingly, no gain or loss for  accounting purposes will be recognized by  the
Company  upon  the  consummation of  the  Exchange  Offer. The  expenses  of the
Exchange Offer will be amortized by the  Company over the term of the New  Notes
under generally accepted accounting principles.
 
EXCHANGE AGENT
 
    Norwest  Bank Minnesota, National Association has been appointed as Exchange
Agent for the Exchange Offer. All correspondence in connection with the Exchange
Offer and the Letter of Transmittal  should be addressed to the Exchange  Agent,
as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                            <C>                            <C>
BY HAND OR OVERNIGHT COURIER:            BY MAIL:                      IN PERSON:
                                 (registered or certified
                                       recommended)
   Norwest Bank Minnesota,        Norwest Bank Minnesota,         Northstar East Bldg.
    National Association           National Association             608 2nd Avenue S.
 Corporate Trust Operations     Corporate Trust Operations             12th Floor
       Norwest Center                  P.O. Box 1517              Corporate Trust Ser.
     Sixth and Marquette        Minneapolis, MN 55480-1517           Minneapolis, MN
 Minneapolis, MN 55479-0113
</TABLE>
 
               FACSIMILE NUMBER (FOR ELIGIBLE INSTITUTIONS ONLY)
                                 (612) 667-4927
                           CONFIRM RECEIPT OF NOTICE
                             OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY
                                 BY TELEPHONE:
                                 (612) 667-9764
 
    Requests  for  additional  copies  of  this  Prospectus  or  the  Letter  of
Transmittal should be directed to the Exchange Agent.
 
                                       23
<PAGE>
                                THE ACQUISITION
 
   
    On May 30, 1996 (the "Closing Date"), the Company acquired substantially all
of  the assets of St. Joe Container, and the Mill Joint Venture, a joint venture
between the  Company and  Stone  Container, acquired  a  500,000 tons  per  year
linerboard mill from St. Joe Forest. In 1995, St. Joe Container sold 6.5 billion
square  feet of corrugated  packaging materials and  generated $326.7 million in
net sales, $3.3 million in net income and $11.5 million in EBITDA. The  purchase
price  for the  St. Joe  Container facilities  was $87.8  million for  the fixed
assets, plus  approximately  $69.7 million  for  working capital,  for  a  total
purchase  price of $157.5 million, subject  to adjustment for changes in working
capital and certain other items subsequent to June 30, 1995. The purchase  price
for the St. Joe Mill was $185.0 million for the fixed assets, plus approximately
$17.4 million for working capital, for a total purchase price of $202.4 million,
subject  to adjustment  for changes in  working capital and  certain other items
subsequent to June 30, 1995. The Company acquired a 50.0% equity interest in the
Mill Joint Venture for $5.0 million.
    
 
    The Acquisition Agreement contains customary representations, warranties and
covenants. The Company,  on the  one hand,  and St.  Joe Container  and St.  Joe
Paper,  on  the other  hand,  also agreed  to  indemnify one  another  and their
respective affiliates for breaches  of representations and warranties  contained
in  the Acquisition Agreement, PROVIDED that  claims with respect thereto (other
than environmental claims)  are asserted  on or  before September  30, 1997.  In
addition,  pursuant to the terms of the Acquisition Agreement, St. Joe Container
and St.  Joe  Paper, agreed  to  indemnify and  reimburse  the Company  and  its
affiliates  for all losses arising from  breaches of covenants and agreements in
the Acquisition Agreement, all retained liabilities, liens other than  permitted
liens  and certain other  matters as specified in  the Acquisition Agreement. In
turn, the Company agreed  to indemnify and reimburse  St. Joe Container and  its
affiliates  for all losses arising from  breaches of covenants and agreements of
the Company in the  Acquisition Agreement, all  assumed liabilities and  certain
other  matters as  specified in the  Acquisition Agreement. There  are no dollar
limitations as to the foregoing indemnification obligations.
 
    The Paper Indemnitors (as  defined in the  Acquisition Agreement) agreed  to
indemnify  the Company and the Mill Joint  Venture, to the extent permissible by
law, for on-site environmental claims arising from the operation of the St.  Joe
Container  facilities and  the St.  Joe Mill  prior to  the consummation  of the
Acquisition up to  a maximum  of $10.0  million of  the first  $17.5 million  of
costs,  subject to certain exceptions and  limitations. The Company and the Mill
Joint Venture will be required to fund  $7.5 million of the first $17.5  million
of  any  such costs,  and  any costs  in  excess of  $17.5  million will  not be
indemnified by the Paper Indemnitors.  The obligations of the Paper  Indemnitors
with  respect to on-site  environmental liabilities will  terminate in the event
the Company or the Mill  Joint Venture is subject to  a "change of control"  (as
defined   in  the   Acquisition  Agreement).  Pursuant   to  an  Indemnification
Reimbursement Agreement  between the  Company and  the Mill  Joint Venture  (the
"Indemnification  Reimbursement Agreement"), the benefit of indemnification from
the Paper Indemnitors  with respect  to such environmental  liabilities will  be
allocated  80.0% to the  Mill Joint Venture  and 20.0% to  the Company, with the
Company or the Mill Joint Venture being obligated, under certain  circumstances,
to  reimburse each other  in the event  either recovers more  than its allocated
percentage share. See "Business--Environmental Matters."
 
    On the Closing Date, the Company entered into certain agreements with  Stone
Container  and the Mill Joint Venture. Pursuant to an Output Purchase Agreement,
Stone Container and the Company will  each purchase from the Mill Joint  Venture
one-half  of  the  St.  Joe  Mill's  entire  linerboard  production,  which will
represent approximately  one-third of  the Company's  total requirements,  at  a
price  that is $25 per ton  below the price of such  product published in PULP &
PAPER WEEK  under the  section  entitled "Price  Watch: Paper  and  Paperboard,"
subject to a minimum purchase price, which minimum purchase price is intended to
generate  sufficient funds to cover cash  operating costs, cash interest expense
and maintenance capital expenditures. The Mill  Joint Venture must also use  its
best  efforts to operate the St. Joe Mill at a production rate not less than the
average capacity utilization rate of domestic linerboard producers.
 
    Pursuant  to  the  Subordinated  Credit  Facility,  the  Company  and  Stone
Container  each will provide the Mill Joint  Venture with up to $10.0 million of
subordinated indebtedness, if needed,  on a revolving  credit basis for  general
corporate purposes.
 
                                       24
<PAGE>
                                 CAPITALIZATION
 
    The  following  table  sets  forth the  consolidated  capitalization  of the
Company as of April 30, 1996 on an  actual basis and as adjusted to give  effect
to  the Acquisition and  the financings therefor.  This table should  be read in
conjunction with the  other financial  information appearing  elsewhere in  this
Prospectus.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               ACTUAL    ADJUSTMENTS  AS ADJUSTED
                                                                              ---------  -----------  -----------
                                                                                    (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<S>                                                                           <C>        <C>          <C>
Current maturities of long-term debt........................................  $   4,158   $   (1,151)  $   3,007
                                                                              ---------  -----------  -----------
                                                                              ---------  -----------  -----------
 
Long-term debt:
  Credit Facility (1).......................................................  $      --   $   27,587   $  27,587
  Notes.....................................................................         --      170,000     170,000
  Existing indebtedness.....................................................     33,279      (23,068)     10,211
                                                                              ---------  -----------  -----------
    Total long-term debt....................................................     33,279      174,519     207,798
                                                                              ---------  -----------  -----------
 
Stockholder's equity:
  Common stock, $0.125 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized, 7,229,770
   shares issued and 6,815,867 shares outstanding...........................        904           --         904
  Additional paid-in capital................................................        117          600(2)        717
  Retained earnings.........................................................     13,334                   13,334
  Treasury stock............................................................       (962)          --        (962)
                                                                              ---------  -----------  -----------
    Total stockholder's equity..............................................     13,393          600      13,993
                                                                              ---------  -----------  -----------
      Total capitalization..................................................  $  46,672   $  175,119   $ 221,791
                                                                              ---------  -----------  -----------
                                                                              ---------  -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
(1) The  Credit Facility will provide up to  $80.0 million on a revolving basis,
    subject to borrowing base limitations. See "Description of Credit Facility."
 
(2) For the purpose of this presentation, the Company valued warrants that  were
    issued  to the Initial Purchaser in  connection with the Acquisition at $0.6
    million.
 
                                       25
<PAGE>
                       SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA
 
    The  following selected historical financial data have been derived from the
consolidated financial statements of  the Company. The data  as of and for  each
fiscal  year in the three-year  period ended July 31,  1993 are derived from the
consolidated financial statements of  the Company audited  by KPMG Peat  Marwick
LLP,  independent certified public accountants, whose report with respect to the
fiscal year ended July  31, 1993 is included  elsewhere in this Prospectus.  The
data  as of and  for the fiscal years  ended July 31, 1994  and 1995 are derived
from the  consolidated  financial  statements  of the  Company  audited  by  BDO
Seidman,  LLP, independent certified public accountants, whose report thereon is
included elsewhere in this Prospectus.  The data as of  and for the nine  months
ended  April 30, 1995  and 1996 and the  twelve months ended  April 30, 1996 are
derived from the Company's  unaudited consolidated financial statements,  which,
in the opinion of management, include all adjustments (consisting of only normal
recurring  adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the information set
forth therein. The  results of operations  for the nine  months ended April  30,
1996  are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the
full year. The following data should  be read in conjunction with the  Company's
consolidated  financial statements  and related  notes, "Management's Discussion
and Analysis of Financial  Condition and Results of  Operations," and the  other
financial information included elsewhere herein.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                                                                   TWELVE
                                                FISCAL YEAR ENDED JULY 31,                     APRIL 30,        MONTHS ENDED
                                   -----------------------------------------------------  --------------------    APRIL 30,
                                     1991       1992       1993       1994       1995       1995       1996         1996
                                   ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------------
                                                                     (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Net sales........................  $ 189,661  $ 203,179  $ 214,936  $ 228,563  $ 271,994  $ 213,723  $ 164,736    $ 223,007
Cost of goods sold...............    166,812    178,189    192,208    205,025    232,154    181,870    141,973      192,257
                                   ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------------
Gross profit.....................     22,849     24,990     22,728     23,538     39,840     31,853     22,763       30,750
Selling, general and
 administrative expenses.........     20,379     23,663     21,813     22,018     19,703     15,810     11,664       15,557
                                   ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------------
Income from operations...........      2,470      1,327        915      1,520     20,137     16,043     11,099       15,193
Other income.....................        755      5,917      3,651        126      1,927      1,761         --          166
Interest expense.................      6,431      5,903      4,948      5,448      5,607      4,672      2,697        3,632
                                   ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------------
Income (loss) before provision
 (benefit) for income taxes,
 minority interest and
 extraordinary gain on early
 retirement of debt..............     (3,206)     1,341       (382)    (3,802)    16,457     13,132      8,402       11,727
Minority interest................        274         94         --       (180)      (146)        --         --         (146)
Provision (benefit) for income
 taxes...........................       (655)       832        453       (325)     5,483      4,350      3,658        4,791
Extraordinary gain on early
 retirement of debt..............         --        321         --        381      2,219      2,219         --           --
                                   ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------------
Net income (loss)................  $  (2,277) $     924  $    (835) $  (3,276) $  13,047  $  11,001  $   4,744    $   6,790
                                   ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------------
                                   ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------------
OTHER FINANCIAL DATA:
Ratio of earnings to fixed
 charges (1).....................       0.7x       1.1x       1.0x       0.5x       3.3x       3.3x       3.2x         3.3x
EBITDA (2).......................  $   7,675  $   6,664  $   6,209  $   6,796  $  25,382  $  20,033  $  13,951    $  19,300
Net cash provided by (used in)
 operating activities (3)........      7,030      3,615      8,860      4,794     (2,217)    (5,065)     7,319        9,432
Net cash provided by (used in)
 investing activities............     (2,723)     3,733     (4,135)    (9,126)    (1,975)    (1,235)    (2,704)      (3,207)
Net cash (used in) provided by
 financing activities............     (4,234)    (8,336)    (3,841)     5,182      3,518      5,079     (3,892)      (5,482)
Depreciation and amortization....  $   5,205  $   5,337  $   5,294  $   5,276  $   5,245  $   3,990  $   2,852    $   4,107
Capital expenditures.............      2,064      2,862      3,935      3,916      3,690      2,950      4,281        5,021
Adjusted net sales (4)...........    126,580    139,116    153,857    155,869    212,562    158,380    154,919      209,101
Adjusted EBITDA (4)..............      3,283      3,110      2,196      3,926     24,210     20,715     16,884       20,379
</TABLE>
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                    AS OF
                                                                         AS OF JULY 31,                           APRIL 30,
                                                      -----------------------------------------------------  --------------------
                                                        1991       1992       1993       1994       1995       1995       1996
                                                      ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                   <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Working capital.....................................  $   4,984  $  11,573  $  10,413  $   8,903  $  14,504  $   7,853  $  12,925
Property, plant and equipment, net..................     40,148     37,636     36,052     36,536     27,044     27,183     34,977
Total assets........................................     91,444     85,744     79,716     93,933     73,137     77,113     77,254
Total long-term debt................................     41,646     44,285     40,993     44,105     30,998     29,199     33,279
Stockholder's equity................................      4,465      5,389      4,554      1,278      8,649      5,798     13,393
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------------
   
(1)  For  purposes  of  calculating  the ratio  of  earnings  to  fixed charges,
     earnings consist of earnings (loss)  before provision (benefit) for  income
     taxes, minority interest and extraordinary gain on early retirement of debt
     plus fixed charges, and fixed charges consist of interest expense plus that
     portion of rental payments on operating leases deemed representative of the
     interest factor.
    
 
   
(2)  EBITDA represents income from operations before interest expense, provision
     (benefit)  for  income  taxes  and  depreciation  and  amortization. EBITDA
     provides information regarding a company's ability to service and/or  incur
     debt.  EBITDA should not be considered in  isolation or as a substitute for
     net income, cash  flows from  operations, or other  consolidated income  or
     cash  flow data prepared  in accordance with  generally accepted accounting
     principles  or   as   a   measure   of   a   company's   profitability   or
    
 
                                       26
<PAGE>
   
     liquidity.  EBITDA is not  intended to disclose  excess funds available for
     reinvestment because other  commitments and  obligations exist,  including,
     but  not limited to, principal repayment obligations and lease commitments,
     that are not considered in the calculation  of EBITDA. See Notes 6, 11  and
     12 to the Company's financial statements.
    
 
   
(3)  Material  differences between  EBITDA and net  cash provided by  or used in
     operating activities may occur because of the inherent differences in  each
     such   calculation  including  (a)  the  change  in  operating  assets  and
     liabilities between  the beginning  and  end of  each  period, as  well  as
     certain  non-cash  items  which  are considered  when  presenting  net cash
     provided by  or  used  in  operating  activities  but  are  not  used  when
     calculating EBITDA and (b) interest expense, provision for income taxes and
     other  income  or  expense  which are  included  when  presenting  net cash
     provided by or  used in operating  activities but are  not included in  the
     calculation of EBITDA.
    
 
   
(4)  Adjusted to exclude the results of Fonda and Flint.
    
 
                                       27
<PAGE>
             UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED CONDENSED FINANCIAL DATA
 
   
    On  November 1,  1995, the  Company entered  into the  Acquisition Agreement
pursuant to which on May 30, 1996 (i) the Company acquired substantially all  of
the assets of St. Joe Container and (ii) the Mill Joint Venture acquired the St.
Joe  Mill. The  purchase price  for the St.  Joe Container  facilities was $87.8
million for  the fixed  assets,  plus approximately  $69.7 million  for  working
capital, for a total purchase price of $157.5 million, subject to adjustment for
changes  in working capital described herein. The purchase price for the St. Joe
Mill was $185.0 million for the  fixed assets, plus approximately $17.4  million
for  working capital, for a  total purchase price of  $202.4 million, subject to
adjustment for changes in working capital described herein. The Company acquired
a 50.0% equity interest in the Mill Joint Venture for $5.0 million.
    
 
   
    In addition,  on  August  16, 1996,  Box  USA  Group, Inc.  ("Box  USA"),  a
wholly-owned  subsidiary  of the  Company,  discontinued its  operations  at its
Flint, Michigan facility and disposed of substantially all of the machinery  and
equipment,  finished goods  and work-in-progress  inventory and  certain related
assets utilized at  such facility  for a  purchase price  of approximately  $2.6
million.  Box USA  retained all  accounts receivable,  accounts payable  and raw
material inventory.  The  equipment  was transferred  pursuant  to  a  like-kind
exchange within the meaning of section 1031 of the Code.
    
 
    The  following unaudited pro  forma combined condensed  financial data as of
April 30, 1996  and for the  fiscal year ended  July 31, 1995  and the nine  and
twelve  months ended April  30, 1996 (the "Pro  Forma Financial Statements") are
derived from the  Company's consolidated  financial statements as  of April  30,
1996  and for the fiscal year ended July 31, 1995 and the nine and twelve months
ended April 30, 1996  and the financial  statements of St.  Joe Container as  of
March  31, 1996 and for the  twelve months ended June 30,  1995 and the nine and
twelve months ended  March 31,  1996. The  Pro Forma  Financial Statements  give
effect  to the Acquisition and the closing of Flint, as if such transactions had
occurred on April 30, 1996, in the case of the balance sheet data, on August  1,
1994 in the case of the statement of operations data for the twelve months ended
July  31, 1995, and the nine months ended April  30, 1996, and on May 1, 1995 in
the case of the statement of operations  data for the twelve months ended  April
30, 1996. In addition, the pro forma statement of operations data for the twelve
months  ended  July  31, 1995,  reflect  the  disposition of  Fonda  as  if such
disposition had occurred on August 1,  1994. The Pro Forma Financial  Statements
do  not  give  effect to  the  disposition of  three  individually insignificant
converting facilities. See  Note (a)  of the Notes  to the  Unaudited Pro  Forma
Combined  Condensed Financial  Data. The  pro forma  adjustments are  based upon
available information  and certain  assumptions that  the Company  believes  are
reasonable.  The Pro Forma Financial Statements do not purport to represent what
the Company's results of  operations or financial  position would actually  have
been had the Acquisition in fact occurred on such dates or to project results of
operations  for  or  at any  future  period  or date.  The  Pro  Forma Financial
Statements should be  read in conjunction  with "Capitalization,"  "Management's
Discussion  and Analysis of  Financial Condition and  Results of Operations" and
the financial statements  of the  Company and St.  Joe Container  and the  notes
thereto included elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
    The  Acquisition  has  been  accounted  for  under  the  purchase  method of
accounting. The total purchase  price for the Acquisition  was allocated to  the
assets  and liabilities  acquired based upon  their relative fair  values at the
closing date, based upon valuation and other studies which are not yet complete.
The allocation of  the purchase price  reflected herein is  subject to  revision
when  additional information from  the valuations and  studies become available.
The Company does not expect that the effects of the final allocation will differ
materially from those set forth herein.
 
                                       28
<PAGE>
              UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                        AS OF
                                                       AS OF           AS OF                          APRIL 30,
                                                     APRIL 30,     MARCH 31, 1996                       1996
                                                       1996           ST. JOE                         PRO FORMA
                                                      FOUR M         CONTAINER       ADJUSTMENTS      COMBINED
                                                   -------------  ----------------  --------------  -------------
<S>                                                <C>            <C>               <C>             <C>
ASSETS:
  Current assets:
    Cash and cash equivalents....................    $   1,949       $      871     $     (871)(a)   $     1,949
    Accounts receivable, net.....................       21,997           28,837             --            50,834
    Inventories..................................       11,019           30,128         21,824(b)         62,971
    Other current assets.........................        3,285              687           (687)(a)         3,285
                                                   -------------        -------     --------------  -------------
        Total current assets.....................       38,250           60,523         20,266           119,039
  Property, plant and equipment, net.............       34,977           35,298         57,391(b)        127,666
  Goodwill and other intangibles, net............          987               --             --               987
  Other assets...................................        3,040              128           (128)(a)        11,840
                                                                                         8,800(b)
  Long-term investment...........................           --            3,113          2,137(b)          5,250
  Investment in Mill Joint Venture...............           --               --          5,000(b)          5,000
                                                   -------------        -------     --------------  -------------
                                                     $  77,254       $   99,062     $   93,466       $   269,782
                                                   -------------        -------     --------------  -------------
                                                   -------------        -------     --------------  -------------
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY:
  Current liabilities:
    Accounts payable and accrued liabilities.....    $  21,167       $    9,748     $   (1,659)(a)   $    32,227
                                                                                         2,971(c)
    Current maturities of long-term debt.........        4,158               --         (1,151)(c)         3,007
                                                   -------------        -------     --------------  -------------
        Total current liabilities................       25,325            9,748            161            35,234
  Long-term debt less current maturities:
    Credit Facility..............................           --               --         27,587(c)         27,587
    Notes........................................           --               --        170,000(c)        170,000
    Existing indebtedness........................       33,279               --        (23,068)(c)        10,211
  Deferred income taxes..........................        4,410            4,234         (4,234)(a)         4,410
  Other liabilities..............................          847            1,939         (1,939)(a)         8,347
                                                                                         7,500(b)
                                                   -------------        -------     --------------  -------------
        Total liabilities........................       63,861           15,921        176,007           255,789
                                                   -------------        -------     --------------  -------------
  Stockholder's equity:
    Common stock.................................          904               --             --               904
    Additional paid-in capital...................          117               --            600(c)            717
    Equity in net assets.........................           --           81,318        (81,318)               --
    Net unrealized gain on marketable equity
     securities..................................           --            1,823         (1,823)(a)            --
    Retained earnings............................       13,334               --             --            13,334
    Treasury stock...............................         (962)              --             --              (962)
                                                   -------------        -------     --------------  -------------
        Total stockholder's equity...............       13,393           83,141        (82,541)           13,993
                                                   -------------        -------     --------------  -------------
                                                     $  77,254       $   99,062     $   93,466       $   269,782
                                                   -------------        -------     --------------  -------------
                                                   -------------        -------     --------------  -------------
</TABLE>
 
See accompanying notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Condensed Balance Sheet.
 
                                       29
<PAGE>
         NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET
 
(a) Reflects the elimination of assets and liabilities of St. Joe Container that
    were retained  by  St. Joe  Container  and  therefore are  excluded  in  the
    Acquisition as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              (DOLLARS IN
                                                                                              THOUSANDS)
                                                                                              -----------
<S>                                                                                           <C>
Cash and cash equivalents...................................................................   $     871
Other current assets........................................................................         687
Other assets................................................................................         128
Accrued liabilities.........................................................................      (1,659)
Deferred taxes..............................................................................      (4,234)
Non-current workers compensation reserves...................................................      (1,939)
Net unrealized gain on marketable equity securities.........................................      (1,823)
                                                                                              -----------
    Net liabilities excluded................................................................     $(7,969)
                                                                                              -----------
                                                                                              -----------
</TABLE>
 
(b) The  Acquisition  was  accounted  for  as  a  purchase  in  accordance  with
    Accounting  Principles  Board  Opinion  No.  16,  "Business   Combinations,"
    pursuant  to which  the purchase  price has  been allocated  to the acquired
    assets and  liabilities based  upon their  relative fair  values as  of  the
    Closing Date.
 
    The  following table sets forth the  Company's preliminary allocation of the
    purchase price of the Acquisition:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        ASSETS    CARRYING
                                                                       ACQUIRED     VALUE    ADJUSTMENT
                                                                      ----------  ---------  -----------
                                                                            (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                   <C>         <C>        <C>
Accounts receivable, net............................................  $   28,837  $  28,837   $      --
Inventories, net....................................................      30,128     30,128          --
Reversal of LIFO reserve............................................      21,824         --      21,824
Property plant and equipment, net...................................      92,689     35,298      57,391
Long-term investment................................................       5,250      3,113       2,137
Deferred financing costs............................................       8,800         --       8,800
Investment in Mill Joint Venture....................................       5,000         --       5,000
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities............................      (8,089)    (8,089)         --
Acquisition related provisions (1)..................................      (7,500)        --      (7,500)
                                                                      ----------  ---------  -----------
                                                                        $176,939    $89,287     $87,652
                                                                      ----------  ---------  -----------
                                                                      ----------  ---------  -----------
</TABLE>
    
 
(c) Reflects the financing of the Acquisition as follows:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                                  ----------------------
<S>                                                                               <C>         <C>
Notes...........................................................................              $  170,000
Credit Facility.................................................................                  27,587
Refinancing of existing indebtedness -- current.................................  $   (1,151)
Refinancing of existing indebtedness -- noncurrent..............................     (23,068)    (24,219)
                                                                                  ----------
Warrants issued to the Initial Purchaser (2)....................................                     600
Additional consideration based on working capital at March 31, 1996 (3).........                   2,971
                                                                                              ----------
                                                                                              $  176,939
                                                                                              ----------
                                                                                              ----------
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------------
   
(1)  Includes the  following expenses:  (i) estimated  vacation liability,  (ii)
     severance/relocation  accrual, (iii) reserve for plant closure, reserve for
     allowance for doubtful accounts and (iv) contingencies.
    
   
(2)  For the purpose of this presentation, the Company has valued warrants  that
     were  issued to the Initial Purchaser in connection with the Acquisition at
     $0.6 million.
    
   
(3)  The Acquisition Agreement provides a post-closing adjustment to adjust  for
     actual  working  capital  acquired  at  Closing.  The  Unaudited  Pro Forma
     Combined Condensed  Balance  Sheet  reflects  the  acquisition  of  working
     capital  at  March 31,  1996, which  results in  an assumed  purchase price
     adjustment of $3.0 million which is reflected as a current liability in the
     Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Condensed Balance Sheet. St. Joe Container has
     delivered to the Company its preliminary balance sheet as of May 30,  1996,
     and  based on such  balance sheet, has paid  approximately $14.0 million to
     the Company as the purchase price adjustment. However, the Company believes
     that this  amount is  understated and  has notified  St. Joe  Paper of  its
     position pursuant to the Acquisition Agreement.
    
 
                                       30
<PAGE>
   
             UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED CONDENSED FINANCIAL DATA
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               TWELVE MONTHS
                                                FISCAL YEAR    ENDED JUNE 30,
                                                ENDED JULY          1996
                                                 31, 1996     ----------------  ADJUSTMENTS FOR
                                               -------------      ST. JOE          DISPOSED      ACQUISITION   PRO FORMA
                                                  FOUR M         CONTAINER       OPERATIONS(A)   ADJUSTMENTS   COMBINED
                                               -------------  ----------------  ---------------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                            <C>            <C>               <C>              <C>          <C>
SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS DATA:
  Net sales..................................   $   271,994     $    322,118      $   (59,432)    $      --    $ 534,680
  Cost of goods sold.........................       232,154          291,370          (51,921)      (29,271)(b)    442,332
                                               -------------        --------    ---------------  -----------  -----------
  Gross profit...............................        39,840           30,748           (7,511)       29,271       92,348
  Selling, general and administrative
   expenses..................................        19,703           23,458           (7,323)        1,009(c)     36,847
                                               -------------        --------    ---------------  -----------  -----------
  Income from operations.....................        20,137            7,290             (188)       28,262       55,501
  Other income...............................         1,927            2,071              176            --        4,174
  Interest expense...........................         5,607              539           (1,308)       19,680(d)     24,518
                                               -------------        --------    ---------------  -----------  -----------
  Income before provision for income taxes,
   minority interest and extraordinary gain
   on early retirement of debt...............        16,457            8,822            1,296         8,582       35,157
  Minority interest..........................          (146)              --               --            --         (146)
  Provision for income taxes.................         5,483            3,127              437         3,433(e)     12,480
                                               -------------        --------    ---------------  -----------  -----------
  Net income before extraordinary gain on
   early retirement of debt..................   $    10,828     $      5,695      $       859     $   5,149    $  22,531
                                               -------------        --------    ---------------  -----------  -----------
                                               -------------        --------    ---------------  -----------  -----------
 
OTHER FINANCIAL DATA:
  EBITDA.....................................   $    25,382     $     15,177      $    (1,172)    $  28,962    $  68,349
  Ratio of EBITDA to interest expense........            --               --               --            --         2.9x(f)
  Ratio of earnings to fixed charges.........            --               --               --            --         2.3x(g)
  Depreciation and amortization..............   $     5,245     $      7,887      $      (984)    $     700    $  12,848
  Capital expenditures.......................         3,690            4,603             (239)           --        8,054
 
OPERATING DATA:
  Corrugated Converting Operations:
    Million square feet sold.................         3,794            7,201             (241)           --       10,754
    Average production per day (tons)........         1,133            1,969              (92)           --        3,010
    Plants at period end.....................            13               16               (1)           --           28
 
  Ft. Madison Mill Operations:
    Tons sold................................        75,872               --               --            --       75,872
    Average production per day (tons)........           217               --               --            --          217
</TABLE>
    
 
See accompanying notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Condensed Financial Data.
 
                                       31
<PAGE>
   
             UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED CONDENSED FINANCIAL DATA
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               NINE MONTHS
                                               NINE MONTHS        ENDED
                                               ENDED APRIL    MARCH 31, 1996    ADJUSTMENTS
                                                30, 1996     ----------------       FOR
                                              -------------      ST. JOE         DISPOSED       ACQUISITION     PRO FORMA
                                                 FOUR M         CONTAINER      OPERATIONS(A)    ADJUSTMENTS     COMBINED
                                              -------------  ----------------  -------------  ---------------  -----------
<S>                                           <C>            <C>               <C>            <C>              <C>
SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS DATA:
  Net sales.................................   $   164,736     $    228,983      $  (9,817)     $        --     $ 383,902
  Cost of goods sold........................       141,973          218,759        (11,841)         (12,311)(b)    336,580
                                              -------------        --------    -------------  ---------------  -----------
  Gross profit..............................        22,763           10,224          2,024           12,311        47,322
  Selling, general and administrative
   expenses.................................        11,664           18,020           (891)             757(c)     29,550
                                              -------------        --------    -------------  ---------------  -----------
  Income from operations....................        11,099           (7,796)         2,915           11,554        17,772
  Other income (expense)....................            --              (64)            (4)              --           (68)
  Interest expense..........................         2,697               84           (155)          15,762(d)     18,388
                                              -------------        --------    -------------  ---------------  -----------
  Income (loss) before provision (benefit)
   for income taxes and extraordinary gain
   on early retirement of debt..............         8,402           (7,944)         3,066           (4,208)         (684)
  Provision (benefit) for income taxes......         3,658           (2,815)         1,334           (1,683)(e)        494
                                              -------------        --------    -------------  ---------------  -----------
  Net income (loss) before extraordinary
   gain on early retirement of debt.........   $     4,744     $     (5,129)     $   1,732      $    (2,525)    $  (1,178)
                                              -------------        --------    -------------  ---------------  -----------
                                              -------------        --------    -------------  ---------------  -----------
 
OTHER FINANCIAL DATA:
  EBITDA....................................   $    13,951     $     (1,978)     $   2,779      $    12,079     $  26,831
  Ratio of EBITDA to interest expense.......                             --             --               --          1.5x(f)
  Ratio of earnings to fixed charges........            --               --             --               --          1.0x(g)
  Depreciation and amortization.............   $     2,852     $      5,818      $    (136)     $       525     $   9,059
  Capital expenditures......................         4,281              456            (78)              --         4,659
 
OPERATING DATA:
  Corrugated Converting Operations:
    Million square feet sold................         2,629            4,607           (120)              --         7,116
    Average production per day (tons).......           967            1,759            (64)              --         2,662
    Plants at period end....................            12               16             (1)              --            27
 
  Ft. Madison Mill Operations:
    Tons sold...............................        58,982               --             --               --        58,982
    Average production per day (tons).......           214               --             --               --           214
</TABLE>
    
 
See accompanying notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Condensed Financial Data.
 
                                       32
<PAGE>
   
             UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED CONDENSED FINANCIAL DATA
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              TWELVE MONTHS
                                              TWELVE MONTHS       ENDED
                                               ENDED APRIL    MARCH 31, 1996
                                                30, 1996     ----------------  ADJUSTMENTS FOR
                                              -------------      ST. JOE          DISPOSED       ACQUISITION    PRO FORMA
                                                 FOUR M         CONTAINER       OPERATIONS(A)    ADJUSTMENTS    COMBINED
                                              -------------  ----------------  ---------------  -------------  -----------
<S>                                           <C>            <C>               <C>              <C>            <C>
SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS DATA:
  Net sales.................................    $ 223,007       $  315,506       $   (13,906)   $          --   $ 524,607
  Cost of goods sold........................      192,257          293,808           (14,536)         (19,350 (b)    452,179
                                              -------------       --------     ---------------  -------------  -----------
  Gross profit..............................       30,750           21,698               630           19,350      72,428
  Selling, general and administrative
   expenses.................................       15,557           23,578            (1,281)           1,009(c)     38,863
                                              -------------       --------     ---------------  -------------  -----------
  Income from operations....................       15,193           (1,880)            1,911           18,341      33,565
  Other income..............................          166            1,878             1,085               --       3,129
  Interest expense..........................        3,632              205              (205)          20,886(d)     24,518
                                              -------------       --------     ---------------  -------------  -----------
  Income (loss) before provision (benefit)
   for income taxes, minority interest and
   extraordinary gain on early retirement of
   debt.....................................       11,727             (207)            3,201           (2,545)     12,176
  Minority interest.........................         (146)              --                --               --        (146)
  Provision (benefit) for income taxes......        4,791              (73)            1,307           (1,018 (c)      5,007
                                              -------------       --------     ---------------  -------------  -----------
  Net income (loss) before extraordinary
   gain on early retirement of debt.........    $   6,790       $     (134)      $     1,894    $      (1,527)  $   7,023
                                              -------------       --------     ---------------  -------------  -----------
                                              -------------       --------     ---------------  -------------  -----------
OTHER FINANCIAL DATA:
  EBITDA....................................    $  19,300       $    5,894       $     1,753    $      19,041   $  45,988
  Ratio of EBITDA to interest expense.......                            --                --               --        1.9x(f)
  Ratio of earnings to fixed charges........                            --                --               --        1.5x(g)
  Depreciation and amortization.............    $   4,107       $    7,774       $      (158)   $         700   $  12,423
  Capital expenditures......................        5,021              470              (357)              --       5,134
OPERATING DATA:
  Corrugated Converting Operations:
    Million square feet sold................        3,476            6,284              (167)              --       9,593
    Average production per day (tons).......        1,080            1,705               (77)              --       2,708
    Plants at period end....................           12               16                (1)              --          27
  Ft. Madison Mill Operations:
    Tons sold...............................       77,586               --                --               --      77,586
    Average production per day (tons).......          213               --                --               --         213
</TABLE>
    
 
See accompanying notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Condensed Financial Data.
 
                                       33
<PAGE>
         NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED CONDENSED FINANCIAL DATA
 
   
(a) Reflects  elimination of the results of  operations of Fonda, which was spun
    off in March 1995, and  Flint, which will be closed  in 1996. The Pro  Forma
    Financial  Statements  do  not  give  effect  to  the  disposition  of three
    individually insignificant  converting facilities  which together  generated
    net sales, net income and EBITDA as follows:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        FISCAL YEAR
                                                           ENDED        NINE MONTHS     TWELVE MONTHS
                                                          JULY 31,         ENDED            ENDED
                                                            1995      APRIL 30, 1996   APRIL 30, 1996
                                                        ------------  ---------------  ---------------
                                                                    (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                     <C>           <C>              <C>
Net sales.............................................   $   17,211     $     1,398      $     4,910
Net income............................................          235              58             (368)
EBITDA................................................          908              78             (806)
</TABLE>
    
 
   
(b) Reflects  (i) cost  savings at the  acquired facilities based  on the Output
    Purchase  Agreement,   pursuant  to   which   the  Company   will   purchase
    approximately  250,000 tons of linerboard at a cost of $25 per ton below the
    price reported in PULP  & PAPER WEEK, subject  to a minimum purchase  price,
    which  minimum purchase  price is intended  to generate  sufficient funds to
    cover cash operating  costs, cash interest  expense and maintenance  capital
    expenditures; however, in the event such purchase price is adjusted pursuant
    to  the Output  Purchase Agreement, the  Company's costs of  goods sold will
    increase accordingly to reflect the impact of this increased purchase price,
    (ii) cost savings at the acquired facilities relating to the purchase by the
    Company of the remainder of its linerboard requirements at an average  price
    paid  by the Company, (iii) estimated  increased costs of providing benefits
    for hourly employees at the acquired facilities, (iv) reduced cost of  goods
    sold  resulting  from  the restatement  of  St. Joe  Container's  results of
    operations from  the  last-in  first-out ("LIFO")  method  to  the  first-in
    first-out  ("FIFO") method  and (v) increased  depreciation and amortization
    based upon the preliminary purchase price allocation of the Acquisition. The
    following table summarizes these adjustments:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             FISCAL YEAR    NINE MONTHS
                                                                ENDED          ENDED      TWELVE MONTHS
                                                               JULY 31,      APRIL 30,        ENDED
                                                                 1995          1996       APRIL 30, 1996
                                                             ------------  -------------  --------------
                                                                       (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                          <C>           <C>            <C>
Reduction in raw material prices to reflect the Output
 Purchase Agreement (1)....................................   $   (5,500)   $    (3,861)   $     (5,291)
Reduction in raw material prices to reflect prices paid by
 the Company (2)...........................................      (12,712)       (10,069)        (12,013)
Increase in cost of pension benefits to hourly employees...          639            479             639
Effect on cost of goods sold of change from
 LIFO to FIFO..............................................      (12,398)           615          (3,385)
Increase in depreciation expense resulting from preliminary
 purchase price allocation.................................          700            525             700
                                                             ------------  -------------  --------------
    Total adjustments......................................   $  (29,271)   $   (12,311)   $    (19,350)
                                                             ------------  -------------  --------------
                                                             ------------  -------------  --------------
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------
 
   
(1) For the twelve  months ended April  30, 1996,  on a pro  forma basis  giving
    effect  to the Output  Purchase Agreement, the  Company would have purchased
    linerboard from the Mill Joint  Venture at a cost of  $25 per ton below  the
    price reported in PULP & PAPER WEEK. However, there can be no assurance that
    the  purchase price  will not  have to be  increased pursuant  to the Output
    Purchase Agreement.
    
 
   
(2) Pursuant to  current vendor  agreements,  the Company  has the  capacity  to
    purchase  the remainder of its linerboard requirements at prices below those
    reported in PULP & PAPER WEEK.
    
 
                                       34
<PAGE>
(c) Reflects the elimination of corporate overhead charges allocated to St.  Joe
    Container  by  St.  Joe  Paper and  the  Company's  estimate  of incremental
    overhead expenses  that  will  be incurred  following  the  Acquisition,  as
    follows:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              FISCAL YEAR     NINE MONTHS     TWELVE MONTHS
                                                                 ENDED           ENDED            ENDED
                                                             JULY 31, 1995  APRIL 30, 1996   APRIL 30, 1996
                                                             -------------  ---------------  ---------------
                                                                         (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                          <C>            <C>              <C>
Reversal of St. Joe Container corporate charges............    $    (931)      $    (698)       $    (931)
Estimated incremental corporate overhead expense (1).......        1,940           1,455            1,940
                                                                  ------           -----           ------
                                                               $   1,009       $     757        $   1,009
                                                                  ------           -----           ------
                                                                  ------           -----           ------
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------
 
   
(1) Reflects hiring of additional personnel as a result of the Acquisition.
    
 
(d) Reflects  the elimination of historical interest expense and the addition of
    the interest  expense resulting  from the  pro forma  capitalization of  the
    Company, as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             FISCAL YEAR    NINE MONTHS
                                                                ENDED          ENDED      TWELVE MONTHS
                                                               JULY 31,      APRIL 30,        ENDED
                                                                 1995          1996       APRIL 30, 1996
                                                             ------------  -------------  --------------
                                                                       (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                          <C>           <C>            <C>
Notes at 12%...............................................   $   20,400     $  15,300      $   20,400
Credit Facility at an assumed rate of 8.5%.................        1,982         1,486           1,982
Existing indebtedness at weighted average interest rate of
 9.5%......................................................        1,256           942           1,256
                                                             ------------  -------------       -------
Cash interest expense......................................       23,638        17,728          23,638
Amortization of financing costs............................          880           660             880
                                                             ------------  -------------       -------
Pro forma interest expense.................................       24,518        18,388          24,518
Less historical interest expense...........................       (4,838)       (2,626)         (3,632)
                                                             ------------  -------------       -------
    Total adjustments......................................   $   19,680     $  15,762      $   20,886
                                                             ------------  -------------       -------
                                                             ------------  -------------       -------
</TABLE>
 
(e) Reflects  the  cumulative tax  effect  of the  pro  forma adjustments  at an
    effective rate of 40.0%.
 
(f) Interest expense  excludes  the  amortization  of  debt  issuance  costs  of
    $880,000,  $660,000 and  $880,000 for pro  forma Fiscal 1995,  the pro forma
    nine months ended April 30, 1996 and the pro forma twelve months ended April
    30, 1996, respectively.
 
(g) For purposes of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, earnings
    consist of  earnings (loss)  before provision  (benefit) for  income  taxes,
    minority  interest and extraordinary  gain on early  retirement of debt plus
    fixed charges,  and fixed  charges  consist of  interest expense  plus  that
    portion  of rental payments on operating leases deemed representative of the
    interest factor.
 
                                       35
<PAGE>
               MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
                      CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
GENERAL
 
    The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the
financial  statements of the Company and the notes thereto included elsewhere in
this Prospectus.
 
   
    The markets for corrugated packaging  materials produced by the Company  are
generally  subject to changes  in industry capacity and  cyclical changes in the
economy, both of which can significantly impact the Company's profitability. The
ability of the Company to sustain profitability during cyclical fluctuations  in
corrugating  packaging material markets is  dependent upon the Company's ability
to maintain value-added margins (net sales less the cost of raw materials).  For
corrugated  packaging material manufacturers,  raw materials typically represent
approximately 70.0% of the total cost of goods sold. The ability of the  Company
to  maintain  value-added margins  is a  function  of the  speed with  which the
Company can pass on  raw material cost increases  to its customers. The  Company
has  been able to sustain consistent value-added  margins on a unit basis. While
there can  be no  assurance that  the Company  will be  able to  maintain  these
value-added  margins, the Company believes that historically it has demonstrated
an ability to show growth and productivity despite changes in market conditions.
In addition, the Company also believes it has been able to mitigate raw material
price increases at its converting facilities by entering into several  long-term
supply  contracts. Income from operations for  the twelve months ended April 30,
1996, on a pro  forma basis, would  have had to  decline to approximately  $12.1
million from $33.6 million for the Company to be unable to meet its debt service
requirements.
    
 
   
    In addition to maintaining value-added margins, the Company has also focused
on  controlling  costs  through  maximum  utilization  of  available  production
capacity,  the  development  and   implementation  of  financial  controls   and
management  systems and minimization of waste. Direct costs of production at the
Company's converting facilities  have declined  on a  per unit  basis from  1992
through  the present. By controlling  costs and maintaining value-added margins,
together with adding to its manufacturing base through acquisitions completed in
a cost effective manner,  the Company has  been able to  increase its net  sales
from  $36.3 million in Fiscal 1985 to $272.0 million in Fiscal 1995, to increase
net income  from $0.7  million to  $13.0 million  over the  same period  and  to
increase EBITDA from $2.6 million to $25.4 million over the same period.
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                    NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                    FISCAL YEAR ENDED JULY 31,          APRIL 30,
                                                                  -------------------------------  --------------------
                                                                    1993       1994       1995       1995       1996
                                                                  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                               <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Corrugated Converting Operations:
  Square feet sold (millions)...................................      3,513      3,799      3,794      2,944      2,629
  Net sales (millions)..........................................  $   153.9  $   155.4  $   196.0  $   147.1  $   146.9
  Gross profit (millions).......................................       11.5       13.3       24.4       19.5       15.3
  Average price per thousand square feet sold...................      43.90      40.90      51.66      49.97      55.88
  Value-added margin per thousand square feet sold (1)..........      17.66      18.29      20.73      20.17      20.03
Ft. Madison Mill Operations:
  Tons sold.....................................................         --     38,029     75,872     57,267     58,982
  Net sales (millions)..........................................         --  $    11.3  $    33.6  $    24.2  $    17.8
  Gross profit (millions).......................................         --        0.1        9.0        6.0        7.5
  Average price per ton sold....................................         --     297.98     442.67     422.58     408.60
  Value-added margin per ton sold (1)...........................         --     198.30     313.12     300.71     308.14
Fonda:
  Net sales (millions)..........................................  $    61.1  $    61.8  $    42.4  $    42.4         --
  Gross profit (millions).......................................       11.2       10.1        6.4        6.4         --
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
(1)  Value-added margin represents net sales less the cost of raw materials.
 
RECENT PERFORMANCE
 
   
    For the three-month period ended July 31, 1996, the Company and the acquired
St.  Joe Container facilities have experienced a continued decline in prices for
their products as a result of a decline in industry-
    
 
                                       36
<PAGE>
   
wide demand during  this period. This  decline in  prices and demand  has had  a
negative  effect  on  certain  financial  results of  the  Company  and  St. Joe
Container. Since such period, the Company believes that prices for its  products
have stabilized.
    
 
   
    Pro  forma combined net loss and EBITDA of the Company and St. Joe Container
based on the three-month  period ended April  30, 1996 for  the Company and  the
three-month  period ended March 31, 1996 for St. Joe Container, which aggregated
$0.7 million and $3.5 million,  respectively, include all pro forma  adjustments
made  in  the Unaudited  Pro Forma  Combined  Condensed Financial  Data included
elsewhere herein.  The historical  financial statements  of St.  Joe  Container,
which  are being used as the basis  for the pro forma financial statements, were
negatively impacted by a $5.8 million  inventory devaluation primarily due to  a
decrease in the prices of St. Joe Container's linerboard. The pro forma combined
EBITDA  of the Company  and St. Joe  Container for the  three-month period ended
April 30, 1996 would  have been insufficient to  cover cash interest expense  by
$2.4 million.
    
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                     NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                FISCAL YEAR ENDED JULY 31,                               APRIL 30,
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------  ----------------------
                                  1993                    1994                                              1995
                         ----------------------  ----------------------            1995            ----------------------
                                       PERCENT                 PERCENT   ------------------------                PERCENT
                                       OF NET                  OF NET                 PERCENT OF                 OF NET
                           AMOUNT       SALES      AMOUNT       SALES      AMOUNT      NET SALES     AMOUNT       SALES
                         -----------  ---------  -----------  ---------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ---------
                                                              (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S>                      <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Net sales..............      $214.9       100.0%     $228.6       100.0%     $272.0        100.0 %     $213.7       100.0%
Cost of goods sold.....       192.2        89.5       205.0        89.7       232.2         85.4        181.9        85.1
                         -----------  ---------  -----------  ---------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ---------
Gross profit...........        22.7        10.5        23.6        10.3        39.8         14.6         31.8        14.9
Selling, general and
 administrative
 expenses..............        21.8        10.1        22.0         9.6        19.7          7.2         15.8         7.4
Income from
 operations............         0.9         0.4         1.6         0.7        20.1          7.4         16.0         7.5
Other income...........         3.7         1.7         0.1         0.1         2.0          0.7          1.8         0.8
Interest expense.......         5.0         2.3         5.5         2.4         5.6          2.1          4.7         2.2
                         -----------  ---------  -----------  ---------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ---------
Income (loss) before
 provision (benefit)
 for income taxes,
 minority interest and
 extraordinary gain on
 early retirement of
 debt..................        (0.4 )      (0.2)       (3.8 )      (1.6)       16.5          6.1         13.1         6.1
Provision (benefit) for
 income taxes..........         0.4         0.2        (0.3 )      (0.1)        5.5          2.0          4.4         2.0
                         -----------  ---------  -----------  ---------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ---------
Net income (loss)
 before minority
 interest and
 extraordinary gain on
 early retirement of
 debt..................      $ (0.8 )      (0.4)%     $ (3.5 )      (1.5)%     $ 11.0        4.1 %      $ 8.7        4.1%
                         -----------  ---------  -----------  ---------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ---------
                         -----------  ---------  -----------  ---------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ---------
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                  1996
                         ----------------------
                                       PERCENT
                                       OF NET
                           AMOUNT       SALES
                         -----------  ---------
 
<S>                      <C>          <C>
Net sales..............      $164.7       100.0%
Cost of goods sold.....       142.0        86.2
                         -----------  ---------
Gross profit...........        22.7        13.8
Selling, general and
 administrative
 expenses..............        11.7         7.1
Income from
 operations............        11.0         6.7
Other income...........          --          --
Interest expense.......         2.7         1.6
                         -----------  ---------
Income (loss) before
 provision (benefit)
 for income taxes,
 minority interest and
 extraordinary gain on
 early retirement of
 debt..................         8.3         5.1
Provision (benefit) for
 income taxes..........         3.6         2.2
                         -----------  ---------
Net income (loss)
 before minority
 interest and
 extraordinary gain on
 early retirement of
 debt..................       $ 4.7        2.9%
                         -----------  ---------
                         -----------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
NINE MONTHS ENDED APRIL 30, 1996 COMPARED TO NINE MONTHS ENDED APRIL 30, 1995
 
   
    The Company's net sales decreased $49.0 million, or 22.9%, to $164.7 million
for the nine months ended April 30, 1996 compared to net sales of $213.7 million
for the nine months ended April 30, 1995. Net sales for the Company's converting
operations decreased $0.2 million, or 0.1%, to $146.9 million in the nine months
ended  April 30, 1996 compared to $147.1  million in the nine months ended April
30, 1995 primarily as a result of  a 10.7% decrease in volume of million  square
feet  sold  of  2,944 square  feet  sold to  2,629  square feet  sold  which was
partially offset by a 11.8% increase  in average price per thousand square  feet
sold  to $55.88 from  $49.97. Net sales  at the Ft.  Madison Mill decreased $6.4
million, or 26.4%, to  $17.8 million for  the nine months  ended April 30,  1996
from  $24.2 million  for the  nine months  ended April  30, 1995  due to  a 3.3%
decrease in  price per  ton sold  to $408.60  from $422.58  which was  partially
offset  by a 3.0% increase in volume to  58,982 tons sold from 57,267 tons sold.
The decreases in net sales for  the Company's converting operations and the  Ft.
Madison  Mill were affected by the elimination  of net sales generated by Fonda,
which accounted for $42.4 million,  or 19.8%, of net  sales for the nine  months
ended April 30, 1995, and the
    
 
                                       37
<PAGE>
elimination  of eight months of net sales produced by Timberline Packaging, Inc.
("Timberline"), a  converting facility  which accounted  for $10.1  million,  or
4.7%,  of net sales  for the nine months  ended April 30,  1995 compared to $1.2
million, or 1.0%, for the nine months ended April 30, 1996. The Company spun off
Fonda in March 1995 and sold its 67.0% interest in Timberline in August 1995.
 
    The Company's cost of goods sold as  a percentage of net sales increased  to
86.2%  for the nine  months ended April 30,  1996 from 85.1%  in the nine months
ended April 30, 1995. Cost of goods sold at the Company's converting  operations
increased  as a percentage of net sales to  89.6% in the nine months ended April
30, 1996 from  86.7% for the  nine months ended  April 30, 1995  primarily as  a
result  of a shift in product mix for the nine months ended April 30, 1996. Cost
of goods sold at the Ft. Madison Mill decreased as a percentage of net sales  to
68.9%  for the nine months  ended April 30, 1996 from  75.2% for the nine months
ended April 30, 1995  primarily as a  result of a  2.5% increase in  value-added
margins per ton to $308.4 from $300.17.
 
    Gross profit decreased $9.1 million, or 28.5%, to $22.8 million for the nine
months  ended April 30, 1996 from $31.9  million for the nine months ended April
30, 1995. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit decreased to 13.8% for  the
nine  months ended April  30, 1996 compared  to 14.9% for  the nine months ended
April 30, 1995.  Gross profit as  a percentage  of net sales  for the  Company's
converting  operations decreased  to 10.4% for  the nine months  ended April 30,
1996 compared to 13.3% for the nine months ended April 30, 1995. Gross profit as
a percentage of net  sales for the  Ft. Madison Mill increased  to 31.1% in  the
nine  months ended April  30, 1996 compared  to 24.8% for  the nine months ended
April 30, 1995.
 
    Selling, general  and administrative  expenses  decreased $4.1  million,  or
26.0%,  to $11.7  million for the  nine months  ended April 30,  1996 from $15.8
million for the nine months  ended April 30, 1995 primarily  as a result of  the
elimination   of  Fonda's  expenses  after  March  1995.  Selling,  general  and
administrative expenses as a percentage of  net sales decreased to 7.1% for  the
nine  months ended April 30, 1996 from 7.4%  for the nine months ended April 30,
1995.
 
    Operating income decreased $4.9 million, or 31.0%, to $11.1 million for  the
nine  months ended April 30,  1996 from $16.0 million  for the nine months ended
April 30, 1995. This decrease  was net of a  $5.9 million decrease in  operating
income for the Company's converting operations between the two periods primarily
as a result of the disposition of Fonda and Timberline.
 
   
    For the nine months ended April 30, 1996, other income represented a gain on
disposed assets of $1.8 million, while for the nine-month period ended April 30,
1996, there was no corresponding activity.
    
 
   
    Income  taxes decreased  $0.7 million  to $3.7  million for  the nine months
ended April 30, 1996 compared  to $4.4 million for  the nine months ended  April
30,  1995. This decrease  in the provision  for income taxes  was related to the
decrease in income before taxes.
    
 
FISCAL 1995 COMPARED TO FISCAL 1994
 
    The Company's net sales increased $43.4 million, or 19.0%, to $272.0 million
in Fiscal 1995  compared to $228.6  million in  Fiscal 1994. Net  sales for  the
Company's  converting operations  increased $40.6  million, or  26.1%, to $196.0
million in Fiscal 1995 compared to $155.4 million in Fiscal 1994 primarily as  a
result  of an increase in average price  per thousand square feet sold to $51.66
in Fiscal 1995 from $40.90 in  Fiscal 1994 with volume remaining virtually  flat
at  3,794 million square feet  sold compared to 3,799  million square feet sold.
Net sales at the Ft. Madison Mill  increased $22.3 million, or 197.3%, to  $33.6
million  in Fiscal 1995 compared to $11.3  million in Fiscal 1994 primarily as a
result of  net  sales  in  Fiscal  1994 reflecting  only  five  full  months  of
operations of the Ft. Madison Mill, which was acquired by the Company in January
1994,  and by  a 48.6%  rise in the  average price  per ton  sold of corrugating
medium to $442.67 in Fiscal 1995 from $297.98 in Fiscal 1994. Volume at the  Ft.
Madison  Mill increased to 75,872 tons sold in Fiscal 1995 from 38,029 tons sold
in Fiscal 1994. The increase in net sales from the Company's converting and mill
operations was partially  offset by a  decrease of $19.4  million, or 31.4%,  in
Fonda's  net sales to $42.4 million in  Fiscal 1995 from $61.8 million in Fiscal
1994, resulting from the elimination of four months of operations following  the
spin-off of Fonda in March 1995.
 
                                       38
<PAGE>
    The  Company's cost of goods  sold as a percentage  of net sales improved to
85.4% in Fiscal 1995 compared to 89.7% in  Fiscal 1994. Cost of goods sold as  a
percentage of net sales at the Company's converting facilities improved to 87.1%
in  Fiscal 1995 compared to 91.2% in Fiscal 1994. This improvement was primarily
a result of a decrease in labor costs to 10.3% of net sales in Fiscal 1995  from
13.8%  of net sales in  Fiscal 1994 and reductions  in other major components of
manufacturing costs  as a  percentage of  net sales.  Cost of  goods sold  as  a
percentage of net sales at the Ft. Madison Mill improved to 73.2% in Fiscal 1995
from  99.1% of net sales for the initial five months of ownership ended July 31,
1994. The improved performance at the Ft. Madison Mill was primarily a result of
improved value-added margins which resulted  from the 48.6% increase in  average
price per ton sold of corrugating medium partially offset by a 24.7% increase in
raw  material costs  per ton  sold. Manufacturing  costs per  ton (excluding raw
materials used at  the Ft. Madison  Mill) decreased  to $169 per  ton in  Fiscal
1995, or 1.7%, from $172 per ton sold in Fiscal 1994.
 
    Gross  profit increased $16.3 million, or  69.4%, to $39.8 million in Fiscal
1995 from $23.5 million in Fiscal 1994,  primarily as a result of the  reduction
in  the cost  of goods sold  as a  percentage of net  sales to  85.4% from 89.7%
during this period. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales for the  Company's
converting  operations increased  to 12.4%  in Fiscal  1995 compared  to 8.8% in
Fiscal 1994. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales for the Ft. Madison  Mill
improved to 26.8% in Fiscal 1995 compared to 0.9% in Fiscal 1994.
 
    Selling,  general  and administrative  expenses  decreased $2.3  million, or
10.5%, to $19.7 million in Fiscal 1995 from $22.0 million in Fiscal 1994 due, in
part, to the elimination of Fonda's expenses subsequent to March 1995.  Selling,
general  and administrative expenses as  a percentage of net  sales were 7.2% in
Fiscal 1995  compared to  9.6% in  Fiscal 1994.  This decrease  was primarily  a
result  of a reduction in  certain selling, legal, insurance  and other costs at
the Company's converting facilities.
 
    Operating income increased  $18.6 million  to $20.1 million  in Fiscal  1995
from  $1.5 million  in Fiscal  1994. This increase  was attributable  to a 26.1%
increase in  net  sales in  the  Company's  converting operations  and  a  13.2%
improvement  in value-added margin  for the Company's  converting operations, as
well as  a reduction  in overall  selling, general  and administrative  expenses
primarily as a result of the exclusion of Fonda after March 1995.
 
   
    Other  income increased $1.8 million to $1.9 million in Fiscal 1995 compared
to $0.1 million in Fiscal 1994. This increase  was due to a gain on the sale  of
the assets of the Company's fiber partitions division.
    
 
   
    Income  taxes increased $5.8 million to $5.5 million in Fiscal 1995 compared
to a tax  benefit in Fiscal  1994 of  $0.3 million. This  increase was  directly
related to the change in income before taxes.
    
 
FISCAL 1994 COMPARED TO FISCAL 1993
 
    The  Company's net sales increased $13.7 million, or 6.4%, to $228.6 million
in Fiscal 1994  compared to $214.9  million in  Fiscal 1993. Net  sales for  the
Company's  converting  operations increased  $1.5  million, or  1.0%,  to $155.4
million in Fiscal 1994 from $153.9 million in Fiscal 1993 primarily as a  result
of  an 8.1%  increase in  volume to  3,799 million  square feet  sold from 3,513
million square feet sold, partially offset  by a 6.6% decrease in average  price
per  thousand  square feet  sold to  $40.90  from $43.90.  The Ft.  Madison Mill
generated $11.3 million in net sales in its five months of operations in  Fiscal
1994.  Net sales from Fonda remained relatively  flat at $61.8 million in Fiscal
1994 compared to $61.1 million in Fiscal 1993.
 
    Cost of goods sold as a percentage of net sales increased to 89.7% in Fiscal
1994 compared to 89.4% in Fiscal 1993. Cost of goods sold as a percentage of net
sales for the Company's converting facilities  declined 1.1% to 91.2% in  Fiscal
1994  from 92.5% in Fiscal 1993. This  reduction was primarily a result of lower
raw material costs, which declined to 55.3% of net sales in Fiscal 1994 compared
to 59.8% of net sales in Fiscal 1993, partially offset by increases in  freight,
direct  and indirect expenses. Value-added margin  per thousand square feet sold
improved 3.6% to $18.29 in Fiscal 1994 from $17.66 in Fiscal 1993. Cost of goods
sold as a percentage  of net sales at  the Ft. Madison Mill  were 99.0% for  the
five  months of operations in Fiscal 1994 which followed the purchase of the Ft.
Madison Mill out of  bankruptcy by the  Company in January  1994. Cost of  goods
sold as a percentage of net sales at Fonda were 83.6% in Fiscal 1994 compared to
81.6% in Fiscal 1993.
 
                                       39
<PAGE>
    Gross  profit increased  $0.9 million, or  4.0%, to $23.6  million in Fiscal
1994 from $22.7  million in Fiscal  1993. Gross  profit as a  percentage of  net
sales  for the Company's converting operations  increased to 8.8% in Fiscal 1994
compared to 7.5% in Fiscal 1993. Gross  profit as a percentage of net sales  for
the Ft. Madison Mill was 0.9% in Fiscal 1994.
 
    Selling,  general  and administrative  expenses  increased $0.2  million, or
0.9%, to  $22.0  million in  Fiscal  1994 from  $21.8  million in  Fiscal  1993.
Selling,  general  and  administrative expenses  as  a percentage  of  net sales
decreased to  9.6%  in  Fiscal 1994  compared  to  10.1% in  Fiscal  1993.  This
reduction was primarily a result of a constant amount paid for expenses compared
to increased sales volume.
 
    Operating income increased $0.6 million, or 66.7%, to $1.5 million in Fiscal
1994  from $0.9 million in Fiscal 1993. This increase was attributable to a 1.0%
increase in  net  sales  attributable to  the  Company's  converting  operations
combined  with a  3.8% improvement in  value-added margin partially  offset by a
reduction in gross profit attributable to Fonda.
 
   
    Other income decreased $3.6 million to $0.1 million in Fiscal 1994  compared
to  $3.7 million in Fiscal  1993. This decrease was  primarily attributable to a
gain on a disposition of assets of $3.9 million in Fiscal 1993.
    
 
   
    Income taxes decreased $0.8 million to  $0.3 million benefit in Fiscal  1994
compared  to $0.5 million in  Fiscal 1993. This increase  is directly related to
the decrease in income before taxes.
    
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
    Historically, the Company has relied on cash flows from operations and  bank
borrowing to finance its working capital requirements and capital expenditures.
 
    Net  cash provided by  operating activities for the  nine months ended April
30, 1996 was $7.3 million compared to  net cash used in operating activities  of
$5.1 million for the nine months ended April 30, 1995. Cash provided in the nine
months  ended April 30,  1996 was driven by  net income of  $4.7 million for the
period and a  $3.2 million  reduction in the  level of  accounts receivable  and
inventory  which was offset by a $4.1  million reduction in accounts payable and
accrued liabilities. Net cash provided by operating activities was $4.8  million
for  Fiscal 1994  compared to $2.2  million net  cash used for  Fiscal 1995. The
period-to-period change was  due primarily  to the  net changes  related to  the
exclusion of Fonda after March 1995.
 
    Net  cash used by investing activities was  $2.7 million for the nine months
ended April 30, 1996 compared  to $1.2 million for  the nine months ended  April
30,  1995. The Company's net cash used by investing activities decreased to $2.0
million in Fiscal 1995  compared to $9.1 million  for Fiscal 1994. The  decrease
was  principally the result of the acquisition by the Company in January 1994 of
three converting facilities and the Ft. Madison Mill for $5.3 million (the  "CPC
Acquisition").
 
    Capital  expenditures for  the nine  months ended  April 30,  1996 were $4.3
million compared  to $2.9  million for  the nine  months ended  April 30,  1995.
Capital  expenditures for Fiscal 1995 were $3.7 million compared to $3.9 million
in  Fiscal  1994.  Estimated  capital  expenditures  for  Fiscal  1996  will  be
approximately $7.5 million.
 
    Following the Acquisition, the Company plans to implement a targeted capital
expenditure  program  with  annual capital  expenditures  totaling approximately
$10.0 million to $15.0 million for  Fiscal 1997. The Company intends to  finance
capital expenditures primarily through operating cash flow.
 
    Net  cash used in financing  activities was $3.9 million  in the nine months
ended April 30, 1996  compared to net cash  provided by financing activities  of
$5.1  million in the nine months ended April 30, 1995. For Fiscal 1995, net cash
provided by financing activities totaled $3.5 million and additional  borrowings
were used in part to pay $8.6 million of subordinated debt. Net cash provided by
financing activities for Fiscal 1994 totaled $5.2 million. In addition to normal
capital  expenditures, additional  borrowings in Fiscal  1994 were  used to fund
acquisitions, primarily the CPC Acquisition.
 
                                       40
<PAGE>
    The Company had  a $35.0  million bank  credit facility  consisting of  term
loans  and revolving credit  facilities. As of  April 30, 1996,  the Company had
unused availability of  approximately $14.1  million. On November  1, 1995,  the
Company  increased its approved credit under the bank credit facility from $31.0
million to $35.0 million.
 
   
    On May 30, 1996, the Company established a Credit Facility which will mature
in 2001. The Credit Facility provides total borrowing of up to $80.0 million  on
a  revolving  basis,  subject  to borrowing  base  limitations,  to  finance the
Company's working capital needs. Unused  borrowing base availability must be  at
least  $5.0 million. On May 30, 1996,  the Company had unused borrowing capacity
of approximately $33.4 million under the Credit Facility excluding any  purchase
price  adjustments. Pursuant to  the Credit Facility, the  Company is subject to
certain affirmative and  negative covenants customarily  found in agreements  of
this  type, including, without  limitation, covenants that  restrict, subject to
specified exceptions  (i) mergers,  consolidations, asset  sales or  changes  in
capital  structure, (ii) creation or acquisition of subsidiaries, (iii) purchase
or redemption  of the  Company's  capital stock  or  declaration or  payment  of
dividends  or distributions on such capital stock, (iv) incurrence of additional
indebtedness,  (v)  investment  activities,  (vi)  capital  expenditures,  (vii)
granting  or incurrence of liens to secure other indebtedness, (viii) prepayment
or modification of the terms of subordinated indebtedness and (ix)  transactions
with  affiliates. In  addition, the  Credit Facility  requires that  the Company
maintain certain specified financial covenants, including, without limitation, a
minimum tangible net worth, a minimum interest coverage ratio, a maximum  funded
debt to EBITDA ratio and a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio. See "Description
of  Credit Facility." In addition, the Company will provide, if needed, the Mill
Joint Venture  with  up to  $10.0  million  of subordinated  indebtedness  on  a
revolving credit basis.
    
 
   
    On  November 1,  1995, the  Company entered  into the  Acquisition Agreement
pursuant to which on May 30, 1996 (i) the Company acquired substantially all  of
the assets of St. Joe Container and (ii) the Mill Joint Venture acquired the St.
Joe  Mill. The  purchase price  for the St.  Joe Container  facilities was $87.8
million for  the fixed  assets,  plus approximately  $69.7 million  for  working
capital, for a total purchase price of $157.5 million, subject to adjustment for
changes  in working capital described herein. The purchase price for the St. Joe
Mill was $185.0 million for the  fixed assets, plus approximately $17.4  million
for  working capital, for a  total purchase price of  $202.4 million, subject to
adjustment for changes in working capital described herein. The Company acquired
a 50.0% equity interest in the Mill Joint Venture for $5.0 million dollars.  The
Acquisition  was funded by  the sale of  the Old Notes  and borrowings under the
Credit Facility.
    
 
   
    Following the  Acquisition,  the Company  believes  that cash  generated  by
operations,  combined with amounts available under  the Credit Facility, will be
sufficient to meet its capital expenditure needs, debt service requirements  and
working capital needs for the next twelve months.
    
 
IMPACT OF INFLATION
 
    A  period of rising prices will affect the Company's cost of production and,
in particular, the Company's raw material costs. Since the Company's business is
a margin business, the impact of increased costs on the Company will depend upon
the Company's ability to  pass on such  costs to its  customers. The Company  is
typically  able to pass on  a significant portion of  its increased raw material
costs in a timely fashion. From time to time, however, there is a lag in passing
on price adjustments which  creates a temporary margin  contraction in a  rising
price environment. Historically, the Company has been able to recover fully from
the impact of rising prices over a short period of time.
 
                                       41
<PAGE>
                               INDUSTRY OVERVIEW
 
    The  corrugated container is  unrivaled in most  industrial applications for
providing an economical and  safe means of  transporting products. In  addition,
corrugated  containers are increasingly utilized as an integrated transportation
and marketing device  in the form  of point-of-sale displays.  According to  the
Fibre  Box Association, the  corrugated container industry  generated revenue of
$19.6 billion in 1995. The major  end-use markets for corrugated containers  are
food,  beverage and agricultural products,  paper and fiber products, petroleum,
petrochemical resins, plastics and rubber products, glass and metal  containers,
electronic products and electrical and other machinery.
 
    Corrugated  sheet, consisting of  linerboard and corrugating  medium, is the
principal raw  material  used  in  the  manufacture  of  corrugated  containers.
Linerboard  provides  the strength  component of  a container  while corrugating
medium  provides  rigidity.  Corrugating  medium  is  fluted  and  laminated  to
linerboard  to produce corrugated  sheets. The sheets  are subsequently printed,
cut, folded and glued  to produce finished  corrugated containers or  corrugated
partitions.  Over  90.0% of  the corrugated  containers produced  are unbleached
kraft products. However corrugated containers produced from bleached  linerboard
(mottled  white or white-top) have recently experienced increasing demand due to
the increased  use of  graphics in  displays for  fresh produce,  office  paper,
electronic   devices,  office   equipment,  household  goods,   bins  and  other
point-of-sale displays. Mottled  white containers  generally sell  at a  premium
over  unbleached kraft, in  part to cover  the higher costs  associated with the
bleaching process.
 
    There are  generally  three types  of  corrugated container  plants:  feeder
plants  that combine  linerboard with  corrugating medium  to produce corrugated
sheets; sheet plants that convert the  corrugated sheets supplied by the  feeder
plants  into finished  corrugated containers  with printed  graphics; and large,
integrated corrugator  plants  that  perform  both  functions.  Most  corrugated
container  plants generally run jobs to an individual customer's specifications,
necessitating a carefully managed process of machine set up between each job  to
meet production schedules. The increased use of automation has greatly decreased
the  amount  of downtime  during the  production  process, thereby  allowing for
increased operating efficiencies.
 
    Target customers for corrugated containers fall into two general categories:
national and  local.  National  accounts seek  suppliers  with  wide  geographic
coverage  that  can service  most of  their  locations with  long run,  low cost
products. Local  accounts place  a high  priority on  assurance of  supply on  a
timely  or  as needed  basis.  Both types  of  customers are  price  and quality
conscious, and place a strong emphasis on the ability of their supplier to  meet
their product need and delivery time requirements.
 
    Shipping costs and customer service obligations require corrugated container
plants  to be located  relatively close to  customers. Each corrugated container
plant typically services a  market within a  150 mile radius  of the plant,  and
employs  its  own sales  force  which sells  and  services accounts  within this
geographic area. Corrugated containers generally  are delivered by truck due  to
the  large number of customers and demand  for timely service. The dispersion of
customers and the high bulk and  low density and value of corrugated  containers
make shipping costs a relatively high percentage of total costs.
 
    According  to the Fibre Box  Association, shipments of corrugated containers
have increased at a compound annual rate  of 3.0% since 1970. Shipments in  1995
declined  approximately  0.6%  from 1994  to  372.5 billion  square  feet, after
experiencing  increases  of  4.9%,  5.4%  and  6.0%  in  1992,  1993  and  1994,
respectively.  The  decline in  1995 represents  the  seventh decline  in annual
shipments in the  past 26  years; only once  during this  period have  shipments
declined in successive years (1974-1975).
 
                                       42
<PAGE>
                                    [CHART]
Description of the chart is a bar graph depicting corrugated container shipments
in billions of square feet from 1970 through 1995 starting with approximately
175 billion square feet in 1970 to approximately 375 billion square feet in
1995.
 
                     Source: Fibre Box Association
 
    Corrugated  container plant  profits are  dependent on  the ability  to pass
through the  cost  of  linerboard  and on  the  maintenance  of  high  operating
efficiencies. For corrugated container manufacturers, linerboard and corrugating
medium  typically represent  approximately 70.0%  of total  cost of  goods sold.
Manufacturers of  corrugated containers  are generally  able to  respond to  raw
material  price increases from  suppliers by increasing  product prices to their
customers. Conversely,  when  raw  material prices  are  reduced  by  suppliers,
corrugated  container  manufacturers  must  decrease  product  prices  to remain
competitive. Converting  margins  are  typically  best  during  weak  linerboard
markets  when manufacturers of corrugated containers  are able to purchase their
raw materials  at lower  prices. The  success of  a corrugated  container  plant
operation  depends on, among  other factors: (i)  efficient low-cost operations,
(ii) operation at or near full  capacity, (iii) careful management of  inventory
levels,  (iv) access to reasonably priced  linerboard and corrugating medium and
(v) ability to respond quickly and profitably to customer needs.
 
                                    [CHART]
Description of the chart is a graph of linerboard and corrugated container price
trends in dollars per ton from the first quarter of 1990 to the fourth quarter
of 1995 in quarterly increments. The graph tracks the dollars per ton of each of
(i) corrugated containers, (ii) linerboard, and (iii) the difference between (i)
and (ii). In the first quarter of 1990, corrugated containers were approximately
$620 per ton, linerboard was approximately $390 per ton and the difference was
approximately $230 per ton. In the last quarter of 1995, corrugated containers
were approximately $780 per ton, linerboard was approximately $550 per ton and
the difference was approximately $290 per ton.
 
                     Source: Pulp & Paper Forecaster
 
                                       43
<PAGE>
                                    BUSINESS
 
THE COMPANY
 
   
    Four M Corporation, which  operates under the trade  name Box USA,  believes
that  it is one of the largest independent full-service converters of corrugated
packaging materials  in North  America. The  Company operates  28  strategically
located  converting facilities, which  sold 9.6 billion  square feet of finished
corrugated containers,  partitions and  sheets during  the twelve  months  ended
April  30, 1996. The  Company has developed  and maintains longstanding customer
relationships with leading consumer  products and packaging companies  including
Anchor  Glass, Avon,  Clorox, Owens Illinois  and Procter &  Gamble. The Company
also owns and operates a paper mill  at Ft. Madison, Iowa which produced  77,710
tons  of corrugating medium during the twelve  months ended April 30, 1996, most
of which was sold to third parties. For the twelve months ended April 30,  1996,
the  Company generated net sales  of $223.0 million, net  income of $6.8 million
and EBITDA of $19.3 million.
    
 
   
    On May 30, 1996, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of St.
Joe Container, which consisted primarily of 16 converting facilities and related
working capital. The Acquisition more than doubled the size of the Company to 28
converting  facilities  which  sold  10.0  billion  square  feet  of  corrugated
packaging  materials in 1995. The Company  and St. Joe Container utilize similar
manufacturing equipment and production processes, and the two businesses operate
with  minimal   geographic  redundancy   and  no   material  customer   overlap.
Accordingly,  the Company believes that the Acquisition creates opportunities to
pursue continued growth in its business, utilize its purchasing power to achieve
reductions in  raw material  costs, improve  productivity and  reduce  operating
expenses.  For the twelve  months ended April  30, 1996, after  giving pro forma
effect to the Acquisition, the Company would have generated net sales of  $524.6
million,  net income of $7.0 million and EBITDA of $46.0 million. See "Unaudited
Pro Forma Combined Condensed Financial Data."
    
 
    The Company was founded in 1966 as a manufacturer of corrugated  partitions.
From  a single partition plant, the  Company expanded initially through internal
growth and later  through 11  separate acquisitions  involving 17  manufacturing
facilities.  These strategic acquisitions have allowed the Company to (i) supply
its partition  plants  with lower-cost  corrugated  sheets for  conversion  into
interior   packaging  components,  (ii)  capture  a  portion  of  its  partition
customers' corrugated container business and  (iii) diversify its customer  base
to  include a  broader variety of  users of corrugated  packaging materials. The
Company has historically targeted distressed properties and undermanaged  assets
to  which the Company  could significantly improve  profitability. The Company's
ability to target  and integrate  acquisitions successfully is  reflected in  an
increase in average revenue per plant from $9.0 million in 1991 to $15.1 million
in  1995 while average annual production per  plant has grown from 201.7 million
square feet to 291.8 million square feet over the same period.
 
    The Company's strategy  is to  enhance its position  as one  of the  largest
independent  full-service converters of corrugated  packaging materials in North
America. Fundamental elements of the Company's strategy include:
 
       -providing a full line of high-quality products
       -capitalizing  on   the   Company's  significant   raw   materials
        purchasing power
       -implementing    cost-reduction   manufacturing   techniques   and
        operating efficiency programs
       -responding quickly to customer needs and offering high levels  of
        customer service
       -expanding  the  Company's  penetration of  national  accounts and
        increasing the Company's share of existing customers' business
 
    One of the Company's competitive  advantages is its long-term  relationships
with  many customers, some  of which have  been maintained for  over 25 years. A
second feature  which distinguishes  the  Company from  its competitors  is  the
significant  relationships it has established with its containerboard suppliers.
The Company
 
                                       44
<PAGE>
believes that  it is  the largest  customer of  its three  primary raw  material
suppliers. As one of the largest purchasers of linerboard and corrugating medium
in  the industry,  the Company believes  that it  has been able  to purchase raw
materials at prices substantially below those reported in PULP & PAPER WEEK.
 
THE ACQUISITION
 
    Historically, the St. Joe  Container facilities were  operated as a  captive
outlet  for linerboard  produced by the  St. Joe Mill.  Because these facilities
represented only a small portion of the operations of St. Joe Paper, the Company
believes that  maximization of  revenues and  profitability of  St. Joe  Paper's
container  operations was not  a primary priority of  prior management. Based on
its experience in  integrating acquisitions,  the Company believes  that it  can
successfully  integrate  the St.  Joe Container  facilities and  improve overall
productivity and profitability by (i) increasing revenues through utilization of
available capacity, (ii) capitalizing on the Company's raw materials  purchasing
leverage and (iii) enhancing productivity and reducing operating expenses.
 
INCREASING REVENUES
 
    The Company has built its business through internal growth and opportunistic
acquisitions. The Company's strategy has resulted in (i) geographic expansion of
its  operations, (ii)  new product offerings  which have allowed  the Company to
attract new customers and capture an increasing share of its existing customers'
business and (iii) vertical integration of the Company's converting operations.
 
   
    The Acquisition enabled the Company to increase its geographic coverage from
nine to 17 states. As a result, the Company is able to serve new markets in  the
Midwest,  Mid-Atlantic  and  the  faster  growing  Southeast.  While  corrugated
packaging plants typically serve customers within a 150-mile radius, the Company
is generally able to extend  its service area to  a radius of approximately  250
miles. The Company believes that improved operating efficiencies have enabled it
to  overcome any  incremental freight costs  associated with  its larger trading
areas.
    
 
    The Company  believes  that  the Acquisition,  by  expanding  the  Company's
geographic  coverage,  will  particularly  benefit  its  national  account sales
program by  enabling  it to  serve  national  accounts from  St.  Joe  Container
facilities  in markets not previously covered  by the Company. National accounts
comprise approximately 18.1%  of net sales  for the Company  in Fiscal 1995.  In
addition,  the Company strives to operate  its corrugator plants at three shifts
per day, five  days per  week rather  than the two  shifts, five  days per  week
operation  of the  St. Joe Container  facilities. The Company  believes that the
addition of a  third shift  at the St.  Joe Container  facilities will  increase
aggregate  production at  these facilities  by approximately  50.0%. The Company
intends to  utilize  available capacity  to  increase production  of  corrugated
sheets  to supply sheet plants owned by third parties in the vicinity of the St.
Joe Container facilities.
 
    The Company  also believes  that the  Acquisition will  further improve  the
vertical  integration  of  the  Company's  converting  operations.  The  Company
anticipates that the  15 additional  corrugator plants operated  by the  Company
after  the Acquisition will  produce corrugated sheets for  use at other Company
facilities, reducing  the dependence  of the  Company on  external suppliers  of
corrugated  sheets. The Company may also  pursue acquisitions of sheet plants in
areas contiguous to its existing operations in order to maintain outlets for its
production of corrugated sheets.
 
CAPITALIZING ON RAW MATERIALS PURCHASING LEVERAGE
 
   
    Historically, the St. Joe Container facilities purchased linerboard from the
St. Joe Mill  at the prices  reported in PULP  & PAPER WEEK,  an industry  trade
publication.  As one  of the  largest purchasers  of linerboard  and corrugating
medium in the industry, the Company believes  that it has been able to  purchase
raw materials at prices substantially below those reported in PULP & PAPER WEEK.
Based  on the Company's average  raw materials prices paid  during 1995, St. Joe
Container's net income and EBITDA for 1995, after giving pro forma effect to the
Acquisition, would have increased by approximately $15.9 million. See "Unaudited
Pro Forma Combined Condensed Financial Data."
    
 
                                       45
<PAGE>
ENHANCING PRODUCTIVITY AND REDUCING OPERATING EXPENSES
 
    The Company has improved profitability by focusing on maximum utilization of
available production capacity,  minimization of  waste and  the development  and
implementation  of financial controls  and management systems.  In addition, the
Company believes that it can eliminate certain duplicative functions and achieve
efficiencies  in  manufacturing,   administration  and   sales  and   marketing.
Furthermore,  the Company  believes that  it can  reduce manufacturing  costs by
reducing waste at the St. Joe Container facilities.
 
OPERATIONS
 
    The Company operates  three types of  converting facilities: (i)  corrugator
plants  which convert linerboard  and corrugating medium  into corrugated sheets
and then convert the sheets into corrugated containers, (ii) sheet or  specialty
container  plants which receive corrugated  sheets from the Company's corrugator
plants or  external suppliers  and then  manufacture corrugated  containers  and
displays  and (iii)  partition plants which  receive corrugated  sheets from the
Company's corrugator plants  or external  sources and  make corrugated  interior
packaging  components.  The  Company  also  owns  a  paper  mill  which produces
corrugating medium primarily for sale to third parties.
 
CORRUGATORS
 
    The Company believes that it is one of the largest independent  full-service
converters  of corrugated containers in North America. The Company operates five
corrugator plants located  in the Midwest,  the Southeast and  California. As  a
result  of  the Acquisition,  the Company  currently  operates an  additional 15
full-service corrugators  located in  the Southeast,  Midwest, Mid-Atlantic  and
Texas.  The  Company supplies  corrugated containers  to national,  regional and
local accounts,  which  include  companies  in  the  food,  household  products,
cosmetics,   personal  care,  beverage,  pharmaceutical,  electrical  and  other
machinery,  and  high-tech  industries.  The  Company's  corrugator  plants  are
value-added container manufacturers as well as suppliers of corrugated sheets to
the Company's and third-parties' sheet and partition plants.
 
    During  Fiscal 1995, the Company's  corrugator plants produced approximately
4.1 billion square feet of  corrugated sheets, of which  61.2% were used in  the
Company's plants and the remaining 38.8% were sold to third parties. The Company
supplied  approximately 88.7% of  its own corrugated  sheet requirements in 1995
and purchased the remaining 11.3% in the marketplace from third parties.
 
    The Company's corrugators convert mottled white linerboard, unbleached kraft
linerboard and corrugating medium into corrugated sheets and containers. Mottled
white containers are generally sold at a premium over kraft containers; however,
the premium tends to cover the  higher cost of mottled white linerboard  without
increasing operating margins at the container facilities. Approximately 89.9% of
the  corrugated materials produced  in these facilities  in Fiscal 1995 required
unbleached kraft  linerboard  and the  remaining  10.1% required  mottled  white
linerboard.
 
SHEET PLANTS
 
    The   Company's  sheet  plants  convert  corrugated  sheets  into  specialty
containers and point-of-sale displays. The  Company operates one sheet plant  in
Ohio,  one in Alabama and  two in California. During  Fiscal 1995, the Company's
sheet plants  produced approximately  831.7 million  square feet  of  corrugated
containers,  accounting for approximately 22.3% of  the Company's net sales. The
Alabama facility, which was acquired by the Company in the Acquisition,  shipped
approximately 70.4 million square feet of corrugated containers in 1995.
 
    The  Company's sheet plants operate  on a two shifts  per day, five days per
week schedule. The Company operates the sheet plants for smaller production runs
and specialized containers. The customers  for these plants are primarily  local
and  regional accounts. By serving different market segments, sheet plants allow
the Company to operate  in trading areas which  overlap those of the  corrugator
plants without competing with the larger, integrated facilities.
 
PARTITION PLANTS
 
    The  Company believes that it is the largest producer of corrugated interior
packaging  components  in   the  United  States.   The  Company  operates   four
free-standing partition plants in the West, Midwest and
 
                                       46
<PAGE>
Southeast  and supplies interior  packaging components to  major food, household
products, and  glass  and plastic  container  producers. The  Company  also  has
partition  manufacturing  capability at  two of  its  sheet plants.  The Company
maintains a leading position in the  partition segment of the corrugated  market
by  supplying national account, high-volume users  such as Anchor Glass, Clorox,
Owens Illinois and  Procter &  Gamble. Output  at the  partition plants  totaled
448.9 million square feet in Fiscal 1995.
 
FT. MADISON MILL
 
    The Company's paper mill in Ft. Madison, Iowa was acquired out of bankruptcy
in  January 1994. In 1993, the Ft.  Madison Mill had a capacity of approximately
70,000 tons per  year and  200 tons  per day  of corrugating  medium and  actual
production  of approximately 165 tons per  day. Following the acquisition of the
Ft. Madison  Mill,  the  Company improved  production  by  providing  management
leadership,  supplying  necessary  working  capital  and  initiating significant
repairs. By the first  quarter of 1995,  the Ft. Madison  Mill began to  achieve
record  daily  production  levels,  thereby lowering  unit  operating  costs and
increasing sales. The following table sets  forth average tons produced per  day
and total tons produced per year at the Ft. Madison Mill in 1994 and 1995.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    AVERAGE TONS PER
                                                                      DAY PRODUCED      TOTAL TONS PRODUCED
                                                                   -------------------  -------------------
<S>                                                                <C>                  <C>
First Quarter 1994...............................................             178               15,134
Second Quarter 1994..............................................             199               17,885
Third Quarter 1994...............................................             201               17,855
Fourth Quarter 1994..............................................             215               18,531
 
First Quarter 1995...............................................             220               19,820
Second Quarter 1995..............................................             218               19,818
Third Quarter 1995...............................................             211               19,374
Fourth Quarter 1995..............................................             224               20,168
</TABLE>
 
    The Ft. Madison Mill is currently capable of producing up to 80,000 tons per
year  of corrugating medium. The Ft. Madison  Mill sells its output primarily to
smaller, independent corrugated container manufacturers in the Midwest. In 1995,
the Ft.  Madison Mill  generated net  sales of  $33.6 million  through sales  of
75,872 tons of corrugating medium to third parties. In addition, the Ft. Madison
Mill  supplied 3,186 tons of corrugating  medium for processing at the Company's
corrugator plants.
 
    The Ft.  Madison Mill  has the  capability to  process both  wood fiber  and
recycled  fiber. Recycled  fiber utilized  at the  Ft. Madison  Mill consists of
double-lined kraft clippings. This flexibility  in raw materials processing  has
enabled the Company to reduce the impact of fluctuations in raw material prices.
In  1995, the output  of the Ft.  Madison Mill consisted  of approximately 39.0%
recycled fiber. Presently, the Company  is benefiting from lower recycled  fiber
costs.  The price of  recycled fiber paid  by the Ft.  Madison Mill has declined
from an average of approximately  $205 per ton in August  1995 to an average  of
approximately $80 per ton as of March 31, 1996.
 
FIBRE MARKETING GROUP
 
   
    In 1996, the Company acquired a 50.0% interest in Fibre Marketing Group, LLC
("Fibre  Marketing"), which  procures and  markets waste  paper. Fibre Marketing
acts as  a  broker  for the  sale  and  transportation of  waste  material  from
companies which generate waste, such as printers, paper converters and recycling
processors,  to  paper  mills.  Fibre  Marketing  currently  provides  brokerage
services to all  of the  Company's converting facilities.  Fibre Marketing  also
owns and operates Fibre Processing Corporation, a waste paper processing company
located  in Edgemere, Maryland, which services sources of recyclable waste paper
which are too small to utilize brokerage services.
    
 
   
MANNKRAFT CORPORATION
    
 
   
    On August 5, 1996, the  Company acquired 490 shares  of the common stock  of
MannKraft   Corporation  ("MannKraft")   from  Stone   Container.  The  purchase
represented 49% of MannKraft's outstanding shares
    
 
                                       47
<PAGE>
   
and was acquired by the  Company for $5.5 million, which  was paid on August  6,
1996.  The Company's interest in MannKraft is now 50%. This transaction was made
in compliance with the covenants contained in the Indenture.
    
 
SALES, MARKETING AND CUSTOMERS
 
SALES AND MARKETING
 
   
    The Company's products are sold on a  direct basis and, to a lesser  degree,
through  the use of brokers. Currently,  the Company generates approximately 90%
of its business through direct sales and approximately 10% through brokers.  The
Company  seeks to be a  leader in customer service for  the markets it serves by
capitalizing on its marketing experience, technical expertise and  manufacturing
flexibility.   The  Company's  corrugated   packaging  materials  are  typically
manufactured to customer order. The Company believes that the strong integration
between manufacturing,  marketing  and  sales provides  it  with  a  competitive
advantage  by allowing it to respond  favorably and quickly to changing customer
demands. The  Company  prides itself  on  its  sales oriented  culture  and  its
long-standing  relationships  with  customers.  The  Company's  senior executive
officers personally handle a number of the larger accounts.
    
 
    The Company's sales are coordinated by five regional sales managers, one  in
each of the East, Southeast and West and two in the Midwest. Each regional sales
manager  is  responsible  for  directing  sales  of  corrugated  containers  and
partitions to large national accounts and smaller regional and local  purchasers
and sales of corrugated sheets to other corrugated container companies through a
regional  sales force consisting of sales representatives from each facility. In
addition to the regional sales force,  the Company uses the services of  several
brokers in the West and Northeast regions.
 
    Each  of the  Company's sales  representatives receives  training in product
specifications  and  manufacturing  techniques  in  order  to  satisfy  customer
requirements and maintain existing national and local account relationships. The
Company   emphasizes   achieving   sales  efficiency   by   preserving  existing
relationships, having a  thorough knowledge of  customer requirements and  being
flexible  and responsive to changing customer  needs. The Company has focused on
capturing market share by targeting a diverse customer base and offering a  full
product  line within  a given geographical  area. The Company  believes that the
Acquisition has  provided  access to  markets  currently outside  the  Company's
geographic  service  areas as  well  as allow  it  to expand  relationships with
existing customers  which have  packaging requirements  within geographic  areas
serviced by the St. Joe Container facilities.
 
    The  Company's  sales and  marketing system  is  supported by  a centralized
computer network. All sales are invoiced  and entered into the computer  network
at  the plant level.  Sales information and  data are accessible  on a real-time
basis from  computer terminals  at each  plant and  at the  Company's  executive
offices.  The Company's  sales and  marketing organization  provides the Company
with accurate and  timely information on  projected product demand,  competitive
activity in the marketplace and potential markets for new products and services.
 
CUSTOMERS
 
    In  Fiscal 1995, the Company's  largest customer accounted for approximately
8.7% of net sales, with the top 10 customers accounting for approximately 23.5%.
Following the Acquisition, it is anticipated  that no customer will account  for
more  than 5.0% of sales. The Company  typically has one-year, and in some cases
multi-year,  contracts  with  its   national  accounts.  These  contracts   have
provisions which provide for price adjustments based on changes in the Company's
raw  material  prices. Sales  to national  accounts accounted  for approximately
18.1% of net sales in Fiscal 1995.
 
COMPETITION
 
    The markets in which the Company sells its products are highly  competitive.
Competitors of the Company's corrugators include large, integrated manufacturers
with  operations  throughout the  United States  as  well as  small, independent
converters with a regional or local focus. The Company competes by offering  its
customers high-quality products produced to the customers' specifications, rapid
order turnaround, competitive pricing and high levels of customer service.
 
                                       48
<PAGE>
    The  Company's sheet plants generally  compete with independent regional and
local sheet plants. Competitive factors include product quality, price, delivery
time and customer  service. The Company  believes that its  ready access to  raw
materials  from its corrugator  plants provides it  a competitive advantage over
its non-integrated competitors.
 
    The market for corrugated partitions  is mature. The primary competitors  in
the  partition business  are producers  of solid  fiber partitions.  Solid fiber
partitions have a price  advantage over corrugated partitions  due to lower  raw
material  costs but are not as effective as corrugated partitions for protection
of fragile products during shipment and  storage. The Company competes with  the
solid  fiber manufacturers by tailoring timing, manufacturing specifications and
delivery requirements to individual customer needs. As consolidation among users
of corrugated partitions has  increased, the Company has  continued to focus  on
aligning  its  manufacturing  capabilites  with  individual  customer  needs  to
maintain its market share in the partition segment. In addition, the Company has
utilized its relationships  with its  partition customers to  increase sales  of
corrugated containers.
 
DISTRIBUTION
 
    Corrugated  packaging materials generally are delivered  by truck due to the
large number  of customers  and demand  for timely  service. The  dispersion  of
customers  and the high bulk  and low density and  value of corrugated packaging
materials make shipping costs a relatively high percentage of total costs. As  a
result,  corrugated  packaging  material  plants tend  to  be  located  close to
customers to minimize  freight costs. Generally,  corrugated packaging  material
plants  service an area within a 150-mile radius of the plant locations. Each of
the Company's plants typically services a market within a 250-mile radius of the
plant. The Company believes that improved operating efficiencies have enabled it
to overcome any  incremental freight  costs associated with  its larger  trading
areas.
 
RAW MATERIALS
 
    The  Company's primary raw materials  are linerboard and corrugating medium.
Historically, over two-thirds of the Company's raw materials have been  provided
by  Stone  Container, Inland  Container Corporation  and Tenneco  Packaging Inc.
pursuant to  long-term supply  contracts. The  Company has  recently  negotiated
renewals  of  two  of these  contracts  through  March and  July,  2000,  and is
currently negotiating the renewal  of the third contract.  The Company has  also
entered  into  an  additional  long-term  supply  contract  with Georgia-Pacific
Corporation. The  contracts  specify certain  monthly  and annual  discounts  to
negotiated  market prices,  which are  based on  volumes purchased.  The Company
believes that alternate sources of raw materials are available.
 
    In 1995, St. Joe Container bought a substantial amount of its containerboard
from the St. Joe Mill. Under the  Output Purchase Agreement entered into by  the
Company,  St. Joe Container, and the Mill Joint Venture on the Closing Date, the
Company must purchase one-half of the Mill's entire annual linerboard production
(approximately 250,000 tons), representing approximately one-third of its  total
requirements, at a price that is $25 per ton below the price published in PULP &
PAPER  WEEK, under  the section  entitled "Price  Watch: Paper  and Paperboard,"
subject to  a  minimum purchase  price,  which  price is  intended  to  generate
sufficient  funds  to  cover cash  operating  costs, cash  interest  expense and
maintenance capital expenditures.
 
    The Ft. Madison Mill purchases its virgin fiber and its recycled fiber  from
several  suppliers,  including some  suppliers of  recycled  fiber who  are also
customers of the Ft. Madison Mill. The Ft. Madison Mill does not typically enter
into long-term supply contracts.
 
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
 
    The Company's operations are subject to environmental regulation by federal,
state and local authorities in the  United States. The Company believes that  it
is in substantial compliance with current federal, state and local environmental
regulation.  Unreimbursed  liabilities  arising  from  environmental  claims, if
significant, could have a  material adverse effect on  the Company's results  of
operations  and financial condition. Furthermore,  actions by federal, state and
local governments  concerning  environmental matters  could  result in  laws  or
regulations  that could increase the cost  of compliance with environmental laws
and regulations.
 
                                       49
<PAGE>
    In November  1993, the  EPA  announced proposed  regulations, known  as  the
"cluster  rules," that  would require more  stringent controls on  air and water
discharges from pulp and paper mills under the Clean Water Act and the Clean Air
Act. In March  1996, the  EPA reopened  the comment  period for  certain of  the
proposed  cluster  rule  air  regulations  and  proposed  additional regulations
regarding air discharges. Pulp and paper manufacturers have submitted  extensive
comments  to the EPA  on the proposed  cluster rules in  support of the position
that requirements  under the  proposed  regulations are  unnecessarily  complex,
burdensome  and environmentally unjustified. It cannot be predicted at this time
whether the EPA will modify the requirements in the final regulations. Based  on
information  presently available from the EPA, it  is expected that the EPA will
promulgate the final cluster rules in 1996. In addition, the Company anticipates
that the  earliest time  for industry  compliance with  certain aspects  of  the
regulations should not be prior to the last quarter of 1997, and that compliance
with  the remaining elements  will be required  by the end  of 1999. The Company
estimates that  these  regulations,  if adopted  as  currently  proposed,  would
require  capital expenditures of  approximately $1.5 million  to $2.0 million by
the Company with respect to the Ft. Madison Mill. The ultimate financial  impact
of  the proposed  regulations on the  Company will  depend on the  nature of the
final regulations,  the  timing of  required  implementation and  the  cost  and
availability of new technology.
 
    The Acquisition Agreement provides that the Paper Indemnitors will indemnify
the  Company for certain "On-Site Environmental  Liabilities" (as defined in the
Acquisition Agreement) arising from conditions existing on the Closing Date  and
relating  either  to the  St.  Joe Mill  or  the St.  Joe  Container facilities.
Pursuant to  these provisions,  (1) 100.0%  of the  first $2.5  million of  such
liability  will be paid by the Company or  the Mill Joint Venture, (2) 100.0% of
the next $2.5  million by the  Paper Indemnitors,  (3) 100.0% of  the next  $2.5
million of such liability will be paid by the Company or the Mill Joint Venture,
(4)  100.0% of the next $2.5 million of such liability will be paid by the Paper
Indemnitors, (5) 100.0% of the next $2.5 million of such liability will be  paid
by the Company or the Mill Joint Venture and (6) 100.0% of the next $5.0 million
of  such liability  will be  paid by  the Paper  Indemnitors; PROVIDED  that the
conditions  that  give  rise  to  such  On-Site  Environmental  Liabilities  are
discovered  and the  Paper Indemnitors are  notified not later  than three years
after the Closing and, subject  to certain exceptions, remediation expenses  are
incurred within five years after the Closing. The Paper Indemnitors will have no
responsibility  to indemnify the Company or  the Mill Joint Venture for expenses
relating to On-Site Environmental Liabilities in excess of the foregoing or  for
any  On-Site Environmental Liabilities discovered after the third anniversary of
the Closing.  The  Company  is  solely  responsible  for  On-Site  Environmental
Liabilities  that arise  from the  acts or  omissions of  the Company  after the
Closing. In the event that On-Site Environmental Liabilities arise from acts  or
omissions  which occurred  both before and  after the  Closing, such liabilities
will be  allocated between  the Paper  Indemnitors,  on the  one hand,  and  the
Company  or the  Mill Joint Venture,  on the  other hand, based  on the relative
contribution of the  acts and omissions  occurring in each  time period to  such
On-Site  Environmental Liabilities. St. Joe  Paper and its affiliates, including
St. Joe  Container, have  retained  responsibility for  "Off-Site  Environmental
Liabilities"   (as  defined  in  the  Acquisition  Agreement)  that  arise  from
conditions existing on  the Closing  Date. In the  event Off-Site  Environmental
Liabilities arise from acts or omissions that occurred both before and after the
Closing,  such Liabilities will  be allocated between  the Paper Indemnitors, on
the one hand, and  the Company and  the Mill Joint Venture,  on the other  hand,
based  on the relative contribution of the  acts and omissions occurring in each
time period to such Off-Site Environmental Liabilities. Should a condition exist
that requires  remediation costs  to be  incurred both  within and  without  the
boundaries  of the real property, the costs  for work within the boundaries will
be  deemed  On-Site  Environmental  Liabilities,  and  the  work  outside   such
boundaries will be deemed Off-Site Environmental Liabilities. Subject to certain
exceptions,  On-Site Environmental  Liabilities do not  include liabilities that
arise due to a change in any law or regulation becoming effective after November
1, 1995.
 
    Pursuant to  the Indemnification  Reimbursement Agreement  between the  Mill
Joint  Venture and  the Company, the  benefit of indemnification  from the Paper
Indemnitors with respect  to such  environmental liabilities  will be  allocated
80.0%  to the Mill Joint  Venture and 20.0% to the  Company, with the Mill Joint
Venture  or  the  Company  being  obligated,  under  certain  circumstances,  to
reimburse  the other in the event either  recovers more than its allocated share
and the other recovers less.
 
                                       50
<PAGE>
    The  obligations  of   the  Paper  Indemnitors   with  respect  to   On-Site
Environmental Liabilities will terminate in the event that either the Company or
the  Mill  Joint Venture  undergoes a  "change  of control"  (as defined  in the
Acquisition Agreement). Change of Control is  defined to mean (i) a  transaction
in  which any  Person or Group  (as defined in  Rule 13d-5 of  the Exchange Act)
other than the  "Principals" (as defined  in the Acquisition  Agreement) or  the
"Lenders"  (as defined in the Acquisition Agreement) acquires more than 50.0% of
the total voting power of all classes of voting stock of the Company or the Mill
Joint Venture, as the  case may be,  (ii) a transaction in  which any Person  or
Group  (as defined in Rule 13d-5 of  the Exchange Act) other than the Principals
or the  Lenders has  a sufficient  number of  nominees elected  to constitute  a
majority of the Board of Directors of the Company or of the Board of Managers of
the  Mill  Joint  Venture,  as  the  case may  be,  (iii)  the  sale  of  all or
substantially all of the capital stock of the Company or the Mill Joint Venture,
as the case may be, as an entirety or substantially as an entirety to any Person
or Group  (as  defined  in Rule  13d-5  of  the Exchange  Act)  other  than  the
Principals  or the Lenders and (iv) the sale or transfer of all or substantially
all of the assets of the Company or the Mill Joint Venture, as the case may  be,
as  an entirety  or substantially as  an entirety  to any Person  other than the
Principals or the Lenders. For purposes of the definition of Change of  Control,
"Principals" is defined as (1) Dennis Mehiel in the case of the Company, (2) the
Company  and Stone Container, in the case of the Mill Joint Venture, and (3) any
subsidiary of Dennis Mehiel,  the Company or Stone  Container; and "Lenders"  is
defined as one or more institutional lenders which provide debt financing to the
Company or the Mill Joint Venture as of the Closing.
 
    Pursuant  to  the Acquisition  Agreement, St.  Joe  Container has  agreed to
undertake and complete, at its sole cost, remedial actions required for a former
land application  area  at the  container  facility located  in  Laurens,  South
Carolina  and remedial actions associated with  two underground storage tanks at
the container facility located in Chicago, Illinois. St. Joe Container has  also
agreed  to reimburse the Company for up  to $1.4 million of expenses incurred by
the Company  after the  Closing to  undertake certain  identified  environmental
projects at several of the acquired container facilities.
 
    The  indemnification provisions  in the Acquisition  Agreement are generally
intended to  be the  exclusive remedies  of  the parties  with respect  to  such
agreements.
 
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
   
    On  July 19, 1996, a civil action was  filed in the Superior Court of Fulton
County, Georgia (the "Suit")  by Sid Dunken, individually  and on behalf of  D&M
Partnership,  a Georgia partnership, against Four M, Box USA Group, Inc., Four M
Manufacturing Group of Georgia,  Inc. and Dennis  Mehiel. The complaint  alleges
that  Dunken is entitled to an equity interest  in Four M or in the alternative,
$150,000,000 in compensatory damages, as well as punitive damages and attorneys'
fees. The Company believes that the  Suit is without merit. The Company  intends
to  defend  against  the  Suit  vigorously and  believes  that  it  has adequate
defenses. However, the Suit is in a very preliminary stage, and there can be  no
assurance that the outcome of the Suit will not be adverse to Four M.
    
 
    From  time to time,  the Company is  subject to legal  proceedings and other
claims arising in  the ordinary course  of its business.  The Company  maintains
insurance coverage against claims in an amount which it believes to be adequate.
The  Company believes that  it is not  presently a party  to any litigation, the
outcome of which could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse  effect
on its financial condition or results of operations.
 
                                       51
<PAGE>
PROPERTIES
 
   
    The  Company  owns or  leases manufacturing  properties having  an aggregate
floor space of approximately 4.3 million  square feet. The table below  provides
summary  information regarding the  principal properties owned  or leased by the
Company.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             APPROXIMATE                          LEASED OR
LOCATION                    SQUARE FOOTAGE         TYPE             OWNED
- --------------------------  --------------  -------------------  ------------
<S>                         <C>             <C>                  <C>
Birmingham, AL (1)               167,000    Corrugator           Owned
Lake Wales, FL (1)               275,000    Corrugator           Owned
Chicago, IL (1)                  185,000    Corrugator           Owned
Hartford City, IN (1)            277,150    Corrugator           Owned
Louisville, KY (1)               240,000    Corrugator           Owned
Baltimore, MD (1)                220,000    Corrugator           Owned
Newark, OH                       107,000    Corrugator           Owned
Charlotte, NC (1)                170,000    Corrugator           Owned
Eighty Four, PA                  133,000    Corrugator           Owned
Pittsburgh, PA (1)               225,000    Corrugator           Owned
Laurens, SC (1)                  180,000    Corrugator           Owned
Memphis, TN (1)                  216,000    Corrugator           Owned
Dallas, TX (1)                   187,000    Corrugator           Owned
Houston, TX (1)                  157,000    Corrugator           Owned
Chesapeake, VA (1)               148,000    Corrugator           Owned
Compton, CA                      135,000    Corrugator           Leased
Port St. Joe, FL (1)(2)          142,000    Corrugator           Leased
Stockbridge, GA (3)              160,000    Corrugator           Leased
Dothan, AL (1)                    31,000    Sheet                Owned
Byesville, OH                     60,000    Sheet                Owned
Montebello, CA                    90,000    Sheet (4)            Leased
San Leandro, CA                  110,000    Sheet (4)            Leased
Vernon, CA (6)                   200,000    Sheet                Owned
Jacksonville, FL (3)(5)           69,000    Partition            Leased
Litchfield, IL                    42,000    Partition            Leased
Portland, IN (3)                  40,500    Partition            Leased
Bethesda, OH (3)                  44,100    Partition            Leased
Ft. Madison, IA                  138,570    Mill                 Owned
Valhalla, NY                      16,000    Executive Offices    Leased
Union, NJ (1)                        800    Sales                Leased
Newark, NJ                       180,000    Corrugator           Leased
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------------
(1)  Properties acquired in the Acquisition.
 
(2)  Property to be net leased from the Mill Joint Venture for a nominal  rental
     payment.
 
(3)  Properties  owned, directly or  indirectly, by Dennis  Mehiel. See "Related
     Party Transactions."
 
(4)  Sheet plants which have the capability to produce partitions.
 
(5)  As of March 21, 1996, the Company  has leased an additional sheet plant  of
     approximately  72,690 square  feet located  in Jacksonville,  Florida which
     became fully operational on July 1, 1996.
 
(6)  Acquired on June  4, 1996  by Box USA  Group, Inc.  for approximately  $4.5
     million.  The  Company anticipates  that it  will spend  approximately $1.1
     million for capital expenditures on this plant.
 
                                       52
<PAGE>
EMPLOYEES
 
    As of April 30, 1996, the Company had 915 employees, of whom 672 were hourly
employees and 243 were salaried employees.  Of such employees, 205 were  engaged
in  management  and  administrative  functions, 38  were  engaged  in  sales and
marketing and 672 were engaged in manufacturing. Three hundred ninety-one hourly
employees at seven Company facilities are members of unions under seven separate
contracts. Two of these contracts expire in 1996, one in 1997 and four in  1998.
Management believes that its employee relations are good.
 
    As  of January 31, 1996, 1,409 people were employed in the St. Joe Container
facilities, of whom 997 were hourly  employees and 412 were salaried  employees.
Of  such employees, 140 were engaged in management and administrative functions,
120 were engaged in sales and marketing, 997 were engaged in manufacturing,  and
152 were engaged in distribution. Approximately 740 of the hourly employees were
members  of  various unions.  None  of the  union  agreements to  which  St. Joe
Container is a party were assignable to the Company in the Acquisition, and  the
Company  must negotiate new  collective bargaining agreements  with the relevant
unions in connection with the consummation of the Acquisition. See "Risk Factors
- -- Labor Matters."
 
                                       53
<PAGE>
                                   MANAGEMENT
 
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY
 
    The  following is a table setting  forth certain information with respect to
the individuals who are the directors and executive officers of the Company.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            NAME                  AGE                            POSITION
- -----------------------------     ---     ------------------------------------------------------
<S>                            <C>        <C>
Dennis Mehiel                     54      Chairman and Director
Chris Mehiel                      56      Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and
                                           Director
Gerald K. Adams                   43      Chief Executive Officer
Timothy D. McMillin               53      Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and
                                           Director
Harvey L. Friedman                54      Corporate Secretary and General Counsel
Frederick H. Woestendiek          65      Vice President and Regional Manager
Ingrid Santiago                   44      Vice President--Materials Management
Clinton G. Ames                   73      Director
Lawrence A. Bishop                51      Director
Samuel B. Guren                   49      Director
Thomas Uleau                      51      Director
James Armenakis                   53      Director
John Nevin                        61      Director
</TABLE>
    
 
    DENNIS MEHIEL, a co-founder of the Company, has been the Chairman since 1977
and Chief Executive  Officer of  the Company until  June 1996,  except during  a
leave  of absence from April 1994 through July  1995. He is also the Chairman of
the Executive Committee of the Company's Board of Directors. Mr. Mehiel is  also
the  Chairman of  Fonda and  the MannKraft  Corporation, a  corrugated container
manufacturer ("MannKraft").
 
    CHRIS MEHIEL, the brother of Dennis  Mehiel, is a co-founder of the  Company
and has been Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and a Director of
the  Company since September  1995. Mr. Mehiel was  President of Fibre Marketing
Group, Inc., a waste paper recovery  business which he co-founded, from 1994  to
January  1996. He  is the  President of the  managing member  of Fibre Marketing
Group, LLC, the successor to Fibre Marketing Group, Inc. From 1993 to 1994,  Mr.
Mehiel served as President and Chief Operating Officer of MannKraft Corporation,
a corrugated container manufacturer. From 1982 to 1992, Mr. Mehiel served as the
President  and Chief  Operating Officer of  Specialty Industries,  Inc., a waste
paper processing and container manufacturing company.
 
    GERALD K. ADAMS became Chief Executive Officer of the Company in June  1996.
From  March 1992 to  March 1996, he  was Chief Executive  Officer of Amcor Fibre
Packaging Group, a corrugated  packaging company and a  division of Amcor,  Ltd.
From  March  1988  until  March  1992, Mr.  Adams  was  the  General  Manager of
Australian Paper, a folding cartonboard producer and a division of Amcor, Ltd.
 
    TIMOTHY D. MCMILLIN has been a Director of the Company since 1983 and Senior
Vice President and Chief Financial  Officer since September 1995. From  November
1994  to  September  1995,  he  was  Chairman  of  Executive  Advisors,  Inc., a
consulting firm specializing in financial restructuring. From 1991 to 1994,  Mr.
McMillin  was an  independent strategic  and financial  consultant. Mr. McMillin
spent over 25  years in the  financial services industry  and served in  various
capacities,  including Executive Vice President,  at Maryland National Bank from
1965  to  1990.  Mr.  McMillin  is  a  Director  of  EIL  Instruments,  Inc.,  a
manufacturer and distributor of testing, measurement and energy control systems.
Mr.  McMillin  is a  member of  the Audit  Committee of  the Company's  Board of
Directors.
 
    HARVEY L.  FRIEDMAN  has  been  General Counsel  since  1991  and  Corporate
Secretary  since May  1996. He was  a Director of  the Company from  1985 to May
1996. He was formerly a partner in Kramer, Levin, Naftalis & Frankel, a New York
City law firm.
 
                                       54
<PAGE>
    FREDERICK H. WOESTENDIEK has been Vice President and Regional Manager of the
Company's subsidiary, Box USA Group, Inc., since 1990. Mr. Woestendiek has  been
in the corrugated industry for over 30 years. He joined the Company when Eastern
Ohio  Packaging  Company (a  company he  started  in 1984)  was acquired  by the
Company in  1988.  He was  Sales  Manager  with Greif  Brothers  Corporation,  a
manufacturer of corrugated containers and fiber drums, from 1961 to 1984.
 
    INGRID  SANTIAGO  has  been  Vice  President--Materials  Management  of  the
Company's subsidiary, Box USA Group, Inc.,  since 1991. Ms. Santiago joined  the
Company  in 1977 as Executive Secretary. In 1982 she joined the Customer Service
Department and  in 1984  was named  Director of  the Company's  Corporate  Sales
Service Department.
 
   
    CLINTON  G. AMES has been a Director of  the Company since 1992 and has been
Chief Executive Officer of Four M Paper Corporation, a subsidiary of the Company
and the operating company for the Ft. Madison Mill, since July 1995. From  April
1994  through  July 1995,  Mr.  Ames served  as  the Company's  President, Chief
Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer.  From 1990 to 1994, he served  as
the  Chief Executive Officer of  Fonda. From 1988 to 1990,  Mr. Ames served as a
consultant to  the Company.  Prior to  joining the  Company, Mr.  Ames was  with
Inland  Container  Corporation for  19 years,  commencing in  1968. In  1974, he
became Inland's  President  and,  in  1978,  its  Chief  Executive  Officer  and
Chairman,  positions he held until  he retired from Inland  in 1987. Mr. Ames is
also a Director of Bell Packaging Corporation.
    
 
    LAWRENCE A. BISHOP has been a  Director of the Company since November  1985.
He  has held  various positions  since 1980  at Gray,  Seifert and  Co., Inc., a
registered  investment  advisor  that  provides  money  management  services  to
individuals  and institutions, and  currently holds the  title of Executive Vice
President. From 1972 to 1979, he was a Vice President of Bessemer Trust Company,
N.A. Mr. Bishop is a Director  of Synergistics, Inc., and Unapix  Entertainment,
Inc.  Mr.  Bishop  is  Chairman of  the  Compensation/Stock  Appreciation Rights
Committee and a  member of the  Executive Committee and  Audit Committee of  the
Company's Board of Directors. Mr. Bishop is also a Director of Fonda.
 
    SAMUEL  B. GUREN  has been  a Director of  the Company  since 1987.  He is a
Managing Director of Baird Capital Partners,  a private equity fund. He is  also
co-founder  and Managing Partner since 1982  of William Blair Venture Management
Company, the general partner of three private equity funds. Mr. Guren was a Vice
President at Continental Illinois  Corporation from 1974 to  1981. Mr. Guren  is
Chairman  of the Audit Committee of the  Company's Board of Directors. Mr. Guren
is also a Director of Fonda.
 
    THOMAS ULEAU has been the Chief Operating Officer of Fonda since March  1995
a Director of Fonda since 1988 and a Director of the Company since May 1989. Mr.
Uleau  was Executive Vice  President and Chief Financial  Officer of the Company
from 1989  through March  1994. He  served as  President of  Cardinal  Container
Corporation  (which was acquired by the Company  in 1985) from 1983 to 1986. Mr.
Uleau started his career  as an accountant at  Deloitte, Haskins and Sells  from
1969  to 1972, after  which he spent  several years in  various capacities at IU
International, a transportation and paper products conglomerate.
 
    JAMES ARMENAKIS has been a  Director of the Company  since May 1996. He  has
been a partner in Armenakis & Armenakis, a New York City law firm, since 1990.
 
    JOHN NEVIN has been a Director of the Company since May 1996. He has been an
Executive  Vice President  at Fieldcrest Cannon,  Inc. since  October 1995. From
September 1990 to October  1995 he was  a Senior Vice  President at James  River
Corporation.  From  1957 to  1990,  Mr. Nevin  served  in various  capacities at
International Paper Company, including Vice President and Group Executive of the
Pulp and Coated Papers Businesses.
 
                                       55
<PAGE>
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
    The following  table  sets forth  the  compensation paid  to  the  Company's
Chairman  of  the  Board  of  Directors  and  the  Company's  four  most  highly
compensated executive officers  (the "Named Executive  Officers") during  Fiscal
1995:
 
                           SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       LONG-TERM
                                                                                     COMPENSATION
                                                                                    ---------------
                                              ANNUAL COMPENSATION                     SECURITIES
                                             ----------------------  OTHER ANNUAL     UNDERLYING       ALL OTHER
        NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION            SALARY      BONUS     COMPENSATION     OPTION/SARS    COMPENSATION
- -------------------------------------------  ----------  ----------  -------------  ---------------  -------------
<S>                                          <C>         <C>         <C>            <C>              <C>
Dennis Mehiel
 Chairman of the Board of
 Directors                                     $333,044    $375,000       $38,904 (1)            --      $137,448 (2)
 
Clinton Ames
 Chief Executive Officer
 of Four M Paper
 Corporation                                    360,000     120,000            --              --              --
 
William Hutchinson, Jr. (3)
 former Executive Vice President                160,000      55,000            --              --           1,542 (4)
 
Frederick H. Woestendiek
 Vice President and Regional
 Manager of Box USA
 Group, Inc.                                    122,855      16,000            --           1,500           3,452 (4)
 
Thomas Uleau
 Chief Operating Officer
 of Fonda                                       106,667(5)         --           --             --           1,208 (4)
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------------
(1)  Includes   imputed  interest  ($37,189)  from  non-interest  bearing  loans
     provided to Dennis Mehiel by the Company.
 
(2)  Consists of split-dollar term life  insurance premiums for Mr. Mehiel  paid
     by the Company.
 
(3)  Resigned  as Executive Vice President in  August 1995 when the Company sold
     its interest in Timberline Packaging, Inc.
 
(4)  Consists of contributions to the Company's Savings and Investment Plan.
 
(5)  Consists of salary through March 1995 when Fonda was spun off.
 
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
 
    Any Director  who  is  not  an  employee  of  the  Company  receives  annual
compensation  of $5,000 and a fee of $500  for attendance at each meeting of the
Board of Directors. Directors  who are employees of  the Company do not  receive
any compensation or fees for service on the Board of Directors.
 
                                       56
<PAGE>
STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS
 
    The  following table  provides information  on grants  of stock appreciation
rights ("SARs") made during Fiscal 1995 to the Named Executive Officers:
 
                        OPTION/SAR GRANTS IN FISCAL 1995
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                INDIVIDUAL GRANTS
                                                                --------------------------------------------------
                                                                 NUMBER OF
                                                                SECURITIES    % OF TOTAL
                                                                UNDERLYING   OPTIONS/SARS    EXERCISE
                                                                 OPTIONS/     GRANTED TO     OR BASE
                                                                   SARS      EMPLOYEES IN     PRICE     EXPIRATION
NAME                                                              GRANTED     FISCAL YEAR   PER SHARE    DATE (1)
- --------------------------------------------------------------  -----------  -------------  ----------  ----------
<S>                                                             <C>          <C>            <C>         <C>
Frederick H. Woestendiek......................................       1,500          6.1 %        $0.13      --
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------------
(1) Unless otherwise determined by the non-employee directors of the Company and
    the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (the "Administering  Committee"),
    awards  of SARs will vest on each anniversary  of their grant at the rate of
    20.0% per year  commencing on the  first anniversary date.  However, in  the
    event  that  at the  time of  any grant  of  SARs the  grantee has  not been
    continuously employed by the Company for  at least five years, such  vesting
    shall  be conditional and  shall be deemed unvested  until the completion of
    such five-year period. Upon voluntary termination of employment, involuntary
    termination without  cause  or  termination  due  to  death,  disability  or
    retirement  at age  60 or  above, all  unvested SARs  will be  forfeited and
    vested SARs not previously  redeemed will be  redeemed automatically by  the
    Company as of the date of termination.
 
    The  following table  provides information  on SARs  exercised by  the Named
Executive Officers in Fiscal 1995 and the value held by such officers as of  the
end of Fiscal 1995:
 
                 AGGREGATE OPTION/SAR EXERCISES IN FISCAL 1995
                     AND FISCAL YEAR END OPTION/SAR VALUES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  NUMBER OF SECURITIES        VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
                                                                 UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED           IN-THE-MONEY
                                                                      OPTIONS/SARS                OPTIONS/SARS
                                                                  AS OF JULY 31, 1995         AS OF JULY 31, 1995
                                 SHARES ACQUIRED     VALUE     --------------------------  --------------------------
NAME                               ON EXERCISE     REALIZED    EXERCISABLE  UNEXERCISABLE  EXERCISABLE  UNEXERCISABLE
- -------------------------------  ---------------  -----------  -----------  -------------  -----------  -------------
<S>                              <C>              <C>          <C>          <C>            <C>          <C>
William Hutchinson, Jr.........            --             --        8,000          7,000           --             --
Thomas Uleau...................            --             --        4,800          4,200           --             --
Frederick H. Woestendiek.......            --             --        1,100          2,400           --             --
</TABLE>
 
                                       57
<PAGE>
                               SECURITY OWNERSHIP
 
    The  following table  sets forth  information as  of December  31, 1995 with
respect to the beneficial ownership of shares of Common Stock:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  AMOUNT OF
                                                                 BENEFICIAL       PERCENTAGE OF BENEFICIAL
                                                             OWNERSHIP OF SHARES   OWNERSHIP OF SHARES OF
NAME                                                         OF COMMON STOCK(1)         COMMON STOCK
- -----------------------------------------------------------  -------------------  -------------------------
<S>                                                          <C>                  <C>
Dennis Mehiel..............................................        6,815,867                   100%
</TABLE>
 
                           RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
    Dennis Mehiel is an owner of  entities from which the Company rents  certain
property,  plant  and  equipment.  Rental expense  incurred  and  paid  to these
entities in Fiscal 1993, Fiscal 1994  and Fiscal 1995 amounted to  approximately
$0.9 million, $1.1 million, and $0.9 million, respectively. The Company believes
that  such rents are not in excess of market levels. The partition plant located
in Jacksonville, Florida  is currently leased  by Fonda from  Mr. Mehiel, and  a
portion of the facility is subleased to the Company.
 
    Dennis  Mehiel has been a  part owner since 1993  of MannKraft, to which the
Company sold approximately $15.0 million,  $3.3 million and $30,000 of  material
in  Fiscal 1993, Fiscal 1994 and Fiscal 1995, respectively. The Company believes
that the prices at which such sales were made are not below market levels.
 
    In March 1995, the Company spun  off its Fonda subsidiary to Dennis  Mehiel.
The  Company sold approximately  $0.8 million, $0.6 million  and $1.1 million of
material to Fonda in Fiscal 1993, Fiscal 1994 and Fiscal 1995, respectively. The
Company believes that the  prices at which  such sales were  made are not  below
market levels.
 
    Chris  Mehiel has been a part owner  since 1994 of Fibre Marketing, to which
the Company sold  approximately $3.4  million of  material in  Fiscal 1995.  The
Company  believes that the  prices at which  such sales were  made are not below
market levels.
 
    The Company had outstanding notes and loans receivable from Dennis Mehiel in
the amount of $0.8 million, $1.3 million  and $1.5 million at the end of  Fiscal
1993,  Fiscal 1994 and Fiscal 1995, respectively, all of which were non-interest
bearing and all of which have been paid.
 
    In addition,  the  Initial  Purchaser provided  certain  financial  advisory
services  to  the  Company in  connection  with the  Acquisition.  In connection
therewith, the Initial Purchaser received a fee of $1.2 million and warrants  to
purchase 1.3% of the Company, plus reimbursement of certain expenses.
 
                                       58
<PAGE>
                            DESCRIPTION OF NEW NOTES
 
    GENERAL.    The New  Notes  will be  issued  pursuant to  an  Indenture (the
"Indenture") between the Company  and Norwest Bank  Minnesota, N.A., as  trustee
(the   "Trustee"),  in  a  private  transaction  that  is  not  subject  to  the
registration requirements of  the Securities  Act. The  terms of  the New  Notes
include  those stated in the  Indenture and those made  part of the Indenture by
reference to the Trust  Indenture Act of 1939  (the "Trust Indenture Act").  The
New  Notes are subject to all such terms,  and Holders of New Notes are referred
to the  Indenture and  the Trust  Indenture  Act for  a statement  thereof.  The
following  summary of certain provisions of the Indenture does not purport to be
complete and  is  qualified in  its  entirety  by reference  to  the  Indenture,
including  the definitions  therein of certain  terms used below.  Copies of the
Indenture, Collateral  Documents (as  defined  herein) and  Registration  Rights
Agreement   are  available  as   set  forth  under   the  caption  "--Additional
Information." The definitions of certain terms used in the following summary are
set forth below under the caption "--Certain Definitions."
 
    The New Notes will be senior secured obligations of the Company, rank senior
in right of  payment to all  subordinated indebtedness of  the Company and  rank
PARI PASSU in right of payment with all senior borrowings. The New Notes will be
secured  by  a  lien  on  certain  assets  of  the  Company  and  its Restricted
Subsidiaries, including a first priority security interest in substantially  all
of  the equipment of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries and a pledge of
the Capital Stock of the Subsidiaries of the Company. See "--Security."
 
    The New Notes will be guaranteed, on a senior secured basis, by all  current
Subsidiaries  of  the  Company  other  than  Box  USA  Paper  Corporation, which
indirectly holds the Company's  interests in the  St. Joe Mill,  and Box USA  of
Florida,  L.P.,  which  operates  one  converting  facility.  See  "--Subsidiary
Guarantees." As of the date of the Indenture, all of the Company's  Subsidiaries
other  than Box USA Paper Corporation are Restricted Subsidiaries. Box USA Paper
Corporation is an Unrestricted Subsidiary, and the Company is able to  designate
other  current or future Subsidiaries as Unrestricted Subsidiaries under certain
circumstances.  Unrestricted  Subsidiaries  are  not  subject  to  many  of  the
restrictive   covenants   set   forth   in   the   Indenture.   See   "--Certain
Covenants--Restricted   Payments"   and   "--Certain   Definitions--Unrestricted
Subsidiary."
 
    SUBSIDIARY  GUARANTEES.   The  Company's payment  obligations under  the New
Notes will be jointly and severally guaranteed (the "Subsidiary Guarantees")  by
the Guarantors.
 
    The  Indenture provides that no Guarantor may consolidate with or merge with
or into  (whether  or  not  such Guarantor  is  the  surviving  Person)  another
corporation,  Person or entity,  whether or not  affiliated with such Guarantor,
unless (i) subject  to the  provisions of  the following  paragraph, the  Person
formed  by or  surviving any  such consolidation or  merger (if  other than such
Guarantor) assumes  all  the  obligations  of  such  Guarantor,  pursuant  to  a
supplemental  indenture  and the  appropriate Collateral  Documents in  form and
substance reasonably  satisfactory to  the  Trustee, under  the New  Notes,  the
Indenture  and the Collateral Documents; (ii) immediately after giving effect to
such transaction, no Default or Event  of Default exists; (iii) such  Guarantor,
or  any Person formed  by or surviving  any such consolidation  or merger, would
have  Consolidated  Net   Worth  (immediately  after   giving  effect  to   such
transaction)  equal  to  or greater  than  the  Consolidated Net  Worth  of such
Guarantor immediately preceding the transaction;  and (iv) the Company would  be
permitted  by virtue  of the  Company's pro  forma Fixed  Charge Coverage Ratio,
immediately after giving effect to such transaction, to incur at least $1.00  of
additional  Indebtedness pursuant  to the Fixed  Charge Coverage  Ratio test set
forth  in   the  covenant   described  below   under  the   caption   "--Certain
Covenants--Incurrence  of Indebtedness"; PROVIDED, that the foregoing provisions
do not restrict the ability of  a Restricted Subsidiary to consolidate or  merge
with the Company or another Restricted Subsidiary.
 
    The  Indenture provides that, in the event of a sale or other disposition of
all of the assets of any Guarantor (other than to or with the Company or another
Guarantor), by way  of merger, consolidation  or otherwise, or  a sale or  other
disposition  of all  of the capital  stock of  any Guarantor (other  than to the
Company or another Guarantor), then  such Guarantor (in the  event of a sale  or
other  disposition, by way of such a  merger, consolidation or otherwise, of all
of the  capital  stock of  such  Guarantor)  or the  corporation  acquiring  the
property  (in the event of a  sale or other disposition of  all of the assets of
such Guarantor) will
 
                                       59
<PAGE>
be released  and relieved  of any  obligations under  its Subsidiary  Guarantee;
PROVIDED  that the Net Proceeds of such sale or other disposition are applied in
accordance with the applicable provisions of the Indenture. See "--Repurchase at
Option of Holders--Asset Sales and Events  of Loss." In addition, the  Indenture
provides  that, in the event the Company designates a Subsidiary Guarantor to be
an Unrestricted Subsidiary, then such Subsidiary Guarantor will be released  and
relieved  of any obligations under its  Subsidiary Guarantee; PROVIDED that such
designation is conducted  in accordance  with the applicable  provisions of  the
Indenture.   See  "--Certain  Covenants--Restricted   Payments"  and  "--Certain
Definitions--Unrestricted Subsidiary."
 
    "Guarantors" means all current Subsidiaries  of the Company, other than  Box
USA  Paper Corporation and  Box USA of  Florida, L.P., and  any other Subsidiary
that executed a Subsidiary  Guarantee in accordance with  the provisions of  the
Indenture,  and their  respective successors and  assigns, unless  and until any
successor replaces  any such  Guarantor  in accordance  with  the terms  of  the
Indenture, and thereafter includes each such successor.
 
    SECURITY.    The New  Notes will  be  secured by  a first  priority security
interest in substantially all of the  equipment and certain other assets of  the
Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries (but excluding, among other things, land
and  improvements thereon, inventories and accounts receivable, and the proceeds
thereof), and  by a  pledge of  the Capital  Stock of  the Subsidiaries  of  the
Company.  The Company  and its  Restricted Subsidiaries,  other than  Box USA of
Florida, L.P., have entered into  certain of the Collateral Documents  providing
for  the grant by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries to the Trustee, as
collateral agent (in such capacity, the  "Collateral Agent") for the holders  of
the  New  Notes  ("Holders"),  of  a first  priority  security  interest  in the
Collateral. Such security interests will secure the payment and performance when
due of all  of the Obligations  of the Company  and its Restricted  Subsidiaries
under the Indenture, the New Notes and the Collateral Documents.
 
    In  the event that any Collateral is  sold in accordance with the provisions
of the Indenture and the Net  Proceeds therefrom are applied in accordance  with
the  terms of the covenant entitled  "Repurchase at the Option of Holders--Asset
Sales and Events of Loss," the Collateral Agent shall release the Liens in favor
of the Collateral Agent  in the Collateral sold;  PROVIDED, that the  Collateral
Agent  shall  have received  from the  Company an  Officer's Certificate  and an
Opinion of Counsel that such Net Proceeds have been or will be so applied.  Upon
the full and final payment and performance of all Obligations of the Company and
its  Restricted  Subsidiaries  under  the  Indenture,  the  New  Notes  and  the
Collateral  Documents,  the  Collateral   Documents  shall  terminate  and   the
Collateral  shall  be  released  from  the  Lien  of  the  applicable Collateral
Document. If an Event of Default (as defined herein) shall have occurred and  is
continuing,  the rights and remedies of the  Trustee as Collateral Agent for the
Holders of the New Notes with respect to the Collateral shall be as set forth in
the Collateral Documents.
 
    PRINCIPAL, MATURITY  AND  INTEREST.    The New  Notes  will  be  limited  in
aggregate  principal amount to $170.0  million and will mature  on June 1, 2006.
Interest on the New Notes will accrue at  the rate of 12% per annum and will  be
payable  semi-annually  in  arrears on  June  1  and December  1  of  each year,
commencing on  December  1,  1996,  to Holders  of  record  on  the  immediately
preceding May 15 and November 15. Interest on the New Notes will accrue from the
most  recent date to  which interest has been  paid or, if  no interest has been
paid, from the date of original issuance. Interest will be computed on the basis
of a 360-day year comprised of  twelve 30-day months. Principal of, premium  and
interest on the New Notes will be payable at the office or agency of the Company
maintained  for  such purpose  or,  at the  option  of the  Company,  payment of
interest may be made by  check mailed to the Holders  of the New Notes at  their
respective addresses set forth in the register of Holders of New Notes; PROVIDED
that all payments with respect to New Notes the Holders of which have given wire
transfer  instructions  to the  Company  will be  required  to be  made  by wire
transfer of immediately available funds to the accounts specified by the Holders
thereof. Until  otherwise designated  by the  Company, the  Company's office  or
agency  will be the office  of the Trustee maintained  for such purpose. The New
Notes will be issued in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples thereof.
 
    OPTIONAL REDEMPTION.  The New Notes will not be redeemable at the  Company's
option  prior to  June 1,  2001. Thereafter,  the New  Notes will  be subject to
redemption at the option of the Company, in whole or in part, upon not less than
30 nor  more  than 60  days'  notice, at  the  redemption prices  (expressed  as
 
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<PAGE>
percentages  of  principal  amount)  set forth  below  plus  accrued  and unpaid
interest, if any,  to the  applicable redemption  date, if  redeemed during  the
twelve-month period beginning on June 1 of the years indicated below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR                                                                                PERCENTAGE
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -----------
<S>                                                                                 <C>
2001..............................................................................       106.0%
2002..............................................................................       104.0%
2003..............................................................................       102.0%
2004 and thereafter...............................................................       100.0%
</TABLE>
 
    Notwithstanding  the  foregoing, at  any  time prior  to  June 1,  1999, the
Company may redeem up to one-third in aggregate principal amount of New Notes at
a redemption price of 112%  of the principal amount  thereof, in each case  plus
accrued  and  unpaid interest,  if any,  to  the redemption  date, with  the net
proceeds of a public offering of common  stock of the Company; PROVIDED that  at
least  two-thirds  in aggregate  principal amount  of  the New  Notes originally
issued under the Indenture remain  outstanding immediately after the  occurrence
of  such redemption;  and PROVIDED,  further, that  such redemption  shall occur
within 60 days following the date of the closing of such initial public offering
of common stock of the Company.
 
    In addition, upon the  occurrence of a  Change of Control  prior to June  1,
2001,  the Company, at its option, may redeem all, but not less than all, of the
outstanding New  Notes at  a redemption  price equal  to 100%  of the  principal
amount  thereof plus  the applicable  Make-Whole Premium  (a "Change  of Control
Redemption"). The Company shall give not less than 30 and not more than 60 days'
notice of such redemption within 30 days following a Change of Control.
 
    SELECTION AND NOTICE.  If less than all of the New Notes are to be  redeemed
at  any time, selection of New Notes for  redemption will be made by the Trustee
in compliance  with  the  requirements  of  the  principal  national  securities
exchange,  if any, on which the  New Notes are listed, or,  if the New Notes are
not so listed, on  a pro rata  basis, by lot  or by such  method as the  Trustee
shall  deem fair and appropriate;  PROVIDED that no New  Notes of $1,000 or less
shall be redeemed in part. Notices of redemption shall be mailed by first  class
mail  at least 30 but not  more than 60 days before  the redemption date to each
Holder of New Notes to be redeemed at its registered address. If any New Note is
to be redeemed in part only, the  notice of redemption that relates to such  New
Note  shall state the portion of the  principal amount thereof to be redeemed. A
new New Note in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion thereof will be
issued in the name of the Holder  thereof upon cancellation of the original  New
Note.  On and after the  redemption date, interest shall  cease to accrue on New
Notes or the portions thereof called for redemption.
 
    MANDATORY  REDEMPTION.    Except  as  set  forth  below  under  the  caption
"--Repurchase  at the Option  of Holders," the  Company is not  required to make
mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments with respect to the New Notes.
 
REPURCHASE AT THE OPTION OF HOLDERS
 
    CHANGE OF CONTROL.  Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, each  Holder
of New Notes will have the right to require the Company to repurchase all or any
part  (equal to  $1,000 or  an integral multiple  thereof) of  such Holder's New
Notes pursuant to the offer described  below (the "Change of Control Offer")  at
an  offer price in cash equal to  101% of the aggregate principal amount thereof
plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any,  to the date of purchase (the  "Change
of  Control  Payment"). Within  ten days  following any  Change of  Control, the
Company will mail  a notice  to each Holder  that describes  the transaction  or
transactions  that constitute the Change of Control and offers to repurchase New
Notes pursuant to the procedures required by the Indenture and described in such
notice. The Company will  comply with the requirements  of Rule 14e-1 under  the
Exchange  Act and  any other securities  laws and regulations  thereunder to the
extent  such  laws  and  regulations  are  applicable  in  connection  with  the
repurchase of the New Notes as a result of a Change of Control.
 
    On  the Change  of Control  Payment Date,  the Company  will, to  the extent
lawful, (1)  accept for  payment  all New  Notes  or portions  thereof  properly
tendered    pursuant   to   the   Change   of   Control   Offer,   (2)   deposit
 
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<PAGE>
with the  Paying Agent  an amount  equal to  the Change  of Control  Payment  in
respect  of all  New Notes or  portions thereof  so tendered and  (3) deliver or
cause to be delivered to the Trustee the New Notes so accepted together with  an
Officers'  Certificate stating  the aggregate principal  amount of  New Notes or
portions thereof being purchased by the Company. The Paying Agent will  promptly
mail  to each Holder of New Notes so  tendered the Change of Control Payment for
such New Notes, and the Trustee will promptly authenticate and mail (or cause to
be transferred by book entry) to each  Holder a new New Note equal in  principal
amount to any unpurchased portion of the New Notes surrendered, if any; PROVIDED
that  each such  new New  Note will  be in  a principal  amount of  $1,000 or an
integral multiple thereof. The Company will publicly announce the results of the
Change of Control Offer on or as soon as practicable after the Change of Control
Payment Date.
 
    Except as described above with respect to a Change of Control, the Indenture
does not contain provisions that permit the Holders of the New Notes to  require
that  the Company repurchase or redeem the New Notes in the event of a takeover,
recapitalization or similar transaction.  The Company's ability  to pay cash  to
the  Holders of New Notes upon a repurchase may be limited by the Company's then
existing financial resources. In addition, the occurrence of a Change of Control
may constitute a default under the Credit Facility.
 
    The Company will not be  required to make a Change  of Control Offer upon  a
Change  of Control  if a third  party makes the  Change of Control  Offer in the
manner, at the times and otherwise in compliance with the requirements set forth
in the Indenture applicable to a Change of Control Offer made by the Company and
purchases all New Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn under such Change  of
Control Offer.
 
    "Change  of Control" means the  occurrence of any of  the following: (i) the
sale, lease, transfer,  conveyance or other  disposition (other than  by way  of
merger  or consolidation), in one or a series of related transactions, of all or
substantially all of the assets of  the Company and its Restricted  Subsidiaries
taken  as a whole to any  "person" (as such term is  used in Section 13(d)(3) of
the Exchange  Act)  other than  the  Principals  (as defined  below),  (ii)  the
adoption  of a plan relating  to the liquidation or  dissolution of the Company,
(iii) the consummation  of any transaction  (including, without limitation,  any
merger  or consolidation) the result  of which is that  any "person" (as defined
above), other than the Principals, becomes the "beneficial owner" (as such  term
is  defined in Rule  13d-3 and Rule  13d-5 under the  Exchange Act), directly or
indirectly, of  more than  35% of  the voting  stock of  the Company,  (iv)  the
consummation of the first transaction (including, without limitation, any merger
or  consolidation) the result of  which is that any  "person" (as defined above)
becomes the "beneficial owner"  (as defined above),  directly or indirectly,  of
more of the voting stock of the Company than is at the time "beneficially owned"
(as defined above) by the Principals or (v) the first day on which a majority of
the  members  of  the Board  of  Directors  of the  Company  are  not Continuing
Directors. For purposes of this definition,  any transfer of an equity  interest
of  an entity that was  formed for the purpose of  acquiring voting stock of the
Company will be deemed to be a transfer of such portion of such voting stock  as
corresponds  to  the portion  of  the equity  of such  entity  that has  been so
transferred.
 
    "Continuing Directors" means, as of any date of determination, any member of
the Board of  Directors of the  Company who (i)  was a member  of such Board  of
Directors  on the date  of the Indenture  or (ii) was  nominated for election or
elected to  such Board  of Directors  with the  approval of  a majority  of  the
Continuing  Directors  who  were members  of  such  Board at  the  time  of such
nomination or election.
 
    "Principals" means Dennis Mehiel, his  wife and lineal descendants, and  any
trust,  corporation, partnership or other entity  in which Dennis Mehiel and his
wife and/or lineal descendants hold an 80% or more controlling interest.
 
    ASSET SALES AND  EVENTS OF LOSS.   The Indenture  provides that the  Company
will  not, and will not permit any  of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, engage in
an Asset Sale unless (i) the Company (or the Restricted Subsidiary, as the  case
may  be) receives consideration at the time of such Asset Sale at least equal to
the fair market value (evidenced by a  resolution of the Board of Directors  set
forth  in an Officers'  Certificate delivered to  the Trustee) of  the assets or
Equity Interests issued or sold or otherwise  disposed of and (ii) at least  85%
of  the  consideration  therefor  received by  the  Company  or  such Restricted
Subsidiary is
 
                                       62
<PAGE>
in the form of cash; PROVIDED that  the amount of (x) any liabilities (as  shown
on  the Company's or such Restricted Subsidiary's most recent balance sheet), of
the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary (other than contingent liabilities  and
liabilities  that  are by  their  terms subordinated  to  the New  Notes  or any
guarantee thereof)  that  are assumed  by  the  transferee of  any  such  assets
pursuant  to a  customary novation agreement  that releases the  Company or such
Restricted Subsidiary from further liability, (y) any notes or other obligations
received by the Company or any  such Restricted Subsidiary from such  transferee
that are immediately converted by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary into
cash  (to the extent of the cash received) and (z) sales, leases, conveyances or
other dispositions of "Excluded Property"  as that term is defined  respectively
in  the Security  Agreement and  in the  Subsidiary Security  Agreement, in each
case, shall be deemed to be cash for purposes of this provision.
 
    Within 270 days after the receipt of any Net Proceeds from an Asset Sale  or
an  Event of Loss, the Company may apply such Net Proceeds to the acquisition of
a controlling interest in another business, the making of a capital  expenditure
or  the acquisition of other tangible assets, in  each case, in the same line of
business as the Company was engaged in on  the date of such Asset Sale or  Event
of Loss, upon the consummation of which the Collateral Agent shall have received
a  perfected first priority security interest in the assets so acquired. The Net
Proceeds of  all Asset  Sales and  Events  of Loss  shall promptly  and  without
commingling be deposited with the Trustee in the form received to be held by the
Trustee  as  Pledged  Collateral  in  the  applicable  Cash  Collateral  Account
established pursuant to the Indenture until applied as permitted pursuant to the
Indenture. Any Net  Proceeds from Asset  Sales or  Events of Loss  that are  not
applied  or invested as provided in the first sentence of this paragraph will be
deemed to  constitute "Excess  Proceeds." When  the aggregate  amount of  Excess
Proceeds  exceeds $5.0 million, the Company will be required to make an offer to
all Holders of New  Notes (an "Excess Proceeds  Offer") to purchase the  maximum
principal  amount of New Notes that may be purchased out of the Excess Proceeds,
at an offer price  in cash in an  amount equal to 101%  of the principal  amount
thereof  plus accrued and unpaid  interest, if any, to  the date of purchase, in
accordance with the procedures  set forth in the  Indenture. To the extent  that
the  aggregate amount of New Notes tendered pursuant to an Excess Proceeds Offer
is less  than the  Excess Proceeds,  the Company  may use  any remaining  Excess
Proceeds  for general corporate  purposes. If the  aggregate principal amount of
New Notes surrendered by Holders thereof exceeds the amount of Excess  Proceeds,
the Trustee shall select the New Notes to be purchased on a pro rata basis. Upon
completion  of such offer  to purchase, the  amount of Excess  Proceeds shall be
reset at zero. The Trustee shall continue  to have, and the Company shall  grant
to  the  Trustee,  on  behalf of  the  Holders,  a first  priority  Lien  on any
properties or assets acquired with  the Net Proceeds of  any such Asset Sale  or
Event  of  Loss on  the  terms set  forth in  the  Indenture and  the Collateral
Documents.
 
CERTAIN COVENANTS
 
    RESTRICTED PAYMENTS.  The Indenture provides that the Company will not,  and
will  not permit any of its  Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly:
(i) declare or pay  any dividend or  make any other  payment or distribution  on
account of the Company's or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries' Equity Interests
(including,  without limitation,  any payment in  connection with  any merger or
consolidation involving the Company) or to the direct or indirect holders of the
Company's Equity Interests in  their capacity as such  (other than dividends  or
distributions payable in Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the
Company  and dividends  or distributions  payable to  the Company  or any Wholly
Owned Restricted Subsidiary of the Company); (ii) purchase, redeem or  otherwise
acquire or retire for value any Equity Interests of the Company or any direct or
indirect parent of the Company or other Affiliate of the Company (other than any
such  Equity  Interests owned  by  the Company  or  any Wholly  Owned Restricted
Subsidiary of the Company);  (iii) make any principal  payment on, or  purchase,
redeem,  defease or otherwise acquire or  retire for value any Indebtedness that
is subordinated to the  New Notes, except  at final maturity;  or (iv) make  any
Restricted  Investment (all such payments and other actions set forth in clauses
(i) through (iv) above being collectively referred to as "Restricted Payments"),
unless, at the time of and after giving effect to such Restricted Payment:
 
                                       63
<PAGE>
           (a)
           no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be  continuing
           or would occur as a consequence thereof;
 
           (b)
           the  Company would, at the time  of such Restricted Payment and after
           giving pro forma  effect thereto  as if such  Restricted Payment  had
    been  made at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period, have been
    permitted to incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the
    Fixed Charge Coverage  Ratio test set  forth in the  first paragraph of  the
    covenant  described below under the caption "--Certain Covenants--Incurrence
    of Indebtedness;" and
 
           (c)
           such Restricted Payment,  together with  the aggregate  of all  other
           Restricted   Payments  made   by  the  Company   and  its  Restricted
    Subsidiaries after the date of the Indenture (excluding Restricted  Payments
    permitted  by clauses (1) - (3), but including Restricted Payments permitted
    by clauses (4) and (5), of the next succeeding paragraph), is less than  the
    sum  of (i) 50% of the Consolidated Net Income of the Company for the period
    (taken as one  accounting period)  from the  beginning of  the first  fiscal
    quarter  commencing  after the  date  of the  Indenture  to the  end  of the
    Company's most recently  ended fiscal quarter  for which internal  financial
    statements are available at the time of such Restricted Payment (or, if such
    Consolidated  Net Income  for such  period is a  deficit, less  100% of such
    deficit), plus (ii) 100% of the aggregate net cash proceeds received by  the
    Company  from the issue  or sale since  the date of  the Indenture of Equity
    Interests of the Company or of debt securities of the Company that have been
    converted into  such  Equity  Interests (other  than  Equity  Interests  (or
    convertible  debt securities) sold to a  Subsidiary of the Company and other
    than Disqualified Stock  or debt  securities that have  been converted  into
    Disqualified  Stock), plus (iii)  50% of the Net  Income of any Unrestricted
    Subsidiary of the Company to the extent that such Net Income is received  as
    a  dividend  by  the Company  in  cash, plus  (iv)  to the  extent  that any
    Restricted Investment that was made after the date of the Indenture is  sold
    for  cash or otherwise liquidated or repaid  for cash, the lesser of (A) the
    cash return of capital with respect to such Restricted Investment (less  the
    cost  of disposition, if any) and (B)  the initial amount of such Restricted
    Investment.
 
    The foregoing provisions will not prohibit:
 
         (1)
       the payment of any dividend within 60 days after the date of  declaration
       thereof,  if at said date of declaration such payment would have complied
with the provisions of the Indenture;
 
         (2)
       the redemption, repurchase, retirement or other acquisition of any Equity
       Interests of the Company in exchange for, or out of the proceeds of,  the
substantially  concurrent sale  (other than to  a Subsidiary of  the Company) of
other Equity  Interests of  the  Company (other  than any  Disqualified  Stock);
PROVIDED that the amount of any such net cash proceeds that are utilized for any
such  redemption, repurchase, retirement or  other acquisition shall be excluded
from clause (c)(ii) of the preceding paragraph;
 
         (3)
       the defeasance,  redemption or  repurchase of  subordinated  Indebtedness
       with  the net cash  proceeds from an  incurrence of Permitted Refinancing
Indebtedness or the substantially concurrent sale (other than to a Subsidiary of
the Company) of Equity Interests of the Company (other than Disqualified Stock);
PROVIDED that the amount of any such net cash proceeds that are utilized for any
such redemption, repurchase, retirement or  other acquisition shall be  excluded
from clause (c)(ii) of the preceding paragraph;
 
         (4)
       Investments  in  the Mill  Joint Venture  in an  aggregate amount  not to
       exceed $5.0 million, plus the amount of any such Investments in the  Mill
Joint Venture that are returned to the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries in
cash;  PROVIDED that the amount of any such Investments that are returned to the
Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries shall be excluded from clause (c)(iv)  of
the preceding paragraph; and
 
         (5)
       the  repurchase, redemption or other  acquisition or retirement for value
       of any Equity Interests  of the Company or  any Restricted Subsidiary  of
the  Company  held by  any member  of the  Company's (or  any of  its Restricted
Subsidiaries')  management  pursuant  to  any  management  equity   subscription
agreement  or stock option agreement; PROVIDED that the aggregate price paid for
all such repurchased, redeemed, acquired  or retired Equity Interests shall  not
exceed  $500,000 in  any twelve-month  period plus  the aggregate  cash proceeds
received by the Company during such  twelve-month period from any reissuance  of
Equity Interests
 
                                       64
<PAGE>
by  the  Company to  members of  management  of the  Company and  its Restricted
Subsidiaries; and PROVIDED, FURTHER, that no  Default or Event of Default  shall
have occurred and be continuing immediately after such transaction.
 
    The  Board of  Directors may  designate any  Restricted Subsidiary  to be an
Unrestricted Subsidiary  if such  designation  would not  cause a  Default.  For
purposes  of  making  such  determination, all  outstanding  Investments  by the
Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries (except to the extent repaid in cash) in
the Subsidiary so  designated will be  deemed to be  Restricted Payments at  the
time  of such  designation and will  reduce the amount  available for Restricted
Payments under  the  first paragraph  of  this covenant.  All  such  outstanding
Investments  will be deemed to constitute Investments  in an amount equal to the
greatest of (x)  the net  book value  of such Investments  at the  time of  such
designation,  (y) the fair market value of  such Investments at the time of such
designation and (z) the  original fair market value  of such Investments at  the
time  they were made. Such designation will only be permitted if such Restricted
Payment would  be permitted  at  such time  and  if such  Restricted  Subsidiary
otherwise meets the definition of an Unrestricted Subsidiary.
 
    The  amount of all Restricted  Payments (other than cash)  shall be the fair
market value (evidenced by a resolution of  the Board of Directors set forth  in
an Officers' Certificate delivered to the Trustee) on the date of the Restricted
Payment  of  the asset(s)  proposed to  be  transferred by  the Company  or such
Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may  be, pursuant to the Restricted  Payment.
Not  later than  the date  of making any  Restricted Payment,  the Company shall
deliver to the  Trustee an  Officers' Certificate stating  that such  Restricted
Payment  is permitted  and setting forth  the basis upon  which the calculations
required  by  the  covenant  "--Certain  Covenants--Restricted  Payments"   were
computed,  which calculations may  be based upon  the Company's latest available
financial statements.
 
    INCURRENCE OF INDEBTEDNESS.   The Indenture provides  that the Company  will
not,  and will not  permit any of  its Subsidiaries to,  directly or indirectly,
create,  incur,  issue,  assume,  guaranty  or  otherwise  become  directly   or
indirectly  liable, contingently  or otherwise,  with respect  to (collectively,
"incur") any Indebtedness (including  Acquired Debt) and  that the Company  will
not  issue any Disqualified Stock; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the Company may incur
Indebtedness (including Acquired Debt) or issue shares of Disqualified Stock  if
the  Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the Company's most recently ended four full
fiscal  quarters  for   which  internal  financial   statements  are   available
immediately preceding the date on which such additional Indebtedness is incurred
or  such Disqualified Stock is issued would have been at least 2.0 to 1, if such
Indebtedness is incurred or such Disqualified Stock is issued prior to July  31,
1998,  or 2.25  to 1 thereafter,  in each case  determined on a  pro forma basis
(including a pro  forma application of  the net proceeds  therefrom), as if  the
additional  Indebtedness had been  incurred, or the  Disqualified Stock had been
issued, as the case may be, at the beginning of such four-quarter period.
 
    The foregoing provisions will not apply to:
 
         (i)
       the  incurrence  by  the  Company  or  its  Restricted  Subsidiaries   of
       Indebtedness  pursuant to the  Credit Facility in  an aggregate principal
amount at any time outstanding  (with letters of credit  being deemed to have  a
principal amount equal to the maximum potential liability of the Company and its
Restricted  Subsidiaries  thereunder)  not  to exceed  the  greater  of  (a) the
Borrowing Base and (b) $80.0 million;
 
        (ii)
       the incurrence  by the  Company and  its Restricted  Subsidiaries of  the
       Existing Indebtedness;
 
       (iii)
       the  incurrence by  the Company  of Indebtedness  represented by  the New
       Notes;
 
        (iv)
       the incurrence by the  Company or any of  its Restricted Subsidiaries  of
       Indebtedness   represented   by  Capital   Lease   Obligations,  mortgage
financings or purchase money obligations, in each case incurred for the  purpose
of  financing all or any  part of the purchase price  or cost of construction or
improvement of property, plant or equipment used in the business of the  Company
or  such Restricted Subsidiary,  in an aggregate principal  amount not to exceed
$10.0 million at any time outstanding;
 
         (v)
       the incurrence by the  Company or any of  its Restricted Subsidiaries  of
       Indebtedness  in  connection  with the  acquisition  of assets  or  a new
Restricted Subsidiary; PROVIDED that such Indebtedness was incurred by the prior
owner of such assets or such Restricted Subsidiary prior to such acquisition  by
the Company or one
 
                                       65
<PAGE>
of  its Restricted Subsidiaries and  was not incurred in  connection with, or in
contemplation of,  such acquisition  by  the Company  or  one of  it  Restricted
Subsidiaries; and PROVIDED FURTHER that the principal amount (or accreted value,
as  applicable)  of  such  Indebtedness,  together  with  any  other outstanding
Indebtedness incurred pursuant to this clause (v), does not exceed $5.0 million;
 
        (vi)
       the incurrence by the  Company or any of  its Restricted Subsidiaries  of
       Permitted  Refinancing Debt in exchange for, or the net proceeds of which
are used to extend, refinance,  renew, replace, defease or refund,  Indebtedness
that was permitted by the Indenture to be incurred;
 
       (vii)
       the  incurrence by the  Company or any of  its Restricted Subsidiaries of
       intercompany Indebtedness between  or among  the Company and  any of  its
Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiaries; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that (A) any subsequent
issuance  or transfer of Equity Interests  that results in any such Indebtedness
being held by  a Person  other than  the Company  or a  Wholly Owned  Restricted
Subsidiary  and (B)  any sale or  other transfer  of any such  Indebtedness to a
Person that is not  either the Company or  a Wholly Owned Restricted  Subsidiary
shall  be deemed, in each case, to constitute an incurrence of such Indebtedness
by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be;
 
      (viii)
       the incurrence by the  Company or any of  its Restricted Subsidiaries  of
       Hedging  Obligations  that  are incurred  for  the purpose  of  fixing or
hedging interest rate risk with respect  to any floating rate Indebtedness  that
is permitted by the terms of the Indenture to be outstanding;
 
        (ix)
       the  incurrence  by  the  Company  and  its  Restricted  Subsidiaries  of
       additional Indebtedness  in  an  aggregate amount  not  to  exceed  $10.0
million at any one time outstanding; and
 
         (x)
       the incurrence by the Company's Unrestricted Subsidiaries of Non-Recourse
       Debt,  PROVIDED,  HOWEVER, that  if any  such  Indebtedness ceases  to be
Non-Recourse Debt of an Unrestricted Subsidiary,  such event shall be deemed  to
constitute  an  incurrence of  Indebtedness by  a  Restricted Subsidiary  of the
Company.
 
    LIENS.   The Indenture  provides that  the Company  will not,  and will  not
permit any of its Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create, incur, assume
or suffer to exist any Lien on any asset now owned or hereafter acquired, or any
income  or profits  therefrom or  assign or convey  any right  to receive income
therefrom, except Permitted Liens.
 
    DIVIDEND  AND  OTHER  PAYMENT  RESTRICTIONS  AFFECTING  SUBSIDIARIES.    The
Indenture  provides that the  Company will not,  and will not  permit any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create or otherwise cause or
suffer to  exist or  become  effective any  encumbrance  or restriction  on  the
ability  of any Restricted Subsidiary to (i)(a)  pay dividends or make any other
distributions to the Company  or any of its  Restricted Subsidiaries (1) on  its
Capital  Stock or (2) with respect to any other interest or participation in, or
measured by, its profits, or (b) pay any indebtedness owed to the Company or any
of its Restricted Subsidiaries,  (ii) make loans or  advances to the Company  or
any  of its Restricted Subsidiaries  or (iii) transfer any  of its properties or
assets to the  Company or any  of its Restricted  Subsidiaries, except for  such
encumbrances  or  restrictions  existing  under or  by  reason  of  (a) Existing
Indebtedness as in effect on the date of the Indenture, (b) the Credit  Facility
as in effect as of the date of the Indenture, and any amendments, modifications,
restatements,  renewals,  increases,  supplements,  refundings,  replacements or
refinancings   thereof,   PROVIDED   that   such   amendments,    modifications,
restatements,  renewals,  increases,  supplements,  refundings,  replacements or
refinancings are no  more restrictive with  respect to such  dividend and  other
payment restrictions than those contained in the Credit Facility as in effect on
the  date of the Indenture, (c) the  Indenture and the New Notes, (d) applicable
law, (e) any  instrument governing  Indebtedness or  Capital Stock  of a  Person
acquired  by the Company or  any of its Restricted  Subsidiaries as in effect at
the time  of  such acquisition  (except  to  the extent  such  Indebtedness  was
incurred  in connection  with or  in contemplation  of such  acquisition), which
encumbrance or restriction is not applicable to any Person, or the properties or
assets of any Person, other  than the Person, or the  property or assets of  the
Person,   so  acquired,  provided  that,  in  the  case  of  Indebtedness,  such
Indebtedness was permitted by the terms of the Indenture to be incurred, (f)  by
reason  of customary  non-assignment provisions  in leases  entered into  in the
ordinary course of  business and  consistent with past  practices, (g)  purchase
money obligations for property acquired
 
                                       66
<PAGE>
in  the  ordinary course  of  business that  impose  restrictions of  the nature
described in clause (iii)  above on the property  so acquired, or (h)  Permitted
Refinancing  Indebtedness,  provided  that  the  restrictions  contained  in the
agreements  governing  such  Permitted  Refinancing  Indebtedness  are  no  more
restrictive  than those contained  in the agreements  governing the Indebtedness
being refinanced.
 
    MERGER, CONSOLIDATION, OR SALE OF ASSETS.   The Indenture provides that  the
Company may not consolidate or merge with or into (whether or not the Company is
the  surviving  corporation),  or  sell,  assign,  transfer,  lease,  convey  or
otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its properties or assets in one
or more related transactions,  to another corporation,  Person or entity  unless
(i)  the Company is the surviving corporation or the entity or the Person formed
by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than the Company)  or
to which such sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition
shall  have been made is  a corporation organized or  existing under the laws of
the United  States, any  state thereof  or the  District of  Columbia; (ii)  the
entity  or Person formed  by or surviving  any such consolidation  or merger (if
other than the Company) or the entity or Person to which such sale,  assignment,
transfer,  lease, conveyance or  other disposition shall  have been made assumes
all the  obligations  of the  Company  under the  New  Notes and  the  Indenture
pursuant  to a supplemental  indenture in a form  reasonably satisfactory to the
Trustee; (iii) immediately after such transaction no Default or Event of Default
exists; and (iv) except in the  case of a merger of  the Company with or into  a
Wholly  Owned Restricted Subsidiary of the Company, the Company or the entity or
Person formed by or  surviving any such consolidation  or merger (if other  than
the  Company), or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or
other disposition shall  have been  made (A)  will have  Consolidated Net  Worth
immediately  after the transaction equal to or greater than the Consolidated Net
Worth of the Company immediately preceding the transaction and (B) will, at  the
time  of such transaction and  after giving pro forma  effect thereto as if such
transaction had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period,
be permitted to incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to  the
Fixed  Charge  Coverage Ratio  test  set forth  in  the first  paragraph  of the
covenant described  above  under  the caption  "--Incurrence  of  Indebtedness;"
provided,  that  the foregoing  provisions will  not restrict  the ability  of a
Restricted Subsidiary to consolidate or merge with the Company.
 
    ISSUANCES AND  SALES  OF CAPITAL  STOCK  OF RESTRICTED  SUBSIDIARIES.    The
Indenture provides that the Company (i) will not, and will not permit any of its
Wholly  Owned  Restricted  Subsidiaries  to, transfer,  convey,  sell,  lease or
otherwise dispose of any Capital Stock of any Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary
of the Company to  any Person (other  than the Company  or another Wholly  Owned
Restricted  Subsidiary), unless such transfer,  conveyance, sale, lease or other
disposition (a) is  of all  the Capital Stock  of such  Wholly Owned  Restricted
Subsidiary  and (b) complies with the covenant described above under the caption
"--Repurchase at the Option  of Holders--Asset Sales and  Events of Loss,"  (ii)
will  not permit any Wholly Owned Restricted  Subsidiary of the Company to issue
any of its Equity Interests (other than,  if required by law, shares of  Capital
Stock  constituting  directors'  qualifying  shares  of  a  Subsidiary  that  is
organized outside of the United States) to any Person other than to the  Company
or a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary of the Company and (iii) will not permit
any  of its Restricted  Subsidiaries to issue any  preferred Equity Interests to
any Person other than to the Company or a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary  of
the Company.
 
    TRANSACTIONS  WITH AFFILIATES.  The Indenture provides that the Company will
not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, make any payment
to, or sell, lease, transfer  or otherwise dispose of  any of its properties  or
assets  to, or purchase  any property or assets  from, or enter  into or make or
amend any contract, agreement, understanding,  loan, advance or guarantee  with,
or  for the  benefit of,  any Affiliate  (each of  the foregoing,  an "Affiliate
Transaction"), unless (i)  such Affiliate Transaction  is on terms  that are  no
less  favorable to the Company or  the relevant Restricted Subsidiary than those
that would have been obtained in a comparable transaction by the Company or such
Restricted Subsidiary with an unrelated Person and (ii) the Company delivers  to
the  Trustee (a) with respect to any  Affiliate Transaction or series of related
Affiliate Transactions  involving  aggregate  consideration in  excess  of  $1.0
million,  a  resolution of  the Board  of  Directors set  forth in  an Officers'
Certificate certifying that such Affiliate Transaction complies with clause  (i)
above and that such Affiliate Transaction has been approved by a majority of the
disinterested  members of  the Board  of Directors and  (b) with  respect to any
Affiliate Transaction or series of related
 
                                       67
<PAGE>
Affiliate Transactions  involving  aggregate  consideration in  excess  of  $5.0
million,  an  opinion  as to  the  fairness  to the  Holders  of  such Affiliate
Transaction from a financial point of view issued by an investment banking  firm
of  national standing with total assets in excess of $1.0 billion; PROVIDED that
(1) any  employment  agreement  entered  into  by the  Company  or  any  of  its
Restricted  Subsidiaries in the ordinary course  of business and consistent with
the past practice of the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, (2) transactions
between  or  among   the  Company  and/or   its  Restricted  Subsidiaries,   (3)
transactions  pursuant to the Output Purchase Agreement, the Subordinated Credit
Facility, the Indemnification Reimbursement Agreement  and the lease by Box  USA
Group,  Inc. of  the corrugator facility  owned by Florida  Coast Paper Company,
L.L.C., in  each  case as  in  effect  on the  date  of the  Indenture  and  (4)
Restricted  Payments  and  Permitted  Investments  that  are  permitted  by  the
provisions of  the  Indenture  described  above  under  the  caption  "--Certain
Covenants--Restricted  Payments," in  each case,  shall not  be deemed Affiliate
Transactions.
 
    ADDITIONAL SUBSIDIARY  GUARANTEES.    The Indenture  provides  that  if  the
Company  or any of  its Subsidiaries shall acquire  or create another Subsidiary
after the date of the Indenture, then such newly acquired or created  Subsidiary
shall  (a)  become  a  party  to  each  of  the  Subsidiary  Guarantee  and  the
Contribution Agreement, the  Drop-Down Note Security  Agreement, the  Subsidiary
Pledge  Agreement and  the Subsidiary Security  Agreement pursuant  to the terms
thereof and (b) execute and deliver to  the Trustee, for the ratable benefit  of
the  Holders, a Drop-Down Note, if  required; PROVIDED, that this covenant shall
not apply to all Subsidiaries that have been properly designated as Unrestricted
Subsidiaries in accordance with  the Indenture for so  long as they continue  to
constitute Unrestricted Subsidiaries.
 
    BUSINESS  ACTIVITIES.    The  Company  will not,  and  will  not  permit any
Restricted Subsidiary to, engage  in any business other  than the packaging  and
paper   product  manufacturing  business  engaged  in  by  the  Company  or  its
Subsidiaries on the date  of the Indenture and  such business activities as  are
incidental or related thereto.
 
    PAYMENTS  FOR CONSENT.  The Indenture  provides that neither the Company nor
any of its Subsidiaries will,  directly or indirectly, pay  or cause to be  paid
any  consideration, whether by way of interest,  fee or otherwise, to any Holder
of any New Notes for or as an inducement to any consent, waiver or amendment  of
any  of the terms  or provisions of the  Indenture or the  New Notes unless such
consideration is offered to be paid or is  paid to all Holders of the New  Notes
that  consent,  waive or  agree to  amend in  the  time frame  set forth  in the
solicitation documents relating to such consent, waiver or agreement.
 
    REPORTS.  The Indenture provides that, whether or not required by the  rules
and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"), so
long  as any New Notes are outstanding,  the Company will furnish to the Holders
of New Notes (i)  all quarterly and annual  financial information that would  be
required  to be contained in a filing with the Commission on Forms 10-Q and 10-K
if the  Company were  required to  file such  Forms, including  a  "Management's
Discussion  and Analysis of Financial Condition  and Results of Operations" that
describes the financial condition and results  of operations of the Company  and
its  Restricted Subsidiaries and, with respect to the annual information only, a
report thereon by the Company's  certified independent accountants and (ii)  all
current  reports that would be required to  be filed with the Commission on Form
8-K if the Company were required to  file such reports. In addition, whether  or
not  required by the rules  and regulations of the  Commission, the Company will
file a copy of all such information  and reports with the Commission for  public
availability (unless the Commission will not accept such a filing) and make such
information  available  to securities  analysts  and prospective  investors upon
request. In  addition, the  Company and  the Subsidiary  Guarantors have  agreed
that,  for so long as any New Notes remain outstanding, they will furnish to the
Holders and  to  securities  analysts  and  prospective  investors,  upon  their
request,  the information required  to be delivered  pursuant to Rule 144A(d)(4)
under the Securities Act.
 
    EVENTS OF DEFAULT  AND REMEDIES.   The Indenture provides  that each of  the
following  constitutes  an Event  of Default:  (i)  default for  30 days  in the
payment when due of interest on the New Notes; (ii) default in payment when  due
of  the principal of or premium, if any,  on the New Notes; (iii) failure by the
Company to  comply  with  the  provisions described  above  under  the  captions
"--Repurchase  at the Option  of Holders-- Change  of Control," "--Repurchase at
the  Option   of  Holders--Asset   Sales  and   Events  of   Loss,"   "--Certain
 
                                       68
<PAGE>
Covenants--Restricted   Payments"   or   "--Certain   Covenants--Incurrence   of
Indebtedness"; (iv) failure by  the Company for 30  days after notice to  comply
with  any of its other agreements in the Indenture or the New Notes; (v) default
under any mortgage, indenture or instrument  under which there may be issued  or
by  which there may be secured or  evidenced any Indebtedness for money borrowed
by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (or the payment of which is
guaranteed by the Company  or any of its  Restricted Subsidiaries) whether  such
Indebtedness  or  guarantee now  exists, or  is  created after  the date  of the
Indenture, which default  (a) is  caused by  a failure  to pay  principal of  or
premium, if any, or interest on such Indebtedness prior to the expiration of the
grace  period  provided in  such Indebtedness  on  the date  of such  default (a
"Payment Default") or (b) results in the acceleration of such Indebtedness prior
to its express maturity and, in  each case, the outstanding principal amount  of
any  such Indebtedness,  together with the  outstanding principal  amount of any
other such Indebtedness  under which  there has been  a Payment  Default or  the
maturity of which has been so accelerated, aggregates $5.0 million or more; (vi)
failure  by  the Company  or any  of  its Restricted  Subsidiaries to  pay final
judgments aggregating in excess of $5.0  million, which judgments are not  paid,
discharged or stayed for a period of 60 days; (vii) breach by the Company or any
Subsidiary  of  any  material  representation  or  warranty  set  forth  in  any
Collateral Document,  or  default  by  the Company  or  any  Subsidiary  in  the
performance  of any covenant set forth  in any Collateral Document (after giving
effect to any applicable grace or  cure periods), or repudiation by the  Company
or  any  Subsidiary of  its obligations  under any  Collateral Document,  or any
Collateral Document shall be held in any judicial proceeding to be unenforceable
or invalid or cease for any reason to be in full force and effect; (viii) except
as permitted by  the Indenture, any  Subsidiary Guarantee shall  be held in  any
judicial proceeding to be unenforceable or invalid or shall cease for any reason
to  be in full force and effect or  any Guarantor, or any Person acing on behalf
of any Guarantor, shall deny or  disaffirm its obligations under its  Subsidiary
Guarantee;  and (ix) certain events of  bankruptcy or insolvency with respect to
the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries.
 
    If any Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee or the Holders
of at  least 25%  in principal  amount of  the then  outstanding New  Notes  may
declare all the New Notes to be due and payable immediately. Notwithstanding the
foregoing,  in the case  of an Event  of Default arising  from certain events of
bankruptcy  or  insolvency,  with  respect  to  the  Company,  any   Significant
Subsidiary  or any group of Restricted  Subsidiaries that, taken together, would
constitute a Significant Subsidiary, all  outstanding New Notes will become  due
and  payable without further action or notice.  Holders of the New Notes may not
enforce the Indenture  or the  New Notes except  as provided  in the  Indenture.
Subject to certain limitations, Holders of a majority in principal amount of the
then  outstanding New Notes may direct the  Trustee in its exercise of any trust
or power. The Trustee may withhold from  Holders of the New Notes notice of  any
continuing  Default or Event  of Default (except  a Default or  Event of Default
relating to  the  payment  of  principal or  interest)  if  it  determines  that
withholding notice is in their interest.
 
    In  the case  of any  Event of  Default occurring  by reason  of any willful
action (or inaction) taken (or  not taken) by or on  behalf of the Company  with
the intention of avoiding payment of the premium that the Company would have had
to  pay if the Company then had elected  to redeem the New Notes pursuant to the
optional redemption provisions  of the  Indenture, an  equivalent premium  shall
also  become and be immediately  due and payable to  the extent permitted by law
upon the acceleration of the New Notes.  If an Event of Default occurs prior  to
June  1, 2001 by reason of any willful action (or inaction) taken (or not taken)
by or on behalf of the Company with the intention of avoiding the prohibition on
redemption of the New Notes prior to June 1, 2001, then the premium specified in
the Indenture  shall also  become  immediately due  and  payable to  the  extent
permitted by law upon the acceleration of the New Notes.
 
    The  Holders of a  majority in aggregate  principal amount of  the New Notes
then outstanding by notice to the Trustee may on behalf of the Holders of all of
the  New  Notes  waive  any  existing  Default  or  Event  of  Default  and  its
consequences under the Indenture except a continuing Default or Event of Default
in the payment of principal of or interest on the New Notes.
 
    The  Company  is required  to deliver  to the  Trustee annually  a statement
regarding compliance  with  the Indenture,  and  the Company  is  required  upon
becoming  aware of any Default or Event of  Default, to deliver to the Trustee a
statement specifying such Default or Event of Default.
 
                                       69
<PAGE>
    NO   PERSONAL   LIABILITY    OF   DIRECTORS,    OFFICERS,   EMPLOYEES    AND
STOCKHOLDERS.   No director,  officer, employee, incorporator  or stockholder of
the Company,  as such,  shall have  any  liability for  any obligations  of  the
Company  under the New Notes, the Indenture or the Security Agreement or for any
claim based  on, in  respect of,  or by  reason of,  such obligations  or  their
creation.  Each Holder of New Notes by  accepting a New Note waives and releases
all such liability.  The waiver and  release are part  of the consideration  for
issuance of the New Notes. Such waiver may not be effective to waive liabilities
under the federal securities laws and it is the view of the Commission that such
a waiver is against public policy.
 
    LEGAL  DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT  DEFEASANCE.  The Company  may, at its option
and at any time, elect to have all of its obligations discharged with respect to
the outstanding New  Notes ("Legal  Defeasance") except  for (i)  the rights  of
Holders of outstanding New Notes to receive principal of or premium and interest
payments,  if any, on such  New Notes when such payments  are due from the trust
referred to below, (ii) the Company's obligations with respect to the New  Notes
concerning  issuing temporary New  Notes, registration of  New Notes, mutilated,
destroyed, lost or stolen New Notes and  the maintenance of an office or  agency
for  payment and money  for security payments  held in trust,  (iii) the rights,
powers, trusts,  duties  and  immunities  of  the  Trustee,  and  the  Company's
obligations  in connection therewith and (iv) the Legal Defeasance provisions of
the Indenture. In  addition, the Company  may, at  its option and  at any  time,
elect  to have the obligations  of the Company released  with respect to certain
covenants that  are  described  in the  Indenture  ("Covenant  Defeasance")  and
thereafter  any omission  to comply with  such covenants shall  not constitute a
Default or Event of Default with respect to the New Notes. In the event Covenant
Defeasance  occurs,  certain  events  (not  including  non-payment,  bankruptcy,
receivership, rehabilitation and insolvency events) described under "--Events of
Default"  will no longer constitute an Event  of Default with respect to the New
Notes.
 
    In order to exercise either Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance, (i) the
Company must irrevocably deposit with the Trustee, in trust, for the benefit  of
the  Holders of  the New  Notes, cash  in U.S.  dollars, non-callable Government
Securities, or a combination thereof, in such amounts as will be sufficient,  in
the  opinion of a nationally recognized  firm of independent public accountants,
to pay the principal of  and premium and interest,  if any, on, the  outstanding
New  Notes on the stated  maturity or on the  applicable redemption date, as the
case may  be, and  the Company  must specify  whether the  New Notes  are  being
defeased  to maturity or  to a particular  redemption date; (ii)  in the case of
Legal Defeasance, the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an opinion  of
counsel  in the  United States reasonably  acceptable to  the Trustee confirming
that (A) the  Company has received  from, or  there has been  published by,  the
Internal  Revenue Service a ruling or (B) since the date of the Indenture, there
has been a change in  the applicable federal income tax  law, in either case  to
the  effect that, and based thereon such  opinion of counsel shall confirm that,
the Holders of the outstanding New Notes will not recognize income, gain or loss
for federal income tax purposes as a result of such Legal Defeasance and will be
subject to federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the
same times  as  would have  been  the case  if  such Legal  Defeasance  had  not
occurred;  (iii)  in the  case of  Covenant Defeasance,  the Company  shall have
delivered to the Trustee an opinion  of counsel in the United States  reasonably
acceptable  to the  Trustee confirming that  the Holders of  the outstanding New
Notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as
a result of such Covenant Defeasance and  will be subject to federal income  tax
on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been
the  case if such Covenant Defeasance had not occurred; (iv) no Default or Event
of Default shall have  occurred and be  continuing on the  date of such  deposit
(other  than a Default or Event of Default resulting from the borrowing of funds
to be applied to such deposit) or  insofar as Events of Default from  bankruptcy
or insolvency events are concerned, at any time in the period ending on the 91st
day  after the date of deposit; (v) such Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance
will not result in a breach or  violation of, or constitute a default under  any
material agreement or instrument (other than the Indenture) to which the Company
or  any of its  Subsidiaries is a  party or by  which the Company  or any of its
Subsidiaries is bound; (vi)  the Company must have  delivered to the Trustee  an
opinion  of counsel to the effect that after the 91st day following the deposit,
the trust funds will not be subject to the effect of any applicable  bankruptcy,
insolvency,   reorganization  or   similar  laws   affecting  creditors'  rights
generally;  (vii)  the  Company  must  deliver  to  the  Trustee  an   Officers'
Certificate stating that the deposit was not made by the Company with the intent
of preferring the Holders of
 
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<PAGE>
New  Notes over the other creditors of the Company with the intent of defeating,
hindering, delaying or defrauding creditors of the Company or others; and (viii)
the Company must deliver to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate and an  opinion
of  counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent provided for relating to
the Legal Defeasance or the Covenant Defeasance have been complied with.
 
    TRANSFER AND  EXCHANGE.   A Holder  may transfer  or exchange  New Notes  in
accordance  with  the Indenture.  The Registrar  and the  Trustee may  require a
Holder, among other  things, to  furnish appropriate  endorsements and  transfer
documents  and  the Company  may  require a  Holder to  pay  any taxes  and fees
required by law or permitted  by the Indenture. The  Company is not required  to
transfer  or exchange any New Note selected for redemption. Also, the Company is
not required to transfer or exchange any New Note for a period of 15 days before
a selection of New Notes to be redeemed.
 
    The registered Holder of a New Note will  be treated as the owner of it  for
all purposes.
 
    AMENDMENT,  SUPPLEMENT  AND WAIVER.    Except as  provided  in the  next two
succeeding paragraphs, the Indenture,  the New Notes  or the Security  Agreement
may  be amended or  supplemented with the consent  of the Holders  of at least a
majority in  principal amount  of  the New  Notes then  outstanding  (including,
without  limitation,  consents obtained  in connection  with  a purchase  of, or
tender offer or  exchange offer  for, New Notes),  and any  existing default  or
compliance  with any provision of the Indenture, the New Notes or the Collateral
Documents may  be waived  with  the consent  of the  Holders  of a  majority  in
principal  amount of the then outstanding New Notes (including consents obtained
in connection with a tender offer or exchange offer for New Notes).
 
    Without the consent of each Holder affected, an amendment or waiver may  not
(with  respect to any New Notes held by a non-consenting Holder): (i) reduce the
principal amount  of New  Notes  whose Holders  must  consent to  an  amendment,
supplement  or waiver, (ii) reduce the principal of or change the fixed maturity
of any New Note or  alter the provisions with respect  to the redemption of  the
New Notes (other than provisions relating to the covenants described above under
the  caption "--Repurchase at the Option of  Holders"), (iii) reduce the rate of
or change the time for payment of interest on any New Note, (iv) waive a Default
or Event of Default in the payment of principal of or premium or interest on the
New Notes (except a rescission of acceleration  of the New Notes by the  Holders
of  at least  a majority in  aggregate principal amount  of the New  Notes and a
waiver of the payment  default that resulted from  such acceleration), (v)  make
any New Note payable in money other than that stated in the New Notes, (vi) make
any  change  in the  provisions of  the  Indenture relating  to waivers  of past
Defaults or the rights of Holders of  New Notes to receive interest payments  on
the  New Notes, (vii)  waive a redemption  payment with respect  to any New Note
(other than a payment required by one of the covenants described above under the
caption "--Repurchase at the Option of Holders"), (viii) consent to a release of
the security  interest in  the Pledged  Collateral  or make  any change  in  the
provisions of the Indenture or the Collateral Documents relating to the security
interest  of the Trustee  in Pledged Collateral  or (ix) make  any change in the
foregoing amendment and waiver provisions.
 
    Notwithstanding the  foregoing, without  the consent  of any  Holder of  New
Notes,  the Company and the  Trustee may amend or  supplement the Indenture, the
New Notes  or  the  Collateral  Documents  to  cure  any  ambiguity,  defect  or
inconsistency,  to provide  for uncertificated  New Notes  in addition  to or in
place of certificated New Notes, to provide for the assumption of the  Company's
obligations to Holders of New Notes in the case of a merger or consolidation, to
make  any change  that would  provide any additional  rights or  benefits to the
Holders of New Notes or  that does not adversely  affect the legal rights  under
the Indenture of any such Holder, to provide for additional collateral to secure
the  New Notes  or to  comply with  requirements of  the Commission  in order to
effect or maintain the qualification of the Indenture under the Trust  Indenture
Act.
 
    CONCERNING  THE TRUSTEE.  The Indenture  contains certain limitations on the
rights of the Trustee,  should it become  a creditor of  the Company, to  obtain
payment  of claims in certain cases, or  to realize on certain property received
in respect of  any such  claim as  security or  otherwise. The  Trustee will  be
permitted  to  engage  in  other  transactions;  however,  if  it  acquires  any
conflicting interest it must  eliminate such conflict within  90 days, apply  to
the Commission for permission to continue or resign.
 
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<PAGE>
    The  Holders of a majority  in principal amount of  the then outstanding New
Notes will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any
proceeding for  exercising  any remedy  available  to the  Trustee,  subject  to
certain  exceptions. The  Indenture provides  that in  case an  Event of Default
shall occur (which shall  not be cured),  the Trustee will  be required, in  the
exercise of its power, to use the degree of care of a prudent man in the conduct
of  his own affairs.  Subject to such  provisions, the Trustee  will be under no
obligation to exercise any of  its rights or powers  under the Indenture at  the
request of any Holder of New Notes, unless such Holder shall have offered to the
Trustee security and indemnity satisfactory to it against any loss, liability or
expense.
 
BOOK-ENTRY, DELIVERY AND FORM
 
    The  New Notes to be resold as set  forth herein will initially be issued in
the form  of one  global  note (the  "Global Note").  The  Global Note  will  be
deposited  on  the closing  date of  the Exchange  Offer becomes  effective (the
"Effective Date") with, or  on behalf of, the  Depositary and registered in  the
name of Cede & Co., as nominee of the Depositary (such nominee being referred to
herein as the "Global Note Holder").
 
    New   Notes  that   are  issued  as   described  below   under  the  caption
"--Certificated Notes"  will be  issued  in the  form of  registered  definitive
certificates  (the  "Certificated  Notes"). Upon  the  transfer  of Certificated
Notes, such Certificated Notes may, unless the Global Notes have previously been
exchanged for Certificated  Notes, be exchanged  for an interest  in the  Global
Note representing the principal amount of the New Notes being transferred.
 
    The  Depositary is a limited-purpose trust  company that was created to hold
securities for its participating organizations (collectively, the "Participants"
or  the  "Depositary's  Participants")  and  to  facilitate  the  clearance  and
settlement  of  transactions  in such  securities  between  Participants through
electronic book-entry changes in accounts of its Participants. The  Depositary's
Participants  include  securities  brokers and  dealers  (including  the Initial
Purchaser), banks and trust companies,  clearing corporations and certain  other
organizations.  Access to  the Depositary's  system is  also available  to other
entities such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies (collectively,  the
"Indirect  Participants" or the "Depositary's Indirect Participants") that clear
through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Participant, either directly
or indirectly. Persons who are not Participants may beneficially own  securities
held   by  or  on  behalf  of  the  Depositary  only  through  the  Depositary's
Participants or the Depositary's Indirect Participants.
 
    The  Company  expects  that  pursuant  to  procedures  established  by   the
Depositary  (i) upon deposit of the Global  Note, the Depositary will credit the
accounts of Participants designated  by the Initial  Purchaser with portions  of
the  Global Note and  (ii) ownership of  the Notes evidenced  by the Global Note
will be shown on, and  the transfer of ownership  thereof will be effected  only
through,  records maintained by the Depositary (with respect to the interests of
the  Depositary's   Participants),  the   Depositary's  Participants   and   the
Depositary's  Indirect Participants. Prospective purchasers are advised that the
laws of  some states  require that  certain persons  take physical  delivery  in
definitive  form  of  securities that  they  own. Consequently,  the  ability to
transfer New Notes evidenced by the Global Notes will be limited to such extent.
 
    So long as the Global Note Holder is the registered owner of any New  Notes,
the  Global  Note Holder  will be  considered the  sole owner  of the  New Notes
represented by such Global  Notes. Beneficial owners of  New Notes evidenced  by
the  Global Notes will not be considered the owners or holders thereof under the
Indenture for  any  purpose,  including  with  respect  to  the  giving  of  any
directions,  instructions or approvals  to Trustee thereunder.  As a result, the
ability of a person having a beneficial interest in New Notes represented by any
Global Note,  to  pledge  such interest  to  persons  or entities  that  do  not
participate  in the Depositary's system or  to otherwise take actions in respect
of such  interest,  may  be affected  by  the  lack of  a  physical  certificate
evidencing  such interest.  Neither the  Company nor  the Trustee  will have any
responsibility or  liability  for any  aspect  of  the records  relating  to  or
payments  made on account  of New Notes  by the Depositary,  or for maintaining,
supervising or reviewing  any records  of the  Depositary relating  to such  New
Notes.
 
    Payments in respect of the New Notes registered in the name of a Global Note
Holder  on the applicable record date will be payable by the applicable transfer
agent   to    or   at    the   direction    of   such    Global   Note    Holder
 
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<PAGE>
in  its capacity as the registered holder of  such New Notes. Under the terms of
the Indenture, the Company and the Trustee may treat the persons in whose  names
New  Notes, including the Global Notes, are registered as the owners thereof for
the purpose  of receiving  such payments  and  for any  and all  other  purposes
whatsoever.  Consequently, none of the Company nor  the Trustee has or will have
any responsibility or liability  for the payment of  such amounts to  beneficial
owners of the New Notes (including principal, premium and interest, if any). The
Company  believes, however, that it is currently the policy of the Depositary to
immediately credit the accounts of the relevant Participants with such payments,
in amounts proportionate to their respective holdings of beneficial interests in
the relevant security as shown on the records of the Depositary. Payments by the
Depositary's Participants  and the  Depositary's  Indirect Participants  to  the
beneficial  owners  of  Notes  will be  governed  by  standing  instructions and
customary  practice  and  will  be   the  responsibility  of  the   Depositary's
Participants or the Depositary's Indirect Participants.
 
    CERTIFICATED  NOTES.   Subject to  certain conditions,  any person  having a
beneficial interest  in  any Global  Note  may,  upon request  to  the  Trustee,
exchange  such beneficial  interest for  New Notes  in the  form of Certificated
Notes. Upon  any  such  issuance,  the Trustee  is  required  to  register  such
Certificated  Notes in the name of, and cause  the same to be delivered to, such
person or persons (or the nominee of any thereof). In addition, if (i) a Company
notifies the Trustee in writing that the Depositary is no longer willing or able
to act as a depositary and the Company is unable to locate a qualified successor
within 90 days  or (ii)  the Company,  at its  option, notifies  the Trustee  in
writing  that  it elects  to cause  the issuance  of  New Notes  in the  form of
Certificated Notes, then, upon surrender by the Global Note Holder of its Global
Note, New Notes in such form will be issued to each person that the Global  Note
Holder  and the Depositary identify as being the beneficial owner of the related
New Notes.
 
    Neither the Company  nor the Trustee  will be  liable for any  delay by  the
Global Note Holder or the Depositary in identifying the beneficial owners of New
Notes  and the Company,  and the Trustee  may conclusively rely  on, and will be
protected in  relying  on, instructions  from  the  Global Note  Holder  or  the
Depositary for all purposes.
 
    SAME-DAY  SETTLEMENT AND PAYMENT.   The Indenture  requires that payments in
respect of the New  Notes represented by the  Global Note (including  principal,
premium  and interest, if any) be made by wire transfer of immediately available
funds to  the accounts  specified by  the Global  Note Holder.  With respect  to
Certificated  Notes, the Company  will make all  payments in respect  of the New
Notes (including principal, premium and interest,  if any), by wire transfer  of
immediately available funds to the accounts specified by the Holders thereof or,
if  no  such account  is specified,  by mailing  a check  to each  such Holder's
registered address.  Secondary  trading in  long-term  notes and  debentures  of
corporate  issuers is generally settled in  clearing-house or next-day funds. In
contrast, the  New Notes  represented by  the Global  Notes are  expected to  be
eligible  to trade in the Depositary's Same-Day Funds Settlement System, and any
permitted secondary market trading activity  in such New Notes will,  therefore,
be  required by the Depositary to be settled in immediately available funds. The
Company expects that secondary  trading in the Certificated  Notes will also  be
settled in immediately available funds.
 
REGISTRATION RIGHTS; LIQUIDATED DAMAGES
 
    The  Company,  the Guarantors  and the  Initial  Purchaser entered  into the
Registration Rights  Agreement  dated  as  of May  30,  1996.  Pursuant  to  the
Registration  Rights Agreement,  the Company and  the Guarantors  agreed to file
with the Commission the Exchange Offer Registration Statement on the appropriate
form under  the  Securities  Act  with  respect  to  the  New  Notes.  Upon  the
effectiveness  of the  Exchange Offer  Registration Statement,  the Company will
offer to the Holders of Transfer Restricted Securities pursuant to the  Exchange
Offer  who are able to make  certain representations the opportunity to exchange
their Transfer Restricted Securities for New Notes. If the Company does not meet
its obligations under the Registration Rights  Agreement, it may be required  to
pay Liquidated Damages to holders of Old Notes.
 
    Holders  of  New Notes  are  not entitled  to  any registration  rights with
respect to the New Notes. The Company agrees  for a period of 270 days from  the
effective  date of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement to make available a
prospectus meeting the requirements of  the Securities Act to any  broker-dealer
for  use  in connection  with  any resale  of  any New  Notes.  The Registration
Statement of which this
 
                                       73
<PAGE>
Prospectus is a  part constitutes  the registration statement  for the  Exchange
Offer  which  is the  subject  of the  Registration  Rights Agreement.  Upon the
closing of the Exchange Offer, subject to certain limited exceptions, Holders of
untendered Old Notes will  not retain any rights  under the Registration  Rights
Agreement.
 
    Holders  of Transfer Restricted Securities will  be required to make certain
representations  to  the  Company  (as  described  in  the  Registration  Rights
Agreement) in order to participate in the Exchange Offer and will be required to
deliver  information  to  be  used in  connection  with  the  Shelf Registration
Statement, if any, and to provide  comments on the Shelf Registration  Statement
within  the time periods set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement in order
to have their Transfer Restricted Securities included in the Shelf  Registration
Statement.
 
CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
 
    Set  forth below are certain defined  terms used in the Indenture. Reference
is made to the Indenture for a full disclosure of all such terms, as well as any
other capitalized terms used herein for which no definition is provided.
 
    "Acquired  Debt"  means,   with  respect  to   any  specified  Person,   (i)
Indebtedness  of any  other Person  existing at  the time  such other  Person is
merged with or into or becomes a Subsidiary of such specified Person, including,
without  limitation,   Indebtedness  incurred   in   connection  with,   or   in
contemplation  of,  such  other  Person  merging  with  or  into  or  becoming a
Subsidiary of such  specified Person, and  (ii) Indebtedness secured  by a  Lien
encumbering any asset acquired by such specified Person.
 
    "Affiliate"  of  any specified  Person means  any  other Person  directly or
indirectly controlling  or controlled  by  or under  direct or  indirect  common
control  with such specified Person. For  purposes of this definition, "control"
(including, with correlative meanings, the terms "controlling," "controlled  by"
and "under common control with"), as used with respect to any Person, shall mean
the  possession, directly  or indirectly,  of the power  to direct  or cause the
direction of the  management or  policies of  such Person,  whether through  the
ownership  of  voting  securities,  by  agreement  or  otherwise;  PROVIDED that
beneficial ownership of 10% or more of  the voting securities of a Person  shall
be deemed to be control.
 
    "Asset  Sale" means (i) the sale,  lease, conveyance or other disposition of
any assets (including,  without limitation,  by way  of a  sale and  leaseback),
other  than (x) sales of inventory in the ordinary course of business consistent
with past  practices  (PROVIDED  that  the  sale,  lease,  conveyance  or  other
disposition  of all or  substantially all of  the assets of  the Company and its
Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole  will be governed by the provisions  of
the  Indenture described above under the  caption "--Repurchase at the Option of
the Holders--Change of Control" and/or the provisions described above under  the
caption  "-- Certain Covenants--Merger,  Consolidation, or Sale  of Assets," and
not by  the  provisions of  the  Asset Sale  covenant),  and (y)  sales  of  the
Company's  equity interest  in Groveton Paperboard,  Inc. and (ii)  the issue or
sale of Equity  Interests in  any of  its Subsidiaries,  in the  case of  either
clause  (i) or  (ii), whether  in a  single transaction  or a  series of related
transactions (a) that have a fair market value in excess of $1.0 million or  (b)
for Net Proceeds in excess of $1.0 million. Notwithstanding the foregoing: (i) a
transfer  of assets by the Company to a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary or by
a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary to  the Company or to another Wholly  Owned
Restricted  Subsidiary and  (ii) a Restricted  Payment that is  permitted by the
covenant described  above  under the  caption  "--Certain  Covenants--Restricted
Payments," as applicable, will not be deemed to be Asset Sales.
 
    "Asset  Sale  Account" means  a  cash collateral  account  in which  the Net
Proceeds from Asset Sales shall be deposited pursuant to the Indenture.
 
    "Borrowing Base" means, at any time, an amount equal to the aggregate of (i)
85% of the amount of eligible accounts receivable plus (ii) the lesser of 60% of
the amount of eligible inventory or $40.0 million.
 
    "Capital Lease Obligation" means, at  the time any determination thereof  is
to be made, the amount of the liability in respect of a capital lease that would
at such time be required to be capitalized on a balance sheet in accordance with
GAAP.
 
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<PAGE>
    "Capital  Stock" means  (i) in the  case of a  corporation, corporate stock,
(ii) in the  case of  an association  or business  entity, any  and all  shares,
interests,  participations, rights or other  equivalents (however designated) of
corporate stock,  (iii) in  the  case of  a partnership,  partnership  interests
(whether  general or limited) and (iv)  any other interest or participation that
confers on a Person the right to receive  a share of the profits and losses  of,
or distributions of assets of, the issuing Person.
 
    "Cash Collateral Account" means the Asset Sale Account and the Event of Loss
Account.
 
    "Cash  Equivalents" means (i) United  States dollars, (ii) securities issued
or directly and fully guaranteed or  insured by the United States government  or
any  agency or  instrumentality thereof having  maturities of not  more than six
months  from  the  date  of  acquisition,  (iii)  certificates  of  deposit  and
eurodollar  time deposits with maturities of six months or less from the date of
acquisition, bankers' acceptances with maturities  not exceeding six months  and
overnight  bank deposits, in each case  with any domestic commercial bank having
capital and surplus in excess of $500  million and a Keefe Bank Watch Rating  of
"B"  or better, (iv) repurchase  obligations with a term  of not more than seven
days for underlying securities of the types described in clauses (ii) and  (iii)
above  entered into  with any  financial institution  meeting the qualifications
specified in clause  (iii) above  and (v)  commercial paper  having the  highest
rating  obtainable from  Moody's Investors  Service, Inc.  or Standard  & Poor's
Ratings Corporation and in each case  maturing within six months after the  date
of acquisition.
 
    "Collateral  Documents" means the Security  Agreement, the Pledge Agreement,
the Subsidiary Guarantee,  the Contribution Agreement,  the Subsidiary  Security
Agreement,  the  Subsidiary  Pledge  Agreement,  the  Drop-Down  Notes  and  the
Drop-Down  Note  Security  Agreement  and  any  other  agreements,  instruments,
financing  statements or other documents that evidence  or set forth the Lien of
the Trustee in the Pledged Collateral.
 
    "Consolidated Cash Flow" means, with respect  to any Person for any  period,
the  Consolidated Net Income of such  Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for
such period plus (i) an amount equal to any extraordinary loss plus any net loss
realized in  connection with  an Asset  Sale  (to the  extent such  losses  were
deducted  in computing  such Consolidated Net  Income), plus  (ii) provision for
taxes based on income or profits of such Person and its Restricted  Subsidiaries
for  such period, to  the extent that  such provision for  taxes was included in
computing such Consolidated Net Income, plus (iii) consolidated interest expense
of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, whether paid  or
accrued   and  whether  or  not   capitalized  (including,  without  limitation,
amortization  of  original  issue  discount,  non-cash  interest  payments,  the
interest  component of any deferred  payment obligations, the interest component
of  all  payments  associated  with  Capital  Lease  Obligations,   commissions,
discounts  and other fees and charges incurred in respect of letter of credit or
bankers' acceptance financings, and  net payments (if  any) pursuant to  Hedging
Obligations), to the extent that any such expense was deducted in computing such
Consolidated  Net  Income, plus  (iv)  depreciation and  amortization (including
amortization of goodwill  and other  intangibles but  excluding amortization  of
prepaid  cash expenses that were paid in a  prior period) of such Person and its
Restricted Subsidiaries for such period to the extent that such depreciation and
amortization was deducted  in computing  such Consolidated Net  Income, in  each
case,   on  a  consolidated  basis  and  determined  in  accordance  with  GAAP.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provision for taxes on the income or  profits
of,  and  the depreciation  and amortization  of, a  Subsidiary of  the referent
Person shall be added  to Consolidated Net Income  to compute Consolidated  Cash
Flow  only to the  extent (and in same  proportion) that the  Net Income of such
Subsidiary was  included in  calculating  the Consolidated  Net Income  of  such
Person  and only  if a corresponding  amount would  be permitted at  the date of
determination to be dividended, directly or  indirectly, to the Company by  such
Subsidiary without prior governmental approval (that has not been obtained), and
without  direct or indirect restriction pursuant to the terms of its charter and
all agreements,  instruments, judgments,  decrees, orders,  statutes, rules  and
governmental regulations applicable to that Subsidiary or its stockholders.
 
    "Consolidated  Net Income" means, with respect to any Person for any period,
the aggregate of the Net Income  of such Person and its Restricted  Subsidiaries
for  such period, on  a consolidated basis, determined  in accordance with GAAP;
PROVIDED that (i)  the Net Income  (but not loss)  of any Person  that is not  a
Subsidiary
 
                                       75
<PAGE>
or  that is accounted for  by the equity method  of accounting shall be included
only to the extent of the amount  of dividends or distributions paid in cash  to
the  referent Person or  a Wholly Owned Restricted  Subsidiary thereof, (ii) the
Net Income of any Restricted Subsidiary shall be excluded to the extent that the
declaration or payment of dividends or similar distributions by that  Restricted
Subsidiary  of that  Net Income  is not at  the date  of determination permitted
without any  prior  governmental  approval  (that has  not  been  obtained)  or,
directly  or  indirectly,  by operation  of  the  terms of  its  charter  or any
agreement, instrument, judgment,  decree, order, statute,  rule or  governmental
regulation  applicable to that Restricted  Subsidiary or its stockholders, (iii)
the Net Income of any Person acquired in a pooling of interests transaction  for
any  period prior to  the date of  such acquisition shall  be excluded, (iv) the
cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles shall be excluded and (v)
the Net Income of any Unrestricted Subsidiary shall be excluded, whether or  not
distributed to the Company or one of its Restricted Subsidiaries.
 
    "Consolidated  Net Worth" means, with respect to  any Person as of any date,
the sum of (i) the consolidated equity of the common stockholders of such Person
and its Restricted Subsidiaries as of such date plus (ii) the respective amounts
reported on such  Person's balance sheet  as of  such date with  respect to  any
series  of preferred stock (other than Disqualified  Stock) that by its terms is
not entitled to the payment of  dividends unless such dividends may be  declared
and paid only out of net earnings in respect of the year of such declaration and
payment,  but  only to  the  extent of  any cash  received  by such  Person upon
issuance of such preferred stock, less  (x) all write-ups (other than  write-ups
resulting from foreign currency translations and write-ups of tangible assets of
a  going concern business  made within 12  months after the  acquisition of such
business) subsequent to the date of the Indenture in the book value of any asset
owned by  such Person  or a  consolidated  Subsidiary of  such Person,  (y)  all
investments  as of such date in  unconsolidated Subsidiaries and in Persons that
are not Subsidiaries (except, in each case, Permitted Investments), and (z)  all
unamortized  debt discount  and expense and  unamortized deferred  charges as of
such date, all of the foregoing determined in accordance with GAAP.
 
    "Contribution Agreement" means the Contribution  Agreement, dated as of  the
date  of the Indenture,  by and among the  Company's Restricted Subsidiaries, as
such agreement may be amended, modified or supplemented from time to time.
 
    "Default" means any event that is or with the passage of time or the  giving
of notice or both would be an Event of Default.
 
    "Disqualified  Stock" means any Capital Stock that,  by its terms (or by the
terms of  any  security  into  which  it is  convertible  or  for  which  it  is
exchangeable),  or upon  the happening of  any event, matures  or is mandatorily
redeemable, pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise, or redeemable at
the option of the Holder thereof, in whole  or in part, on or prior to the  date
that is 91 days after the date on which the New Notes mature.
 
    "Equity  Interests" means Capital  Stock and all  warrants, options or other
rights to  acquire  Capital Stock  (but  excluding  any debt  security  that  is
convertible into, or exchangeable for, Capital Stock).
 
    "Event of Loss" means (i) the loss or destruction of or damage to any assets
of  the Company  or any of  its Restricted Subsidiaries,  (ii) the condemnation,
seizure, confiscation, requisition of the use or taking by exercise of the power
of eminent  domain or  otherwise of  any assets  of the  Company or  any of  its
Restricted  Subsidiaries or (iii) any consensual settlement in lieu of any event
listed in clause (ii),  in each case whether  in a single event  or a series  of
related  events, that results in net proceeds from all sources in excess of $1.0
million.
 
    "Event of Loss  Account" means a  cash collateral account  in which the  Net
Proceeds from Events of Loss shall be deposited pursuant to the Indenture.
 
    "Existing   Indebtedness"  means   Indebtedness  of  the   Company  and  its
Subsidiaries (other than Indebtedness under the Credit Facility) in existence on
the date of the Indenture, until such amounts are repaid.
 
    "Fixed Charges" means, with respect to  any Person for any period, the  sum,
without duplication, of (i) the consolidated interest expense of such Person and
its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, whether
 
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paid  or accrued (including, without  limitation, amortization of original issue
discount, non-cash interest  payments, the  interest component  of any  deferred
payment  obligations,  the interest  component of  all payments  associated with
Capital Lease Obligations,  commissions, discounts  and other  fees and  charges
incurred  in respect of letter of  credit or bankers' acceptance financings, and
net payments (if any) pursuant to Hedging Obligations) and (ii) the consolidated
interest expense  of  such  Person  and its  Restricted  Subsidiaries  that  was
capitalized  during such period, and (iii)  any interest expense on Indebtedness
of another Person that  is Guaranteed by  such Person or  one of its  Restricted
Subsidiaries  or  secured by  a Lien  on assets  of  such Person  or one  of its
Restricted Subsidiaries (whether or not such  Guarantee or Lien is called  upon)
and  (iv) the product  of (a) all  dividend payments on  any series of preferred
stock of such  Person, other than  dividend payments on  preferred stock of  the
Company  paid solely in additional  shares of such preferred  stock, times (b) a
fraction, the numerator  of which is  one and  the denominator of  which is  one
minus  the then current combined federal, state  and local statutory tax rate of
such Person, expressed as a decimal, in  each case, on a consolidated basis  and
in accordance with GAAP.
 
    "Fixed  Charge  Coverage Ratio"  means with  respect to  any Person  for any
period, the ratio of the Consolidated Cash  Flow of such Person for such  period
to  the Fixed  Charges of  such Person for  such period.  In the  event that the
Company or any  of its  Restricted Subsidiaries incurs,  assumes, Guarantees  or
redeems  any  Indebtedness (other  than revolving  credit borrowings)  or issues
preferred stock subsequent to the commencement of the period for which the Fixed
Charge Coverage Ratio is  being calculated but  prior to the  date on which  the
event  for which the calculation of the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is made (the
"Calculation Date"), then the  Fixed Charge Coverage  Ratio shall be  calculated
giving  pro forma effect to such incurrence, assumption, Guarantee or redemption
of Indebtedness, or such  issuance or redemption of  preferred stock, as if  the
same  had occurred  at the  beginning of  the applicable  four-quarter reference
period. In addition, for purposes of  making the computation referred to  above,
(i)  acquisitions that have  been made by  the Company or  any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries, including  through mergers  or  consolidations and  including  any
related  financing  transactions, during  the  four-quarter reference  period or
subsequent to such  reference period  and on or  prior to  the Calculation  Date
shall  be deemed to have occurred on the first day of the four-quarter reference
period and Consolidated Cash Flow for such reference period shall be  calculated
without giving effect to clause (iii) of the proviso set forth in the definition
of  Consolidated Net Income, and (ii) the Consolidated Cash Flow attributable to
discontinued operations, as determined in  accordance with GAAP, and  operations
or  businesses disposed of prior to the Calculation Date, shall be excluded, and
(iii) the Fixed Charges attributable  to discontinued operations, as  determined
in  accordance with GAAP, and operations or  businesses disposed of prior to the
Calculation Date, shall be excluded, but only to the extent that the obligations
giving rise to such Fixed Charges will not be obligations of the referent Person
or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries following the Calculation Date.
 
    "GAAP" means  generally  accepted accounting  principles  set forth  in  the
opinions  and pronouncements of the Accounting  Principles Board of the American
Institute of Certified Public Accountants  and statements and pronouncements  of
the  Financial Accounting  Standards Board or  in such other  statements by such
other entity as have  been approved by a  significant segment of the  accounting
profession, which are in effect on the date of the Indenture.
 
    "Guarantee"  means  a guarantee  (other  than by  endorsement  of negotiable
instruments for  collection  in the  ordinary  course of  business),  direct  or
indirect,  in any manner  (including, without limitation,  letters of credit and
reimbursement agreements  in  respect  thereof),  of all  or  any  part  of  any
Indebtedness.
 
    "Hedging  Obligations" means, with respect to any Person, the obligations of
such  Person  under  (i)  interest  rate  swap  agreements,  interest  rate  cap
agreements  and interest  rate collar  agreements and  (ii) other  agreements or
arrangements designed to  protect such Person  against fluctuations in  interest
rates.
 
    "Indebtedness"  means, with respect to any  Person, any indebtedness of such
Person, whether or not contingent, in respect of borrowed money or evidenced  by
bonds,  notes,  debentures  or  similar instruments  or  letters  of  credit (or
reimbursement  agreements  in  respect  thereof)  or  banker's  acceptances   or
representing Capital Lease Obligations or the balance deferred and unpaid of the
purchase  price of any property or  representing any Hedging Obligations, except
any   such   balance   that   constitutes   an   accrued   expense   or    trade
 
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payable,  if and  to the  extent any of  the foregoing  indebtedness (other than
letters of credit and  Hedging Obligations) would appear  as a liability upon  a
balance  sheet of such Person  prepared in accordance with  GAAP, as well as all
indebtedness of others secured by a Lien  on any asset of such Person (in  which
case the amount of such Indebtedness shall be deemed to be the lesser of (a) the
amount  of such  Indebtedness and (b)  the fair  market value of  the asset that
secures such  Indebtedness), and,  to  the extent  not otherwise  included,  the
Guarantee by such Person of any indebtedness of any other Person.
 
    "Investments"  means, with  respect to any  Person, all  investments by such
Person in  other  Persons (including  Affiliates)  in  the forms  of  direct  or
indirect  loans  (including guarantees  of  Indebtedness or  other obligations),
advances or  capital contributions  (excluding  commission, travel  and  similar
advances  to officers  and employees made  in the ordinary  course of business),
purchases or  other  acquisitions  for  consideration  of  Indebtedness,  Equity
Interests  or other  securities, together  with all items  that are  or would be
classified as investments on a balance  sheet prepared in accordance with  GAAP;
PROVIDED  that an acquisition of assets, Equity Interests or other securities by
the Company  for consideration  consisting of  common equity  securities of  the
Company shall not be deemed to be an Investment.
 
    "Lien" means, with respect to any asset, any mortgage, lien, pledge, charge,
security  interest or encumbrance of any kind  in respect of such asset, whether
or not filed, recorded  or otherwise perfected  under applicable law  (including
any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any lease in the nature
thereof,  any option or other  agreement to sell or  give a security interest in
and any filing of or agreement to give any financing statement under the Uniform
Commercial Code (or equivalent statutes) of any jurisdiction).
 
    "Make-Whole Premium" with respect to a New Note means an amount equal to the
greater of (i) 106%  of the outstanding  principal amount of  such New Note  and
(ii)  the excess of (A) the present value of the remaining interest, premium and
principal payments due on such New Note as if such Note were redeemed on June 1,
2001, computed using a discount  rate equal to the  Treasury Rate plus 50  basis
points, over (B) the outstanding principal amount of such New Note.
 
    "Net  Income" means, with  respect to any  Person, the net  income (loss) of
such Person, determined  in accordance  with GAAP  and before  any reduction  in
respect  of preferred stock dividends, excluding, however, (i) any gain (but not
loss), together  with any  related provision  for taxes  on such  gain (but  not
loss),  realized  in  connection with  (a)  any Asset  Sale  (including, without
limitation, dispositions pursuant to sale and leaseback transactions) or (b) the
disposition  of  any  securities  by  such  Person  or  any  of  its  Restricted
Subsidiaries  or the extinguishment of any Indebtedness of such Person or any of
its Restricted Subsidiaries and (ii) any extraordinary or nonrecurring gain (but
not loss), together with any related  provision for taxes on such  extraordinary
or nonrecurring gain (but not loss).
 
    "Net  Proceeds" means the aggregate cash proceeds received by the Company or
any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of any Asset Sale or Event of Loss
(including, without  limitation,  any  cash  received upon  the  sale  or  other
disposition of any non-cash consideration received in any Asset Sale or Event of
Loss),  net of  the direct costs  relating to such  Asset Sale or  Event of Loss
(including, without limitation, legal,  accounting and investment banking  fees,
and sales commissions) and any relocation expenses incurred as a result thereof,
taxes  paid  or payable  as  a result  thereof  (after taking  into  account any
available tax credits or deductions  and any tax sharing arrangements),  amounts
required to be applied to the repayment of Indebtedness secured by a Lien on the
asset  or assets that were the  subject of such Asset Sale  or Event of Loss and
any reserve for adjustment in respect of the sale price of such asset or  assets
established in accordance with GAAP.
 
    "Non-Recourse  Debt" means Indebtedness (i) as  to which neither the Company
nor any of its Restricted Subsidiaries  (a) provides credit support of any  kind
(including  any  undertaking,  agreement  or  instrument  that  would constitute
Indebtedness),  (b)  is  directly  or  indirectly  liable  (as  a  guarantor  or
otherwise),  or (c) constitutes the lender; and  (ii) no default with respect to
which  (including  any  rights  that  the  holders  thereof  may  have  to  take
enforcement  action  against  an  Unrestricted  Subsidiary)  would  permit (upon
notice, lapse of time or both) any holder of any other Indebtedness (other  than
the  New Notes  being offered hereby)  of the  Company or any  of its Restricted
Subsidiaries to declare a default on such other
 
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Indebtedness or cause the payment thereof to be accelerated or payable prior  to
its  stated maturity; and  (iii) as to  which the lenders  have been notified in
writing that they  will not  have any  recourse to the  stock or  assets of  the
Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries.
 
    "Obligations"    means   any    principal,   interest,    penalties,   fees,
indemnifications, reimbursements, damages  and other  liabilities payable  under
the documentation governing any Indebtedness.
 
    "Permitted  Investments" means  (a) any  Investment in  the Company  or in a
Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary  of the Company; (b)  any Investment in  Cash
Equivalents;  (c) any Investment by the  Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of
the Company in  a Person,  if as  a result of  such Investment  (i) such  Person
becomes  a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary of  the Company and a Guarantor or
(ii) such  Person  is merged,  consolidated  or  amalgamated with  or  into,  or
transfers  or conveys substantially all of its assets to, or is liquidated into,
the Company or  a Wholly  Owned Restricted Subsidiary  of the  Company; (d)  any
Investment  made as a  result of the  receipt of non-cash  consideration from an
Asset Sale  that  was made  pursuant  to and  in  compliance with  the  covenant
described  above under the caption "--Repurchase at the Option of Holders--Asset
Sales and Events of Loss"; (e) Investments in the Joint Venture pursuant to  the
Subordinated  Credit Facility in an aggregate amount not to exceed $10.0 million
at any one time outstanding; and  (f) Investments in the Joint Venture  pursuant
to  the Indemnification Reimbursement Agreement as in  effect on the date of the
Indenture; (g) Investments to purchase equity interests of MannKraft Corporation
not owned by the Company or any Affiliate of the Company in an aggregate  amount
not  to exceed $4.5 million; (h) Investments in Persons engaged in the same line
of business as the Company, or any business incidental or related thereto, in an
amount not to exceed  (i) $3.5 million  during the period from  the date of  the
Indenture through July 31, 1997, (ii) $3.5 million during the period from August
1,  1997 through July 31, 1998 and (iii) an aggregate of $7.0 million at any one
time outstanding  after  July  31,  1998,  plus to  the  extent  that  any  such
Investment  is sold  for cash  or otherwise liquidated  or repaid  for cash, the
lesser of (A) the cash return of  capital with respect to such Investment  (less
the  cost of disposition, if any) and (B) the initial amount of such Investment,
plus (iv) to the  extent that any  Person in which any  such Investment is  made
becomes  a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary and a Guarantor, the lesser of (A)
the fair market  value of  the common  equity of such  Person at  the time  such
Person  becomes a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary and a Guarantor and (B) the
initial amount of such  Investment; and (i) Investments  in Box USA of  Florida,
L.P. in an aggregate amount not to exceed $5.0 million.
 
    "Permitted  Liens" means  (i) Liens  securing the  New Notes;  (ii) Liens on
Excluded Property described in clause (1) of the definition of such term in  the
Security  Agreement securing  Indebtedness under  the Credit  Facility, provided
that such  Indebtedness  was permitted  by  the terms  of  the Indenture  to  be
incurred;  (iii) Liens  in favor  of the  Company; (iv)  Liens on  property of a
Person existing at the time such Person is merged into or consolidated with  the
Company  or any Restricted  Subsidiary of the Company;  PROVIDED that such Liens
were in existence prior to the contemplation of such merger or consolidation and
do not  extend to  any assets  other than  those of  the Person  merged into  or
consolidated  with the Company;  (v) Liens on  property existing at  the time of
acquisition thereof by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the  Company,
PROVIDED  that such Liens were  in existence prior to  the contemplation of such
acquisition; (vi)  Liens to  secure the  performance of  statutory  obligations,
surety  or appeal bonds, performance bonds or other obligations of a like nature
incurred in the ordinary course of business; (vii) Liens to secure  Indebtedness
(including  Capital Lease--Obligations) permitted  by clause (iv)  of the second
paragraph  of  the   covenant  entitled   "--Certain  Covenants--Incurrence   of
Indebtedness,"  covering only the assets acquired with such Indebtedness; (viii)
Liens existing on the date of the Indenture excluding (a) Liens on  Indebtedness
to  be  repaid  with  the  proceeds of  this  Offering  and  (b)  Liens securing
Indebtedness under the  Credit Facility;  (ix) Liens for  taxes, assessments  or
governmental  charges or claims  that are not  yet delinquent or  that are being
contested in  good  faith by  appropriate  proceedings promptly  instituted  and
diligently  concluded, PROVIDED that any  reserve or other appropriate provision
as shall be required in conformity with GAAP shall have been made therefor;  (x)
Liens  incurred  in  the ordinary  course  of  business of  the  Company  or any
Restricted Subsidiary of  the Company with  respect to obligations  that do  not
exceed $2.0 million at any one time outstanding and that (a) are not incurred in
connection  with the borrowing of  money or the obtaining  of advances or credit
(other than trade credit in the ordinary  course of business) and (b) do not  in
 
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the  aggregate materially detract  from the value of  the property or materially
impair the use  thereof in  the operation  of business  by the  Company or  such
Restricted  Subsidiary; (xi) renewals or refundings  of any Liens referred to in
clauses (ii) through (x) above, PROVIDED that any such renewal or refunding does
not extend to any assets or secure  any Indebtedness not securing or secured  by
the Liens being renewed or refinanced; and (xii) Liens on assets of Unrestricted
Subsidiaries that secure Non-Recourse Debt of Unrestricted Subsidiaries.
 
    "Permitted Refinancing Debt" means any Indebtedness of the Company or any of
its Restricted Subsidiaries issued in exchange for, or the net proceeds of which
are  used  to  extend,  refinance,  renew,  replace,  defease  or  refund  other
Indebtedness of  the Company  or any  of its  Restricted Subsidiaries;  PROVIDED
that:  (i)  the principal  amount  (or accreted  value,  if applicable)  of such
Permitted Refinancing Debt  does not  exceed the principal  amount (or  accreted
value,  if  applicable) of  the Indebtedness  so extended,  refinanced, renewed,
replaced, defeased or refunded (plus the amount of reasonable expenses  incurred
in  connection  therewith); (ii)  such Permitted  Refinancing  Debt has  a final
maturity date no earlier  than the final  maturity date of,  and has a  Weighted
Average  Life to Maturity equal to or  greater than the Weighted Average Life to
Maturity of,  the Indebtedness  being extended,  refinanced, renewed,  replaced,
defeased  or  refunded; (iii)  if the  Indebtedness being  extended, refinanced,
renewed, replaced, defeased or refunded is  subordinated in right of payment  to
the  New Notes,  such Permitted  Refinancing Debt has  a final  maturity date no
earlier than the final maturity date of, and is subordinated in right of payment
to, the New Notes on terms at least as favorable to the Holders of New Notes  as
those  contained in the documentation governing the Indebtedness being extended,
refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased or refunded; and (iv) such  Indebtedness
is  incurred either by  the Company or  by the Restricted  Subsidiary who is the
obligor on  the  Indebtedness  being extended,  refinanced,  renewed,  replaced,
defeased or refunded.
 
    "Pledged  Collateral" means (i) any and  all accounts at any time identified
as Collateral in the Indenture or in  any Collateral Document, all funds at  any
time  on deposit in any such account, all  investments of any such funds and all
interest and dividends thereon, and (ii) all other assets of the Company or  the
Restricted   Subsidiaries  defined  as  Collateral  in  any  of  the  Collateral
Documents, excluding "Excluded Property" as that term is defined in the Security
Agreement and in the Subsidiary Security Agreement, respectively.
 
    "Restricted  Investment"  means  an   Investment  other  than  a   Permitted
Investment.
 
    "Restricted  Subsidiary" of  a Person means  any Subsidiary  of the referent
Person that is not an Unrestricted Subsidiary.
 
    "Significant Subsidiary" means  any Restricted  Subsidiary that  would be  a
"significant  subsidiary" as defined in Article  1, Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X,
promulgated pursuant to the  Act, as such  Regulation is in  effect on the  date
hereof.
 
    "Subsidiary"  means,  with  respect  to  any  Person,  (i)  any corporation,
association or other business entity of which more than 50% of the total  voting
power  of shares of Capital Stock entitled  (without regard to the occurrence of
any contingency) to  vote in  the election  of directors,  managers or  trustees
thereof  is at  the time  owned or controlled,  directly or  indirectly, by such
Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person (or a combination
thereof) and (ii) any partnership (a)  the sole general partner or the  managing
general  partner of which is  such Person or a Subsidiary  of such Person or (b)
the only  general  partners  of  which  are  such  Person  or  of  one  or  more
Subsidiaries of such Person (or any combination thereof).
 
    "Treasury  Rate" means the yield to maturity  at the time of the computation
of United States Treasury  securities with a constant  maturity (as compiled  by
and published in the most recent Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15(519)),
which has become publicly available at least two Business Days prior to the date
fixed  for prepayment (or,  if such Statistical Release  is no longer published,
any publicly available source of similar  market data) most nearly equal to  the
then  remaining average life of  the series of New  Notes for which a Make-Whole
Premium is being calculated; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that if the average life of such
note is  not  equal to  the  constant maturity  of  the United  States  Treasury
security  for which a weekly average yield  is given, the Treasury Rate shall be
obtained by linear  interpolation (calculated  to the nearest  one-twelfth of  a
 
                                       80
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year)  from the weekly  average yields of United  States Treasury securities for
which such yields are given,  except that if the average  life of such Notes  is
less  than one year, the  weekly average yield on  actually traded United States
Treasury securities adjusted to a constant maturity of one year shall be used.
 
    "Unrestricted Subsidiary" means (i) any Subsidiary that is designated by the
Board of Directors as an Unrestricted Subsidiary pursuant to a Board Resolution;
but only to the extent that such Subsidiary: (a) has no Indebtedness other  than
Non-Recourse  Debt; (b) is not party  to any agreement, contract, arrangement or
understanding with  the Company  or  any Restricted  Subsidiary of  the  Company
unless  the terms of any such  agreement, contract, arrangement or understanding
are no less favorable  to the Company or  such Restricted Subsidiary than  those
that  might be obtained at  the time from Persons who  are not Affiliates of the
Company; (c) is a Person  with respect to which neither  the Company nor any  of
its  Restricted  Subsidiaries  has  any direct  or  indirect  obligation  (x) to
subscribe for additional Equity  Interests or (y) to  maintain or preserve  such
Person's  financial condition or  to cause such Person  to achieve any specified
levels of operating  results; (d) has  not guaranteed or  otherwise directly  or
indirectly provided credit support for any Indebtedness of the Company or any of
its  Restricted Subsidiaries;  (e) has  at least  one director  on its  board of
directors that is not a director or  executive officer of the Company or any  of
its Restricted Subsidiaries and has at least one executive officer that is not a
director  or  executive  officer  of  the  Company  or  any  of  its  Restricted
Subsidiaries; and (f) does not own any Pledged Collateral. Any such  designation
by  the Board of Directors shall be evidenced  to the Trustee by filing with the
Trustee a  certified  copy  of  the  Board  Resolution  giving  effect  to  such
designation  and  an  Officers'  Certificate  certifying  that  such designation
complied with  the  foregoing  conditions  and was  permitted  by  the  covenant
described  above under  the caption  "--Certain Covenants--Restricted Payments."
If, at any time,  any Unrestricted Subsidiary would  fail to meet the  foregoing
requirements  as an Unrestricted Subsidiary, it  shall thereafter cease to be an
Unrestricted Subsidiary for purposes  of the Indenture  and any Indebtedness  of
such Subsidiary shall be deemed to be incurred by a Restricted Subsidiary of the
Company  as  of such  date (and,  if such  Indebtedness is  not permitted  to be
incurred as  of  such  date  under the  covenant  described  under  the  caption
"Incurrence of Indebtedness," the Company shall be in default of such covenant).
The Board of Directors of the Company may at any time designate any Unrestricted
Subsidiary  to be a Restricted Subsidiary;  PROVIDED that such designation shall
be deemed to be an incurrence of Indebtedness by a Restricted Subsidiary of  the
Company of any outstanding Indebtedness of such Unrestricted Subsidiary and such
designation  shall only be permitted if (i) such Indebtedness is permitted under
the covenant described above under the caption "--Certain  Covenants--Incurrence
of  Indebtedness," and (ii) no Default or Event of Default would be in existence
following such designation.
 
    "Weighted Average Life to Maturity" means, when applied to any  Indebtedness
at  any  date, the  number of  years obtained  by  dividing (i)  the sum  of the
products  obtained  by  multiplying  (a)  the  amount  of  each  then  remaining
installment,  sinking  fund,  serial  maturity  or  other  required  payments of
principal, including payment at final maturity,  in respect thereof, by (b)  the
number of years (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth) that will elapse between
such date and the making of such payment, by (ii) the then outstanding principal
amount of such Indebtedness.
 
    "Wholly  Owned  Restricted  Subsidiary"  of any  Person  means  a Restricted
Subsidiary of  such  Person  all  of the  outstanding  Capital  Stock  or  other
ownership  interests of which (other than directors' qualifying shares) shall at
the time be  owned by  such Person  or by one  or more  Wholly Owned  Restricted
Subsidiaries of such Person and one or more Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiaries
of such Person.
 
                                       81
<PAGE>
                         DESCRIPTION OF CREDIT FACILITY
 
    On  May 30,  1996, the  Company entered  into the  Credit Facility  with the
financial  institutions   which  are   parties  thereto   (the  "Lenders")   and
NationsBank, N.A., as agent for the Lenders (the "Agent"), which provides for an
aggregate  revolving credit facility of  $80.0 million under which approximately
$28.5 million was  drawn upon the  consummation of the  Acquisition. The  Credit
Facility  will expire  in 2001.  Amounts outstanding  under the  Credit Facility
bears interest at  a rate  per annum  equal to one  of the  following rates,  as
selected  and specified  by the  Company: (i)  if the  ratio of  Funded Debt (as
defined) to Tangible Net Worth (as defined) is less than 7:1, (a) the sum of the
prime commercial lending rate of NationsBank,  N.A. plus 0.5% per annum, or  (b)
LIBOR  plus  2.5%  per  annum; and  (ii)  otherwise  (a) the  sum  of  the prime
commercial lending rate of NationsBank, N.A. plus 0.75% per annum, or (b)  LIBOR
plus 2.75% per annum. The Company paid an arrangement fee of $1.0 million on May
30,  1996,  the date  of  closing of  the Acquisition.  The  Company will  pay a
quarterly commitment fee of 0.375% per annum on unused amounts of the  revolving
credit facility and a quarterly servicing fee of $12,500.
 
    The  Company's indebtedness under the Credit  Facility is secured by a first
priority security  interest in  the Company's  existing and  hereafter  acquired
accounts  receivable,  inventory,  chattel  paper  and  other  like  assets.  In
addition, all loans and the performance by  each of Four M and its  subsidiaries
entering  into the Credit Facility is guaranteed by each of the other borrowers.
A default with respect to any loan under the Credit Agreement will be a  default
with respect to all loans thereunder.
 
    Availability of initial and subsequent advances under the Credit Facility is
subject  to a  borrowing base test.  The borrowing  base means, at  any time, an
amount equal to  the aggregate of  (i) 85%  of the amount  of eligible  accounts
receivable  plus (ii) the lesser  of 60% of the  amount of eligible inventory or
$40.0 million. The Credit Facility provides  that the amount of Credit  Facility
borrowings  must be at least $5.0 million less than the Borrowing Base after May
30, 1996. The Credit Facility limits advances  by the Company to the Mill  Joint
Venture to $10.0 million.
 
    The  Credit Facility  requires mandatory prepayments  of amounts outstanding
if, and to the extent  that, such amounts exceed  the Borrowing Base minus  $5.0
million.  In  addition, the  Agent may  apply  portions of  the net  proceeds of
certain cash proceeds of the collateral to repayment of the Credit Facility.
 
   
    The obligation of the Lenders under the Credit Facility to advance funds  is
subject  to  certain conditions  customary for  facilities  of similar  size and
nature. In addition, the Company is subject to certain affirmative and  negative
covenants  customarily  found in  agreements  of this  type,  including, without
limitation,  covenants  that  restrict,  subject  to  specified  exceptions  (i)
mergers,  consolidations,  asset sales  or  changes in  capital  structure, (ii)
creation or acquisition  of subsidiaries,  (iii) purchase or  redemption of  the
Company's  capital stock or declaration or payment of dividends or distributions
on  such  capital  stock,  (iv)  incurrence  of  additional  indebtedness,   (v)
investment  activities, (vi) capital expenditures,  (vii) granting or incurrence
of liens to secure other indebtedness, (viii) prepayment or modification of  the
terms  of subordinated  indebtedness and  (ix) transactions  with affiliates. In
addition, the  Credit  Facility  requires  that  the  Company  maintain  certain
specified financial covenants, including, without limitation, a minimum tangible
net  worth, a minimum interest coverage ratio,  ranging from 1.20 to 1.0 for the
fiscal quarter ended  October 31, 1996  to 2.50  to 1.0 for  the fiscal  quarter
ended  July 31,  1999 and  thereafter; a  maximum funded  debt to  EBITDA ratio,
ranging from 30.00 to 1.0 for the fiscal quarter ended October 31, 1996 to  3.00
to  1.0 for the fiscal quarter ended July 31, 1999 and thereafter; and a minimum
fixed charge coverage  ratio, ranging from  0.90 to 1.0  for the fiscal  quarter
ended  October 31, 1996  to 1.10 to 1.0  for the fiscal  quarter ended April 30,
2001.
    
 
    The  Credit  Facility  also  provides  for  customary  events  of   default.
Occurrence  of any such  events of default  could result in  acceleration of the
Company's  obligations  under  the  Credit  Facility  and  foreclosure  on   the
collateral securing such obligations.
 
                                       82
<PAGE>
                              PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
 
    Based  on  interpretations  by the  staff  of  the Commission  set  forth in
no-action letters issued to third parties,  the Company believes that New  Notes
issued  pursuant to the Exchange Offer to an Eligible Holder in exchange for Old
Notes may  be offered  for  resale, resold  and  otherwise transferred  by  such
Eligible  Holder (other  than (i)  a broker-dealer  who purchased  the Old Notes
directly from the Company for resale pursuant to Rule 144A under the  Securities
Act  or any other available exemption under the Securities Act, or (ii) a person
that is an affiliate  of the Company  within the meaning of  Rule 405 under  the
Securities  Act),  without  compliance  with  the  registration  and  prospectus
delivery provisions of the Securities Act, provided that the Eligible Holder  is
acquiring  the  New  Notes  in  the  ordinary  course  of  business  and  is not
participating, and  has  no arrangement  or  understanding with  any  person  to
participate, in a distribution of the New Notes.
 
    Each  broker-dealer that  holds Old  Notes which  were acquired  for its own
account as  a result  of market-making  activities or  other trading  activities
(other  than Old Notes acquired directly from the Company or an affiliate of the
Company), may  exchange the  Old Notes  for  New Notes  in the  Exchange  Offer.
However, such broker-dealer may be deemed an "underwriter" within the meaning of
the Act and, therefore, must deliver a prospectus in connection with any resales
of  the New  Notes received  by such broker-dealer  in the  Exchange Offer. This
prospectus delivery requirement may be satisfied by delivery of this Prospectus,
as it may  be amended or  supplemented from time  to time. The  Company and  the
Guarantors  have agreed that  they will provide sufficient  copies of the latest
version of the Prospectus  to broker-dealers promptly upon  request at any  time
during  the 270 day  period following the  effective date of  the Exchange Offer
Registration Statement to facilitate such resales.
 
    The Company will not receive any proceeds from any sale of the New Notes  by
broker-dealers.  New  Notes received  by broker-dealers  for their  own accounts
pursuant to the  Exchange Offer may  be sold from  time to time  in one or  more
transactions in the over-the-counter market, in negotiated transactions, through
the  writing of  options on the  New Notes or  a combination of  such methods of
resale, at  market prices  at the  time of  resale, at  prices related  to  such
prevailing  market  prices or  negotiated prices.  Any such  resale may  be made
directly to  purchasers or  to or  through brokers  or dealers  who may  receive
compensation   in  the  form  of  commissions   or  concessions  from  any  such
broker-dealer and/or the  purchasers of  any such New  Notes. Any  broker-dealer
that  resells New Notes that were received by it for its own account pursuant to
the Exchange Offer and any broker or dealer that participates in a  distribution
of such New Notes may be deemed to be an "underwriter" within the meaning of the
Securities  Act  and  any  profit  on  any such  resale  of  New  Notes  and any
commissions or concessions  received by  any such persons  may be  deemed to  be
underwriting  compensation under the  Securities Act. The  Letter of Transmittal
states that,  by  acknowledging  that  it  will  deliver  and  by  delivering  a
prospectus,  a  broker-dealer  will  not  be  deemed  to  admit  that  it  is an
"underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act.
 
    By acceptance  of the  Exchange Offer,  each broker-dealer  and Holder  that
receives  the New Notes pursuant  to the Exchange Offer  hereby agrees to notify
the Company  prior  to using  the  Prospectus in  connection  with the  sale  or
transfer  of  New Notes,  and  each broker-dealer  and  Holder agrees  that upon
receipt of any  notice from  the Company  of the existence  of any  fact or  the
happening  of  any event  that makes  any statement  of a  material fact  in the
Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement hereto, or any document  incorporated
herein by reference untrue or requires the making of any additions or changes in
the  Prospectus  (the  "Notice"),  such holder  will  forthwith  discontinue the
disposition of  the  New  Notes until  such  Holder  (i) receives  copies  of  a
supplemental  Prospectus or (ii) is  advised in writing by  the Company that the
use of the Prospectus may be resumed  and has received copies of any  additional
or  supplemental filings  that are  incorporated herein  by reference.  Upon the
Company's request and at  its expense, each Holder  will deliver to the  Company
all copies, other than permanent file copies in such Holder's possession, of the
Prospectus  covering such New Notes  that was current at  the time of receipt of
such Notice.
 
                                       83
<PAGE>
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
    The legality of the New Notes and Guarantees being issued in connection with
the Exchange  Offer  will be  passed  upon for  the  Company by  Kramer,  Levin,
Naftalis & Frankel, New York, New York.
 
   
                                    EXPERTS
    
 
    The consolidated financial statements of the Company as of July 31, 1994 and
1995  and for each of the two years in  the period ended July 31, 1995 have been
included herein upon reliance upon the  report of BDO Seidman, LLP,  independent
certified  public accountants, and upon the authority of such firm as experts in
accounting and auditing.
 
    The consolidated financial  statements of  Four M Corporation  for the  year
ended July 31, 1993 and the financial statements of St. Joe Container Company as
of  December 31,  1994 and  1995, and for  each of  the years  in the three-year
period  ended  December  31,  1995,  have  been  included  herein  and  in   the
Registration  Statement in reliance  upon the reports of  KPMG Peat Marwick LLP,
independent certified public accountants,  appearing elsewhere herein, and  upon
the  authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing. The report of
KPMG Peat Marwick  LLP on St.  Joe Container  Company refers to  changes in  the
method of accounting for income taxes and investments.
 
   
    In  1994,  the Company  changed its  certifying  accountants from  KPMG Peat
Marwick LLP (the "Former Accountants") to BDO Seidman, LLP. The Company's  audit
committee  recommended the  appointment of  BDO Seidman,  LLP as  its certifying
accountants which appointment was ratified by the Company's Board of Directors.
    
 
   
    In connection with the audit of  the Company's financial statements for  the
fiscal  year ended July  31, 1993, there  were no disagreements  with the Former
Accountants on  any  matter of  accounting  principles or  practices,  financial
statement  disclosure, or auditing  scope or procedure,  which disagreements, if
not resolved to the  satisfaction of the Former  Accountants, would have  caused
them  to  make reference  to the  subject  matter of  the disagreement  in their
report. The Former Accountants' report on the Company's financial statements for
the fiscal  year ended  July 31,  1993 did  not contain  an adverse  opinion  or
disclaimer  of  opinion, or  was  modified as  to  uncertainty, audit  scope, or
accounting principles.
    
 
                                       84
<PAGE>
                         INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                              PAGE
                                                                                                            ---------
<S>                                                                                                         <C>
FOUR M CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
  Independent Auditors' Report............................................................................  F-2
  Independent Auditors' Report............................................................................  F-3
  Consolidated Balance Sheets as of July 31, 1994 and 1995 and April 30, 1996 (unaudited).................  F-4
  Consolidated Statements of Operations and Retained Earnings for the years ended July 31, 1993, 1994 and
   1995 and the nine months ended April 30, 1995 and 1996 (unaudited).....................................  F-5
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended July 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995 and the nine
   months ended April 30, 1995 and 1996 (unaudited).......................................................  F-6
  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements..............................................................  F-7
 
ST. JOE CONTAINER COMPANY
  Independent Auditors' Report............................................................................  F-15
  Statement of Financial Position as of December 31, 1994 and 1995........................................  F-16
  Statement of Operations for the years ended December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995............................  F-17
  Statement of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995............................  F-18
  Statement of Changes in Equity for the years ended December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995.....................  F-19
  Notes to Financial Statements...........................................................................  F-20
  Unaudited Statement of Financial Position as of March 31, 1996..........................................  F-25
  Unaudited Statement of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 1995 and 1996....................  F-26
  Unaudited Statement of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 1995 and 1996....................  F-27
  Notes to Unaudited Financial Statements.................................................................  F-28
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-1
<PAGE>
                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
 
Board of Directors and Stockholder
Four M Corporation and Subsidiaries
 
    We  have  audited the  accompanying consolidated  balance  sheets of  Four M
Corporation and subsidiaries (the  "Company") as of July  31, 1994 and 1995  and
the  related consolidated statements of operations  and retained earnings and of
cash flows  for  each  of  the  years  ended  July  31,  1994  and  1995.  These
consolidated  financial  statements  are  the  responsibility  of  the Company's
management. Our responsibility is  to express an  opinion on these  consolidated
financial statements based on our audits.
 
    We  conducted  our audits  in  accordance with  generally  accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to  obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also  includes
assessing  the  accounting principles  used  and significant  estimates  made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement  presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
    In  our  opinion, the  consolidated financial  statements referred  to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the  Company
at  July 31, 1994  and 1995 and the  results of their  operations and their cash
flows for each  of the years  ended July 31,  1994 and 1995  in conformity  with
generally accepted accounting principles.
 
                                          /s/ BDO SEIDMAN, LLP
                                          BDO SEIDMAN, LLP
 
   
Valhalla, New York
September 22, 1995, except for Note 3
for which the date is November 1, 1995.
    
 
                                      F-2
<PAGE>
                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
 
The Board of Directors and Shareholder
Four M Corporation:
 
    We  have audited the accompanying  consolidated statements of operations and
retained earnings and cash flows of Four M Corporation and subsidiaries for  the
year  ended  July  31, 1993.  These  consolidated financial  statements  are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express  an
opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audit.
 
    We  conducted  our  audit  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 audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
    In  our  opinion, the  consolidated financial  statements referred  to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the results of operations and the cash
flows of Four M Corporation and subsidiaries  for the year ended July 31,  1993,
in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
                                          /s/ KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP
                                          KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
 
Stamford, Connecticut
October 29, 1993
 
                                      F-3
<PAGE>
                      FOUR M CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
                                     ASSETS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        JULY 31,       JULY 31,
                                                                          1994           1995
                                                                      -------------  -------------    APRIL 30,
                                                                                                        1996
                                                                                                    -------------
                                                                                                     (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                                   <C>            <C>            <C>
CURRENT ASSETS:
  Cash and cash equivalents.........................................  $   1,900,000  $   1,226,000  $   1,949,000
  Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of
   $1,542,000, $1,778,000 and $1,368,000 (Note 6)...................     26,570,000     22,867,000     21,997,000
  Notes, advances and other receivables.............................      1,752,000      1,452,000      1,460,000
  Inventories (Notes 4 and 6).......................................     18,683,000     15,110,000     11,019,000
  Deferred income taxes (Note 8)....................................      3,400,000      2,001,000      1,825,000
                                                                      -------------  -------------  -------------
    TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS............................................     52,305,000     42,656,000     38,250,000
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation
 (Notes 5 and 6)....................................................     36,536,000     27,044,000     34,977,000
Goodwill and other intangibles, net of accumulated amortization of
 $602,000, $546,000 and $647,000....................................      1,362,000      1,007,000        987,000
Other assets (Note 11)..............................................      3,730,000      2,430,000      3,040,000
                                                                      -------------  -------------  -------------
                                                                      $  93,933,000  $  73,137,000  $  77,254,000
                                                                      -------------  -------------  -------------
                                                                      -------------  -------------  -------------
 
                                      LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
 
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
  Accounts payable and accrued liabilities..........................  $  35,194,000  $  24,703,000  $  21,167,000
  Current maturities of long-term debt (Notes 6 and 7)..............      8,208,000      3,449,000      4,158,000
                                                                      -------------  -------------  -------------
    TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES.......................................     43,402,000     28,152,000     25,325,000
Long-term debt, less current maturities (Note 6)....................     36,332,000     29,918,000     33,279,000
Subordinated debt, less current maturities (Note 7).................      7,773,000      1,080,000       --
Deferred income taxes (Note 8)......................................      4,700,000      3,663,000      4,410,000
Minority interest (Note 9)..........................................        180,000        326,000       --
Other liabilities...................................................        268,000      1,349,000        847,000
                                                                      -------------  -------------  -------------
    TOTAL LIABILITIES...............................................     92,655,000     64,488,000     63,861,000
                                                                      -------------  -------------  -------------
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (NOTES 10, 11 AND 12)
STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY:
  Common stock, $.125 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized;
   7,229,770 shares issued and 6,815,867 outstanding................        904,000        904,000        904,000
  Additional paid-in capital........................................        117,000        117,000        117,000
  Retained earnings.................................................      1,219,000      8,590,000     13,334,000
                                                                      -------------  -------------  -------------
                                                                          2,240,000      9,611,000     14,355,000
  Less treasury stock, at cost (413,903 shares).....................        962,000        962,000        962,000
                                                                      -------------  -------------  -------------
    TOTAL STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY......................................      1,278,000      8,649,000     13,393,000
                                                                      -------------  -------------  -------------
                                                                      $  93,933,000  $  73,137,000  $  77,254,000
                                                                      -------------  -------------  -------------
                                                                      -------------  -------------  -------------
</TABLE>
 
          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      F-4
<PAGE>
                      FOUR M CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
          CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND RETAINED EARNINGS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    NINE MONTHS     NINE MONTHS
                                                YEARS ENDED JULY 31,                   ENDED           ENDED
                                   ----------------------------------------------    APRIL 30,       APRIL 30,
                                        1993            1994            1995            1995            1996
                                   --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
                                                                                            (UNAUDITED)
 
<S>                                <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
NET SALES........................  $  214,936,000  $  228,563,000  $  271,994,000  $  213,723,000  $  164,736,000
COST OF GOODS SOLD...............     192,208,000     205,025,000     232,154,000     181,870,000     141,973,000
                                   --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
    GROSS PROFIT.................      22,728,000      23,538,000      39,840,000      31,853,000      22,763,000
                                   --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
SELLING, GENERAL AND
 ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES.........      21,813,000      22,018,000      19,703,000      15,810,000      11,664,000
                                   --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
    INCOME FROM OPERATIONS.......         915,000       1,520,000      20,137,000      16,043,000      11,099,000
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
  Interest expense...............      (4,948,000)     (5,448,000)     (5,607,000)     (4,672,000)     (2,697,000)
  Gain on closure/sale of
   subsidiary (Note 3)...........       3,906,000        --              --              --              --
  (Loss) gain on sale of assets
   and other (Note 3)............        (255,000)        126,000       1,927,000       1,761,000        --
                                   --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
    INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE
     PROVISION (BENEFIT) FOR
     INCOME TAXES, MINORITY
     INTEREST AND EXTRAORDINARY
     GAIN ON EARLY RETIREMENT OF
     DEBT........................        (382,000)     (3,802,000)     16,457,000      13,132,000       8,402,000
PROVISION (BENEFIT) FOR INCOME
 TAXES (NOTE 8)..................         453,000        (325,000)      5,483,000       4,350,000       3,658,000
                                   --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
    INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE MINORITY
     INTEREST AND EXTRAORDINARY
     GAIN ON EARLY RETIREMENT OF
     DEBT........................        (835,000)     (3,477,000)     10,974,000       8,782,000       4,744,000
MINORITY INTEREST (NOTE 9).......        --              (180,000)       (146,000)       --              --
CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF CHANGE IN
 METHOD OF ACCOUNTING FOR TAXES
 ON INCOME (NOTE 8)..............        --               381,000        --              --              --
EXTRAORDINARY GAIN ON EARLY
 RETIREMENT OF DEBT (NOTES 6 AND
 7)..............................        --              --             2,219,000       2,219,000        --
                                   --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
NET INCOME (LOSS)................        (835,000)     (3,276,000)     13,047,000      11,001,000       4,744,000
RETAINED EARNINGS, BEGINNING OF
 PERIOD..........................       5,330,000       4,495,000       1,219,000       1,219,000       8,590,000
DISTRIBUTION (NOTE 3)............        --              --            (5,676,000)     (5,676,000)       --
                                   --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
RETAINED EARNINGS, END OF
 PERIOD..........................  $    4,495,000  $    1,219,000  $    8,590,000  $    6,544,000  $   13,334,000
                                   --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
                                   --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
</TABLE>
 
          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      F-5
<PAGE>
                      FOUR M CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                               NINE MONTHS   NINE MONTHS
                                                              YEARS ENDED JULY 31,                ENDED         ENDED
                                                     ---------------------------------------    APRIL 30,     APRIL 30,
                                                        1993         1994          1995           1995           1996
                                                     -----------  -----------  -------------  -------------  ------------
                                                                                                      (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                  <C>          <C>          <C>            <C>            <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
  Net income (loss)................................  $  (835,000) $(3,276,000) $  13,047,000  $  11,001,000   $4,744,000
  Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net
   cash provided by operating activities:
    Depreciation and amortization..................    5,294,000    5,276,000      5,245,000      3,990,000    2,852,000
    Allowance for doubtful accounts................      --           678,000        467,000        441,000     (331,000)
    Gain on sale/closure of subsidiary.............   (3,906,000)     --          (1,618,000)    (1,618,000)    (166,000)
    Gain from debt forgiveness.....................      --          (381,000)    (2,393,000)    (2,393,000)      --
    Non-cash interest expense......................    1,355,000    1,123,000        499,000        499,000       --
    Loss (gain) on sale of fixed assets............      182,000     (830,000)        32,000         32,000      168,000
    Deferred income taxes..........................     (209,000)    (600,000)      (312,000)      (822,000)     930,000
    Change in assets and liabilities, net of
     effects of acquisitions and disposals:
      Accounts, notes and other receivables........      158,000   (5,061,000)    (4,273,000)    (6,909,000)    (542,000)
      Inventories..................................      (35,000)  (1,194,000)   (10,594,000)   (10,897,000)   3,752,000
      Other assets, net of other liabilities.......       87,000     (387,000)       275,000     (1,535,000)  (1,398,000)
      Accounts payable and accrued liabilities.....    6,769,000    9,446,000     (2,592,000)     3,146,000   (2,690,000)
                                                     -----------  -----------  -------------  -------------  ------------
      NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING
       ACTIVITIES..................................    8,860,000    4,794,000     (2,217,000)    (5,065,000)   7,319,000
                                                     -----------  -----------  -------------  -------------  ------------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
  Capital expenditures.............................   (3,935,000)  (3,916,000)    (3,690,000)    (2,950,000)  (4,281,000)
  Proceeds from sale of subsidiaries...............      --         1,401,000      1,618,000      1,618,000      898,000
  Proceeds from sale or exchange of fixed assets...      121,000      174,000        397,000        397,000      679,000
  Payment for acquisitions, net of cash acquired...       93,000   (6,601,000)      --             --             --
  Payment related to subsidiary spin-off, net of
   common stock sold...............................      --           --            (300,000)      (300,000)      --
  Loans made to employees, net of payments.........     (414,000)    (184,000)      --             --             --
                                                     -----------  -----------  -------------  -------------  ------------
      NET CASH USED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES........   (4,135,000)  (9,126,000)    (1,975,000)    (1,235,000)  (2,704,000)
                                                     -----------  -----------  -------------  -------------  ------------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
  Net short-term borrowings........................   (5,127,000)   3,428,000       --             --           (495,000)
  Payments to pre-petition creditors...............     (720,000)    (274,000)      (180,000)      (180,000)      --
  Secured term, mortgage, equipment and other
   borrowings......................................    5,500,000    7,446,000      9,094,000      6,454,000       --
  Repayments of long-term debt.....................   (3,494,000)  (5,418,000)    (5,396,000)    (1,195,000)  (3,397,000)
                                                     -----------  -----------  -------------  -------------  ------------
      NET CASH (USED IN) PROVIDED BY FINANCING
       ACTIVITIES..................................   (3,841,000)   5,182,000      3,518,000      5,079,000   (3,892,000)
                                                     -----------  -----------  -------------  -------------  ------------
TOTAL (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH
 EQUIVALENTS.......................................      884,000      850,000       (674,000)    (1,221,000)     723,000
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD.....      166,000    1,050,000      1,900,000      1,900,000    1,226,000
                                                     -----------  -----------  -------------  -------------  ------------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD...........  $ 1,050,000  $ 1,900,000  $   1,226,000  $     679,000   $1,949,000
                                                     -----------  -----------  -------------  -------------  ------------
                                                     -----------  -----------  -------------  -------------  ------------
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
  Cash paid during the period for:
    Interest.......................................  $ 3,372,000  $ 4,015,000  $   4,822,000  $   3,005,000   $2,930,000
    Income taxes, net of refunds...................      234,000    1,080,000      6,052,000      1,678,000    1,990,000
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION ON NON-CASH INVESTING
 ACTIVITIES:
  Purchase of equipment under capital leases.......      --           --            --             --          7,623,000
  Non-cash distribution and other..................      --         1,262,000      5,676,000      5,676,000       --
</TABLE>
 
          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      F-6
<PAGE>
                      FOUR M CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
    BUSINESS
 
    Four  M  Corporation  and  subsidiaries  ("Four  M"  or  the  "Company") are
manufacturers of corrugated paper, rolled  paper and other paper products,  such
as  cartons, displays,  partitions and, prior  to the distribution  of The Fonda
Group, Inc. ("Fonda") (see Note 3), paper cups and plates. The Company uses  the
trade name Box USA to conduct its business activities.
 
    PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION
 
    The  consolidated  financial  statements  include  the  accounts  of  Four M
Corporation and its subsidiaries. All of the capital stock of Four M is owned by
its Chairman  of the  Board  and Chief  Executive  Officer, Dennis  Mehiel  (the
"Stockholder"). Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
 
    INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION:
 
    The  financial statements as of April 30, 1996 and for the nine months ended
April 30, 1995 and 1996 are unaudited but, in the opinion of management, include
all adjustments (consisting only of  normal recurring adjustments and  accruals)
which  the Company considers necessary for  a fair presentation of the operating
results and cash  flows for  that period. Results  for interim  periods are  not
necessarily indicative of results for the entire year.
 
    INVENTORIES
 
    Inventories are valued at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market.
 
    PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
 
    Property,   plant  and  equipment  are  stated  at  cost,  less  accumulated
depreciation. Depreciation is based on estimated useful lives of the assets  and
is  provided using the straight-line method.  For income tax purposes, statutory
accelerated methods of depreciation are used.
 
    GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES
 
    Goodwill and  other intangibles  principally  relate to  the excess  of  the
purchase  price of certain  acquisitions over the  fair value of  the net assets
acquired and  are  being  amortized  over  their  estimated  useful  lives,  not
exceeding a 40-year period, using the straight-line method.
 
    REVENUE RECOGNITION
 
    Revenue is recognized when products are shipped.
 
    INCOME TAXES
 
    Deferred  taxes are provided on the  differences between the basis of assets
and liabilities  for  financial reporting  and  income tax  purposes  using  the
statutory  rates enacted for  future periods. A  consolidated federal income tax
return is filed. State income tax returns are filed separately.
 
    CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
    For purposes  of the  statement of  cash flows,  the Company  considers  all
highly  liquid debt  instruments purchased  with an  original maturity  of three
months or less to be cash equivalents.
 
    RECLASSIFICATIONS
 
    Certain prior year balances have been reclassified to conform with the  1995
presentation.
 
    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
 
                                      F-7
<PAGE>
                      FOUR M CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
1.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
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.
 
    LONG-LIVED ASSETS
 
    As prescribed  in  Statement  of Financial  Accounting  Standards  No.  121,
"Accounting for the Impairment of Long-lived Assets and for Long-lived Assets to
be Disposed Of," long-lived assets are required to be adjusted to net realizable
value  if, in  the opinion  of management,  there is  a permanent  diminution in
value. The adoption of this pronouncement does not have a significant impact  on
the Company's financial statements.
 
    FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
    The  carrying  value  of  financial  instruments  including  cash,  accounts
receivable,  notes,  advances  and   other  receivables  and  accounts   payable
approximate  fair  value because  of the  relatively  short maturities  of these
instruments. The carrying value of long term debt, including the current portion
and subordinated  debt,  approximate fair  value  based upon  market  rates  for
similar instruments.
 
2.  CREDIT RISK
    Financial   instruments   which   potentially   subject   the   Company   to
concentrations of credit risk consist principally of temporary cash  investments
and  trade receivables. The  Company places its  temporary cash investments with
financial institutions having high credit ratings. Concentrations of credit risk
with respect  to  trade receivables  are  limited due  to  the large  number  of
customers  comprising the Company's  customer base, and  their dispersion across
many different  geographical regions.  At  July 31,  1995,  the Company  had  no
significant  concentrations of credit risk. No single customer accounted for 10%
or more of net sales during any of the reported periods.
 
3.  ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS
 
    ST. JOE CONTAINER COMPANY
 
    The Company entered into  an agreement on November  1, 1995, as amended,  to
acquire  substantially  all  the assets  and  liabilities of  St.  Joe Container
Company for approximately  $160 million.  On May  30, 1996,  the Company  issued
senior secured notes for $170 million to finance the purchase.
 
    TIMBERLINE PACKAGING, INC.
 
    In  August 1995, the Company sold  its 67% interest in Timberline Packaging,
Inc. The sale resulted in a gain of approximately $166,000.
 
    THE FONDA GROUP, INC.
 
    In March 1995,  Fonda concluded a  purchase agreement with  the Scott  Paper
Company  to acquire certain net assets and the business of its Scott Foodservice
Division for approximately $30  million in cash plus  the assumption of  certain
liabilities.
 
    In March 1995, the stock of Fonda was distributed to the Stockholder, except
for  3.5%  which was  distributed  to a  creditor as  described  in Note  7. The
distribution to the Stockholder amounted to 96.5% of the net assets of Fonda  as
of March 31, 1995.
 
    Accordingly,  the results  of operations  of Fonda  are not  included in the
financial statements after March 31, 1995.
 
                                      F-8
<PAGE>
                      FOUR M CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
3.  ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS (CONTINUED)
    The accounts of Fonda as of and for  the years ended July 31, 1993 and  1994
and  for the  eight months ended  March 31,  1995 are summarized  as follows (in
thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              JULY 31,         MARCH 31,
                                                                        --------------------  -----------
                                                                          1993       1994        1995
                                                                        ---------  ---------  -----------
<S>                                                                     <C>        <C>        <C>
Net sales.............................................................    $61,079    $61,839     $42,413
Operating income......................................................      2,835      1,788       1,352
Net (loss) income.....................................................        960        251         (57 )
Total assets..........................................................     23,598     24,668      33,332
Stockholder's equity..................................................      3,717      5,977       5,882
</TABLE>
 
    FIBER PARTITION PRODUCTS
 
    Effective March 20, 1995, the Company disposed of certain assets relating to
its fiber partition  products which resulted  in a gain  before income taxes  of
approximately $1,618,000.
 
    CONSOLIDATING PACKAGING CORPORATION, DEBTOR-IN-POSSESSION
 
   
    On  January 5,  1994, the  Company acquired  certain assets  of Consolidated
Packaging  Corporation,  Debtor-in-Possession   (the  "CPC  Acquisition").   The
purchase  price was approximately $5,285,000.  Assets acquired included accounts
receivable,  inventories,  equipment  and  certain  real  estate  and  leasehold
interests,  including a paper mill located in Ft. Madison, Iowa. The assets were
transferred to  certain subsidiaries.  These  financial statements  reflect  the
operations of those subsidiaries from the date of acquisition.
    
 
    Effective  July  31, 1994,  the Company  disposed of  certain of  the assets
purchased in the  CPC Acquisition, resulting  in a gain  before income taxes  of
approximately $622,000.
 
    In  November 1994, the  Company sold certain  additional assets purchased in
the CPC Acquisition, consisting of substantially all of the inventory,  property
and  equipment  and certain  tangible assets  of Four  M Manufacturing  Group of
Somerset, Inc. The sale  resulted in a loss  of approximately $73,000 which  was
recorded in 1994.
 
    GRAND CORRUGATED CONTAINER CORPORATION
    On  May  31,  1993,  one of  the  Company's  subsidiaries,  Grand Corrugated
Container Corporation, ceased operations. Title to substantially all of  Grand's
assets was transferred to the respective creditors holding security interests in
the  assets in satisfaction  of the related obligations.  In connection with the
closure of this subsidiary, the Company realized a gain of $3,906,000.
 
4.  INVENTORIES
    Inventories consist of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      JULY 31,
                                                            ----------------------------
                                                                1994           1995
                                                            -------------  -------------    APRIL 30,
                                                                                          -------------
                                                                                              1996
                                                                                          -------------
                                                                                           (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                         <C>            <C>            <C>
Raw materials.............................................  $  12,453,000  $  10,710,000  $   7,894,000
Work-in-process...........................................        570,000        632,000        562,000
Finished goods............................................      5,660,000      3,768,000      2,563,000
                                                            -------------  -------------  -------------
                                                              $18,683,000    $15,110,000  $11,019,000
                                                            -------------  -------------  -------------
                                                            -------------  -------------  -------------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-9
<PAGE>
                      FOUR M CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
5.  PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
    Property, plant and equipment consists of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       JULY 31,
                                                  LIVES IN   ----------------------------
                                                    YEARS        1994           1995
                                                  ---------  -------------  -------------    APRIL 30,
                                                                                           -------------
                                                                                               1996
                                                                                           -------------
                                                                                            (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                               <C>        <C>            <C>            <C>
Land and buildings..............................     20      $  12,797,000  $   9,107,000  $   8,675,000
Machinery and equipment.........................    3-20        42,107,000     31,819,000     41,622,000
Leasehold improvements..........................    5-10         1,942,000      1,362,000      1,384,000
Furniture and fixtures..........................      5          3,275,000      2,987,000      2,825,000
Autos and trucks................................      5            318,000        306,000        457,000
                                                             -------------  -------------  -------------
                                                                60,439,000     45,581,000     54,963,000
 
Less: accumulated depreciation..................                23,903,000     18,537,000     19,986,000
                                                             -------------  -------------  -------------
                                                               $36,536,000    $27,044,000  $34,977,000
                                                             -------------  -------------  -------------
                                                             -------------  -------------  -------------
</TABLE>
 
    Depreciation expense was  approximately $5,060,000, $5,014,000,  $4,887,000,
$2,549,000  and $2,540,000 for the years ended  July 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995 and
the nine months ended April 30, 1995 and 1996, respectively.
 
    Property, plant  and equipment  includes property  under capital  leases  as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         JULY 31,            APRIL 30,
                                                                --------------------------  ------------
                                                                    1994          1995          1996
                                                                ------------  ------------  ------------
                                                                                            (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                             <C>           <C>           <C>
Building......................................................  $  2,217,000  $    --       $    --
Equipment.....................................................     2,489,000     1,170,000     8,117,000
Less: accumulated depreciation................................     1,614,000       311,000       386,000
                                                                ------------  ------------  ------------
                                                                $  3,092,000  $    859,000  $  7,731,000
                                                                ------------  ------------  ------------
                                                                ------------  ------------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
6.  LONG-TERM DEBT
    Long-term debt consists of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      JULY 31,              APRIL 30,
                                                            ----------------------------  -------------
                                                                1994           1995           1996
                                                            -------------  -------------  -------------
                                                                                           (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                         <C>            <C>            <C>
Revolving credit agreements(a)............................    $18,900,000    $16,110,000    $15,297,000
Term loans(b).............................................     12,173,000      9,913,000      8,922,000
Mortgages (weighted average rate as of
 April 30, 1996 7.8%).....................................      2,778,000      2,620,000      2,498,000
Pre-petition creditors (discounted at 9%)(c)..............        795,000        275,000       --
Other.....................................................      5,190,000      2,857,000      2,048,000
                                                            -------------  -------------  -------------
                                                               39,836,000     31,775,000     28,765,000
Capital lease obligations (Note 10).......................      2,204,000        592,000      7,592,000
                                                            -------------  -------------  -------------
                                                               42,040,000     32,367,000     36,357,000
Less: current portion.....................................      5,708,000      2,449,000      3,078,000
                                                            -------------  -------------  -------------
Long-term debt............................................    $36,332,000    $29,918,000    $33,279,000
                                                            -------------  -------------  -------------
                                                            -------------  -------------  -------------
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
(a) Revolving  credit agreements are secured by certain machinery and equipment,
    accounts receivable  and inventories  and  are limited  to 85%  of  eligible
    receivables    and    up    to   60%    of    eligible    inventories.   The
 
                                      F-10
<PAGE>
                      FOUR M CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
6.  LONG-TERM DEBT (CONTINUED)
    loans mature at various dates through 1998 and are automatically renewed for
    one year terms unless  terminated. Interest rates at  April 30, 1996  varied
    from  prime plus 2 1/4% to  prime plus 2 3/4%. The  prime rate was 8 1/2% at
    April 30, 1996. At April 30,  1996, the Company had available  approximately
    $14,149,000  of additional credit  under these agreements.  On May 30, 1996,
    the Company  negotiated a  new Credit  Facility with  similar terms  in  the
    amount of $80.0 million.
 
(b) Term  loans are secured by property, plant  and equipment and are payable in
    monthly installments  over seven  years through  2002 at  interest rates  of
    prime plus 2 3/4% at April 30, 1996.
 
   
(c) In  January 1995, Four  M assumed certain  outstanding pre-petition creditor
    liabilities  from  Fonda  aggregating  $870,000  in  exchange  for   partial
    settlement  of amounts owed to  Fonda by Four M.  In July 1995, this assumed
    liability  of  $870,000   was  settled   for  $455,000,   resulting  in   an
    extraordinary gain of $241,000, net of income taxes.
    
 
    The  Company is subject to certain financial covenants, the most restrictive
of which  limits  capital expenditures.  The  Company has  obtained  waivers  of
non-compliance with this covenant at July 31, 1995.
 
    Long-term debt, excluding capital lease obligations, is payable as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERIOD ENDING APRIL 30,
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                        <C>
1997.....................................................................................  $   2,129,000
1998.....................................................................................     17,328,000
1999.....................................................................................      1,848,000
2000.....................................................................................      1,354,000
2001.....................................................................................      1,334,000
Thereafter...............................................................................      4,772,000
                                                                                           -------------
                                                                                           $28,765,000
                                                                                           -------------
                                                                                           -------------
</TABLE>
 
7.  SUBORDINATED DEBT
    Subordinated debt consists of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       JULY 31,
                                                              ---------------------------   APRIL 30,
                                                                  1994           1995          1996
                                                              -------------  ------------  ------------
                                                                                           (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                           <C>            <C>           <C>
Debt with Warrants(a):
  Face value................................................  $   4,000,000  $  2,080,000  $  1,080,000
  Accretion to redemption value.............................      1,760,000       --            --
  Deferred interest.........................................      2,013,000       --            --
Debentures(b)...............................................      2,500,000       --            --
                                                              -------------  ------------  ------------
                                                                 10,273,000     2,080,000     1,080,000
Less: current portion.......................................      2,500,000     1,000,000     1,080,000
                                                              -------------  ------------  ------------
Long-term subordinated debt.................................  $   7,773,000  $  1,080,000  $    --
                                                              -------------  ------------  ------------
                                                              -------------  ------------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
(a) In  January 1990, the Company  borrowed $4,000,000 (the "Subordinated Debt")
    from a lender  (the "Holder") and  issued a warrant  (the "Warrant") to  the
    Holder  to  purchase 513,000  shares of  its common  stock. Interest  on the
    Warrant was accreted such that at March 31, 1995, the Warrant had a value of
    $2,184,000. In  March  1995,  the  Subordinated  Debt  was  restructured  as
    follows:  (i) the  Company distributed  35 shares  (3.5%) of  the issued and
    outstanding stock of Fonda to the Holder  (see Note 3), in exchange for  the
    cancellation  of  a  portion of  the  outstanding principal  balance  of the
    Subordinated Debt; and  (ii) in consideration  of the Holder's  surrendering
    the Warrants, and in satisfaction of
 
                                      F-11
<PAGE>
                      FOUR M CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
7.  SUBORDINATED DEBT (CONTINUED)
    the remaining portion of the Subordinated Debt and interest accrued thereon,
    payments   aggregating  $4,000,000  were  made,  with  a  final  payment  of
    $1,080,000 to  be made  on July  31, 1996,  together with  interest  accrued
    thereon.  As  a  result, the  Company  recognized an  extraordinary  gain of
    $1,978,000 which represented the excess of the recorded value of the Warrant
    settled less $206,000, representing 3.5% of the net assets of Fonda at March
    31, 1995.
 
(b) On July 31,  1987, the Company  borrowed $3,000,000 from  an investor,  with
    interest at 12%, payable quarterly commencing in the first quarter of fiscal
    year  1991,  and  with equal  annual  principal payments  beginning  in 1993
    through 1995.  In April  of 1992,  $2,500,000 of  principal payments  and  a
    portion of future interest payments were deferred. In August 1994, the terms
    of the debentures evidencing such borrowings were modified and, as a result,
    principal  payments  aggregating  $1,911,000  were made  and  the  rights to
    convert the debentures into 890,000 shares of common stock were  terminated.
    The balance was paid during 1995.
 
8.  TAXES PROVISION (BENEFIT) FOR INCOME (RECOVERIES)
    Components of provision (benefit) for income taxes are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       APRIL 30,
                                                             JULY 31,                     1995
                                               -------------------------------------  ------------
                                                  1993        1994          1995
                                               ----------  -----------  ------------  (UNAUDITED)    APRIL 30,
                                                                                                        1996
                                                                                                    ------------
                                                                                                    (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                            <C>         <C>          <C>           <C>           <C>
Current:
  Federal....................................    $199,000  $   --       $  4,675,000  $  4,603,000  $  2,428,000
  State......................................     429,000      275,000     1,120,000       569,000       300,000
                                               ----------  -----------  ------------  ------------  ------------
                                                  628,000      275,000     5,795,000     5,172,000     2,728,000
                                               ----------  -----------  ------------  ------------  ------------
Deferred:
  Federal....................................    (153,000)    (481,000)     (250,000)     (712,000)      821,000
  State......................................     (22,000)    (119,000)      (62,000)     (110,000)      109,000
                                               ----------  -----------  ------------  ------------  ------------
                                                 (175,000)    (600,000)     (312,000)     (822,000)      930,000
                                               ----------  -----------  ------------  ------------  ------------
Provision (benefit) for income taxes before
 extraordinary item..........................     453,000     (325,000)    5,483,000     4,350,000     3,658,000
                                               ----------  -----------  ------------  ------------  ------------
Taxes on extraordinary item..................      --          --            174,000       174,000       --
                                               ----------  -----------  ------------  ------------  ------------
                                                 $453,000    $(325,000)   $5,657,000    $4,524,000    $3,658,000
                                               ----------  -----------  ------------  ------------  ------------
                                               ----------  -----------  ------------  ------------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
    Deferred  income  taxes  reflect  the tax  effect  of  temporary differences
between amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting and income tax
purposes. Deferred tax assets (liabilities) result from temporary differences as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            JULY 31,
                                                                  ----------------------------
                                                                      1994           1995
                                                                  -------------  -------------    APRIL 30,
                                                                                                -------------
                                                                                                    1996
                                                                                                -------------
                                                                                                 (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                               <C>            <C>            <C>
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable......................  $     587,000  $     751,000  $     520,000
Capitalized inventory costs.....................................        768,000        762,000        628,000
Accrued salaries and benefits...................................        849,000        299,000        380,000
Other...........................................................        206,000        189,000        297,000
Net operating loss carryover....................................        990,000       --             --
                                                                  -------------  -------------  -------------
Gross deferred tax assets.......................................      3,400,000      2,001,000      1,825,000
Property, plant and equipment...................................     (4,700,000)    (3,663,000)    (4,410,000)
                                                                  -------------  -------------  -------------
Net deferred tax liabilities....................................    $(1,300,000)   $(1,662,000)   $(2,585,000)
                                                                  -------------  -------------  -------------
                                                                  -------------  -------------  -------------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-12
<PAGE>
                      FOUR M CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
8.  TAXES PROVISION (BENEFIT) FOR INCOME (RECOVERIES) (CONTINUED)
   
    The effective tax rate was different than the federal statutory rate due  to
the following:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                JULY 31,
                                                                          --------------------   APRIL 30,    APRIL 30,
                                                                            1994       1995        1995         1996
                                                                          ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                       <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>
Tax (benefit) at the statutory Federal rate.............................      (34.0)%      34.0%       34.0%       34.0%
State income taxes (net of Federal benefit).............................        7.0        4.0         4.0          4.0
Non-deductible interest.................................................        5.3        3.0         3.0
Goodwill amortization...................................................        1.4         .1          .1           .1
Officers' life insurance................................................         .1     --          --           --
Provision for (reversal of) valuation allowance.........................       11.7      (3.7)       (3.7)       --
Permanent differences related to sale of subsidiary, ceased operations
 and other..............................................................     --          (4.1)       (4.1)          3.3
Meals and entertainment.................................................     --         --          --              2.1
                                                                          ---------        ---         ---          ---
                                                                              (8.5)%      33.3%       33.3%        43.5%
</TABLE>
    
 
    During  1994,  the Company  adopted the  provisions of  Financial Accounting
Standards Board Statement No. 109,  "Accounting for Income Taxes" ("FASB  109").
The cumulative effect of this change in method of accounting for taxes on income
has  been  reported  as  of  the  beginning  of  the  1994  fiscal  year  in the
consolidated statement of operations.
 
    During 1993, the Company accounted for income taxes under the provisions  of
Financial  Accounting Standards Board  Statement No. 96,  "Accounting for Income
Taxes."
 
9.  MINORITY INTEREST
    Minority interest  represents  the minority  stockholders'  investment  plus
their proportionate share of the income or loss of the respective subsidiary.
 
10. LEASES
    The  Company  leases  several  facilities  and  certain  equipment  used  in
connection with  its  manufacturing  operations.  Future  minimum  payments  for
capital  leases and  noncancellable operating  leases with  initial or remaining
terms of one year or more are:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              CAPITAL       OPERATING
YEAR ENDING APRIL 30,                                                         LEASES         LEASES
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------
<S>                                                                        <C>            <C>
1997.....................................................................  $   1,828,000  $   3,779,000
1998.....................................................................      1,796,000      3,489,000
1999.....................................................................      1,734,000      2,933,000
2000.....................................................................      1,611,000      2,328,000
2001.....................................................................      1,609,000      1,900,000
Thereafter...............................................................      2,143,000     12,332,000
                                                                           -------------  -------------
Total minimum lease payments.............................................     10,721,000  $  26,761,000
                                                                                          -------------
                                                                                          -------------
Less: amount representing interest.......................................      3,129,000
                                                                           -------------
Present value of capital lease obligations...............................  $   7,592,000
                                                                           -------------
                                                                           -------------
</TABLE>
 
    Rent  expense   under  operating   leases  was   approximately   $4,997,000,
$4,984,000,  $4,613,000, $3,460,000 and $3,206,000 for  the years ended July 31,
1993, 1994 and  1995 and  for the  nine months ended  April 30,  1995 and  1996,
respectively.
 
                                      F-13
<PAGE>
                      FOUR M CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
11. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
    The Stockholder is an owner of entities from which the Company rents certain
property,  plant and equipment. Rent expense for  the years ended July 31, 1993,
1994 and  1995 and  for  the nine  months  ended April  30,  1995 and  1996  was
$883,000, $1,120,000, $929,000, $697,000 and $771,000, respectively. Included in
lease  commitments at April  30, 1996 are  approximately $16,589,000 relating to
operating leases with these entities.
 
    The Stockholder  is  part owner  in  an entity  to  which the  Company  sold
$15,000,000,  $3,300,000 and $1,351,000 for the  years ended July 31, 1993, 1994
and for  the nine  months ended  April  30, 1996,  respectively. There  were  no
material  sales to this entity for the year  ended July 31, 1995 or for the nine
months ended April 30, 1995.
 
    The Company had  outstanding notes  and loans receivable  from officers  and
employees  in the amount  of $1,264,000, $1,474,000 and  $1,605,000, at July 31,
1994 and 1995 and April 30,  1996, respectively, all of which were  non-interest
bearing. These notes and loans are classified as other assets.
 
    An officer of the Company owns a minority interest in a subsidiary which had
sales of $5,884,000, $7,558,000, $13,579,000, $10,061,000 and $1,398,000 for the
years ended July 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995 and for the nine months ended April 30,
1995 and 1996, respectively.
 
12. COMMITMENT AND CONTINGENCIES
 
    PURCHASE COMMITMENTS
 
    The Company has commitments to purchase paperboard inventory from four major
vendors.  The total commitment is for the  purchase of 160,000 tons of inventory
through December 2001. The prices  per ton will be  based on market rates,  less
applicable rebates.
 
    LITIGATION
 
    The  Company is involved in various legal  actions and claims arising in the
ordinary course of its business. Management believes that current litigation and
claims will be resolved without any  material effect on the Company's  financial
position or results of operations.
 
    SAVINGS AND INVESTMENT PLANS
 
    The  Company  has  two  defined contribution  savings  and  investment plans
covering most of its non-union employees with at least one year of service.  One
plan  does not provide  for matching of employee  contributions. Under the other
plan, employee  contributions up  to 6%  of  their salary  are matched  at  20%.
Expenses  incurred under both plans  amounted to approximately $70,000, $81,000,
$107,000, $82,000 and $50,000 for the years ended July 31, 1993, 1994 and  1995,
and the nine months ended April 30, 1995 and 1996, respectively.
 
    PENSION PLANS
 
    The  Company  has  a  defined contribution  plan  for  its  union employees.
Contributions are made by the Company at a defined rate per hour worked. Expense
incurred  under  these  plans  amounted  to  approximately  $518,000,  $431,000,
$67,000,  $43,000 and $57,000 for  the years ended July  31, 1993, 1994 and 1995
and the nine months ended April 30, 1995 and 1996, respectively.
 
    STOCK APPRECIATION UNIT PLAN
 
    On September 8,  1993, the  Company's Board  of Directors  approved a  Stock
Appreciation  Unit Plan (the "Plan"). Pursuant to  the Plan units may be granted
to key  employees at  the discretion  of  the Chief  Executive Officer  and  the
non-employee  directors of the Company. Units awarded under the Plan are subject
to the vesting and redemption terms of  the Plan. Employees may elect to  redeem
vested  units awarded under the Plan. Units to  be redeemed will be paid in cash
over a period  of time  at an  amount based on  earnings and  increases in  book
value.
 
                                      F-14
<PAGE>
                      FOUR M CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
   
13. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
    
 
   
    PURCHASE OF FIBRE MARKETING
    
 
   
    Pursuant  to a Limited Liability Company Agreement dated as of May 24, 1996,
the Company acquired a 50% interest  in Fibre Marketing Company, L.L.C.  ("Fibre
Marketing").  The Company made an aggregate  capital contribution of $280,000 to
Fibre Marketing in August 1996.
    
 
   
    DISPOSITION OF FLINT
    
 
   
    On August  16, 1996,  Box  USA discontinued  its  operations at  its  Flint,
Michigan  facility  and  disposed  of substantially  all  of  the  machinery and
equipment, finished  goods and  work-in-progress inventory  and certain  related
assets  utilized at  such facility  for a  purchase price  of approximately $2.6
million. Box  USA retained  all accounts  receivable, accounts  payable and  raw
material  inventory.  The  equipment  was transferred  pursuant  to  a like-kind
exchange within the meaning of section 1031 of the Code, as amended.
    
 
   
    PURCHASE OF MANNKRAFT
    
 
   
    On August 5, 1996, the  Company acquired 490 shares  of the common stock  of
MannKraft  Corporation  ("MannKraft")  from  Stone  Container  Corporation.  The
purchase represented 49% of MannKraft's  outstanding shares and was acquired  by
the  Company for $5.5 million,  which was paid on  August 6, 1996. The Company's
interest in MannKraft is now 50%.  This transaction was made in compliance  with
the covenants contained in the Indenture.
    
 
                                      F-15
<PAGE>
                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
 
The Board of Directors
St. Joe Container Company:
 
    We have audited the accompanying statements of financial position of St. Joe
Container  Company as of December 31, 1994  and 1995, and the related statements
of operations, cash flows  and changes in  equity for each of  the years in  the
three-year  period ended December  31, 1995. 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. Joe Container Company as
of December 31, 1994 and  1995, and the results of  its operations and its  cash
flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1995, in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
    As  disclosed in  note 3(f) to  the financial statements,  St. Joe Container
Company changed its method of accounting  for income taxes effective January  1,
1993  to  adopt the  provisions of  the  Financial Accounting  Standards Board's
Statement of  Financial Accounting  Standards (SFAS)  No. 109,  "Accounting  for
Income  Taxes." As disclosed in note 3(g), St. Joe Container Company changed its
method of accounting for  investments to adopt the  provisions of the  Financial
Accounting  Standards Board's SFAS No.  115, "Accounting for Certain Investments
in Debt and Equity Securities" at December 31, 1993.
 
                                          /s/ KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP
                                          KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
 
Jacksonville, Florida
February 12, 1996
 
                                      F-16
<PAGE>
                           ST. JOE CONTAINER COMPANY
                        STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
                           DECEMBER 31, 1994 AND 1995
 
                                     ASSETS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                               1994        1995
                                                                                            ----------  ----------
                                                                                            (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                                         <C>         <C>
CURRENT ASSETS:
  Cash and cash equivalents...............................................................  $    2,220       1,143
  Accounts receivable.....................................................................      29,885      28,566
  Inventories.............................................................................      24,910      36,012
  Prepaid and other assets................................................................         957         886
                                                                                            ----------  ----------
      TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS................................................................      57,972      66,607
                                                                                            ----------  ----------
Investments and other assets:
  Other investments.......................................................................       2,977       3,088
  Other assets............................................................................         118         174
                                                                                            ----------  ----------
      TOTAL INVESTMENTS AND OTHER ASSETS..................................................       3,095       3,262
                                                                                            ----------  ----------
Property, plant and equipment, net........................................................      45,395      37,306
                                                                                            ----------  ----------
      TOTAL ASSETS........................................................................  $  106,462     107,175
                                                                                            ----------  ----------
                                                                                            ----------  ----------
 
                                              LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
  Accounts payable........................................................................  $    8,257       5,372
  Accrued reserves........................................................................       1,851       1,659
  Property and other taxes................................................................         521         602
  Accrued liabilities.....................................................................         463         522
  Notes payable to banks..................................................................       5,400      --
  Long-term debt due within one year......................................................       1,185      --
                                                                                            ----------  ----------
      TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES...........................................................      17,677       8,155
                                                                                            ----------  ----------
Accrued reserves..........................................................................       1,693       1,939
Long-term debt due after one year.........................................................       2,401      --
Deferred income taxes.....................................................................       5,639       4,459
                                                                                            ----------  ----------
      TOTAL LIABILITIES...................................................................      27,410      14,553
                                                                                            ----------  ----------
EQUITY:
  Equity in net assets....................................................................      77,302      90,798
  Net unrealized gain on marketable equity securities.....................................       1,750       1,824
                                                                                            ----------  ----------
                                                                                                79,052      92,622
                                                                                            ----------  ----------
      TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY........................................................  $  106,462     107,175
                                                                                            ----------  ----------
                                                                                            ----------  ----------
</TABLE>
 
                See accompanying notes to financial statements.
 
                                      F-17
<PAGE>
                           ST. JOE CONTAINER COMPANY
                            STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993, 1994 AND 1995
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  1993        1994        1995
                                                                               ----------  ----------  ----------
                                                                                     (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                            <C>         <C>         <C>
NET SALES....................................................................  $  237,539     283,902     326,713
COST OF SALES................................................................     227,401     270,913     299,907
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES.................................      20,806      23,493      23,184
                                                                               ----------  ----------  ----------
    OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)..................................................     (10,668)    (10,504)      3,622
                                                                               ----------  ----------  ----------
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
  Interest income............................................................          69          99         110
  Interest expense...........................................................        (388)       (408)       (373)
  Gain on sale of property...................................................      --          --           1,816
  Other, net.................................................................         (23)        (79)     --
                                                                               ----------  ----------  ----------
                                                                                     (342)       (388)      1,553
                                                                               ----------  ----------  ----------
Income (loss) before income taxes and cumulative effect of change in
 accounting principle........................................................     (11,010)    (10,892)      5,175
Provision for income taxes:
  Current....................................................................      (3,532)     (3,412)      2,983
  Deferred...................................................................        (273)       (448)     (1,149)
                                                                               ----------  ----------  ----------
    TOTAL PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES.........................................      (3,805)     (3,860)      1,834
                                                                               ----------  ----------  ----------
Income (loss) before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle.....      (7,205)     (7,032)      3,341
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle for income taxes.........        (184)     --          --
                                                                               ----------  ----------  ----------
    NET INCOME (LOSS)........................................................  $   (7,389)     (7,032)      3,341
                                                                               ----------  ----------  ----------
                                                                               ----------  ----------  ----------
</TABLE>
 
                See accompanying notes to financial statements.
 
                                      F-18
<PAGE>
                           ST. JOE CONTAINER COMPANY
                            STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993, 1994 AND 1995
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      1993       1994       1995
                                                                                   ----------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                        (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                                <C>         <C>        <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
  Net income (loss)..............................................................  $   (7,389)    (7,032)     3,341
  Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash used in operating
   activities:
    Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle..........................         184     --         --
    Depreciation.................................................................       7,823      7,845      7,837
    Gain on sale of property.....................................................      --         --         (1,816)
    Decrease in deferred income taxes............................................        (273)      (448)    (1,149)
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
      Accounts receivable........................................................         389     (8,681)     1,319
      Inventories................................................................      (2,625)     2,097    (11,102)
      Prepaid and other assets...................................................         152        (55)       (53)
      Accounts payable...........................................................          42      3,441     (2,885)
      Accrued liabilities........................................................        (382)       165         59
      Property and other taxes...................................................         (11)        12         81
      Accrued reserves...........................................................        (278)       594         54
                                                                                   ----------  ---------  ---------
        CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES........................................      (2,368)    (2,062)    (4,314)
                                                                                   ----------  ---------  ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
  Purchases of property, plant and equipment.....................................      (5,412)    (7,574)      (905)
  Proceeds from sale of property.................................................      --         --          2,973
  Purchases of available for sale investments....................................         (50)       (99)    --
                                                                                   ----------  ---------  ---------
        CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES..........................      (5,462)    (7,673)     2,068
                                                                                   ----------  ---------  ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
  Net change in notes payable to banks...........................................       1,200      4,200     (5,400)
  Repayment of long-term debt....................................................      (1,126)    (1,182)    (3,586)
  Changes in intercompany accounts...............................................       6,629      6,152     10,155
                                                                                   ----------  ---------  ---------
        CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES....................................       6,703      9,170      1,169
                                                                                   ----------  ---------  ---------
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS........................................      (1,127)      (565)    (1,077)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD.................................       3,912      2,785      2,220
                                                                                   ----------  ---------  ---------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD.......................................  $    2,785      2,220      1,143
                                                                                   ----------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                   ----------  ---------  ---------
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
  Cash paid during the year for interest.........................................  $      381        408        351
                                                                                   ----------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                   ----------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
                See accompanying notes to financial statements.
 
                                      F-19
<PAGE>
                           ST. JOE CONTAINER COMPANY
                         STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993, 1994 AND 1995
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                1993         1994         1995
                                                                             -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                                                    (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                          <C>          <C>          <C>
Common stock...............................................................  $     4,900        4,900        4,900
                                                                             -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                                             -----------  -----------  -----------
Additional paid in capital.................................................  $   110,919      110,919      110,919
                                                                             -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                                             -----------  -----------  -----------
Retained deficit:
  Balance at beginning of year.............................................  $   (96,420)    (103,809)    (110,841)
  Net income (loss)........................................................       (7,389)      (7,032)       3,341
                                                                             -----------  -----------  -----------
  Balance at end of year...................................................  $  (103,809)    (110,841)    (107,500)
                                                                             -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                                             -----------  -----------  -----------
Intercompany accounts:
  Balance at beginning of year.............................................  $    59,543       66,172       72,324
  Net change...............................................................        6,629        6,152       10,155
                                                                             -----------  -----------  -----------
  Balance at end of year...................................................  $    66,172       72,324       82,479
                                                                             -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                                             -----------  -----------  -----------
Unrealized gain on marketable equity securities:
  Balance at beginning of year.............................................  $   --             1,743        1,750
  Increase in net unrealized gain, net of tax effect.......................      --                 7           74
  Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle for investments......        1,743      --           --
                                                                             -----------  -----------  -----------
  Balance at end of year...................................................  $     1,743        1,750        1,824
                                                                             -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                                             -----------  -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
                See accompanying notes to financial statements.
 
                                      F-20
<PAGE>
                           ST. JOE CONTAINER COMPANY
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                        DECEMBER 31, 1993, 1994 AND 1995
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
(1) NATURE OF OPERATIONS
    St.  Joe  Container Company  (SJCC), a  wholly owned  subsidiary of  St. Joe
Forest Products  Company (SJFP),  is engaged  in the  manufacture of  corrugated
containers. SJCC operates sixteen production facilities which are located in the
eastern   half  of  the  United  States.  Corrugated  containers  are  typically
manufactured to customer order. SJCC supplies manufacturers and distributors  in
the food and beverage (approximately 31% of revenues for the year ended December
31,  1995),  paper  and  printing (approximately  21%)  and  rubber  and plastic
industries (approximately 32%) among others.
 
(2) BASIS OF PRESENTATION
    The accompanying financial  statements include all  of the relevant  assets,
liabilities,  revenues and expenses  attributable to the  container operation of
SJCC. Certain  of the  assets and  liabilities are  under contract  for sale  as
defined  in the asset  purchase agreement between St.  Joe Paper Company (SJPC),
SJFP, SJCC, Florida  Coast Paper Company,  L.L.C. and Four  M Corporation  dated
November 1, 1995.
 
(3) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
    (A)  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.
 
    (B)  CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
    For purposes  of the  statement of  cash flows,  cash and  cash  equivalents
include  cash on hand,  bank demand accounts,  money market accounts, remarketed
certificates  of  participation  and   repurchase  agreements  having   original
maturities of three months or less.
 
    (C)  INVENTORIES
 
    Inventories   are  stated  at  the  lower  of  cost  or  market.  Costs  for
manufactured paper products  and associated raw  materials are determined  under
the  last-in,  first-out  (LIFO)  method.  Costs  for  substantially  all  other
inventories are determined under the first  in, first out (FIFO) or the  average
cost method.
 
    (D)  PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
 
    Depreciation  is computed  using both straight-line  and accelerated methods
over the useful lives of various assets.
 
    (E)  FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
    The fair value of investments differs from cost as disclosed in note 4.
 
    (F)  INCOME TAXES
 
    SJCC's results of operations are  included in the consolidated U.S.  federal
and  Florida income tax returns of SJPC.  In other states, SJCC files a separate
return. The  tax provisions  and deferred  tax liabilities  presented have  been
determined as if SJCC was a stand-alone business filing separate returns, except
to  the extent that  an operating loss can  be utilized by  SJPC, the benefit is
allocated to SJCC. Current tax liabilities  or benefits are paid to or  refunded
by SJPC, the parent company.
 
    SJCC  follows the asset and liability  method of accounting for income taxes
in accordance with Statement  of Financial Accounting  Standards (SFAS) No.  109
"Accounting  for  Income  Taxes."  Under  SFAS  109,  deferred  tax  assets  and
liabilities are  recognized  for the  future  tax consequences  attributable  to
differences
 
                                      F-21
<PAGE>
                           ST. JOE CONTAINER COMPANY
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                        DECEMBER 31, 1993, 1994 AND 1995
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
(3) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
between  the  financial  statement  carrying  amounts  of  existing  assets  and
liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and  liabilities
are  measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the
years in  which those  temporary differences  are expected  to be  recovered  or
settled.  Under SFAS 109, the effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a
change in tax  rates is recognized  in income  in the period  that includes  the
enactment  date.  Effective  January 1,  1993,  SJCC  adopted SFAS  109  and has
reported the cumulative effect  of that change in  the method of accounting  for
income taxes of ($184) in the 1993 statement of operations.
 
    (G)  INVESTMENTS
 
    Investments  consist  of  common  stocks,  which  are  classified  as  other
investments. SJCC  adopted  the provisions  of  SFAS No.  115,  "Accounting  for
Certain  Investments in Debt and Equity  Securities" at December 31, 1993. Under
SFAS   115,   SJCC    classifies   its   marketable    equity   securities    as
available-for-sale. Available-for-sale securities are recorded at fair value and
unrealized holding gains and losses, net of the related income tax, are excluded
from earnings and are reported as a separate component of equity until realized.
A  decline in the fair value of  any available-for-sale security below cost that
is deemed  other  than  temporary  is  charged  to  earnings  resulting  in  the
establishment  of a new cost  basis for the security.  Realized gains and losses
for securities classified as available-for-sale are included in earnings and are
derived using the  specific identification  method for determining  the cost  of
securities sold.
 
(4) INVESTMENTS
    Investments  at  December  31  consist of  marketable  equity  securities as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     FAIR     GROSS UNREALIZED
                                                                          COST       VALUE      HOLDING GAIN
                                                                        ---------  ---------  -----------------
<S>                                                                     <C>        <C>        <C>
1994..................................................................  $     266      2,977          2,711
1995..................................................................  $     266      3,088          2,822
</TABLE>
 
(5) INVENTORIES
    Inventories as of December 31 consist of:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      1994       1995
                                                                                    ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                                 <C>        <C>
Manufactured paper products and associated raw materials..........................  $  17,918     29,769
Materials and supplies............................................................      6,992      6,243
                                                                                    ---------  ---------
                                                                                    $  24,910     36,012
                                                                                    ---------  ---------
                                                                                    ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
    The replacement  cost  of manufactured  paper  products and  associated  raw
material  inventories was in excess of LIFO stated cost by approximately $26,824
as of December  31, 1995 ($18,439  in 1994). During  1994, inventory  quantities
were reduced, resulting in a LIFO liquidation that decreased net loss by $646.
 
                                      F-22
<PAGE>
                           ST. JOE CONTAINER COMPANY
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                        DECEMBER 31, 1993, 1994 AND 1995
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
(6) PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
    Property, plant and equipment, at cost, as of December 31 consists of:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             ESTIMATED
                                                                                               USEFUL
                                                                        1994        1995        LIFE
                                                                     ----------  ----------  ----------
<S>                                                                  <C>         <C>         <C>
Land...............................................................  $      857         803      --
Land improvements..................................................       1,873       1,792      20
Buildings..........................................................      27,966      26,278      45
Machinery and equipment............................................     103,790     104,095    12-30
Office equipment...................................................       2,859       2,678      10
Autos and trucks...................................................       1,958       2,007     3-6
Construction in progress...........................................         632         160      --
                                                                     ----------  ----------
                                                                        139,935     137,813
Accumulated depreciation...........................................      94,540     100,507
                                                                     ----------  ----------
                                                                     $   45,395      37,306
                                                                     ----------  ----------
                                                                     ----------  ----------
</TABLE>
 
(7) INCOME TAXES
    Total  income tax expense  (benefit) for the years  ended December 31, 1993,
1994 and 1995 was allocated as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              1993       1994       1995
                                                                            ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                         <C>        <C>        <C>
Income (loss) from continuing operations..................................  $  (3,805)    (3,860)     1,834
Equity, for recognition of unrealized gain on marketable equity
 securities...............................................................        957          4         37
                                                                            ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                            $  (2,848)    (3,856)     1,871
                                                                            ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                            ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
    Income tax expense (benefit) attributable  to income (loss) from  continuing
operations  differed from the amount computed  by applying the statutory federal
income tax rate to pre-tax income (loss) as a result of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              1993       1994       1995
                                                                            ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                         <C>        <C>        <C>
Tax at the statutory federal rate.........................................  $  (3,854)    (3,812)     1,811
State income taxes (net of federal benefit)...............................        (49)       (48)        23
Adjustment to deferred tax assets and liabilities for enacted changes in
 tax laws and rates.......................................................         98     --         --
                                                                            ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                            $  (3,805)    (3,860)     1,834
                                                                            ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                            ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-23
<PAGE>
                           ST. JOE CONTAINER COMPANY
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                        DECEMBER 31, 1993, 1994 AND 1995
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
(7) INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
    The tax  effects of  temporary  differences that  give rise  to  significant
portions  of deferred  tax assets and  deferred tax liabilities  at December 31,
1994 and 1995, are presented below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         1994       1995
                                                                                       ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                                    <C>        <C>
Deferred tax liabilities:
  Property, plant and equipment, principally due to differences in depreciation......  $   5,275      4,377
  Unrealized gain on marketable equity securities....................................        961        998
                                                                                       ---------  ---------
      Total gross deferred tax liabilities...........................................      6,236      5,375
                                                                                       ---------  ---------
Deferred tax assets:
  Current:
    Accrued expenses.................................................................        656        588
  Noncurrent:
    Accrued reserves.................................................................        597        916
    State net operating loss carryforward............................................      6,371      6,034
                                                                                       ---------  ---------
  Gross noncurrent deferred tax assets...............................................      6,968      6,950
  Valuation allowance................................................................      6,371      6,034
                                                                                       ---------  ---------
  Net noncurrent deferred tax assets.................................................        597        916
                                                                                       ---------  ---------
      Net deferred tax assets........................................................      1,253      1,504
                                                                                       ---------  ---------
      Net deferred tax liability.....................................................  $   4,983      3,871
                                                                                       ---------  ---------
                                                                                       ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
    Based on the timing of reversal of future taxable amounts and SJPC's history
of reporting taxable income, SJCC believes that the deferred tax assets will  be
realized  and a valuation allowance is not considered necessary except for those
resulting from the net  operating loss carryforward  available for state  income
taxes. Because of SJCC's history of reporting tax losses in certain states, SJCC
believes  that  substantially  all  carryforwards  will  not  be  realized  and,
accordingly, has recorded a valuation allowance equal to the entire amount. This
valuation allowance was $6,371 and $6,034  at December 31, 1994 and 1995,  which
increased  $188 and decreased  $337 in 1994 and  1995, respectively. The current
deferred tax asset of $656  and $588 is recorded in  other current assets as  of
December 31, 1994 and 1995, respectively.
 
(8) PENSION AND RETIREMENT PLANS
    Substantially   all  of  SJCC's   employees,  along  with   other  SJPC  and
subsidiaries eligible employees, participate in  SJPC pension plans. During  the
past  three years,  the assets  of the SJPC  pension plan  have exceeded benefit
obligations under such  plans, resulting  in pension  income under  SFAS No.  87
"Employers'  Accounting for Pensions." SJPC has an Employee Stock Ownership Plan
(ESOP) for the purpose of purchasing stock of SJPC for the benefit of  qualified
employees.  Contributions  to the  ESOP are  limited to  .5% of  compensation of
employees covered under the ESOP. No assets of the SJPC pension plan or the ESOP
will be transferred as a result  of the asset purchase agreement. No  allocation
of  benefit or  expense from  the pension plans  or ESOP  has been  made to SJCC
during the years ended December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995.
 
    SJPC also has other  defined contribution plans  which, in conjunction  with
the  ESOP, cover substantially all its  salaried employees. Contributions are at
the employees' discretion and are matched  by SJPC up to certain limits.  SJCC's
expense  for these defined contribution plans was  $365 in 1993 and $380 in 1994
and
 
                                      F-24
<PAGE>
                           ST. JOE CONTAINER COMPANY
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                        DECEMBER 31, 1993, 1994 AND 1995
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
(8) PENSION AND RETIREMENT PLANS (CONTINUED)
1995. Pursuant  to the  asset  purchase agreement,  the  assets of  the  defined
contribution  plans attributable to  transferred SJCC employees  may be paid out
immediately to the employee, left in the  plans or rolled over into a  qualified
plan of the buyer, if such plan exists.
 
(9) RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
    Intercompany  due to  and due  from balances between  SJCC and  SJPC and its
affiliates have been included  in equity. The net  intercompany due to SJPC  was
$72,324   and  $82,479  at  December  31,   1994  and  1995,  respectively.  The
intercompany transactions described below may or  may not be indicative of  what
such  transactions would have  been had SJCC operated  either as an unaffiliated
entity or in affiliation with another entity.
 
    An allocation of costs of overhead  of SJPC is included in selling,  general
and administrative expenses. SJPC provides services for SJCC in treasury, taxes,
benefits  administration  and  legal  support and  other  financial  systems and
support. SJCC was billed approximately $931 annually for such services in  1993,
1994 and 1995.
 
    Purchases  from SJFP, the parent of SJCC, amounted to approximately $87,015,
$97,691 and  $126,410 representing  approximately 251,000,  248,000 and  238,000
tons for the years ended December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995, respectively. Pricing
for these transactions was based on the PULP & PAPER WEEK Price Watch: Paper and
Paperboard.  In addition, SJFP purchases  both linerboard and corrugating medium
for SJCC from outside suppliers. The price  paid by SJFP for this rollstock  was
negotiated  with each supplier. SJCC  was charged for the  rollstock on the same
basis as purchases from SJFP.
 
(10)CONTINGENCIES
    SJCC is involved  in litigation on  a number  of matters and  is subject  to
certain  claims which arise in the normal  course of business, none of which, in
the opinion of  management, is  expected to have  a material  adverse effect  on
SJCC's financial position or results of operations.
 
    SJCC  has retained certain  self-insurance risks with  respect to losses for
third party liability, property  damage and group  health insurance provided  to
employees.
 
    SJCC  is subject to costs arising out of environmental laws and regulations,
which include obligations to remove or  limit the effects on the environment  of
the  disposal or release of certain wastes or substances at various sites. It is
SJCC's policy to accrue and charge against earnings environmental cleanup  costs
when  it  is  probable that  a  liability has  been  incurred and  an  amount is
reasonably estimable. As  assessments and cleanups  proceed, these accruals  are
reviewed   and  adjusted,  if  necessary,   as  additional  information  becomes
available.
 
    SJCC is currently a  party to, or involved  in, legal proceedings  involving
environmental  matters such as alleged discharges into  water or soil. It is not
possible to quantify future  environmental costs because  many issues relate  to
actions  by third parties or  changes in environmental regulation. Environmental
liabilities are paid  over an extended  period and the  timing of such  payments
cannot  be  predicted  with  any  confidence.  Based  on  information  presently
available, management believes that the ultimate disposition of currently  known
matters will not have a material effect on the financial position, liquidity, or
results  of operations  of SJCC.  Aggregate environmental  related accruals were
$300 and $750 as of December 31, 1994 and 1995, respectively.
 
                                      F-25
<PAGE>
                           ST. JOE CONTAINER COMPANY
                   UNAUDITED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
                                 MARCH 31, 1996
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                 <C>
                                            ASSETS
 
CURRENT ASSETS:
  Cash and cash equivalents.......................................................   $     871
  Accounts receivable.............................................................      28,837
  Inventories.....................................................................      30,128
  Prepaid and other assets........................................................         687
                                                                                    -----------
    TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS..........................................................      60,523
                                                                                    -----------
 
Investments and other assets:
  Other investments...............................................................       3,113
  Other assets....................................................................         128
                                                                                    -----------
    TOTAL INVESTMENTS AND OTHER ASSETS............................................       3,241
 
Property, plant and equipment, net................................................      35,298
                                                                                    -----------
    TOTAL ASSETS..................................................................   $  99,062
                                                                                    -----------
                                                                                    -----------
 
                                    LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
  Accounts payable................................................................   $   6,092
  Accrued liabilities.............................................................       3,656
                                                                                    -----------
    TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES.....................................................       9,748
 
Accrued reserves..................................................................       1,939
Deferred income taxes.............................................................       4,234
                                                                                    -----------
    TOTAL LIABILITIES.............................................................      15,921
 
EQUITY:
  Equity in net assets............................................................      81,318
  Net unrealized gain on marketable equity securities.............................       1,823
                                                                                    -----------
                                                                                        83,141
                                                                                    -----------
    TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY..................................................   $  99,062
                                                                                    -----------
                                                                                    -----------
</TABLE>
 
           See accompanying notes to unaudited financial statements.
 
                                      F-26
<PAGE>
                           ST. JOE CONTAINER COMPANY
                       UNAUDITED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                   THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1995 AND 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             1995         1996
                                                                                          -----------  -----------
                                                                                           (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                                       <C>          <C>
NET SALES...............................................................................  $    83,093       71,886
COST OF SALES...........................................................................       72,675       66,576
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES............................................        6,044        6,438
                                                                                          -----------  -----------
  OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)...............................................................        4,374       (1,128)
 
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
  Interest income.......................................................................           35      --
  Interest expense......................................................................         (168)     --
  Other, net............................................................................           14            1
                                                                                          -----------  -----------
                                                                                                 (119)           1
                                                                                          -----------  -----------
Income (loss) before income taxes.......................................................        4,255       (1,127)
Provision for income taxes:
  Current...............................................................................        1,695         (175)
  Deferred..............................................................................         (187)        (224)
                                                                                          -----------  -----------
    TOTAL PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES....................................................        1,508         (399)
                                                                                          -----------  -----------
    NET INCOME (LOSS)...................................................................  $     2,747         (728)
                                                                                          -----------  -----------
                                                                                          -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
           See accompanying notes to unaudited financial statements.
 
                                      F-27
<PAGE>
                           ST. JOE CONTAINER COMPANY
                       UNAUDITED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
                   THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1995 AND 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                               1995       1996
                                                                                             ---------  ---------
                                                                                                 (DOLLARS IN
                                                                                                  THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                                          <C>        <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
  Net income (loss)........................................................................  $   2,747       (728)
  Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash provided by operating activities:
    Depreciation...........................................................................      2,008      1,945
    Decrease in deferred income taxes......................................................       (187)      (224)
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
      Accounts receivable..................................................................     (2,918)      (271)
      Inventories..........................................................................     (3,296)     5,884
      Prepaid and other assets.............................................................       (149)       245
      Accounts payable.....................................................................      1,923        720
      Accrued liabilities and reserves.....................................................      1,254        873
                                                                                             ---------  ---------
        CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES..............................................      1,382      8,444
                                                                                             ---------  ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
  Purchases of property, plant and equipment, net of disposals.............................       (372)        63
  Purchases of available for sale investments..............................................        (26)       (25)
                                                                                             ---------  ---------
        CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES....................................       (398)        38
                                                                                             ---------  ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
  Repayment of long-term debt..............................................................        (84)    --
  Changes in intercompany accounts.........................................................     (1,529)    (8,754)
                                                                                             ---------  ---------
        CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES..................................................     (1,613)    (8,754)
                                                                                             ---------  ---------
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS..................................................       (629)      (272)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD...........................................      2,220      1,143
                                                                                             ---------  ---------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD.................................................  $   1,591        871
                                                                                             ---------  ---------
                                                                                             ---------  ---------
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
  Cash paid during the period for interest.................................................  $     120     --
                                                                                             ---------  ---------
                                                                                             ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
           See accompanying notes to unaudited financial statements.
 
                                      F-28
<PAGE>
                           ST. JOE CONTAINER COMPANY
                    NOTES TO UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
1.  In  the  opinion  of  St. Joe  Container  Company  (SJCC),  the accompanying
    unaudited financial statements contain  all adjustments (consisting of  only
    normal  recurring  accruals)  necessary  to  present  fairly  the  financial
    position as of March 31, 1996 and  the results of operations and cash  flows
    for the three month periods ended March 31, 1995 and 1996.
 
2.  The  accompanying financial statements  include all of  the relevant assets,
    liabilities, revenues and expenses attributable to the container  operations
    of  SJCC. Certain of the assets and  liabilities are under contract for sale
    as defined in  the asset purchase  agreement between St.  Joe Paper  Company
    ("SJPC"),  St.  Joe Forest  Products Company  ("SJFP"), SJCC,  Florida Coast
    Paper Company, L.L.C. and Four M Corporation dated November 1, 1995.
 
3.  The results of operations for the  three month periods ended March 31,  1995
    and  1996 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected
    for the full year.
 
4.  Inventories as of March 31, 1996 consist of:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                           <C>
Manufactured paper products and associated raw materials....................   $  28,733
Materials and supplies......................................................       1,395
                                                                              -----------
                                                                               $  30,128
                                                                              -----------
                                                                              -----------
</TABLE>
 
5.  Intercompany due to  and due  from balances between  SJCC and  SJPC and  its
    affiliates  have been included  in equity. The net  intercompany due to SJPC
    was $74,505 at March 31, 1996. The intercompany transactions described below
    may or may not be indicative of  what such transactions would have been  had
    SJCC  operated  either  as an  unaffiliated  entity or  in  affiliation with
    another entity.
 
    An allocation of costs of overhead  of SJPC is included in selling,  general
    and  administrative expenses. SJPC  provides services for  SJCC in treasury,
    taxes, benefits administration and legal support and other financial systems
    and support. SJCC  was billed approximately  $233 for such  services in  the
    three month periods ended March 31, 1995 and 1996.
 
    Purchases  from SJFP, the parent of  SJCC, amounted to approximately $30,161
    and $27,245 representing approximately 62,000 and 56,000 tons for the  three
    month periods ended March 31, 1995 and 1996, respectively. Pricing for these
    transactions  was based  on the  PULP &  PAPER WEEK  Price Watch:  Paper and
    Paperboard. In  addition, SJFP  purchases  both linerboard  and  corrugating
    medium  for SJCC  from outside  suppliers. The price  paid by  SJFP for this
    rollstock was  negotiated  with each  supplier.  SJCC was  charged  for  the
    rollstock on the same basis as purchases from SJFP.
 
6.  SJCC  is involved  in litigation on  a number  of matters and  is subject to
    certain claims which arise in the normal course of business, none of  which,
    in  the opinion of management, is expected to have a material adverse effect
    on SJCC's financial position or results of operations.
 
    SJCC has retained certain  self-insurance risks with  respect to losses  for
    third-party  liability, property damage and  group health insurance provided
    to employees.
 
                                      F-29
<PAGE>
                           ST. JOE CONTAINER COMPANY
              NOTES TO UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
    6. (Continued)
 
    SJCC is subject to costs arising out of environmental laws and  regulations,
    which  include obligations to remove or limit the effects on the environment
    of the disposal or release of certain wastes or substances at various sites.
    It is  SJCC's policy  to accrue  and charge  against earnings  environmental
    cleanup  costs when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and an
    amount is reasonably estimable. As  assessments and cleanups proceed,  these
    accruals  are reviewed and adjusted, if necessary, as additional information
    becomes available.
 
    SJCC is currently a party to,  or involved in, legal proceedings,  involving
    environmental  matters such as alleged discharges  into water or soil. It is
    not possible  to quantify  future environmental  costs because  many  issues
    relate  to actions by third parties  or changes in environmental regulation.
    Environmental liabilities are paid over an extended period and the timing of
    such payments cannot be predicted with any confidence. Based on  information
    presently  available, management  believes that the  ultimate disposition of
    currently known matters  will not have  a material effect  on the  financial
    position,   liquidity,  or   results  of   operations  of   SJCC.  Aggregate
    environmental related accruals were $750 as of March 31, 1996.
 
                                      F-30
<PAGE>
- -------------------------------------------
                                     -------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------
                                     -------------------------------------------
 
    NO  PERSON  HAS BEEN  AUTHORIZED  TO GIVE  ANY  INFORMATION OR  TO  MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS, AND, IF GIVEN  OR
MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN
AUTHORIZED.  THIS  PROSPECTUS  DOES  NOT  CONSTITUTE AN  OFFER  TO  SELL  OR THE
SOLICITATION OF AN  OFFER TO  BUY ANY SECURITIES  OTHER THAN  THE SECURITIES  TO
WHICH  IT RELATES OR  ANY OFFER TO SELL  OR THE SOLICITATION OF  AN OFFER TO BUY
SUCH SECURITIES IN  ANY CIRCUMSTANCES  IN WHICH  SUCH OFFER  OR SOLICITATION  IS
UNLAWFUL.  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 ANY
INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO ITS DATE.
 
                            ------------------------
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   PAGE
                                                 ---------
<S>                                              <C>
Available Information..........................          i
Prospectus Summary.............................          1
Risk Factors...................................         12
The Exchange Offer.............................         17
The Acquisition................................         24
Capitalization.................................         25
Selected Historical Financial Data.............         26
Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Condensed
  Financial Data...............................         28
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
  Financial Condition and Results of
  Operations...................................         36
Industry Overview..............................         42
Business.......................................         44
Management.....................................         54
Security Ownership.............................         58
Related Party Transactions.....................         58
Description of New Notes.......................         59
Description of Credit Facility.................         82
Plan of Distribution...........................         83
Legal Matters..................................         84
Experts........................................         84
Index to Financial Statements..................        F-1
</TABLE>
    
 
                               FOUR M CORPORATION
 
                             OFFER TO EXCHANGE ITS
                              12% SERIES B SENIOR
                             SECURED NOTES DUE 2006
                           WHICH HAVE BEEN REGISTERED
                            UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT
                             FOR ANY AND ALL OF ITS
                                  OUTSTANDING
                              12% SERIES A SENIOR
                             SECURED NOTES DUE 2006
 
                             ---------------------
 
                                   PROSPECTUS
 
                             ---------------------
 
- -------------------------------------------
                                     -------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------
                                     -------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
                                    PART II
                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 21.  EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL SCHEDULES.
 
    (a) Exhibits.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT
 NUMBER                                             DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT
- ---------  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>        <C>
2.1        Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of November 1, 1995, among Four M Corporation (the "Company"), St.
           Joe Forest Products Company, St. Joe Container Company, St. Joe Paper Company and Florida Coast Paper
           Company, L.L.C. ("Florida Coast").*
3.1        Certificate of Incorporation of the Company.**
3.2        Certificate of Incorporation of Box USA Group, Inc.**
3.3        Certificate of Incorporation of Four M Paper Corporation.
3.4        Certificate of Incorporation of Page Packaging Corporation.
3.5        Certificate of Incorporation of Box USA, Inc.
3.6        Certificate of Incorporation of Four M Manufacturing Group of Georgia, Inc.
3.7        By-laws of the Company.
3.8        By-laws of Box USA Group, Inc.
3.9        By-laws of Four M Paper Corporation.
3.10       By-laws of Page Packaging Corporation.
3.11       By-laws of Box USA, Inc.
3.12       By-laws of Four M Manufacturing Group of Georgia, Inc.
4.1        Indenture, dated as of May 30, 1996, between the Company and Norwest Bank Minnesota, National
           Association (the "Trustee").*
4.2        Form of 12% Series A and Series B Senior Secured Notes, dated as of May 30, 1996 (incorporated by
           reference to Exhibit 4.1).*
4.3        Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of May 30, 1996, among the Company, the Guarantors and Bear,
           Stearns & Co. Inc. (the "Initial Purchaser").*
4.4        Security Agreement, dated as of May 30, 1996, between the Company and the Trustee.*
4.5        Subsidiary Security Agreement, dated as of May 30, 1996, among the Guarantors and the Trustee.*
4.6        Contribution Agreement, dated as of May 30, 1996, among the Company, the Guarantors and the Trustee.*
4.7        Drop Down Notes, dated as of May 30, 1996, executed by each of the Guarantors.*
4.8        Drop Down Note Security Agreement, dated as of May 30, 1996, among the Guarantors and the Company.*
4.9        Guaranty, dated as of May 30, 1996, among the Guarantors and the Trustee.*
4.10       Form of Company Pledge Agreement, dated as of May 30, 1996, between the Company and the Trustee.*
4.11       Form of Subsidiary Pledge Agreement, dated as of May 30, 1996, among the Guarantors and the Trustee.*
4.12       Warrant Agreement, dated as of May 30, 1996, between the Company and the Initial Purchaser.*
5.1        Opinion of Kramer, Levin, Naftalis & Frankel ("Kramer, Levin").**
10.1       Output Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 30, 1996, among the Company, Florida Coast and Stone
           Container Corporation ("Stone").*
10.2       Financing and Security Agreement, dated as of May 30, 1996, among the Company, the Guarantors and the
           Trustee.*
10.3       Subordinated Credit Agreement, dated as of May 30, 1996, among the Company, * Florida Coast and Stone.*
10.4       Environmental Indemnity Agreement, dated as of May 30, 1996, between the Company and Florida Coast.*
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      II-1
<PAGE>
   
<TABLE>
<S>        <C>
10.5       Stock Appreciation Unit Plan of the Company, dated as of August 1, 1992, and Amendment No. 1 thereto,
           dated as of August 1, 1995.
10.6       Subordination, Nondisturbance and Attornment Agreement, dated as of May 30, 1996, between Norwest Bank
           Minnesota, National Association, and Box USA Group, Inc.
12.1       Statement re computation of ratios.*
16         Letter re: change in certifying accountant.**
21.1       Subsidiaries of the registrant.**
23(a)      Consent of BDO Seidman, LLP.
23(b)      Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP.*
23(c)      Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP.*
23(d)      Consent of Kramer, Levin (to be contained in the opinion filed as Exhibit 5.1).**
24.1       Power of Attorney (incorporated by reference in the signature pages).*
25.1       Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility and Qualification of Norwest Bank Minnesota, National Association, as
           trustee.*
27.1       Financial Data Schedule.*
99.1       Form of Letter of Transmittal.*
99.2       Form of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery.*
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------
 *  Previously filed.
 
**  To be filed by amendment.
 
                                      II-2
<PAGE>
                                   SIGNATURES
 
   
    Pursuant  to the requirements of the Securities Act, the Registrant has duly
caused this registration statement  or amendment to be  signed on its behalf  by
the  undersigned, thereto duly authorized, in the City of New York, New York, on
August 28, 1996.
    
 
                                          FOUR M CORPORATION
 
   
                                          By:          /s/ DENNIS MEHIEL
    
 
                                             -----------------------------------
                                                        Dennis Mehiel
                                             CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND DIRECTOR
 
    Pursuant  to  the  requirements  of   the  Securities  Act  of  1933,   this
registration  statement or amendment has been signed by the following persons in
the capacities and on the date indicated.
 
   
<TABLE>
<C>                                                     <S>                                    <C>
                      SIGNATURE                                       TITLE(S)                        DATE
- ------------------------------------------------------  -------------------------------------  ------------------
                  /s/ DENNIS MEHIEL
     -------------------------------------------        Chairman of the Board and Director      August 28, 1996
                    Dennis Mehiel                        (Principal Executive Officer)
 
                   /s/ CHRIS MEHIEL
     -------------------------------------------        Executive Vice President, Chief         August 28, 1996
                     Chris Mehiel                        Operating Officer and Director
 
               /s/ TIMOTHY D. MCMILLIN                  Senior Vice President, Chief
     -------------------------------------------         Financial Officer and Director         August 28, 1996
                 Timothy D. McMillin                     (Principal Accounting Officer)
 
                 /s/ CLINTON G. AMES
     -------------------------------------------        Director                                August 28, 1996
                   Clinton G. Ames
 
                 /s/ JAMES ARMENAKIS
     -------------------------------------------        Director                                August 28, 1996
                   James Armenakis
 
                /s/ LAWRENCE A. BISHOP
     -------------------------------------------        Director                                August 28, 1996
                  Lawrence A. Bishop
 
     -------------------------------------------        Director                                August   , 1996
                   Samuel B. Guren
 
                    /s/ JOHN NEVIN
     -------------------------------------------        Director                                August 28, 1996
                      John Nevin
 
                   /s/ THOMAS ULEAU
     -------------------------------------------        Director                                August 28, 1996
                     Thomas Uleau
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      II-3
<PAGE>
                                   SIGNATURES
 
   
    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the Registrant has  duly
caused  this registration statement or  amendment to be signed  on its behalf by
the undersigned, thereto duly authorized, in the City of New York, New York,  on
August 28, 1996.
    
 
                                          BOX USA GROUP, INC.
 
   
                                          By:          /s/ DENNIS MEHIEL
    
 
                                             -----------------------------------
                                                        Dennis Mehiel
                                             CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND DIRECTOR
 
    Pursuant   to  the  requirements  of  the   Securities  Act  of  1933,  this
registration statement or amendment has been signed by the following persons  in
the capacities and on the date indicated.
 
   
<TABLE>
<C>                                                     <S>                                    <C>
                      SIGNATURE                                       TITLE(S)                        DATE
- ------------------------------------------------------  -------------------------------------  ------------------
                  /s/ DENNIS MEHIEL
     -------------------------------------------        Chairman of the Board and Director      August 28, 1996
                    Dennis Mehiel                        (Principal Executive Officer)
 
                   /s/ CHRIS MEHIEL
     -------------------------------------------        Executive Vice President, Chief         August 28, 1996
                     Chris Mehiel                        Operating Officer and Director
 
               /s/ TIMOTHY D. MCMILLIN                  Senior Vice President, Chief
     -------------------------------------------         Financial Officer and Director         August 28, 1996
                 Timothy D. McMillin                     (Principal Accounting Officer)
 
                 /s/ CLINTON G. AMES
     -------------------------------------------        Director                                August 28, 1996
                   Clinton G. Ames
 
                 /s/ JAMES ARMENAKIS
     -------------------------------------------        Director                                August 28, 1996
                   James Armenakis
 
                /s/ LAWRENCE A. BISHOP
     -------------------------------------------        Director                                August 28, 1996
                  Lawrence A. Bishop
     -------------------------------------------        Director                                August   , 1996
                   Samuel B. Guren
 
                    /s/ JOHN NEVIN
     -------------------------------------------        Director                                August 28, 1996
                      John Nevin
 
                   /s/ THOMAS ULEAU
     -------------------------------------------        Director                                August 28, 1996
                     Thomas Uleau
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      II-4
<PAGE>
                                   SIGNATURES
 
   
    Pursuant  to the requirements of the Securities Act, the Registrant has duly
caused this registration statement  or amendment to be  signed on its behalf  by
the  undersigned, thereto duly authorized, in the City of New York, New York, on
August 28, 1996.
    
 
                                          FOUR M PAPER CORPORATION
 
   
                                          By:          /s/ DENNIS MEHIEL
    
 
                                             -----------------------------------
                                                        Dennis Mehiel
                                             CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND DIRECTOR
 
    Pursuant  to  the  requirements  of   the  Securities  Act  of  1933,   this
registration  statement or amendment has been signed by the following persons in
the capacities and on the date indicated.
 
   
<TABLE>
<C>                                                     <S>                                    <C>
                      SIGNATURE                                       TITLE(S)                        DATE
- ------------------------------------------------------  -------------------------------------  ------------------
                  /s/ DENNIS MEHIEL
     -------------------------------------------        Chairman of the Board and Director      August 28, 1996
                    Dennis Mehiel                        (Principal Executive Officer)
                   /s/ CHRIS MEHIEL
     -------------------------------------------        Executive Vice President, Chief         August 28, 1996
                     Chris Mehiel                        Operating Officer and Director
               /s/ TIMOTHY D. MCMILLIN                  Senior Vice President, Chief
     -------------------------------------------         Financial Officer and Director         August 28, 1996
                 Timothy D. McMillin                     (Principal Accounting Officer)
                 /s/ CLINTON G. AMES
     -------------------------------------------        Director                                August 28, 1996
                   Clinton G. Ames
 
                 /s/ JAMES ARMENAKIS
     -------------------------------------------        Director                                August 28, 1996
                   James Armenakis
 
                /s/ LAWRENCE A. BISHOP
     -------------------------------------------        Director                                August 28, 1996
                  Lawrence A. Bishop
     -------------------------------------------        Director                                August   , 1996
                   Samuel B. Guren
 
                    /s/ JOHN NEVIN
     -------------------------------------------        Director                                August 28, 1996
                      John Nevin
 
                   /s/ THOMAS ULEAU
     -------------------------------------------        Director                                August 28, 1996
                     Thomas Uleau
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      II-5
<PAGE>
                                   SIGNATURES
 
   
    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the Registrant has  duly
caused  this registration statement or  amendment to be signed  on its behalf by
the undersigned, thereto duly authorized, in the City of New York, New York,  on
August 28, 1996.
    
 
                                          PAGE PACKAGING CORPORATION
 
   
                                          By:          /s/ DENNIS MEHIEL
    
 
                                             -----------------------------------
                                                        Dennis Mehiel
                                             CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND DIRECTOR
 
    Pursuant   to  the  requirements  of  the   Securities  Act  of  1933,  this
registration statement or amendment has been signed by the following persons  in
the capacities and on the date indicated.
 
   
<TABLE>
<C>                                                     <S>                                    <C>
                      SIGNATURE                                       TITLE(S)                        DATE
- ------------------------------------------------------  -------------------------------------  ------------------
                  /s/ DENNIS MEHIEL
     -------------------------------------------        Chairman of the Board and Director      August 28, 1996
                    Dennis Mehiel                        (Principal Executive Officer)
                   /s/ CHRIS MEHIEL
     -------------------------------------------        Executive Vice President, Chief         August 28, 1996
                     Chris Mehiel                        Operating Officer and Director
               /s/ TIMOTHY D. MCMILLIN                  Senior Vice President, Chief
     -------------------------------------------         Financial Officer and Director         August 28, 1996
                 Timothy D. McMillin                     (Principal Accounting Officer)
                 /s/ CLINTON G. AMES
     -------------------------------------------        Director                                August 28, 1996
                   Clinton G. Ames
 
                 /s/ JAMES ARMENAKIS
     -------------------------------------------        Director                                August 28, 1996
                   James Armenakis
 
                /s/ LAWRENCE A. BISHOP
     -------------------------------------------        Director                                August 28, 1996
                  Lawrence A. Bishop
     -------------------------------------------        Director                                August   , 1996
                   Samuel B. Guren
 
                    /s/ JOHN NEVIN
     -------------------------------------------        Director                                August 28, 1996
                      John Nevin
 
                   /s/ THOMAS ULEAU
     -------------------------------------------        Director                                August 28, 1996
                     Thomas Uleau
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      II-6
<PAGE>
                                   SIGNATURES
 
   
    Pursuant  to the requirements of the Securities Act, the Registrant has duly
caused this registration statement  or amendment to be  signed on its behalf  by
the  undersigned, thereto duly authorized, in the City of New York, New York, on
August 28, 1996.
    
 
                                          BOX USA, INC.
 
   
                                          By:          /s/ DENNIS MEHIEL
    
 
                                             -----------------------------------
                                                        Dennis Mehiel
                                             CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND DIRECTOR
 
    Pursuant  to  the  requirements  of   the  Securities  Act  of  1933,   this
registration statement or amendment
has  been signed  by the  following persons  in the  capacities and  on the date
indicated.
 
   
<TABLE>
<C>                                                     <S>                                    <C>
                      SIGNATURE                                       TITLE(S)                        DATE
- ------------------------------------------------------  -------------------------------------  ------------------
                  /s/ DENNIS MEHIEL
     -------------------------------------------        Chairman of the Board and Director      August 28, 1996
                    Dennis Mehiel                        (Principal Executive Officer)
                   /s/ CHRIS MEHIEL
     -------------------------------------------        Executive Vice President, Chief         August 28, 1996
                     Chris Mehiel                        Operating Officer and Director
 
               /s/ TIMOTHY D. MCMILLIN                  Senior Vice President, Chief
     -------------------------------------------         Financial Officer and Director         August 28, 1996
                 Timothy D. McMillin                     (Principal Accounting Officer)
 
                 /s/ CLINTON G. AMES
     -------------------------------------------        Director                                August 28, 1996
                   Clinton G. Ames
 
                 /s/ JAMES ARMENAKIS
     -------------------------------------------        Director                                August 28, 1996
                   James Armenakis
 
                /s/ LAWRENCE A. BISHOP
     -------------------------------------------        Director                                August 28, 1996
                  Lawrence A. Bishop
 
     -------------------------------------------        Director                                August   , 1996
                   Samuel B. Guren
 
                    /s/ JOHN NEVIN
     -------------------------------------------        Director                                August 28, 1996
                      John Nevin
 
                   /s/ THOMAS ULEAU
     -------------------------------------------        Director                                August 28, 1996
                     Thomas Uleau
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      II-7
<PAGE>
                                   SIGNATURES
 
   
    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the Registrant has  duly
caused  this registration statement or  amendment to be signed  on its behalf by
the undersigned, thereto duly authorized, in the City of New York, New York,  on
August 28, 1996.
    
                                          FOUR M MANUFACTURING GROUP OF GEORGIA,
                                          INC.
 
   
                                          By:          /s/ DENNIS MEHIEL
    
 
                                             -----------------------------------
                                                        Dennis Mehiel
                                             CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND DIRECTOR
 
    Pursuant   to  the  requirements  of  the   Securities  Act  of  1933,  this
registration statement or amendment has been signed by the following persons  in
the capacities and on the date indicated.
 
   
<TABLE>
<C>                                                     <S>                                    <C>
                      SIGNATURE                                       TITLE(S)                        DATE
- ------------------------------------------------------  -------------------------------------  ------------------
                  /s/ DENNIS MEHIEL
     -------------------------------------------        Chairman of the Board and Director      August 28, 1996
                    Dennis Mehiel                        (Principal Executive Officer)
 
                   /s/ CHRIS MEHIEL
     -------------------------------------------        Executive Vice President, Chief         August 28, 1996
                     Chris Mehiel                        Operating Officer and Director
 
               /s/ TIMOTHY D. MCMILLIN                  Senior Vice President, Chief
     -------------------------------------------         Financial Officer and Director         August 28, 1996
                 Timothy D. McMillin                     (Principal Accounting Officer)
 
                 /s/ CLINTON G. AMES
     -------------------------------------------        Director                                August 28, 1996
                   Clinton G. Ames
 
                 /s/ JAMES ARMENAKIS
     -------------------------------------------        Director                                August 28, 1996
                   James Armenakis
 
                  LAWRENCE A. BISHOP
     -------------------------------------------        Director                                August 28, 1996
                  Lawrence A. Bishop
 
     -------------------------------------------        Director                                August   , 1996
                   Samuel B. Guren
 
                    /s/ JOHN NEVIN
     -------------------------------------------        Director                                August 28, 1996
                      John Nevin
 
                   /s/ THOMAS ULEAU
     -------------------------------------------        Director                                August 28, 1996
                     Thomas Uleau
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      II-8
<PAGE>
                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
                              RELATING TO SCHEDULE
 
Board of Directors and Stockholder
Four M Corporation and Subsidiaries
 
    The  audit referred to in our report  to Four M Corporation and Subsidiaries
dated September 22, 1995 which is contained in the Prospectus constituting  part
of  this Registration Statement included the  audit of the Schedule listed under
Item 21(b) for each  of the two years  in the period ended  July 31, 1995.  This
Financial  Statement Schedule is the responsibility of the Company's management.
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on this Financial Statement Schedule
based on our audits.
 
    In our opinion, such Schedule presents fairly, in all material respects, the
information set forth therein for each of the two years in the period ended July
31, 1995.
 
                                            /S/ BDO SEIDMAN, LLP
                                          BDO SEIDMAN, LLP
 
   
Valhalla, New York
September 22, 1995
    
 
                                      S-1
<PAGE>
                                                                     SCHEDULE II
 
                      FOUR M CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          COLUMN C
                                              --------------------------------
                                  COLUMN B               ADDITIONS                                       COLUMN E
                                ------------  --------------------------------       COLUMN D        ----------------
           COLUMN A              BALANCE AT   CHARGED TO       CHARGED TO       -------------------   BALANCE AT END
- ------------------------------  BEGINNING OF   COST AND      OTHER ACCOUNTS-       DEDUCTIONS -             OF
DESCRIPTION                        PERIOD      EXPENSES         DESCRIBE             DESCRIBE             PERIOD
- ------------------------------  ------------  -----------  -------------------  -------------------  ----------------
<S>                             <C>           <C>          <C>                  <C>                  <C>
Year ended July 31, 1993        $  1,970,000   $ 809,000           --              $     612,000(1)    $  2,167,000
 Allowance for doubtful
 accounts.....................
Year ended July 31, 1994        $  2,167,000   $ 599,000           --              $   1,224,000(1)    $  1,542,000
 Allowance for doubtful
 accounts.....................
Year ended July 31, 1995        $  1,542,000   $ 575,000           --              $     339,000(1)    $  1,778,000
 Allowance for doubtful
 accounts.....................
</TABLE>
 
(1) Amounts written off
 
                                      S-2
<PAGE>
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT
 NUMBER                                         DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT                                          PAGE
- ---------  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ---------
<S>        <C>                                                                                                <C>
2.1        Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of November 1, 1995, among Four M Corporation (the "Company"),
           St.  Joe Forest Products  Company, St. Joe Container  Company, St. Joe  Paper Company and Florida
           Coast Paper Company, L.L.C. ("Florida Coast").*
3.1        Certificate of Incorporation of the Company.**
3.2        Certificate of Incorporation of Box USA Group, Inc.**
3.3        Certificate of Incorporation of Four M Paper Corporation.
3.4        Certificate of Incorporation of Page Packaging Corporation.
3.5        Certificate of Incorporation of Box USA, Inc.
3.6        Certificate of Incorporation of Four M Manufacturing Group of Georgia, Inc.
3.7        By-laws of the Company.
3.8        By-laws of Box USA Group, Inc.
3.9        By-laws of Four M Paper Corporation.
3.10       By-laws of Page Packaging Corporation.
3.11       By-laws of Box USA, Inc.
3.12       By-laws of Four M Manufacturing Group of Georgia, Inc.
4.1        Indenture, dated as of  May 30, 1996,  between the Company and  Norwest Bank Minnesota,  National
           Association (the "Trustee").*
4.2        Form of 12% Series A and Series B Senior Secured Notes, dated as of May 30, 1996 (incorporated by
           reference to Exhibit 4.1).*
4.3        Registration  Rights Agreement, dated as  of May 30, 1996, among  the Company, the Guarantors and
           Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. (the "Initial Purchaser").*
4.4        Security Agreement, dated as of May 30, 1996, between the Company and the Trustee.*
4.5        Subsidiary Security Agreement, dated as of May 30, 1996, among the Guarantors and the Trustee.*
4.6        Contribution Agreement, dated  as of  May 30,  1996, among the  Company, the  Guarantors and  the
           Trustee.*
4.7        Drop Down Notes, dated as of May 30, 1996, executed by each of the Guarantors.*
4.8        Drop  Down  Note Security  Agreement, dated  as of  May 30,  1996, among  the Guarantors  and the
           Company.*
4.9        Guaranty, dated as of May 30, 1996, among the Guarantors and the Trustee.*
4.10       Form of Company Pledge Agreement, dated as of May 30, 1996, between the Company and the Trustee.*
4.11       Form of Subsidiary  Pledge Agreement,  dated as of  May 30,  1996, among the  Guarantors and  the
           Trustee.*
4.12       Warrant Agreement, dated as of May 30, 1996, between the Company and the Initial Purchaser.*
5.1        Opinion of Kramer, Levin, Naftalis & Frankel ("Kramer, Levin").**
10.1       Output  Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 30,  1996, among the Company, Florida Coast and Stone
           Container Corporation ("Stone").*
10.2       Financing and Security Agreement, dated as of May 30, 1996, among the Company, the Guarantors and
           the Trustee.*
10.3       Subordinated Credit Agreement, dated as of May 30,  1996, among the Company, * Florida Coast  and
           Stone.*
10.4       Environmental  Indemnity Agreement,  dated as of  May 30,  1996, between the  Company and Florida
           Coast.*
10.5       Stock Appreciation Unit Plan  of the Company,  dated as of  August 1, 1992,  and Amendment No.  1
           thereto, dated as of August 1, 1995.
10.6       Subordination, Nondisturbance and Attornment Agreement, dated as of May 30, 1996, between Norwest
           Bank Minnesota, National Association, and Box USA Group, Inc.
12.1       Statement re computation of ratios.*
16         Letter re: change in certifying accountant.**
21.1       Subsidiaries of the registrant.**
</TABLE>
    
<PAGE>
   
<TABLE>
<S>        <C>                                                                                                <C>
23(a)      Consent of BDO Seidman, LLP.
23(b)      Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP.*
23(c)      Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP.*
23(d)      Consent of Kramer, Levin (to be contained in the opinion filed as Exhibit 5.1).**
24.1       Power of Attorney (incorporated by reference in the signature pages).*
25.1       Form  T-1  Statement  of  Eligibility  and  Qualification  of  Norwest  Bank  Minnesota, National
           Association, as trustee.*
27.1       Financial Data Schedule.*
99.1       Form of Letter of Transmittal.*
99.2       Form of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery.*
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------
 *  Previously filed.
 
**  To be filed by amendment.

<PAGE>


                          CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
                                       OF
                              CPC MILL CORPORATION

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

          The undersigned, a natural person, for the purpose of organizing a
corporation for conducting the business and promoting the purposes hereinafter
stated, under the provisions and subject to the requirements of the laws of the
State of Delaware (particularly Chapter 1, Title 8 of the Delaware Code and the
acts amendatory thereof and supplemental thereto, and known, identified and
referred to as the "General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware"), hereby
certifies that:

          FIRST:    The name of the corporation (hereinafter called the
"corporation") is

                              CPC MILL CORPORATION

          SECOND:   The address, including street, number, city, and county, of
the registered office of the corporation in the State of Delaware is 32
Loockerman Square, Suite L-100, City of Dover, County of Kent; and the name of
the registered agent of the corporation in the State of Delaware is The
Prentice-Hall Corporation System, Inc.

          THIRD:    The purpose of the corporation is to engage in any lawful
act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the General
Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

          FOURTH:   The total number of shares of stock which the corporation
shall have authority to issue is One Thousand (1,000).  The par value of each of
such shares is One Dollar ($1.00).  All such shares are of one class and are
shares of Common Stock.

          FIFTH:    The name and the mailing address of the incorporator are as
follows:

     NAME                          MAILING ADDRESS

N. S. Truax                32 Loockerman Square, Suite L-100
                           Dover, Delaware  19901

<PAGE>

          SIXTH:      The corporation is to have perpetual existence.

          SEVENTH:    Whenever a compromise or arrangement is proposed between
this corporation and its creditors or any class 
of them and/or between this corporation and its stockholders or any class of
them, any court of equitable jurisdiction within the State of Delaware may, on
the application in a summary way of this corporation or of any creditor or
stockholder thereof or on the application of any receiver or receivers appointed
for this corporation under the provisions of section 291 of Title 8 of the
Delaware Code or on the application of trustees in dissolution or of any
receiver or receivers appointed for this corporation under the provisions of
Section 279 of Title 8 of the Delaware Code order a meeting of the creditors or
class of creditors, and/or of the stockholders or class of stockholders of this
corporation, as the case may be, to be summoned in such manner as the said court
directs.  If a majority in number representing three-fourths in value of the
creditors or class of creditors, and/or of the stockholders or class of
stockholders of this corporation, as the case may be, agree to any compromise or
arrangement and to any reorganization of this corporation as consequence of such
compromise or arrangement, the said compromise or arrangement and the said
reorganization shall, if sanctioned by the court to which the said application
has been made, be binding on all the creditors or class of creditors, and/or on
all the stockholders or class of stockholders, of this corporation, as the case
may be, and also on this corporation.

          EIGHTH:     For the management of the business and for the conduct of
the affairs of the corporation, and in further definition, limitation and
regulation of the powers of the corporation and of its directors and of its
stockholders or any class thereof, as the case may be, it is further provided:

          1.  The management of the business and the conduct of the affairs
     of the corporation shall be vested in its Board of Directors.  The
     number of directors which shall constitute the whole Board of
     Directors shall be fixed by, or in the manner provided in, the By-
     Laws.  The phrase "whole Board" and the phrase "total number of
     directors" shall be deemed to have the same meaning, to wit, the total
     number of directors which the corporation would have if there
                                      - 2 -

<PAGE>
     were no vacancies.  No election of directors need be by written ballot.

          2.  After the original or other By-Laws of the corporation have
     been adopted, amended, or repealed, as the case may be, in accordance
     with the provisions of Section 109 of the General Corporation Law of
     the State of Delaware, and, after the corporation has received any
     payment for any of its stock, the power to adopt, amend, or repeal the
     By-Laws of the corporation may be exercised by the Board of Directors
     of the corporation; provided, however, that any provision for the
     classification of directors of the corporation for staggered terms
     pursuant to the provisions of subsection (d) of Section 141 of the
     General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware shall be set forth in
     an initial By-Law or 

     in a By-Law adopted by the stockholders entitled to vote of the corporation
     unless provisions for such classification shall be set forth in this
     certificate of incorporation.

          3.  Whenever the corporation shall be authorized to issue only
     one class of stock, each outstanding share shall entitle the holder
     thereof to notice of, and the right to vote at, any meeting of
     stockholders.  Whenever the corporation shall be authorized to issue
     more than one class of stock, no outstanding share of any class of
     stock which is denied voting power under the provisions of the
     certificate of incorporation shall entitle the holder thereof to the
     right to vote at any meeting of stockholders except as the provisions
     of paragraph (2) of subsection (b) of section 242 of the General
     Corporation Law of the State of Delaware shall otherwise require;
     provided, that no share of any such class which is otherwise denied
     voting power shall entitle the holder thereof to vote upon the
     increase or decrease in the number of authorized shares of said class.

          NINTH:      The personal liability of the directors of the
corporation is hereby eliminated to the fullest extent permitted by the
provisions of paragraph (7) of subsection (b) of Section 102 of the General
Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, as the same may be amended and
supplemented.

          TENTH:      The corporation shall, to the fullest extent permitted by
the provisions of Section 145 of the General Corporation Law of the State of
Delaware, as the
                                      - 3 -

<PAGE>
same may be amended and supplemented, indemnify any and all persons whom it 
shall have power to indemnify under said section from and against any and all 
of the expenses, liabilities or other matters referred to in or covered by said 
section, and the indemnification provided for herein shall not be deemed 
exclusive of any other rights to which those indemnified may be entitled under 
any By-Law, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or 
otherwise, both as to action in his official capacity and as to action in 
another capacity while holding such office, and shall continue as to a person 
who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent and shall inure to 
the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person.

          ELEVENTH:   From time to time any of the provisions of this
certificate of incorporation may be amended, altered or repealed, and other
provisions authorized by the laws of the State of Delaware at the time in force
may be added or inserted in the manner and at the time prescribed by said laws,
and all rights at any time conferred upon the stockholders of the corporation by
this certificate of incorporation are granted subject to the provisions of this
Article ELEVENTH.

Signed on October 28, 1993.



                                  /s/ N. S. Truax         
                              ----------------------------------------
                                   N. S. Truax
                                   Incorporator
















                                      - 4 -

<PAGE>

            Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation

                                       of

                              CPC MILL CORPORATION

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




          It is hereby certified that:

          
          1.   The name of the corporation (hereinafter called the
"corporation") is CPC MILL CORPORATION.

          2.   The certificate of incorporation of the corporation is hereby
amended by striking out Article FIRST thereof and by substituting in lieu of
said Article the following new Article:

          "FIRST:  The name of the corporation is FOUR M PAPER
          CORPORATION."

          3.   The amendment of the certificate of incorporation herein
certified has been duly adopted in accordance with the provisions of Section 242
of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

Signed and attested to on December 16, 1993




                                     /s/ Thomas Uleau            
                              ----------------------------------------
                                   Thomas Uleau, Vice President



Attest:



  /s/ Elizabeth H. Lally     
- ------------------------------
Elizabeth H. Lally, Secretary

 

<PAGE>

                                                   |  96-024962
                                                   |  FILED
                                                   |  SACRAMENTO, CALIF.
                                                   |  JAN 19 1996
                                                   |
                                                   |  /s/ Bill Jones
                                                   |  BILL JONES
                                                   |  SECRETARY OF STATE
                                                   |
                                                   |
                                                   | DO NOT WRITE IN THIS SPACE
                                                   -----------------------------


(SEAL)                     STATE OF CALIFORNIA
                                Bill Jones           P.O. Box 94423C
                            Secretary of State       Sacramento, CA 94244 0230
                                                     Phone (916) 657-3537

                STATEMENT BY DOMESTIC STOCK CORPORATION
  THIS STATEMENT MUST BE FILED WITH CALIFORNIA SECRETARY OF STATE (SEC. 1502,
CORPORATIONS CODE)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         A $     FILING FEE MUST ACCOMPANY THIS STATEMENT.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  WHEN COMPLETING FORM, PLEASE USE BLACK TYPEWRITER RIBBON OR BLACK INK
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          IMPORTANT--Please Read Instructions On Back Of Form
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DO NOT ALTER PREPRINTED NAME. IF ITEM NO. 1 IS BLANK, PLEASE ENTER CORPORATE 
NAME.

1.
             C1576774   DUE DATE 01-31-96  29862S
         PAGE PACKAGING CORPORATION
         1950 MARINA BLVD.
         SAN LEANDRO, CA  94577

* IF THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN ANY OF THE INFORMATION ON FILE--
PROCEED TO LINE 16.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  THE CALIFORNIA CORPORATION NAMED HEREIN, MAKES THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. STREET ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICE                 ROOM NO.
   115 Stevens Avenue

2A. CITY AND STATE                                      2B. ZIP CODE
   Valhalla, New York                                       10595

3. STREET ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL BUSINESS OFFICE IN CALIFORNIA    ROOM NO.
   1950 Marina Blvd.

3A. CITY                                                3B. ZIP CODE
   San Leandro, CA                                          94577

4. MAILING ADDRESS                                              ROOM NO.
   1950 Marina Blvd.

4A. CITY AND STATE                                      4B. ZIP CODE
   San Leandro, CA                                          94577
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE NAMES OF THE FOLLOWING OFFICERS ARE:
Must have these three officers (Sec. 312, Corporations Code). An officer may 
hold more than one office.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER              5A. STREET ADDRESS (DO NOT USE P.O. BOX)
  Chris Mehiel                             115 Stevens Avenue
5B. CITY AND STATE                      5C. ZIP CODE
  Valhalla, New York                       10595
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6. SECRETARY                            6A. STREET ADDRESS (DO NOT USE P.O. BOX)
  Elizabeth H. Lally                       115 Stevens Avenue
6B. CITY AND STATE                      6C. ZIP CODE
  Valhalla, New York                       10595

<PAGE>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7. CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER              7A. STREET ADDRESS (DO NOT USE P.O. BOX)
  Dennis Mehiel                            115 Stevens Avenue
7B. CITY AND STATE                      7C. ZIP CODE
  Valhalla, New York                       10595
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCUMBENT DIRECTORS, INCLUDING DIRECTORS WHO ARE ALSO OFFICERS
Officers may also be directors. Must have one or more directors (Chap. 3, 
Sec. 301a, Corporations Code). Statements not listing directors will be 
rejected.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8. NAME                                 8A. STREET ADDRESS (DO NOT USE P.O. BOX)
  DENNIS MEHIEL                            115 STEVENS AVENUE
8B. CITY AND STATE                      8C. ZIP CODE
  VALHALLA, NEW YORK                       10595
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9. NAME                                 9A. STREET ADDRESS (DO NOT USE P.O. BOX)
    N/A
9B. CITY AND STATE                      9C. ZIP CODE

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10. NAME                              10A. STREET ADDRESS (DO NOT USE P.O. BOX)
    N/A
10B. CITY AND STATE                   10C. ZIP CODE

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11. THE NUMBER OF VACANCIES ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, IF ANY:_________________
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DESIGNATED AGENT FOR SERVICE OF PROCESS (Only one agent may be named and
must reside in California.)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12. NAME
   Peter Mehiel
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13. CALIFORNIA STREET ADDRESS IF AGENT IS AN INDIVIDUAL (DO NOT USE P.O. BOX)
DO NOT INCLUDE ADDRESS IF AGENT IS A CORPORATION.
   1950 Marina Blvd., San Leandro, California 94577
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14. DESCRIBE TYPE OF BUSINESS OF THE CORPORATION NAMED IN ITEM 1.
   Manufacture of corrugated packaging
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
15. I DECLARE THAT I HAVE EXAMINED THIS STATEMENT AND TO THE BEST OF MY 
KNOWLEDGE AND BELIEF, IT IS TRUE, CORRECT AND COMPLETE.
  Chris Mehiel          /s/ Chris Mehiel        Executive V.P.     12/21/95
- ---------------       --------------------     ----------------    --------
TYPE OR PRINT NAME         SIGNATURE                TITLE            DATE
OF SIGNING OFFICER
OR AGENT
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*16. I DECLARE THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THE 
LAST STATEMENT OF THE CORPORATION WHICH IS ON FILE IN THE SECRETARY OF STATE'S
OFFICE. DOES NOT APPLY ON INITIAL FILING.
        --------------------------------

/ /      Chris Mehiel       /s/ Chris Mehiel       Executive V.P.    12/21/95
(CHECK  ---------------     --------------------  ----------------   --------
HERE)   TYPE OR PRINT NAME     SIGNATURE               TITLE           DATE
        OF SIGNING OFFICER
        OR AGENT


<PAGE>

                            ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

                                       OF

                           PAGE PACKAGING CORPORATION


                                        I

          The name of this corporation is Page Packaging Corporation.

                                       II

          The purpose of this corporation is to engage in any lawful act or 
activity for which a corporation may be organized under the General 
Corporation Law of California other than the banking business, the trust 
company business or the practice of a profession permitted to be incorporated 
by the California Corporations Code.

                                       III

          The name in the State of California of this corporation's initial 
agent for service of process is C T Corporation System.

                                       IV

          This corporation is authorized to issue only one class of shares of 
stock; and the total number of shares which this corporation is authorized to 
issue is 100,000 shares of common stock having a par value of one cent per 
share.

          DATED this 7 day of January, 1987



                                 /s/ David L. Page        
                              ----------------------------
                                 David L. Page


          I hereby declare that I am the person who executed the foregoing 
Articles of Incorporation, which execution is my act and deed.

                                 /s/ David L. Page     
                              ----------------------------
                                 David L. Page

<PAGE>

                            CERTIFICATE OF OWNERSHIP


          DAVID L. PAGE and MARY KATHRYN PAGE certify that:

          1.   They are the president and secretary, respectively, of PAGE 
PACKAGING CORPORATION, a California corporation.

          2.   This corporation owns all the outstanding shares of PACKAGING 
TRANSPORT, INC., a California corporation.

          3.   The board of directors of this corporation duly adopted the 
following resolution:

          RESOLVED, that this corporation merge PACKAGING TRANSPORT,
          INC., its wholly owned subsidiary corporation, into itself
          and assume all its obligations pursuant to Section 1110 of
          the Corporations Code.

          We further declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the 
State of California that the matters set forth in this Certificate are true 
and correct of our own knowledge.

          DATE:     2-1       , 1991
               ---------------

                                      /s/ David L. Page    
                                   ---------------------------
                                   David L. Page, President


                                      /s/ Mary Kathryn Page   
                                   ----------------------------
                                   Mary Kathryn Page, Secretary


<PAGE>

                          CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

                                       OF

                                  BOX USA, INC.

                                     ______

          The undersigned, a natural person, for the purpose of organizing a
corporation for conducting the business and promoting the purposes hereinafter
stated, under the provisions and subject to the requirements of the laws of the
State of Delaware (particularly Chapter 1, Title 8 of the Delaware Code and the
acts amendatory thereof and supplemental thereto, and known, identified, and
referred to as the "General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware"), hereby
certifies that:


          FIRST:  The name of the corporation (hereinafter called the
"corporation") is BOX USA, INC.

          SECOND:  The address, including street, number, city, and county, of
the registered office of the corporation in the State of Delaware is 32
Loockerman Square, Suite L-100, City of Dover 19904, County of Kent; and the
name of the registered agent of the corporation in the State of Delaware at such
address is The Prentice-Hall Corporation System, Inc.

          THIRD:  The purpose of the corporation is to engage in any lawful act
or activity for which corporations may be organized under the General
Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

          FOURTH:  The total number of shares of stock which the corporation
shall have authority to issue is one thousand, all of which are without par
value.  All such shares are of one class and are shares of Common Stock.

          No holder of any of the shares of the stock of the corporation,
whether now or hereafter authorized and issued, shall be entitled as of right to
purchase or subscribe for any unissued stock of any class, or any additional
shares of any class to be issued by reason of any  increase of the authorized
capital stock of any class of the corporation, or bonds, certificates of
indebtedness, debentures, or other securities convertible into stock of any
class of the corporation, or carrying any right to purchase stock of any class
of the corporation, but any such unissued stock or any such additional
authorized issue of any stock or of other securities convertible into stock, or
carrying any right to purchase stock, may be issued and disposed of pursuant to
resolution of the Board of Directors to such persons, firms, corporations, or

<PAGE>
associations, and upon such terms, as may be deemed advisable by the Board of
Directors in the exercise of its discretion.

          FIFTH:  The name and the mailing address of the incorporator are as
follows:

     NAME                               MAILING ADDRESS

Athena Amaxas                      15 Columbus Circle
                                   New York, N.Y.  10023-7773

          SIXTH:  The corporation is to have perpetual existence.

          SEVENTH:  Whenever a compromise or arrangement is proposed between 
this corporation and its creditors or any class of them and/or between this 
corporation and its stockholders or any class of them, any court of equitable 
jurisdiction within the State of Delaware may, on the application in a 
summary way of this corporation or of any creditor or stockholder thereof or 
on the application of any receiver or receivers appointed for this 
corporation under the provisions of SECTION 291 of Title 8 of the Delaware 
Code or on the application of trustees in dissolution or of any receiver or 
receivers appointed for this corporation under the provisions of SECTION 279 
of Title 8 of the Delaware Code order a meeting of the creditors or class of 
creditors, and/or of the stockholders or class of stockholders of this 
corporation, as the case may be, to be summoned in such manner as the said 
court directs.  If a majority in number representing three fourths in value 
of the creditors or class of creditors, and/or of the stockholders or class 
of stockholders of this corporation, as the case may be, agree to any 
compromise or arrangement and to any reorganization of this corporation as 
consequence of such compromise or arrangement, the said compromise or 
arrangement and the said reorganization shall, if sanctioned by the court to 
which the said application has been made, be binding on all the creditors or 
class of creditors, and/or on all the stockholders or class of stockholders, 
of this corporation, as the case may be, and also on this corporation.

          EIGHTH:  For the management of the business and for the conduct of the
affairs of the corporation, and in further definition, limitation, and
regulation of the powers of the corporation and of its directors and of its
stockholders or any class thereof, as the case may be, it is further provided:

          1.   The management of the business and the conduct of the
     affairs of the corporation shall be vested in its Board of Directors. 
     The number of directors which shall constitute the whole Board of
     Directors shall be fixed by, or in the manner provided in, the Bylaws. 
     The phrase "whole Board" and the phrase "total number of directors"
     shall be deemed to have the same meaning, to wit, the total number of
     directors which the corporation would have if there were no vacancies. 
     No election of directors need be by written ballot.

                                      - 2 -

<PAGE>
          2.   After the original or other Bylaws of the corporation have
     been adopted, amended, or repealed, as the case may be, in accordance
     with the provisions of SECTION 109 of the General Corporation Law of the
     State of Delaware, and, after the corporation has received any payment
     for any of its stock, the power to adopt, amend, or repeal the Bylaws
     of the corporation may be exercised by the Board of Directors of the
     corporation; provided, however, that any 

     provision for the classification of directors of the corporation for
     staggered terms pursuant to the provisions of subsection (d) of SECTION 141
     of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware shall be set forth 
     in an initial Bylaw or in a Bylaw adopted by the stockholders entitled to 
     vote of the corporation unless provisions for such classification shall be 
     set forth in this certificate of incorporation.

          3.   Whenever the corporation shall be authorized to issue only
     one class of stock, each outstanding share shall entitle the holder
     thereof to notice of, and the right to vote at, any meeting of
     stockholders.  Whenever the corporation shall be authorized to issue
     more than one class of stock, no outstanding share of any class of
     stock which is denied voting power under the provisions of the
     certificate of incorporation shall entitle the holder thereof to the
     right to vote at any meeting of stockholders except as the provisions
     of paragraph (2) of subsection (b) of SECTION 242 of the General 
     Corporation Law of the State of Delaware shall otherwise require; provided,
     that no share of any such class which is otherwise denied voting power
     shall entitle the holder thereof to vote upon the increase or decrease
     in the number of authorized shares of said class.

          NINTH:  The personal liability of the directors of the corporation 
is hereby eliminated to the fullest extent permitted by the provisions of 
paragraph (7) of subsection (b) of SECTION 102 of the General Corporation Law 
of the State of Delaware, as the same may be amended and supplemented.

          TENTH:  The corporation shall, to the fullest extent permitted by 
the provisions of SECTION 145 of the General Corporation Law of the State of 
Delaware, as the same may be amended and supplemented, indemnify any and all 
persons whom it shall have power to indemnify under said section from and 
against any and all of the expenses, liabilities, or other matters referred 
to in or covered by said section, and the indemnification provided for herein 
shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those indemnified 
may be entitled under any Bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or 
disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to action in his official 
capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office, and 
shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer, 
employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors, and 
administrators of such a person.

                                      - 3 -
<PAGE>


          ELEVENTH:  From time to time any of the provisions of this certificate
of incorporation may be amended, altered, or repealed, and other provisions
authorized by the laws of the State of Delaware at the time in force may be
added or inserted in the manner and at the time prescribed by said laws, and all
rights at any time conferred upon the stockholders of the corporation by this
certificate of incorporation are granted subject to the provisions of this
Article ELEVENTH.


Signed on December 19, 1994


                                             /s/ Athena Amaxas
                                             ------------------------
                                             Incorporator

                                       -4-


<PAGE>

Applicant's Acount No.                           Filed this     5th      day of
                     --------------------                  -------------
                                                      February      , A.D. 1976
                                                      --------------
DSCB-BCL-204 (Rev 8-72)      ____________________
              627675                       Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Filing Fee: $75
A18-7      COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA                 Department of State
Articles of                      DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Incorporation                     CORPORATION BUREAU
Domestic Business Corporation                   Secretary of the Commonwealth
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    In compliance with the requirements of Section 204 of the Business
Corporation Law, act of May 5, 1933 (P.L. 364) (15 P. S. Section 1204) the
undersigned, desiring to be incorporated as a business corporation, hereby
certifies (certify) that:

1.  The name of the corporation is:

                                 LANIDRAC CORPORATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2.  The location and post office address of the initial registered office of
    the corporation in this Commonwealth is:

    American Bank Bldg.,
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    (NUMBER)                                (STREET)
    Pottsville                              Pennsylvania        17901
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         (CITY)                                            (ZIP CODE)

3.  The corporation is incorporated under the Business Corporation Law of the
    Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for the following purpose or purposes:

         The Corporation shall have unlimited power to engage in and do any
    lawful act concerning any and all lawful business for which corporations
    may be incorporated under the said Act of Assembly under the provisions of
    which this Corporation is incorporated, and shall have the right to invest
    in and aid, by making loans or guarantees or in any other manner, any
    business enterprise affiliated with this Corporation or in which this
    Corporation has any direct or indirect interest or with which this
    Corporation does business, or the business of which is a direct or indirect
    benefit to this Corporation.

4.  The term for which the corporation is to exist is:    PERPETUAL

5.  The aggregate number of shares which the corporation shall have authority
    to issue is:

    One hundred thousand (100,000) shares common par value ten cents.

                                        form 4


<PAGE>

DSCB-BCL-204 (Rev. 8-72)-2

6.  The name(s) and post office address(es) of each incorporator(s) and the
number and class of shares subscribed by such incorporator(s) is (are):

                                       ADDRESS
    NAME                (including street and number, if any)        NUMBER AND
                                                           CLASS OF SHARES

                                 American Bank Bldg.,
Eleanor Helwig                  Pottsville, Pa.  17901               One (1)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

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




    IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, the incorporator(s) has (have) signed and sealed
these Articles of Incorporation this     2nd     day of   February    , 19 76 .
                                    -----------        --------------     --

                                   (SEAL)  /s/ Eleanor Helwig          (SEAL)
- -----------------------------------        ----------------------------
                                        ________________________________(SEAL)




INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETION OF FORM:

    A.   For general instructions relating to the incorporation of business
         corporations see 19 Pa. Code Ch. 35 (relating to business corporations
         generally).  These instructions relate to such matters as corporate
         name, stated purposes, term of existence, authorized share structure
         and related authority of the board of directors, inclusion of names of
         first directors in the Articles of Incorporation, optional provisions
         on cumulative voting for election of directors, etc.

    B.   One or more corporations or natural persons of full age may
         incorporate a business corporation.

    C.   Optional provisions required or authorized by law may be added as
         Paragraphs 7, 8, 9 . . . etc.

    D.   The following shall accompany this form:

         (1)  Three copies of Form DSCB:BCL-206 (Registry Statement Domestic or
              Foreign Business Corporation).

         (2)  Any necessary copies of Form DSCB:17.2 (Consent to Appropriation
              of Name) or Form DSCB:17.3 (Consent to Use of Similar Name).

         (3)  Any necessary governmental approvals.

    E.   BCL Section 205 (15 Pa. S. Section 1205) requires that the
         incorporators shall advertise their intention to file or the
         corporation shall advertise the filing of articles of incorporation.
         Proofs of publication of such advertising should not be delivered to
         the Department, but should be filed with the minutes of the
         Corporation.


<PAGE>

                             COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA

                                 DEPARTMENT OF STATE

                                    OFFICE OF THE

                            SECRETARY OF THE COMMONWEALTH

                 TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, GREETING:

    WHEREAS, Under the provisions of the Business Corporation Law, approved the
5th day of May, Anno Domini one thousand nine hundred and thirty-three, P.L.
364, as amended, the Department of State is authorized and required to issue a

                             CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

evidencing the incorporation of a business corporation organized under the terms
of that law.

    AND WHEREAS, The stipulations and conditions of that law have been fully
complied with by the persons desiring to incorporate as

                                 LANIDRAC CORPORATION

    THEREFORE, KNOW YE, That subject to the Constitution of this Commonwealth
and under the authority of the Business Corporation Law, I do by these presents,
which I have caused to be sealed with the Great Seal of the Commonwealth,
create, erect, and incorporate the incorporators of and the subscribers to the
shares of the proposed corporation named above, their associates and successors,
and also those who may thereafter become subscribers or holders of the shares of
such corporation, into a body politic and corporate in deed and in law by the
name chosen hereinbefore specified, which shall exist  PERPETUALLY   and shall
                                                      -------------
be invested with and have and enjoy all the powers, privileges, and franchises
incident to a business corporation and be subject to all the duties,
requirements, and restrictions specified and enjoined in and by the Business
Corporation Law and all other applicable laws of this Commonwealth.



                        GIVEN     under my Hand and the Great Seal of the
                                  Commonwealth, at the City of Harrisburg, this
                                  5th day of February in the year of our Lord
                                  one thousand nine hundred and seventy-six and
                                  of the Commonwealth the two hundredth


                                  ____________________________________________
                                          Secretary of the Commonwealth

<PAGE>

DSCB: 17.2 (Rev. 8-72)
Filing Fee:   None
Consent to Appropriation of Name

                             COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
                                 DEPARTMENT OF STATE
                                  CORPORATION BUREAU

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

    Pursuant to 19 Pa. Code Section 17.2 (relating to appropriation of the name
of a senior corporation) the undersigned corporation, desiring to consent to the
appropriation of its name by another corporation, does hereby certify that:

1.  The name of the corporation executing this Consent to Appropriation of Name
    is:

    Cardinal Container Corp.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2.  The address of the registered office of the corporation is (the Department
of State is hereby authorized to correct the following statements to conform to
the records of the Department):

    Cardinal Drive
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         (NUMBER)                                (STREET)
    Mt. Carmel,                        Pennsylvania        17851
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         (CITY)                                       (ZIP CODE)

3.  The date of its incorporation is:  March 29, 1963
                                       ---------------------------------------

4.  The statute under which it was incorporated is:
    Pa. B. C. L., Act of May 5, 1933, P. L. 364, as amended.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

5.  The corporation is (check one):
    / /  About to change its name.
    /X/  About to cease to do business.
    /X/  Being wound up.
    / /  About to withdraw from doing business in this Commonwealth.

6.  The corporation(s) entitled to the benefit of this Consent to Appropriation
of Name is (are):

         Lanidrac Corporation
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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


<PAGE>

DSCB: 17.2 (Rev. 8-72)-2


    IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, the undersigned corporation has caused this consent
to be signed by a duly authorized officer and its corporate seal, duly attested
by another such officer, to be hereunto affixed, this         31st        day of
                                                      -----------------
   August   , 19 76 .
- ------------    ---


                             Cardinal Container Corp.
                             -------------------------------------------------
                                       (NAME OF CORPORATION)

                             By
                                ----------------------------------------------
                                              (SIGNATURE)


                             President
                             -------------------------------------------------
                                  (TITLE, PRESIDENT, VICE PRESIDENT, ETC.)


Attest:

- -------------------------------------------
         (SIGNATURE)


    Secretary
- -------------------------------------------
(TITLE SECRETARY, ASSISTANT SECRETARY, ETC.)



(CORPORATE SEAL)


INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING FORM:

    When this form is executed by an unincorporated body which has registered
    its name pursuant to statute (see 19 Pa. Code Section 17.101 et seq.) the
    language of the form should be modified accordingly and a seal need be
    affixed only when the unincorporated body has adopted a seal.

<PAGE>

APPLICANT'S ACCT NO                                Filed this     1st     day of
                                                             -----------
                                                          September  , A.D. 1976
                                                  -----------------
DSCB-BCL-806 (Rev 8-72)           ------------------
                                  Line for numbering
                                        638442
                                                    Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Filing Fee: $40
AB-2       COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA                 Department of State
Articles of                      DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Amendment-                        CORPORATION BUREAU
Domestic Business Corporation                    Secretary of the Commonwealth
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In compliance with the requirements of Section 806 of the Business
Corporation Law, act of May 5, 1933 (P. L. 364) (15 P. S. Section 1806) the
undersigned corporation, desiring to amend its Articles does hereby certify
that:

1.  The name of the corporation is:

                                 LANIDRAC CORPORATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2.  The location of its registered office in this Commonwealth is (the
    Department of State is hereby authorized to correct the following statement
    to conform to the records of the Department):

    American Bank Building                       Center and Market Streets
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    (NUMBER)                                          (STREET)
    Pottsville                              Pennsylvania        17901
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         (CITY)                                            (ZIP CODE)

3.  The statue by or under which it was incorporated is:

    Pa. B. C. L., Act of May 5, 1993, P. L. 364, as amended
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4.  The date of its incorporation is:  February 5, 1976
                                       ----------------------------------------

5.  (Check, and if appropriate, complete one of the following):

    / /  The meeting of the shareholders of the corporation at which the
amendment was adopted was held at the time and place and pursuant to the kind
and  period of notice herein stated.

    Time:     The               day of              , 19   .
                   ------------        ------------      --

    Place:    -----------------------------------------------------------------

    Kind and period of notice
                             --------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    /X/  The amendment was adopted by a consent in writing, setting forth the
action so taken, signed by all of the shareholders entitled to vote thereon and
filed with the Secretary of the corporation.

6.  At the time of the action of shareholders:

    (a)  The total number of shares outstanding was:

              One Hundred (100) Common
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (b)  The number of shares entitled to vote was:

              One Hundred (100) Common
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<PAGE>

DSCB BCL-806 (Rev. 8-72)-2

7.  In the action taken by the shareholders.

    (a)  The number of shares voted in favor of the amendment was

              One Hundred (100) Common
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (b)  The number of shares voted against the amendment was

              None
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

8.  The amendment adopted by the shareholders, set forth in full, is as follows

         RESOLVED, "that the name of the Corporation, as set forth in the
    Articles of Incorporation, shall be changed from "LANIDRAC CORPORATION" to
    CARDINAL CONTAINER CORP.", and
         FURTHER RESOLVED, that the President and Secretary are authorized and
    directed to sign and file all papers and take all actions necessary on
    behalf of the Corporation to consummate the change of the Corporation's
    name.



    IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, the undersigned corporation has caused these Articles
of Amendment to be signed by a duly authorized officer and its corporate seal,
duly attested by another such officer, to be hereunto affixed this   31ST
                                                                  ------------
day of    AUGUST   , 19 76 .
      -----------     ---

                             LANIDRAC CORPORATION
                             -------------------------------------------------
                                            (NAME OF CORPORATION)
Attest:

                             By:
- -------------------------       ----------------------------------------------
         (SIGNATURE)                             (SIGNATURE)

    Secretary                          President
- -------------------------    -------------------------------------------------
(TITLE SECRETARY, ASSISTANT            (TITLE PRESIDENT, VICE PRESIDENT, ETC.)
SECRETARY, ETC.)
(CORPORATE SEAL)


INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETION OF FORM

    A.   Any necessary copies of Form DSCB:17.2 (Consent to Appropriation of
         Name) or Form DSCB:17.3 (Consent to Use of Similar Name) shall
         accompany Articles of Amendment effecting a change of name.

    B.   Any necessary governmental approvals shall accompany this form.

    C.   Where action is taken by partial written consent pursuant to the
         Articles, the second alternate of Paragraph 5 should be modified
         accordingly.

    D.   If the shares of any class were entitled to vote as a class, the
         number of shares of each class so entitled and the number of shares of
         all other classes entitled to vote should be set forth in Paragraph
         6(b).

<PAGE>


    E.   If the shares of any class were entitled to vote as a class, the
         number of shares of such class and the number of shares of all other
         classes voted for and against such amendment respectively should be
         set forth in Paragraphs 7(a) and 7(b) .

    F.   BCL Section 807 (15 P.S. Section 1807) requires that the corporation
         shall advertise its intention to file or the filing of Articles of
         Amendment.  Proofs of publication of such advertising should not be
         delivered to the Department, but should be filed with the minutes of
         the corporation.

<PAGE>


                             COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA

                                 DEPARTMENT OF STATE



                 TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, GREETING:

    WHEREAS, In and by Article VIII of the Business Corporation Law, approved
the fifth day of May, Anno Domini one thousand nine hundred and thirty-three, P.
L. 364, as amended, the Department of State is authorized and required to issue
a

                               CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT

evidencing the amendment of the Articles of Incorporation of a business
corporation organized under or subject to the provisions of that Law, and

    WHEREAS, The stipulations and conditions of that Law pertaining to the
amendment of Articles of Incorporation have been fully complied with by

                        LANIDRAC CORPORATION
                        name changed to
                        CARDINAL CONTAINER CORP.

    THEREFORE, KNOW YE, That subject to the Constitution of this Commonwealth
and under the authority of the Business Corporation Law, I do by these presents,
which I have caused to be sealed with the Great Seal of the Commonwealth, extend
the rights and powers of the corporation named above, in accordance with the
terms and provisions of the Articles of Amendment presented by it to the
Department of State, with full power and authority to use and enjoy such rights
and powers, subject to all the provisions and restrictions of the Business
Corporation Law and all other applicable laws of this Commonwealth.



                        GIVEN     under my Hand and the Great Seal of the
                                  Commonwealth, at the City of Harrisburg, this
                                  1st day of September in the year of our Lord
                                  one thousand nine hundred and seventy-six and
                                  of the Commonwealth the two hundred and first


                                  --------------------------------------------
                                                   Secretary of the Commonwealth
                                                      ec

<PAGE>

Microfilm Number             Filed with the Department of State on     APR 
                -----------                                        -----------

Entity Number     638442
              ------------              ---------------------------------------
                                                   Secretary of the Commonwealth


                 ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT-DOMESTIC BUSINESS CORPORATION
                               DSCB 15-1918 (Rev. 90)


         In compliance with the requirements of 15 Pa. C.S. Section 1015
(relating to articles of amendment) the undersigned domestic corporation,
desiring to amend its Articles, hereby states that:

1.  The name of the corporation is:    CARDINAL CONTAINER CORPORATION
                                    -------------------------------------------

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

2.  The (a) address of this corporation's current registered office in this
    Commonwealth or (b) name of its commercial registered office provider and
    the county of venue is (the Department is hereby authorized to correct the
    following information to conform to the records of the Department):

    (a)------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Number and Street        City           State          Zip  County

    (b) c/o:     Prentice Hall Legal & Financial Services
            -------------------------------------------------------------------
              Name of Commercial Registered Office Provider

    For a corporation represented by a commercial registered office provider,
    the county in (b) shall be deemed the county in which the corporation is
    located for venue and official publication purposes

3.  The statute by or under which it was incorporated is: P.A., B.C.L. of May
                                                          ---------------------
    5, 1933, P.L. 364, as amended
    -------------

4.  The date of its incorporation is:    February 5, 1976
                                       ----------------------------------------

5.  (Check, and if appropriate complete, one of the following):

     X   The amendment shall be effective upon filing these Articles of
    ---
         Amendment in the Department of State

         The amendment shall be effective on:                  at
    ---                                       ----------------    -------------
                                                 Date                Hour

6.  (Check one of the following):

     X   The amendment was adopted by the shareholders (or members) pursuant to
    ---
         15 Pa. C.S Section 1914(a) and (b)

         The amendment was adopted by the board of directors pursuant to 15 Pa.
    ---
         C.S. Section 1914(c).

7.  (Check, and if appropriate complete, one of the following):

         The amendment adopted by the corporation, set forth in full, is as
    ---
         follows:

<PAGE>


DSCB:15-1915 (Rev. 90)-2

         See EXHIBIT A


     x   The amendment adopted by the corporation as set forth in full in
    ---
         Exhibit A attached hereto and made a part hereof.


<PAGE>

8.  (Check if the amendment restates the Articles):

         The restated Articles of Incorporation supersede the original Articles
    ---
         and all amendments thereto.

    IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, the undersigned corporation has caused these Articles
of Amendment to be signed by a duly authorized officer thereof this    10TH
                                                                    ------------
day of    APRIL    , 1992 .
     -------------   ----

                                            CARDINAL CONTAINER CORPORATION
                                       ---------------------------------------
                                               (Name of Corporation)

                                       BY:      /s/ Thomas Uleau
                                            ----------------------------------
                                            Thomas Uleau   (Signature)

                                       TITLE:    Executive Vice President
                                              --------------------------------

<PAGE>

                                      EXHIBIT A


         RESOLVED, "that the name of the Corporation, as set forth in
         the Articles of Incorporation, shall be changed from
         "Cardinal Container Corporation" to "Four M Manufacturing
         Group of Georgia, Inc."

         FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Executive Vice President and
         Secretary are authorized and directed to sign and file all
         papers and take all actions necessary on behalf of the
         Corporation to consummate the change of the Corporation's
         name.

<PAGE>

                            CARDINAL CONTAINER CORPORATION

                             CONSENT OF SOLE SHAREHOLDER


         The undersigned, being the sole shareholder of CARDINAL CONTAINER
CORPORATION, a Pennsylvania corporation ("Cardinal"), hereby consents in
writing, pursuant to the provisions of the Pennsylvania Business Corporation
Law, Act of May 5, 1933, P.L. 364, as amended, to the adoption of the following
resolutions, to the end that they shall be adopted as valid corporate action as
though such resolutions had been adopted at formal meetings of the Stockholders
of Cardinal held on April 10, 1992.


         RESOLVED, that the name of the Corporation as set forth in
         the Articles of Incorporation shall be changed from Cardinal
         Container Corporation to Four M Manufacturing Group of
         Georgia, Inc.; and

         FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Executive Vice President and
         Secretary are authorized and directed to sign and file all
         papers and take all actions necessary on behalf of the
         corporation to consummate the change of the Corporation's
         name.


Dated this 10th day

of April, 1992.                        FOUR M CORPORATION


                                  By:    /s/ Thomas Uleau
                                       ----------------------------------------
                                       Thomas Uleau
                                       Executive Vice President

<PAGE>

                              AMENDED AND RESTATED

                                     BY-LAWS

                                       OF

                               FOUR M CORPORATION
                            (A MARYLAND CORPORATION)

                                    ARTICLE I


                                  STOCKHOLDERS

          Section 1.     PLACE OF MEETINGS.  Meetings of stockholders shall be
held at such place, either within or without the State of Maryland, as shall be
designated from time to time by the Board of Directors.  Whenever the directors
shall fail to fix such place, meetings shall be held at the registered office of
the Corporation in the State of Maryland.

          Section 2.     ANNUAL MEETINGS.  Annual meetings of stockholders shall
be held on such date of each year and at such time as shall be designated from
time to time by the Board of Directors.  At each annual meeting, the
stockholders shall elect a Board of Directors by plurality vote and transact
such other business as may be properly brought before the meeting.    

          Section 3.     SPECIAL MEETINGS.  Special meetings of the stockholders
may be called by the Chairman of the Board, the President or the Board of
Directors. 

          Section 4.     NOTICE OF MEETINGS.  Written notice of each meeting of
the stockholders stating the place, date and hour of such meeting shall be given
by or at the direction of the Board of Directors to each stockholder entitled to
vote at such meeting at least ten, but not more than ninety, days prior to the
meeting.  Notice of any special meeting shall state in general terms the purpose
or purposes for which the meeting is called.  

          Notice is given to a stockholder when it is personally delivered to
him, left at his residence or usual place of business, or mailed to him by first
class mail at his address as it appears on the records of the Corporation.  If
mailed, notice shall be deemed to be given when deposited in the mail, postage
prepaid, directed to the stockholder at his address as it appears on the records
of the Corporation. 
     
          Section 5.     WAIVER OF NOTICE.  Whenever notice is required to be
given either by statute, the Articles of Incorporation or these By-Laws, a
written waiver, signed by 


                                        1
<PAGE>


the person entitled to notice, whether before or after the time stated therein,
shall be deemed the equivalent to notice.  Attendance at a meeting, whether in
person or by proxy, shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except
when the meeting is attended for the express purpose of objecting at the
beginning of the meeting to the transaction of any business because the meeting
is not lawfully called or convened.  Neither the business to be transacted at,
nor the purpose of, any regular or special meeting need be specified in any
written waiver of notice.     

          Section 6.     QUORUM; ADJOURNMENTS OF MEETINGS.  A majority of shares
entitled to vote, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a
quorum at a meeting of stockholders.  If there be less than a quorum, the
holders of a majority of the stock so present or represented may adjourn the
meeting to another time or place, from time to time, until a quorum shall be
present, whereupon the meeting may be held, as adjourned, without further
notice, except as required by law, and any business may be transacted thereat
which might have been transacted at the meeting as originally called.

          Section 7.     VOTING.  At any meeting of the stockholders, every
registered owner of shares entitled to vote may vote in person or by proxy and,
except as otherwise provided by statute, in the Articles of Incorporation or
these By-Laws, shall have one vote for each such share standing in his name on
the books of the Corporation.  All matters, other than the election of
directors, brought before any meeting of the stockholders shall be decided by a
vote of a majority in interest of the stockholders of the Corporation present in
person or by proxy at such meeting and voting thereon, a quorum being present. 
Directors shall be elected by a plurality of the votes of the shares present in
person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote on the
election of directors. 

          Section 8.     PROXIES.  Every stockholder entitled to vote at a
meeting of stockholders or express consent or dissent without a meeting may
authorize another person to act for him by proxy.
          
          Every proxy must be signed by the stockholder or his attorney-in-fact.
No proxy shall be valid after expiration of eleven months from the date thereof
unless otherwise provided in the proxy.  Every proxy shall be revocable at the
pleasure of the stockholder executing it, except as otherwise provided by law.
          
          Section 9.     INSPECTORS OF ELECTION.  The Board of Directors or, if
the Board shall not have made the appointment, the chairman presiding at any
meeting of stockholders shall have power to appoint one or more persons to act
as inspectors of election at the meeting or any adjournment thereof, but no
candidate for the office of director shall be appointed as an inspector at any
meeting for the election of directors.

          Section 10.    CONDUCT OF MEETINGS.  The Chairman of the Board or, in
his absence, the President shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders. 
In the absence of both the Chairman of the Board and the President, a majority
of the members of the Board of Directors present in person at such meeting may
appoint any other officer or director to act as chairman of the meeting.


                                        2
<PAGE>


          The Secretary of the Corporation shall act as secretary of all
meetings of the stockholders.  In the absence of the Secretary, the chairman of
the meeting shall appoint any other person to act as secretary of the meeting.

          Section 11.    STOCKHOLDER'S ACTION WITHOUT MEETINGS.  Any action
required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the stockholders may be
taken without a meeting if the following are filed with the records of
stockholder meetings: (1) unanimous written consent thereto is signed by the
holders of all outstanding shares entitled to vote on the matter and (2) a
written waiver of any right to dissent signed by each stockholder entitled to
notice of the meeting but not entitled to vote at it.

          Section 12.    FIXING THE RECORD DATE.  The Board of Directors may
fix, in advance, a date as the record date for the purpose of determining
stockholders entitled to notice of, or to vote at, any meeting of stockholders
or stockholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend or the allotment of
any rights or in order to make a determination of stockholders for any other
proper purpose.  Such date, in any case, shall be not more than ninety days, and
in case of a meeting of stockholders not less than ten days, prior to the date
on which the meeting or particular action requiring such determination of
stockholders is to be held or taken.  In lieu of fixing a record date, the Board
of Directors may provide that the stock transfer books shall be closed for a
stated period but not to exceed twenty days.  If the stock transfer books are
closed for the purpose of determining stockholders entitled to notice of, or to
vote at, a meeting of stockholders, such books shall be closed for at least ten
days immediately preceding such meeting.

          If no record date is fixed and the stock transfer books are not closed
for the determination of stockholders, (1) the record date for the determination
of stockholders entitled to notice of, or to vote at, a meeting of stockholders
shall be at the close of business on the day on which the notice of meeting is
mailed or the day thirty days before the meeting, whichever is the closer date
to the meeting; and (2) the record date for the determination of stockholders
entitled to receive payment of a dividend or an allotment of any rights shall be
at the close of business on the day on which the resolution of the Board of
Directors declaring the dividend or allotment of rights is adopted, provided
that the payment or allotment date shall not be more than sixty days after the
date on which the resolution is adopted.

          Section 13.    STOCKHOLDER LIST.  The Secretary shall prepare, at
least ten days before every meeting of stockholders, a complete list of the
stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, arranged in alphabetical order,
and showing the address of each stockholder and the number of shares registered
in the name of each stockholder.  Such list shall be open to the examination of
any stockholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting, during ordinary
business hours, for a period of at least ten days prior to the meeting, either
at a place within the city where the meeting is to be held, which place shall be
specified in the notice of the meeting, or, if not so specified, at the place
where the meeting is to be held or at the principal executive offices of the
Corporation.  The list shall also be produced and kept at the time and place of
the meeting during the whole time thereof and may be inspected by any 


                                        3
<PAGE>


stockholder who is present.  The stock ledger shall be the only evidence as to
who are the stockholders entitled to examine the stock ledger, the list of
stockholders or the books of the Corporation, or to vote in person or by proxy
at any meeting of stockholders.


                                   ARTICLE II

                               BOARD OF DIRECTORS

          Section 1.     FUNCTION OF DIRECTORS.  The business and  affairs of
the Corporation shall be managed under the direction of the Board of Directors
of the Corporation. 

          Section 2.     NUMBER OF DIRECTORS.  The Board of Directors shall
consist of nine members; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that such number may from time to
time be increased or decreased by the Board of Directors or by the stockholders.
          
          Section 3.     QUALIFICATIONS.  Each director shall be a natural
person being at least eighteen years of age.  A director need not be a
stockholder, a citizen of the United States or a resident of the state in which
the Corporation is incorporated. 

          Section 4.     NEWLY CREATED DIRECTORSHIPS AND VACANCIES.  Newly
created directorships resulting from an increase in the number of directors and
vacancies occurring in the Board for any reason except the removal of directors
without cause may be filled by a vote of a majority of the directors then in
office, although less then a quorum exists, or by the stockholders.  Vacancies
created by the removal of directors without cause shall be filled by the
stockholders.  A director elected to fill a vacancy caused by resignation, death
or removal shall be elected to hold office for the unexpired term of his
predecessor.

          Section 5.     REGULAR MEETINGS.  Following the annual meeting of the
stockholders, a regular annual meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held
as soon as practicable.  Any other regular meeting of the Board of Directors may
be held without notice at such times and places as the Board of Directors may
from time to time determine.

          Section 6.     SPECIAL MEETINGS.  Special meetings of the Board of
Directors may be called by order of the Chairman of the Board, the President or
any two directors.  Notice of the time and place of each special meeting shall
be given by or at the direction of the person or persons calling the meeting by
mailing the same at least three days before the meeting or by telephoning,
telegraphing, faxing or delivering personally the same to each director at least
twenty-four hours before the meeting.  Except as otherwise specified in the
notice thereof, or as required by statute, the Articles of Incorporation or
these By-Laws, any and all business may be transacted at any special meeting.


                                        4
<PAGE>


          Section 7.     TELEPHONIC MEETINGS PERMITTED.  Members of the Board of
Directors, or any committee designated by the Board of Directors, may
participate in a meeting thereof by means of conference telephone or similar
communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the
meeting can hear each other, and participation in a meeting pursuant to this
Section 7 shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.
     
          Section 8.     ORGANIZATION.  Every meeting of the Board of Directors
shall be presided over by the Chairman of the Board or, in his absence, the
President.  In the absence of the Chairman of the Board and the President, a
presiding officer shall be chosen by a majority of the directors present.  The
Secretary of the Corporation shall act as secretary of the meeting, but, in his
absence, the presiding officer may appoint any person to act as secretary of the
meeting.

          Section 9.     QUORUM; VOTE.  A majority of the directors then in
office (but in no event less than one-third of the total number of directors)
shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, but less than a
quorum may adjourn any meeting to another time or place from time to time until
a quorum shall be present, whereupon the meeting may be held, as adjourned,
without further notice.  Except as otherwise required by statute, the Articles
of Incorporation or these By-Laws, all matters coming before any meeting of the
Board of Directors shall be decided by the vote of a majority of the directors
present at the meeting, a quorum being present.

          Section 10.    REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS.  Any one or more of the directors
shall be subject to removal with or without cause at any time by the
stockholders.

          Section 11.    RESIGNATION.  A director may resign at any time by
giving written notice to the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board, the
President or the Secretary of the Corporation.  Unless otherwise specified in
the notice, the resignation shall take effect upon receipt thereof by the Board
of Directors or such officer, and the acceptance of the resignation shall not be
necessary to make it effective.         

          Section 12.    COMMITTEES.  The Board of Directors may designate one
or more committees, each committee to consist of one or more of the directors of
the Corporation.  The Board may designate one or more directors as alternate
members of any committee, who may replace any absent or disqualified member at
any meeting of the committee.  Any such committee, to the extent provided in the
resolution of the Board, shall have and may exercise the powers and authority of
the Board of Directors in the management of the business and affairs of the
Corporation with the exception of any authority the delegation of which is
prohibited by statute, and may authorize the seal of the Corporation to be
affixed to all papers which may require it.

          Section 13.    INFORMAL ACTION BY DIRECTORS.  Unless otherwise
restricted by the Articles of Incorporation or these By-Laws, any action
required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors, or
of any committee thereof, may be taken without a meeting if all members of the
Board of Directors or such committee, as the case may be, 


                                        5
<PAGE>


consent thereto in writing, and the writing or writings are filed with the
minutes of proceedings of the Board of Directors or such committee. 



                                   ARTICLE III


                                    OFFICERS

          Section 1.     GENERAL.  The Board of Directors shall  elect the
officers of the Corporation, which shall include a President, a Secretary and a
Treasurer and such other or additional officers (including, without limitation,
a Chairman of the Board, one or more Vice-Chairmen of the Board, Vice-
Presidents, Assistant Vice-Presidents, Assistant Secretaries and Assistant
Treasurers) as the Board of Directors may designate.

          Section 2.     TERM OF OFFICE; REMOVAL AND VACANCY.  The officers of
the Corporation shall be elected annually by the Board of Directors after each
annual meeting of the stockholders.  Each officer shall hold his office until
his successor is elected and qualified or until his earlier resignation or
removal.  Any officer shall be subject to removal with or without cause at any
time by the Board of Directors.  Vacancies in any office, whether occurring by
death, resignation, removal or otherwise, may be filled by the Board of
Directors.

          Section 3.     POWERS AND DUTIES.  Each of the officers of the
Corporation shall, unless otherwise directed by the Board of Directors, have
such powers and duties as generally pertain to his respective office as well as
such powers and duties as from time to time may be conferred upon him by the
Board of Directors.  Unless otherwise ordered by the Board of Directors after
the adoption of these By-Laws, the Chairman of the Board or, when the office of
Chairman of the Board is vacant, the President shall be the chief executive
officer of the Corporation. 

          Section 4.     POWER TO VOTE STOCK.  Unless otherwise directed by the
Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board and the President each shall have
full power and authority on behalf of the Corporation to attend and to vote at
any meeting of stockholders of any Corporation in which the Corporation may hold
stock, and may exercise on behalf of the Corporation any and all of the rights
and powers incident to the ownership of such stock at any such meeting and shall
have power and authority to execute and deliver proxies, waivers and consents on
behalf of the Corporation in connection with the exercise by the Corporation of
the rights and powers incident to the ownership of such stock.  The Board of
Directors, from time to time, may confer like powers upon any other person or
persons.

          Section 5.     CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD.  The Chairman of the Board, if
one be elected, shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors and of
the stockholders at which he shall be present.  He shall have general charge and
supervision of the assets and 


                                        6
<PAGE>


affairs of the Corporation; he may sign and execute, in the name of the
Corporation, all authorized deeds, mortgages, bonds, contracts or other
instruments, except in cases in which the signing and execution thereof shall
have been expressly delegated to some other officer or agent of the Corporation;
and, in general, he shall have and may exercise such powers as are, from time to
time, assigned to him by the Board of Directors.

          Section 6.     PRESIDENT.  In the absence of the Chairman of the
Board, the President shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders and of
the Board of Directors at which he shall be present.  If no Chairman of the
Board be elected and acting, he shall have general charge and supervision of the
assets and affairs of the Corporation, and he may sign and execute, in the name
of the Corporation, all authorized deeds, mortgages, bonds, contracts or other
instruments, except in cases in which the signing and execution thereof shall
have been expressly delegated to some other officer or agent of the Corporation.
If a Chairman of the Board be elected and acting, the President shall perform
all duties incident to the office of a president of a corporation, and such
other duties as may from time to time be assigned to him by the Chairman of the
Board or the Board of Directors.

          Section 7.     VICE-PRESIDENTS.  The Vice-President or Vice-
Presidents, at the request of the Chief Executive Officer or in his absence or
during his inability to act, shall perform the duties and exercise the functions
of the Chief Executive Officer, and when so acting shall have the powers of the
Chief Executive Officer.  If there be more than one Vice-President, the Board of
Directors may determine which one or more of the Vice-Presidents shall perform
any of such duties or exercise any of such functions, or if such determination
is not made by the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer may make such
determination; otherwise any of the Vice-Presidents may perform any of such
duties or exercise any of such functions.  The Vice-President or Vice-Presidents
shall have such other powers and perform such other duties, and have such
additional descriptive designations in their titles (if any), as may be assigned
by the Board of Directors or the Chief Executive Officer.

          Section 8.     SECRETARY.  The Secretary shall keep the minutes of the
meetings of the stockholders, of the Board of Directors and of any committees,
in books provided for the purpose; he shall see that all notices are duly given
in accordance with the provisions of the By-Laws or as required by law; he shall
be custodian of the records of the Corporation; he shall witness all documents
on behalf of the Corporation, the execution of which is duly authorized, see
that the corporate seal is affixed where such document is required to be under
its seal, and, when so affixed, may attest the same; and, in general, he shall
perform all duties incident to the office of a secretary of a corporation, and
such other duties as may from time to time be assigned to him by the Board of
Directors or the Chief Executive Officer.
          
          Section 9.     TREASURER.  The Treasurer shall have charge of and be
responsible for all funds, securities, receipts and disbursements of the
Corporation, and shall deposit, or cause to be deposited, in the name of the
Corporation, all moneys or other valuable effects in such banks, trust companies
or other depositories as shall, from time to time, be selected by the Board of
Directors; he shall render to the Chief Executive Officer 


                                        7
<PAGE>


and to the Board of Directors, whenever requested, an account of the financial
condition of the Corporation; and, in general, he shall perform all the duties
incident to the office of a treasurer of a Corporation, and such other duties as
may from time to time be assigned to him by the Board of Directors or the Chief
Executive Officer.

          Section 10.    COMPENSATION.  The Board of Directors shall have the
power to fix the salaries and other compensation and remuneration, of whatever
kind, of all officers of the Corporation. 


                                   ARTICLE IV

                                  CAPITAL STOCK

          Section 1.     CERTIFICATE FOR STOCK.  Each stockholder is entitled to
certificates which represent and certify the shares of stock he holds in the
Corporation.  Each stock certificate shall include on its face the name of the
Corporation, the name of the stockholder and the class of stock and number of
shares represented by the certificate and be in such form, not inconsistent with
law or with the Articles of Incorporation, as shall be approved by the Board of
Directors.  Each stock certificate shall be signed by the Chairman of the Board,
the President or a Vice-President and countersigned by the Secretary, an
Assistant Secretary, the Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer.  Each certificate
may be sealed with the actual corporate seal or a facsimile of it or in any
other form and the signatures may be either manual or facsimile signatures.  A
certificate is valid and may be issued whether or not an officer who signed it
is still an officer when it is issued.

          Section 2.     TRANSFERS.  The Board of Directors shall have the power
and authority to make such rules and regulations as it may deem expedient
concerning the issue, transfer and registration of certificates of stock; and
may appoint transfer agents and registrars thereof.  The duties of transfer
agent and registrar may be combined.

          Section 3.     STOCK LEDGER.  The Corporation shall maintain a stock
ledger which contains the name and address of each stockholder and the number of
shares of stock of each class which the stockholder holds.  The stock ledger may
be in written form or in any other form which can be converted within a
reasonable time into written form for visual inspection.  The original or a
duplicate of the stock ledger shall be kept at the principal executive offices
of the Corporation.

          Section 4.     LOST STOCK CERTIFICATES.  The Board of Directors of the
Corporation may determine the conditions for issuing a new stock certificate in
place of one which is alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed, or the
Board of Directors may delegate such power to any officer or officers of the
Corporation.  In their discretion, the Board of Directors or such officer or
officers may refuse to issue such new certificate save upon court order.


                                        8
<PAGE>

                                    ARTICLE V

                                  MISCELLANEOUS

          Section 1.     CORPORATE SEAL.  The seal of the Corporation shall be
circular in form and shall contain the name of the Corporation and the year and
State of incorporation.

          Section 2.     FISCAL YEAR.  The Board of Directors shall have power
to fix, and from time to time to change, the fiscal year of the Corporation.

          Section 3.     STATEMENT OF AFFAIRS.  The Corporation shall furnish to
the stockholders annual financial statements, including at least a balance sheet
as of the end of each fiscal year and a statement of income and expenses for the
fiscal year. 

                                   ARTICLE VI


                                    AMENDMENT


          The Board of Directors shall have the power to make, alter or repeal
the By-Laws of the Corporation subject to the power of the stockholders to alter
or repeal the By-Laws made or altered by the Board of Directors.


                                   ARTICLE VII

                                 INDEMNIFICATION

          Section 1.     RIGHT TO INDEMNIFICATION.  The  Corporation shall
indemnify and hold harmless, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law
as it presently exists or may hereafter be amended, any person who was or is
made or is threatened to be made a party or is otherwise involved in any action,
suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (a
"proceeding"), by reason of the fact that he, or a person for whom he is the
legal representative, is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the
Corporation or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a
director, officer, employee or agent of another Corporation or of a partnership,
joint venture, trust, enterprise or non-profit entity, including service with
respect to employee benefit plans, against all liability and loss suffered and
expenses reasonably incurred by such person.  The 


                                        9
<PAGE>


Corporation shall be required to indemnify a person in connection with a
proceeding initiated by such person only if the proceeding was authorized by the
Board of Directors of the Corporation.

          Section 2.     PREPAYMENT OF EXPENSES.  The Corporation shall pay the
expenses incurred in defending any proceeding in advance of its final
disposition, PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the payment of expense incurred by a
director or officer in advance of the final disposition of the proceeding shall
be made only upon receipt of an undertaking by the director or officer to repay
all amounts advanced if it should ultimately be determined that the director or
officer is not entitled to be indemnified under this Article or otherwise.

          Section 3.     CLAIMS.  If a claim for indemnification or payment of
expenses under this Article is not paid in full within sixty days after a
written claim therefor has been received by the Corporation, the claimant may
file suit to recover the unpaid amount of such claim and, if successful in whole
or in part, shall be entitled to be paid the expense of prosecuting such claim. 
In any such action the Corporation shall have the burden of proving that the
claimant was not entitled to the requested indemnification or payment of
expenses under applicable law.

          Section 4.     NON-EXCLUSIVITY OF RIGHTS.  The rights conferred on any
person by this Article VII shall not be exclusive of any other rights which such
person may have or hereafter acquire under any statute, the Articles of
Incorporation, these By-Laws, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested
directors or otherwise.

          Section 5.     OTHER INDEMNIFICATION.  The Corporation's obligation,
if any, to indemnify any person who was or is serving at its request as a
director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint
venture, trust, enterprise or non-profit entity shall be reduced by any amount
such person may collect as indemnification from such other corporation,
partnership, joint venture, trust, enterprise or non-profit enterprise.

          Section 6.     AMENDMENT OR REPEAL.  Any repeal or modification of the
foregoing provisions of this Article VII shall not adversely affect any right or
protection hereunder of any person in respect of any act or omission occurring
prior to the time of such repeal or modification.

                                       10


 

<PAGE>


                              AMENDED AND RESTATED

                                     BY-LAWS

                                       OF

                               BOX USA GROUP, INC.
                            (A NEW YORK CORPORATION)


                                    ARTICLE I

                                  SHAREHOLDERS

          Section 1.     PLACE OF MEETINGS.  Meetings of shareholders shall be
held at such place, either within or without the State of New York, as shall be
designated from time to time by the Board of Directors.  Whenever the directors
shall fail to fix such place, meetings shall be held at the registered office of
the Corporation in the State of New York.

          Section 2.     ANNUAL MEETINGS.  Annual meetings of shareholders shall
be held on such date of each year and at such time as shall be designated from
time to time by the Board of Directors.  At each annual meeting, the
shareholders shall elect a Board of Directors by plurality vote and transact
such other business as may be properly brought before the meeting.    

          Section 3.     SPECIAL MEETINGS.  Special meetings of the shareholders
may be called by the Board of Directors or the Chairman of the Board.
          
          Section 4.     NOTICE OF MEETINGS.  Written notice of each meeting of
the shareholders stating the place, date and hour of such meeting shall be given
by or at the direction of the Board of Directors to each shareholder entitled to
vote at such meeting at least ten, but not more than fifty, days prior to the
meeting.  Notice of any special meeting shall state in general terms the purpose
or purposes for which the meeting is called.  

          Notice is given to a shareholder when it is personally delivered to
him, left at his residence or usual place of business, or mailed to him by first
class mail at his address as it appears on the records of the Corporation.  If
mailed, notice shall be deemed to be given when deposited in the mail, postage
prepaid, directed to the shareholder at his address as it appears on the records
of the Corporation. 


                                        1
<PAGE>


          Section 5.     WAIVER OF NOTICE.  Whenever notice is required to be
given either by statute, the Certificate of Incorporation or these By-Laws, a
written waiver, signed by the person entitled to notice, whether before or after
the time stated therein, shall be deemed the equivalent to notice.  Attendance
at a meeting, whether by person or proxy, shall constitute a waiver of notice of
such meeting, except when the meeting is attended for the express purpose of
objecting at the beginning of the meeting to the transaction of any business
because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.  Neither the business to
be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any regular or special meeting need be
specified in any written waiver of notice.   

          Section 6.     QUORUM; ADJOURNMENTS OF MEETINGS.  A majority of shares
entitled to vote, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a
quorum at a meeting of shareholders.  If there be less than a quorum, the
holders of a majority of the stock so present or represented may adjourn the
meeting to another time or place, from time to time, until a quorum shall be
present, whereupon the meeting may be held, as adjourned, without further
notice, except as required by law, and any business may be transacted thereat
which might have been transacted at the meeting as originally called.

          Section 7.     VOTING.  At any meeting of the shareholders, every
registered owner of shares entitled to vote may vote in person or by proxy and,
except as otherwise provided by statute, in the Certificate of Incorporation or
these By-Laws, shall have one vote for each such share standing in his name on
the books of the Corporation.  All matters, other than the election of
directors, brought before any meeting of the shareholders shall be decided by a
vote of a majority in interest of the shareholders of the Corporation present in
person or by proxy at such meeting and voting thereon, a quorum being present. 
Directors shall be elected by a plurality of the votes of the shares present in
person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote on the
election of directors. 

          Section 8.     PROXIES.  Every shareholder entitled to vote at a
meeting of shareholders or express consent or dissent without a meeting may
authorize another person to act for him by proxy.

          Every proxy must be signed by the shareholder or his attorney-in-fact.
No proxy shall be valid after expiration of eleven months from the date thereof
unless otherwise provided in the proxy.  Every proxy shall be revocable at the
pleasure of the shareholder executing it, except as otherwise provided by law.

          Section 9.     INSPECTORS OF ELECTION.  The Board of Directors or, if
the Board shall not have made the appointment, the chairman presiding at any
meeting of shareholders shall have power to appoint one or more persons to act
as inspectors of election at the meeting or any adjournment thereof, but no
candidate for the office of director shall be appointed as an inspector at any
meeting for the election of directors.

          Section 10.    CONDUCT OF MEETINGS.  The Chairman of the Board or, in
his absence, the President shall preside at all meetings of the shareholders. 
In the absence of both the Chairman of the Board and the President, a majority
of the members of the Board of 


                                        2
<PAGE>


Directors present in person at such meeting may appoint any other officer or
director to act as chairman of the meeting.

          The Secretary of the Corporation shall act as secretary of all
meetings of the shareholders.  In the absence of the Secretary, the chairman of
the meeting shall appoint any other person to act as secretary of the meeting.

          Section 11.    SHAREHOLDERS' ACTION WITHOUT MEETINGS.  Any action
required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the shareholders may be
taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote, if unanimous
written consent thereto is signed by the holders of all outstanding shares
entitled to vote and such written consent is delivered to the Corporation.

          Section 12.    FIXING THE RECORD DATE.  In order that the Corporation
may determine the shareholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting
of shareholders or any adjournment thereof, or to express consent to corporate
action in writing without a meeting, or entitled to receive payment of any
dividend or other distribution or allotment of rights, or entitled to exercise
any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of stock or for the
purpose of any other lawful action, the Board of Directors may fix a record
date, which record date shall not be more than fifty nor less than ten days
before the date of such meeting, nor more than fifty days prior to any other
action. 

          If no record date is fixed: (1) the record date for determining the
shareholders entitled to notice or to vote at a meeting of shareholders shall be
at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which notice is
given, or, if no notice is given, the day on which the meeting is held; and (2)
the record date for determining shareholders for any other purpose shall be the
close of business on the day on which the resolution of the Board relating
thereto is adopted. 

          Section 13.    SHAREHOLDER LIST.  The Secretary shall prepare, at
least ten days before every meeting of shareholders, a complete list of the
shareholders entitled to vote at the meeting, arranged in alphabetical order,
and showing the address of each shareholder and the number of shares registered
in the name of each shareholder.  Such list shall be open to the examination of
any shareholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting, during ordinary
business hours, for a period of at least ten days prior to the meeting, either
at a place within the city were the meeting is to be held, which place shall be
specified in the notice of the meeting, or, if not so specified, at the place
where the meeting is to be held.  The list shall also be produced and kept at
the time and place of the meeting during the whole time thereof and may be
inspected by any shareholder who is present.  The stock ledger shall be the only
evidence as to who are the shareholders entitled to examine the stock ledger,
the list of shareholders or the books of the Corporation, or to vote in person
or by proxy at any meeting of shareholders.


                                        3
<PAGE>

                                   ARTICLE II

                               BOARD OF DIRECTORS

          Section 1.     FUNCTION OF DIRECTORS.  The business and  affairs of
the Corporation shall be managed under the direction of the Board of Directors
of the Corporation. 

          Section 2.     NUMBER OF DIRECTORS.  The Board of Directors shall
consist of nine members; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that such number may from time to
time be increased or decreased by the Board of Directors or by the shareholders.
          
          Section 3.     QUALIFICATIONS.  Each director shall be a natural
person being at least eighteen years of age.  A director need not be a
shareholder, a citizen of the United States or a resident of the state in which
the Corporation is incorporated. 

          Section 4.     NEWLY CREATED DIRECTORSHIPS AND VACANCIES.  Newly
created directorships resulting from an increase in the number of directors and
vacancies occurring in the Board for any reason except the removal of directors
without cause may be filled by a vote of a majority of the directors then in
office, although less then a quorum exists, or by the shareholders.  Vacancies
created by the removal of directors for without cause shall be filled by the
shareholders.  A director elected to fill a vacancy caused by resignation, death
or removal shall be elected to hold office for the unexpired term of his
predecessor.

          Section 5.     REGULAR MEETINGS.  Following the annual meeting of the
shareholders, a regular annual meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held
as soon as practicable.  Any other regular meeting of the Board of Directors may
be held without notice at such times and places as the Board of Directors may
from time to time determine.

          Section 6.     SPECIAL MEETINGS.  Special meetings of the Board of
Directors may be called by order of the Chairman of the Board, the President or
any two directors.  Notice of the time and place of each special meeting shall
be given by or at the direction of the person or persons calling the meeting by
mailing the same at least three days before the meeting or by telephoning,
telegraphing, faxing or delivering personally the same to each director at least
twenty-four hours before the meeting.  Except as otherwise specified in the
notice thereof, or as required by statute, the Certificate of Incorporation or
these By-Laws, any and all business may be transacted at any special meeting.

          Section 7.     TELEPHONIC MEETINGS PERMITTED.  Members of the Board of
Directors, or any committee designated by the Board of Directors, may
participate in a meeting thereof by means of conference telephone or similar
communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the
meeting can hear each other, and participation in a meeting pursuant to this
Section 7 shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.


                                        4
<PAGE>


          Section 8.     ORGANIZATION.  Every meeting of the Board of Directors
shall be presided over by the Chairman of the Board or, in his absence, the
President.  In the absence of the Chairman of the Board and the President, a
presiding officer shall be chosen by a majority of the directors present.  The
Secretary of the Corporation shall act as secretary of the meeting, but, in his
absence, the presiding officer may appoint any person to act as secretary of the
meeting.

          Section 9.     QUORUM; VOTE.  A majority of the directors then in
office (but in no event less than one-third of the total number of directors)
shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, but less than a
quorum may adjourn any meeting to another time or place from time to time until
a quorum shall be present, whereupon the meeting may be held, as adjourned,
without further notice.  Except as otherwise required by statute, the
Certificate of Incorporation or these By-Laws, all matters coming before any
meeting of the Board of Directors shall be decided by the vote of a majority of
the directors present at the meeting, a quorum being present.

          Section 10.    REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS.  Any one or more of the directors
shall be subject to removal with or without cause at any time by the
shareholders.

          Section 11.    RESIGNATION.  A director may resign at any time by
giving written notice to the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board, the
President or the Secretary of the Corporation.  Unless otherwise specified in
the notice, the resignation shall take effect upon receipt thereof by the Board
of Directors or such officer, and the acceptance of the resignation shall not be
necessary to make it effective.         

          Section 12.    COMMITTEES.  The Board of Directors may designate one
or more committees, each committee to consist of one or more of the directors of
the Corporation.  The Board may designate one or more directors as alternate
members of any committee, who may replace any absent or disqualified member at
any meeting of the committee.  Any such committee, to the extent provided in the
resolution of the Board, shall have and may exercise the powers and authority of
the Board of Directors in the management of the business and affairs of the
Corporation with the exception of any authority the delegation of which is
prohibited by statute, and may authorize the seal of the Corporation to be
affixed to all papers which may require it.

          Section 13.    INFORMAL ACTION BY DIRECTORS.  Unless otherwise
restricted by the Certificate of Incorporation or these By-Laws, any action
required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors, or
of any committee thereof, may be taken without a meeting if all members of the
Board of Directors or such committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in
writing, and the writing or writings are filed with the minutes of proceedings
of the Board of Directors or such committee. 


                                        5
<PAGE>


                                   ARTICLE III

                                    OFFICERS

          Section 1.     GENERAL.  The Board of Directors shall  elect the
officers of the Corporation, which shall include a President, a Secretary and a
Treasurer and such other or additional officers (including, without limitation,
a Chairman of the Board, one or more Vice-Chairmen of the Board, Vice-
Presidents, Assistant Vice-Presidents, Assistant Secretaries and Assistant
Treasurers) as the Board of Directors may designate.

          Section 2.     TERM OF OFFICE; REMOVAL AND VACANCY.  The officers of
the Corporation shall be elected annually by the Board of Directors after each
annual meeting of the shareholders.  Each officer shall hold his office until
his successor is elected and qualified or until his earlier resignation or
removal.  Any officer or agent shall be subject to removal with or without cause
at any time by the Board of Directors.  Vacancies in any office, whether
occurring by death, resignation, removal or otherwise, may be filled by the
Board of Directors.

          Section 3.     POWERS AND DUTIES.  Each of the officers of the
Corporation shall, unless otherwise directed by the Board of Directors, have
such powers and duties as generally pertain to his respective office as well as
such powers and duties as from time to time may be conferred upon him by the
Board of Directors.  Unless otherwise ordered by the Board of Directors after
the adoption of these By-Laws, the Chairman of the Board or, when the office of
Chairman of the Board is vacant, the President shall be the chief executive
officer of the Corporation. 

          Section 4.     POWER TO VOTE STOCK.  Unless otherwise directed by the
Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board and the President each shall have
full power and authority on behalf of the Corporation to attend and to vote at
any meeting of shareholders of any Corporation in which the Corporation may hold
stock, and may exercise on behalf of the Corporation any and all of the rights
and powers incident to the ownership of such stock at any such meeting and shall
have power and authority to execute and deliver proxies, waivers and consents on
behalf of the Corporation in connection with the exercise by the Corporation of
the rights and powers incident to the ownership of such stock.  The Board of
Directors, from time to time, may confer like powers upon any other person or
persons.

          Section 5.     CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD.  The Chairman of the Board, if
one be elected, shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors and of
the shareholders at which he shall be present.  He shall have general charge and
supervision of the assets and affairs of the Corporation; he may sign and
execute, in the name of the Corporation, all authorized deeds, mortgages, bonds,
contracts or other instruments, except in cases in which the signing and
execution thereof shall have been expressly delegated to some other officer or
agent of the Corporation; and, in general, he shall have and may exercise such
powers as are, from time to time, assigned to him by the Board of Directors.


                                        6
<PAGE>


          Section 6.     PRESIDENT.  In the absence of the Chairman of the
Board, the President shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders and of
the Board of Directors at which he shall be present.  If no Chairman of the
Board be elected and acting, he shall have general charge and supervision of the
assets and affairs of the Corporation, and he may sign and execute, in the name
of the Corporation, all authorized deeds, mortgages, bonds, contracts or other
instruments, except in cases in which the signing and execution thereof shall
have been expressly delegated to some other officer or agent of the Corporation.
If a Chairman of the Board be elected and acting, the President shall perform
all duties incident to the office of a president of a corporation, and such
other duties as may from time to time be assigned to him by the Chairman of the
Board or the Board of Directors.

          Section 7.     VICE-PRESIDENTS.  The Vice-President or Vice-
Presidents, at the request of the Chief Executive Officer or in his absence or
during his inability to act, shall perform the duties and exercise the functions
of the Chief Executive Officer, and when so acting shall have the powers of the
Chief Executive Officer.  If there be more than one Vice-President, the Board of
Directors may determine which one or more of the Vice-Presidents shall perform
any of such duties or exercise any of such functions, or if such determination
is not made by the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer may make such
determination; otherwise any of the Vice-Presidents may perform any of such
duties or exercise any of such functions.  The Vice-President or Vice-Presidents
shall have such other powers and perform such other duties, and have such
additional descriptive designations in their titles (if any), as may be assigned
by the Board of Directors or the Chief Executive Officer.

          Section 8.     SECRETARY.  The Secretary shall keep the minutes of the
meetings of the stockholders, of the Board of Directors and of any committees,
in books provided for the purpose; he shall see that all notices are duly given
in accordance with the provisions of the By-Laws or as required by law; he shall
be custodian of the records of the Corporation; he shall witness all documents
on behalf of the Corporation, the execution of which is duly authorized, see
that the corporate seal is affixed where such document is required to be under
its seal, and, when so affixed, may attest the same; and, in general, he shall
perform all duties incident to the office of a secretary of a corporation, and
such other duties as may from time to time be assigned to him by the Board of
Directors or the Chief Executive Officer.

          Section 9.     TREASURER.  The Treasurer shall have charge of and be
responsible for all funds, securities, receipts and disbursements of the
Corporation, and shall deposit, or cause to be deposited, in the name of the
Corporation, all moneys or other valuable effects in such banks, trust companies
or other depositories as shall, from time to time, be selected by the Board of
Directors; he shall render to the Chief Executive Officer and to the Board of
Directors, whenever requested, an account of the financial condition of the
Corporation; and, in general, he shall perform all the duties incident to the
office of a treasurer of a Corporation, and such other duties as may from time
to time be assigned to him by the Board of Directors or the Chief Executive
Officer.


                                        7
<PAGE>


          Section 10.    COMPENSATION.  The Board of Directors shall have the
power to fix the salaries and other compensation and remuneration, of whatever
kind, of all officers of the Corporation. 


                                   ARTICLE IV

                                  CAPITAL STOCK

          Section 1.     CERTIFICATE FOR STOCK.  Each stockholder is entitled to
certificates which represent and certify the shares of stock he holds in the
Corporation.  Each stock certificate shall include on its face the name of the
Corporation, the name of the stockholder and the class of stock and number of
shares represented by the certificate and be in such form, not inconsistent with
law or with the Certificate of Incorporation, as shall be approved by the Board
of Directors.  Each stock certificate shall be signed by the Chairman of the
Board, the President or a Vice-President and countersigned by the Secretary, an
Assistant Secretary, the Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer.  Each certificate
may be sealed with the actual corporate seal or a facsimile of it or in any
other form and the signatures may be either manual or facsimile signatures.  A
certificate is valid and may be issued whether or not an officer who signed it
is still an officer when it is issued.

          Section 2.     TRANSFERS.  The Board of Directors shall have the power
and authority to make such rules and regulations as it may deem expedient
concerning the issue, transfer and registration of certificates of stock; and
may appoint transfer agents and registrars thereof.  The duties of transfer
agent and registrar may be combined.

          Section 3.     STOCK LEDGER.  The Corporation shall maintain a stock
ledger which contains the name and address of each stockholder and the number of
shares of stock of each class which the stockholder holds.  The stock ledger may
be in written form or in any other form which can be converted within a
reasonable time into written form for visual inspection.  The original or a
duplicate of the stock ledger shall be kept at the principal executive offices
of the Corporation.

          Section 4.     LOST STOCK CERTIFICATES.  The Board of Directors of the
Corporation may determine the conditions for issuing a new stock certificate in
place of one which is alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed, or the
Board of Directors may delegate such power to any officer or officers of the
Corporation.  In their discretion, the Board of Directors or such officer or
officers may refuse to issue such new certificate save upon court order.


                                        8
<PAGE>


                                    ARTICLE V

                                  MISCELLANEOUS

          Section 1.     CORPORATE SEAL.  The seal of the Corporation shall be
circular in form and shall contain the name of the Corporation and the year and
State of incorporation.

          Section 2.     FISCAL YEAR.  The Board of Directors shall have power
to fix, and from time to time to change, the fiscal year of the Corporation.

          Section 3.     STATEMENT OF AFFAIRS.  The Corporation shall furnish to
the shareholders annual financial statements, including at least a balance sheet
as of the end of each fiscal year and a statement of income and expenses for the
fiscal year.


                                   ARTICLE VI

                                    AMENDMENT

          The Board of Directors shall have the power to make, alter or repeal
the By-Laws of the Corporation subject to the power of the shareholders to alter
or repeal the By-Laws made or altered by the Board of Directors.


                                   ARTICLE VII


                                 INDEMNIFICATION

          Section 1.     RIGHT TO INDEMNIFICATION.  The  Corporation shall
indemnify and hold harmless, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law
as it presently exists or may hereafter be amended, any person who was or is
made or is threatened to be made a party or is otherwise involved in any action,
suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (a
"proceeding") by reason of the fact that he, or a person for whom he is the
legal representative, is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the
Corporation or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a
director, officer, employee or agent of another Corporation or of a partnership,
joint venture, trust, enterprise or non-profit entity, including service with
respect to employee benefit plans, against all liability and loss suffered and
expenses reasonably incurred by such person.  The Corporation shall be required
to indemnify a person in connection with a proceeding initiated by such person
only if the proceeding was authorized by the Board of Directors of the
Corporation.

          Section 2.     PREPAYMENT OF EXPENSES.  The Corporation shall pay the
expenses incurred in defending any proceeding in advance of its final
disposition, PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the payment of expense incurred by a
director or officer in advance of the final disposition of the proceeding shall
be made only upon receipt of an undertaking by the 


                                        9
<PAGE>


director or officer to repay all amounts advanced if it should be ultimately
determined that the director or officer is not entitled to be indemnified under
this Article or otherwise.

          Section 3.     CLAIMS.  If a claim for indemnification or payment of
expenses under this Article is not paid in full within sixty days after a
written claim therefor has been received by the Corporation, the claimant may
file suit to recover the unpaid amount of such claim and, if successful in whole
or in part, shall be entitled to be paid the expense of prosecuting such claim. 
In any such action the Corporation shall have the burden of proving that the
claimant was not entitled to the requested indemnification or payment of
expenses under applicable law.

          Section 4.     NON-EXCLUSIVITY OF RIGHTS.  The rights conferred on any
person by this Article VII shall not be exclusive of any other rights which such
person may have or hereafter acquire under any statute, the Certificate of
Incorporation, these By-Laws, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested
directors or otherwise.

          Section 5.     OTHER INDEMNIFICATION.  The Corporation's obligation,
if any, to indemnify any person who was or is serving at its request as a
director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint
venture, trust, enterprise or non-profit entity shall be reduced by any amount
such person may collect as indemnification from such other corporation,
partnership, joint venture, trust, enterprise or non-profit enterprise.

          Section 6.     AMENDMENT OR REPEAL.  Any repeal or modification of the
foregoing provisions of this Article VII shall not adversely affect any right or
protection hereunder of any person in respect of any act or omission occurring
prior to the time of such repeal or modification.

                                       10

 

<PAGE>


                                 AMENDED AND RESTATED

                                       BY-LAWS

                                          OF

                               FOUR M PAPER CORPORATION

                               (A DELAWARE CORPORATION)

                                      ARTICLE I

                                     STOCKHOLDERS

         Section 1.     PLACE OF MEETINGS.  Meetings of stockholders shall be
held at such place, either within or without the State of Delaware, as shall be
designated from time to time by the Board of Directors.  Whenever the directors
shall fail to fix such place, meetings shall be held at the registered office of
the Corporation in the State of Delaware.

         Section 2.     ANNUAL MEETINGS.  Annual meetings of stockholders shall
be held on such date of each year and at such time as shall be designated from
time to time by the Board of Directors.  At each annual meeting, the
stockholders shall elect a Board of Directors by plurality vote and transact
such other business as may be properly brought before the meeting.

         Section 3.     SPECIAL MEETINGS.  Special meetings of the stockholders
may be called by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board or the
President.

         Section 4.     NOTICE OF MEETINGS.  Written notice of each meeting of
the stockholders stating the place, date and hour of such meeting shall be given
by or at the direction of the Board of Directors to each stockholder entitled to
vote at such meeting at least ten, but not more than sixty, days prior to the
meeting.  Notice of any special meeting shall state in general terms the purpose
or purposes for which the meeting is called.

         Notice is given to a stockholder when it is personally delivered to
him, left at his residence or usual place of business, or mailed to him by first
class mail at his address as it appears on the records of the Corporation.  If
mailed, notice shall be deemed to be given when deposited in the mail, postage
prepaid, directed to the stockholder at his address as it appears on the records
of the Corporation.

         Section 5.     WAIVER OF NOTICE.  Whenever notice is required to be
given either by statute, the Certificate of Incorporation or these By-Laws, a
written waiver, signed by the person entitled to notice, whether before or after
the time stated therein, shall be deemed the equivalent to notice.  Attendance
at a meeting, whether in person or by proxy,


                                          1

<PAGE>

shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except when the meeting is
attended for the express purpose of objecting at the beginning of the meeting to
the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or
convened.  Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any
regular or special meeting need be specified in any written waiver of notice.

         Section 6.     QUORUM; ADJOURNMENTS OF MEETINGS.  A majority of shares
entitled to vote, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a
quorum at a meeting of stockholders.  If there be less than a quorum, the
holders of a majority of the stock so present or represented may adjourn the
meeting to another time or place, from time to time, until a quorum shall be
present, whereupon the meeting may be held, as adjourned, without further
notice, except as required by law, and any business may be transacted thereat
which might have been transacted at the meeting as originally called.

         Section 7.     VOTING.  At any meeting of the stockholders, every
registered owner of shares entitled to vote may vote in person or by proxy and,
except as otherwise provided by statute, in the Certificate of Incorporation or
these By-Laws, shall have one vote for each such share standing in his name on
the books of the Corporation.  All matters, other than the election of
directors, brought before any meeting of the stockholders shall be decided by a
vote of a majority in interest of the stockholders of the Corporation present in
person or by proxy at such meeting and voting thereon, a quorum being present.
Directors shall be elected by a plurality of the votes of the shares present in
person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote on the
election of directors.

         Section 8.     PROXIES.  Every stockholder entitled to vote at a
meeting of stockholders or express consent or dissent without a meeting may
authorize another person to act for him by proxy.

         Every proxy must be signed by the stockholder or his attorney-in-fact.
No proxy shall be valid after expiration of three years from the date thereof
unless otherwise provided in the proxy.  Every proxy shall be revocable at the
pleasure of the stockholder executing it, except as otherwise provided by law.

         Section 9.     INSPECTORS OF ELECTION.  The Board of Directors, or, if
the Board shall not have made the appointment, the chairman presiding at any
meeting of stockholders shall have power to appoint one or more persons to act
as inspectors of election at the meeting or any adjournment thereof, but no
candidate for the office of director shall be appointed as an inspector at any
meeting for the election of directors.

         Section 10.    CONDUCT OF MEETINGS.  The Chairman of the Board or, in
his absence, the President shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders.
In the absence of both the Chairman of the Board and the President, a majority
of the members of the Board of Directors present in person at such meeting may
appoint any other officer or director to act as chairman of the meeting.


                                          2

<PAGE>

         The Secretary of the Corporation shall act as secretary of all
meetings of the stockholders.  In the absence of the Secretary, the chairman of
the meeting shall appoint any other person to act as secretary of the meeting.

         Section 11.    STOCKHOLDERS' ACTION WITHOUT MEETINGS.  Any action
required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the stockholders may be
taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote, if  a written
consent or consents, setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by the
holders of outstanding shares having not less than the minimum number of votes
that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting at which
all shares entitled to vote thereon were present and voted and such written
consent or consents shall be delivered to the Corporation as provided in Section
228 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

         Section 12.    FIXING THE RECORD DATE.  In order that the Corporation
may determine the stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting
of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, or to express consent to corporate
action in writing without a meeting, or entitled to receive payment of any
dividend or other distribution or allotment of rights, or entitled to exercise
any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of stock or for the
purpose of any other lawful action, the Board of Directors may fix a record
date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution
fixing the record date is adopted by the Board of Directors and which record
date: (1) in the case of determining which stockholders are entitled to vote at
any stockholder meeting or adjournment thereof shall, unless otherwise required
by law, not be more than sixty nor less than ten days before the date of such
meeting; (2) in the case of determining which stockholders are entitled to
express consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting, shall not be
more than ten days from the date upon which the resolution fixing the record
date is adopted by the Board of Directors; and (3) in the case of any other
action, shall not be more than sixty days prior to such other action.

         If no record date is fixed:  (1) the record date for determining
stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall
be at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which such
notice is given, or, if notice is waived, at the close of business on the day
next preceding the day on which the meeting is held; (2) the record date for
determining stockholders entitled to express consent to corporate action in
writing without a meeting when no prior action of the Board of Directors is
required by law shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board
of Directors adopts the resolution taking such prior action; and (3) the record
date for determining stockholders for any other purpose shall be at the close of
business on the day on which the Board of Directors adopts the resolution
relating thereto.  A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice
of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the
meeting; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the Board of Directors may fix a new record
date for the adjourned meeting.

         Section 13.    STOCKHOLDER LIST.  The Secretary shall prepare, at
least ten days before every meeting of stockholders, a complete list of the
stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, arranged in alphabetical order,
and showing the address of each stockholder and


                                          3

<PAGE>

the number of shares registered in the name of each stockholder.  Such list
shall be open to the examination of any stockholder, for any purpose germane to
the meeting, during ordinary business hours, for a period of at least ten days
prior to the meeting, either at a place within the city were the meeting is to
be held, which place shall be specified in the notice of the meeting, or, if not
so specified, at the place where the meeting is to be held.  The list shall also
be produced and kept at the time and place of the meeting during the whole time
thereof and may be inspected by any stockholder who is present.  The stock
ledger shall be the only evidence as to who are the stockholders entitled to
examine the stock ledger, the list of stockholders or the books of the
Corporation, or to vote in person or by proxy at any meeting of stockholders.


                                      ARTICLE II

                                  BOARD OF DIRECTORS

         Section 1.     FUNCTION OF DIRECTORS.  The business and  affairs of
the Corporation shall be managed under the direction of the Board of Directors
of the Corporation.

         Section 2.     NUMBER OF DIRECTORS.  The Board of Directors shall
consist of nine members; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that such number may from time to
time be increased or decreased by the Board of Directors or by the stockholders.

         Section 3.     QUALIFICATIONS.  Each director shall be a natural
person being at least eighteen years of age.  A director need not be a
stockholder, a citizen of the United States or a resident of the state in which
the Corporation is incorporated.

         Section 4.     NEWLY CREATED DIRECTORSHIPS AND VACANCIES.  Newly
created directorships resulting from an increase in the number of directors and
vacancies occurring in the Board for any reason except the removal of directors
without cause may be filled by a vote of a majority of the directors then in
office, although less then a quorum exists, or by the stockholders.  Vacancies
created by the removal of directors without cause shall be filled by the
stockholders.  A director elected to fill a vacancy caused by resignation, death
or removal shall be elected to hold office for the unexpired term of his
predecessor.

         Section 5.     REGULAR MEETINGS.  Following the annual meeting of the
stockholders, a regular annual meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held
as soon as practicable.  Any other regular meeting of the Board of Directors may
be held without notice at such times and places as the Board of Directors may
from time to time determine.

         Section 6.     SPECIAL MEETINGS.  Special meetings of the Board of
Directors may be called by order of the Chairman of the Board, the President or
any two directors.  Notice of the time and place of each special meeting shall
be given by or at the direction of the person or persons calling the meeting by
mailing the same at least three days before the meeting or by telephoning,
telegraphing, faxing or delivering personally the same to each


                                          4

<PAGE>

director at least twenty-four hours before the meeting.  Except as otherwise
specified in the notice thereof, or as required by statute, the Certificate of
Incorporation or these By-Laws, any and all business may be transacted at any
special meeting.

         Section 7.     TELEPHONIC MEETINGS PERMITTED.  Members of the Board of
Directors, or any committee designated by the Board of Directors, may
participate in a meeting thereof by means of conference telephone or similar
communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the
meeting can hear each other, and participation in a meeting pursuant to this
Section 7 shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.

         Section 8.     ORGANIZATION.  Every meeting of the Board of Directors
shall be presided over by the Chairman of the Board or, in his absence, the
President.  In the absence of the Chairman of the Board and the President, a
presiding officer shall be chosen by a majority of the directors present.  The
Secretary of the Corporation shall act as secretary of the meeting, but, in his
absence, the presiding officer may appoint any person to act as secretary of the
meeting.

         Section 9.     QUORUM; VOTE.  A majority of the directors then in
office (but in no event less than one-third of the total number of directors)
shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, but less than a
quorum may adjourn any meeting to another time or place from time to time until
a quorum shall be present, whereupon the meeting may be held, as adjourned,
without further notice.  Except as otherwise required by statute, the
Certificate of Incorporation or these By-Laws, all matters coming before any
meeting of the Board of Directors shall be decided by the vote of a majority of
the directors present at the meeting, a quorum being present.

         Section 10.    REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS.  Any one or more of the directors
shall be subject to removal with or without cause at any time by the
stockholders.

         Section 11.    RESIGNATION.  A director may resign at any time by
giving written notice to the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board, the
President or the Secretary of the Corporation.  Unless otherwise specified in
the notice, the resignation shall take effect upon receipt thereof by the Board
of Directors or such officer, and the acceptance of the resignation shall not be
necessary to make it effective.

         Section 12.    COMMITTEES.  The Board of Directors may designate one
or more committees, each committee to consist of one or more of the directors of
the Corporation.  The Board may designate one or more directors as alternate
members of any committee, who may replace any absent or disqualified member at
any meeting of the committee.  Any such committee, to the extent provided in the
resolution of the Board, shall have and may exercise the powers and authority of
the Board of Directors in the management of the business and affairs of the
Corporation with the exception of any authority the delegation of which is
prohibited by statute, and may authorize the seal of the Corporation to be
affixed to all papers which may require it.


                                          5

<PAGE>

         Section 13.    INFORMAL ACTION BY DIRECTORS.  Unless otherwise
restricted by the Certificate of Incorporation or these By-Laws, any action
required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors, or
of any committee thereof, may be taken without a meeting if all members of the
Board of Directors or such committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in
writing, and the writing or writings are filed with the minutes of proceedings
of the Board of Directors or such committee.


                                     ARTICLE III

                                       OFFICERS

         Section 1.     GENERAL.  The Board of Directors shall  elect the
officers of the Corporation, which shall include a President, a Secretary and a
Treasurer and such other or additional officers (including, without limitation,
a Chairman of the Board, one or more Vice-Chairmen of the Board, Vice-
Presidents, Assistant Vice-Presidents, Assistant Secretaries and Assistant
Treasurers) as the Board of Directors may designate.

         Section 2.     TERM OF OFFICE; REMOVAL AND VACANCY.  The officers of
the Corporation shall be elected annually by the Board of Directors after each
annual meeting of the stockholders.  Each officer shall hold his office until
his successor is elected and qualified or until his earlier resignation or
removal.  Any officer shall be subject to removal with or without cause at any
time by the Board of Directors.  Vacancies in any office, whether occurring by
death, resignation, removal or otherwise, may be filled by the Board of
Directors.

         Section 3.     POWERS AND DUTIES.  Each of the officers of the
Corporation shall, unless otherwise directed by the Board of Directors, have
such powers and duties as generally pertain to his respective office as well as
such powers and duties as from time to time may be conferred upon him by the
Board of Directors.  Unless otherwise ordered by the Board of Directors after
the adoption of these By-Laws, the Chairman of the Board or, when the office of
Chairman of the Board is vacant, the President shall be the chief executive
officer of the Corporation.

         Section 4.     POWER TO VOTE STOCK.  Unless otherwise directed by the
Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board and the President each shall have
full power and authority on behalf of the Corporation to attend and to vote at
any meeting of stockholders of any Corporation in which the Corporation may hold
stock, and may exercise on behalf of the Corporation any and all of the rights
and powers incident to the ownership of such stock at any such meeting and shall
have power and authority to execute and deliver proxies, waivers and consents on
behalf of the Corporation in connection with the exercise by the Corporation of
the rights and powers incident to the ownership of such stock.  The Board of
Directors, from time to time, may confer like powers upon any other person or
persons.

         Section 5.     CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD.  The Chairman of the Board, if
one be elected, shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors and of
the stockholders at


                                          6

<PAGE>

which he shall be present.  He shall have general charge and supervision of the
assets and affairs of the Corporation; he may sign and execute, in the name of
the Corporation, all authorized deeds, mortgages, bonds, contracts or other
instruments, except in cases in which the signing and execution thereof shall
have been expressly delegated to some other officer or agent of the Corporation;
and, in general, he shall have and may exercise such powers as are, from time to
time, assigned to him by the Board of Directors.

         Section 6.     PRESIDENT.  In the absence of the Chairman of the
Board, the President shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders and of
the Board of Directors at which he shall be present.  If no Chairman of the
Board be elected and acting, he shall have general charge and supervision of the
assets and affairs of the Corporation, and he may sign and execute, in the name
of the Corporation, all authorized deeds, mortgages, bonds, contracts or other
instruments, except in cases in which the signing and execution thereof shall
have been expressly delegated to some other officer or agent of the Corporation.
If a Chairman of the Board be elected and acting, the President shall perform
all duties incident to the office of a president of a corporation, and such
other duties as may from time to time be assigned to him by the Chairman of the
Board or the Board of Directors.

         Section 7.     VICE-PRESIDENTS.  The Vice-President or Vice-Presidents,
at the request of the Chief Executive Officer or in his absence or during his 
inability to act, shall perform the duties and exercise the functions of the 
Chief Executive Officer, and when so acting shall have the powers of the 
Chief Executive Officer.  If there be more than one Vice-President, the Board 
of Directors may determine which one or more of the Vice-Presidents shall 
perform any of such duties or exercise any of such functions, or if such 
determination is not made by the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive 
Officer may make such determination; otherwise any of the Vice-Presidents may 
perform any of such duties or exercise any of such functions.  The 
Vice-President or Vice-Presidents shall have such other powers and perform 
such other duties, and have such additional descriptive designations in their 
titles (if any), as may be assigned by the Board of Directors or the Chief 
Executive Officer.

         Section 8.     SECRETARY.  The Secretary shall keep the minutes of the
meetings of the stockholders, of the Board of Directors and of any committees,
in books provided for the purpose; he shall see that all notices are duly given
in accordance with the provisions of the By-Laws or as required by law; he shall
be custodian of the records of the Corporation; he shall witness all documents
on behalf of the Corporation, the execution of which is duly authorized, see
that the corporate seal is affixed where such document is required to be under
its seal, and, when so affixed, may attest the same; and, in general, he shall
perform all duties incident to the office of a secretary of a corporation, and
such other duties as may from time to time be assigned to him by the Board of
Directors or the Chief Executive Officer.

         Section 9.     TREASURER.  The Treasurer shall have charge of and be
responsible for all funds, securities, receipts and disbursements of the
Corporation, and shall deposit, or cause to be deposited, in the name of the
Corporation, all moneys or other valuable effects in such banks, trust companies
or other depositories as shall, from time to


                                          7

<PAGE>

time, be selected by the Board of Directors; he shall render to the Chief
Executive Officer and to the Board of Directors, whenever requested, an account
of the financial condition of the Corporation; and, in general, he shall perform
all the duties incident to the office of a treasurer of a Corporation, and such
other duties as may from time to time be assigned to him by the Board of
Directors or the Chief Executive Officer.

         Section 10.    COMPENSATION.  The Board of Directors shall have the
power to fix the salaries and other compensation and remuneration, of whatever
kind, of all officers of the Corporation.


                                      ARTICLE IV

                                    CAPITAL STOCK

         Section 1.     CERTIFICATE FOR STOCK.  Each stockholder is entitled to
certificates which represent and certify the shares of stock he holds in the
Corporation.  Each stock certificate shall include on its face the name of the
Corporation, the name of the stockholder and the class of stock and number of
shares represented by the certificate and be in such form, not inconsistent with
law or with the Certificate of Incorporation, as shall be approved by the Board
of Directors.  Each stock certificate shall be signed by the Chairman of the
Board, the President, or a Vice-President and countersigned by the Secretary, an
Assistant Secretary, the Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer.  Each certificate
may be sealed with the actual corporate seal or a facsimile of it or in any
other form and the signatures may be either manual or facsimile signatures.  A
certificate is valid and may be issued whether or not an officer who signed it
is still an officer when it is issued.

         Section 2.     TRANSFERS.  The Board of Directors shall have the power
and authority to make such rules and regulations as it may deem expedient
concerning the issue, transfer and registration of certificates of stock; and
may appoint transfer agents and registrars thereof.  The duties of transfer
agent and registrar may be combined.

         Section 3.     STOCK LEDGER.  The Corporation shall maintain a stock
ledger which contains the name and address of each stockholder and the number of
shares of stock of each class which the stockholder holds.  The stock ledger may
be in written form or in any other from which can be converted within a
reasonable time into written form for visual inspection.  The original or a
duplicate of the stock ledger shall be kept at the offices of a transfer agent
for the particular class of stock, within or without the State of Delaware, or,
if none, at the principal executive offices of the Corporation.

         Section 4.     LOST STOCK CERTIFICATES.  The Board of Directors of the
Corporation may determine the conditions for issuing a new stock certificate in
place of one which is alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed, or the
Board of Directors may delegate such power to any officer or officers of the
Corporation.  In their discretion, the Board of Directors or such officer or
officers may refuse to issue such new certificate save upon court order.

                                       8

<PAGE>

                                      ARTICLE V

                                    MISCELLANEOUS

         Section 1.     CORPORATE SEAL.  The seal of the Corporation shall be
circular in form and shall contain the name of the Corporation and the year and
State of incorporation.

         Section 2.     FISCAL YEAR.  The Board of Directors shall have power
to fix, and from time to time to change, the fiscal year of the Corporation.

         Section 3.     STATEMENT OF AFFAIRS.  The Corporation shall furnish to
the stockholders annual financial statements, including at least a balance sheet
as of the end of each fiscal year and a statement of income and expenses for the
fiscal year.

                                      ARTICLE VI

                                      AMENDMENT

         The Board of Directors shall have the power to make, alter or repeal
the By-Laws of the Corporation subject to the power of the stockholders to alter
or repeal the By-Laws made or altered by the Board of Directors.


                                     ARTICLE VII

                                   INDEMNIFICATION

         Section 1.     RIGHT TO INDEMNIFICATION.  The  Corporation shall
indemnify and hold harmless, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law
as it presently exists or may hereafter be amended, any person who was or is
made or is threatened to be made a party or is otherwise involved in any action,
suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (a
"proceeding") by reason of the fact that he, or a person for whom he is the
legal representative, is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the
Corporation or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a
director, officer, employee or agent of another Corporation or of a partnership,
joint venture, trust, enterprise or non-profit entity, including service with
respect to employee benefit plans, against all liability and loss suffered and
expenses reasonably incurred by such person.  The Corporation shall be required
to indemnify a person in connection with a proceeding initiated by such person
only if the proceeding was authorized by the Board of Directors of the
Corporation.

         Section 2.     PREPAYMENT OF EXPENSES.  The Corporation shall pay the
expenses incurred in defending any proceeding in advance of its final
disposition, PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the payment of expense incurred by a
director or officer in advance of the final disposition of the proceeding shall
be made only upon receipt of an undertaking by the


                                          9

<PAGE>

director or officer to repay all amounts advanced if it should ultimately be
determined that the director or officer is not entitled to be indemnified under
this Article or otherwise.

         Section 3.     CLAIMS.  If a claim for indemnification or payment of
expenses under this Article is not paid in full within sixty days after a
written claim therefor has been received by the Corporation, the claimant may
file suit to recover the unpaid amount of such claim and, if successful in whole
or in part, shall be entitled to be paid the expense of prosecuting such claim.
In any such action the Corporation shall have the burden of proving that the
claimant was not entitled to the requested indemnification or payment of
expenses under applicable law.

         Section 4.     NON-EXCLUSIVITY OF RIGHTS.  The rights conferred on any
person by this Article VII shall not be exclusive of any other rights which such
person may have or hereafter acquire under any statute, the Certificate of
Incorporation, these By-Laws, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested
directors or otherwise.

         Section 5.     OTHER INDEMNIFICATION.  The Corporation's obligation,
if any, to indemnify any person who was or is serving at its request as a
director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint
venture, trust, enterprise or non-profit entity shall be reduced by any amount
such person may collect as indemnification from such other corporation,
partnership, joint venture, trust, enterprise or non-profit enterprise.

         Section 6.     AMENDMENT OR REPEAL.  Any repeal or modification of the
foregoing provisions of this Article VII shall not adversely affect any right or
protection hereunder of any person in respect of any act or omission occurring
prior to the time of such repeal or modification.


                                          10


<PAGE>



                              AMENDED AND RESTATED

                                     BY-LAWS

                                       OF

                           PAGE PACKAGING CORPORATION
                           (A CALIFORNIA CORPORATION)



                                    ARTICLE I

                                  SHAREHOLDERS

          Section 1.     PLACE OF MEETINGS.  Meetings of shareholders shall be
held at such place, either within or without the State of California, as shall
be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors.  Whenever the
directors shall fail to fix such place, meetings shall be held at the registered
office of the Corporation in the State of California.

          Section 2.     ANNUAL MEETINGS.  Annual meetings of shareholders shall
be held on such date of each year and at such time as shall be designated from
time to time by the Board of Directors.  At each annual meeting, the
shareholders shall elect a Board of Directors by plurality vote and transact
such other business as may be properly brought before the meeting.

          Section 3.     SPECIAL MEETINGS.  Special meetings of the shareholders
may be called by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board, the
President, or holders of shares entitled to cast not less than ten percent of
the votes at the meeting.

          Section 4.     NOTICE OF MEETINGS.  Written notice of each meeting of
the shareholders stating the place, date and hour of such meeting shall be given
not less than ten nor more than sixty days before the date of the meeting to
each shareholder entitled to vote thereat.   Notice of any special meeting shall
state in general terms the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called.


          Notice is given to a shareholder when it is faxed to him at his
residence or usual place of business, personally delivered to him, left at his
residence or usual place of business, or mailed to him by first class mail at
his address as it appears on the records of the Corporation.  If mailed, notice
shall be deemed to be given when deposited in the mail, postage prepaid,
directed to the shareholder at his address as it appears on the records of the
Corporation.


                                        1
<PAGE>


          Section 5.     WAIVER OF NOTICE.  Whenever notice is required to be
given either by statute, the Articles of Incorporation or these By-Laws, a
written waiver, signed by the person entitled to notice, whether before or after
the time stated therein, shall be deemed the equivalent to notice.  Attendance
at a meeting, whether in person or by proxy, shall constitute a waiver of notice
of such meeting, except when the meeting is attended for the express purpose of
objecting at the beginning of the meeting to the transaction of any business
because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.  Neither the business to
be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any regular or special meeting need be
specified in any written waiver of notice.

          Section 6.     QUORUM; ADJOURNMENTS OF MEETINGS.  A majority of shares
entitled to vote, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a
quorum at a meeting of shareholders.  If there be less than a quorum, the
holders of a majority of the stock so present or represented may adjourn the
meeting to another time or place, from time to time, until a quorum shall be
present, whereupon the meeting may be held, as adjourned, without further
notice, except as required by law, and any business may be transacted thereat
which might have been transacted at the meeting as originally called.

          Section 7.     VOTING.  At any meeting of the shareholders, every
registered owner of shares entitled to vote may vote in person or by proxy and,
except as otherwise provided by statute, in the Articles of Incorporation or
these By-Laws, shall have one vote for each such share standing in his name on
the books of the Corporation.  All matters, other than the election of
directors, brought before any meeting of the shareholders shall be decided by a
vote of a majority in interest of the shareholders of the Corporation present in
person or by proxy at such meeting and voting thereon, a quorum being present.
Directors shall be elected by a plurality of the votes of the shares present in
person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote on the
election of directors.

          Section 8.     PROXIES.  Every shareholder entitled to vote at a
meeting of shareholders or express consent or dissent without a meeting may
authorize another person to act for him by proxy.

          Every proxy must be signed by the shareholder or his attorney-in-fact.
No proxy shall be valid after expiration of eleven months from the date thereof
unless otherwise provided in the proxy.  Every proxy shall be revocable at the
pleasure of the shareholder executing it, except as otherwise provided by law.

          Section 9.     INSPECTORS OF ELECTION.  The Board of Directors or, if
the Board shall not have made the appointment, the chairman presiding at any
meeting of shareholders shall have power to appoint one or three persons to act
as inspectors of election at the meeting or any adjournment thereof, but no
candidate for the office of director shall be appointed as an inspector at any
meeting for the election of directors.

          Section 10.    CONDUCT OF MEETINGS.  The Chairman of the Board or, in
his absence, the President shall preside at all meetings of the shareholders.
In the absence of both the Chairman of the Board and the President, a majority
of the members of the Board of


                                        2
<PAGE>


Directors present in person at such meeting may appoint any other officer or
director to act as chairman of the meeting.

          The Secretary of the Corporation shall act as secretary of all
meetings of the shareholders.  In the absence of the Secretary, the chairman of
the meeting shall appoint any other person to act as secretary of the meeting.

          Section 11.    SHAREHOLDERS' ACTION WITHOUT MEETINGS.  Any action
required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the shareholders may be
taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote, if unanimous
written consent thereto is signed by the holders of all outstanding shares
entitled to vote and such written consent is delivered to the Corporation.

          Section 12.    FIXING THE RECORD DATE.  In order that the Corporation
may determine the shareholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting
of shareholders or any adjournment thereof, or to express consent to corporate
action in writing without a meeting, or entitled to receive payment of any
dividend or other distribution or allotment of rights, or entitled to exercise
any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of stock or for the
purpose of any other lawful action, the Board of Directors may fix a record date
that is not more than sixty nor less ten days prior to the date of the meeting
of shareholders.

          If no record date is fixed: (1) the record date for determining
shareholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of shareholders shall
be at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which notice is
given or, if notice is waived, at the close of business on the day immediately
preceding the day on which the meeting is held; (2) the record date for
determining shareholders entitled to give consent to corporate action in writing
without a meeting, when no prior action by the Board has been taken, shall be
the day on which the first written consent is given; and (3) the record date for
determining shareholders for any other purpose shall be at the close of business
on the day on which the Board of Directors adopts the resolution relating
thereto, or the sixtieth day prior to the date of such other action, whichever
is later.

          Section 13.    SHAREHOLDER LIST.  The Secretary shall prepare and
make, at least ten days before every meeting of shareholders, a complete list of
the shareholders entitled to vote at the meeting, arranged in alphabetical
order, and showing the address of each shareholder and the number of shares
registered in the name of each shareholder.  Such list shall be open to the
examination of any shareholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting, during
ordinary business hours, for a period of at least ten days prior to the meeting,
either at a place within the city were the meeting is to be held, which place
shall be specified in the notice of the meeting, or, if not so specified, at the
place where the meeting is to be held or at the Corporation's principal
executive office.  The list shall also be produced and kept at the time and
place of the meeting during the whole time thereof and may be inspected by any
shareholder who is present.  The stock ledger shall be the only evidence as to
who are the shareholders entitled to examine the stock ledger, the list of


                                        3
<PAGE>


shareholders or the books of the Corporation, or to vote in person or by proxy
at any meeting of shareholders.



                                   ARTICLE II

                               BOARD OF DIRECTORS

          Section 1.     FUNCTION OF DIRECTORS.  The business and  affairs of
the Corporation shall be managed under the direction of the Board of Directors
of the Corporation.

          Section 2.     NUMBER OF DIRECTORS.  The Board of Directors shall
consist of nine members; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that such number may from time to
time be increased or decreased by the Board of Directors or by the shareholders.

          Section 3.     QUALIFICATIONS.   Each director shall be a natural
person being at least eighteen years of age.  A director need not be a
shareholder, a citizen of the United States or a resident of the state in which
the Corporation is incorporated.

          Section 4.     NEWLY CREATED DIRECTORSHIPS AND VACANCIES.  Newly
created directorships resulting from an increase in the number of directors and
vacancies occurring in the Board for any reason except the removal of directors
without cause may be filled by a vote of a majority of the directors then in
office, although less then a quorum exists, or by the shareholders.  Vacancies
created by the removal of directors without cause shall be filled by the
shareholders.  A director elected to fill a vacancy caused by resignation, death
or removal shall be elected to hold office for the unexpired term of his
predecessor.

          Section 5.     REGULAR MEETINGS.  Following the annual meeting of the
shareholders, a regular annual meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held
as soon as practicable.  Any other regular meeting of the Board of Directors may
be held without notice at such times and places as the Board of Directors may
from time to time determine.

          Section 6.     SPECIAL MEETINGS.  Special meetings of the Board of
Directors may be called by order of the Chairman of the Board, the President or
any two directors.  Notice of the time and place of each special meeting shall
be given by or at the direction of the person or persons calling the meeting by
mailing the same at least four days before the meeting or by telephoning,
telegraphing, faxing or delivering personally the same to each director at least
forty-eight hours before the meeting.  Except as otherwise specified in the
notice thereof, or as required by statute, the Articles of Incorporation or
these By-Laws, any and all business may be transacted at any special meeting.

          Section 7.     TELEPHONIC MEETINGS PERMITTED.  Members of the Board of
Directors, or any committee designated by the Board of Directors, may
participate in a meeting thereof by means of conference telephone or similar
communications equipment by


                                        4
<PAGE>


means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other, and
participation in a meeting pursuant to this Section 7 shall constitute presence
in person at such meeting.

          Section 8.     ORGANIZATION.  Every meeting of the Board of Directors
shall be presided over by the Chairman of the Board or, in his absence, the
President.  In the absence of the Chairman of the Board and the President, a
presiding officer shall be chosen by a majority of the directors present.  The
Secretary of the Corporation shall act as secretary of the meeting, but, in his
absence, the presiding officer may appoint any person to act as secretary of the
meeting.

          Section 9.     QUORUM; VOTE.  A majority of the directors then in
office (but in no event less than one-third of the total number of directors)
shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, but less than a
quorum may adjourn any meeting to another time or place from time to time until
a quorum shall be present, whereupon the meeting may be held, as adjourned,
without further notice.  Except as otherwise required by statute, the Articles
of Incorporation or these By-Laws, all matters coming before any meeting of the
Board of Directors shall be decided by the vote of a majority of the directors
present at the meeting, a quorum being present.

          Section 10.    REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS.  Any one or more of the directors
shall be subject to removal with or without cause at any time by the
shareholders.

          Section 11.    RESIGNATION.  A director may resign at any time by
giving written notice to the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board, the
President or the Secretary of the Corporation.  Unless otherwise specified in
the notice, the resignation shall take effect upon receipt thereof by the Board
of Directors or such officer, and the acceptance of the resignation shall not be
necessary to make it effective.

          Section 12.    COMMITTEES.  The Board of Directors may designate one
or more committees, each committee to consist of one or more of the directors of
the Corporation.  The Board may designate one or more directors as alternate
members of any committee, who may replace any absent or disqualified member at
any meeting of the committee.  Any such committee, to the extent provided in the
resolution of the Board, shall have and may exercise the powers and authority of
the Board of Directors in the management of the business and affairs of the
Corporation with the exception of any authority the delegation of which is
prohibited by statute, and may authorize the seal of the Corporation to be
affixed to all papers which may require it.

          Section 13.    INFORMAL ACTION BY DIRECTORS.  Unless otherwise
restricted by the Articles of Incorporation or these By-Laws, any action
required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors, or
of any committee thereof, may be taken without a meeting if all members of the
Board of Directors or such committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in
writing, and the writing or writings are filed with the minutes of proceedings
of the Board of Directors or such committee.


                                        5
<PAGE>


                                   ARTICLE III

                                    OFFICERS

          Section 1.     GENERAL.  The Board of Directors shall  elect the
officers of the Corporation, which shall include a President, a Secretary and a
Treasurer and such other or additional officers (including, without limitation,
a Chairman of the Board, one or more Vice-Chairmen of the Board, Vice-
Presidents, Assistant Vice-Presidents, Assistant Secretaries and Assistant
Treasurers) as the Board of Directors may designate.

          Section 2.     TERM OF OFFICE; REMOVAL AND VACANCY.  The officers of
the Corporation shall be elected annually by the Board of Directors after each
annual meeting of the shareholders.  Each officer shall hold his office until
his successor is elected and qualified or until his earlier resignation or
removal.  Any officer or agent shall be subject to removal with or without cause
at any time by the Board of Directors.  Vacancies in any office, whether
occurring by death, resignation, removal or otherwise, may be filled by the
Board of Directors.

          Section 3.     POWERS AND DUTIES.  Each of the officers of the
Corporation shall, unless otherwise directed by the Board of Directors, have
such powers and duties as generally pertain to his respective office as well as
such powers and duties as from time to time may be conferred upon him by the
Board of Directors.  Unless otherwise ordered by the Board of Directors after
the adoption of these By-Laws, the Chairman of the Board or, when the office of
Chairman of the Board is vacant, the President shall be the chief executive
officer of the Corporation.

          Section 4.     POWER TO VOTE STOCK.  Unless otherwise directed by the
Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board and the President each shall have
full power and authority on behalf of the Corporation to attend and to vote at
any meeting of shareholders of any Corporation in which the Corporation may hold
stock, and may exercise on behalf of the Corporation any and all of the rights
and powers incident to the ownership of such stock at any such meeting and shall
have power and authority to execute and deliver proxies, waivers and consents on
behalf of the Corporation in connection with the exercise by the Corporation of
the rights and powers incident to the ownership of such stock.  The Board of
Directors, from time to time, may confer like powers upon any other person or
persons.

          Section 5.     CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD.  The Chairman of the Board, if
one be elected, shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors and of
the shareholders at which he shall be present.  He shall have general charge and
supervision of the assets and affairs of the Corporation; he may sign and
execute, in the name of the Corporation, all authorized deeds, mortgages, bonds,
contracts or other instruments, except in cases in which the signing and
execution thereof shall have been expressly delegated to some other officer or
agent of the Corporation; and, in general, he shall have and may exercise such
powers as are, from time to time, assigned to him by the Board of Directors.


                                        6
<PAGE>


          Section 6.     PRESIDENT.  In the absence of the Chairman of the
Board, the President shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders and of
the Board of Directors at which he shall be present.  If no Chairman of the
Board be elected and acting, he shall have general charge and supervision of the
assets and affairs of the Corporation, and he may sign and execute, in the name
of the Corporation, all authorized deeds, mortgages, bonds, contracts or other
instruments, except in cases in which the signing and execution thereof shall
have been expressly delegated to some other officer or agent of the Corporation.
If a Chairman of the Board be elected and acting, the President shall perform
all duties incident to the office of a president of a corporation, and such
other duties as may from time to time be assigned to him by the Chairman of the
Board or the Board of Directors.

          Section 7.     VICE-PRESIDENTS.  The Vice-President or Vice-
Presidents, at the request of the Chief Executive Officer or in his absence or
during his inability to act, shall perform the duties and exercise the functions
of the Chief Executive Officer, and when so acting shall have the powers of the
Chief Executive Officer.  If there be more than one Vice-President, the Board of
Directors may determine which one or more of the Vice-Presidents shall perform
any of such duties or exercise any of such functions, or if such determination
is not made by the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer may make such
determination; otherwise any of the Vice-Presidents may perform any of such
duties or exercise any of such functions.  The Vice-President or Vice-Presidents
shall have such other powers and perform such other duties, and have such
additional descriptive designations in their titles (if any), as may be assigned
by the Board of Directors or the Chief Executive Officer.

          Section 8.     SECRETARY.  The Secretary shall keep the minutes of the
meetings of the stockholders, of the Board of Directors and of any committees,
in books provided for the purpose; he shall see that all notices are duly given
in accordance with the provisions of the By-Laws or as required by law; he shall
be custodian of the records of the Corporation; he shall witness all documents
on behalf of the Corporation, the execution of which is duly authorized, see
that the corporate seal is affixed where such document is required to be under
its seal, and, when so affixed, may attest the same; and, in general, he shall
perform all duties incident to the office of a secretary of a corporation, and
such other duties as may from time to time be assigned to him by the Board of
Directors or the Chief Executive Officer.

          Section 9.     TREASURER.  The Treasurer shall have charge of and be
responsible for all funds, securities, receipts and disbursements of the
Corporation, and shall deposit, or cause to be deposited, in the name of the
Corporation, all moneys or other valuable effects in such banks, trust companies
or other depositories as shall, from time to time, be selected by the Board of
Directors; he shall render to the Chief Executive Officer and to the Board of
Directors, whenever requested, an account of the financial condition of the
Corporation; and, in general, he shall perform all the duties incident to the
office of a treasurer of a Corporation, and such other duties as may from time
to time be assigned to him by the Board of Directors or the Chief Executive
Officer.


                                        7
<PAGE>


          Section 10.    COMPENSATION.  The Board of Directors shall have the
power to fix the salaries and other compensation and remuneration, of whatever
kind, of all officers of the Corporation.


                                   ARTICLE IV

                                  CAPITAL STOCK

          Section 1.     CERTIFICATE FOR STOCK.  Each stockholder is entitled to
certificates which represent and certify the shares of stock he holds in the
Corporation.  Each stock certificate shall include on its face the name of the
Corporation, the name of the stockholder and the class of stock and number of
shares represented by the certificate and be in such form, not inconsistent with
law or with the Articles of Incorporation, as shall be approved by the Board of
Directors.  Each stock certificate shall be signed by the Chairman of the Board,
the President or a Vice-President and countersigned by the Secretary, an
Assistant Secretary, the Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer.  Each certificate
may be sealed with the actual corporate seal or a facsimile of it or in any
other form and the signatures may be either manual or facsimile signatures.  A
certificate is valid and may be issued whether or not an officer who signed it
is still an officer when it is issued.

          Section 2.     TRANSFERS.  The Board of Directors shall have the power
and authority to make such rules and regulations as it may deem expedient
concerning the issue, transfer and registration of certificates of stock; and
may appoint transfer agents and registrars thereof.  The duties of transfer
agent and registrar may be combined.

          Section 3.     STOCK LEDGER.  The Corporation shall maintain a stock
ledger which contains the name and address of each stockholder and the number of
shares of stock of each class which the stockholder holds.  The stock ledger may
be in written form or in any other form which can be converted within a
reasonable time into written form for visual inspection.  The original or a
duplicate of the stock ledger shall be kept at the principal executive offices
of the Corporation.

          Section 4.     LOST STOCK CERTIFICATES.  The Board of Directors of the
Corporation may determine the conditions for issuing a new stock certificate in
place of one which is alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed, or the
Board of Directors may delegate such power to any officer or officers of the
Corporation.  In their discretion, the Board of Directors or such officer or
officers may refuse to issue such new certificate save upon court order.



                                        8
<PAGE>


                                    ARTICLE V

                                  MISCELLANEOUS

          Section 1.     CORPORATE SEAL.  The seal of the Corporation shall be
circular in form and shall contain the name of the Corporation and the year and
State of incorporation.

          Section 2.     FISCAL YEAR.  The Board of Directors shall have power
to fix, and from time to time to change, the fiscal year of the Corporation.

          Section 3.     STATEMENT OF AFFAIRS.  The Corporation shall furnish to
the shareholders annual financial statements, including at least a balance sheet
as of the end of each fiscal year and a statement of income and expenses for the
fiscal year.


                                   ARTICLE VI

                                    AMENDMENT

          The Board of Directors shall have the power to make, alter or repeal
the By-Laws of the Corporation subject to the power of the shareholders to alter
or repeal the By-Laws made or altered by the Board of Directors.


                                   ARTICLE VII

                                 INDEMNIFICATION

          Section 1.     RIGHT TO INDEMNIFICATION.  The  Corporation shall
indemnify and hold harmless, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law
as it presently exists or may hereafter be amended, any person who was or is
made or is threatened to be made a party or is otherwise involved in any action,
suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (a
"proceeding") by reason of the fact that he, or a person for whom he is the
legal representative, is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the
Corporation or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a
director, officer, employee or agent of another Corporation or of a partnership,
joint venture, trust, enterprise or non-profit entity, including service with
respect to employee benefit plans, against all liability and loss suffered and
expenses reasonably incurred by such person.  The Corporation shall be required
to indemnify a person in connection with a proceeding initiated by such person
only if the proceeding was authorized by the Board of Directors of the
Corporation.

          Section 2.     PREPAYMENT OF EXPENSES.  The Corporation shall pay the
expenses incurred in defending any proceeding in advance of its final
disposition, PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the payment of expense incurred by a
director or officer in advance of the final disposition of the proceeding shall
be made only upon receipt of an undertaking by the


                                        9
<PAGE>


director or officer to repay all amounts advanced if it should be ultimately
determined that the director or officer is not entitled to be indemnified under
this Article or otherwise.

          Section 3.     CLAIMS.  If a claim for indemnification or payment of
expenses under this Article is not paid in full within sixty days after a
written claim therefor has been received by the Corporation, the claimant may
file suit to recover the unpaid amount of such claim and, if successful in whole
or in part, shall be entitled to be paid the expense of prosecuting such claim.
In any such action the Corporation shall have the burden of proving that the
claimant was not entitled to the requested indemnification or payment of
expenses under applicable law.

          Section 4.     NON-EXCLUSIVITY OF RIGHTS.  The rights conferred on any
person by this Article VII shall not be exclusive of any other rights which such
person may have or hereafter acquire under any statute, the Articles of
Incorporation, these By-Laws, agreement, vote of shareholders or disinterested
directors or otherwise.

          Section 5.     OTHER INDEMNIFICATION.  The Corporation's obligation,
if any, to indemnify any person who was or is serving at its request as a
director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint
venture, trust, enterprise or non-profit entity shall be reduced by any amount
such person may collect as indemnification from such other corporation,
partnership, joint venture, trust, enterprise or non-profit enterprise.

          Section 6.     AMENDMENT OR REPEAL.  Any repeal or modification of the
foregoing provisions of this Article VII shall not adversely affect any right or
protection hereunder of any person in respect of any act or omission occurring
prior to the time of such repeal or modification.


                                       10



<PAGE>

                                        BYLAWS

                                          OF

                                    BOX USA, INC.

                               (a Delaware corporation)

                                    ______________

                                      ARTICLE I

                                     STOCKHOLDERS

         1.  CERTIFICATES REPRESENTING STOCK.  Certificates representing stock
in the corporation shall be signed by, or in the name of, the corporation by the
Chairman or Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors, if any, or by the President
or a Vice-President and by the Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer or the
Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the corporation.  Any or all the
signatures on any such certificate may be a facsimile.  In case any officer,
transfer agent, or registrar who has signed or whose facsimile signature has
been placed upon a certificate shall have ceased to be such officer, transfer
agent, or registrar before such certificate is issued, it may be issued by the
corporation with the same effect as if he were such officer, transfer agent, or
registrar at the date of issue.

         Whenever the corporation shall be authorized to issue more than one
class of stock or more than one series of any class of stock, and whenever the
corporation shall issue any shares of its stock as partly paid stock, the
certificates representing shares of any such class or series or of any such
partly paid stock shall set forth thereon the statements prescribed by the
General Corporation Law.  Any restrictions on the transfer or registration of
transfer of any shares of stock of any class or series shall be noted
conspicuously on the certificate representing such shares.

         The corporation may issue a new certificate of stock or uncertificated
shares in place of any certificate theretofore issued by it, alleged to have
been lost, stolen, or destroyed, and the Board of Directors may require the
owner of the lost, stolen, or destroyed certificate, or his legal
representative, to give the corporation a bond sufficient to indemnify the
corporation against any claim that may be made against it on account of the
alleged loss, theft, or destruction of any such certificate or the issuance of
any such new certificate or uncertificated shares.

         2.  UNCERTIFICATED SHARES.  Subject to any conditions imposed by the
General Corporation Law, the Board of Directors of the corporation may provide
by resolution or resolutions that some or all of any or all classes or series of
the stock of the corporation shall

<PAGE>


be uncertificated shares.  Within a reasonable time after the issuance or 
transfer of any uncertificated shares, the corporation shall send to the 
registered owner thereof any written notice prescribed by the General 
Corporation Law.

         3.  FRACTIONAL SHARE INTERESTS.  The corporation may, but shall not be
required to, issue fractions of a share.  If the corporation does not issue
fractions of a share, it shall (1) arrange for the disposition of fractional
interests by those entitled thereto, (2) pay in cash the fair value of fractions
of a share as of the time when those entitled to receive such fractions are
determined, or (3) issue scrip or warrants in registered form (either
represented by a certificate or uncertificated) or bearer form (represented by a
certificate) which shall entitle the holder to receive a full share upon the
surrender of such scrip or warrants aggregating a full share.  A certificate for
a fractional share or an uncertificated fractional share shall, but scrip or
warrants shall not unless otherwise provided therein, entitle the holder to
exercise voting rights, to receive dividends thereon, and to participate in any
of the assets of the corporation in the event of liquidation.  The Board of
Directors may cause scrip or warrants to be issued subject to the conditions
that they shall become void if not exchanged for certificates representing the
full shares or uncertificated full shares before a specified date, or subject to
the conditions that the shares for which scrip or warrants are exchangeable may
be sold by the corporation and the proceeds thereof distributed to the holders
of scrip or warrants, or subject to any other conditions which the Board of
Directors may impose.

         4.  STOCK TRANSFERS.  Upon compliance with provisions restricting the
transfer or registration of transfer of shares of stock, if any, transfers or
registration of transfers of shares of stock of the corporation shall be made
only on the stock ledger of the corporation by the registered holder thereof, or
by his attorney thereunto authorized by power of attorney duly executed and
filed with the Secretary of the corporation or with a transfer agent or a
registrar, if any, and, in the case of shares represented by certificates, on
surrender of the certificate or certificates for such shares of stock properly
endorsed and the payment of all taxes due thereon.

         5.  RECORD DATE FOR STOCKHOLDERS.  In order that the corporation may
determine the stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of
stockholders or any adjournment thereof, the Board of Directors may fix a record
date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution
fixing the record date is adopted by the Board of Directors, and which record
date shall not be more than sixty nor less than ten days before the date of such
meeting.  If no record date is fixed by the Board of Directors, the record date
for determining stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of
stockholders shall be at the close of business on the day next preceding the day
on which notice is given, or, if notice is waived, at the close of business on
the day next preceding the day on which the meeting is held.  A determination of
stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of
stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting; provided, however,
that the Board of Directors may fix a new record date for the adjourned meeting.
In order that the corporation


                                         -2-

<PAGE>

may determine the stockholders entitled to consent to corporate action in 
writing without a meeting, the Board of Directors may fix a record date, 
which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing 
the record date is adopted by the Board of Directors, and which date shall 
not be more than ten days after the date upon which the resolution fixing the 
record date is adopted by the Board of Directors.  If no record date has been 
fixed by the Board of Directors, the record date for determining the 
stockholders entitled to consent to corporate action in writing without a 
meeting, when no prior action by the Board of Directors is required by the 
General Corporation Law, shall be the first date on which a signed written 
consent setting forth the action taken or proposed to be taken is delivered 
to the corporation by delivery to its registered office in the State of 
Delaware, its principal place of business, or an officer or agent of the 
corporation having custody of the book in which proceedings of meetings of 
stockholders are recorded. Delivery made to the corporation's registered 
office shall be by hand or by certified or registered mail, return receipt 
requested.  If no record date has been fixed by the Board of Directors and 
prior action by the Board of Directors is required by the General Corporation 
Law, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to consent to 
corporate action in writing without a meeting shall be at the close of 
business on the day on which the Board of Directors adopts the resolution 
taking such prior action.  In order that the corporation may determine the 
stockholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other 
distribution or allotment of any rights or the stockholders entitled to 
exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion, or exchange of 
stock, or for the purpose of any other lawful action, the Board of Directors 
may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon 
which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted, and which record date 
shall be not more than sixty days prior to such action.  If no record date is 
fixed, the record date for determining stockholders for any such purpose 
shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board of Directors 
adopts the resolution relating thereto.

         6.  MEANING OF CERTAIN TERMS.  As used herein in respect of the right
to notice of a meeting of stockholders or a waiver thereof or to participate or
vote thereat or to consent or dissent in writing in lieu of a meeting, as the
case may be, the term "share" or "shares" or "share of stock" or "shares of
stock" or "stockholder" or "stockholders" refers to an outstanding share or
shares of stock and to a holder or holders of record of outstanding shares of
stock when the corporation is authorized to issue only one class of shares of
stock, and said reference is also intended to include any outstanding share or
shares of stock and any holder or holders of record of outstanding shares of
stock of any class upon which or upon whom the certificate of incorporation
confers such rights where there are two or more classes or series of shares of
stock or upon which or upon whom the General Corporation Law confers such rights
notwithstanding that the certificate of incorporation may provide for more than
one class or series of shares of stock, one or more of which are limited or
denied such rights thereunder; provided, however, that no such right shall vest
in the event of an increase or a decrease in the authorized number of shares of
stock of any class or series which is otherwise denied voting rights under the
provisions of the certificate of incorporation, except as any provision of law
may otherwise require.


                                         -3-

<PAGE>


         7.  STOCKHOLDER MEETINGS.

         --  TIME.  The annual meeting shall be held on the date and at the
time fixed, from time to time, by the directors, provided, that the first annual
meeting shall be held on a date within thirteen months after the organization of
the corporation, and each successive annual meeting shall be held on a date
within thirteen months after the date of the preceding annual meeting.  A
special meeting shall be held on the date and at the time fixed by the
directors.

         --  PLACE.  Annual meetings and special meetings shall be held at such
place, with or without the State of Delaware, as the directors may, from time 
to time, fix.  Whenever the directors shall fail to fix such place, the 
meeting shall be held at the registered office of the corporation in the 
State of Delaware.

         --  CALL.  Annual meetings and special meetings may be called by the
directors or by any officer instructed by the directors to call the meeting.

         --  NOTICE OR WAIVER OF NOTICE.  Written notice of all meetings shall
be given, stating the place, date, and hour of the meeting and stating the place
within the city or other municipality or community at which the list of
stockholders of the corporation may be examined.  The notice of an annual
meeting shall state that the meeting is called for the election of directors and
for the transaction of other business which may properly come before the
meeting, and shall (if any other action which could be taken at a special
meeting is to be taken at such annual meeting) state the purpose or purposes.
The notice of a special meeting shall in all instances state the purpose or
purposes for which the meeting is called.  The notice of any meeting shall also
include, or be accompanied by, any additional statements, information, or
documents prescribed by the General Corporation Law.  Except as otherwise
provided by the General Corporation Law, a copy of the notice of any meeting
shall be given, personally or by mail, not less than ten days nor more than
sixty days before the date of the meeting, unless the lapse of the prescribed
period of time shall have been waived, and directed to each stockholder at his
record address or at such other address which he may have furnished by request
in writing to the Secretary of the corporation.  Notice by mail shall be deemed
to be given when deposited, with postage thereon prepaid, in the United States
Mail.  If a meeting is adjourned to another time, not more than thirty days
hence, and/or to another place, and if an announcement of the adjourned time
and/or place is made at the meeting, it shall not be necessary to give notice of
the adjourned meeting unless the directors, after adjournment, fix a new record
date for the adjourned meeting.  Notice need not be given to any stockholder who
submits a written waiver of notice signed by him before or after the time stated
therein.  Attendance of a stockholder at a meeting of stockholders shall
constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except when the stockholder
attends the meeting for the express purpose of objecting, at the beginning of
the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not
lawfully called or convened.  Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the
purpose of, any regular or special meeting of the stockholders need be specified
in any written waiver of notice.


                                         -4-

<PAGE>

         --  STOCKHOLDER LIST.  The officer who has charge of the stock ledger
of the corporation shall prepare and make, at least ten days before every
meeting of stockholders, a complete list of the stockholders, arranged in
alphabetical order, and showing the address of each stockholder and the number
of shares registered in the name of each stockholder.  Such list shall be open
to the examination of any stockholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting,
during ordinary business hours, for a period of at least ten days prior to the
meeting, either at a place within the city or other municipality or community
where the meeting is to be held, which place shall be specified in the notice of
the meeting, or if not so specified, at the place where the meeting is to be
held.  The list shall also be produced and kept at the time and place of the
meeting during the whole time thereof, and may be inspected by any stockholder
who is present.  The stock ledger shall be the only evidence as to who are the
stockholders entitled to examine the stock ledger, the list required by this
section or the books of the corporation, or to vote at any meeting of
stockholders.

         --  CONDUCT OF MEETING.  Meetings of the stockholders shall be
presided over by one of the following officers in the order of seniority and if
present and acting - the Chairman of the Board, if any, the Vice-Chairman of the
Board, if any, the President, a Vice-President, or, if none of the foregoing 
is in office and present and acting, by a chairman to be chosen by the 
stockholders.  The Secretary of the corporation, or in his absence, an 
Assistant Secretary, shall act as secretary of every meeting, but if neither 
the Secretary nor an Assistant Secretary is present the Chairman of the 
meeting shall appoint a secretary of the meeting.

         --  PROXY REPRESENTATION.  Every stockholder may authorize another
person or persons to act for him by proxy in all matters in which a stockholder
is entitled to participate, whether by waiving notice of any meeting, voting or
participating at a meeting, or expressing consent or dissent without a meeting.
Every proxy must be signed by the stockholder or by his attorney-in-fact.  No
proxy shall be voted or acted upon after three years from its date unless such
proxy provides for a longer period.  A duly executed proxy shall be irrevocable
if it states that it is irrevocable and, if, and only as long as, it is coupled
with an interest sufficient in law to support an irrevocable power.  A proxy may
be made irrevocable regardless of whether the interest with which it is coupled
is an interest in the stock itself or an interest in the corporation generally.

         --  INSPECTORS.  The directors, in advance of any meeting, may, but
need not, appoint one or more inspectors of election to act at the meeting or
any adjournment thereof.  If an inspector or inspectors are not appointed, the
person presiding at the meeting may, but need not, appoint one or more
inspectors.  In case any person who may be appointed as an inspector fails to
appear or act, the vacancy may be filled by appointment made by the directors in
advance of the meeting or at the meeting by the person presiding thereat.  Each
inspector, if any, before entering upon the discharge of his duties, shall take
and sign an oath faithfully to execute the duties of inspectors at such meeting
with strict impartiality and according to the best of his ability.  The
inspectors, if any, shall determine the number of shares of stock outstanding


                                         -5-

<PAGE>

and the voting power of each, the shares of stock represented at the meeting,
the existence of a quorum, the validity and effect of proxies, and shall receive
votes, ballots, or consents, hear and determine all challenges and questions
arising in connection with the right to vote, count and tabulate all votes,
ballots, or consents, determine the result, and do such acts as are proper to
conduct the election or vote with fairness to all stockholders.  On request of
the person presiding at the meeting, the inspector or inspectors, if any, shall
make a report in writing of any challenge, question, or matter determined by him
or them and execute a certificate of any fact found by him or them.  Except as
otherwise required by subsection (e) of Section 231 of the General Corporation
Law, the provisions of that Section shall not apply to the corporation.

         --  QUORUM.  The holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of
stock shall constitute a quorum at a meeting of stockholders for the transaction
of any business.  The stockholders present may adjourn the meeting despite the
absence of a quorum.

         --  VOTING.  Each share of stock shall entitle the holder thereof to
one vote.  Directors shall be elected by a plurality of the votes of the shares
present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote on
the election of directors.  Any other action shall be authorized by a 
majority of the votes cast except where the General Corporation Law 
prescribes a different percentage of votes and/or a different exercise of 
voting power, and except as may be otherwise prescribed by the provisions of 
the certificate of incorporation and these Bylaws.  In the election of 
directors, and for any other action, voting need not be by ballot.

         8.  STOCKHOLDER ACTION WITHOUT MEETING.  Any action required by the
General Corporation Law to be taken at any annual or special meeting of
stockholders, or any action which may be taken at any annual or special meeting
of stockholders, may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and
without a vote, if a consent in writing, setting forth the action so taken,
shall be signed by the holders of outstanding stock having not less than the
minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take such action
at a meeting at which all shares entitled to vote thereon were present and
voted.  Prompt notice of the taking of the corporate action without a meeting by
less than unanimous written consent shall be given to those stockholders who
have not consented in writing.  Action taken pursuant to this paragraph shall be
subject to the provisions of Section 228 of the General Corporation Law.

                                      ARTICLE II

                                      DIRECTORS

         1.  FUNCTIONS AND DEFINITION.  The business and affairs of the
corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors
of the corporation.  The Board of Directors shall have the authority to fix the
compensation of the


                                         -6-

<PAGE>

members thereof.  The use of the phrase "whole board" herein refers to the 
total number of directors which the corporation would have if there were
no vacancies.

         2.  QUALIFICATIONS AND NUMBER.  A director need not be a stockholder,
a citizen of the United States, or a resident of the State of Delaware.  The
initial Board of Directors shall consist of eight persons.  Thereafter the
number of directors constituting the whole board shall be at least one.  Subject
to the foregoing limitation and except for the first Board of Directors, such
number may be fixed from time to time by action of the stockholders or of the
directors, or, if the number is not fixed, the number shall be eight.  The
number of directors may be increased or decreased by action of the stockholders
or of the directors.

         3.  ELECTION AND TERM.  The first Board of Directors, unless the
members thereof shall have been named in the certificate of incorporation, shall
be elected by the incorporator or incorporators and shall hold office until the
first annual meeting of stockholders and until their successors are elected and
qualified or until their earlier resignation or removal.  Any director may
resign at any time upon written notice to the corporation.  Thereafter,
directors who are elected at an annual meeting of stockholders, and directors
who are elected in the interim to fill vacancies and newly created
directorships, shall hold office until the next annual meeting of stockholders
and until their successors are elected and qualified or until their earlier
resignation or removal.  Except as the General Corporation Law may otherwise
require, in the interim between annual meetings of stockholders or of special
meetings of stockholders called for the election of directors and/or for the
removal of one or more directors and for the filling of any vacancy in that 
connection, newly created directorships and any vacancies in the Board of 
Directors, including unfilled vacancies resulting from the removal of 
directors for cause or without cause, may be filled by the vote of a majority 
of the remaining directors then in office, although less than a quorum, or by 
the sole remaining director.

         4.  MEETINGS.

         --  TIME.  Meetings shall be held at such time as the Board shall fix,
except that the first meeting of a newly elected Board shall be held as soon
after its election as the directors may conveniently assemble.

         --  PLACE.  Meetings shall be held at such place within or without the
State of Delaware as shall be fixed by the Board.

         --  CALL.  No call shall be required for regular meetings for which
the time and place have been fixed.  Special meetings may be called by or at the
direction of the Chairman of the Board, if any, the Vice-Chairman of the Board,
if any, of the President, or of a majority of the directors in office.


                                         -7-

<PAGE>

         --  NOTICE OR ACTUAL OR CONSTRUCTIVE WAIVER.  No notice shall be
required for regular meetings for which the time and place have been fixed.
Written, oral, or any other mode of notice of the time and place shall be given
for special meetings in sufficient time for the convenient assembly of the
directors thereat.  Notice need not be given to any director or to any member of
a committee of directors who submits a written waiver of notice signed by him
before or after the time stated therein.  Attendance of any such person at a
meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except when he
attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting, at the beginning of the
meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully
called or convened.  Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose
of, any regular or special meeting of the directors need be specified in any
written waiver of notice.

         --  QUORUM AND ACTION.  A majority of the whole Board shall constitute
a quorum except when a vacancy or vacancies prevents such majority, whereupon a
majority of the directors in office shall constitute a quorum, provided, that
such majority shall constitute at least one-third of the whole Board.  A
majority of the directors present, whether or not a quorum is present, may
adjourn a meeting to another time and place.  Except as herein otherwise
provided, and except as otherwise provided by the General Corporation Law, the
vote of the majority of the directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is
present shall be the act of the Board.  The quorum and voting provisions herein
stated shall not be construed as conflicting with any provisions of the General
Corporation Law and these Bylaws which govern a meeting of directors held to
fill vacancies and newly created directorships in the Board or action of
disinterested directors.

         Any member or members of the Board of Directors or of any committee
designated by the Board, may participate in a meeting of the Board, or any such
committee, as the case may be, by means of conference telephone or similar 
communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the 
meeting can hear each other.

         --  CHAIRMAN OF THE MEETING.  The Chairman of the Board, if any and if
present and acting, shall preside at all meetings.  Otherwise, the Vice-Chairman
of the Board, if any and if present and acting, or the President, if present and
acting, or any other director chosen by the Board, shall preside.

         5.  REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS.  Except as may otherwise be provided by the
General Corporation Law, any director or the entire Board of Directors may be
removed, with or without cause, by the holders of a majority of the shares then
entitled to vote at an election of directors.

         6.  COMMITTEES.  The Board of Directors may, by resolution passed by a
majority of the whole Board, designate one or more committees, each committee to
consist of one or more of the directors of the corporation.  The Board may
designate one or more directors

                                         -8-

<PAGE>

as alternate members of any committee, who may replace any absent or 
disqualified member at any meeting of the committee.  In the absence or 
disqualification of any member of any such committee or committees, the 
member or members thereof present at any meeting and not disqualified from 
voting, whether or not he or they constitute a quorum, may unanimously 
appoint another member of the Board of Directors to act at the meeting in the 
place of any such absent or disqualified member.  Any such committee, to the 
extent provided in the resolution of the Board, shall have and may exercise 
the powers and authority of the Board of Directors in the management of the 
business and affairs of the corporation with the exception of any authority 
the delegation of which is prohibited by Section 141 of the General 
Corporation Law, and may authorize the seal of the corporation to be affixed 
to all papers which may require it.

         7.  WRITTEN ACTION.  Any action required or permitted to be taken at
any meeting of the Board of Directors or any committee thereof may be taken
without a meeting if all members of the Board or committee, as the case may be,
consent thereto in writing, and the writing or writings are filed with the
minutes of proceedings of the Board or committee.

                                     ARTICLE III

                                       OFFICERS

         The officers of the corporation shall consist of a President, a
Secretary, a Treasurer, and, if deemed necessary, expedient, or desirable by the
Board of Directors, a Chairman of the Board, a Vice-Chairman of the Board, an
Executive Vice-President, one or more other Vice-Presidents, one or more
Assistant Secretaries, one or more Assistant Treasurers, and such other 
officers with such titles as the resolution of the Board of Directors 
choosing them shall designate.  Except as may otherwise be provided in the 
resolution of the Board of Directors choosing him, no officer other than the 
Chairman or Vice-Chairman of the Board, if any, need be a director.  Any 
number of offices may be held by the same person, as the directors may 
determine.

         Unless otherwise provided in the resolution choosing him, each officer
shall be chosen for a term which shall continue until the meeting of the Board
of Directors following the next annual meeting of stockholders and until his
successor shall have been chosen and qualified.

         All officers of the corporation shall have such authority and perform
such duties in the management and operation of the corporation as shall be
prescribed in the resolutions of the Board of Directors designating and choosing
such officers and prescribing their authority and duties, and shall have such
additional authority and duties as are incident to their office except to the
extent that such resolutions may be inconsistent therewith.  The Secretary or an
Assistant Secretary of the corporation shall record all of the proceedings of
all meetings and actions in writing of stockholders, directors, and committees
of directors, and shall exercise such additional authority and perform such
additional duties as the Board shall assign to him.  Any officer may


                                         -9-

<PAGE>

be removed, with or without cause, by the Board of Directors.  Any vacancy in 
any office may be filled by the Board of Directors.

                                      ARTICLE IV

                                    CORPORATE SEAL

         The corporate seal shall be in such form as the Board of Directors
shall prescribe.

                                      ARTICLE V

                                     FISCAL YEAR

         The fiscal year of the corporation shall be fixed, and shall be
subject to change, by the Board of Directors.

                                      ARTICLE VI

                                 CONTROL OVER BYLAWS

         Subject to the provisions of the certificate of incorporation and the
provisions of the General Corporation Law, the power to amend, alter, or repeal
these Bylaws and to adopt new Bylaws may be exercised by the Board of Directors
or by the stockholders.

         I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing is a full, true, and correct copy
of the Bylaws of BOX USA, INC., a Delaware corporation, as in effect on the date
hereof.

Dated:  December 20, 1994

                                  /s/ Elizabeth H. Lally
                                  -------------------------------
                                      Secretary of
                                      BOX USA, INC.


(SEAL)


<PAGE>



                              AMENDED AND RESTATED

                                     BY-LAWS

                                       OF

                   FOUR M MANUFACTURING GROUP OF GEORGIA, INC.
                          (A PENNSYLVANIA CORPORATION)

                                    ARTICLE I
                                    ---------

                                  SHAREHOLDERS

          Section 1.     PLACE OF MEETINGS.  Meetings of shareholders shall be
held at such place, either within or without the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,
as shall be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors.  Whenever
the directors shall fail to fix such place, meetings shall be held at the
registered office of the Corporation in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

          Section 2.     ANNUAL MEETINGS.  Annual meetings of shareholders shall
be held on such date of each year and at such time as shall be designated from
time to time by the Board of Directors.  At each annual meeting, the
shareholders shall elect a Board of Directors by plurality vote and transact
such other business as may be properly brought before the meeting.

          Section 3.     SPECIAL MEETINGS.  Special meetings of the shareholders
may be called by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board, or by
shareholders entitled to cast at least twenty percent of the votes that all
shareholders are entitled to cast at the particular meeting.

          Section 4.     NOTICE OF MEETINGS.  Written notice of each meeting of
the shareholders stating the place, date and hour of such meeting shall be given
by or at the direction of the Board of Directors to each shareholder entitled to
vote at such meeting ten days prior to the day named for a meeting that will
consider a fundamental change under chapter 19 of the Pennsylvania Business
Corporation Law or five days prior to the day


                                        1
<PAGE>


named for the meeting in any other case.  Notice of any special meeting shall
state in general terms the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called.


          Notice is given to a shareholder when it is faxed to him at his
residence or usual place of business, personally delivered to him, left at his
residence or usual place of business, or mailed to him by first class mail at
his address as it appears on the records of the Corporation.  If mailed, notice
shall be deemed to be given when deposited in the mail, postage prepaid,
directed to the shareholder at his address as it appears on the records of the
Corporation.

          Section 5.     WAIVER OF NOTICE.  Whenever notice is required to be
given either by statute, the Articles of Incorporation or these By-Laws, a
written waiver, signed by the person entitled to notice, whether before or after
the time stated therein, shall be deemed the equivalent to notice.  Attendance
at a meeting, whether in person or by proxy, shall constitute a waiver of notice
of such meeting, except when the meeting is attended for the express purpose of
objecting at the beginning of the meeting to the transaction of any business
because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.  Neither the business to
be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any regular or special meeting need be
specified in any written waiver of notice.

          Section 6.     QUORUM; ADJOURNMENTS OF MEETINGS.  A majority of shares
entitled to vote, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a
quorum at a meeting of shareholders.  If there be less than a quorum, the
holders of a majority of the stock so present or represented may adjourn the
meeting to another time or place, from time to time, until a quorum shall be
present, whereupon the meeting may be held, as adjourned, without further
notice, except as required by law, and any business may be transacted thereat
which might have been transacted at the meeting as originally called.

          Section 7.     VOTING.  At any meeting of the shareholders, every
registered owner of shares entitled to vote may vote in person or by proxy and,
except as otherwise provided by statute, in the Articles of Incorporation or
these By-Laws, shall have one vote for each such share standing in his name on
the books of the Corporation.  All matters, other than the election of
directors, brought before any meeting of the shareholders shall be decided by a
vote of a majority in interest of the shareholders of the Corporation present in
person or by proxy at such meeting and voting thereon, a quorum being present.
Directors shall be elected by a plurality of the votes of the shares present in
person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote on the
election of directors.

          Section 8.     PROXIES.  Every shareholder entitled to vote at a
meeting of shareholders or express consent or dissent without a meeting may
authorize another person to act for him by proxy.

          Every proxy must be signed by the shareholder or his attorney-in-fact.
No proxy shall be valid after expiration of three years from the date thereof
unless otherwise provided in the proxy.  Every proxy shall be revocable at the
pleasure of the shareholder executing it, except as otherwise provided by law.


                                        2
<PAGE>


          Section 9.     JUDGES OF ELECTION.  The Board of Directors or, if the
Board shall not have made the appointment, the chairman presiding at any meeting
of shareholders shall have power to appoint one or three persons to act as
judges of election at the meeting or any adjournment thereof, but no candidate
for the office of director shall be appointed as a judge at any meeting for the
election of directors.

          Section 10.    CONDUCT OF MEETINGS.  The Chairman of the Board or, in
his absence, the President shall preside at all meetings of the shareholders.
In the absence of both the Chairman of the Board and the President, a majority
of the members of the Board of Directors present in person at such meeting may
appoint any other officer or director to act as chairman of the meeting.

          The Secretary of the Corporation shall act as secretary of all
meetings of the shareholders.  In the absence of the Secretary, the chairman of
the meeting shall appoint any other person to act as secretary of the meeting.

          Section 11.    SHAREHOLDERS' ACTION WITHOUT MEETINGS.  Any action
required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the shareholders may be
taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote, if unanimous
written consent thereto is signed by the holders of all outstanding shares
entitled to vote and such written consent is delivered to the Corporation.

          Section 12.    FIXING THE RECORD DATE.  In order that the Corporation
may determine the shareholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting
of shareholders or any adjournment thereof, or to express consent to corporate
action in writing without a meeting, or entitled to receive payment of any
dividend or other distribution or allotment of rights, or entitled to exercise
any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of stock or for the
purpose of any other lawful action, the Board of Directors may fix a record date
that is not more than ninety days prior to the date of the meeting of
shareholders.

          If no record date is fixed: (1) the record date for determining
shareholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of shareholders shall
be at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which notice is
given or, if notice is waived, at the close of business on the day immediately
preceding the day on which the meeting is held; and (2) the record date for
determining shareholders for any other purpose shall be at the close of business
on the day on which the Board of Directors adopts the resolution relating
thereto.

          Section 13.    SHAREHOLDER LIST.  The Secretary shall prepare, at
least ten days before every meeting of shareholders, a complete list of the
shareholders entitled to vote at the meeting, arranged in alphabetical order,
and showing the address of each shareholder and the number of shares registered
in the name of each shareholder.  Such list shall be open to the examination of
any shareholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting, during ordinary
business hours, for a period of at least ten days prior to the meeting, either
at a place within the city where the meeting is to be held, which place shall be
specified in the notice of the


                                        3
<PAGE>


meeting, or, if not so specified, at the place where the meeting is to be held.
The list shall also be produced and kept at the time and place of the meeting
during the whole time thereof and may be inspected by any shareholder who is
present.  The stock ledger shall be the only evidence as to who are the
shareholders entitled to examine the stock ledger, the list of shareholders or
the books of the Corporation, or to vote in person or by proxy at any meeting of
shareholders.

                                   ARTICLE II

                               Board Of Directors
                               ------------------

          Section 1.     FUNCTION OF DIRECTORS.  The business and  affairs of
the Corporation shall be managed under the direction of the Board of Directors
of the Corporation.

          Section 2.     NUMBER OF DIRECTORS.  The Board of Directors shall
consist of nine members; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that such number may from time to
time be increased or decreased by the Board of Directors or by the shareholders.

          Section 3.     QUALIFICATIONS.  Each director shall be a natural
person being at least eighteen years of age.  A director need not be a
shareholder, a citizen of the United States or a resident of the state in which
the Corporation is incorporated.

          Section 4.     NEWLY CREATED DIRECTORSHIPS AND VACANCIES.  Newly
created directorships resulting from an increase in the number of directors and
vacancies occurring in the Board for any reason except the removal of directors
without cause may be filled by a vote of a majority of the directors then in
office, although less then a quorum exists, or by the shareholders.  Vacancies
created by the removal of directors without cause shall be filled by the
shareholders.  A director elected to fill a vacancy caused by resignation, death
or removal shall be elected to hold office for the unexpired term of his
predecessor.

          Section 5.     REGULAR MEETINGS.  Following the annual meeting of the
shareholders, a regular annual meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held
as soon as practicable.  Any other regular meeting of the Board of Directors may
be held without notice at such times and places as the Board of Directors may
from time to time determine.

          Section 6.     SPECIAL MEETINGS.  Special meetings of the Board of
Directors may be called by order of the Chairman of the Board, the President or
any two directors.  Notice of the time and place of each special meeting shall
be given by or at the direction of the person or persons calling the meeting by
mailing the same at least three days before the meeting or by telephoning,
telegraphing, faxing or delivering personally the same to each director at least
twenty-four hours before the meeting.  Except as otherwise specified in the


                                        4
<PAGE>


notice thereof, or as required by statute, the Articles of Incorporation or
these By-Laws, any and all business may be transacted at any special meeting.

          Section 7.     TELEPHONIC MEETINGS PERMITTED.  Members of the Board of
Directors, or any committee designated by the Board of Directors, may
participate in a meeting thereof by means of conference telephone or similar
communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the
meeting can hear each other, and participation in a meeting pursuant to this
Section 7 shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.

          Section 8.     ORGANIZATION.  Every meeting of the Board of Directors
shall be presided over by the Chairman of the Board or, in his absence, the
President.  In the absence of the Chairman of the Board and the President, a
presiding officer shall be chosen by a majority of the directors present.  The
Secretary of the Corporation shall act as secretary of the meeting, but, in his
absence, the presiding officer may appoint any person to act as secretary of the
meeting.

          Section 9.     QUORUM; VOTE.  A majority of the directors then in
office (but in no event less than one-third of the total number of directors)
shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, but less than a
quorum may adjourn any meeting to another time or place from time to time until
a quorum shall be present, whereupon the meeting may be held, as adjourned,
without further notice.  Except as otherwise required by statute, the Articles
of Incorporation or these By-Laws, all matters coming before any meeting of the
Board of Directors shall be decided by the vote of a majority of the directors
present at the meeting, a quorum being present.

          Section 10.    REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS.  Any one or more of the directors
shall be subject to removal with or without cause at any time by the
shareholders.

          Section 11.    RESIGNATION.  A director may resign at any time by
giving written notice to the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board, the
President or the Secretary of the Corporation.  Unless otherwise specified in
the notice, the resignation shall take effect upon receipt thereof by the Board
of Directors or such officer, and the acceptance of the resignation shall not be
necessary to make it effective.

          Section 12.    COMMITTEES.  The Board of Directors may designate one
or more committees, each committee to consist of one or more of the directors of
the Corporation.  The Board may designate one or more directors as alternate
members of any committee, who may replace any absent or disqualified member at
any meeting of the committee.  Any such committee, to the extent provided in the
resolution of the Board, shall have and may exercise the powers and authority of
the Board of Directors in the management of the business and affairs of the
Corporation with the exception of any authority the delegation of which is
prohibited by statute, and may authorize the seal of the Corporation to be
affixed to all papers which may require it.

          Section 13.    INFORMAL ACTION BY DIRECTORS.  Unless otherwise
restricted by the Articles of Incorporation or these By-Laws, any action
required or permitted to be taken


                                        5
<PAGE>


at any meeting of the Board of Directors, or of any committee thereof, may be
taken without a meeting if all members of the Board of Directors or such
committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in writing, and the writing or
writings are filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board of Directors or
such committee.


                                   ARTICLE III

                                    Officers
                                    --------

          Section 1.     GENERAL.  The Board of Directors shall  elect the
officers of the Corporation, which shall include a President, a Secretary and a
Treasurer and such other or additional officers (including, without limitation,
a Chairman of the Board, one or more Vice-Chairmen of the Board, Vice-
Presidents, Assistant Vice-Presidents, Assistant Secretaries and Assistant
Treasurers) as the Board of Directors may designate.

          Section 2.     TERM OF OFFICE; REMOVAL AND VACANCY.  The officers of
the Corporation shall be elected annually by the Board of Directors after each
annual meeting of the shareholders.  Each officer shall hold his office until
his successor is elected and qualified or until his earlier resignation or
removal.  Any officer shall be subject to removal with or without cause at any
time by the Board of Directors.  Vacancies in any office, whether occurring by
death, resignation, removal or otherwise, may be filled by the Board of
Directors.

          Section 3.     POWERS AND DUTIES.  Each of the officers of the
Corporation shall, unless otherwise directed by the Board of Directors, have
such powers and duties as generally pertain to his respective office as well as
such powers and duties as from time to time may be conferred upon him by the
Board of Directors.  Unless otherwise ordered by the Board of Directors after
the adoption of these By-Laws, the Chairman of the Board or, when the office of
Chairman of the Board is vacant, the President shall be the chief executive
officer of the Corporation.

          Section 4.     POWER TO VOTE STOCK.  Unless otherwise directed by the
Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board and the President each shall have
full power and authority on behalf of the Corporation to attend and to vote at
any meeting of shareholders of any Corporation in which the Corporation may hold
stock, and may exercise on behalf of the Corporation any and all of the rights
and powers incident to the ownership of such stock at any such meeting and shall
have power and authority to execute and deliver proxies, waivers and consents on
behalf of the Corporation in connection with the exercise by the Corporation of
the rights and powers incident to the ownership of such stock.  The Board of
Directors, from time to time, may confer like powers upon any other person or
persons.

          Section 5.     CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD.  The Chairman of the Board, if
one be elected, shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors and of
the shareholders at


                                        6
<PAGE>


which he shall be present.  He shall have general charge and supervision of the
assets and affairs of the Corporation; he may sign and execute, in the name of
the Corporation, all authorized deeds, mortgages, bonds, contracts or other
instruments, except in cases in which the signing and execution thereof shall
have been expressly delegated to some other officer or agent of the Corporation;
and, in general, he shall have and may exercise such powers as are, from time to
time, assigned to him by the Board of Directors.

          Section 6.     PRESIDENT.  In the absence of the Chairman of the
Board, the President shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders and of
the Board of Directors at which he shall be present.  If no Chairman of the
Board be elected and acting, he shall have general charge and supervision of the
assets and affairs of the Corporation, and he may sign and execute, in the name
of the Corporation, all authorized deeds, mortgages, bonds, contracts or other
instruments, except in cases in which the signing and execution thereof shall
have been expressly delegated to some other officer or agent of the Corporation.
If a Chairman of the Board be elected and acting, the President shall perform
all duties incident to the office of a president of a corporation, and such
other duties as may from time to time be assigned to him by the Chairman of the
Board or the Board of Directors.

          Section 7.     VICE-PRESIDENTS.  The Vice-President or Vice-
Presidents, at the request of the Chief Executive Officer or in his absence or
during his inability to act, shall perform the duties and exercise the functions
of the Chief Executive Officer, and when so acting shall have the powers of the
Chief Executive Officer.  If there be more than one Vice-President, the Board of
Directors may determine which one or more of the Vice-Presidents shall perform
any of such duties or exercise any of such functions, or if such determination
is not made by the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer may make such
determination; otherwise any of the Vice-Presidents may perform any of such
duties or exercise any of such functions.  The Vice-President or Vice-Presidents
shall have such other powers and perform such other duties, and have such
additional descriptive designations in their titles (if any), as may be assigned
by the Board of Directors or the Chief Executive Officer.

          Section 8.     SECRETARY.  The Secretary shall keep the minutes of the
meetings of the stockholders, of the Board of Directors and of any committees,
in books provided for the purpose; he shall see that all notices are duly given
in accordance with the provisions of the By-Laws or as required by law; he shall
be custodian of the records of the Corporation; he shall witness all documents
on behalf of the Corporation, the execution of which is duly authorized, see
that the corporate seal is affixed where such document is required to be under
its seal, and, when so affixed, may attest the same; and, in general, he shall
perform all duties incident to the office of a secretary of a corporation, and
such other duties as may from time to time be assigned to him by the Board of
Directors or the Chief Executive Officer.

          Section 9.     TREASURER.  The Treasurer shall have charge of and be
responsible for all funds, securities, receipts and disbursements of the
Corporation, and shall deposit, or cause to be deposited, in the name of the
Corporation, all moneys or other valuable effects in such banks, trust companies
or other depositories as shall, from time to


                                        7
<PAGE>


time, be selected by the Board of Directors; he shall render to the Chief
Executive Officer and to the Board of Directors, whenever requested, an account
of the financial condition of the Corporation; and, in general, he shall perform
all the duties incident to the office of a treasurer of a Corporation, and such
other duties as may from time to time be assigned to him by the Board of
Directors or the Chief Executive Officer.

          Section 10.    COMPENSATION.  The Board of Directors shall have the
power to fix the salaries and other compensation and remuneration, of whatever
kind, of all officers of the Corporation.


                                   ARTICLE IV

                                  Capital Stock
                                  -------------

          Section 1.     CERTIFICATE FOR STOCK.  Each stockholder is entitled to
certificates which represent and certify the shares of stock he holds in the
Corporation.  Each stock certificate shall include on its face the name of the
Corporation, the name of the stockholder and the class of stock and number of
shares represented by the certificate and be in such form, not inconsistent with
law or with the Articles of Incorporation, as shall be approved by the Board of
Directors.  Each stock certificate shall be signed by the Chairman of the Board,
the President or a Vice-President and countersigned by the Secretary, an
Assistant Secretary, the Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer.  Each certificate
may be sealed with the actual corporate seal or a facsimile of it or in any
other form and the signatures may be either manual or facsimile signatures.  A
certificate is valid and may be issued whether or not an officer who signed it
is still an officer when it is issued.

          Section 2.     TRANSFERS.  The Board of Directors shall have the power
and authority to make such rules and regulations as it may deem expedient
concerning the issue, transfer and registration of certificates of stock; and
may appoint transfer agents and registrars thereof.  The duties of transfer
agent and registrar may be combined.

          Section 3.     STOCK LEDGER.  The Corporation shall maintain a stock
ledger which contains the name and address of each shareholder and the number of
shares of stock of each class which the shareholder holds.  The stock ledger may
be in written form or in any other form which can be converted within a
reasonable time into written form for visual inspection.  The original or a
duplicate of the stock ledger shall be kept at the offices of a transfer agent
for the particular class of stock, within or without the State of Pennsylvania,
or, if none, at the principal executive offices of the Corporation.

          Section 4.     LOST STOCK CERTIFICATES.  The Board of Directors of the
Corporation may determine the conditions for issuing a new stock certificate in
place of one which is alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed, or the
Board of Directors may delegate such power to any officer or officers of the
Corporation.  In their discretion, the


                                        8
<PAGE>


Board of Directors or such officer or officers may refuse to issue such new
certificate save upon court order.


                                    ARTICLE V

                                  Miscellaneous
                                  -------------

          Section 1.     CORPORATE SEAL.  The seal of the Corporation shall be
circular in form and shall contain the name of the Corporation and the year and
State of incorporation.

          Section 2.     FISCAL YEAR.  The Board of Directors shall have power
to fix, and from time to time to change, the fiscal year of the Corporation.

          Section 3.     STATEMENT OF AFFAIRS.  The Corporation shall furnish to
the shareholders annual financial statements, including at least a balance sheet
as of the end of each fiscal year and a statement of income and expenses for the
fiscal year.


                                   ARTICLE VI

                                    Amendment
                                    ---------

          The Board of Directors shall have the power to make, alter or repeal
the By-Laws of the Corporation subject to the power of the shareholders to alter
or repeal the By-Laws made or altered by the Board of Directors.


                                   ARTICLE VII

                                 Indemnification
                                 ---------------

          Section 1.     RIGHT TO INDEMNIFICATION.  The  Corporation shall
indemnify and hold harmless, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law
as it presently exists or may hereafter be amended, any person who was or is
made or is threatened to be made a party or is otherwise involved in any action,
suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (a
"proceeding") by reason of the fact that he, or a person for whom he is the
legal representative, is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the
Corporation or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a
director, officer,


                                        9
<PAGE>


employee or agent of another Corporation or of a partnership, joint venture,
trust, enterprise or non-profit entity, including service with respect to
employee benefit plans, against all liability and loss suffered and expenses
reasonably incurred by such person.  The Corporation shall be required to
indemnify a person in connection with a proceeding initiated by such person only
if the proceeding was authorized by the Board of Directors of the Corporation.

          Section 2.     PREPAYMENT OF EXPENSES.  The Corporation shall pay the
expenses incurred in defending any proceeding in advance of its final
disposition, PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the payment of expense incurred by a
director or officer in advance of the final disposition of the proceeding shall
be made only upon receipt of an undertaking by the director or officer to repay
all amounts advanced if it should be ultimately determined that the director or
officer is not entitled to be indemnified under this Article or otherwise.

          Section 3.     CLAIMS.  If a claim for indemnification or payment of
expenses under this Article is not paid in full within sixty days after a
written claim therefor has been received by the Corporation, the claimant may
file suit to recover the unpaid amount of such claim and, if successful in whole
or in part, shall be entitled to be paid the expense of prosecuting such claim.
In any such action the Corporation shall have the burden of proving that the
claimant was not entitled to the requested indemnification or payment of
expenses under applicable law.

          Section 4.     NON-EXCLUSIVITY OF RIGHTS.  The rights conferred on any
person by this Article VII shall not be exclusive of any other rights which such
person may have or hereafter acquire under any statute, the Articles of
Incorporation, these By-Laws, agreement, vote of shareholders or disinterested
directors or otherwise.

          Section 5.     OTHER INDEMNIFICATION.  The Corporation's obligation,
if any, to indemnify any person who was or is serving at its request as a
director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint
venture, trust, enterprise or non-profit entity shall be reduced by any amount
such person may collect as indemnification from such other corporation,
partnership, joint venture, trust, enterprise or non-profit enterprise.

          Section 6.     AMENDMENT OR REPEAL.  Any repeal or modification of the
foregoing provisions of this Article VII shall not adversely affect any right or
protection hereunder of any person in respect of any act or omission occurring
prior to the time of such repeal or modification.


                                       10



<PAGE>

                               FOUR M CORPORATION

                          STOCK APPRECIATION UNIT PLAN


     WHEREAS, Four M Corporation (the "Company") wishes to provide certain key
employees of the Company and its subsidiaries and other affiliates, now or
hereafter existing, with a stake in the long-term financial success of the
Company pursuant to a so-called "stock appreciation unit plan".

     NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to authority and ratification of the Board of
Directors of the Company (the "Board"), issued at a meeting held on September 8,
1993, the Company hereby establishes a stock appreciation unit plan (the "Plan")
upon and subject to the terms, covenants, conditions, limitations and
restrictions hereinafter set forth.


1.   PURPOSE - The purpose of this Plan is to provide key employees with a stake
     in the long-term, financial success of the Company.

2.   ELIGIBILITY - Participation in this Plan is limited to key executives as
     determined by the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (the "Chief
     Executive Officer"), with the approval of the Board.  Other executives may
     be added, from time to time, at the discretion of the Chief Executive
     Officer with the approval of the Board.

3.   ADMINISTRATION - This Plan will be administered by the non-employee
     directors of the Company and the Chief Executive Officer (the
     "Administering Committee").  The Administering Committee will have sole
     authority to award Units (as defined below), and to implement and
     administer the provisions of this Plan.  As it relates to any awards to the
     Chief Executive Officer, the non-employee Board members will have sole
     authority to interpret the provisions of this Plan.

4.   STOCK APPRECIATION UNITS TO BE SET ASIDE - For the purposes of this Plan,
     stock appreciation units ("Units") will be established.  An awardee is
     entitled to the appreciation in a Unit's value from the date of award to
     the date of redemption.  In total, 200,000 Units are hereby authorized to
     be granted under this Plan.  For purposes of calculations for this Plan,
     the total number of issued and outstanding shares of the capital stock of
     the Company ("Units of the Company") is set at 10,000,000.  In no event
     will the number of Units available for award under this Plan exceed 10% of
     the outstanding Units of the Company.

<PAGE>

5.   AWARD VALUATION AT AWARD AND REDEMPTION UNDER THE PLAN -

     A.   NET INCOME - Net Income for the purposes of this Plan, shall be
          defined as net income as reported in the Company's audited financial
          statements plus or minus any adjustments that the Administering
          Committee, in its sole discretion, deems appropriate pursuant to
          section 9.

     B.   BOOK VALUE - Book Value for the purposes of this Plan, shall be
          defined as shareholders' equity as reported in the Company's audited
          financial statements plus or minus any adjustments that the
          Administering Committee, in its sole discretion, deems appropriate
          pursuant to section 9.

     C.   EARNINGS PER UNIT ("EPU") - Earnings per Unit or EPU for the purposes
          of this Plan, shall be calculated by dividing Net Income (as defined)
          by the total number of outstanding Units of the Company as illustrated
          below:

          Earnings per Unit =             Net Income  
                                      ----------------
                                      10,000,000 Units

          Book Value per Unit ("BVU") - Book Value per Unit or BVU for the
          purposes of this Plan, shall be calculated by dividing Book Value (as
          defined) by the total number of outstanding Units of the Company as
          illustrated below:

          Book Value per Unit =           Book Value  
                                      ----------------
                                      10,000,000 Units

     E.   UNIT VALUATION AT AWARD - The Unit value at award will be the greater
          of (i) ten times the prior fiscal year's Earnings per Unit ("EPU") or
          (ii) Book Value per Unit, determined as of the last day of the prior
          fiscal year, unless otherwise specified in the written agreement
          evidencing the award as set forth in section 15.

     F.   UNIT VALUATION AT REDEMPTION - The Unit value at redemption of an
          award will be the lesser of (i) ten times either (x) the average of
          the prior three years' EPU or (y) the prior year's EPU; or (ii) two
          times the prior fiscal year's Book Value per Unit, determined as of
          the last day of the prior fiscal year. The choice between using (x) or
          (y) (as discussed in the previous sentence) will be chosen by the
          awardee at the time of award.

6.   VESTING PERIOD - At the time of award of any Units, the Administering
     Committee shall fix a period of time (the "Vesting Period") during which
     the awardee must remain in the continuous employ of the Company in order to
     redeem the 


                                      - 2 -
<PAGE>


Unit or Units awarded.  Unless otherwise determined by the Administering
Committee, awards will vest on each anniversary of their grant at the rate of
20% per year starting at the first anniversary date.  However, in the event that
at the time of any award, the awardee shall have not been in the continuous
employ of the Company for five years or more, such vesting shall be conditional
and all such Units shall be deemed unvested until such time as the awardee has
been in the continuous employ of the Company for a period of five years.  In the
event of a termination of employment prior to the expiration of the five-year
period, all Units will be forfeited.

7.   REDEMPTION OF UNITS - The Redemption Value of any Unit redeemed shall be
     the excess, if any, of the Unit Valuation at Redemption over the Unit
     Valuation at Award.

     A.   REDEMPTION ELECTION - Awardees may elect, before July 1 of each year,
          to redeem all or a portion of their vested Units.  Except as provided
          or modified in paragraphs B, D and E below, such vested Units will be
          redeemed by the Company and paid to the awardee according to the
          following schedule and terms (the "7A Redeemed Units"):

          1.   25% of the Redemption Value of the 7A Redeemed Units will be paid
               in cash on the first business day of January following the date
               of election to redeem such vested Units.

          2.   The remainder of the Redemption Value of the 7A redeemed Units
               will be paid in three equal annual installments, together with
               interest on such deferred amounts, on each succeeding anniversary
               date of the initial payment.

          3.   Deferred amounts will earn annual interest in arrears at the
               prevailing one-year Treasury Bill rate, as determined on the date
               of the initial payment by the Administering Committee and on each
               succeeding anniversary date.

          4.   The Administering Committee retains the right to accelerate
               payment of any deferred amount.

          5.   The Redemption Value of 7A Redeemed Units will be calculated as
               of the last business day in the fiscal year in which the election
               to redeem vested Units occurred.

     B.   VOLUNTARY TERMINATION -  Upon voluntary termination of employment,
          (excluding death, disability, or retirement at age 60 or above) all
          unvested Units will be forfeited.  Vested Units not previously
          redeemed will 


                                      -3 -
<PAGE>


     be redeemed automatically by the Company as of the awardee's employment
     termination date (the "7B Redeemed Units") and paid to the awardee along
     with the remaining unpaid portion of the Redemption Value of the 7A
     Redeemed Units according to the following schedule and terms:

          1.   20% of the Redemption Value of the 7B Redeemed Units, and, if the
               payment described in paragraph A1 above shall not have been made
               prior to such termination, 20% of the Redemption Value of the 7A
               Redeemed Units, will be paid in cash on the first business day of
               January of the fiscal year following the date of termination.

          2.   The remainder of the Redemption Value of the 7B Redeemed Units
               and the 7A Redeemed Units will be paid in five equal annual
               installments, together with interest on such deferred amounts, on
               each succeeding anniversary date of the initial payment.

          3.   Deferred amounts will earn annual interest at the prevailing one-
               year Treasury Bill rate, as determined on the date of the initial
               payment by the Administering Committee and on each succeeding
               anniversary date.

          4.   The Administering Committee retains the right to accelerate
               payment of any deferred amount.

          5.   The Redemption Value of 7B Redeemed Units will be calculated as
               of the last business day in the fiscal year in which the
               termination occurred.

     C.   INVOLUNTARY TERMINATION - Upon involuntary termination of employment
          without Cause (as defined below), excluding death, disability or
          retirement at or after ago 60, all unvested Units will be forfeited. 
          Vested Units not previously redeemed will be redeemed automatically by
          the Company as of the awardee's termination date (the "7C Redeemed
          Units") and paid to the awardee according to the following schedule
          and terms:

          1.   25% of the Redemption Value of the 7C Redeemed Units will be paid
               in cash on the first business day of January of the fiscal year
               following the date of termination.

          2.   The remainder of the Redemption Value of the 7C Redeemed Units
               will be paid in three equal annual installments, together with
               interest on such 


                                      - 4 -
<PAGE>


               deferred amounts, on each succeeding anniversary date of the
               initial payment.

          3.   Deferred amounts will earn annual interest at the prevailing one-
               year Treasury Bill rate, as determined on the date of the initial
               payment by the Administering Committee and on each succeeding
               anniversary date.

          4.   The Administering Committee retains the right to accelerate
               payment of any deferred amount.

          5.   The Redemption Value of the 7C Redeemed Units will be calculated
               as of the last business day in the fiscal year in which the
               termination occurred.

     D.   DEATH, DISABILITY OR RETIREMENT - Upon termination due to death,
          disability, retirement at age 60 or above all unvested Units will be
          forfeited.  Vested Units not previously redeemed will be redeemed
          automatically by the Company as of the awardee's employment
          termination date (the "7D Redeemed Units") and paid to the awardee (or
          the awardee's beneficiary) according to the following schedule and
          terms:

          1.   20% of the Redemption Value of the 7D Redeemed Units will be paid
               in cash on the first business day of January of the fiscal year
               following the date of termination.

          2.   The remainder of the Redemption Value of the 7D Redeemed Units
               will be paid in four equal annual installments, together with
               interest on such deferred amounts, on each succeeding anniversary
               date of the initial payment.

          3.   Deferred amounts will earn annual interest at the prevailing
               five-year Treasury Bill rate, as determined on the date of the
               initial payment by the Administering Committee.

          4.   The Administering committee retains the right to accelerate
               payment of any deferred amount.

          5.   The Redemption Value of the 7D Redeemed Units will be calculated
               as of the last business day in the fiscal year in which the
               termination occurred.

     E.   TERMINATION FOR CAUSE - Upon involuntary termination of employment for
          Cause, all vested and unvested Units and any and all Deferred Amounts
          shall be forfeited.

          Termination of employment for "Cause" shall mean termination upon (a)
          the continued failure by an 


                                      - 5 -
<PAGE>


          awardee to perform substantially in a satisfactory manner such
          awardee's duties with the Company (other than any such failure
          resulting from the awardee's incapacity due to physical or mental
          illness) after a demand for substantial performance is delivered to
          such awardee by the Chief Executive Officer of the Company which
          specifically identifies the manner in which the Company believes that
          such awardee has not substantially performed such awardee's duties, or
          (b) the engaging by such awardee in misconduct which is materially and
          demonstrably injurious to the Company.  For purposes of this
          paragraph, no act, or failure to act, on such awardee's part shall be
          considered "misconduct" unless done, or omitted to be done, by an
          awardee in bad faith and without reasonable belief that an awardee's
          action or omission was in, or not opposed to, the best interests of
          the Company.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, an awardee shall not be
          deemed to have been terminated for Cause unless and until there shall
          have been delivered to such awardee a copy of a resolution duly
          adopted by the affirmative vote of not less than three quarters of the
          entire membership of the Board entitled to vote thereon at a meeting
          of the Board called and held for the purpose (after reasonable notice
          to such awardee and an opportunity for such awardee, together with
          such awardee's counsel, to be heard before the Board), finding that in
          the good faith opinion of the Board such awardee was guilty of the
          conduct set forth above in (a) or (b) of this paragraph and specifying
          the particulars thereof in detail.

8.   ACCELERATING OF VESTING - The Administering Committee shall retain the
     absolute discretion to accelerate the period over which Units vest.  The
     Administering Committee shall also retain the absolute discretion to
     declare any Units immediately redeemed or redeemable, payable either in
     full or deferred to a later date.

9.   ADJUSTMENTS - Unit values will be determined based on the Company's audited
     financial statements.  The Administering Committee, in its sole discretion,
     may take into consideration any extraordinary items (i.e., acquisitions,
     divestitures, significant changes in accounting, or tax regulations, etc.)
     in valuing Units.

     In the event of the sale of any of the Company's operating subsidiaries in
     a given year, the gain/loss will only be valued at a Unit value/earning
     ratio of one for purposes of valuing any Units granted or redeemed based on
     that year's results.  It is the intent of the foregoing sentence that any
     effect on EPU as the result of a gain or loss from the sale of any of the
     Company's operating subsidiaries will be multiplied by one rather than by
     ten as set forth in sections 5E and 5F.


                                      - 6 -
<PAGE>


10.  NO RIGHT TO ASSETS OF THE COMPANY - Accrued and deferred amounts under this
     Plan shall neither be funded nor secured and shall be and remain subject
     and subordinated to all present and future indebtedness and other
     obligations of the Company or any subsidiary of the Company with respect to
     its borrowings (including, without limitation, guarantees of any such
     borrowings or otherwise).  The awardee shall have no interest in any
     specific assets of the Company by virtue of this Plan or any Units granted
     under it.

11.  SALE OF THE COMPANY. - In the event of the sale of all or substantially all
     of the assets or shares of the Company by which the Company is not the
     survivor, all vested Units held by an awardee shall be redeemed pursuant to
     paragraph 7B (as though such event constituted a termination of employment)
     and unvested Units will be forfeited.

12.  PUBLIC OFFERING - In the event of a public offering of the common stock of
     the Company, the Administering Committee shall have the right to redeem a
     Unit in Company stock once the Company's shares are traded on a public
     exchange.  The number of common shares to be received per Unit will be
     determined by the Administering Committee by dividing the Unit's Redemption
     Value by the common stock price at the time of such redemption.

     Following a public offering, the Company retains the right to replace all
     outstanding unvested Units with stock options.  The conversion formula will
     be based on the relationship of the Company's earnings per share to the
     fair market value of the stock as traded in the marketplace.  The Company
     will thereafter be relieved of its obligation to redeem any such
     outstanding Units.

     All awards made subsequent to the date of a public offering will be made in
     the form of stock options at the fair market value of the Company stock
     based on the average price per share for the 20 preceding trading days.

     The Administering Committee may attach any terms or conditions to payments
     made in stock that it considers to be in the best interests of the Company.

13.  EFFECTIVE DATE - This Plan shall become effective as of August 1, 1992 upon
     approval by the Board of Directors.  Units may be granted under this Plan
     by the Administering Committee at any time up to ten years after its
     effective date or the distribution of all Units authorized.

14.  AMENDMENT OR TERMINATION OF PLAN - The Company may terminate or amend this
     Plan at any time or adopt a successor Plan.  Termination of this Plan shall
     not affect Units previously granted.


                                      - 7 -
<PAGE>


15.  WRITTEN AGREEMENT - Each award of Units shall be evidenced by a written
     agreement, executed by the awardee and the Company, which shall contain
     such terms and conditions as the Administering Committee may require.

16.  GOVERNING LAW - This Plan and all the rights under it shall be construed in
     accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

17.  WITHHOLDING - The Company shall deduct from payments under this Plan any
     federal, state, or local taxes required by law to be withheld with respect
     to such payments.

18.  ASSIGNMENT - No award or any interest therein, may be assigned,
     transferred, or disposed of in any way by the awardee to whom it has been
     awarded other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution.

19.  NO EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT - This Plan, the receipt of an award of Units, or
     participation in this Plan shall not be construed to give the awardee any
     right to be awarded any Units other than at the sole discretion of the
     Administering Committee, to limit in any way the right of the Company to
     terminate the employment of the awardee at any time, or to be evidence of
     any agreement or understanding, express or implied, that the Company will
     employ the awardee in any particular position or at any particular rate of
     reimbursement or for any particular period of time.

Dated:  As of August 1, 1992



                              FOUR M CORPORATION



                              By:      /s/ Dennis Mehiel      
                                 -----------------------------
                                   Dennis Mehiel, Chairman
                                   Chief Executive Officer


                                      - 8 -

 
<PAGE>


                                 FIRST AMENDMENT
                               FOUR M CORPORATION
                          STOCK APPRECIATION UNIT PLAN



     WHEREAS, pursuant to Stock Appreciation Unit Plan dated as of August 1,
1992 (the "Plan Agreement"), Four M Corporation (the "Company") established a
stock appreciation unit plan (the "Plan"); and

     WHEREAS, the Company wishes to amend the Plan Agreement and the Plan.

     NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to authority of the Board of Directors of the
Company (the "Board"), issued at a meeting held on January 23, 1996, the Company
hereby amends the Plan in the manner hereinafter set forth.

     1.   The third sentence of paragraph 4 of the Plan is hereby restated in
its entirety to read as follows:

          "In total, 700,000 Units are hereby authorized to be granted
          under this Plan."

     2.   Subparagraph E of paragraph 5 of the Plan is hereby restated in its
entirety to read as follows:

          "E. UNIT VALUATION AT AWARD - The Unit value at award will
          be ten times the prior fiscal year's Earnings per Unit
          ("EPU"), but in no event less than the prior fiscal year's
          Book Value per Unit nor greater than two times the prior
          fiscal year's Book Value per Unit, unless otherwise
          specified in the written agreement evidencing the award as
          set forth in Section 15."

     3.   Subparagraph F of paragraph 5 of the Plan is hereby restated in its
entirety to read as follows:

          "5F.  UNIT VALUATION AT REDEMPTION - The Unit value at
          redemption of an award will be ten times either (i) the
          average of the prior three fiscal years' EPU or (ii) the
          prior year's fiscal EPU, but in no event less than the prior
          fiscal year's Book Value per Unit nor greater than two times
          the prior fiscal year's Book Value per Unit determined as of
          the last day of the prior fiscal year.  The choice between
          using (i) or (ii) (as discussed in the previous sentence)
          will be chosen by the awardee at the time of award."

     4.   This Amendment shall become effective as of August 1, 1995.

<PAGE>

     5.   Except as expressly amended by this First Amendment, the Plan is
hereby ratified and confirmed and shall remain in full force and effect.


Dated:  As of August 1, 1995


                              FOUR M CORPORATION



                              By:          /s/ Dennis Mehiel            
                                 ---------------------------------------
                                   Dennis Mehiel, Chairman
                                   Chief Executive Officer

                                      - 2 -

 

<PAGE>

                                                                EXECUTION






                    NORWEST BANK MINNESOTA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, 
                               AS TRUSTEE ("MORTGAGEE")

                                         AND

                            BOX USA GROUP, INC. ("TENANT")



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


                            SUBORDINATION, NONDISTURBANCE
                               AND ATTORNMENT AGREEMENT

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


                                     MAY 30, 1996


RECORD AND RETURN TO:

LATHAM & WATKINS
885 THIRD AVENUE
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10022

ATT'N:  S.H. SPENCER COMPTON, ESQ.

FILE NO.:  014606-0313
DOCUMENT NO.:  25519

<PAGE>
                SUBORDINATION, NONDISTURBANCE AND ATTORNMENT AGREEMENT


    THIS SUBORDINATION, NONDISTURBANCE, AND ATTORNMENT AGREEMENT (this
"AGREEMENT") is entered into as of May 30, 1996 (the "EFFECTIVE DATE"), between
NORWEST BANK MINNESOTA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, a national banking association,
whose address is Norwest Center, Sixth Street and Marquette Avenue, Minneapolis,
Minnesota 55479 in its capacity as trustee under the Indenture (as defined
below), for the ratable benefit of the current and future holders (the
"NOTEHOLDERS") of the First Mortgage Notes (as defined below) ("MORTGAGEE"), 
and BOX USA GROUP, INC., a New York corporation, whose address is 115 Stevens
Avenue, Valhalla, New York 10595 ("TENANT"), with reference to the following
facts:

    A.   FLORIDA COAST PAPER COMPANY, L.L.C.,  a Delaware limited liability
company ("MORTGAGOR"), whose address is 600 U.S. Highway 98, Port St. Joe,
Florida 32456, ("LANDLORD"), owns the real property (such real property,
including all buildings, improvements, structures and fixtures located thereon,
"LANDLORD'S PREMISES") more particularly described in SCHEDULE A.

    B.   Landlord is a party to that certain indenture dated as of the date
hereof (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the
"INDENTURE") among Landlord and Florida Coast Paper Finance Corp. (together with
Mortgagor, collectively, "ISSUERS") and Mortgagee, pursuant to which Issuers
will issue ONE HUNDRED SIXTY FIVE MILLION DOLLARS ($165,000,000) principal
amount of their 12.75% First Mortgage Notes due 2006 (including all first
mortgage notes to be issued from time to time in exchange therefor pursuant to
the Indenture, collectively, the "FIRST MORTGAGE NOTES"), the proceeds of which
(the "LOAN") have been loaned to Landlord.

    C.   To secure the Loan, Landlord has encumbered Landlord's Premises by
entering into that certain Mortgage, Security Agreement, Fixture Filing
Statement and Assignment of Rents, Leases and Leasehold Interests, dated as of
the date hereof in favor of Mortgagee (as amended, increased, renewed, extended,
spread, consolidated, severed, restated, or otherwise changed from time to time,
the "MORTGAGE") to be recorded in the Official Records of the County of Gulf,
State of Florida (the "LAND RECORDS").

    D.   Pursuant to a Lease, dated as of the date hereof (the "LEASE"),
Landlord demised to Tenant a portion of Landlord's Premises ("TENANT'S
PREMISES") more particularly described in Schedule B.  For the purposes of this
Agreement, the term "Lease" shall include the Warehouse Agreement (as defined in
the Lease).

    E.   A memorandum of the Lease is to be recorded in the Land Records prior
to the recording of this Agreement.

    F.   Tenant and Mortgagee desire to agree upon the relative priorities of
their interests in Landlord's Premises and their rights and obligations if
certain event occur.


    NOW, THEREFORE, for good and sufficient consideration, Tenant and Mortgagee
agree:

1   DEFINITIONS.

    The following terms shall have the following meanings for purposes of this
Agreement.

<PAGE>

    1.1  CONSTRUCTION-RELATED OBLIGATION.  A "CONSTRUCTION-RELATED OBLIGATION"
means any obligation of Landlord under the Lease to make, pay for, or reimburse
Tenant for any alterations, demolition, or other improvements or work at
Landlord's Premises, including Tenant's Premises.  "Construction-Related
Obligations" shall not include:  (a) reconstruction or repair following fire,
casualty or condemnation; or (b) day-to-day maintenance and repairs.

    1.2  FORECLOSURE EVENT.  A "FORECLOSURE EVENT"  means:  (a) foreclosure
under the Mortgage; (b) any other exercise by Mortgagee of rights and remedies
(whether under the Mortgage or under applicable law, including bankruptcy law)
as holder of the Loan and/or the Mortgage, as a result of which Successor
Landlord becomes owner of Landlord's Premises; or (c) delivery by Landlord to
Mortgagee (or its designee or nominee) of a deed or other conveyance of
Landlord's interest in Landlord's Premises in lieu of any of the foregoing.

    1.3  FORMER LANDLORD.  A "FORMER LANDLORD" means Landlord and any other
party that was landlord under the Lease at any time before the occurrence of any
attornment under this Agreement.

    1.4  OFFSET RIGHT.  An "OFFSET RIGHT" means any right or alleged right of
Tenant to any offset, defense (other than one arising from actual payment and
performance, which payment and performance would bind a Successor Landlord
pursuant to this Agreement), claim, counterclaim, reduction, deduction, or
abatement against Tenant's payment of Rent or performance of Tenant's other
obligations under the Lease, arising (whether under the Lease or other
applicable law) from Landlord's breach or default under the Lease.

    1.5  RENT.  The "RENT" means any fixed rent, base rent or additional rent
under the Lease.

    1.6  SUCCESSOR LANDLORD.  A "SUCCESSOR LANDLORD" means any party that
becomes owner of Landlord's Premises as the result of a Foreclosure Event.

    1.7  TERMINATION RIGHT.  A "TERMINATION RIGHT" means any right of Tenant to
cancel or terminate the Lease or to claim a partial or total eviction arising
(whether under the Lease or under applicable law) from Landlord's breach or
default under the Lease.


2   SUBORDINATION.

    The Lease shall be, and shall at all times remain, subject and subordinate
to the Mortgage, the lien imposed by the Mortgage, and all advances made under
the Mortgage.


3   NONDISTURBANCE, RECOGNITION AND ATTORNMENT.

    3.1  NO EXERCISE OF MORTGAGE REMEDIES AGAINST TENANT.  So long as the Lease
has not been terminated on account of Tenant's default that has continued beyond
applicable cure periods (an "EVENT OF DEFAULT"), Mortgagee shall not name or
join Tenant as a defendant in any exercise of Mortgagee's rights and remedies
arising upon a default under the Mortgage unless applicable law required Tenant
to be made a party thereto as a condition to proceeding against Landlord or
prosecuting such rights and remedies.  In the latter case, Mortgagee may join
Tenant as a defendant in such action only for such purpose and not to terminate
the Lease or otherwise adversely affect Tenant's rights under the Lease or this
Agreement in such action.



                                         -2-


<PAGE>

    3.2  NONDISTURBANCE AND ATTORNMENT.  If the Lease has not been terminated
on account of an Event of Default by Tenant, then, when Successor Landlord takes
title to Landlord's Premises:  (a) Successor Landlord shall not terminate or
disturb Tenant's possession of Tenant's Premises under the Lease, except in
accordance with the terms of the Lease and this Agreement; (b) Successor
Landlord shall be bound to Tenant under all terms and conditions of the Lease
(except as provided in this Agreement); (c) Tenant shall recognize and attorn to
Successor Landlord as Tenant's direct landlord under the Lease as affected by
this Agreement; and (d) the Lease shall continue in full force and effect as a
direct lease, in accordance with its terms (except as provided in this
Agreement), between Successor Landlord and Tenant.

    3.3  FURTHER DOCUMENTATION.  The provisions of this Article shall be
effective and self-operative without any need for Successor Landlord or Tenant
to execute any further documents.  Tenant and Successor Landlord shall, however,
confirm the provisions of this Article in writing upon request by either of
them.



4   PROTECTION OF SUCCESSOR LANDLORD.

    Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Lease or the Mortgage,
Successor Landlord shall not be liable for or bound by any of the following
matters:

    4.1  CLAIMS AGAINST FORMER LANDLORD.  Any Offset Right that Tenant may have
against any Former Landlord relating to any event or occurrence before the date
of attornment, including any claim for damages of any kind whatsoever as the
result of any breach by Former Landlord that occurred before the date of
attornment.  The foregoing shall not limit Tenant's right to exercise against 
Successor Landlord any Offset Right otherwise available to Tenant because of 
events occurring after the date of attornment.

    4.2  PREPAYMENTS.  Any payment of Rent that Tenant may have made to Former
Landlord more than thirty days before the date such Rent was first due and
payable under the Lease with respect to any period after the date of attornment
other than, and only to the extent that, the Lease expressly required such a
prepayment.

    4.3  PAYMENT; SECURITY DEPOSIT.  Any obligation:  (a) to pay Tenant any
sum(s) that any Former Landlord owed to Tenant or (b) with respect to any
security deposited with Former Landlord, unless such security was actually
delivered to Mortgagee.  This paragraph is not intended to apply to Landlord's
obligation to make any payment that constitutes a "Construction-Related
Obligation."

    4.4  MODIFICATION, AMENDMENT OR WAIVER.   Any modification or amendment of
the Lease, or any waiver of any terms of the Lease, made without Mortgagee's
written consent.

    4.5  SURRENDER, ETC.  Any consensual or negotiated surrender, cancellation,
or termination of the Lease, in whole or in part, agreed upon between Landlord
and Tenant, unless effected unilaterally by Tenant pursuant to the express terms
of the Lease.

    4.6  CONSTRUCTION-RELATED OBLIGATIONS.  Any Construction-Related Obligation
of Former Landlord.

                                         -3-


<PAGE>
5   EXCULPATION OF SUCCESSOR LANDLORD. 

    Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement or the Lease,
upon any attornment pursuant to this Agreement the Lease shall be deemed to have
been automatically amended to provide that Successor Landlord's obligations and
liability under the Lease shall never extend beyond Successor Landlord's (or its
successors' or assigns') interest, if any, in Landlord's Premises from time to
time, including insurance and condemnation proceeds, Successor Landlord's
interest in the Lease, and the proceeds from any sale or other disposition of
Landlord's Premises by Successor Landlord (collectively, "SUCCESSOR LANDLORD'S
INTEREST").  Tenant shall look exclusively to Successor Landlord's Interest (or
that of its successors and assigns) for payment or discharge of any obligations
of Successor Landlord under the Lease as affected by this Agreement.  If Tenant
obtains any money judgment against Successor Landlord with respect to the Lease
or the relationship between Successor Landlord and Tenant, then Tenant shall
look solely to Successor Landlord's Interest (or that of its successors and
assigns) to collect such judgment.  Tenant shall not collect or attempt to
collect any such judgment out of any other assets of Successor Landlord.


6   MORTGAGEE'S RIGHT TO CURE.

    6.1  NOTICE TO MORTGAGEE.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the
Lease or this Agreement, before exercising any Termination Right or Offset
Right, Tenant shall provide Mortgagee with notice of the breach or default by
Landlord giving rise to same (the "DEFAULT NOTICE") and, thereafter, the
opportunity to cure such breach or default as provided for below.

    6.2  MORTGAGEE'S CURE PERIOD.  After Mortgagee receives a Default Notice,
Mortgagee shall have a period of thirty days beyond the time available to
Landlord under the Lease in which to cure the breach or default by Landlord. 
Mortgagee shall have no obligation to cure (and shall have no liability or
obligation for not curing) any breach or default by Landlord, except to the
extent that Mortgagee agrees or undertakes otherwise in writing.

    6.3  EXTENDED CURE PERIOD.  In addition, as to any breach or default by
Landlord the cure of which requires possession and control of Landlord's
Premises, provided only that Mortgagee undertakes to Tenant by written notice to
Tenant within thirty days after receipt of the Default Notice to exercise
reasonable efforts to cure or cause to be cured by a receiver such breach or
default within the period permitted by this paragraph, Mortgagee's cure period
shall continue for such additional time (the "EXTENDED CURE PERIOD") as
Mortgagee may reasonably require to either (a) obtain possession and control of
Landlord's Premises and thereafter cure the breach or default with reasonable
diligence and continuity or (b) obtain the appointment of a receiver and give
such receiver a reasonable period of time in which to cure the default.


7   CONFIRMATION OF FACTS.

    Tenant represents to Mortgagee and to any Successor Landlord, in each case
as of the Effective Date:

    7.1  EFFECTIVENESS OF LEASE.  The Lease is in full force and effect, has
not been modified, and constitutes the entire agreement between Landlord and
Tenant relating to Tenant's Premises.  Tenant has no interest in Landlord's
Premises except pursuant to the Lease.  No unfulfilled conditions exist to
Tenant's obligations under the Lease.


                                         -4-


<PAGE>
    7.2  RENT.  Tenant has not paid any Rent that is first due and payable
under the Lease after the Effective Date.

    7.3  NO LANDLORD DEFAULT.  To the best of Tenant's knowledge, no breach or
default by Landlord exists and no event has occurred that, with the giving of
notice, the passage of time or both, would constitute such a breach or default.

    7.4  NO TENANT DEFAULT.  Tenant is not in default under the Lease and has
not received any uncured notice of any default by Tenant under the Lease.

    7.5  NO TERMINATION.  Tenant has not commenced any action nor sent or
received any notice to terminated the Lease.  Tenant has no presently
exercisable Termination Right(s) or Offset Right(s).

    7.6  COMMENCEMENT DATE.  The "COMMENCEMENT DATE" of the Lease was the date
hereof.

    7.7  ACCEPTANCE.  (a) Tenant has accepted possession of Tenant's Premises;
and (b) Landlord has performed all Construction-Related Obligations related to
Tenant's initial occupancy of Tenant's Premises and Tenant has accepted such
performance by Landlord.

    7.8  NO TRANSFER.  Tenant has not transferred, encumbered, mortgaged,
assigned, conveyed or otherwise disposed of the Lease or any interest therein.

    7.9  DUE AUTHORIZATION.  Tenant has full authority to enter into this
Agreement, which has been duly authorized by all necessary actions.


8   MISCELLANEOUS.

    8.1  NOTICES.  All notices or other communications required or permitted
under this Agreement shall be in writing and given by certified mail (return
receipt requested) or by nationally recognized overnight courier service that
regularly maintains records of items delivered.  Each party's address is as set
forth in the opening paragraph of this Agreement, subject to change by notice
under this paragraph.  Notices shall be effective the next business day after
being sent by overnight courier service, and five business days after being sent
by certified mail (return receipt requested).


    8.2  SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS.  This Agreement shall bind and benefit the
parties, their successors and assigns, any Successor Landlord, and its
successors and assigns.  If Mortgagee assigns the Mortgage, then upon delivery
to Tenant of written notice thereof accompanied by the assignee's written
assumption of all obligations under this Agreement, all liability of the
assignor shall terminate.

    8.3  ENTIRE AGREEMENT.  This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement
between Mortgagee and Tenant regarding the subordination of the Lease to the
Mortgage and the rights and obligations of Tenant and Mortgagee as to the
subject matter of this Agreement.

    8.4  INTERACTION WITH LEASE AND WITH MORTGAGE.  If this Agreement conflicts
with the Lease, then this Agreement shall govern as between the parties and any
Successor Landlord, including upon any attornment pursuant to this Agreement. 
This Agreement supersedes, and constitutes full compliance with, any provisions
in the Lease that provide for subordination of the Lease to, or for delivery 
of nondisturbance agreements by the holder of, the Mortgage.  Mortgagee 
confirms that Mortgagee has consented to Landlord's entering into the Lease.


                                         -5-


<PAGE>

    8.5  MORTGAGEE'S RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS.  Except as expressly provided for
in this Agreement, Mortgagee shall have no obligations to Tenant with respect to
the Lease.  If an attornment occurs pursuant to this Agreement, then all rights
and obligations of Mortgagee under this Agreement shall terminate, without
thereby affecting in any way the rights and obligations of Successor Landlord
provided for in this Agreement.

    8.6  INTERPRETATION; GOVERNING LAW.  The interpretation, validity and
enforcement of this Agreement shall be governed by and construed under the
internal laws of the State of New York.  Tenant and Mortgagee agree and
stipulate that the state of New York has a substantial relationship to them and
to the Loan.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent required by the
internal laws of the State of Florida ("FLORIDA LAW"), Mortgagee shall comply
with Florida Law to the extent that Florida Law requires in connection with any
foreclosure, any sale or other enforcement of Mortgagee's remedies, including
provisional remedies, replevin, claim and delivery of property, injunctive
relief, or appointment of a receiver.

    8.7  AMENDMENTS.  This Agreement may be amended, discharged or terminated,
or any of its provisions waived, only by a written instrument executed by the
party to be charged.

    8.8  EXECUTION.  This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which
together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed by Mortgagee and
Tenant as of the Effective Date.


MORTGAGEE                                      TENANT

NORWEST BANK MINNESOTA,                        BOX USA GROUP, INC.
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
  AS TRUSTEE



By: /s/ Raymond S. Haverstock                  By: /s/ Harvey Friedman
   ---------------------------                    ---------------------
Name: Raymond S. Haverstock                    Name: Harvey Friedman
Title: Vice President                          Title: Secretary


                                         -6-

<PAGE>
Landlord consents and agrees to the foregoing Agreement, which was entered into
at Landlord's request.  The foregoing Agreement shall not alter, waive, or
diminish any of Landlord's obligations under the Mortgage or the Lease.  The
above Agreement discharges any obligations of Mortgagee under the Mortgage and
related loan documents to enter into a nondisturbance agreement with Tenant. 
Landlord is not a party to the above Agreement.


                        LANDLORD

                        FLORIDA COAST PAPER COMPANY, L.L.C.



                        By:     /s/ Mary B. Dopsloff                           
                            -------------------------
                        Name: Mary B. Dopsloff
                        Title: Vice President


Attachments:

    Acknowledgements
    Schedule A = Description of Landlord's Premises
    Schedule B = Description of Tenant's Premises


                                         -7-

<PAGE>
STATE OF  NY       )
                   ) ss
COUNTY OF NY       )

    On the 30th day of May, 1996, before me personally came Harvey Friedman, to
me known, who, being by me duly sworn, did depose and say that (s)he resides at
____________, that (s)he is the Secretary of BOX USA GROUP, INC., the
corporation described in and which executed the foregoing instrument; and that
(s)he signed h__ name thereto by authority of the Board of directors of said
corporation.

     /s/ Shari K. Krouner                       
- ------------------------------------------------
           Notary Public



STATE OF DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA       )
                                    ) ss
COUNTY OF                           )

    On the 29th day of May, 1996, before me personally came Mary B. Dopsloff, to
me known, who, being by me duly sworn, did depose and say that (s)he resides at
129 Rt. 37, New Fairfield, CT; that (s)he is the Manager of FLORIDA COAST PAPER
COMPANY, L.L.C., the Delaware Limited liability company described in and which
executed the foregoing instrument; and that (s)he signed her name thereto by
authority of said limited liability company.


/s/ Judy L. Modlin                                        
- ----------------------------------------
           Notary Public



STATE OF NY        )
                   ) ss
COUNTY OF NY       )

    On the 30th day of May, 1996, before me personally came Ray Haverstock, to
me known, who, being by me duly sworn, did depose and say that (s)he resides at
_________; that (s)he is the Vice President of NORWEST BANK MINNESOTA, NATIONAL
ASSOCIATION the national banking association described in and which executed the
foregoing instrument in its capacity as trustee; and that (s)he signed his name
thereto by authority of the board of directors of said national banking
association.



  /s/ Shari K. Krouner                     
- -------------------------------------------
           Notary Public
                                        

<PAGE>
                                                                   EXHIBIT 23(A)
 
                             CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT
                          CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
To the Board of Directors and Shareholder of
  FOUR M CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
    We  hereby consent to the use in  the Prospectus constituting a part of this
Registration Statement of our report dated September 22, 1995 (except for Note 3
for which the date is November 1, 1995), relating to the consolidated  financial
statements  of Four M  Corporation and subsidiaries, which  is contained in that
Prospectus, and of our report dated September 22, 1995 relating to the Schedule,
which is contained in Part II of the Registration Statement.
 
    We also  consent  to  the  reference to  us  under  the  headings  "Selected
Historical Financial Data" and "Experts" in the Prospectus.
 
                                          /S/ BDO SEIDMAN, LLP
                                          BDO SEIDMAN, LLP
 
   
Valhalla, New York
August 27, 1996
    

<PAGE>
                                                                   EXHIBIT 23(B)
 
                             CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT
                          CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
The Board of Directors
Four M Corporation:
 
    We  consent to the use of our report included herein and to the reference to
our firm under the headings  "Selected Historical Financial Data" and  "Experts"
in the Prospectus.
 
                                          /S/ KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP
                                          KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP
 
Stamford, Connecticut
July 10, 1996

<PAGE>
                                                                   EXHIBIT 23(C)
 
                             CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT
                          CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
The Board of Directors
St. Joe Container Company:
 
    We  consent to  the inclusion  of our report  dated February  12, 1996, with
respect to the statements of financial position of St. Joe Container Company  as
of  December 31, 1994 and  1995, and the related  statements of operations, cash
flows and changes in equity for each of the years in the three-year period ended
December 31, 1995, which report  appears in the Form  S-4 of Four M  Corporation
dated July 12, 1996 and to the reference to our firm under the heading "Experts"
in  the Form S-4 of Four M Corporation dated July 12, 1996. Our report refers to
changes in the method of accounting for income taxes and investments.
 
                                          /s/ KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP
                                          KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP
 
Jacksonville, Florida
July 10, 1996


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