PRICESMART INC
10-12G/A, 1997-08-13
MISCELLANEOUS RETAIL
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<PAGE>
    AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON AUGUST 13, 1997
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                 UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
                            ------------------------
 
                               AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO
                                    FORM 10
 
                  GENERAL FORM FOR REGISTRATION OF SECURITIES
 
    Pursuant to Section 12(b) or (g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
                            ------------------------
 
                                PRICESMART, INC.
 
                (name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
<TABLE>
<S>                              <C>
           DELAWARE                 33-0628530
  (State of incorporation or      (IRS Employer
        organization)             Identification
                                       No.)
</TABLE>
 
                               4649 MORENA BLVD.
                          SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA 92117
 
         (Address, including zip code, of principal executive offices)
 
                                 (619) 581-4530
              (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
 
                            ------------------------
 
     Securities to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None
 
       Securities to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
 
                        Common Stock, $0.0001 par value
                                (Title of Class)
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
                 INFORMATION REQUIRED IN REGISTRATION STATEMENT
              CROSS-REFERENCE SHEET BETWEEN INFORMATION STATEMENT
                              AND ITEMS OF FORM 10
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
           ITEM
ITEM NO.   CAPTION                                                   LOCATION IN INFORMATION STATEMENT
- ---------  -----------------------------------------  ----------------------------------------------------------------
<C>        <S>                                        <C>
       1.  Business.................................  "SUMMARY"; "THE DISTRIBUTION--Background and Reasons for the
                                                        Distribution"; "BUSINESS OF PRICESMART" and "MANAGEMENT'S
                                                        DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
                                                        OPERATIONS."
       2.  Financial Information....................  "SUMMARY"; "RISK FACTORS"; "PRO FORMA COMBINED CAPITALIZATION";
                                                        "UNAUDITED PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION"; "SELECTED
                                                        HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA"; "SELECTED UNAUDITED PRO FORMA
                                                        FINANCIAL DATA"; "MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                                                        FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS" and "FINANCIAL
                                                        STATEMENTS."
       3.  Properties...............................  "RISK FACTORS"; "BUSINESS OF PRICESMART-- Real Estate and
                                                        Related Assets--Properties Held for Sale"; "--Corporate
                                                        Headquarters."
       4.  Security Ownership of Certain Owners and   "MANAGEMENT" and "SECURITIES OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL
           Management...............................    OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT."
       5.  Directors and Executive Officers.........  "SUMMARY"; "THE DISTRIBUTION--Background and Reasons for the
                                                        Distribution"; "RISK FACTORS" and "MANAGEMENT."
       6.  Executive Compensation...................  "MANAGEMENT--Executive Officer Compensation."
       7.  Certain Relationships and Related          None.
           Transactions.............................
       8.  Legal Proceedings........................  "BUSINESS OF PRICESMART--Legal Proceedings."
       9.  Market Price of and Dividends on the       "SUMMARY"; "THE DISTRIBUTION--Quotation and Trading of Company
           Registrant's Common Equity and Related       Common Stock; Dividend Policy" and "RISK FACTORS--Dividend
           Stockholder Matters......................    Policy."
      10.  Recent Sales of Unregistered               None.
           Securities...............................
      11.  Description of Registrant's Securities to  "PRICESMART CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION AND BYLAWS" and
           be Registered............................    "DESCRIPTION OF THE COMPANY'S CAPITAL STOCK."
      12.  Indemnification of Directors and           "MANAGEMENT--Indemnification Agreements"; "PRICESMART
           Officers.................................    CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION AND BYLAWS--Indemnification and
                                                        Advancement of Expenses" and "LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION OF
                                                        OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY."
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
           ITEM
ITEM NO.   CAPTION                                                   LOCATION IN INFORMATION STATEMENT
- ---------  -----------------------------------------  ----------------------------------------------------------------
<C>        <S>                                        <C>
      13.  Financial Statements and Supplementary     "SUMMARY"; "UNAUDITED PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION";
           Data.....................................    "SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA"; "SELECTED UNAUDITED PRO
                                                        FORMA FINANCIAL DATA"; "MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
                                                        OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS"; and
                                                        "FINANCIAL STATEMENTS."
      14.  Disagreements with Accountants on          None.
           Accounting and Financial
           Disclosure...............................
      15.  Financial Statements and Exhibits........
           (a) Financial Statements and Schedule
           (1) Financial Statements:                  "FINANCIAL STATEMENTS."
           (2) Schedule II                            "VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS"
           (b) Exhibits:
<CAPTION>
 
           EXHIBIT
           NUMBER                                     DESCRIPTION
           -----------------------------------------  ----------------------------------------------------------------
<C>        <S>                                        <C>
           2.1(1)                                     Form of Distribution Agreement.
           3.1                                        Form of Amended and Restated of Incorporation of PriceSmart,
                                                        Inc. (included as Annex I to Information Sheet).
           3.2                                        Form of Amended and Restated Bylaws of PriceSmart, Inc.
                                                        (included as Annex II to Information Statement).
           10.1                                       Form of PriceSmart, Inc. 1997 Stock Incentive Plan (included as
                                                        Annex III to Information Sheet).
           10.2(1)                                    Agreement Concerning Transfer of Certain Assets dated as of
                                                        November 1996 by and among Price Enterprises, Inc., Costco
                                                        Companies, Inc. and certain of their respective subsidiaries.
           10.3(2)                                    Employment Agreement between Price Enterprises, Inc. and Robert
                                                        M. Gans.
           10.4                                       Form of Employee Benefits and Other Employment Matters
                                                        Allocation Agreement.
           10.5                                       Form of Tax Sharing Agreement.
           10.6                                       Form of Asset Management and Disposition Agreement.
           10.7(3)                                    Amendment to Employment Agreement between Price Enterprises,
                                                        Inc. and Robert M. Gans
           10.8(1)                                    Form of Indemnity Agreement.
           10.9                                       Form of Transitional Services Agreement
           21.1                                       Subsidiaries of PriceSmart, Inc.
           23.1                                       Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
           23.2                                       Consent of Latham & Watkins.
           27(1)                                      Financial Data Schedule.
</TABLE>
 
(1) Previously filed.
 
(2) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to Amendment No. 1 to the
    Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Price Enterprises, Inc. filed with the
    Commission on November 3, 1994.
 
(3) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Quarterly Report on Form
    10-Q of Price Enterprises, Inc. for the quarter ended June 8, 1997 filed
    with the Commission on July 17, 1997.
<PAGE>
                      [LETTERHEAD]
 
                                                        August 15, 1997
 
Dear Stockholder:
 
    The Board of Directors of Price Enterprises, Inc. ("PEI") has approved the
distribution (the "Distribution") to holders of PEI Common Stock, through a
special dividend, of the Common Stock of PriceSmart, Inc. ("PriceSmart").
PriceSmart will own PEI's merchandising businesses (the "Merchandising
Businesses"), the real properties currently held for sale by PEI, notes
receivable from various municipalities and agencies, secured notes receivable
from buyers of properties formerly owned by PEI, a portion of the cash held by
PEI and its subsidiaries and all other assets and liabilities of PEI not
specifically associated with PEI's core real estate business (other than certain
tax-related assets). The Merchandising Businesses include PEI's international
merchandising businesses, which license and, in some cases, own membership
stores in Latin America and Asia, and PEI's domestic merchandising businesses
consisting of an auto referral program and a travel program. I am pleased to
provide a sample of our PriceSmart trademark (shown below) which is currently
being used in our Asia locations. PEI will continue its core real estate
business with an initial asset base of 27 retail properties and $40 million of
cash following the Distribution. The Board of Directors of PEI believes that the
Distribution will permit PEI to elect to be taxed for Federal income tax
purposes as a real estate investment trust ("REIT").
 
    The Board of Directors of PEI believes that the Distribution is in the best
interest of PEI stockholders. The completion of the Distribution will permit
each of PriceSmart and PEI to concentrate on its core business with separate
management teams. The Board of Directors of PEI believes that the Distribution
also will allow financial markets to better understand and recognize the merits
of the two businesses. Each company will be separately quoted and traded on The
Nasdaq Stock Market's National Market System.
 
    If you are a holder of PEI Common Stock of record at the close of business
on August 15, 1997, you will receive as a dividend one share of PriceSmart
Common Stock for every four shares of PEI Common Stock you hold. The
Distribution will be a taxable transaction to the stockholders of PEI. The
Distribution is scheduled to occur on or about August 29, 1997. We expect to
mail the PriceSmart Common Stock certificates shortly thereafter. Stockholders
of PEI on the record date must retain their PEI share certificates which will
continue to represent shares of PEI Common Stock.
 
    The enclosed Information Statement contains information about the
Distribution and about PriceSmart. We urge you to read it carefully. Holders of
PEI Common Stock are not required to take any action to participate in the
Distribution. A stockholder vote is not required in connection with this matter
and, accordingly, your proxy is not being sought.
 
                                          Sincerely,
 
                                          Robert E. Price
                                          PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
                                          PRICE ENTERPRISES, INC.
 
           i
<PAGE>
                             INFORMATION STATEMENT
                                PRICESMART, INC.
                                  COMMON STOCK
 
    This Information Statement (the "Information Statement") is being furnished
in connection with the distribution (the "Distribution") to holders of common
stock, par value $.0001 per share ("PEI Common Stock"), of Price Enterprises,
Inc. ("PEI") of all of the outstanding shares of common stock, par value $.0001
per share (the "Company Common Stock"), of PriceSmart ("PriceSmart" or the
"Company") pursuant to the terms of a Distribution Agreement to be entered into
by the Company and PEI (the "Distribution Agreement"). PriceSmart will own PEI's
merchandising businesses, the real properties currently held for sale by PEI,
notes receivable from various municipalities and agencies, secured notes
receivable from buyers of properties formerly owned by PEI, a portion of the
cash held by PEI and its subsidiaries and all other assets and liabilities of
PEI not specifically associated with PEI's core real estate business (other than
certain tax-related assets). See "RISK FACTORS" and "BUSINESS OF PRICESMART."
 
    Shares of Company Common Stock will be distributed to holders of record of
PEI Common Stock as of the close of business on August 15, 1997 (the "Record
Date"). Each such holder will receive one share of Company Common Stock for
every four shares of PEI Common Stock held on the Record Date. The Distribution
will be a taxable event to stockholders of PEI. See "THE DISTRIBUTION--Material
Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Distribution--Receipt of the Distribution
by PEI Stockholders." The Distribution is scheduled to occur on or about August
29, 1997 (the "Distribution Date"). No consideration will be paid by holders of
PEI Common Stock for shares of Company Common Stock. See "THE
DISTRIBUTION--Manner of Effecting the Distribution."
 
    There is no current trading market for Company Common Stock, although a
"when issued" market may develop prior to the Distribution Date. The Company
Common Stock has been approved for quotation and trading on The Nasdaq Stock
Market's National Market System (the "Nasdaq NMS"), subject to official notice
of issuance, under the symbol "PSMT." See "THE DISTRIBUTION--Quotation and
Trading of Company Common Stock; Dividend Policy."
 
                            ------------------------
 
         NO STOCKHOLDER APPROVAL OF THE DISTRIBUTION IS REQUIRED OR SOUGHT.
            WE ARE NOT ASKING YOU FOR A PROXY AND YOU ARE REQUESTED
                            NOT TO SEND US A PROXY.
 
                            ------------------------
 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 INFORMATION STATEMENT.
                            ------------------------
 
       THIS INFORMATION STATEMENT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE
                SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY SECURITIES.
 
                            ------------------------
 
    Stockholders of PEI with inquiries related to the Distribution should
contact Robert M. Gans, Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Price
Enterprises, Inc., 4649 Morena Blvd., San Diego, CA 92117, telephone: (619)
581-4530; or PEI's stock transfer agent, ChaseMellon Shareholder Services, Stock
Transfer Department, 400 South Hope Street, Fourth Floor, Los Angeles,
California 90071, telephone (800) 522-6645. ChaseMellon Shareholder Services is
also acting as Distribution Agent for the Distribution.
 
           THE DATE OF THIS INFORMATION STATEMENT IS AUGUST 15, 1997.
<PAGE>
                             INFORMATION STATEMENT
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                              PAGE
                                                                                                            ---------
<S>                                                                                                         <C>
AVAILABLE INFORMATION.....................................................................................          2
SUMMARY OF CERTAIN INFORMATION............................................................................          3
SELECTED HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION...................................................          8
THE DISTRIBUTION..........................................................................................         10
  Background and Reasons for the Distribution.............................................................         10
  Distribution Agent......................................................................................         11
  Manner of Effecting the Distribution....................................................................         11
  Results of the Distribution.............................................................................         12
  Material Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Distribution............................................         12
  Quotation and Trading of Company Common Stock; Dividend Policy..........................................         15
  Conditions; Termination.................................................................................         15
  Reasons for Furnishing the Information Statement........................................................         16
RISK FACTORS..............................................................................................         17
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PRICESMART AND PEI AFTER THE DISTRIBUTION............................................         23
PRELIMINARY TRANSACTIONS..................................................................................         25
REGULATORY APPROVALS......................................................................................         26
PRO FORMA COMBINED CAPITALIZATION.........................................................................         26
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION.................................................................         27
SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA........................................................................         31
SELECTED UNAUDITED PRO FORMA FINANCIAL DATA...............................................................         33
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
  AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS...............................................................................         35
BUSINESS OF PRICESMART....................................................................................         39
MANAGEMENT................................................................................................         50
SECURITIES OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT..........................................         60
PRICESMART CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION AND BYLAWS........................................................         60
DESCRIPTION OF THE COMPANY'S CAPITAL STOCK................................................................         63
LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION OF OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY....................................         64
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.............................................................................        F-1
ANNEX I--AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION OF PRICESMART..................................        I-1
ANNEX II--AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWS OF PRICESMART.......................................................       II-1
ANNEX III--1997 STOCK OPTION PLAN OF PRICESMART...........................................................      III-1
</TABLE>
 
                                       1
<PAGE>
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
    PriceSmart has filed a Registration Statement on Form 10 (the "Registration
Statement") with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") under
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), with
respect to the Company Common Stock. This Information Statement does not contain
all of the information set forth in the Registration Statement and the exhibits
and schedules thereto. For further information, reference is made hereby to the
Registration Statement and such exhibits and schedules. Statements contained
herein concerning any documents are not necessarily complete and, in each
instance, reference is made to the copies of such documents filed as exhibits to
the Registration Statement. Each such statement is qualified in its entirety by
such reference. Copies of these documents may be inspected without charge at the
principal office of the Commission at 450 5th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.
20549, and at the Regional Offices of the Commission at Seven World Trade
Center, Suite 1300, New York, New York 10048 and at 500 West Madison Street,
Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661 and copies of all or any part thereof may be
obtained from the Commission upon payment of the charges prescribed by the
Commission. Copies of this material should also be available through the
Internet by using "Quick Forms Lookup" at the SEC EDGAR Archive, the address of
which is http:// www.sec.gov.
 
    Following the Distribution, the Company will be required to comply with the
reporting requirements of the Exchange Act and will file annual, quarterly and
other reports with the Commission. The Company will also be subject to the proxy
solicitation requirements of the Exchange Act and, accordingly, will furnish
audited financial statements to its stockholders in connection with its annual
meetings of stockholders.
 
    NO PERSON IS AUTHORIZED BY PEI OR THE COMPANY TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO
MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS INFORMATION
STATEMENT, AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT
BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED.
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
                         SUMMARY OF CERTAIN INFORMATION
 
    THIS SUMMARY IS QUALIFIED BY THE MORE DETAILED INFORMATION AND COMBINED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SET FORTH ELSEWHERE IN THIS INFORMATION STATEMENT.
CAPITALIZED TERMS USED BUT NOT DEFINED IN THIS SUMMARY ARE DEFINED ELSEWHERE IN
THIS INFORMATION STATEMENT. UNLESS THE CONTEXT OTHERWISE REQUIRES, REFERENCES IN
THIS INFORMATION STATEMENT TO THE COMPANY OR PRICESMART PRIOR TO THE
CONSUMMATION OF THE DISTRIBUTION INCLUDE PEI'S MERCHANDISING BUSINESSES (AS
DEFINED BELOW) AND THE OTHER ASSETS TO BE TRANSFERRED TO PRICESMART PURSUANT TO
THE DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT, AND REFERENCES TO THE COMPANY OR PRICESMART AFTER
CONSUMMATION OF THE DISTRIBUTION INCLUDE PRICESMART AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES.
 
                                THE DISTRIBUTION
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                 <C>
Distributing Company..............  Price Enterprises, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("PEI").
                                    References herein to PEI include its consolidated
                                    subsidiaries except where the context otherwise
                                    requires. Following the Distribution, PEI will continue
                                    to conduct its core real estate business which will
                                    consist of an initial asset base of 27 properties and
                                    $40 million of cash upon consummation of the
                                    Distribution (the "Real Estate Business").
Distributed Company...............  PriceSmart, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("PriceSmart"
                                    or the "Company"), which currently is a wholly-owned
                                    subsidiary of PEI, and which, as of the Distribution
                                    Date, will own PEI's merchandising businesses (the
                                    "Merchandising Businesses"), the real properties
                                    currently held for sale by PEI (the "Unsold
                                    Properties"), notes receivable from various
                                    municipalities and agencies, secured notes receivable
                                    from buyers of properties formerly owned by PEI, a
                                    portion of the cash currently owned by PEI and its
                                    subsidiaries and all other assets and liabilities of PEI
                                    not specifically associated with the Real Estate
                                    Business (other than certain tax-related assets). The
                                    Merchandising Businesses include PEI's international
                                    merchandising businesses which license and, in some
                                    cases, own membership stores in Latin America and Asia
                                    and PEI's domestic merchandising businesses consisting
                                    of an auto referral program and a travel program. The
                                    Company intends to develop the Merchandising Businesses
                                    and to invest in, acquire or create new merchandising
                                    businesses consistent with the experience and talents of
                                    its management. The Company expects to sell the Unsold
                                    Properties within the next twelve months and to hold the
                                    notes receivable for investment purposes. See "BUSINESS
                                    OF PRICESMART."
Distribution Ratio................  One share of Company Common Stock for every four shares
                                    of PEI Common Stock held on the Record Date.
Shares to be Outstanding Following
  the Distribution................  Based on 23,536,678 shares of PEI Common Stock
                                    outstanding as of August 12, 1997, approximately
                                    5,884,169 shares of Company Common Stock. The Company
                                    Common Stock to be distributed will constitute all of
                                    the outstanding Common Stock of the Company immediately
                                    after the Distribution.
Fractional Share Interests........  Fractional shares of Company Common Stock will not be
                                    distributed. Fractional shares of Company Common Stock
                                    will be aggregated and sold in the public market by the
                                    Distribution
</TABLE>
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                 <C>
                                    Agent and the aggregate net cash proceeds will be
                                    distributed ratably to those stockholders entitled to
                                    fractional interests. See "THE DISTRIBUTION--Manner of
                                    Effecting the Distribution."
Record Date.......................  August 15, 1997 (5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time).
Distribution Date.................  August 29, 1997.
Mailing Date......................  Certificates representing the shares of Company Common
                                    Stock to be distributed pursuant to the Distribution
                                    will be delivered to the Distribution Agent on the
                                    Distribution Date. The Distribution Agent will mail
                                    certificates representing the shares of Company Common
                                    Stock to holders of PEI Common Stock as soon as
                                    practicable thereafter. Holders of PEI Common Stock
                                    should not send stock certificates to PEI, the Company
                                    or the Distribution Agent (as defined below). See "THE
                                    DISTRIBUTION--Manner of Effecting the Distribution."
Conditions to the Distribution....  The Distribution is conditioned upon, among other
                                    things, declaration of the special dividend by the Board
                                    of Directors of PEI (the "PEI Board"). The PEI Board has
                                    reserved the right to waive any conditions to the
                                    Distribution or, even if the conditions to the
                                    Distribution are satisfied, to abandon, defer or modify
                                    the Distribution at any time prior to the Distribution
                                    Date. See "THE DISTRIBUTION--Conditions; Termination."
Reasons for the Distribution......  The PEI Board has structured the Distribution to permit
                                    PEI (which will consist of PEI's Real Estate Business,
                                    $40 million of cash and certain tax-related assets
                                    following the Distribution) to elect to be taxed as a
                                    real estate investment trust ("REIT") under the Internal
                                    Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). In order
                                    to qualify as a REIT, PEI must divest certain assets
                                    unrelated to its real estate business and distribute an
                                    amount of taxable dividends at least equal to its
                                    current and accumulated earnings and profits ("E&P").
                                    The PEI Board expects the Distribution to satisfy these
                                    two requirements. PEI currently intends to make an
                                    election to be taxed as a REIT beginning September 1,
                                    1997. By qualifying as a REIT, PEI would substantially
                                    eliminate taxation on corporate income from the Real
                                    Estate Business. In addition, the Distribution is
                                    designed to separate two types of businesses with
                                    distinct financial, investment and operating
                                    characteristics so that each can adopt strategies and
                                    pursue objectives appropriate to its specific needs. The
                                    Distribution will (i) permit investors to make more
                                    focused investment decisions based on the specific
                                    attributes of each of the two businesses; (ii) enable
                                    the management of each of PEI and PriceSmart to
                                    concentrate its attention and financial resources on the
                                    core businesses of each company; and (iii) enable each
                                    business to develop employee compensation programs that
                                    better fit its operations, including stock-based and
                                    other incentive programs, which will more directly
                                    reward employees of each business based on the success
                                    of that business. See "THE DISTRIBUTION--Background and
                                    Reasons for the Distribution."
</TABLE>
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                 <C>
Federal Income Tax Consequences to
  PEI Stockholders................  The Distribution will be a taxable event to PEI's
                                    stockholders for Federal income tax purposes. The amount
                                    of the Distribution received by each PEI stockholder
                                    will be treated as a dividend (i.e., as ordinary income)
                                    to such stockholder to the extent of such stockholder's
                                    pro rata share of PEI's current and accumulated earnings
                                    and profits. The amount of the Distribution received by
                                    each PEI stockholder that is not treated as a dividend
                                    will first be treated as a nontaxable return of capital
                                    to the extent of such stockholder's basis in his or her
                                    PEI Common Stock, and then generally as capital gain.
                                    The amount of the Distribution received by each PEI
                                    stockholder for Federal income tax purposes will be the
                                    fair market value of the Company Common Stock received
                                    by such stockholder as of the Distribution Date. PEI
                                    will make a determination of the fair market value of
                                    the Company Common Stock as of the Distribution Date
                                    after such date based on a number of factors that will
                                    include, without limitation, the trading price of
                                    Company Common Stock at or near the Distribution Date.
                                    PEI will report the amount of the Distribution received
                                    by each stockholder to such stockholder and to the
                                    Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") on IRS Form 1099-DIV.
                                    There is no assurance that the IRS or the courts will
                                    agree with the amount determined by PEI. PEI
                                    stockholders are urged to consult their own tax advisors
                                    as to the specific tax consequences to them of the
                                    Distribution. See "THE DISTRIBUTION--Material Federal
                                    Income Tax Consequences of the Distribution."
Federal Income Tax Consequences to
  PEI.............................  Depending on the fair market value of Company Common
                                    Stock on the Distribution Date, the Distribution may be
                                    a taxable event to PEI for Federal income tax purposes.
                                    PEI will recognize gain upon the Distribution equal to
                                    the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the
                                    Company Common Stock on the Distribution Date over PEI's
                                    tax basis in such stock. PEI will not recognize any loss
                                    upon the Distribution, even if its tax basis in the
                                    Company Common Stock that is distributed to its
                                    stockholders exceeds the fair market value of such stock
                                    on the Distribution Date. See "THE
                                    DISTRIBUTION--Material Federal Income Tax Consequences
                                    of the Distribution."
Trading Market....................  There is currently no public market for the Company's
                                    Common Stock. The Company Common Stock has been approved
                                    for quotation and trading on the Nasdaq NMS, subject to
                                    official notice of issuance, under the symbol "PSMT."
                                    See "THE DISTRIBUTION--Quotation and Trading of the
                                    Company Common Stock; Dividend Policy" and "RISK
                                    FACTORS-- Absence of Prior Trading Market for Company
                                    Common Stock; Potential Volatility."
Distribution Agent and Transfer
  Agent for the Company Common
  Stock...........................  ChaseMellon Shareholder Services, L.L.C.
</TABLE>
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                 <C>
Dividends.........................  The Company's dividend policy will be established by the
                                    Board of Directors of the Company (the "Company Board")
                                    from time to time based on the results of operations and
                                    financial condition of the Company and such other
                                    business considerations as the Company Board considers
                                    relevant. The Company presently intends to retain future
                                    earnings to finance the growth and development of all of
                                    its business segments; and, therefore, the Company does
                                    not currently anticipate paying any cash dividends. Any
                                    future determination relating to dividend policy will be
                                    made at the discretion of the Company Board. See "THE
                                    DISTRIBUTION--Quotation and Trading of Company Common
                                    Stock; Dividend Policy"; "RISK FACTORS-- Dividend
                                    Policy."
Anti-Takeover Provisions..........  The Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws of the
                                    Company, as well as Delaware statutory law, contain
                                    provisions that may have the effect of discouraging an
                                    acquisition of control of the Company not approved by
                                    the Company Board. These provisions have been designed
                                    to enable the Company to develop its business and foster
                                    its long-term growth without disruptions caused by the
                                    threat of a takeover not deemed by the Company Board to
                                    be in the best interests of the Company and its
                                    stockholders. Such provisions may also have the effect
                                    of discouraging third parties from making proposals
                                    involving an acquisition or change of control of the
                                    Company, although such proposals, if made, might be
                                    considered desirable by a majority of the Company's
                                    stockholders. Such provisions could further have the
                                    effect of making it more difficult for third parties to
                                    cause the replacement of the current management of the
                                    Company without the concurrence of the Company Board.
                                    See "RISK FACTORS--Certain Anti-Takeover Features";
                                    "DESCRIPTION OF THE COMPANY'S CAPITAL STOCK" and
                                    "PRICESMART CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION AND BYLAWS."
Risk Factors......................  See "RISK FACTORS" for a discussion of factors that
                                    should be considered in connection with the Company
                                    Common Stock received in the Distribution.
Preliminary Transactions..........  Prior to the Distribution, PEI intends to transfer to
                                    the Company all of the capital stock of PGT, Inc. and
                                    Price Ventures, Inc., as well as the Unsold Properties,
                                    PEI's notes receivable from various municipalities and
                                    agencies, PEI's secured notes receivable from buyers of
                                    properties formerly owned by PEI, a portion of the cash
                                    held by PEI and its subsidiaries and all other assets
                                    and liabilities of PEI not specifically associated with
                                    PEI's core real estate business (other than certain
                                    deferred tax assets). See "PRELIMINARY TRANSACTIONS."
Relationship with PEI after the
  Distribution....................  PEI will have no stock ownership in the Company upon
                                    consummation of the Distribution. For purposes of
                                    governing certain ongoing relationships between the
                                    Company and PEI
</TABLE>
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                 <C>
                                    after the Distribution and to provide for an orderly
                                    transition, the Company and PEI have entered into or
                                    will enter into certain agreements. Such agreements
                                    include: (i) the Distribution Agreement providing for,
                                    among other things, the Distribution and the division
                                    between the Company and PEI of certain assets and
                                    liabilities; (ii) the Employee Benefits Allocation
                                    Agreement, providing for certain allocations of
                                    responsibilities with respect to employee compensation,
                                    benefits and labor matters; (iii) the Tax Sharing
                                    Agreement pursuant to which the Company and PEI will
                                    agree to allocate tax liabilities that relate to periods
                                    prior to the Distribution Date; (iv) a Transitional
                                    Services Agreement pursuant to which PEI and the Company
                                    will provide certain administrative services to one
                                    another during a transition period; (v) an Asset
                                    Management and Disposition Agreement pursuant to which
                                    PEI will manage and sell the Unsold Properties for fees
                                    to be paid by the Company; and (vi) a lease pursuant to
                                    which the Company will lease space for its corporate
                                    headquarters from PEI. PEI, as sole stockholder of the
                                    Company, has approved the adoption by the Company of the
                                    1997 Stock Option Plan of PriceSmart, Inc. (the
                                    "PriceSmart Stock Option Plan") and the reservation of
                                    700,000 shares of Company Common Stock for issuance
                                    thereunder for purposes of granting awards of Company
                                    Common Stock to employees, officers and directors of the
                                    Company and its subsidiaries in connection with and
                                    subsequent to the Distribution. Vested and unvested
                                    options held by employees, officers and directors of PEI
                                    who will remain with PEI will be equitably adjusted for
                                    the effects of the Distribution on the aggregate spread
                                    between the market price and exercise price of such
                                    options. See "RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PRICESMART AND PEI
                                    AFTER THE DISTRIBUTION."
Management........................  The Company Board consists of Robert E. Price, who is
                                    currently Chairman, President and Chief Executive
                                    Officer of PEI and who will serve in the same positions
                                    with the Company, Katherine L. Hensley, Leon C. Janks,
                                    Lawrence B. Krause and Gilbert A. Partida. Effective as
                                    of the Distribution, the executive officers of the
                                    Company will be Mr. Price, Robert M. Gans who is
                                    presently Executive Vice President and General Counsel
                                    of PEI and who will serve as Executive Vice President,
                                    Secretary and General Counsel of the Company, Theodore
                                    Wallace, who is presently Chief Executive Officer of
                                    Price Ventures, Inc. and who will serve as Executive
                                    Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the
                                    Company, and Daniel L. Brockman, who is presently Vice
                                    President of PEI and Chief Financial Officer of certain
                                    of its subsidiaries and who will serve as Senior Vice
                                    President--Finance and Chief Accounting Officer of the
                                    Company. Other than Mr. Price who will continue to serve
                                    as chairman of PEI, none of the Company's executive
                                    officers will retain positions with PEI following the
                                    Distribution. See "MANAGEMENT."
</TABLE>
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
                                PRICESMART, INC.
            SELECTED HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
    The following selected historical and pro forma financial information of
PriceSmart should be read in conjunction with PriceSmart's historical and pro
forma combined financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in the
Information Statement. See "MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS." The pro forma financial information may
not necessarily reflect the results of operations or the financial position of
PriceSmart which would have actually resulted had the Distribution occurred as
of the date and for the periods indicated, nor should it be taken as indicative
of the future results of operations or the future financial position of
PriceSmart.
 
HISTORICAL
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                               FORTY WEEKS ENDED
                                                                 FISCAL YEARS                 --------------------
                                                  ------------------------------------------   JUNE 9,    JUNE 8,
                                                    1993       1994       1995       1996       1996       1997
                                                  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                               <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Income Statement Data
  Merchandise sales.............................  $  28,671  $  53,015  $  66,573  $  36,211  $  29,578  $  46,239
  International royalties and fees..............     --         --            553      2,164        816      2,222
  Auto and travel program revenues..............      3,713      5,846      8,769      9,875      7,549      9,198
  Cost of goods sold............................     27,233     49,449     62,756     34,644     28,302     44,110
  Selling, general and administrative...........      7,745     15,095     33,337     31,069     24,406     21,057
  Operating loss................................     (2,594)    (5,683)   (20,198)   (17,463)   (14,765)    (7,508)
  Real estate operations,
    net income (loss)...........................        684    (16,354)    (2,238)    (8,359)      (498)       293
  Interest and other income.....................      4,649      6,636      6,031      7,663      6,870      2,029
  Income (loss) before provision/benefit for
    income taxes................................      2,739    (15,401)   (16,405)   (18,159)    (8,393)    (5,186)
  Net income (loss).............................      1,616     (9,087)   (12,517)   (11,423)    (5,922)   (23,189)
 
Balance Sheet Data (at period end)
  Cash and cash equivalents.....................     --         --         --         --                    --
  Total assets..................................    135,698    188,431    107,085     97,981                80,063
  Long-term debt................................     --         --         --         --                    --
  Investment by Price Enterprises...............    106,781    129,389     92,556     86,990                63,081
</TABLE>
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
                                PRICESMART, INC.
      SELECTED HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION (CONTINUED)
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
PRO FORMA (a)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        YEAR ENDED    FORTY WEEKS
                                                                                        AUGUST 31,   ENDED JUNE 8,
                                                                                           1996          1997
                                                                                        -----------  -------------
<S>                                                                                     <C>          <C>
Income Statement Data
  Merchandise sales...................................................................   $  36,211     $  46,239
  International royalties and fees....................................................       2,164         2,222
  Auto and travel program revenues....................................................       9,875         9,198
  Cost of goods sold..................................................................      34,644        44,110
  Selling, general and administrative.................................................      31,169        21,132
  Operating loss......................................................................     (17,563)       (7,583)
  Real estate operations, net.........................................................      (8,359)          293
  Interest and other income...........................................................       7,663         2,029
  Loss before benefit for income taxes................................................     (18,259)       (5,261)
  Net loss............................................................................     (18,259)       (5,261)
  Net loss per common share(b)........................................................       (3.07)        (0.89)
 
Balance Sheet Data (at period end)
  Cash and cash equivalents...........................................................                    50,000
  Total assets........................................................................                   130,563
  Long-term debt......................................................................                    --
  Stockholders' equity................................................................                   113,081
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
(a) The pro forma financial information reflects the pro forma adjustments
    described in "PriceSmart, Inc. Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information."
 
(b) Assumes approximately 5,940,000 shares outstanding, the estimated number of
    shares expected to be outstanding after the Distribution.
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
                                THE DISTRIBUTION
 
BACKGROUND AND REASONS FOR THE DISTRIBUTION
 
    PEI's principal business is its real estate business, which historically has
involved acquiring, developing, owning and selling certain real estate assets
including shopping centers and power centers leased to major retail tenants. PEI
also operates certain merchandising businesses through a number of subsidiaries
(the "Merchandising Businesses") and owns certain real estate properties held
for sale by PEI (the "Unsold Properties"), certain notes receivable from various
municipalities and agencies (the "City Notes") and certain secured notes
receivable from buyers of properties formerly owned by PEI (the "Other Notes,"
and together with the City Notes, the "Notes"). The Merchandising Businesses
include PEI's international merchandising businesses, which license and, in some
cases, own membership stores in Latin America and Asia, and PEI's domestic
merchandising businesses consisting of an auto referral program (the "Auto
Referral Program") and a travel program (the "Travel Program").
 
    The PEI Board has determined that it is in the best interests of PEI and its
stockholders, for the reasons set forth below, to separate PEI's core real
estate business and its merchandising businesses. PEI will continue to conduct
its real estate business which will consist of an initial asset base of 27
retail properties and approximately $40 million of cash (the "Retained Cash
Amount") following the Distribution (the "Real Estate Business"). The PEI Board
expects the Real Estate Business to engage in a combination of acquiring,
developing, owning, managing and/or selling real estate assets following the
Distribution. The Company will conduct the Merchandising Businesses and own the
Notes, all cash balances of PEI as of the Distribution Date other than the
Retained Cash Amount, and all other assets and liabilities of PEI (other than
certain tax-related assets) not specifically associated with the Real Estate
Business (the "Other Assets"). The Merchandising Businesses, the Notes and the
Other Assets are sometimes referred to below as the "PriceSmart Business."
 
    The PEI Board has concluded that it would be in the best interests of PEI's
stockholders if PEI's Real Estate Business were to qualify for Federal tax
treatment as a real estate investment trust ("REIT"). In order to qualify as a
REIT, PEI must (i) divest certain assets not related to its real estate
business, such as the Merchandising Businesses, and (ii) distribute an amount of
taxable dividends at least equal to its current and accumulated earnings and
profits, much of which represents an allocation from Costco Companies, Inc.
("Costco"), formerly Price/Costco, Inc., as a result of the spin-off by Costco
of PEI in December 1994. The PEI Board expects the Distribution to satisfy these
two requirements. By qualifying as a REIT, PEI would substantially eliminate the
taxation on corporate income from the Real Estate Business. In addition, the PEI
Board also has considered strategic alternatives for its Real Estate Business,
including the possibility of a merger or the sale of the post-Distribution PEI
as a whole. Although no such transactions have been agreed upon, the PEI Board
believes that PEI will be best positioned for such a transaction if PEI were to
operate as a REIT. Accordingly, PEI, which will consist solely of the Real
Estate Business following the Distribution, intends to elect to be taxed as a
REIT under Section 856 through 860 of the Code following the Distribution. The
Board of Directors of PEI believes, based on the advice of PEI's counsel and
accountants, that commencing with PEI's taxable year beginning September 1,
1997, PEI will be organized and operating in such a manner as to qualify for
taxation as a REIT. To maintain REIT status, an entity must meet a number of
organizational and operational requirements, including a requirement that it
currently distribute at least 95% of its REIT taxable income (determined without
regard to the so-called "dividends paid deduction" and by excluding net capital
gains) to its stockholders. PEI intends to make regular quarterly dividends to
holders of PEI Common Stock following its REIT election. The PEI Board's
selection of assets to be transferred to the Company has been determined in part
by the PEI Board's desire to exclude assets that would prevent PEI from
qualifying as a REIT.
 
    Moreover, the Real Estate Business and Merchandising Businesses have
markedly different profiles, in terms of operating objectives, profit margins
and number and type of employees. The two businesses are operated by separate
management teams, and separation of the businesses should result in greater
focus of
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
the management teams on the core strengths of the respective companies.
Separation of the two businesses will (i) permit investors to make more focused
investment decisions based on the specific attributes of each of the two
businesses; (ii) enable the management of each of PEI and the Company to
concentrate its attention and financial resources on the core businesses of each
company; and (iii) enable each business to develop employee compensation
programs that better fit its operations, including stock-based and other
incentive programs, which will more directly reward employees of each business
based on the success of that business.
 
    The PEI Board recognized in its planning that the Distribution would result
in a transaction taxable to PEI stockholders and possibly to PEI depending on
the fair market value of Company Common Stock on the Distribution Date. Due to
the nature of the Merchandising Businesses and the other assets to be
transferred to the Company and the amount and duration of PEI's holdings
thereof, PEI and the Company are not positioned to effect the Distribution on a
tax-free basis. The Board has considered that PEI's substantial tax basis in
Company Common Stock (and prior to their transfer to the Company, in the assets
to be transferred) would minimize taxable gains, if any, to PEI that would
otherwise be recognized. Upon review of this and other relevant factors, the PEI
Board concluded that the benefits of the Distribution would more than offset any
negative tax consequences of the Distribution. See "--Material Federal Income
Tax Consequences of the Distribution."
 
DISTRIBUTION AGENT
 
    The distribution agent ("Distribution Agent") is ChaseMellon Shareholder
Services, L.L.C., Stock Transfer Department, 400 South Hope Street, Fourth
Floor, Los Angeles, California 90071, telephone (800) 522-6645.
 
MANNER OF EFFECTING THE DISTRIBUTION
 
    The general terms and conditions relating to the Distribution are set forth
in the Distribution Agreement (the "Distribution Agreement") that will be
executed on or prior to the Distribution Date between PEI and the Company.
 
    PEI will effect the Distribution on the Distribution Date by delivering all
outstanding shares of the Company Common Stock to the Distribution Agent for
distribution to the holders of record of PEI Common Stock as of the close of
business on the Record Date. The Distribution will be made on the basis of one
share of the Company Common Stock for every four shares of PEI Common Stock held
as of the close of business on the Record Date. Based on 23,536,678 shares of
PEI Common Stock on August 12, 1997 approximately 5,884,169 shares of Company
Common Stock will be distributed to PEI stockholders. The shares of the Company
Common Stock will be fully paid and nonassessable, and the holders thereof will
not be entitled to preemptive rights. See "DESCRIPTION OF THE COMPANY'S CAPITAL
STOCK." It is expected that certificates representing shares of the Company
Common Stock will be mailed to holders of PEI Common Stock as soon as
practicable after the Distribution Date.
 
    HOLDERS OF PEI COMMON STOCK SHOULD NOT SEND CERTIFICATES TO THE COMPANY, PEI
OR THE DISTRIBUTION AGENT. THE DISTRIBUTION AGENT WILL MAIL THE STOCK
CERTIFICATES REPRESENTING SHARES OF COMPANY COMMON STOCK AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE
AFTER THE DISTRIBUTION DATE. PEI STOCK CERTIFICATES WILL CONTINUE TO REPRESENT
SHARES OF PEI COMMON STOCK AFTER THE DISTRIBUTION IN THE SAME AMOUNT SHOWN ON
THE CERTIFICATES.
 
    No certificates or scrip representing fractional interests in shares of the
Company Common Stock ("Fractional Shares") will be issued to holders of PEI
Common Stock as part of the Distribution. The Distribution Agent, acting as
agent for holders of PEI Common Stock otherwise entitled to receive certificates
representing Fractional Shares, will aggregate and sell in the open market all
Fractional Shares
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
at then prevailing prices and distribute the net proceeds to the stockholders
entitled thereto. PEI will pay the fees and expenses of the Distribution Agent
in connection with such sales.
 
    No holder of PEI Common Stock will be required to pay any cash or other
consideration for the shares of the Company Common Stock to be received in the
Distribution or to surrender or exchange shares of PEI Common Stock or to take
any other action in order to receive the Company Common Stock pursuant to the
Distribution.
 
RESULTS OF THE DISTRIBUTION
 
    After the Distribution, the Company will be a separate public company which
will own and operate the Merchandising Businesses and certain other assets
formerly owned by PEI. See "BUSINESS OF PRICESMART." The number and identity of
the holders of Company Common Stock immediately after the Distribution will be
substantially the same as the number and identity of the holders of PEI Common
Stock on the Record Date. Immediately after the Distribution, the Company
expects to have approximately 706 holders of record of the Company Common Stock
and approximately 5,884,169 shares of the Company Common Stock outstanding based
on the number of PEI stockholders of record, the outstanding shares of PEI
Common Stock as of the close of business on August 12, 1997 and the distribution
ratio of one share of Company Common Stock for every four shares of PEI Common
Stock.
 
MATERIAL FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE DISTRIBUTION
 
    The discussion set forth below is a summary of the material Federal income
tax consequences of the Distribution. This summary does not, however, purport to
be a complete analysis of all of the potential tax effects of the Distribution
or of ownership of Company Common Stock following the Distribution. The summary
is based upon current provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the "Code"), currently applicable Treasury regulations, and judicial
and administrative decisions and rulings. This summary is based on discussions
with and advice from the Company's counsel, Latham & Watkins. There can be no
assurance that the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") will not take a contrary
view, and no ruling from the IRS has been or will be sought. Legislative,
judicial or administrative changes or interpretations may be forthcoming that
could alter or modify the statements or conclusions set forth herein. Any such
changes or interpretations could be retroactive and could affect the tax
consequences to the stockholders.
 
    The summary does not purport to deal with all aspects of United States
Federal income taxation that may affect particular stockholders in light of
their individual circumstances, and is not intended for stockholders subject to
special treatment under the United States Federal income tax law, such as life
insurance companies, tax-exempt organizations, regulated investment companies, S
corporations, financial institutions, broker-dealers in securities, stockholders
who hold their stock as part of a hedge, straddle or conversion transaction,
stockholders who do not hold their stock as capital assets, stockholders who
have acquired their stock upon the exercise of options or otherwise as
compensation, foreign entities, and nonresident alien individuals.
 
    THE TAX CONSEQUENCES TO PEI STOCKHOLDERS OF RECEIVING THE DISTRIBUTION AND
OWNING COMPANY COMMON STOCK MAY VARY DEPENDING ON A STOCKHOLDER'S PARTICULAR
SITUATION. STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO CONSULT WITH THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS
REGARDING THE TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THEM OF RECEIPT OF THE DISTRIBUTION AND
OWNERSHIP OF COMPANY COMMON STOCK, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE APPLICATION
TO THEM OF FEDERAL ESTATE AND GIFT, STATE, LOCAL, FOREIGN, AND OTHER TAX LAWS.
 
    RECEIPT OF THE DISTRIBUTION BY PEI STOCKHOLDERS.  The Distribution will be a
taxable event to PEI's stockholders for Federal income tax purposes. The amount
of the Distribution received by each PEI stockholder for Federal income tax
purposes will be the fair market value of the Company Common Stock
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
(including Fractional Shares) received by such stockholder as of the
Distribution Date. With respect to each PEI stockholder, such amount will be
treated as a dividend (i.e., as ordinary income) to the extent of such
stockholder's pro rata share, based on such stockholder's percentage ownership
of PEI Common Stock, of PEI's current and accumulated earnings and profits as
computed for Federal income tax purposes ("E&P"). The portion of the
Distribution received by each PEI stockholder that is not treated as a dividend
will first be treated as a nontaxable return of capital to the extent of such
stockholder's basis in its PEI Common Stock, and then as an amount received by
such stockholder from the sale or exchange of property. The amount that is
treated as received by a PEI stockholder from the sale or exchange of property
will generally be capital gain or loss, which will be long-term capital gain or
loss if the stockholder has held its PEI stock for more than one year.
 
    Based on PEI's current level of E&P, it is believed that all or a
substantial amount of the Distribution will result in the recognition by PEI's
stockholders of ordinary income. Each PEI stockholder will acquire an initial
tax basis in such stockholder's Company Common Stock equal to the fair market
value thereof, i.e., the value of the Company Common Stock received by such
stockholder as of the Distribution Date. Each such stockholder's holding period
for Company Common Stock received in the Distribution will begin on the
Distribution Date. Following the Distribution, PEI will make a determination of
the fair market value of the Company Common Stock as of the Distribution Date
based on a number of factors that will include, without limitation, the trading
price of Company Common Stock at or near the Distribution Date. PEI will report
the amount of the Distribution received by each stockholder to such stockholder
and to the IRS on IRS Form 1099-DIV.
 
    There is no assurance that the IRS or the courts will agree that the amount
of the Distribution received by a PEI stockholder is equal to the amount
determined by PEI, or that the amounts received by PEI stockholders are not
greater than the amounts reported to them by PEI. If the IRS were to challenge
the amount of the Distribution reportable by any PEI stockholder on such
stockholder's Federal income tax return, such stockholder would have to bear the
expense and effort of defending against or otherwise resolving such challenge.
 
    SPECIAL RULES APPLICABLE TO CORPORATE STOCKHOLDERS--DEDUCTION FOR DIVIDENDS
RECEIVED.  In computing its taxable income for the tax year in which the
Distribution occurs, a corporate holder of PEI Common Stock generally will be
entitled to a deduction in an amount equal to 70 percent of the amount of the
Distribution received by such holder that constitutes a dividend. The dividends
received deduction will be available only for dividends received on shares of
PEI Common Stock that the corporate holder has held for at least 46 days. A
corporate holder's holding period for these purposes generally will be reduced
by periods during which (i) such holder has an option to sell, is under a
contractual obligation to sell, or has made (but not closed) a short sale of
substantially identical stock or securities, (ii) such holder is the grantor of
an option to purchase substantially identical stock or securities, or (iii) such
holder's risk of loss with respect to the shares is considered diminished by
reason of the holding of one or more positions in substantially similar or
related property. In addition to the foregoing, no dividends received deduction
will be allowed to a corporate holder of PEI Common Stock for a dividend
received by such holder with respect to such stock to the extent that such
holder is obligated (whether pursuant to a short sale or otherwise) to make
related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related
property. Further, the dividends received deduction allowed to a corporate
holder of PEI Common Stock with respect to all dividends received by such holder
during the tax year in which the Distribution occurs (not only dividends
received with respect to such holder's PEI Common Stock) will be limited to a
specified percentage of the holder's taxable income (subject to certain
adjustments) for such year. Finally, the dividends received deduction allowed to
a holder in whose hands the PEI Common Stock is "portfolio stock" may be reduced
or eliminated in accordance with the rules set forth in Section 246A of the Code
if such holder has indebtedness that is directly attributable to its investment
in such stock.
 
    Special rules may apply to a corporate holder of PEI Common Stock if the
amount of the Distribution received by such holder is considered to be an
"extraordinary dividend" within the meaning of Section
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
1059 of the Code. If the amount of the Distribution received by a corporate
holder constitutes an extraordinary dividend with respect to such holder's PEI
Common Stock, and if the holder has not held such stock for more than two years
before PEI declared, announced, or agreed to the amount or payment of such
dividend, whichever is earliest, then the holder's basis in such stock will be
reduced (but not below zero) by any non-taxed portion of the dividend (which
generally is the amount of the dividends received deduction attributable to such
stock). Under the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, enacted August 5, 1997, if the
non-taxed portion of such dividend exceeds such basis, such excess will be
treated as gain from the sale or exchange of such stock for the taxable year in
which the extraordinary dividend is received. For purposes of determining if PEI
Common Stock has been held for more than two years, rules similar to those used
to calculate the holding period of stock for purposes of the dividends received
deduction will apply. The amount of the Distribution received by a corporate
holder of PEI Common Stock generally will constitute an "extraordinary dividend"
with respect to its stock if the amount received by such holder (i) equals or
exceeds 10 percent of the holder's adjusted basis in such stock, treating all
dividends received with respect to such stock having ex-dividend dates within an
85-day period as one dividend, or (ii) exceeds 20 percent of the holder's
adjusted basis in such stock (determined without regard to any reduction for the
non-taxed portion of other extraordinary dividends), treating all dividends
received with respect to such stock having ex-dividend dates within a 365-day
period as one dividend. A holder may elect to use the fair market value of the
stock, rather than its adjusted basis, for purposes of applying the 10 percent
and 20 percent limitations, if the holder is able to establish such fair market
value to the satisfaction of the IRS.
 
    In addition to the foregoing rules, a corporate holder of PEI Common Stock
in general may be required, for purposes of computing its alternative minimum
tax liability, to include in its alternative minimum taxable income the amount
of any dividends received deduction allowed in computing regular taxable income.
 
    PAYMENT OF THE DISTRIBUTION BY PEI.  PEI may recognize a gain, but will not
recognize any loss, as a result of the Distribution. PEI's taxable gain, if any,
should be measured by the extent to which, at the time of the Distribution, the
fair market value of the Company Common Stock exceeds PEI's basis in such stock.
If, however, PEI's tax basis in such stock equals or exceeds the fair market
value thereof on the Distribution Date, no gain or loss will be recognized by
PEI on the Distribution.
 
    TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE DISTRIBUTION TO THE COMPANY.  Immediately preceding
the Distribution, PEI will transfer the Merchandising Businesses not already
owned by the Company and the other designated assets to the Company in exchange
for Company Common Stock which the Company will issue to PEI. In that
transaction the Company will acquire a tax basis in the transferred assets that,
in general, is equal to PEI's tax basis in such assets increased by any gain
recognized by PEI on the transfer. It is anticipated that PEI will not recognize
any gain on the transfer of the transferred assets and transferred liabilities
to the Company, in which case the Company's tax basis in the transferred assets
will be the same as PEI's tax basis in such assets. The Distribution by PEI to
its stockholders of Company Common Stock will have no tax consequences to the
Company.
 
    TAX REPORTING.  As indicated above, PEI will report the amount of the
dividend received by each stockholder to such stockholder and to the IRS on IRS
Form 1099-DIV.
 
    BACKUP WITHHOLDING.  Pursuant to Section 3406 of the Code and applicable
regulations thereunder, PEI generally will be required to withhold an amount
equal to 31 percent of the dividend portion of the amount of the Distribution
paid to a holder of PEI Common Stock ("payee") with respect to such stock if (i)
such payee fails to furnish or certify a taxpayer identification number to the
payor, (ii) the IRS notifies the payor that the taxpayer identification number
furnished by the payee is incorrect, (iii) there has been a "notified payee
underreporting" described in Section 3406(c) of the Code, or (iv) there has been
a "payee certification failure" described in Section 3406(d) of the Code. Any
amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules from a payment to a
stockholder will be allowed as a credit against the stockholder's Federal income
tax liability or as a refund.
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
QUOTATION AND TRADING OF COMPANY COMMON STOCK; DIVIDEND POLICY
 
    There is not currently a public market for the Company Common Stock. Prices
at which the Company Common Stock may trade prior to the Distribution on a
"when-issued" basis or after the Distribution cannot be predicted. Until the
Company Common Stock is fully distributed and an orderly market develops, the
prices at which trading in such stock occurs may fluctuate significantly. The
prices at which the Company Common Stock trades will be determined by the
marketplace and may be influenced by many factors, including, among others, the
success of the PriceSmart Business, the depth and liquidity of the market for
the Company Common Stock, investor perception of the Company and the industries
in which the Company participates, the Company's dividend policy and general
economic and market conditions. Such prices may also be affected by certain
provisions of the Company's Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws, as each
will be in effect following the Distribution, which may have an anti-takeover
effect. See "RISK FACTORS--Absence of Prior Trading Market for Company Common
Stock; Potential Volatility"; "--Dividend Policy" and "PRICESMART CERTIFICATE OF
INCORPORATION AND BYLAWS."
 
    The Company Common Stock has been approved for quotation and trading on the
Nasdaq NMS, subject to official notice of issuance. The Company initially will
have approximately 706 stockholders of record based upon the number of
stockholders of record of PEI as of August 12, 1997. For certain information
regarding options to purchase the Company Common Stock that will be outstanding
after the Distribution, see "RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE COMPANY AND PEI AFTER THE
DISTRIBUTION--Employee Benefits Allocation Agreement."
 
    The Company presently intends to retain future earnings to finance the
growth and development of all of its business segments; and, therefore, the
Company does not currently anticipate paying any cash dividends. Any future
determination relating to dividend policy will be made at the discretion of the
Company Board. Such determinations will depend on a number of factors, including
the future earnings, capital requirements, financial condition and prospects of
the Company, possible loan or financing covenant restrictions, and such other
factors as the Board of Directors of the Company may deem relevant.
 
    The Company consists of certain assets transferred from PEI as described in
"THE DISTRIBUTION--Background and Reasons for the Distribution." Nothing herein
should be construed to suggest that the trading price of PEI Common Stock at any
point in time may be used as a substitute for the trading price of Company
Common Stock. No assurance can be given that Company Common Stock will trade at
a price per share reflecting the earnings per share or other multiple, or other
attributes, of PEI. See "RISK FACTORS--Absence of Prior Trading Market for
Company Common Stock; Potential Volatility."
 
    PEI filed a request for a no-action letter with the staff of the Securities
and Exchange Commission on July 3, 1997, setting forth, among other things,
PEI's view that the Distribution of the Company Common Stock does not require
registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities
Act"). It is the Company's belief that the Company Common Stock distributed to
PEI's stockholders in the Distribution will be freely transferable, except for
securities received by persons who may be deemed to be "affiliates" of PEI
within the meaning of Rule 144 in which case such persons may not publicly offer
or sell the Company Common Stock received in connection with the Distribution
except pursuant to a registration statement under the Securities Act or pursuant
to Rule 144.
 
CONDITIONS; TERMINATION
 
    The PEI Board has conditioned the Distribution upon, among other things, (i)
the transfers of assets and liabilities contemplated by the Distribution
Agreement to occur prior to the Distribution having been consummated in all
material respects; (ii) the Company Board having been elected, and the
Certificate of Incorporation and the Bylaws of the Company, as each will be in
effect after the Distribution, having been adopted and being in effect; (iii)
the Registration Statement on Form 10 with respect to the Company
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
Common Stock (the "Form 10 Registration Statement") having become effective
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"); and
(iv) receipt of any necessary consents to the Distribution from third-parties,
except for those the failure of which to obtain would not have a material
adverse effect on the Company or PEI. The Company believes that there are no
third-party consents which if not obtained would have a material adverse effect
on the Company, PEI or the Distribution. Any of the conditions to the
Distribution may be waived in the discretion of the PEI Board. Even if all of
the above conditions are satisfied, the PEI Board has reserved the right to
abandon, defer or modify the Distribution or the other elements of the
Distribution at any time prior to the Distribution Date; however, the PEI Board
will not waive any of the conditions to the Distribution or make any changes in
the terms of the Distribution unless the PEI Board determines that such changes
would not be materially adverse to the PEI stockholders. See "RELATIONSHIP
BETWEEN PRICESMART AND PEI AFTER THE DISTRIBUTION--Distribution Agreement."
 
REASONS FOR FURNISHING THE INFORMATION STATEMENT
 
    This Information Statement is being furnished by PEI solely to provide
information to PEI stockholders who will receive the Company Common Stock in the
Distribution. It is not, and is not to be construed as, an inducement or
encouragement to buy or sell any securities of PEI or the Company. The
information contained in this Information Statement is believed by PEI and the
Company to be accurate as of the date set forth on its cover. Changes may occur
after that date, and neither the Company nor PEI will update the information
except in the normal course of their respective public disclosure practices.
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
    Stockholders should note the following risk factors, as well as the other
information contained in this Information Statement.
 
LIMITED OPERATING HISTORY AND RECENT LOSSES
 
    The Company has only a limited operating history upon which an evaluation of
the Company and its prospects can be based, and this limited operating history
makes the prediction of future operating results difficult or impossible. The
Company has operated its international merchandising businesses through its
Price Global and Price Ventures subsidiaries since August 1994. The Company's
international merchandising businesses have entered into license agreements with
five entities in Latin America and Asia, and six membership stores have been
opened pursuant to such agreements. One of these membership stores has been
opened by a Panama joint venture of which the Company owns a 51% interest. Four
of such stores have been open for less than one year. Consequently, operating
results achieved to date may not be indicative of the results that may be
achieved in the future. The Company's international merchandising businesses
have incurred significant operating losses to date and there can be no assurance
that the Company's international operations will be profitable in the future, or
that if profitability is achieved, it will be sustained. The Company's Auto
Referral Program and Travel Program also have limited operating histories, and
although they have achieved limited profitability, there can be no assurance
that such profitability can be sustained. The Company's prospects must be
considered in light of the risks, uncertainties, expenses and difficulties
frequently encountered by companies in the early stages of development,
particularly companies in new and evolving markets. To continue to address these
risks, the Company must, among other things, continue to locate and enter into
agreements with experienced, reliable licensees or business partners in
developing international markets, establish and maintain relationships with
automobile dealers and travel service providers, respond to competitive
developments, and continue to attract, retain and motivate qualified personnel.
There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in addressing such
risks. See "MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS" and "BUSINESS OF PRICESMART."
 
LACK OF INDEPENDENT OPERATING HISTORY
 
    Although the Company's Merchandising Businesses have been historically
operated through separate subsidiaries of PEI, the Merchandising Businesses and
other operations transferred to the Company have neither been operated as a
stand-alone business nor conducted without the benefit of the financial and
other resources of PEI. There can be no assurance that the Company will not
encounter financial, managerial or other difficulties as a result of its lack of
independent operating history or inability to continue to rely on the financial
and other resources of PEI.
 
HISTORICAL MERCHANDISING RESULTS
 
    Historical and pro forma financial results for the Merchandising Businesses
include operating losses from the Company's electronic shopping program, a
merchandising effort that was discontinued in January 1997. As a result,
although the historical results of the Merchandising Businesses illustrate the
developmental nature of the Company's Merchandising Businesses, such historical
results may not be indicative of future operating results. See "BUSINESS OF
PRICESMART."
 
RISKS INHERENT IN INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS
 
    The Company increasingly will be subject to risks inherent in conducting
international business as the Company expands its international merchandising
businesses, in particular its PriceSmart membership store concept. Such risks
include the imposition of governmental controls, the need to comply with a wide
variety of foreign and U.S. export laws, political and economic instability,
trade restrictions, changes in
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
tariffs and taxes, longer payment cycles typically associated with international
sales, and greater difficulty of administering business overseas.
 
    Success of the international business is subject to additional factors,
including the availability of suitable sites, the negotiation of acceptable
lease or purchase terms for such sites, permitting and regulatory compliance,
the ability to meet construction schedules, the ability to hire and train
qualified management and store personnel, the financial and other capabilities
of the Company's licensees and business partners, and general economic and
business conditions. The Company's management has had limited experience owning
or licensing membership stores outside of the United States. There can be no
assurance that any of these factors will not have a material adverse effect on
the Company's business, financial condition or results of operations. See
"BUSINESS OF PRICESMART--International Merchandising Businesses."
 
INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS; DEPENDENCY ON FOREIGN LICENSEES AND BUSINESS PARTNERS
  AND ASSOCIATED RISKS
 
    Several of the risks associated with the international merchandising
business will be within the control (in whole or in part) of the Company's
licensees and business partners or may be affected by the acts or omissions of
such licensees and business partners. The Company's licensees have had little or
no experience operating membership stores that sell consumer goods. There can be
no assurance that such licensees will successfully implement the Company's
PriceSmart membership store concept or that they will be successful in their
respective markets. In the event one or more licensees are unsuccessful or
otherwise displeased with their relationship with the Company, such licensees
could seek to terminate their relationships with the Company or make claims
against the Company alleging that the Company acted, or failed to act, in a
manner that damaged such licensees. In addition, the Company has experienced
contractual problems with its licensee in China, which, if not resolved to the
Company's satisfaction, could result in termination of the Company's
relationship with such licensee. The termination of the Company's relationship
with any of its licensees may have a material adverse effect on the Company's
business, financial condition and results of operation. Moreover, while the
Company has never been involved in litigation with any of its licensees, there
can be no assurance that a dissatisfied licensee would not file litigation, that
the Company would prevail if any such litigation were filed or that such
litigation would not have a material adverse effect on the Company's business,
financial condition and results of operation. See "BUSINESS OF
PRICESMART--International Merchandising Businesses."
 
AUTO REFERRAL PROGRAM DEPENDENT ON DEALERSHIP NETWORK
 
    To date, substantially all of the Company's revenues from its Auto Referral
Program have been derived from fees paid by subscribing dealerships. Subscribing
dealers generally may terminate their affiliation with the Company for any
reason without notice, including any such dealer's unwillingness to accept the
Company's subscription terms or to join other marketing programs. A material
decrease in the number of participating dealerships, or slower than expected
growth in the number of subscribing dealerships, would have a material adverse
effect on the results of operations of the Company's Auto Referral Program. See
"BUSINESS OF PRICESMART--Auto Referral Program."
 
    In addition, the success of the Company's Auto Referral Program depends on
its participating dealerships' adherence to the Company's consumer oriented
sales practices. The Company devotes significant efforts to train participating
dealerships in such practices which are intended to increase consumer
satisfaction. If the Company were unable to train dealerships effectively, or if
participating dealerships failed to adopt such practices, respond rapidly and
professionally to vehicle purchase requests, or sell vehicles in accordance with
the Company's marketing strategies, the Company could experience low consumer
satisfaction, which would have a material adverse effect on the results of
operations of the Company's Auto Referral Program. See "BUSINESS OF
PRICESMART--Auto Referral Program."
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
TRAVEL PROGRAM DEPENDENT ON TRAVEL PROVIDERS
 
    The Company's Travel Program is dependent upon certain travel providers,
wholesalers and high volume travel agencies for access to reduced-price travel
products. Such access enables the Company to price its travel services more
competitively. The Company's agreements with travel providers, wholesalers and
high volume travel agencies generally can be cancelled or modified upon
relatively short notice. The loss of a contract, changes in the Company's
pricing agreements or commission schedules or more restricted access to
reduced-price travel products would have a material adverse effect on the
Company's Travel Program. See "BUSINESS OF PRICESMART--Travel Program."
 
RELIANCE ON COSTCO FOR AUTO REFERRAL AND TRAVEL PROGRAMS
 
    The Company currently operates its Auto Referral and Travel Programs
exclusively at Costco warehouses, and the Company offers such programs to Costco
members. The Company's rights to conduct Auto Referral and Travel Programs at
Costco warehouses are set forth in an Agreement Concerning Transfer of Certain
Assets (the "Asset Transfer Agreement") between Costco and its affiliates and
PEI and its affiliates. Pursuant to the Asset Transfer Agreement, the Company's
rights to operate such programs at Costco warehouses terminate automatically on
October 31, 1999 unless earlier terminated by the Company pursuant to an early
termination provision. There can be no assurance that the Company and Costco
will agree to extend the Company's rights to conduct the Auto Referral and
Travel Programs beyond October 31, 1999 or that the Company will be able to
develop sufficient alternatives to Costco for operating its Auto Referral and
Travel Programs. The failure to renew its rights with Costco or to find
alternatives to Costco would have a material adverse effect on the Company's
business, results of operations and financial condition. See "BUSINESS OF
PRICESMART--Relationship with Costco."
 
COMPETITION
 
    Each of the Company's Merchandising Businesses faces competition unique to
its line of business. The Company's international merchandising businesses
compete with exporters, wholesalers and trading companies in various
international markets. The Company's Auto Referral Program competes with
affinity programs offered by several companies, Internet vehicle buying services
and automobile brokerage firms. The Company's Travel Program competes with a
variety of other providers of travel and travel-related products and services,
including telemarketing travel companies, traditional travel agencies and
various on-line services available on the Internet.
 
    Many of the Company's current and potential competitors have longer
operating histories, greater name recognition and significantly greater
financial and marketing resources than the Company. Such competitors could
undertake more aggressive and costly marketing campaigns than the Company, which
may adversely affect the Company's marketing strategies, which, in turn, could
have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, results of operations
or financial condition. There can be no assurance that the Company can compete
successfully against current or future competitors nor can there be any
assurance that competitive pressures faced by the Company will not result in
loss of market share or otherwise will not materially adversely affect its
business, results of operations and financial condition. See "BUSINESS OF
PRICESMART--Competition."
 
NOTES RECEIVABLE
 
    The Company holds the City Notes. Repayment of each City Note by the
relevant municipality is generally made based on that municipality's allocation
of sales tax revenues generated by retail businesses located on a particular
property associated with such City Note. For accounting purposes, the carrying
value of $24 million of such notes represents management's estimate of
discounted cash flow from the City Notes. Management's analysis of the
discounted cash flows from the City Notes assumes no payment at maturity,
because, under the terms of most of the City Notes, the unpaid balance of the
note is forgiven at
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
its maturity date. Consequently, there can be no assurance that the full stated
principal amount of the City Notes will be repaid.
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCRETION OVER CASH HOLDINGS
 
    The Company will hold a large quantity of cash and other liquid securities.
The Company has no current specific plan for such cash, other than for working
capital and general corporate purposes. As a consequence, the Company's
management will have discretion over such cash for the foreseeable future and
will have the power without prior stockholder approval to deploy such cash in
investment opportunities.
 
TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE DISTRIBUTION
 
    The Distribution may be a taxable event to PEI for Federal income tax
purposes. PEI will recognize gain upon the Distribution equal to the excess, if
any, of the fair market value of the Company Common Stock on the Distribution
Date over PEI's tax basis in such stock. PEI will not recognize any loss upon
the Distribution, even if its tax basis in the Company Common Stock that is
distributed to its stockholders exceeds the fair market value of such stock on
the Distribution Date. See "THE
DISTRIBUTION--Material Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Distribution."
 
    The Distribution will be taxable to PEI stockholders to the same extent as
any other dividend distribution made by PEI to its stockholders. Based on PEI's
current level of E&P it is believed that all or a substantial amount of the
Distribution will result in the recognition by PEI's stockholders of ordinary
income. Because this estimate is based, in part, on future events, there can be
no assurance as to the portion of the value of the Distribution that will be
taxable as ordinary income. The remainder of the value of the shares of Company
Common Stock received in the Distribution will either constitute a return of
capital (reducing basis in the shares of PEI Common Stock) or capital gain. Each
PEI stockholder's holding period for Company Common Stock received in the
Distribution will begin on the Distribution Date. For a more detailed
explanation, see "THE DISTRIBUTION--Material Federal Income Tax Consequences of
the Distribution."
 
EFFECTS ON PEI COMMON STOCK
 
    After the Distribution, the PEI Common Stock will continue to be traded on
the Nasdaq NMS. As a result of the Distribution, the trading price of PEI Common
Stock may vary from the trading price of the PEI Common Stock immediately prior
to the Distribution. The combined trading prices of PEI Common Stock and Company
Common Stock after the Distribution may be less than, equal to or greater than
the trading prices of PEI Common Stock prior to the Distribution. In addition,
until the market has fully analyzed the operations of PEI without the PriceSmart
Business, the price at which the PEI Common Stock trades may fluctuate
significantly.
 
CONTROL OF PRICESMART BY CERTAIN STOCKHOLDERS
 
    Robert E. Price, who is Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive
Officer of PEI, and Sol Price, a significant stockholder of PEI and the father
of Robert E. Price, beneficially owned as of July 31, 1997 an aggregate of
11,098,340 shares, or approximately 47.3%, of the outstanding PEI Common Stock,
and will own an aggregate of 2,774,585 shares, or approximately 47.3%, of the
outstanding Company Common Stock following the Distribution. See "SECURITIES
OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT." As a result, these
stockholders will effectively control the outcome of all matters submitted to
the Company's stockholders for approval, including the election of directors. In
addition, such ownership could discourage acquisition of Company Common Stock by
potential investors, and could have an anti-takeover effect, possibly depressing
the trading price of Company Common Stock.
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
ABSENCE OF PRIOR TRADING MARKET FOR COMPANY COMMON STOCK; POTENTIAL VOLATILITY
 
    There is no existing market for Company Common Stock. Although the Company
Common Stock has been approved for quotation and trading on the Nasdaq NMS,
subject to official notice of issuance, no assurance can be given that an active
trading market for Company Common Stock will develop. Prices at which Company
Common Stock may trade cannot be predicted. Nothing herein should be construed
to suggest that the trading price of PEI Common Stock at any point in time may
be used as a substitute for the trading price of Company Common Stock. The
prices at which the Company Common Stock trades will be determined by the
marketplace and may be influenced by many factors, including, among others, the
success of the PriceSmart Business, the depth and liquidity of the market for
the Company Common Stock, investor perception of the Company and the industries
in which the Company participates, the Company's dividend policy and general
economic and market conditions. The depth and liquidity of the market for the
Company Common Stock may be affected by the aggregate ownership by Robert E.
Price and Sol Price of approximately 47.3% of Company Common Stock. See
"--Control of PriceSmart by Certain Stockholders." The prices at which the
Company Common Stock trades may also be affected by certain provisions of the
Company's Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws, as each will be in effect
following the Distribution, which may have an anti-takeover effect. See
"--Certain Anti-takeover Features."
 
    In addition, the stock market has experienced extreme price and volume
fluctuations which have affected the market price of many companies and which
have at times been unrelated to the operating performance of the specific
companies whose stock is traded. Broad market fluctuations and general economic
conditions may adversely affect the market price of Company Common Stock.
 
CERTAIN ANTI-TAKEOVER FEATURES
 
    Upon consummation of the Distribution, certain provisions of the Company's
Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws, along with certain provisions of
Delaware statutory law, could discourage potential acquisition proposals and
could delay or prevent a change in control of the Company. Such provisions could
diminish the opportunities for a stockholder to participate in tender offers,
including tender offers at a price above the then current market value of the
Company Common Stock. Such provisions also may inhibit fluctuations in the
market price of the Company Common Stock that could result from takeover
attempts. See "PRICESMART CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION AND BYLAWS."
 
DEPENDENCE ON KEY PERSONNEL
 
    The Company is dependent on the efforts of its executive management team.
While the Company believes that it could find replacements for these key
personnel, the loss of their services could have a temporary adverse effect on
the operations of the Company. Only the Company's Executive Vice President and
General Counsel, Robert M. Gans, has entered into an employment agreement with
the Company. See "MANAGEMENT--Employment Contracts." The Company has not
purchased "key man" insurance with respect to any members of its executive
management team and does not anticipate purchasing such insurance in the future.
 
SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
 
    The approximately 5,884,169 shares of Company Common Stock distributed to
PEI stockholders in the Distribution will be freely transferable, except for the
shares distributed to persons who may be deemed to be "affiliates" of the
Company under the Securities Act. Such affiliates will be permitted to sell
their shares of Company Common Stock pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities
Act beginning 90 days after the Distribution, subject to certain volume
limitations, manner of sale limitations, notice requirements and the
availability of current public information about the Company. In addition,
immediately following the Distribution, options to purchase 700,000 shares of
Company Common Stock will be granted or available for grant under the 1997 Stock
Option Plan of PriceSmart, Inc. (the "PriceSmart Stock Option
 
                                       21
<PAGE>
Plan"). Shares issued pursuant to the exercise of options granted under the
PriceSmart Stock Option Plan will be freely transferable without restriction,
subject, in the case of sales by affiliates, to compliance with Rule 144.
 
    The Company is unable to estimate the number of shares that may be sold in
the future by its stockholders or the effect, if any, that sales of shares by
such stockholders will have on the market price of the Company Common Stock
prevailing from time to time. Sales of substantial amounts of Company Common
Stock, or the prospect of such sales, could adversely affect the market price of
the Company Common Stock.
 
DIVIDEND POLICY
 
    The future payment of dividends by the Company will depend on decisions that
will be made by the Company Board from time to time based on the results of
operations and financial condition of the Company and such other business
considerations as the Company Board considers relevant. The Company presently
anticipates that it will retain all available funds for use in the operation and
expansion of its business and does not anticipate paying any dividends in the
foreseeable future.
 
VALUE OF REAL ESTATE DEPENDENT ON MANY FACTORS
 
    The Company holds certain real estate and related assets. Real estate
investments are subject to varying degrees of risk. The value of real estate can
be affected by changes in the national, regional and local economic climate,
local conditions such as an oversupply of space or a reduction in demand for
real estate in the area, the attractiveness of the properties to tenants and
competition from other available space. In addition, real estate values can be
affected by such factors as government regulations and changes in real estate,
zoning or tax laws, interest rate levels, availability of financing and
potential liability under environmental and other laws.
 
UNINSURED LOSS
 
    Each of the Unsold Properties is covered by comprehensive liability, fire,
earthquake, flood, extended coverage and rental loss insurance, with policy
specifications and insured limits customarily carried for similar properties.
The Company believes that the Unsold Properties are adequately insured in
accordance with industry standards. Should an uninsured loss occur, the Company
could lose invested capital in, and anticipated profits from, the property.
 
LIABILITIES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
 
    In connection with the spin-off of PEI by Costco in 1994, Costco transferred
to PEI 75 real properties. Pursuant to the Exchange Agreement dated as of
November 14, 1994 between PEI and Costco, PEI agreed to indemnify Costco for
environmental liabilities arising out of Costco's ownership of such properties.
The Company has agreed in the Distribution Agreement to indemnify PEI for all of
PEI's liabilities (including obligations to indemnify Costco with respect to
environmental liabilities) arising out of PEI's prior ownership of the Unsold
Properties and the real properties transferred by Costco to PEI that have been
sold prior to the Distribution. The Company's ownership of the Unsold Properties
and its obligations to indemnify PEI could subject the Company to certain
environmental liabilities. Certain sites owned by the Company are located in
areas of current or former industrial activity where environmental contamination
may have occurred. In addition, the Company is aware of environmental issues
relating to three properties formerly owned by PEI, with respect to which the
Company has agreed to indemnify PEI. See "BUSINESS--Real Estate and Related
Assets--Environmental Matters." Even if not currently known, the Company
subsequently could discover potential environmental liabilities arising from its
sites or from neighboring facilities. Undeveloped sites may be affected by
regulations enacted to protect sensitive environmental resources, including
threatened and endangered species and wetlands, so as to restrict the Company's
development and/or diminish the value of those sites. See "BUSINESS OF
PRICESMART-- Real Estate and Related Assets--Environmental Matters."
 
                                       22
<PAGE>
                    RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PRICESMART AND PEI
                             AFTER THE DISTRIBUTION
 
    For the purpose of governing certain of the ongoing relationships between
the Company and PEI after the Distribution and to provide mechanisms for an
orderly transition, the Company and PEI have entered or will enter into the
various agreements, and will adopt policies, as described in this section.
 
DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
 
    Prior to the Distribution Date, the Company and PEI will enter into the
Distribution Agreement, which provides for, among other things, (i) the division
between the Company and PEI of certain assets and liabilities; (ii) the
Distribution; and (iii) certain other agreements governing the relationship
between the Company and PEI following the Distribution.
 
    Subject to certain exceptions, the Distribution Agreement provides for,
among other things, assumptions of liabilities and cross-indemnities designed to
allocate to the Company and its subsidiaries, effective as of the Distribution
Date, financial responsibility for the liabilities arising out of or in
connection with the PriceSmart Business and to allocate to PEI and its
subsidiaries financial responsibility for the liabilities arising out of or in
connection with the Real Estate Business. The agreements to be executed in
connection with the Distribution Agreement set forth certain specific
allocations of liabilities between the Company and PEI. See "--Employee Benefits
Allocation Agreement" and "--Tax Sharing Agreement" below. Under the
Distribution Agreement, all cash and cash equivalent balances of PEI and its
subsidiaries, as of the close of business on the Distribution Date, will be
distributed to the Company, except for the Retained Cash Amount.
 
    The Distribution Agreement also provides that by the Distribution Date, the
Company's Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws shall be in the forms attached
hereto as Annex I and II, respectively, and that the Company and PEI will take
all actions which may be required to elect or otherwise appoint, as directors of
the Company, the persons indicated herein. See "PRICESMART CERTIFICATE OF
INCORPORATION AND BYLAWS" and "MANAGEMENT."
 
    The Distribution Agreement also provides that each of the Company and PEI
will be granted access to certain records and information in the possession of
the other, and requires the retention by each of the Company and PEI for a
period of ten years following the Distribution of all such information in its
possession, and thereafter requires that each party give the other prior notice
of its intention to dispose of such information. In addition, the Distribution
Agreement provides for the allocation of shared privileges with respect to
certain information and requires each of the Company and PEI to obtain the
consent of the other prior to waiving any shared privilege.
 
    The Distribution Agreement provides that, except as otherwise set forth
therein or in any related agreement, all costs and expenses in connection with
the Distribution will be charged to PriceSmart.
 
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS ALLOCATION AGREEMENT
 
    The Distribution Agreement calls for PEI and the Company to enter into an
Employee Benefits and Other Employment Matters Allocation Agreement ("Employee
Benefits Allocation Agreement") containing a number of provisions relating to
current and former employees of PEI. The Employee Benefits Allocation Agreement
generally contemplates that the Company will assume all obligations and
liabilities with respect to employee plans and benefit plans of PEI prior to the
Distribution Date and that after the Distribution Date, PEI will be responsible
for providing employee benefits for the PEI personnel who remain with PEI.
 
    On or prior to the Distribution Date and pursuant to the Employee Benefits
Allocation Agreement, PEI and the Company will take all action necessary or
appropriate to permit the Company to become a sponsor of and to permit employees
of the Company to participate in The PEI Profit Sharing and 401(k)
 
                                       23
<PAGE>
Plan (the "PEI Plan"). All PEI personnel who are eligible for participation in
the PEI Plan and who become employees of the Company will remain eligible to
participate in the PEI Plan. For a discussion of the principal terms and
conditions of the PEI Plan, see "MANAGEMENT--Profit Sharing and 401(k) Plan."
PEI and the Company will jointly sponsor the PEI Plan until 30 days after
written notice from either party to the other requesting an end to joint
sponsorship of the PEI Plan (the "Cut-Off Date"). Effective as of the Cut-Off
Date, either PEI or the Company will take all action necessary to establish and
administer a new profit sharing and 401(k) plan (the "New Plan"), which would be
expected to have terms and conditions substantially similar to the PEI Plan. The
New Plan will be a split up of that portion of the PEI Plan which is
attributable to employees of PEI or the Company, as the case may be. The
employees who are eligible for participation in the PEI Plan prior to the
Cut-Off Date and who remain employees of PEI or the Company, as the case may be,
will be eligible for participation in the New Plan.
 
    PEI, as sole stockholder of the Company, has approved the adoption by the
Company of the 1997 Stock Option Plan of PriceSmart, Inc. (the "PriceSmart Stock
Option Plan") for purposes of granting awards of Company Common Stock to
employees, officers and directors of the Company and its subsidiaries in
connection with and subsequent to the Distribution. PEI has also approved the
reservation of 700,000 shares of Company Common Stock under the PriceSmart Stock
Option Plan. For a discussion of the principal terms and conditions of the
PriceSmart Stock Option Plan, see "MANAGEMENT-- PriceSmart Stock Option Plan."
 
    Pursuant to the Employee Benefits Allocation Agreement, and consistent with
the terms of The Price Enterprises 1995 Combined Stock Grant and Stock Option
Plan (the "PEI Stock Option Plan") and The Price Enterprises Directors' 1995
Stock Option Plan (the "PEI Directors Plan"), all employees, officers and
directors of PEI who will leave PEI to become employees, officers or directors
of the Company are expected to exercise all vested options held by them under
the PEI Stock Option Plan or the Directors Plan prior to the Distribution or
within 90 days thereafter. Vested and unvested options held by employees,
officers and directors of PEI who will remain with PEI will be equitably
adjusted for the effects of the Distribution on the Aggregate Spread (as defined
below) of such options. Unvested PEI options held by employees, officers and
directors of PEI who will become employees, officers and directors of the
Company will be cancelled as of the Distribution Date. In lieu of such cancelled
options, the employees, officers and directors becoming employees, officers and
directors of the Company will receive replacement options under the PriceSmart
Stock Option Plan. Each replacement option granted to an employee, officer or
director under the PriceSmart Stock Option Plan will contain substantially
equivalent terms as the existing PEI option of such employee, officer or
director, except (i) to the extent modified by the Company in its sole
discretion and (ii) that the exercise price of and number of shares covered by
the new option will be set to preserve the Aggregate Spread in value attributed
to the existing unvested PEI options held by such employee, officer or director.
The "Aggregate Spread" represents the number of shares underlying the existing
PEI option multiplied by the positive difference between (i) the sum of (x) the
Post-Distribution Stock Price (as defined below) for a share of PEI Common Stock
and (y) one-fourth of the Post-Distribution Stock Price for a share of
PriceSmart Common Stock and (ii) the exercise price of such PEI option.
"Post-Distribution Stock Price" means the average per share closing sales prices
of PriceSmart Common Stock or PEI Common Stock, as the context indicates on the
Nasdaq NMS during the twenty-day trading period commencing on the sixth day
following the Distribution Date.
 
    On or prior to the Distribution Date, PEI and the Company will take all
action necessary to permit employees of the Company to participate in the PEI
medical and dental plans. On or concurrently with Distribution, the Company will
assume, with respect to all current employees of PEI, all responsibility for
liabilities and obligations owed as of the Distribution Date for medical and
dental plan coverage and for vacation and sick pay. The Company will establish
its own medical and dental plan on or before December 31, 1997 and provide
benefits thereunder for employees of the Company who were otherwise entitled to
benefits under the PEI medical and dental plans prior to December 31, 1997. With
respect to
 
                                       24
<PAGE>
PEI employees remaining with PEI, PEI will remain responsible for all
liabilities and obligations arising after the Distribution Date for medical and
dental plan coverage and for vacation and sick pay.
 
TAX SHARING AGREEMENT
 
    PEI and the Company will enter into a tax sharing agreement defining the
parties' rights and obligations with respect to tax returns and tax liabilities,
including, in particular, Federal and state income tax returns and liabilities,
for taxable years and other taxable periods ending on or before the Distribution
Date. In general, PEI will be responsible for (i) filing all Federal and state
income tax returns of PEI, the Company and any of their subsidiaries for all
taxable years ending on or before or including the Distribution Date and (ii)
paying the taxes relating to such returns (including any deficiencies proposed
by applicable taxing authorities), to the extent attributable to
pre-Distribution Date periods. PEI and the Company will each be responsible for
filing its own returns and paying its own taxes for post-Distribution Date
periods. PEI and the Company will cooperate with each other and share
information in preparing income tax returns and in dealing with other tax
matters.
 
TRANSITIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
 
    The Company and PEI will enter into Transitional Services Agreement pursuant
to which PEI and the Company will provide certain services to one another. The
fees for such transitional services (which shall not include real estate
management services) will be based on hourly rates designed to reflect the costs
(including indirect costs) of providing such services. PEI and the Company will
be free to procure such services from outside vendors or to develop in-house
capabilities in order to provide such services internally. The transitional
services to be provided to the Company and to PEI pursuant to such agreement may
include cash management services, certain accounting services, litigation
management or any other similar services that the Company or PEI may require.
The transitional services agreement will terminate on December 31, 1997 unless
extended in writing by the parties.
 
ASSET MANAGEMENT AND DISPOSITION AGREEMENT
 
    PEI and the Company will enter into an Asset Management and Disposition
Agreement calling for PEI to provide asset management services with respect to
the Unsold Properties. Among other things, PEI will collect rents and pay
operating expenses, maintain and repair the Unsold Properties, prepare month-end
financial statements, hire brokers and prepare brokers' agreements, lease
available space within the Unsold Properties and dispose of the Unsold
Properties. As consideration for such services, the Company will pay PEI
management fees based on annual rents from the Unsold Properties, leasing fees
based on the gross leasable floor areas of each of the Unsold Properties,
disposition fees based on percentages of the sales prices for properties that
are sold and a developer's fee of 3% of all "hard" construction costs managed by
PEI on behalf of the Company. Such agreement will have a two-year term; provided
that either PEI or the Company may terminate the agreement upon 60 days written
notice.
 
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR ADDRESSING CONFLICTS
 
    The on-going relationships between the Company and PEI may present certain
conflict situations for Robert E. Price who will serve as Chairman of the Board
of Directors, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and Chairman
of PEI. Mr. Price and other executive officers and directors of PEI and the
Company also own (or have options or other rights to acquire) a significant
number of shares of common stock in the Company and PEI. PEI and the Company
will adopt appropriate policies and procedures to be followed by the Board of
Directors of each company to limit the involvement of Mr. Price (or such
executive officers and other directors having a significant ownership interest
in the companies) in conflict situations, including matters relating to
contractual relationships or litigation between the Company and PEI. Such
procedures include requiring Mr. Price (or such executive officers or other
directors having a significant ownership interest in the companies) to abstain
from voting as a director of both
 
                                       25
<PAGE>
Companies with respect to matters that present a significant conflict of
interest between the companies. Whether or not a significant conflict of
interest situation exists will be determined on a case-by-case basis depending
on such factors as the dollar value of the matter, the degree of personal
interest of Mr. Price (or such executive officers and other directors having a
significant ownership interest in the companies) in the matter and the
likelihood that resolution of the matter has significant strategic, operational
or financial implications for the business of the Company.
 
                            PRELIMINARY TRANSACTIONS
 
    PEI currently has four wholly-owned direct subsidiaries: Price Real Estate,
Inc., Price Ventures Inc., PGT, Inc. and the Company. Price Ventures Inc. owns
all of the capital stock of Ventures Services, Inc. PGT, Inc. owns a 51%
interest in Price Global Trading, L.L.C. and a 49% interest in Price Quest,
L.L.C. The Company owns a 51% interest in Price Quest, L.L.C. and a 49% interest
in Price Global Trading, L.L.C. Price Global Trading, L.L.C. owns a 51% interest
in a Panama joint venture.
 
    The following transactions will be consummated prior to the Distribution:
First, PEI will cause PGT, Inc. and Price Ventures Inc. to adopt a plan of
liquidation and merger pursuant to which Price Ventures Inc. will be merged with
and into PGT, Inc., with PGT, Inc. surviving and with Venture Services, Inc.
becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of PGT, Inc. Second, the Company will
transfer its 49% interest in Price Global Trading, L.L.C. to PGT, Inc., thereby
effecting an automatic liquidation of Price Global Trading, L.L.C. into PGT,
Inc. Third, the Company will merge Price Quest, L.L.C. with and into the Company
with the Company surviving. Fourth, PEI will cause PGT, Inc. to be merged with
and into the Company, with the Company surviving and owning all of the issued
and outstanding capital stock of Ventures Services, Inc. and a 51% interest in
the Panama joint venture. Fifth, PEI will transfer to the Company all of PEI's
and its subsidiaries' right, title and interest in the following: (i) the Notes,
(ii) the Other Assets; (iii) the trademarks, servicemarks, goodwill and other
intangible properties and rights to be conveyed to the Company pursuant to the
Distribution Agreement; and (iv) the books and records (including computerized
records) of the Company and the PriceSmart Subsidiaires and books and records
owned by PEI and its subsidiaires that relate to the PriceSmart Business or are
necessary to operate the PriceSmart Business. PEI also will allocate to the
Company, out of the domestic and international cash bank balances and short-term
investments of PEI and its subsidiaries (the "PEI Cash"), all of the PEI Cash
other than the Retained Cash Amount.
 
                              REGULATORY APPROVALS
 
    The Company does not believe that any material Federal or state regulatory
approvals will be necessary in connection with the Distribution.
 
                                       26
<PAGE>
                       PRO FORMA COMBINED CAPITALIZATION
 
    The following table sets forth the capitalization of the Company as of June
8, 1997, the adjustments required to give effect to the Distribution and the pro
forma capitalization of the Company at such date. The table should be read in
conjunction with the historical and pro forma combined financial statements and
the notes thereto contained elsewhere herein.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     JUNE 8, 1997
                                                                        --------------------------------------
                                                                         ACTUAL      PRO FORMA      PRO FORMA
                                                                        ---------   ADJUSTMENTS    -----------
                                                                                   --------------
                                                                                   (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                     <C>        <C>             <C>
Stockholders' equity
  Investment by Price Enterprises, Inc................................  $  63,081  $       50,000(a)  $  --
                                                                                         (110,331 (b)
  Common stock........................................................                          1(b)          1
  Capital surplus.....................................................                    110,330(b)    113,080
                                                                        ---------  --------------  -----------
    Total stockholders' equity........................................     63,081          50,000     113,081
                                                                        ---------  --------------  -----------
      Total capitalization............................................  $  63,081  $       50,000   $ 113,081
                                                                        ---------  --------------  -----------
                                                                        ---------  --------------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
(a) Reflects estimated cash balances to be contributed to PriceSmart in
    connection with the Distribution. The actual cash contributed will be based
    on closing balances upon consummation of the Distribution.
 
(b) Reflects the formation of PriceSmart and the issuance of 5,940,000 shares
    ($.0001 par value) of common stock, the estimated number of shares expected
    to be outstanding after the Distribution.
 
                                       27
<PAGE>
                                PRICESMART, INC.
                   UNAUDITED PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
    The following unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet of
PriceSmart as of June 8, 1997 and unaudited pro forma condensed combined
statements of operations for the forty weeks ended June 8, 1997 and the year
ended August 31, 1996 have been prepared to reflect the results of the
Distribution. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet has been
prepared as if the Distribution occurred on June 8, 1997. The unaudited pro
forma condensed combined statements of operations have been prepared as if the
Distribution occurred on the first day of fiscal 1996. The unaudited pro forma
condensed combined financial information is not necessarily indicative of the
results that actually would have occurred if the Distribution had been
consummated as of June 8, 1997 or at the beginning of fiscal 1996.
 
              UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED BALANCE SHEET
                                  JUNE 8, 1997
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       PRO FORMA
                                                                       HISTORICAL     ADJUSTMENTS     PRO FORMA
                                                                       -----------  ---------------  -----------
<S>                                                                    <C>          <C>              <C>
                                                     ASSETS
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents..........................................   $  --       $   50,000(1)     $  50,000
  Other current assets...............................................      12,982                        12,982
  Property held for sale.............................................      27,209                        27,209
                                                                       -----------  ---------------  -----------
    Total current assets.............................................      40,191       50,000           90,191
 
Property and equipment, net..........................................       9,247                         9,247
Notes receivable.....................................................      30,625                        30,625
Organization costs...................................................      --              500(2)           500
                                                                       -----------  ---------------  -----------
                                                                        $  80,063   $   50,500        $ 130,563
                                                                       -----------  ---------------  -----------
                                                                       -----------  ---------------  -----------
 
                                      LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
Total current liabilities............................................   $  11,532   $      500(2)     $  12,032
Minority interest....................................................       5,450                         5,450
 
Stockholders' equity
  Investment by Price Enterprises, Inc...............................      63,081       50,000(1)        --
                                                                                      (110,331)(4)
  Common stock.......................................................                        1(4)             1
  Capital surplus....................................................                  110,330(4)       113,080
                                                                       -----------  ---------------  -----------
    Total stockholders' equity.......................................      63,081       50,000          113,081
                                                                       -----------  ---------------  -----------
                                                                        $  80,063   $   50,500        $ 130,563
                                                                       -----------  ---------------  -----------
                                                                       -----------  ---------------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
                    See accompanying notes and assumptions.
 
                                       28
<PAGE>
                                PRICESMART, INC.
 
         UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
 
                           YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 1996
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           PRO FORMA
                                                                              HISTORICAL  ADJUSTMENTS   PRO FORMA
                                                                              ----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                           <C>         <C>          <C>
Revenues
  Merchandise sales.........................................................  $   36,211   $            $  36,211
  International royalties and other fees....................................       2,164                    2,164
  Auto referral and travel programs.........................................       9,875                    9,875
                                                                              ----------  -----------  -----------
    Total revenues..........................................................      48,250                   48,250
 
Expenses
  Cost of goods sold........................................................      34,644                   34,644
  Selling, general and administrative.......................................      31,069         100(3)     31,169
                                                                              ----------  -----------  -----------
    Total expenses..........................................................      65,713         100       65,813
                                                                              ----------  -----------  -----------
 
  Operating loss............................................................     (17,463)       (100)     (17,563 )
 
Other
  Real estate operations, net...............................................      (8,359)                  (8,359 )
  Interest income...........................................................       3,076                    3,076
  Minority interest.........................................................       4,587                    4,587
                                                                              ----------  -----------  -----------
    Total other.............................................................        (696)                    (696 )
                                                                              ----------  -----------  -----------
Loss before benefit for income taxes........................................     (18,159)       (100 )    (18,259 )
Benefit for income taxes....................................................       6,736      (6,736  (5)     --
                                                                              ----------  -----------  -----------
Net loss....................................................................  $  (11,423) $   (6,836 ) $  (18,259 )
                                                                              ----------  -----------  -----------
                                                                              ----------  -----------  -----------
Net loss per common share...................................................                           $    (3.07 )
                                                                                                       -----------
                                                                                                       -----------
Number of shares used in calculation........................................                                5,940
                                                                                                       -----------
                                                                                                       -----------
</TABLE>
 
                    See accompanying notes and assumptions.
 
                                       29
<PAGE>
                                PRICESMART, INC.
 
         UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
 
                         FORTY WEEKS ENDED JUNE 8, 1997
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          PRO FORMA
                                                                             HISTORICAL  ADJUSTMENTS   PRO FORMA
                                                                             ----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                          <C>         <C>          <C>
Revenues
  Merchandise sales........................................................  $   46,239   $            $ $46,239
  International royalties and other fees...................................       2,222                    2,222
  Auto referral and travel programs........................................       9,198                    9,198
                                                                             ----------  -----------  -----------
    Total revenues.........................................................      57,659                   57,659
 
Expenses
  Cost of goods sold.......................................................      44,110                   44,110
  Selling, general and administrative......................................      21,057          75(3)     21,132
                                                                             ----------  -----------  -----------
    Total expenses.........................................................      65,167          75       65,242
                                                                             ----------  -----------  -----------
 
Operating loss.............................................................      (7,508)        (75)      (7,583)
 
Other
  Real estate operations, net..............................................         293                      293
  Interest income..........................................................       2,102                    2,102
  Minority interest........................................................         (73)                     (73)
                                                                             ----------  -----------  -----------
    Total other............................................................       2,322                    2,322
                                                                             ----------  -----------  -----------
Loss before benefit for income taxes.......................................      (5,186)        (75)      (5,261 )
Provision for income taxes.................................................     (18,003)     (2,127  (5)     --
                                                                                             20,130 (6)
                                                                             ----------  -----------  -----------
Net loss...................................................................  $  (23,189) $   17,928   $   (5,261 )
                                                                             ----------  -----------  -----------
                                                                             ----------  -----------  -----------
Net loss per common share..................................................                           $    (0.89 )
                                                                                                      -----------
                                                                                                      -----------
Number of shares used in calculation.......................................                                5,940
                                                                                                      -----------
                                                                                                      -----------
</TABLE>
 
                    See accompanying notes and assumptions.
 
                                       30
<PAGE>
                                PRICESMART, INC.
       NOTES AND ASSUMPTIONS TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
(1) Reflects the estimated cash balances to be contributed to PriceSmart in
    connection with the Distribution. The actual cash contributed will be based
    on closing balances upon consummation of the Distribution.
 
(2) To record the accrual and the related asset for estimated organization costs
    which will be amortized over five years.
 
(3) To reflect the amortization of organization costs.
 
(4) To reflect the formation of PriceSmart and the issuance of 5,940,000 shares
    ($.0001 par value) of common stock, the estimated number of shares expected
    to be outstanding after the Distribution.
 
(5) To eliminate the historical Federal and state income tax benefits since such
    benefits would not have been realized on a stand-alone basis.
 
(6) To eliminate the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets established
    during the forty weeks ended June 8, 1997. This valuation allowance was
    established as a direct result of the Distribution since the realization of
    deferred tax assets is no longer more likely than not. The valuation
    allowance is eliminated because it is a non-recurring charge.
 
(7) Additional corporate administrative expenses associated with PriceSmart
    becoming a separate public company are not reflected in the unaudited pro
    forma financial information. The Company estimates that these additional
    costs will be approximately $1,000,000 and $750,000 for fiscal year 1996 and
    for the forty weeks ended June 8, 1997, respectively, based upon actual
    expenses incurred by PEI for directors' and officers' insurance, directors'
    fees, stockholder relations and additional legal, audit and tax fees.
 
                                       31
<PAGE>
                                PRICESMART, INC.
 
                       SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA
 
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
    PriceSmart has historically operated as a separate unit of PEI. Only after
completion of transactions provided for in the Distribution Agreement will
PriceSmart directly own and operate its businesses. Accordingly, the financial
data of PriceSmart included herein has been prepared on an historical basis as
though PriceSmart has been a stand-alone business operating the Merchandising
Businesses and other assets acquired in the Distribution Agreement during all
periods presented. Certain pro forma adjustments required as a result of the
distribution are not reflected in the PriceSmart historical financial data. See
"PRICESMART, INC. SELECTED UNAUDITED PRO FORMA FINANCIAL DATA" and "PRICESMART,
INC. UNAUDITED PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION." See Footnote 1 of "PriceSmart,
Inc. Notes to Combined Financial Statements" included in this Information
Statement for a description of the businesses and assets included in
PriceSmart's historical financial statements.
 
    The following table sets forth selected historical financial data of
PriceSmart for the four fiscal years ended August 31, 1996 and for the forty
weeks ended June 9, 1996 and June 8, 1997. The selected historical financial
data as of August 31, 1995, August 31, 1996 and June 8, 1997 and for each of the
two years ended August 31, 1996 and the forty weeks ended June 8, 1997 have been
derived from the audited financial statements of PriceSmart. The selected
historical financial data as of August 31, 1993, August 31, 1994 and June 9,
1996 and for each of the two fiscal years ended August 31, 1994 and the forty
weeks ended June 9, 1996 have been derived from the unaudited books and records
of PriceSmart, and in the opinion of management, include all adjusting entries
(consisting of only normal and recurring adjustments) necessary to present
fairly the information set forth therein. The results for the forty weeks ended
June 8, 1997 may not be indicative of results for the full year.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             FORTY WEEKS ENDED
                                                          FISCAL YEARS(1)                  ----------------------
                                           ----------------------------------------------   JUNE 9,     JUNE 8,
                                              1993        1994        1995        1996        1996        1997
                                           ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
<S>                                        <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
Income Statement Data
  Merchandise sales(2)...................  $   28,671  $   53,015  $   66,573  $   36,211  $   29,578  $   46,239
  International royalties and fees.......      --          --             553       2,164         816       2,222
  Auto and travel program revenues.......       3,713       5,846       8,769       9,875       7,549       9,198
  Cost of goods sold(2)..................      27,233      49,449      62,756      34,644      28,302      44,110
  Selling, general and
    administrative(3)....................       7,745      15,095      33,337      31,069      24,406      21,057
  Operating loss.........................      (2,594)     (5,683)    (20,198)    (17,463)    (14,765)     (7,508)
  Real estate operations, net income
    (loss)(4)............................         684     (16,354)     (2,238)     (8,359)       (498)        293
  Interest and other income(5)...........       4,649       6,636       6,031       7,663       6,870       2,029
  Income (loss) before provision/ benefit
    for income taxes.....................       2,739     (15,401)    (16,405)    (18,159)     (8,393)     (5,186)
  Net income (loss)......................       1,616      (9,087)    (12,517)    (11,423)     (5,922)    (23,189)
 
Balance Sheet Data (at period end)
  Cash and cash equivalents..............      --          --          --          --                      --
  Total assets...........................     135,698     188,431     107,085      97,981                  80,063
  Long-term debt.........................      --          --          --          --                      --
  Investment by Price
    Enterprises(6).......................     106,781     129,389      92,556      86,990                  63,081
</TABLE>
 
                                       32
<PAGE>
                                PRICESMART, INC.
 
                       SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA
 
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
(1) PriceSmart reports its financial position and results of operations
    utilizing a 52 or 53 week fiscal year which ends on the Sunday nearest
    August 31. All fiscal years were 52 weeks except 1995, which was 53 weeks.
    For ease of presentation, all fiscal years in this Information Statement are
    referred to as having ended on August 31.
 
(2) Merchandise sales and cost of goods sold relate to international and
    electronic merchandising businesses.
 
(3) PEI historically provided services to PriceSmart. Amounts allocated to
    PriceSmart for corporate administrative expenses for fiscal years 1993,
    1994, 1995 and 1996 and for the forty weeks ended June 9, 1996 and June 8,
    1997 were $705, $752, $1,363 and $1,350 and $1,145, and $1,310,
    respectively.
 
(4) Real estate operations relates to properties held for sale by PEI which are
    to be transferred to PriceSmart pursuant to the Distribution Agreement and
    reflects only the rental revenue, rental expenses, loss on sale of
    properties and provisions for asset impairment related to these properties.
 
(5) Interest and other income includes interest income, loss on sale of
    investment, equity in the losses of international joint ventures and
    minority interest of partners in merchandising joint venture businesses.
 
(6) Investment by PEI represents the net assets transferred and the earnings of
    the businesses and assets comprising PriceSmart on a historical basis.
 
                                       33
<PAGE>
                                PRICESMART, INC.
 
                  SELECTED UNAUDITED PRO FORMA FINANCIAL DATA
 
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
    The selected unaudited pro forma financial data of PriceSmart set forth
below has been derived from "PRICESMART, INC. UNAUDITED PRO FORMA FINANCIAL
INFORMATION," which is included elsewhere in this Information Statement, and
includes certain pro forma adjustments to the historical financial data of
PriceSmart required as a result of the Distribution. The selected unaudited pro
forma financial information is not necessarily indicative of the results of
operations of the financial position of PriceSmart that actually would have
occurred had the Distribution been consummated as of the date and/ or the period
indicated, nor should it be taken as indicative of the future results of
operations or the financial position of PriceSmart.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              YEAR ENDED    FORTY WEEKS
                                                                              AUGUST 31,   ENDED JUNE 8,
                                                                                 1996          1997
                                                                              -----------  -------------
<S>                                                                           <C>          <C>
Income Statement Data
  Merchandise sales(2)......................................................   $  36,211    $    46,239
  International royalties and fees..........................................       2,164          2,222
  Auto and travel program revenues..........................................       9,875          9,198
  Cost of goods sold(2).....................................................      34,644         44,110
  Selling, general and administrative(3)....................................      31,169         21,132
  Operating loss............................................................     (17,563)        (7,583)
  Real estate operations, net income (loss)(4)..............................      (8,359)           293
  Interest and other income(5)..............................................       7,663          2,029
  Loss before benefit for income taxes......................................     (18,259)        (5,261)
  Net loss..................................................................     (18,259)        (5,261)
  Net loss per common share.................................................       (3.07)         (0.89)
  Number of shares used in calculation......................................       5,940          5,940
 
Balance Sheet Data (at period end)(1)
  Cash and cash equivalents.................................................                     50,000
  Total assets..............................................................                    130,563
  Long-term debt............................................................                    --
  Stockholders' equity......................................................                    113,081
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
(1) As more fully described herein under "PRICESMART, INC. UNAUDITED PRO FORMA
    FINANCIAL INFORMATION," the unaudited pro forma adjustments to the income
    statement data record certain additional corporate general and
    administrative expenses and related income tax effects. The unaudited pro
    forma adjustment to the balance sheet data includes the accrual of estimated
    organization costs in fiscal 1997 and the estimated cash balances to be
    contributed to PriceSmart in connection with the Distribution. The actual
    cash contributed will be based on closing balances upon consummation of the
    Distribution.
 
(2) Merchandise sales and cost of goods sold relate to international and
    electronic merchandising businesses.
 
(3) PEI historically provided services to PriceSmart. Amounts allocated to
    PriceSmart for corporate general and administrative expenses for fiscal
    years 1993, 1994, 1995 and 1996 and for the forty weeks ended June 9, 1996
    and June 8, 1997 were $705, $752, $1,363 and $1,350 and $1,145 and $1,310,
    respectively.
 
                                       34
<PAGE>
                                PRICESMART, INC.
 
                  SELECTED UNAUDITED PRO FORMA FINANCIAL DATA
 
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
(4) Real estate operations related to properties held for sale by PEI which are
    to be transferred to PriceSmart pursuant to the Distribution Agreement and
    reflects only the rental revenues, rental expenses, loss on sale of
    properties and provisions for asset impairment related to these properties.
 
(5) Interest and other income includes interest income, loss on sale of
    investment, equity in the losses of international joint ventures and
    minority interest of partners in merchandising joint venture businesses.
 
                                       35
<PAGE>
          MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
                           AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
    The following discussion and analysis compares the results of operations for
the 40 weeks ended June 8, 1997 and June 9, 1996 and each of the fiscal years
ended August 31, 1996 and 1995, and it should be read in conjunction with the
combined financial statements and the accompanying notes included elsewhere in
this report. The Company's Merchandising Businesses include Price Quest, Price
Global Trading and Price Ventures activities. In those instances where changes
are attributed to more than one factor, the factors are presented in descending
order of importance. All dollar amounts are in thousands.
 
MERCHANDISE SALES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  INTERNATIONAL   PERCENT      ELECTRONIC      PERCENT
                                                                     SALES        CHANGE     SHOPPING SALES    CHANGE
                                                                  ------------  -----------  --------------  -----------
<S>                                                               <C>           <C>          <C>             <C>
    Fiscal 1997--3rd Quarter Y-T-D..............................   $   45,281          125%    $      958           -90%
    Fiscal 1996--3rd Quarter Y-T-D..............................       20,157       --              9,421        --
 
    Fiscal 1996.................................................       25,541          -35%        10,670           -61%
    Fiscal 1995.................................................       39,343       --             27,230        --
</TABLE>
 
    During the first 40 weeks of fiscal 1997, international sales increased due
to the opening of the Panama City location in October 1996, the sales of which
are reflected in the Company's combined financial statements, and due to
increases in the sales of U.S.-sourced products to licensees operating existing
and new stores in Saipan, Guam, China (Beijing) and Indonesia. With respect to
the electronic shopping business, sales during fiscal 1997 declined sharply as a
result of the Company's decision to discontinue such business in January 1997.
 
    During fiscal 1996, international sales declined primarily due to the
elimination of the export trading business which had been selling U.S.-sourced
goods to customers in Hong Kong and Mexico. Such export sales declined from
$33.7 million in fiscal 1995 to $2.2 million in fiscal 1996. Offsetting much of
this decline in international sales were shipments to the Saipan licensee which
rose from $5.7 million in fiscal 1995 to $23.4 million in fiscal 1996. With
respect to the electronic shopping business, sales declined significantly in
fiscal 1996 largely due to the discontinuance of display samples of merchandise
at the Costco locations that participated in the kiosk-based merchandising
program.
 
MERCHANDISE GROSS MARGIN
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                PERCENT     PERCENT OF    ELECTRONIC     PERCENT    PERCENT OF
                                               INTERNATIONAL    CHANGE         SALES       SHOPPING      CHANGE        SALES
                                               -------------  -----------  -------------  -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                            <C>            <C>          <C>            <C>          <C>          <C>
    Fiscal 1997--3rd Quarter Y-T-D...........    $   2,964           280%         6.55%    $    (835)      --           -87.16%
    Fiscal 1996--3rd Quarter Y-T-D...........          781        --              3.87%          495       --             5.25%
 
    Fiscal 1996..............................          992           -32%         3.88%          575          -76%        5.39%
    Fiscal 1995..............................        1,456        --              3.70%        2,361       --             8.67%
</TABLE>
 
    During the first 40 weeks of fiscal 1997, international gross margins
increased due to the opening in October 1996 of the Panama City location, which
operates at a higher gross margin than earned on exports of U.S.-sourced
products, and due to increased shipments of U.S.-sourced products to foreign
licensees. With respect to electronic shopping, gross margins were negatively
impacted by reserves of $0.9 million associated with markdowns to sell certain
returned and discontinued merchandise.
 
    During fiscal 1996, the amount of international gross margin declined
primarily due to the elimination of the export trading business, offset by gross
margins earned on shipments to the Saipan licensee. With respect to the
electronic shopping business, gross margins declined due to the significant
reduction in sales
 
                                       36
<PAGE>
and reserves of $1.0 million associated with markdowns to sell certain returned
and discontinued merchandise.
 
OTHER REVENUES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       INTERNATIONAL                AUTO AND
                                                                         ROYALTIES      PERCENT      TRAVEL        PERCENT
                                                                          & FEES        CHANGE      PROGRAMS       CHANGE
                                                                       -------------  -----------  -----------  -------------
<S>                                                                    <C>            <C>          <C>          <C>
    Fiscal 1997--3rd Quarter Y-T-D...................................    $   2,222           172%   $   9,198            22%
    Fiscal 1996--3rd Quarter Y-T-D...................................          816        --            7,549        --
 
    Fiscal 1996......................................................        2,164           291%       9,875            13%
    Fiscal 1995......................................................          553        --            8,769        --
</TABLE>
 
    During the first 40 weeks of fiscal 1997, international royalties and fees
increased primarily as a result of the newly established licensee operations in
Indonesia and China (Beijing). With respect to the auto and travel programs,
increases in cruise sales to Costco members and increases in car rental referral
commissions accounted for substantially all of the revenue increase.
 
    During fiscal 1996, international royalties and fees increased primarily as
a result of the newly established licensee operations in Saipan and Guam, as
well as certain fees for the Indonesia and China (Beijing) license arrangements.
With respect to the auto and travel programs, commissions from the newly
established car rental referral program more than offset revenue reductions
incurred when the Company discontinued its airline ticketing program in February
1995.
 
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                           AUTO AND
                                                                    PERCENT     ELECTRONIC     PERCENT      TRAVEL        PERCENT
                                                  INTERNATIONAL     CHANGE       SHOPPING      CHANGE      PROGRAMS       CHANGE
                                                  -------------  -------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------
<S>                                               <C>            <C>            <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
    Fiscal 1997--3rd Quarter Y-T-D..............    $   8,200             30%    $   4,129          -58%   $   7,418             3%
    Fiscal 1996--3rd Quarter Y-T-D..............        6,308         --             9,748       --            7,205        --
 
    Fiscal 1996.................................        8,196             47%       12,098          -31%       9,425             6%
    Fiscal 1995.................................        5,567         --            17,546       --            8,861        --
</TABLE>
 
    During the first 40 weeks of fiscal 1997, international expenses rose
largely due to increased staffing and higher travel expenses to support the
needs of licensees in Indonesia and China (Beijing), as well as expenses related
to the Company's pursuit of international licensing opportunities in additional
countries. At the end of fiscal 1996, expenses associated with the electronic
shopping program declined significantly upon the expiration of certain
contractual obligations to pay Costco $4.5 million per year for marketing-
related activities and location rent expense. Auto and travel program expenses
were generally consistent with the prior year's comparable period as expansion
of the car rental referral and Costco cruise programs did not generate any
significant increase in expenses.
 
    During fiscal 1996, international expenses increased primarily as a result
of redirecting much of the Price Club Mexico merchandising support group towards
new international markets. Prior to the Company's sale of its investment in
Price Club Mexico in April 1995, expenses associated with these employees were
generally reimbursed by Price Club Mexico. With respect to the electronic
shopping programs, expenses associated with the Costco kiosk-based program were
significantly reduced when display samples and in-store sales staffing were
discontinued during fiscal 1996 and when central office staffing was reduced. In
addition, electronic shopping expenses for fiscal 1995 reflected approximately
$2.3 million of equipment and fixture write-downs related to the decision to
remodel the display sample areas within the Costco locations. Auto and travel
program expenses were generally consistent with the prior year's
 
                                       37
<PAGE>
comparable period as expense reductions associated with discontinuing the
airline ticketing program were offset by increased costs for cruise sales
support and by costs to develop the car rental referral program.
 
CORPORATE ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                  PERCENT
                                                                                         AMOUNT      CHANGE       CHANGE
                                                                                        ---------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                                     <C>        <C>          <C>
    Fiscal 1997--3rd Quarter Y-T-D....................................................  $   1,310   $     165           14%
    Fiscal 1996--3rd Quarter Y-T-D....................................................      1,145      --           --
 
    Fiscal 1996.......................................................................      1,350         (13)          -1%
    Fiscal 1995.......................................................................      1,363      --           --
</TABLE>
 
    The Company has historically operated as a unit of PEI. Certain general and
administrative costs of PEI are allocated to the Company, principally based on
PEI's specific identification of individual cost items or otherwise based upon
estimated levels of effort devoted by its general and administrative departments
to individual entities or relative measures of size of entities. During the
first 40 weeks of fiscal 1997, corporate expenses rose primarily due to
increases in professional fees and slightly higher staffing costs, while fiscal
1996 expenses were essentially unchanged from prior year levels.
 
REAL ESTATE OPERATIONS (NET)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                   PROVISION
                                                                                    GAIN(LOSS)     FOR ASSET
                                                          REVENUES     EXPENSES      ON SALES     IMPAIRMENT     TOTAL
                                                         -----------  -----------  -------------  -----------  ---------
<S>                                                      <C>          <C>          <C>            <C>          <C>
    Fiscal 1997--3rd Quarter Y-T-D.....................   $   2,236    $  (2,010)    $      67     $       0   $     293
    Fiscal 1996--3rd Quarter Y-T-D.....................       2,207       (2,325)          240          (620)       (498)
 
    Fiscal 1996........................................       2,798       (3,355)          240        (8,042)     (8,359)
    Fiscal 1995........................................       2,868       (3,530)           24        (1,600)     (2,238)
</TABLE>
 
    Real estate operations reflect the historical operating results of only the
Unsold Properties which will be transferred to the Company pursuant to the
Distribution Agreement. As such, these results do not include the operations of
the 27 properties comprising of the investment portfolio which will be retained
by PEI or the operations of properties previously owned by PEI but which were
sold prior to June 1997.
 
    During the first nine months of fiscal 1997, real estate financial
operations were generally consistent with the comparable period of the prior
year, except for a $0.6 million provision for asset impairments. During fiscal
1996 and 1995, noncash charges of approximately $8.0 million and $1.6 million,
respectively, were taken to write down the carrying value of real estate
properties which are being held for sale and which are expected to generate net
sales proceeds below their book values.
 
OTHER
 
    INTEREST INCOME.  Interest income for the Company reflects earnings on City
Notes and certain secured notes receivable from buyers of properties formerly
owned by PEI; however, it does not include PEI's earnings on cash balances or
the Atlas Note which was repaid during fiscal 1997. Interest income for the
first nine months of fiscal 1997 declined as a result of principal repayments of
specific City Notes during the end of fiscal 1996 and early fiscal 1997.
 
    LOSSES FROM MEXICO JOINT VENTURE.  During fiscal 1995, losses from the Price
Club Mexico business of approximately $2.4 million were allocated to the
Company's 25.5% interest in the business. While the business had previously
reported operating profits, the peso devaluations that began in December 1994
lead to significant deterioration of the business' financial performance that
continued through the sale of
 
                                       38
<PAGE>
the Company's investment and beyond. During fiscal 1995, the Company recognized
a pretax loss of approximately $2.6 million on the sale of its interest in Price
Club Mexico to Costco in April 1995.
 
    MINORITY INTEREST.  During fiscal 1995 and 1996, minority interest
represents the allocation of Price Quest and Price Global Trading losses to
Costco until the time that the cumulative amount of such losses equaled the
cumulative amount of Costco's capital contributions. Once the book value of
Costco's investment reached zero during the third quarter of fiscal 1996, the
Company began to absorb 100% of losses from these joint ventures which were
funded with stockholder advances by the Company. For fiscal 1997, minority
interest relates to an allocation of the Panama joint venture earnings to the
49% partner in this venture.
 
    BENEFIT (PROVISION) FOR INCOME TAXES.  During fiscal 1995, the income tax
provision was negatively impacted by the nondeductible losses from its
investment in Price Quest, Price Global Trading and Price Club Mexico. As a
result, the effective income tax benefit rate was only 23.7% for fiscal 1995.
During the first quarter of fiscal 1996, Price Quest and Price Global Trading
were restructured as limited liability companies and subsequent to that date
have been treated as partnerships for income tax purposes. As a result of this
change, the Company's effective income tax benefit rate rose to 37.1% for fiscal
1996. In fiscal 1997, deferred tax assets of approximately $20 million were
charged to income tax expense because the realization of deferred tax assets is
no longer more likely than not, and therefore, a valuation allowance was
established.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
    The Company has financed its operations to date primarily from PEI's real
estate business. Cash used in the Company's operations for the 40 weeks ended
June 8, 1997 and June 9, 1996 and for the two fiscal years ended August 31, 1996
and 1995 was $4.2 million, $1.4 million, $8.1 million and $18.9 million,
respectively.
 
    While the Company is well positioned to finance its business activities
through a variety of sources, it expects to satisfy short-term liquidity
requirements through the cash distributed to the Company by PEI pursuant to the
Distribution Agreement and cash from operations of the Merchandising Businesses.
The Company also expects to generate cash from sales of the Unsold Properties,
and the cash flow that may ultimately be generated by sales of these properties
represents a major source of additional capital resources. To the extent that
investment opportunities exceed available cash flow from these sources, the
Company's unleveraged balance sheet should enable it to access significant
amounts of capital through bank credit facilities and/or securitized debt
offerings, or the Company may choose to seek additional funds through future
public equity offerings.
 
    The Company estimates that it will have $50 million in cash, cash
equivalents, and short-term investments immediately following the Distribution.
 
    The Company's future capital requirements are not expected to exceed $30
million over the next 12 months. During fiscal 1998, the Company anticipates
investing approximately $10 million in the international merchandising
businesses conducted by Price Global and Price Ventures (as defined below), $5
million in affinity-service businesses and $15 million for business
opportunities that may arise. Actual capital expenditures, investment in
merchandising businesses and gross proceeds realized from property sales for
fiscal 1998 may vary from estimated amounts depending on business conditions and
other risks and uncertainties to which the Company and its businesses are
subject.
 
    The Company believes that the Company's cash balances immediately following
the Distribution and net cash provided by operating activities and sales of
Unsold Properties will be sufficient to meet its working capital and capital
expenditure requirements for at least the next 12 months. Management intends to
invest the Company's cash in excess of current operating requirements in
short-term, interest-bearing, investment-grade securities.
 
                                       39
<PAGE>
                             BUSINESS OF PRICESMART
 
    The Company was formed in August 1994 as a subsidiary of PEI in connection
with the spin off of PEI from Costco. PEI began to operate as a separate company
from Costco effective August 29, 1994 and became a separate publicly-traded
company on December 21, 1994 upon the completion of the voluntary exchange offer
made by Costco to its stockholders whereby such stockholders were given the
choice to either continue to own shares of Costco or exchange all or a portion
of their holdings into an equal number of shares of PEI. PriceSmart initially
operated under the name Price Quest, Inc. and until recently was operating under
the name PQI, Inc.; however, the Company changed its name to PriceSmart, Inc.
effective June 30, 1997 in anticipation of the proposed restructuring of PEI
into two separate and distinct businesses that will operate as two separate
publicly-held companies. Unless otherwise indicated, references in this section
to PriceSmart or the Company refer to the Merchandising Businesses, the Unsold
Properties, the Notes, all cash balances of PEI as of the Distribution Date
except for the Retained Cash Amount, and the Other Assets.
 
    The Company owns and manages international merchandising businesses which
license and, in some cases, own membership stores using the trade name
"PriceSmart" in most markets and "PriceCostco" in a limited number of other
markets. The international merchandising businesses focus on emerging consumer
markets in Latin America and Asia. The Company also operates domestic
merchandising businesses including the Company's Auto Referral Program and its
Travel Program. The Company's Auto Referral Program and Travel Program offer
discounts on new cars and on travel services to Costco members pursuant to an
exclusive agreement between Costco and the Company.
 
    Costco and the Company are parties to an Agreement Concerning Transfer of
Certain Assets (the "Asset Transfer Agreement"), which, among other things,
provides for limited use by the Company of the PriceCostco name in the Northern
Mariana Islands, Guam and Panama, sets forth the terms of certain covenants not
to compete between Costco and PEI, and describes the parties' respective rights
and obligations relating to the Auto Referral and Travel Programs conducted by
the Company. See
"--International Merchandising Businesses," "--Auto Referral Program," "--Travel
Program" and
"--Relationship with Costco."
 
BUSINESS STRATEGY
 
    The Company's strategy is to develop its existing merchandising businesses
and to invest in, acquire or create new merchandising businesses consistent with
the experience and talents of its management. Specifically, key elements of the
Company's business strategy include:
 
    PROVIDE LOWER PRICES IN THE MARKETPLACE.  Overriding all of the Company's
businesses is a philosophy of bringing lower prices to the consumer. Future
development of the Company's business will be directed to market opportunities
for lowering the costs of goods and services to consumers.
 
    INCREASE MARKET SHARE IN DEVELOPING MARKETS.  The Company believes that it
is well positioned to take advantage of growth in developing markets due to its
capital resources and experience with membership stores in Latin America and
Asia. The Company intends to license its know-how and trademarks to local
business people in developing markets in order to take advantage of the growing
demand for consumer goods in such markets. The Company also intends to open new
stores in Panama and other Latin American countries. Depending on how successful
the Panama joint venture proves to be, the Company may seek to enter into
additional joint venture relationships and to open additional membership stores
through such joint ventures.
 
    DEVELOP AFFINITY MARKETING PROGRAMS.  The Company's strategy for its
domestic merchandising businesses is to establish and operate businesses that
offer preferred pricing on products or services to customers of another company.
The Company has established such an affinity relationship with Costco, pursuant
to which the Company offers its Auto Referral and Travel Programs to Costco
members. The
 
                                       40
<PAGE>
Company intends to continue to develop businesses compatible with affinity
programs and to explore strategic relationships with other companies to
implement programs similar to the Company's existing Auto Referral and Travel
Programs or new programs that may be developed by the Company.
 
    AUTO REFERRAL PROGRAM STRATEGY.  The evolution of new car buying practices
presents significant business opportunities for the Company's Auto Referral
Program. To take advantage of such opportunities, the Company intends to expand
its participating dealership base. The Company also intends to refine its
training program for its participating dealerships which includes the initial
and ongoing training of dealership representatives and emphasizes rapid response
times to customer inquiries, a firm competitive price quote and fair and honest
treatment of its customers. The Company regularly solicits consumer feedback and
monitors dealership compliance with the Company's Auto Referral Program.
 
    TRAVEL PROGRAM STRATEGY.  The Company's strategy for its Travel Program is
to provide low prices on travel products for consumers who are customers of
other companies with which the Company has established affinity relationships.
The Company plans to maintain and enhance its relationships with travel service
providers in order to offer the best possible prices on travel services to its
customers. The Company will continue to operate as efficiently as possible by
referring its customers directly to travel service providers whenever possible.
The Company currently provides direct customer service for its cruise program
because the Company has concluded that such an approach offers its cruise
customers the best combination of service and value.
 
INTERNATIONAL MERCHANDISING BUSINESSES
 
    The Company owns and manages international merchandising businesses which
license and, in some cases, own membership stores using the trade name
"PriceSmart" in most markets and "Price Costco" in a limited number of other
markets. The Company historically has conducted its international merchandising
businesses through its Price Global Trading, L.L.C. ("Price Global") and Price
Ventures Inc. ("Price Ventures") subsidiaries. Prior to the Distribution, such
entities will be consolidated into the Company. See "PRELIMINARY TRANSACTIONS."
Price Global licenses membership store businesses in the Northern Mariana
Islands and Guam and owns a 51% interest in a Panama joint venture that has
opened one store in Panama and plans to open an additional store in Panama.
Price Ventures has focused on developing international merchandising businesses
in other global markets. To date, Price Ventures has entered into licensing
arrangements relating to know-how and trademarks to be used in operating
membership stores with entrepreneurs in the Peoples Republic of China, Indonesia
and the Philippines. Price Ventures' licensees currently operate a total of
three stores: two in Indonesia and one in the Peoples Republic of China. The
Company plans to invest $10 million in its international merchandising
businesses during fiscal 1998 (beginning September 1, 1998). Such funds will be
used to fund expansion of the Panama joint venture, for start-up costs
associated with the establishment of new licensing arrangements and the opening
of new stores by the Company's Price Ventures' licensees and for general working
capital requirements.
 
    The international stores sell basic consumer goods with an emphasis on
quality, low prices and efficient operations. By offering low prices on brand
name and private label merchandise, such stores seek to generate sales volumes
high enough to enable the stores to operate profitably at relatively low gross
margins. The typical stores are no-frills warehouse-type buildings which range
in size from 40,000 to 65,000 square feet. Stores are generally located in urban
areas to take advantage of dense populations and relatively higher levels of
disposable income. Product selection includes perishable foods and basic
consumer products. The target customers are consumers and small businesses. The
shopping format includes an annual membership fee which varies by market from
$25 to $35.
 
    Typically, Price Global or Price Ventures, as the case may be, enters into
licensing and technology transfer agreements ("Licensing Agreements") with local
business people and provides licensees with the Company's know-how package,
which includes product sourcing agreements. The Company believes that
 
                                       41
<PAGE>
its licensees have been interested in obtaining such licenses for a variety of
reasons, including the track record of the Company's management team, the
opportunity to purchase U.S.-sourced products, the benefits of the Company's
modern distribution techniques and the opportunity to obtain exclusive rights to
use the Company's trademarks in the region.
 
    Each Licensing Agreement includes a license of certain trade secrets and
know-how useful in the design, establishment, management and operation of
membership stores. The license also includes the right to use the "PriceSmart"
mark and certain other trademarks. The Company also grants its licensees access
to its computer software systems for purposes of data entry and report
generation and trains its licensees in the use of such systems. Each Licensing
Agreement requires Price Global or Price Ventures (or its affiliate) to supply
initial training, follow-up training and management support to its licensee.
Price Ventures assists its licensees in evaluating building design, layout and
construction specifications and advises its licensees in the preparation,
development and updating of their business plans. Licensees are required to
submit their business plans to Price Global or Price Ventures, as the case may
be, for approval and to abide by certain policies with respect to maintenance
and condition of stores. Each Licensing Agreement contains provisions regarding
confidentiality and covenants by licensees not to compete during the term of the
Licensing Agreement and for a period of years thereafter. In consideration for
such licenses and providing such services, licensees pay an initial license fee,
a royalty based on a percentage of annual gross sales and product sourcing fees.
In some cases, licensees also are required to pay separate trademark royalties
and computer software system fees.
 
    The Licensing Agreement between Price Global and its licensee requires Price
Global to sell merchandise to its licensee for resale in its allotted
territories. Price Global's licensee is required to submit purchase orders on
forms provided by Price Global, and such purchase orders are deemed to have no
effect until accepted in writing by Price Global. Price Global designates
merchandising employees and buyers based in the United States to assist its
licensee with product sourcing, selection and merchandising. Prices for such
merchandise are set by Price Global on a "gross margin" basis and are intended
to cover Price Global's costs for such merchandise plus taxes, duties, shipping
costs, any insurance charges incurred by Price Global and a reasonable profit
margin. Payments for goods are required to be in United States dollars.
 
    Price Ventures supplies merchandise and provides services to its licensees
pursuant to Sourcing Program Agreements. Under a typical Sourcing Program
Agreement, Price Ventures' licensee would develop a quarterly merchandising plan
setting forth its needs for merchandise and related services as well as a budget
for the quarter. Price Ventures then would respond with changes to the plan or
accept the plan. To the extent that Price Ventures and the licensee agree on a
category of goods in the plan, such agreement is deemed an accepted order from
the licensee and an "open to buy" authorization to ship. Price Ventures has the
right and responsibility to select and ship merchandise within categories
specified by the licensee. In addition to supplying merchandise, Price Ventures
also provides a number of services to its licensees, including, among other
things, the selection of a menu of products and the establishment of pricing and
terms with the vendor of such products; management of planned inventory levels;
negotiation of ocean shipments on behalf of the licensee; and preparation of
documents to fulfill product registration requirements. Each Sourcing Program
Agreement also includes exclusivity provisions which require the licensee to
purchase merchandise from Price Ventures unless (i) the licensee receives a bona
fide offer to sell merchandise from a supplier outside the United States
previously approved by Price Ventures or from another U.S. supplier and (ii)
Price Ventures does not exercise its right to match such offer with comparable
merchandise.
 
AUTO REFERRAL PROGRAM
 
    The Company's Auto Referral Program offers Costco members a low-price, "no
hassle" alternative for buying a new car. The Company has established
relationships with approximately 1,600 new car dealerships in Costco markets in
the United States. Under the Company's Auto Referral Program, Costco
 
                                       42
<PAGE>
members are given the opportunity to meet with selected sales representatives at
participating dealerships and to purchase cars based on a fixed price. The
Company's alternative to traditional vehicle retailing dramatically reduces
participating dealerships' selling costs per vehicle and increases sales volumes
by channeling a large number of ready-to-buy, well-informed consumers to
participating dealerships.
 
    OVERVIEW OF NEW VEHICLE RETAILING.  The Company believes that the vehicle
sales process has not changed significantly in the last 25 years, and that
consumers dissatisfied with sales tactics viewed as self serving, unfair,
intimidating or overbearing are increasingly turning to alternative methods for
buying a car. At the same time, car dealerships are exploring methods for
reducing their costs per vehicle sold while continuing to generate sufficient
sales leads.
 
    ADVANTAGES OF AUTO REFERRAL PROGRAM.  The Company believes that changes in
the way in which consumers purchase new and used cars provide significant
opportunities for the Company's Auto Referral Program. Many consumers prefer to
purchase their cars in a straightforward and simple way without the difficulties
of the traditional car buying experience. The Company's Auto Referral Program is
designed to lower the cost of buying a car and to provide a consumer-friendly
experience. Independent car dealerships are facing increasing competition from
national used car dealers such as Auto Nation and Car Max. The Company's Auto
Referral Program provides efficient marketing for independent car dealers, which
helps them compete more effectively.
 
    The Company has provided automotive referral services to Costco members
since 1994 pursuant to an operating agreement with Costco. The Company provides
information about participating dealers to Costco members through brochures
distributed at Costco warehouses, through advertisements in "The Costco
Connection" and through promotional materials linked to and from Costco's
Internet home page. See "--Relationship with Costco." The Costco Connection is
mailed each month to Costco's approximately three million business customers and
is distributed to Costco's approximately nine million "gold star" members at
Costco warehouses. The brochures and advertisements direct Costco members to
make appointments to meet with specified sales representatives at participating
dealerships and to present their Costco membership cards at the meetings. Upon
presentation of their cards, Costco members receive fixed prices on cars about
which they inquire. The Company generates revenues from its Auto Referral
Program exclusively from advertising fees charged to participating dealers. The
Company generated revenues of $5.5 million from operations of the Auto Referral
Program during the 40 weeks ended June 8, 1997.
 
TRAVEL PROGRAM
 
    The Company's Travel Program offers discounted prices on airline tickets,
cruises, travel packages, car rentals and hotels to Costco members. The
Company's operating strategy is based on generating large sales volume rather
than high margins on individual sales. The Company has been successful in
obtaining discounts not available to most travel agencies because of the large
volume of reservations made through the Company's Travel Program. The Company's
strategy allows it to satisfy its customers' demands for low-price travel
products while the Company benefits from the higher commissions and additional
incentives available to high-volume travel agencies. The Company has limited the
scope of its Travel Program to products on which it can offer discounts to its
customers.
 
    TRAVEL INDUSTRY OVERVIEW.  The U.S. travel industry is a highly fragmented
industry comprised of numerous small agencies, but trending towards large volume
agencies, according to a 1996 Travel Weekly U.S. travel agency survey. In
contrast to 1985, when smaller agencies were responsible for 62% of all U.S.
travel agency revenues, in 1995 such agencies were responsible for only 41% of
all U.S. travel agency revenues.
 
    ADVANTAGES OF TRAVEL PROGRAM.  The Company believes its Travel Program is
well positioned to take advantage of anticipated further growth in the travel
industry. The Company has established relationships
 
                                       43
<PAGE>
with travel providers, wholesalers and high volume travel agencies. Because of
the Company's large sales volumes, the Company frequently is able to purchase
travel products at attractive prices.
 
    The Company has operated the Travel Program since 1994 pursuant to an
operating agreement with Costco. The Company provides information about travel
products and prices to Costco members through brochures distributed at Costco
warehouses, through advertisements in "The Costco Connection" and through
promotional materials linked to and from Costco's Internet home page. See
"--Relationship with Costco." The brochures and advertisements direct Costco
members to contact the Company for assistance with cruises and to call companies
with which the Company has obtained preferential pricing for airline tickets,
travel packages, hotels and car rentals. Since its customers do not visit the
Company's reservation center in San Diego, the Company does not need to
construct and maintain expensive travel agent locations.
 
    The Company's Travel Program generates revenues from commissions as a
function of sales and co-op promotions from certain suppliers, including car
rental companies and hotels. In addition, the Company has entered into
agreements with certain travel service providers for the payment of override
commissions above the standard commissions the Company receives. Under such
agreements, additional commissions are generally awarded if the volume of sales
exceeds certain agreed upon thresholds. The Company generated revenues of $3.7
million from the Travel Program during the 40 weeks ended June 8, 1997.
 
RELATIONSHIP WITH COSTCO
 
    PEI, Costco and certain of their respective subsidiaries, including the
Company, entered into the Asset Transfer Agreement in connection with the
settlement of litigation arising from the spin-off of PEI from Costco and the
prior merger between The Price Company and Costco Wholesale Corporation. A final
settlement of IN RE PRICE/COSTCO SHAREHOLDER LITIGATION, Case No. C-94-1874C,
was reached in November 1996 and approved by the United States District Court
for the Western District of Washington in April 1997, at which time the Asset
Transfer Agreement became effective. Pursuant to the Asset Transfer Agreement,
Costco assigned its 49% interest in Price Global Trading, L.L.C. and its 49%
interest in Price Quest, L.L.C. to subsidiaries of PEI, making such entities
wholly owned indirect subsidiaries of PEI. PEI and Costco also agreed in the
Asset Transfer Agreement to eliminate all noncompete and operating agreements
and to terminate all trademark and license agreements between the parties,
except as described herein. See "--International Merchandising Businesses";
"--Auto Referral Program" and "--Travel Program."
 
    Under the Asset Transfer Agreement, Costco has agreed to refrain from
conducting membership store businesses in the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam
through the earlier of October 31, 1999 or termination of the Company's license
with Joeten Enterprises, Inc. and has agreed to refrain from conducting
membership store businesses in Panama through the earlier of October 31, 1999 or
termination of the Company's license with PriceCostco Panama, S.A. Pursuant to a
License Agreement with Costco, which was modified by the Asset Transfer
Agreement, the Company has an exclusive (including against Costco), royalty-free
license in the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam to use "Price Club" and
"PriceCostco" marks in connection with the development, operation, advertising
and promotion of the Company's business activities in such areas, subject to
certain restrictions on the use of the marks and quality control and
confidentiality provisions. The Company currently owns rights to the name
"PriceCostco" in Panama, and the Company has agreed, subject to the outcome of
trademark applications in Panama, to transfer to Costco its rights to the name
"PriceCostco." If the Company transfers such rights to Costco, Costco will
license back to the Company the right to use the name "PriceCostco" in Panama
upon the same terms as the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam licenses. The Asset
Transfer Agreement, however, requires the Company to use diligent and reasonable
efforts to negotiate with its licensee in the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam
and Price Global's joint venture partner in Panama to terminate such licensees'
rights to use the "Price Club" and "PriceCostco" names and marks by October 3,
1998, or, if that does not occur, at the earliest possible date before December
12, 2009 for the Northern Mariana Islands
 
                                       44
<PAGE>
and Guam and December 21, 2015 for Panama. The Company's rights to use such
names and marks in Panama are further subject to the outcome of trademark
application proceedings in Panama, which could result in earlier termination of
the Company's rights.
 
    The Asset Transfer Agreement also gives the Company the exclusive right to
operate its Auto Referral Program and Travel Program in certain Costco
warehouses, through advertisements published in "The Costco Connection" and
through promotional materials linked to and from Costco's Internet home page.
The Company currently operates its Auto Referral and Travel Programs in
approximately 200 Costco warehouses. The Asset Transfer Agreement provides for
the expansion of the Auto Referral Program and the Travel Program into as many
as ten additional Costco warehouses (to the extent they exist) in each of the
fiscal years ended August 1997, 1998 and 1999. Costco has the right to select
the warehouses for expansion, subject to the Company's reasonable consent. The
agreement requires Costco to provide sufficient space to display a brochure rack
and to use its best efforts to provide sufficient space to display an
automobile. Costco also is required to maintain and stock the brochure rack and
to provide security for the rack and for any displayed automobiles. The
Company's rights under the Asset Transfer Agreement to conduct the Auto Referral
and Travel Programs in Costco warehouses, through "The Costco Connection" and
through Costco's Internet home page will extend until October 31, 1999 unless
earlier terminated by the Company upon 60 days prior written notice to Costco.
 
    The Asset Transfer Agreement requires the Company to pay Costco, for the
Auto Referral Program, 20% of the gross revenues derived from the Costco Auto
Program Internet site linked to and from Costco's Internet home page and 55% of
the gross revenues derived from all other advertising or promotion via Costco
warehouses, "The Costco Connection" or other media which utilize the "Costco"
name or mark. Likewise, the Asset Transfer Agreement requires the Company to pay
Costco, for car rentals, hotel bookings and other travel services other than
vacation packages and cruises, 15% of the received commissions derived from any
advertising or promotion via Costco warehouses, "The Costco Connection," the
Costco Travel Program Internet site linked to and from Costco's Internet home
page or other media which use the "Costco" name or mark. For vacation packages
and cruises, the Company is required to pay Costco 1% of the net sales derived
from any such advertising or promotion. The Company is required to use "Costco
Auto Program" and "Costco Travel Program" marks in connection with the sales and
promotional activities described above.
 
    The Asset Transfer Agreement does not limit the Company's ability to own or
operate any automobile related or travel service related businesses as long as
such businesses do not use the names or marks "PriceCostco," "PriceClub" or
"Costco" and do not operate, through October 31, 1999, from locations owned or
operated by Sam's Warehouse Club, BJ's Wholesale Club or Wal-Mart or any of
their affiliates. Costco has the right under the Asset Transfer Agreement to
sell automobiles (but not by referral to a third party) and vacation packages
(but not cruises) and airline tickets directly to its members. Costco also may
investigate and experiment with other concepts in auto and travel businesses.
 
    Costco has agreed in the Asset Transfer Agreement that PEI and its
downstream affiliates may use the name "Price" in a "PriceSmart" mark, but PEI
and its downstream affiliates may not use a "PriceSmart" mark in connection with
a club business or other membership activity named "PriceSmart" in the United
States, Canada or Mexico; provided that the limitations on the Company's rights
to use the "PriceSmart" name in the United States, Canada and Mexico terminate
24 months after Costco and its downstream affiliates discontinue their use of
the names "PriceCostco" and "Price Club."
 
                                       45
<PAGE>
REAL ESTATE AND RELATED ASSETS
 
    PROPERTIES HELD FOR SALE.  In connection with the spin-off of PEI by Costco
in 1994, Costco transferred 75 properties to PEI, 29 of which are no longer
owned by PEI. PEI's business strategy has been to retain properties that have
high-quality, long term tenants and that are, or soon will be fully developed.
PEI has designated properties that do not meet its investment objectives as
properties held for sale. Such properties historically have been separately
classified in PEI's financial statements. Pursuant to the Distribution
Agreement, PEI will transfer such properties to the Company prior to the
Distribution. The Company expects to sell such properties within the next twelve
months. Proceeds from sales of such properties may be used to fund the Company's
Merchandising Businesses and the Company's general working capital requirements.
 
    The table set forth below describes the portfolio of Unsold Properties to be
held by the Company immediately following the Distribution. Amounts shown for
annual minimum rents are based on executed leases as of May 31, 1997. Due to the
nature of real estate investments, actual rental income may differ from amounts
shown in this table.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            LEASES IN EFFECT AS OF MAY 31, 1997
                                                             -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                LAND          GROSS        PERCENT     NET BOOK      ANNUAL
                                                               ACREAGE      LEASABLE       LEASED        VALUE       MINIMUM
                                                             -----------  AREA (SQ FT)   -----------    5/31/97       RENT
                                                                          -------------               -----------  -----------
                                                                             (000S)                     ($000S)      ($000S)
<S>                                                          <C>          <C>            <C>          <C>          <C>
PROPERTIES WITH BUILDINGS
  Bakersfield, CA..........................................        15.7         143.5            74%   $   6,527    $     809
  Worcester, MA............................................        11.4         115.0           100%       5,821          690
  Sacramento/65th Expressway, CA...........................        13.6         139.7             0%       5,160       --
  Mesa/Broadway, AZ........................................         6.5          24.2           100%       1,288          183
  Riverside/Third St., CA..................................         4.9          17.9           100%         394          147
  Milwaukee, WI (leased)...................................         8.8         115.0           100%          64       --
                                                                  -----         -----           ---   -----------  -----------
    Subtotal...............................................        60.9         555.3            68%      19,254        1,829
 
UNIMPROVED LAND
  Fresno, CA...............................................        15.0        --            --            3,680       --
  Gaithersburg, MD.........................................         5.2        --            --            1,500       --
  Richmond, VA.............................................        11.7        --            --            1,457       --
  Sterling, VA.............................................         9.0        --            --            1,406       --
  Carlsbad, CA.............................................         5.1        --            --            1,351       --
  East Mesa/Superstition Springs, AZ.......................        18.7        --            --              981       --
  Santa Clarita, CA........................................         2.2        --            --              900       --
  Sacramento/Rancho Cordova, CA............................         6.7        --            --              570       --
  Palm Desert, CA..........................................         2.0        --            --              500       --
  Fountain Valley, CA......................................         2.5        --            --              475       --
  Rancho Cucamonga, CA.....................................          .9        --            --              405       --
  Tucson, AZ...............................................         7.6        --            --              400       --
  Denver/Westminster, CO...................................         3.3        --            --              305       --
  Rohnert Park, CA.........................................          .7        --            --              300       --
  Denver/Aurora, CO........................................         1.0        --            --              112       --
                                                                  -----         -----           ---   -----------  -----------
    Subtotal...............................................        91.6        --            --           14,342       --
 
Deferred rents and leasing costs, net......................      --            --            --            1,023       --
Provision for Asset Impairments............................      --            --            --           (7,410)      --
                                                                  -----         -----           ---   -----------  -----------
Total......................................................       152.5         555.3            68%   $  27,209    $   1,829
                                                                  -----         -----           ---   -----------  -----------
                                                                  -----         -----           ---   -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
                                       46
<PAGE>
    SUBSEQUENT AND PENDING REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS.  From May 31, 1997 to July
31, 1997, the Company sold two of the properties listed above as well as
portions of two other properties comprising $1.0 million of properties with
buildings and $0.9 million of unimproved land. The Company is currently under
contract to sell seven additional properties and portions of four other
properties comprising $5.8 million of properties with buildings and $8.2 million
of unimproved land. The Company anticipates no significant gains or losses from
these sales. The Company expects such transactions to be completed within the
next four months; however, given the nature of such sales activities, there can
be no assurance that these potential sales will be completed by their expected
dates or that such proceeds will be fully realized.
 
    ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS.  The Company has agreed to indemnify PEI for all of
PEI's liabilities (including obligations to indemnify Costco with respect to
environmental liabilities) arising out of PEI's prior ownership of the Unsold
Properties and the real properties transferred by Costco to PEI that have been
sold prior to the Distribution. The Company's ownership of real properties and
its agreement to indemnify PEI could subject it to certain environmental
liabilities. As discussed below, certain Unsold Properties are located in areas
of current or former industrial activity, where environmental contamination may
have occurred.
 
    Under various Federal, state and local environmental laws, ordinances and
regulations, a current or previous owner or operator of real estate may be
required to investigate and remediate releases or threatened releases of
hazardous or toxic substances or petroleum products located at such property,
and may be held liable to a governmental entity or to third parties for property
damage and for investigation and remediation costs incurred by such parties in
connection with the contamination. Under certain of these laws, liability may be
imposed without regard to whether the owner knew of or caused the presence of
the contaminants. These costs may be substantial, and the presence of such
substances, or the failure to remediate properly the contamination on such
property, may adversely affect the owner's ability to sell or lease such
property or to borrow money using such property as collateral. Certain Federal
and state laws require the removal or encapsulation of asbestos-containing
material in poor condition in the event of remodeling or renovation. Other
Federal, state and local laws have been enacted to protect sensitive
environmental resources, including threatened and endangered species and
wetlands. Such laws may restrict the development and diminish the value of
property which is inhabited by an endangered or threatened species, is
designated as critical habitat for an endangered or threatened species or is
characterized as wetlands.
 
    In 1994, Costco engaged environmental consultants to conduct Phase I
assessments (involving investigation without soil sampling or groundwater
analysis) at each of the properties that Costco transferred to PEI in 1994,
including the Unsold Properties. The Company is unaware of any environmental
liability or noncompliance with applicable environmental laws or regulations
arising out of the Unsold Properties or the real properties transferred by
Costco to PEI and sold prior to the Distribution that the Company believes would
have a material adverse effect on its business, assets or results of operations.
Nevertheless, there can be no assurance that the Company's knowledge is complete
with regard to, or that the Phase I assessments have identified, all material
environmental liabilities.
 
    The Company is aware of certain environmental issues, which the Company does
not expect to have a material adverse effect on the Company's business assets or
results of operation, relating to three properties transferred from Costco to
PEI that were sold prior to the Distribution. The Company has agreed to
indemnify PEI for environmental liabilities arising out of such properties. The
Company has reserved $85,000 and $90,000 with respect to potential environmental
liabilities arising from PEI's prior ownership of the Phoenix (Fry's) property
and Silver City property, respectively, discussed below. The Company has not
taken a reserve with respect to the Meadowlands property. Set forth below are
summaries of certain environmental matters relating to the properties already
sold.
 
    Phoenix (Fry's). The Phoenix (Fry's) site is a 37.1 acre site located in
Phoenix, Arizona. The Phoenix (Fry's) site is located within the West Van Buren
Study Area (the "WVBSA"). Volatile organic compounds
 
                                       47
<PAGE>
("VOCs") and petroleum hydrocarbons are present in groundwater in the WVBSA. To
date, PEI (as successor to Costco) has not been identified as a potentially
responsible party ("PRP") for the WVBSA. On March 8, 1995, PEI sold the Phoenix
(Fry's) site, and retained responsibility for certain environmental matters.
Investigations conducted in connection with the sale of the property revealed
some hydrocarbon contamination in an area previously occupied by a fuel pump
island. Seven underground fuel storage tanks were removed in 1989. The Arizona
Department of Environmental Quality is requiring some additional testing prior
to granting closure of the site. PEI's prior ownership of the Phoenix (Fry's)
site creates the potential of liability for remediation costs associated with
groundwater beneath the site. Costco previously agreed to indemnify and hold PEI
harmless in respect of one-half of all environmental liabilities relating to the
Phoenix (Fry's) site. Costco has continued to pay its share of the ongoing
investigation costs associated with this site. PEI and the Company lack
sufficient information about the activity of WVBSA PRPs to form an estimate of
the equitable share of total liability, if any, that could be allocated to PEI
for its previous ownership of this site.
 
    Although designated by Arizona law as a "study area," the WVBSA is not a
federal CERCLA site and is not listed on the National Properties List ("NPL").
Immediately to the east of the WVBSA, however, is the East Washington Study Area
(the "EWSA"), which is listed on the NPL. VOCs are also present in groundwater
in the EWSA. If the contamination plumes from the WVBSA and the EWSA merge, the
possibility exists that the two study areas will be merged into one Federal
CERCLA site.
 
    Meadowlands. The Meadowlands site is an unimproved, 12.9 acre site located
in Meadowlands, New Jersey. A prior owner used this site as a debris disposal
area. Elevated levels of heavy metals (including a small area contaminated with
polychlorinated byphenyls) and petroleum hydrocarbons are present in soil at the
Meadowlands site. PEI, however, has not been notified by any governmental
authority, and is not otherwise aware, of any material noncompliance, liability
or claim relating to hazardous or toxic substances or petroleum products in
connection with the Meadowlands site. PEI sold the Meadowlands site on August
11, 1995. Nevertheless, PEI's previous ownership of the Meadowlands site creates
the potential of liability for remediation costs associated with groundwater
beneath the site.
 
    Silver City. The Silver City site contains or has contained petroleum
hydrocarbons in the soil and groundwater. PEI is continuing to remediate the
soil and groundwater at this property under supervision of local authorities.
The Company estimates that the total cost of this remediation is not expected to
exceed $75,000 in the aggregate over the next three years.
 
    CITY NOTES AND OTHER NOTES RECEIVABLE.  The Company will also own the City
Notes and certain other notes receivable. As of June 8, 1997, the carrying value
of the City Notes was approximately $24 million. The City Notes carry interest
rates which range from 7% to 10%. Repayment of each City Note is generally based
on the relevant municipality's allocation of sales tax revenues generated by
retail businesses located on a particular property associated with such City
Note. For accounting purposes, the carrying value of $24 million of such notes
represents management's estimate of discounted cash flow from the City Notes.
Management's analysis of the discounted cash flow from the City Notes assumes no
payment at maturity, because, under the terms of the City Notes, the unpaid
balance of the note is forgiven at its maturity date. If actions taken by
Costco, such as closure or relocation of a particular Costco warehouse, would
entitle the governmental agency to withhold payment, the Company would be
entitled to cause Costco to purchase such City Note at an amount equal to 72% of
the June 5, 1994 book balance, less any subsequent principal repayments, plus
all accrued and unpaid interest from June 5, 1994. The Company holds certain
other notes receivable with a carrying value of approximately $6.6 million as of
June 8, 1997. See "RISK FACTORS--Notes Receivable."
 
COMPETITION
 
    Each of the Company's Merchandising Businesses faces competition unique to
its line of business. The Company's international merchandising businesses
compete with exporters, wholesalers and trading
 
                                       48
<PAGE>
companies in various international markets. Specifically, the Company's
international merchandising businesses compete with Makro, Carrefour, Wal-Mart,
Costco and local chain store operations. The Company's Auto Referral Program
competes with affinity programs offered by several companies such as Wal-Mart;
Internet vehicle buying services such as Auto By Tel; and automobile brokerage
firms. The Company's Travel Program competes with a variety of other providers
of travel and travel-related products and services, including telemarketing
travel companies, traditional travel agencies and various on-line services
available on the Internet.
 
    Many of the Company's current and potential competitors have longer
operating histories, greater name recognition and significantly greater
financial and marketing resources than the Company. Such competitors could
undertake more aggressive and costly marketing campaigns than the Company, which
may adversely affect the Company's marketing strategies, which, in turn, could
have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, results of operations
or financial condition. There can be no assurance that the Company can compete
successfully against current or future competitors nor can there be any
assurance that competitive pressures faced by the Company will not result in
loss of market share or otherwise will not materially adversely affect its
business, results of operations and financial condition.
 
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS
 
    It is the Company's policy to obtain appropriate proprietary rights
protection for trademarks and significant new technologies acquired or developed
by the Company. In addition, the Company relies on copyright and trade secret
laws to protect its proprietary rights. The Company attempts to protect its
trade secrets and other proprietary information through agreements with
employees, consultants and suppliers, and other similar measures. There can be
no assurance, however, that the Company will be successful in protecting its
proprietary rights. While management believes that the Company's trademarks,
copyrights and other proprietary know-how have significant value, changing
technology and the competitive marketplace make the Company's future success
dependent principally upon its employees' technical competence and creative
skills for continuing innovation.
 
    There can be no assurance that third parties will not assert claims against
the Company with respect to existing and future trademarks, trade names and
sales techniques. In the event of litigation to determine the validity of any
third party's claims, such litigation could result in significant expense to the
Company and divert the efforts of the Company's management, whether or not such
litigation is determined in favor of the Company.
 
    Price Ventures has filed applications to register the mark "PriceSmart" in
the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and in certain foreign countries; however,
because of objections by one or more parties, there can be no assurance that
Price Ventures will obtain such registrations or that Price Ventures has
proprietary rights to the mark. In addition, as noted above, the Company has
limited rights to use the "PriceCostco" name in connection with its
international merchandising businesses and certain Costco marks with its Auto
Referral and Travel Programs. The Asset Transfer Agreement requires the Company
to attempt to phase out the use of the "PriceCostco" name and related marks in
the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam and Panama. See "--International
Merchandising Businesses."
 
EMPLOYEES
 
    Following the Distribution, the Company will employ approximately 146
employees, 89 of which will be assigned to the Company's international
merchandising businesses, 47 to the Auto Referral and Travel Programs and 10 in
corporate administrative activities. The Company believes that its future
prospects will depend, in part, on its ability to continue to attract and retain
skilled management personnel.
 
    The individuals employed in the cruise division of the Company's Travel
Program recently joined a union. The Company currently is negotiating a
collective bargaining agreement with such employees. The
 
                                       49
<PAGE>
Company has never experienced any business interruption as a result of labor
disputes. The Company believes that its relations with its employees are good.
 
SEASONALITY
 
    The Merchandising Businesses are subject to traditional retail sales trends
associated with the calendar year-end holiday season. The Company's real estate
operations are not generally subject to seasonal fluctuations.
 
CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS
 
    The Company maintains its headquarters at 4649 Morena Blvd., San Diego,
California 92117. The Company will lease 42,000 square feet of office space from
PEI at a rate of $.60 per month per square foot pursuant to a triple net lease.
The initial term of the lease will be two years with five renewal options of two
years each. During the first year, PEI will not charge rent to the Company on
6,000 square feet of space. The Company believes that its existing facilities
are adequate to meet its current needs and that suitable additional or
alternative space will be available on commercially reasonable terms as needed.
 
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
    The Company is not a party to any legal proceedings other than various
claims and lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of its business which, in the
opinion of the Company's management, are not individually or in the aggregate
material to its business.
 
                                       50
<PAGE>
                                   MANAGEMENT
 
BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD
 
    Upon consummation of the Distribution, the Company's Board of Directors is
expected to be comprised of five directors: Robert E. Price, Katherine L.
Hensley, Leon C. Janks, Lawrence B. Krause and Gilbert A. Partida. Such
directors will serve until the next Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the
Company and until their respective successors have been duly elected and
qualified.
 
    The table below indicates the name, position with the Company and age of
each nominee for Director.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME                                          POSITION WITH PRICESMART                    AGE
- ------------------------------  ----------------------------------------------------      ---
<S>                             <C>                                                   <C>
Robert E. Price...............  Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive          54
                                  Officer
Katherine L. Hensley..........  Director                                                      60
Leon C. Janks.................  Director                                                      47
Lawrence B. Krause............  Director                                                      67
Gilbert A. Partida............  Director                                                      35
</TABLE>
 
    Robert E. Price has been Chairman of the Board, President and Chief
Executive Officer of the Company since July 1997 and has held the same positions
with the Company since July 1994. Mr. Price also serves as Chief Executive
Officer of Price Real Estate, Price Global Trading and Price Quest. Mr. Price
was Chairman of the Board of Costco from October 1993 to December 1994. Mr.
Price also serves as a director of Price Real Estate, Price Global Trading,
Price Quest and Price Ventures. From 1976 to October 1993, he was Chief
Executive Officer and a director of The Price Company ("TPC"). Mr. Price served
as Chairman of the Board of TPC from January 1989 to October 1993, and its
President from 1976 until December 1990.
 
    Katherine L. Hensley has been a director of the Company since July 1997 and
has served as a director of PEI since December 1994. She is a lawyer and a
retired partner of the law firm of O'Melveny & Myers in Los Angeles, California.
Ms. Hensley joined O'Melveny & Myers in 1978 and was a partner from 1986 to
February 1992. Ms. Hensley is a trustee of Security First Trust, an open-end
investment management company registered under the Investment Company Act of
1940.
 
    Leon C. Janks has been a director of the Company since July 1997 and served
as a director of PEI since March 1995. He has been a Partner in the accounting
firm of Alder, Green & Hasson in Los Angeles, California since 1980. Mr. Janks
has extensive experience in domestic and international business serving a wide
variety of clients in diverse businesses.
 
    Lawrence B. Krause has been a director of the Company since July 1997. Mr.
Krause has been a Professor and the Director of the Korea-Pacific Program at the
Graduate School of International Relations and Pacific Studies at the University
of California, San Diego since 1986. He became a Professor Emeritus in 1997. Mr.
Krause also serves on advisory boards for a number of institutions including the
Institute for International Economics, the Korea Economic Institute, the
Committee on Asian Economic Studies and the U.S. National Committee for Pacific
Economic Cooperation.
 
    Gilbert A. Partida has been a director of the Company since July 1997. Mr.
Partida is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Greater San Diego
Chamber of Commerce, a position he has held since January 1993. Prior to joining
the Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Partida was an attorney with the law firm of Gray,
Cary, Ames & Frye in San Diego, California from 1987 to 1992.
 
                                       51
<PAGE>
COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY
 
    AUDIT COMMITTEE.  The Audit Committee will consist of Messrs. Janks, Partida
and Price. The Audit Committee will review the annual audits of the Company's
independent public accountants, review and evaluate internal accounting
controls, recommend the selection of the Company's independent public
accountants, review and pass upon (or ratify) related party transactions, and
conduct such reviews and examinations as it deems necessary with respect to the
practices and policies of, and the relationship between, the Company and its
independent public accountants.
 
    COMPENSATION COMMITTEE.  The Compensation Committee, will consist of Ms.
Hensley and Messrs. Krause and Partida. The Compensation Committee will review
salaries, bonuses and stock options of senior officers of the Company, and
administer the Company's executive compensation policies and stock option plans.
 
    NOMINATING COMMITTEE.  The Nominating Committee will consist of Ms. Hensley
and Mr. Price. The Nominating Committee will recommend candidates to fill
vacancies on the Board of Directors or any committee thereof, which vacancies
may be created by the departure of any directors, or the expansion of the number
of members of the Board. The Nominating Committee will give appropriate
consideration to qualified persons recommended by stockholders for nomination as
Directors provided that such recommendations are accompanied by information
sufficient to enable the Nominating Committee to evaluate the qualifications of
the nominee.
 
    EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.  The Executive Committee will consist of Messrs. Price
and Janks and Ms. Hensley. The Executive Committee will have all powers and
rights necessary to exercise the full authority of the Board of Directors in the
management of the business and affairs of the Company, except as provided in the
Delaware General Corporation Law or the Bylaws of the Company.
 
    FINANCE COMMITTEE.  The Finance Committee will consist of Messrs. Janks,
Krause and Partida. The Finance Committee will review and make recommendations
with respect to (i) annual budgets, (ii) investments, (iii) financing
arrangements and (iv) the creation, incurrence, assumption or guaranty by the
Company of any indebtedness, obligation or liability, except, in each case, for
any such transactions entered into in the ordinary course of business of the
Company.
 
COMPENSATION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
 
    Each non-employee director of the Company will receive $20,000 per year for
serving on the Board of Directors and an additional $5,000 per year for serving
as chairman of any committee of the Company Board. In addition, non-employee
directors who serve on committees of the Company Board (in a capacity other than
chairman of a committee) will receive $500 for each meeting attended. The
chairman or vice chairman of any committee may receive additional compensation
to be fixed by the Company Board. Each director is eligible to receive stock
grants and stock options pursuant to the PriceSmart Stock Option Plan.
 
    Directors also will receive reimbursement for travel expenses incurred in
connection with their duties as directors.
 
                                       52
<PAGE>
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
 
    Set forth below are the names, positions and ages of the individuals who
will become executive officers of the Company following the Distribution:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME                                         POSITION WITH PRICESMART                     AGE
- -----------------------------  -----------------------------------------------------      ---
<S>                            <C>                                                    <C>
Robert E. Price..............  Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive           54
                                 Officer
Robert M. Gans...............  Executive Vice President, Secretary and General                48
                                 Counsel
Daniel L. Brockman...........  Senior Vice President--Finance, Chief Accounting               42
                                 Officer
Theodore Wallace.............  Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer           48
</TABLE>
 
    Robert E. Price has been Chairman of the Board, President and Chief
Executive Officer of PEI since July 1994. Mr. Price also serves as Chief
Executive Officer of Price Real Estate, Price Global Trading and Price Quest.
Mr. Price was Chairman of the Board of Costco from October 1993 to December
1994. Mr. Price also serves as a director of Price Real Estate, Price Global
Trading, Price Quest and Price Ventures. From 1976 to October 1993, he was Chief
Executive Officer and a director of The Price Company ("TPC"). Mr. Price served
as Chairman of the Board of TPC from January 1989 to October 1993, and its
President from 1976 until December 1990.
 
    Robert M. Gans has been Executive Vice President, General Counsel for PEI
since October 17, 1994. Mr. Gans graduated from the UCLA School of Law in 1975
and actively practiced law in private practice from 1975 until 1994. From 1988
until October 1994, Mr. Gans was the senior member of the law firm of Gans,
Blackmar & Stevens, A.P.C., of San Diego, California.
 
    Daniel L. Brockman has been with PEI since October 1994, initially as the
Director of Internal Audit. Mr. Brockman later became the Chief Financial
Officer of Price Quest, Price Global and Price Ventures. From 1989 to 1994, Mr.
Brockman worked for TPC and Costco in a variety of financial executive
positions, including Director of Internal Audit, Director of Finance and
Director of Financial Planning. Mr. Brockman graduated from San Diego State
University with a B.S. in Accounting in 1977 and is a Certified Public
Accountant.
 
    Theodore Wallace has been an Executive Vice President of PEI since November
1994 and serves as Chief Executive Officer of Price Ventures. From October 1993
to November 1994, Mr. Wallace was Executive Vice President of Costco overseeing
international expansion into the Pacific Rim and other markets. Mr. Wallace
became an Executive Vice President of TPC in 1984 and, from 1988 until Fall
1992, he was Chief Operating Officer (East Coast) of TPC. He was a director of
TPC from October 1988 to October 1993. He joined TPC as a warehouse manager in
September 1977 and was its Vice President of Operations from 1983 to 1988.
 
    The Company has initiated a search for a full-time chief financial officer.
In the interim, the services ordinarily performed by a chief financial officer
will be provided by the Company's in-house financial staff to be supplemented by
independent consultants as may be appropriate.
 
EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION
 
    Prior to the Distribution, the individuals who have managed the
Merchandising Businesses have been employed by PEI. The following Summary
Compensation Table sets forth a summary of the compensation paid during the past
three fiscal years by PEI to the individuals serving as PEI's chief executive
officer and the two next most highly compensated executive officers (the "Named
Executive Officers"). The compensation amounts in the following tables represent
all compensation paid to each such individual in connection with his position
with PEI.
 
                                       53
<PAGE>
                           SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         LONG TERM
                                                                                       COMPENSATION
                                                                                          AWARDS
                                                                                       -------------
                                                      ANNUAL COMPENSATION               SECURITIES
                                           ------------------------------------------   UNDERLYING
     NAME AND PRINCIPAL                                               OTHER ANNUAL       OPTIONS/          ALL OTHER
        POSITION(S)           FISCAL YEAR  SALARY($)   BONUS($)    COMPENSATION($)(1)     SARS(#)     COMPENSATION($)(2)
- ----------------------------  -----------  ---------  -----------  ------------------  -------------  -------------------
<S>                           <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>                 <C>            <C>
Robert E. Price,                    1996     225,000         -0-                -0-            -0-             4,422
  President and Chief               1995     243,340         -0-                -0-            -0-             9,500
  Executive Officer                 1994     295,385         -0-                -0-         34,100            16,759
 
Theodore Wallace,
  Executive Vice-                   1996     200,000         -0-                -0-(3)         -0-             3,960
  President and Chief               1995     215,191         -0-            100,000        100,000             9,500
  Operating Officer                 1994     259,584      36,000             70,528(4)      20,000            16,759
 
Robert M. Gans,
  Executive Vice-                   1996     150,000      35,000                -0-            -0-               250
  President and General             1995     132,693      25,000                -0-         75,000               -0-
  Counsel                           1994         N/A         N/A                N/A            N/A               N/A
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
(1) Except as otherwise indicated, perquisites to each officer did not exceed
    the lesser of $50,000 or 10% of the total salary and bonus for such officer.
 
(2) The amounts shown for fiscal 1996 constitute contributions to The Price
    Enterprises Profit Sharing and 401(k) Plan for the period of September 4,
    1995 through December 31, 1995, and the Company's 401(k) matching
    contribution of $250 for fiscal 1996 on behalf of each Named Executive
    Officer. During fiscal 1996, the "plan year" for The Price Enterprises
    Profit Sharing and 401(k) Plan was converted to a calendar year from a
    fiscal year.
 
(3) Amount constitutes a retention bonus paid to Mr. Wallace for agreeing to
    transfer employment from Costco to the Company in fiscal 1995.
 
(4) Represents $52,190 paid to reimburse Mr. Wallace for a decline in the market
    value of his home which was sold in connection with his relocation at
    Costco's request (net of a mortgage prepayment penalty which was paid by Mr.
    Wallace) and $18,338 paid to reimburse Mr. Wallace for income taxes related
    to such payments.
 
    AGGREGATED STOCK OPTION EXERCISES AND YEAR-END VALUE.  The table below sets
forth, on an aggregated basis, information regarding the exercise during the
1996 fiscal year of options to purchase PEI Common Stock by each of the
applicable persons listed in the Summary Compensation Table above and the value
on September 1, 1996 of all unexercised options held by such individuals.
 
                                       54
<PAGE>
      OPTION EXERCISES IN FISCAL 1996 AND SEPTEMBER 1, 1996 OPTION VALUES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      VALUE OF
                                                                    NUMBER OF       UNEXERCISED
                                                                   UNEXERCISED      IN-THE-MONEY
                                                                   OPTIONS AT        OPTIONS AT
                                                                  SEPTEMBER 1,      SEPTEMBER 1,
                                                                     1996(#)         1996($)(1)
                         NUMBER OF SHARES                        ---------------  ----------------
                            ACQUIRED ON                           EXERCISABLE/      EXERCISABLE/
         NAME               EXERCISE(#)      VALUE REALIZED($)    UNEXERCISABLE    UNEXERCISABLE
- -----------------------  -----------------  -------------------  ---------------  ----------------
<S>                      <C>                <C>                  <C>              <C>
Robert E. Price                 N/A                 N/A                N/A              N/A
 
Theodore Wallace                -0-                 -0-            20,000/80,000    95,000/380,000
 
Robert M. Gans                  -0-                 -0-            15,000/60,000    71,250/285,000
</TABLE>
 
(1) Based on a price of $16.00 per share, the last reported sales price of the
    Company's Common Stock on August 30, 1996, as quoted by the Nasdaq NMS.
 
CERTAIN OTHER OFFICERS
 
    Set forth below are the names, positions and ages of certain individuals who
are expected to become significant employees of the Company following the
Distribution:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            NAME                            POSITION WITH PRICESMART, INC.                    AGE
- -----------------------------  ---------------------------------------------------------  -----------
<S>                            <C>                                                        <C>
Kevin C. Breen                 Senior Vice President, Operations                                  37
Connie H. Depew                Vice President, Service Centers                                    40
Edward H. Depew, III           Vice President, Distribution and Logistics                         52
Glen C. Dobi                   Vice President, Travel Program                                     36
Brud E. Drachman               Vice President, Construction                                       42
Walt H. Green                  Vice President, Auto Program                                       54
Thomas L. Hammer               Senior Vice President, Buying and Merchandising                    42
Thomas D. Martin               Senior Vice President, Merchandising                               40
William J. Naylon, Jr.         Vice President, Operations                                         35
Joseph J. Tebo                 Senior Vice President, International Business                      60
</TABLE>
 
    Kevin C. Breen has been Executive Vice President of Price Ventures since
February 1997, overseeing operational and construction management areas for the
international merchandising business. Prior to joining PEI as Vice President in
August 1994, Mr. Breen served as Vice President of Costco with responsibility
for managing the 17-location region in Southern Los Angeles and Orange County.
From September 1991 until the merger with Costco, he was Vice President of TPC
with regional operations responsibilities. Mr. Breen began his career with TPC
in March 1979 and became a warehouse manager in December 1984.
 
    Connie H. Depew has been with PEI since its inception in August 1994 as the
Director of Warehouse Operations. From February 1983 to August 1994, Ms. Depew
worked for TPC and Costco where she worked in various warehouse administrative
roles and ultimately Warehouse Manager for Signal Hill. Prior to joining TPC,
Ms. Depew worked as an internal auditor for FedMart.
 
    Edward H. Depew, III is responsible for export distribution and
transportation worldwide. Prior to his current position, Mr. Depew worked for
Costco as Vice President of International Distribution, focusing on Costco's
Mexican and Korean operations. From 1989 to 1993, Mr. Depew was Vice President
of West Coast distribution for TPC. Mr. Depew possesses over 25 years of
experience in warehousing and transportation management.
 
                                       55
<PAGE>
    Glen C. Dobi joined PEI in August 1994 as the Director of PriceCostco
Realty, overseeing an affinity-based business offering home selling services to
Costco members. During 1995, the program was discontinued and Mr. Dobi began to
work for the Costco Travel Program, a program he currently manages. From
September 1991 to 1994, Mr. Dobi worked for TPC and Costco where he was a
financial analyst for TPC's chief financial officer. Mr. Dobi graduated from the
University of Texas with an MBA degree and a B.S. degree in engineering.
 
    Brud E. Drachman has been with PEI since August 1994, overseeing design,
construction and facility equipment procurement for the international
merchandising businesses. Mr. Drachman's previous international experience was
with Costco, focusing on Mexico and Korea development. He joined TPC in 1987 as
Project Manager and participated in a variety of domestic projects. Mr. Drachman
graduated from San Diego State University with a B.A. degree in political
science in 1978.
 
    Walt H. Green has been with PEI since its inception in August 1994 as the
Director of the Auto Referral Program. From November 1988 to August 1994, Mr.
Green worked for TPC and Costco where he worked as an automotive products buyer.
Prior to joining TPC, Mr. Green spent seven years with Select-A-Car, Inc. as a
customer representative and manager for a related business at a local credit
union location. Mr. Green graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a B.A.
degree in marketing and economics in 1967.
 
    Thomas L. Hammer has been Executive Vice President of Price Ventures since
February 1997, overseeing the buying and merchandising areas for the
international merchandising business, with specific focus on U.S.-sourced brand
name and private label goods. Prior to joining PEI as Vice President in July
1994, Mr. Hammer served as Vice President of Costco, overseeing the
merchandising area of Price Club Mexico. He joined TPC in July 1983 as a buyer
and has served in various management roles in TPC's buying offices.
 
    Thomas D. Martin has been Executive Vice President of Price Ventures since
February 1997, directing merchandising strategies and product sourcing for its
international merchandising business, in addition to managing its trading
company activities. Prior to joining PEI as Vice President in July 1994, Mr.
Martin served as Vice President of Costco and directed the merchandising efforts
for Price Club Korea and PriceCostco Saipan. He joined TPC in May 1977 and has
served in various management roles in both buying and store operations for TPC.
 
    William J. Naylon Jr. joined PEI in October 1995 as Managing Director for
PriceSmart Indonesia. Mr. Naylon has been stationed in Indonesia since February
1996 overseeing the start up and development of the Indonesia licensee's
headquarters and first two PriceSmart outlets. Prior to joining PEI, Mr. Naylon
was the warehouse manager of the Westbury, New York Price Club. Mr. Naylon began
his career with TPC in 1985.
 
    Joseph J. Tebo has been the President of Price Ventures since November 14,
1994. From May 1994 to November 1994, Mr. Tebo was President of the Tebo Group,
an international retail consulting firm. From January 1990 to April 1994, Mr.
Tebo was President and Chief Executive Officer of AM/PM International, a wholly
owned subsidiary of Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO), which has developed
licensing and joint venture arrangements for AM/PM convenience stores in 10
countries throughout the Pacific Rim and the Americas. Mr. Tebo spent more than
30 years in the Atlantic Richfield domestic and international sales and
marketing organizations, and was instrumental in developing the AM/PM Mini-Mart
concept and the PayPoint electronic payment system.
 
INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENTS
 
    The Company will enter into indemnification agreements with its directors
and certain executive officers (each, an "Indemnified Person"). An Indemnified
Person is specifically indemnified and held harmless under such agreements for
costs and expenses, including without limitation, damages, judgments,
 
                                       56
<PAGE>
amounts paid in settlement, reasonable costs of investigation, reasonable
attorneys' fees, costs of investigative, judicial or administrative proceedings
or appeals, costs or attachment of similar bonds, fines, penalties, and excise
taxes assessed with respect to employee benefit plans actually and reasonably
incurred in connection with a threatened, pending or completed claim, action,
suit or proceeding by reason of the fact that (i) he or she is or was a
director, officer, employee and/or agent of the Company; or (ii) is or was
serving as a director, officer, employee, trustee and/or agent of another
corporation or entity at the request of the Company. To qualify for
indemnification, the claim must not be: (i) based solely upon an Indemnified
Person's gaining in fact any personal profit or advantage to which he or she was
not legally entitled; (ii) an accounting for profits made from the purchase or
sale of securities pursuant to Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act; and (iii)
based solely upon knowingly fraudulent, deliberately dishonest, or willful
misconduct on the part of the Indemnified Person. The Company will indemnify the
Indemnified Person to the extent that (i) the Indemnified Person gives the
Company prompt written notice of any claim; (ii) expenses have not been advanced
pursuant to Article Eighth of the Company's Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation; (iii) the Indemnified Person has not already received payment
pursuant to collectible insurance policies; and (iv) indemnification is not
unlawful.
 
    Under such indemnification agreements, the Company will advance costs and
expenses incurred by the Indemnified Person in advance of the final disposition
of an action, suit or proceeding if he or she undertakes to repay amounts
advanced if it is ultimately determined by a court of competent jurisdiction
that he or she is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company. The Company
will advance costs and expenses related to defending or investigating an action,
suit or proceeding unless a determination is made that (i) the Indemnified
Person did not act in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed
to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company; (ii) the
Indemnified Person intentionally breached his or her duty to the Company or its
stockholders; (iii) with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, the
Indemnified Person had reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was
unlawful. Such determination will be made by a majority vote of a quorum of the
Board consisting of directors not a party to the suit, action or proceeding, by
a written opinion of independent legal counsel, by the stockholders or by a
final, nonappealable adjudication in a court of competent jurisdiction. If the
Company advances costs and expenses of any action, suit or proceeding, the
Company reserves the right to assume the defense of such action, suit or
proceeding upon written notice to the Indemnified Person of its intention to do
so. After delivery of such notice, the Company shall not be liable for any costs
or expenses incurred by the Indemnified Person in retaining separate counsel
unless (i) the employment of separate counsel was previously authorized by the
Company; (ii) the Indemnified Person reasonably concludes that joint
representation would entail a conflict of interest; or (iii) the Company shall
not, in fact, have employed counsel to assume the defense of such action, suit
or proceeding. The indemnification provisions and provisions for advancing
expenses in such agreements are expressly not exclusive of any other rights of
indemnification or advancement of expenses pursuant to the Delaware General
Corporation Law ("DGCL") and the Company's Certificate of Incorporation and
Bylaws.
 
PRICESMART STOCK OPTION PLAN
 
    In August 1997, the Company adopted the 1997 PriceSmart Stock Option Plan of
PriceSmart, Inc. (the "PriceSmart Stock Option Plan"). The PriceSmart Stock
Option Plan was approved by PEI as sole stockholder of the Company as of August
7, 1997. The principal purposes of the PriceSmart Stock Option Plan are to
provide incentives for officers, employees and consultants of the Company and
its subsidiaries through the granting of options ("Options"), thereby
stimulating their personal and active interest in the Company's development and
financial success, and inducing them to remain in the Company's employ. In
addition to Options granted to officers, employees or consultants, the
PriceSmart Stock Option Plan provides for formula grants of Options ("Director
Options") to the Company's independent non-employee directors.
 
                                       57
<PAGE>
    The Company intends to grant, at prices to be determined based on the
trading price of the Company Common Stock during the 20 consecutive trading days
commencing on the sixth trading day following the Distribution, to certain
executive officers Options to purchase shares of Common Stock.
 
    Under the PriceSmart Stock Option Plan, not more than 700,000 shares of
Common Stock (or the equivalent in other equity securities) are authorized for
issuance upon exercise of Options. Furthermore, the maximum number of shares
which may be subject to Options granted under the PriceSmart Stock Option Plan
to any individual in any calendar year cannot exceed 125,000.
 
    The principal features of the PriceSmart Stock Option Plan are summarized
below, but the summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the
PriceSmart Stock Option Plan, which is attached hereto as Annex III.
 
    ADMINISTRATION.  Following the Distribution, the Compensation Committee of
the Board or another committee thereof (the "Committee") will administer the
PriceSmart Stock Option Plan with respect to grants to employees or consultants
of the Company and the full Company Board will administer the PriceSmart Stock
Option Plan with respect to Director Options. The Committee will consist of at
least two members of the Company Board, each of whom is a "non-employee
director" for purposes of Rule 16b-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended ("Rule 16b-3"), and, with respect to Options which are intended to
constitute performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), an "outside director" for the
purposes of Section 162(m) of the Code. Subject to the terms and conditions of
the PriceSmart Stock Option Plan, the Company Board or Committee has the
authority to select the persons to whom Options are to be granted, to determine
the number of shares to be subject thereto and the terms and conditions thereof,
and to make all other determinations and to take all other actions necessary or
advisable for the administration of the PriceSmart Stock Option Plan. Similarly,
the Company Board has discretion to determine the terms and conditions of
Director Options and to interpret and administer the PriceSmart Stock Option
Plan with respect to Director Options. The Committee (and the Company Board) are
also authorized to adopt, amend and rescind rules relating to the administration
of the PriceSmart Stock Option Plan.
 
    ELIGIBILITY.  Options under the PriceSmart Stock Option Plan may be granted
to individuals who are then officers or other employees of the Company or any of
its present or future subsidiaries. Such Options also may be granted to
consultants of the Company selected by the Company Board or Committee for
participation in the PriceSmart Stock Option Plan. Non-employee directors of the
Company will be granted NQSOs (as defined herein) pursuant to the formula grant
provisions of the PriceSmart Stock Option Plan.
 
    OPTIONS UNDER THE PRICESMART STOCK OPTION PLAN.  The PriceSmart Stock Option
Plan provides that the Committee may grant or issue stock Options. Each grant
will be set forth in a separate agreement with the person receiving the award
and will indicate the type, terms and conditions of the grant.
 
    Nonqualified Stock Options ("NQSOs") will provide for the right to purchase
Common Stock at a specified price which, except with respect to NQSOs intended
to qualify as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) of the Code,
may be less than fair market value on the date of grant (but not less than par
value), and usually will become exercisable (in the discretion of the Company
Board or Committee) in one or more installments after the grant date, subject to
the participant's continued employment with the Company and/or subject to the
satisfaction of individual or Company performance targets established by the
Company Board or Committee. NQSOs may be granted for any term specified by the
Company Board or Committee.
 
    Incentive Stock Options ("ISOs"), will be designed to comply with the
provisions of the Code and will be subject to certain restrictions contained in
the Code. Among such restrictions, ISOs must have an exercise price not less
than the fair market value of a share of Common Stock on the date of grant, may
only be granted to employees, must expire within a specified period of time
following the optionee's termination of employment, and must be exercised within
the ten years after the date of grant. ISOs may
 
                                       58
<PAGE>
be subsequently modified to disqualify them from treatment as ISOs. In the case
of an ISO granted to an individual who owns (or is deemed to own) at least 10%
of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company, the
PriceSmart Stock Option Plan provides that the exercise price must be at least
110% of the fair market value of a share of Common Stock on the date of grant
and the ISO must expire upon the fifth anniversary of the date of its grant.
 
    SECURITIES LAWS AND FEDERAL INCOME TAXES.  The PriceSmart Stock Option Plan
is intended to conform to the extent necessary with all provisions of the
Securities Act and the Exchange Act, and any and all regulations and rules
promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder, including
without limitation Rule 16b-3. The PriceSmart Stock Option Plan will be
administered, and Options will be granted and may be exercised, only in such a
manner as to conform to such laws, rules and regulations. To the extent
permitted by applicable law, the PriceSmart Stock Option Plan and Options
granted thereunder shall be deemed amended to the extent necessary to conform to
such laws, rules and regulations.
 
    Under current federal tax laws, in general, recipients of grants of NQSO's
under the PriceSmart Stock Option Plan are taxable under Section 83 of the Code
upon their receipt of Common Stock or cash with respect to such grants and,
subject to Section 162(m) of the Code, the Company will be entitled to an income
tax deduction with respect to the amounts taxable to such recipients. Under
Sections 421 and 422 of the Code, recipients of ISOs are generally not taxable
on their receipt of Common Stock upon their exercises of ISOs if the ISOs and
option stock are held for certain minimum holding periods and, in such event,
the Company is not entitled to income tax deductions with respect to such
exercises. Participants in the PriceSmart Stock Option Plan will be provided
with detailed information regarding the tax consequences relating to the various
types of grants under the plan.
 
    In general, under Section 162(m) of the Code ("Section 162(m)"), income tax
deductions of publicly-held corporations may be limited to the extent total
compensation (including base salary, annual bonus, stock option exercises and
non-qualified benefits paid) for certain executive officers exceeds $1 million
(less the amount of any "excess parachute payments" as defined in Section 280G
of the Code) in any one year. However, under Section 162(m), the deduction limit
does not apply to certain "performance-based compensation" established by an
independent compensation committee which is adequately disclosed to, and
approved by, stockholders. In particular, stock options will satisfy the
"performance-based compensation" exception if the options are granted by a
qualifying compensation committee, the plan sets the maximum number of shares
that can be granted to any person within a specified period and the compensation
is based solely on an increase in the stock price after the grant date (i.e.,
the option exercise price is equal to or greater than the fair market value of
the stock subject to the award on the grant date). Under a Section 162(m)
transition rule for compensation plans of corporations which are privately held
and which become publicly held, the Stock Option Plan will not be subject to
Section 162(m) until the earlier of (i) the material modificaiton of the Stock
Option Plan; (ii) the issuance of all employer stock and other compensation that
has been allocated under the Stock Option Plan; or (iii) the first meeting of
stockholders at which directors are to be elected that occurs after December 31,
1999 (the "Transition Date").
 
    The Company has attempted to structure the Stock Option Plan in such a
manner that, after the Transition Date, subject to obtaining stockholder
approval for the stock options, the remuneration attributable to stock options
which meet the other requirements of Section 162(m) will not be subject to the
$1,000,000 limitation. The Conpany has not, however, requested a ruling from the
IRS or an opinion of counsel regarding this issue.
 
                                       59
<PAGE>
PROFIT SHARING AND 401(K) PLAN
 
    Upon or prior to the Distribution, PEI and the Company will take all action
necessary or appropriate to permit the Company to become a sponsor of and to
permit employees of the Company to participate in the PEI Plan. The PEI Plan is
a profit-sharing plan designed to be a "qualified" plan under applicable
provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"),
covering all employees who have completed one year of service, as defined in the
PEI Plan. Under the PEI Plan, each of PEI and the Company may, in its
discretion, make annual contributions with respect to its employees which shall
not exceed for each participant the lesser of: (a) 25% of the participant's
compensation for such year, or (b) the greater of (i) 25% of the defined benefit
dollar limitation then in effect under section 415(b)(1) of the Code or (ii)
$30,000. In addition, participants may make voluntary contributions. The PEI
Plan also permits employees to defer (in accordance with section 401(k) of the
Code) a portion of their salary and contribute those deferrals to the PEI Plan.
 
    All participants in the PEI Plan are fully vested in their voluntary
contributions and earnings thereon. Vesting in the remainder of a participant's
account is based upon his or her years of service with the Company. A
participant initially is 20% vested after the completion of two years of service
with the Company and an additional 20% vested after the completion of each of
his or her next four years of service, so that the participant is 100% vested
after the completion of six years of service.
 
    A participant becomes fully vested in his or her entire account upon
retirement due to permanent disability, attainment of age 65 or death. In
addition, the PEI Plan provides that the Board of Directors of the Company may
at any time declare the PEI Plan partially or completely terminated with respect
to the employees of PEI or the Company, as the case may be, in which event the
account of each participant with respect to whom the PEI Plan is terminated will
become fully vested.
 
    PEI and the Company will jointly sponsor the PEI Plan until 30 days after
written notice from either party to the other requesting an end to joint
sponsorship of the PEI Plan (the "Cut-Off Date"). Effective as of the Cut-Off
Date, either PEI or the Company will take all action necessary to establish and
administer a new profit sharing and 401(k) plan (the "New Plan"), which would be
expected to have terms and conditions substantially similar to the PEI Plan. The
New Plan will be a split up of that portion of the PEI Plan which is
attributable to employees of PEI or the Company, as the case may be. Board of
Directors of each of PEI and the Company also has the right at any time to
discontinue contributions to the PEI Plan. If PEI or the Company fails to make
one or more substantial contributions to the PEI Plan for any period of three
consecutive years in each year of which PEI or the Company realized substantial
current earnings, such failure will automatically be deemed a complete
discontinuance of contributions. In the event of such a complete discontinuance
of contributions, the account of each participant will become fully vested.
 
EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS
 
    Robert M. Gans is the only Named Executive Officer that presently has an
employment agreement with the Company. Mr. Gans entered into an employment
agreement with PEI for a term of three years commencing October 17, 1994.
Pursuant to his agreement, Mr. Gans received a base annual salary of $150,000
through fiscal year 1996. This base salary was increased by PEI's Compensation
Committee to $175,000 beginning fiscal year 1997. On April 28, 1997 the term of
the employment agreement was extended an additional year to October 16, 1998.
PEI has assigned Mr. Gans' employment agreement to the Company pursuant to the
assignment provisions contained in the agreement. Under the agreement, Mr. Gans
may not engage in any activities, with or without compensation, that would
interfere with the performance of his duties or that would be adverse to the
Company's interests, without the prior written consent of the Company. The
agreement provides that Mr. Gans will be eligible to participate in the
Company's bonus plan and receive all other benefits offered to officers under
the Company's standard company benefits practices and plans. Mr. Gans may
terminate his agreement at any time on 90 days' prior written notice. The
Company may terminate the agreement for cause upon immediate notice thereof, or
upon the death or disability of Mr. Gans. In the event that the Company
terminates an agreement for any reason other than cause, Mr. Gans shall be
entitled, for the remainder of the term of the agreement, to the
 
                                       60
<PAGE>
continuation of his base salary payable in conformity with the Company's normal
payroll period, and to inclusion in the stock option plan, profit sharing and
401(k) plan and medical plans of the Company for the remainder of the term of
the agreement. The foregoing severance benefits are the exclusive benefits that
would be payable to Mr. Gans by reason of his termination, and the Company is
not obligated to segregate any assets or procure any investment in order to fund
such severance benefits. The agreement also contains confidentiality provisions
and other terms and conditions customary to executive employment agreements.
 
                                       61
<PAGE>
        SECURITIES OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
 
    The following table sets forth the number of shares of Company Common Stock
expected to be beneficially owned immediately following the Distribution by (i)
the Named Executive Officers (as hereinafter defined) and directors of the
Company, (ii) all of the Company's executive officers and directors as a group
and (iii) all other stockholders known by PEI to own beneficially more than five
percent of the Common Stock, based upon the beneficial ownership by such person
of PEI Common Stock as of July 31, 1997. A list of the individuals who are
expected to be executive officers of the Company immediately following the
Distribution is set forth under the heading "MANAGEMENT." Except as otherwise
indicated, each individual named is expected to have sole investment and voting
power with respect to the securities shown.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          AMOUNT AND
                                                                                           NATURE OF       PERCENT
                                                                                          BENEFICIAL    BENEFICIALLY
NAME AND ADDRESS(1)                                                                        OWNERSHIP        OWNED
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -----------  ---------------
<S>                                                                                       <C>          <C>
Robert E. Price.........................................................................     655,982(2)         11.2%
Katherine L. Hensley....................................................................         166(3)        *
Leon C. Janks...........................................................................           0(4)        *
Lawrence B. Krause......................................................................           0(5)        *
Gilbert A. Partida......................................................................           0(6)        *
Robert M. Gans..........................................................................           0(7)        *
Theodore Wallace........................................................................       7,900(8)        *
Sol Price...............................................................................   2,117,602(9)         36.1%
All Executive Officers and Directors as a group (seven persons).........................     665,048(10)         11.3%
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------------
 
 *  Less than 1% beneficially owned.
 
 (1) The address for all persons listed, other than Sol Price is c/o the
    Company, 4649 Morena Boulevard, San Diego, California 92117. The address for
    Sol Price is c/o The Price Entities, 7979 Ivanhoe Avenue, Suite 520, La
    Jolla, California 92037.
 
 (2) 656,982 shares are beneficially owned by Robert E. Price. Of such 656,982
    shares, 336,345 shares are held through trusts of which Mr. Price is a
    trustee. Mr. Price disclaims beneficial ownership of 125 shares which are
    held by a foundation of which Mr. Price is a Director.
 
 (3) Excludes 1,500 shares subject to replacement non-qualified stock options
    which are not presently exercisable and which will be equitably adjusted to
    maintain the Aggregate Spread; see "RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PRICESMART AND PEI
    AFTER THE DISTRIBUTION--Employee Benefits Allocation Agreement," and 3,000
    shares subject to non-qualified stock options to be granted pursuant to the
    formula grant provisions of the PriceSmart Stock Option Plan 26 days
    subsequent to the distribution.
 
 (4) Excludes 1,500 shares subject to replacement non-qualified stock options
    which are not presently exercisable and which will be equitably adjusted to
    maintain the Aggregate Spread; see "RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PRICESMART AND PEI
    AFTER THE DISTRIBUTION--Employee Benefit Allocation Agreement," and 3,000
    shares subject to non-qualified stock options to be granted pursuant to the
    formula grant provisions of the PriceSmart Stock Option Plan 26 days
    subsequent to the distribution.
 
 (5) Excludes 3,000 shares subject to non-qualified stock options to be granted
    pursuant to the formula grant provisions of the PriceSmart Stock Option Plan
    26 days subsequent to the distribution.
 
 (6) Excludes 3,000 shares subject to non-qualified stock options to be granted
    pursuant to the formula grant provisions of the PriceSmart Stock Option Plan
    26 days subsequent to the distribution.
 
 (7) Excludes 8,856 shares subject to replacement non-qualified stock options
    which are not presently exercisable and which will be equitably adjusted to
    maintain the Aggregate Spread; see "RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PRICESMART AND PEI
    AFTER THE DISTRIBUTION--Employee Benefits Allocation Agreement."
 
 (8) Excludes 11,808 shares subject to replacement non-qualified stock options
    which are not presently exercisable and which will be equitably adjusted to
    maintain the Aggregate Spread; see "RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PRICESMART AND PEI
    AFTER THE DISTRIBUTION--Employee Benefits Allocation Agreement."
 
 (9) Includes 2,117,602 shares beneficially owned by Sol Price and held through
    trusts of which Mr. Price is a trustee. Mr. Price disclaims beneficial
    ownership of 625,125 shares which are held by a foundation of which Mr.
    Price is a Director. Mr. Price also disclaims beneficial ownership of 46,312
    shares which are held by certain trusts of which Mr. Price is a co-trustee.
 
(10) See notes (2) through (9) above.
 
               PRICESMART CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION AND BYLAWS
 
    The following is a summary of the Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation of the Company (the "Company Certificate") and the Amended and
Restated Bylaws of the Company (the
 
                                       62
<PAGE>
"Company Bylaws") and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete
text of the Company Certificate as set forth on Annex I hereto, and the Company
Bylaws as set forth in Annex II.
 
AUTHORIZED STOCK
 
    The Company Certificate provides that the Company is authorized to issue
17,000,000 shares of stock, consisting of 15,000,000 shares of Company Common
Stock, and 2,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $.0001 per share
("Company Stock"). Shares of Company Preferred Stock may be issued from time to
time, in one or more series, each of which series shall have such voting powers,
designations, preferences and rights, and the qualifications, limitations or
restrictions relating thereto, as shall be authorized by the Board of Directors
of the Company. See "DESCRIPTION OF THE COMPANY'S CAPITAL STOCK."
 
DIRECTORS
 
    The Company Bylaws provides that the number of directors shall consist of
three or more members, the exact number of which shall be fixed by the Board of
Directors from time to time. Initially, the Board will have five members. The
Company Bylaws provide that, except as otherwise provided by law or the Company
Certificate, a quorum of the Board for the transaction of business shall consist
of a majority of the entire Board of Directors. The act of a majority of the
directors present at any meeting at which there is a quorum shall be the act of
the Board of Directors. The Company Certificate and Bylaws do not provide for a
classified Board or for cumulative voting in the election of directors to the
Board. The Company Bylaws provide that vacancies and any newly-created
directorships resulting from an increase in the authorized number of directors
may be filled by a majority of the directors then in office, though less than a
quorum, or by a sole remaining director.
 
LIABILITY FOR MONETARY DAMAGES
 
    The Company Certificate provides that no director will be personally liable
to the Company or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary
duty as a director, other than liability for breach of the duty of loyalty to
the Company or its stockholders, acts or omissions not in good faith,
intentional misconduct, a knowing violation of law, certain unlawful dividends,
stock repurchased or redemptions or any transaction from which the director
derived an improper personal benefit. Any repeal or modification of such
provision by the stockholders of the Company will not adversely affect any right
or protection of a director existing at the time of such repeal or modification
with respect to acts or omissions occurring prior to such repeal or
modification.
 
ANTI-TAKEOVER EFFECT OF AUTHORIZED BUT UNDESIGNATED PREFERRED STOCK
 
    As described above, the Company Board will be authorized to provide for the
issuance of shares of Company Preferred Stock, in one or more series, and to fix
by resolution of the Company Board and to the extent permitted by the DGCL, the
terms and conditions of each such series. The Company believes that the
availability of Company Preferred Stock will provide the Company with increased
flexibility in structuring possible future financings and acquisitions and in
meeting other corporate needs which might arise from time to time. The
authorized shares of Company Preferred Stock, as well as authorized but unissued
shares of Company Common Stock, will be available for issuance without further
action by Company stockholders, unless such action is required by applicable law
or the rules of any stock exchange or automated quotation system on which any
class of Company stock may then be listed for trading.
 
    Although the Board has no present intention of doing so, it could issue a
series of Company Preferred Stock that could, depending on its terms, either
impede or facilitate the completion of a merger, tender offer or other takeover
attempt. For instance, such new shares might impede a business combination by
including class voting rights which would enable the holder to block such
transaction or facilitate a business combination by including voting rights
which would provide a required percentage vote of stockholders. The Board will
make any determination to issue such shares based on its judgment as to the best
interests of the Company and its then existing stockholders. The Board, in so
acting, could issue Company Preferred Stock having terms which would discourage
an acquisition attempt or other transaction that some or a
 
                                       63
<PAGE>
majority of the stockholders might believe to be in their best interests or in
which stockholders might receive a premium for their stock over the then market
price of such stock.
 
INDEMNIFICATION AND ADVANCEMENT OF EXPENSES
 
    The Company Certificate provides for the indemnification of present and
former directors and officers of the Company and persons serving as directors,
officers, employees or agents of another corporation or entity at the request of
the Company (each, an "Indemnified Party") to the fullest extent permitted by
the DGCL. Indemnified Parties are specifically indemnified in the Company
Certificate and the Company Bylaws (the "Indemnification Provisions") for
expenses, including attorneys' fees, judgments, fines and amounts paid in
settlement actually and reasonably incurred by an Indemnified Party (i) in
connection with a threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding
(whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative) by reason of the fact
that he or she is or was a director or officer of the Company or is or was
serving as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or
entity at the request of the Company, or (ii) in connection with the defense or
settlement of a threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in right
of the Company, provided that such indemnification is permitted only with
judicial approval if the Indemnified Party is adjudged to be liable to the
Company. Such Indemnified Party must have acted in good faith and in a manner he
or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the
subject corporation and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, must
have had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. Any
indemnification under the Indemnification Provisions must be authorized based on
a determination that the indemnification is proper if the applicable standard of
conduct has been met by the Indemnified Party, provided that no such
authorization is required, and indemnification is mandatory, where a director or
officer of the Company is successful in the defense of such action, suit or
proceeding or any claim or matter therein. Otherwise, such determination will be
made by a majority vote of a quorum of the Board consisting of directors not a
party to the suit, action or proceeding, by a written opinion of independent
legal counsel or by the stockholders. In the event that a determination is made
that a director or officer is not entitled to indemnification under the
Indemnification Provisions, the Indemnification Provisions provide that the
Indemnified party may seek a judicial determination of his or her right to
indemnification. The Indemnification Provisions further provide that the
Indemnified Party is entitled to indemnification for all expenses (including
attorneys' fees) incurred in any proceeding seeking to collect from the Company
an indemnify claim under the Indemnification Provisions if such Indemnified
Party is successful. Other than proceedings to enforce rights to
indemnification, the Company is not obligated to indemnify any person in
connection with a proceeding initiated by such person, unless authorized by the
Board of Directors.
 
    The Company will pay expenses incurred by a director or officer of the
Company, or a former director or officer of the Company, in advance of the final
disposition of an action, suit or proceeding, if he or she undertakes to repay
amounts advanced if it is ultimately determined that he or she is not entitled
to be indemnified by the Company.
 
    The Indemnification Provisions and provisions for advancing expenses in the
Company Certificate are expressly not exclusive of any other rights of
indemnification or advancement of expenses. The Indemnification Provisions and
provisions for advancing expenses in the Company Bylaws and the Company
Certificate are expressly not exclusive of any other rights of indemnification
or advancement of expenses pursuant to any agreement, vote of the stockholders
or disinterested directors or pursuant to judicial direction. The Company is
authorized to purchase insurance on behalf of an Indemnified Party for
liabilities incurred, whether or not Company would have the power or obligation
to indemnify him or her pursuant to the Company Certificate, the Company Bylaws
or the DGCL.
 
    In addition, Company will enter into indemnification agreements with its
directors and certain of its executive officers pursuant to which such persons
are indemnified for costs and expenses actually and reasonably incurred by such
persons in connection with a threatened, pending or completed claim arising out
of service as a director, officer, employee, trustee and/or agent of the Company
or another entity at the request of the Company. See "MANAGEMENT--
Indemnification Agreements."
 
                                       64
<PAGE>
AMENDMENT OF THE COMPANY CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION AND BYLAWS
 
    The DGCL provides that approval of a majority of the stockholders entitled
to vote thereon is required to amend the Company Certificate. A bylaw may be
amended or repealed, or a new bylaw adopted, by (i) the affirmative vote of the
holders of a majority of the stock entitled to vote thereon or (ii) a majority
of the entire Board of Directors.
 
TRANSACTIONS WITH INTERESTED OFFICERS OR DIRECTORS
 
    The Company Bylaws and the DGCL provide that contracts or transactions
between Company and a director or officer of Company or a corporation or entity
in which such officer or director is also an officer or director or has a
financial interest, are not void or voidable solely for such reason or solely
because the Company officer or director is present at or participates in any
meeting of the Board which authorizes the transaction or contract, or solely
because such officer's or director's vote is counted for such purpose, if (i)
the material facts as to his or her relationship or interest are disclosed or
are known to the Board or a committee and the Board or a committee in good faith
authorizes such contract or transaction; (ii) the material facts as to his or
her relationship or interest are disclosed or are known to the stockholders
entitled to vote thereon and the stockholders in good faith specifically approve
such contract or transact; or (iii) the contract or transaction is fair to
Company at the time it is authorized, approved or ratified by the Board, a
committee or the stockholders. In addition, the Company Bylaws provide that any
transactions with interested directors or officers or their affiliates shall be
made on commercially reasonable terms substantially equivalent to terms
available from third parties in an arm's-length transaction in the competitive
marketplace.
 
                                       65
<PAGE>
                   DESCRIPTION OF THE COMPANY'S CAPITAL STOCK
 
GENERAL
 
    The Company's authorized capital stock consists of 1,000 shares of Company
Common Stock, of which 100 shares are issued and outstanding and are owned by
PEI. Prior to the Distribution Date, the Company's Certificate of Incorporation
will be amended by the Company Board and by PEI, as sole stockholder of the
Company. Under such restated Certificate of Incorporation, which will be
substantially in the form set forth in Annex I to this Information Statement
(the "Company Certificate"), the total number of shares of all classes of stock
that the Company will have authority to issue will be 17,000,000, of which
2,000,000 will be shares of preferred stock, $0.0001 par value per share, and
15,000,000 will be shares of Company Common Stock. Based on the number of shares
of PEI Common Stock outstanding at August 12, 1997, approximately 5,884,169
shares of Company Common Stock, constituting approximately 39.2% of the
authorized Company Common Stock, will be issued to PEI and distributed to
stockholders of PEI in the Distribution. All of the shares of Company Common
Stock issued in the Distribution will be validly issued, fully paid and
non-assessable.
 
    The Company Certificate will provide that the Company Board is authorized to
provide for the issuance of shares of preferred stock, from time to time, in one
or more series, and to fix any voting powers, full or limited or none, and the
designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special
rights, applicable to the shares to be included in any such series and any
qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereon. No shares of preferred
stock of the Company will be outstanding directly following the Distribution.
 
    There will be no material differences between the rights of holders of
capital stock of the Company and the rights of holders of capital stock in PEI
following the Distribution.
 
COMMON STOCK
 
    VOTING RIGHTS.  Each holder of Company Common Stock will be entitled to one
vote for each share registered in his name on the books of the Company on all
matters submitted to a vote of stockholders. Except as otherwise provided by
law, the holders of Company Common Stock will vote as one class. The shares of
Company Common Stock will not have cumulative voting rights. As a result,
subject to the voting rights, if any, of the holders of any shares of the
Company's preferred stock which may at the time be outstanding, the holders of
Company Common Stock entitled to exercise more than 50% of the voting rights in
an election of directors will be able to elect 100% of the directors to be
elected if they choose to do so. In such event, the holders of the remaining
shares of Company Common Stock voting for the election of directors will not be
able to elect any persons to the Company Board. The Company Certificate and
Bylaws contain certain provisions that could have an anti-takeover effect. See
"PRICESMART CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION AND BYLAWS"
 
    DIVIDEND RIGHTS.  Subject to the rights of the holders of any shares of the
Company's preferred stock which may at the time be outstanding holders of the
Company Common Stock will be entitled to such dividends as the Company Board may
declare out of funds legally available therefor. Because portions of the
operations of the Company will be conducted through wholly-owned subsidiaries,
the Company's cash flow and consequent ability to pay dividends on the Company
Common Stock are dependent to some degree upon the earnings of such subsidiaries
and on dividends and other payments therefrom.
 
    LIQUIDATION RIGHTS AND OTHER PROVISIONS.  Subject to the prior rights of
creditors and the holders of any Company preferred stock which may be
outstanding from time to time, the holders of Company Common Stock are entitled
in the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding up to share pro rata in the
distribution of all remaining assets.
 
                                       66
<PAGE>
    The Company Common Stock is not liable for any calls or assessments and is
not convertible into any other securities. In addition, there are no redemption
or sinking fund provisions applicable to the Company Common Stock.
 
    The transfer agent and registrar for the Company Common Stock will be
ChaseMellon Shareholder Services, L.L.C.
 
                        LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION OF
                     OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY
 
    Articles Eighth and Ninth of the Company Certificate and Article VIII of the
Company Bylaws (the "Director Liability and Indemnification Provisions") limit
the personal liability of the Company's directors to the Company or its
stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty. The Director
Liability and Indemnification Provisions are substantially identical to
comparable provisions contained in the PEI Certificate and the PEI Bylaws.
 
    The Director Liability and Indemnification Provisions define and clarify the
rights of certain individuals, including the Company's directors and officers,
to indemnification by the Company in the event of personal liability or expenses
incurred by them as a result of certain litigation against them. Such provisions
are consistent with Section 102(b)(7) of the DGCL, which is designed, among
other things, to encourage qualified individuals to serve as directors of
Delaware corporations by permitting Delaware corporations to include in their
articles or certificates of incorporation a provision limiting or eliminating
directors' liability for monetary damages and with other existing DGCL
provisions permitting indemnification of certain individuals, including
directors and officers. The limitations of liability in the Director Liability
and Indemnification Provisions may not affect claims arising under the Federal
securities laws.
 
    In performing their duties, directors of a Delaware corporation are
obligated as fiduciaries to exercise their business judgment and act in what
they reasonably determine in good faith, after appropriate consideration, to be
the best interests of the corporation and its stockholders. Decisions made on
that basis are protected by the "business judgment rule." The business judgment
rule is designed to protect directors from personal liability to the corporation
or its stockholders when business decisions are subsequently challenged.
However, the expense of defending lawsuits, the frequency with which unwarranted
litigation is brought against directors and the inevitable uncertainties with
respect to the outcome of applying the business judgment rule to particular
facts and circumstances mean that, as a practical matter, directors and officers
of a corporation rely on indemnity from, and insurance procured by, the
corporation they serve as a financial backstop in the event of such expenses or
unforeseen liability. The Delaware legislature has recognized that adequate
insurance and indemnity provisions are often a condition of an individual's
willingness to serve as director of a Delaware corporation. The DGCL has for
some time specifically permitted corporations to provide indemnity and procure
insurance for its directors and officers.
 
    The Director Liability and Indemnification Provisions will be approved,
along with the rest of the Company Certificate and the Company Bylaws, by PEI,
as sole stockholder of the Company prior to the Distribution Date.
 
    Set forth below is a description of the Director Liability and
Indemnification Provisions. Such description is intended as a summary only and
is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Company Certificate and the
Company Bylaws.
 
    ELIMINATION OF LIABILITY IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.  Article Ninth of the
Company Certificate protects directors against monetary damages for breaches of
their fiduciary duty of care, except as set forth below. Under the DGCL, absent
Article Ninth directors could generally be held liable for gross negligence for
decisions made in the performance of their duty of care but not for simple
negligence. Article Ninth eliminates director liability for negligence in the
performance of their duties, including gross negligence. Directors remain liable
for breaches of their duty of loyalty to the Company and its stockholders, as
well as
 
                                       67
<PAGE>
acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a
knowing violation of law and transactions from which a director derives improper
personal benefit. Article Ninth does not eliminate director liability under
Section 174 of the DGCL, which makes directors personally liable for unlawful
dividends or unlawful stock repurchases or redemptions and expressly sets forth
a negligence standard with respect to such liability.
 
    While Article Ninth provides directors with protection from awards of
monetary damages for breaches of the duty of care, it does not eliminate the
directors' duty of care. Accordingly, Article Ninth will have no effect on the
availability of equitable remedies such as an injunction or rescission based
upon a director's breach of the duty of care. The provisions of Article Ninth
which eliminate liability as described above will apply to officers of the
Company only if they are directors of the Company and are acting in their
capacity as directors, and will not apply to officers of the Company who are not
directors. The elimination of liability of directors for monetary damages in the
circumstances described above may deter persons from bringing third-party or
derivative actions against directors to the extent such actions seek monetary
damages.
 
    INDEMNIFICATION AND INSURANCE.  Under Section 145 of the DGCL, directors and
officers as well as other employees and individuals may be indemnified against
expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in
settlement in connection with specified actions, suits or proceedings, whether
civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in
the right of the corporation--a "derivative action") if they acted in good faith
and in a manner they reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best
interests of the Company, and with respect to any criminal action or proceeding,
had no reasonable cause to believe their conduct was unlawful. A similar
standard of care is applicable in the case of derivative actions, except that
indemnification only extends to expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred in
connection with defense or settlement of such an action, and the DGCL requires
court approval before there can be any indemnification where the person seeking
indemnification has been found liable to the Company.
 
    Article VIII of the Company Bylaws provides that all directors and officers
of the Company are entitled to indemnification as set forth in the Company
Certificate.
 
    Article Eighth of the Company Certificate provides that each person who was
or is made a party to, or is involved in any action, suit or proceeding by
reason of the fact that he is or was a director, officer of employee of the
Company will be indemnified by the Company against all expenses and liabilities,
including counsel fees, paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by
him in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if he acted in good faith
and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best
interests of the Company, and, with respect to any criminal action or
proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful. Article
Eighth also provides that the right of indemnification shall be in addition to
and not exclusive of all other right to which such director, officer or employee
may be entitled. See "PRICESMART CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION AND
BYLAWS--Indemnification and Advancement of Expenses."
 
                                       68
<PAGE>
                                PRICESMART, INC.
                         INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                PAGE
                                                                                                                -----
<S>                                                                                                          <C>
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
  Report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors........................................................         F-2
 
  Combined Balance Sheets as of August 31, 1996 and June 8, 1997...........................................         F-3
 
  Combined Statements of Operations for each of the two years in the period ended August 31, 1996 and the
    forty weeks ended June 9, 1996 (unaudited) and June 8, 1997............................................         F-4
 
  Combined Statements of Changes in Investment by Price Enterprises, Inc. for each of the two years in the
    period ended August 31, 1996 and the forty weeks ended June 8, 1997....................................         F-5
 
  Combined Statements of Cash Flows for each of the two years in the period ended August 31, 1996 and the
    forty weeks ended June 9, 1996 (unaudited) and June 8, 1997............................................         F-6
 
  Notes to Combined Financial Statements...................................................................         F-7
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-1
<PAGE>
               REPORT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
PriceSmart, Inc.
 
    We have audited the accompanying combined balance sheets of PriceSmart, Inc.
as of August 31, 1996 and June 8, 1997 and the related combined statements of
operations, changes in investment by Price Enterprises, Inc. and cash flows for
each of the two years in the period ended August 31, 1996 and the forty weeks
ended June 8, 1997. These combined financial statements are the responsibility
of PriceSmart 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 combined financial position of PriceSmart, Inc. as
of August 31, 1996 and June 8, 1997, and the combined results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended
August 31, 1996 and the forty weeks ended June 8, 1997 in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles.
 
                                          ERNST & YOUNG LLP
 
San Diego, California
July 2, 1997
 
                                      F-2
<PAGE>
                                PRICESMART, INC.
 
                            COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             AUGUST 31,    JUNE 8,
                                                                                                1996        1997
                                                                                             -----------  ---------
<S>                                                                                          <C>          <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
  Accounts receivable, net.................................................................   $   5,506   $   7,411
  Merchandise inventories..................................................................       2,011       4,179
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets................................................       1,854       1,392
  Property held for sale, net..............................................................      28,507      27,209
                                                                                             -----------  ---------
Total current assets.......................................................................      37,878      40,191
 
Property and equipment:
  Land.....................................................................................      --           2,250
  Building and improvements................................................................       1,844       4,277
  Fixtures and equipment...................................................................       5,647       4,549
                                                                                             -----------  ---------
                                                                                                  7,491      11,076
  Less accumulated depreciation............................................................      (3,347)     (1,829)
                                                                                             -----------  ---------
                                                                                                  4,144       9,247
 
Other assets:
  City notes receivable....................................................................      29,091      24,027
  Other notes receivable...................................................................       6,617       6,598
  Deferred income taxes....................................................................      20,251      --
                                                                                             -----------  ---------
                                                                                                 55,959      30,625
                                                                                             -----------  ---------
                                                                                              $  97,981   $  80,063
                                                                                             -----------  ---------
                                                                                             -----------  ---------
LIABILITIES AND INVESTMENT BY PRICE ENTERPRISES, INC.
Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable, trade..................................................................   $   3,883   $   5,062
  Accrued expenses.........................................................................       3,166       3,625
  Other current liabilities................................................................       2,197       2,845
                                                                                             -----------  ---------
Total current liabilities..................................................................       9,246      11,532
 
Minority interest..........................................................................       1,745       5,450
 
Commitments
 
Investment by Price Enterprises, Inc.......................................................      86,990      63,081
                                                                                             -----------  ---------
                                                                                              $  97,981   $  80,063
                                                                                             -----------  ---------
                                                                                             -----------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      F-3
<PAGE>
                                PRICESMART, INC.
 
                       COMBINED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              FORTY WEEKS ENDED
                                                                   YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,  -----------------------
                                                                   ----------------------                JUNE 8,
                                                                      1995        1996                     1997
                                                                   ----------  ----------    JUNE 9,    ----------
                                                                                              1996
                                                                                           -----------
                                                                                           (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                                <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>
Revenues
  Sales:
    International................................................  $   39,343  $   25,541   $  20,157   $   45,281
    Electronic shopping..........................................      27,230      10,670       9,421          958
  International royalties and other fees.........................         553       2,164         816        2,222
  Auto referral and travel programs..............................       8,769       9,875       7,549        9,198
                                                                   ----------  ----------  -----------  ----------
Total revenues...................................................      75,895      48,250      37,943       57,659
 
Expenses
  Cost of goods sold:
    International................................................      37,887      24,549      19,376       42,317
    Electronic shopping..........................................      24,869      10,095       8,926        1,793
  Selling, general and administrative:
    International................................................       5,567       8,196       6,308        8,200
    Electronic shopping..........................................      17,546      12,098       9,748        4,129
    Auto referral and travel programs............................       8,861       9,425       7,205        7,418
    Corporate administrative expenses............................       1,363       1,350       1,145        1,310
                                                                   ----------  ----------  -----------  ----------
Total expenses...................................................      96,093      65,713      52,708       65,167
                                                                   ----------  ----------  -----------  ----------
 
Operating loss...................................................     (20,198)    (17,463)    (14,765)      (7,508)
 
Other
  Real estate operations, net....................................      (2,238)     (8,359)       (498)         293
  Interest income................................................       2,832       3,076       2,283        2,102
  Losses from Mexico joint venture...............................      (4,988)     --          --           --
  Minority interest..............................................       8,187       4,587       4,587          (73)
                                                                   ----------  ----------  -----------  ----------
Total other......................................................       3,793        (696)      6,372        2,322
                                                                   ----------  ----------  -----------  ----------
 
Loss before benefit (provision) for income taxes.................     (16,405)    (18,159)     (8,393)      (5,186)
Benefit (provision) for income taxes.............................       3,888       6,736       2,471      (18,003)
                                                                   ----------  ----------  -----------  ----------
Net loss.........................................................  $  (12,517) $  (11,423)  $  (5,922)  $  (23,189)
                                                                   ----------  ----------  -----------  ----------
                                                                   ----------  ----------  -----------  ----------
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      F-4
<PAGE>
                                PRICESMART, INC.
 
                COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN INVESTMENT BY
                            PRICE ENTERPRISES, INC.
 
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                                                 <C>
Investment by PEI at August 31, 1994..............................................  $  129,389
  Net loss........................................................................     (12,517)
  Net return to PEI...............................................................     (24,316)
                                                                                    ----------
Investment by PEI at August 31, 1995..............................................      92,556
  Net loss........................................................................     (11,423)
  Net investment by PEI...........................................................       5,857
                                                                                    ----------
Investment by PEI at August 31, 1996..............................................      86,990
  Net loss........................................................................     (23,189)
  Net return to PEI...............................................................        (720)
                                                                                    ----------
Investment by PEI at June 8, 1997.................................................  $   63,081
                                                                                    ----------
                                                                                    ----------
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      F-5
<PAGE>
                                PRICESMART, INC.
 
                       COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              FORTY WEEKS ENDED
                                                                   YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,  -----------------------
                                                                   ----------------------                JUNE 8,
                                                                      1995        1996       JUNE 9,       1997
                                                                   ----------  ----------     1996      ----------
                                                                                           -----------
                                                                                           (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                                <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net loss.........................................................  $  (12,517) $  (11,423)  $  (5,922)  $  (23,189)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating
  activities:
  Depreciation and amortization..................................       2,295       2,259       1,667        1,145
  Provision for asset impairments................................       1,600       8,042         620       --
  Losses from Mexico joint venture...............................       4,988      --          --           --
  Income tax (benefit) charge....................................      (3,888)     (6,736)     (2,471)      18,003
  Minority interest..............................................      (8,187)     (4,587)     (4,587)          73
  Change in accounts receivable and other assets.................     (26,696)      4,332       5,572       (4,873)
  Change in accounts payable and other liabilities...............      24,231         209       4,166        3,327
  Change in property held for sale...............................        (705)       (190)       (414)       1,298
                                                                   ----------  ----------  -----------  ----------
Net cash flows used in operating activities......................     (18,879)     (8,094)     (1,369)      (4,216)
 
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
  Additions to property and equipment............................      (3,480)     (2,560)     (1,913)      (7,372)
  Proceeds from sale of property and equipment...................      --             147          88           83
  Proceeds from Mexico joint venture.............................       4,000      --          --           --
  Investment in Mexico joint venture.............................      (3,883)     --          --           --
  Additions to notes receivable..................................      --          (1,337)     --           --
  Payments of notes receivable...................................       2,897       3,105         986        5,083
                                                                   ----------  ----------  -----------  ----------
Net cash flows used in investing activities......................        (466)       (645)       (839)      (2,206)
 
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
  Net investment by Price Enterprises............................       6,850       6,994         738        2,790
  Costco equity contributions to subsidiaries....................      12,495      --          --           --
  Contributions by Panama JV partner.............................      --           1,745       1,470        3,632
                                                                   ----------  ----------  -----------  ----------
Net cash flows provided by financing activities..................      19,345       8,739       2,208        6,422
                                                                   ----------  ----------  -----------  ----------
Net increase in cash.............................................      --          --          --           --
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year...................      --          --          --           --
                                                                   ----------  ----------  -----------  ----------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year.........................  $   --      $   --       $  --       $   --
                                                                   ----------  ----------  -----------  ----------
                                                                   ----------  ----------  -----------  ----------
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                      F-6
<PAGE>
                                PRICESMART, INC.
 
                     NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
       (INFORMATION FOR THE FORTY WEEKS ENDED JUNE 9, 1996 IS UNAUDITED)
 
NOTE 1--ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
FORMATION OF THE COMPANY
 
    PriceSmart, Inc. ("PriceSmart" or "the Company"), a Delaware corporation,
was originally formed in August 1994 as a subsidiary of Price Enterprises, Inc.
("PEI") to operate certain businesses which were spun out from Costco Companies,
Inc. ("Costco") effective August 29, 1994. On June 27, 1997, the Board of
Directors of PEI approved in principle, subject to formal declaration of a
dividend at a later date, a plan for the distribution (the "Distribution") to
holders of PEI's Common Stock of 100% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock
of PriceSmart. On or prior to the date of Distribution, PEI will transfer
certain businesses and assets to PriceSmart.
 
    The following assets will be transferred to PriceSmart:
 
    - Interest in essentially all businesses which historically formed the
      merchandising business segment of PEI, primarily the international
      merchandising activities and the Costco auto referral program and the
      Costco travel program.
 
    - Certain real estate properties held for sale which, as of June 8, 1997,
      had not yet been sold.
 
    - Notes receivable from various municipalities and agencies ("City Notes")
      and certain secured notes receivable from buyers of properties formerly
      owned by PEI.
 
    - Cash and cash equivalents held by PEI as of June 8, 1997, less
      approximately $40 million to be kept by PEI for use in its real estate
      business.
 
    - All other assets and liabilities not specifically associated with PEI's
      portfolio of 27 investment properties ("Investment Portfolio"), except for
      current corporate income tax assets and liabilities.
 
    On July 2, 1997, PEI announced that it intends to distribute to its
stockholders through a special dividend all outstanding shares of PriceSmart
("Distribution"). Prior to the Distribution, the various assets shown above will
be transferred to PriceSmart. By fiscal year-end 1997, or shortly thereafter,
PEI intends to consummate the Distribution to its stockholders of one share of
PriceSmart common stock for every four shares of PEI common stock held on the
applicable record date. The Distribution is conditioned upon declaration of the
special dividend by PEI's Board of Directors.
 
    The Company's authorized stock consists of 1,000 shares of $.01 par value
common stock and will be increased to provide for the shares to be issued in
connection with the Distribution.
 
BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
    These financial statements present the financial position, results of
operations, and cash flows for the Company as if it were a separate entity of
PEI for all periods presented. PEI's historical basis in the assets and
liabilities of the Company has been carried over. Changes in investment by PEI
represent the net income (loss) of the Company plus the net change in cash and
non-cash items transferred between the Company and PEI.
 
    The combined financial statements include the assets, liabilities and
operations to be transferred to the Company in connection with the Distribution.
All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
 
                                      F-7
<PAGE>
                                PRICESMART, INC.
 
               NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
       (INFORMATION FOR THE FORTY WEEKS ENDED JUNE 9, 1996 IS UNAUDITED)
 
NOTE 1--ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION (CONTINUED)
    The Company's operations are primarily in the merchandising business. The
international merchandising business licenses and, in some cases, owns warehouse
stores in Latin America and Asia. The Company's auto referral and travel
programs offer discounts on new cars and on travel services to Costco members.
 
    The Company operates as a unit of PEI, utilizing PEI's centralized systems
for cash management, payroll, employee benefit plans, insurance and
administrative services. Certain operating expenses, capital expenditures and
other cash requirements of the Company were paid by PEI and charged directly or
allocated to the Company, principally based on PEI's specific identification of
individual cost items and otherwise based upon estimated levels of effort
devoted by its corporate administrative departments to individual entities or
relative measures of size of entities. Such allocated amounts are included in
corporate administrative expenses and were $1.4 million for each of the years
ended August 31, 1995 and 1996, and $1.1 million and $1.3 million for the forty
weeks ended June 9, 1996 and June 8, 1997, respectively. In the opinion of
management, the methods for allocating corporate administrative expenses and
other direct costs are reasonable. It is not practical to estimate the costs
that would have been incurred by the Company if it had operated on a stand-alone
basis.
 
NOTE 2--SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
FISCAL YEAR
 
    The Company reports on a 52/53 week fiscal year which ends on the Sunday
nearest August 31. For ease of presentation, all fiscal years in this report are
referred to as having ended on August 31.
 
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
 
    Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is computed on a
straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets, as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                               <C>
                                                                       10-25
Building and improvements.......................................       years
Fixtures and equipment..........................................   3-5 years
</TABLE>
 
MERCHANDISE INVENTORIES
 
    Merchandise inventories, which include merchandise for resale and display
samples, are valued at the lower of cost (average cost) or market.
 
REVENUE RECOGNITION
 
    The Company recognizes international sales upon shipment. Revenues from the
auto referral program are recognized on a monthly basis when billed, pursuant to
contracts which are generally month-to-month. Revenues from travel programs are
recognized as services are performed.
 
INCOME TAXES
 
    Income taxes have been provided for in accordance with SFAS No. 109,
"Accounting for Income Taxes." That standard requires companies to account for
deferred taxes using the asset and liability
 
                                      F-8
<PAGE>
                                PRICESMART, INC.
 
               NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
       (INFORMATION FOR THE FORTY WEEKS ENDED JUNE 9, 1996 IS UNAUDITED)
 
NOTE 2--SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
method. Accordingly, deferred income taxes are provided to reflect temporary
differences between financial and tax reporting, including asset write-downs of
real estate and related assets, accelerated tax depreciation methods, and
international fees. Additionally, deferred taxes were transferred to the Company
as a result of the Costco spin out in 1994.
 
    The Company is included in the consolidated Federal and in various combined
state tax returns of PEI. The Company is allocated the benefit of its tax net
operating losses used in PEI's consolidated or combined tax returns. Benefits
realized by PEI were not paid to the Company but were deemed to be reductions in
PEI's investment in the Company.
 
ASSET IMPAIRMENT
 
    Beginning with fiscal 1996, the Company adopted SFAS No. 121, "Accounting
for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed
Of," SFAS No. 121 requires impairment losses to be recorded on long-lived assets
used in operations when indicators of impairment are present and the
undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than
the assets' carrying amount. No such indicators of impairment were present in
fiscal 1996. SFAS No. 121 also addresses the accounting for long-lived assets
that are expected to be disposed of. The Company estimated the sales value, net
of related selling costs, on its real estate properties which are being held for
sale and recorded impairment losses of $8.0 million in fiscal 1996. No
impairment loss was recorded for the forty weeks ended June 8, 1997. Impairment
losses of $1.6 million in fiscal 1995 were based on a risk adjusted discounted
cash flow to estimate fair value. See Note 3.
 
USE OF ESTIMATES
 
    The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and
accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK
 
    The Company sells its merchandise primarily to its international licensees.
Credit is generally extended based on letters of credit. Credit losses have been
minimal and within management's expectations.
 
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
 
    In October 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued "Accounting
for Stock-Based Compensation" ("SFAS No. 123"). The statement is effective for
fiscal years beginning after December 1995. Under Statement No. 123, stock-based
compensation expense is measured using either the intrinsic-value method as
prescribed by Accounting Principle Board Opinion No. 25 or the fair-value method
described in SFAS No. 123. The Company intends to implement SFAS No. 123 in
fiscal 1997 using the intrinsic-value method; accordingly, upon adopting SFAS
No. 123 there will be no effect on the Company's financial position or results
of operations.
 
                                      F-9
<PAGE>
                                PRICESMART, INC.
 
               NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
       (INFORMATION FOR THE FORTY WEEKS ENDED JUNE 9, 1996 IS UNAUDITED)
 
NOTE 2--SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
    The accompanying financial statements for the forty weeks ended June 9, 1996
are unaudited but include all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring
adjustments) which the Company considers necessary for a fair statement of the
financial position at such date and the operating results and cash flows for
this period. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for the
entire year or future periods.
 
NOTE 3--PROPERTY HELD FOR SALE
 
    Property held for sale primarily includes former membership warehouse club
facilities and unimproved land, which the Company expects to dispose of in the
next twelve months. Property held for sale consists of the following (in
thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         AUGUST 31,    JUNE 8,
                                                                            1996        1997
                                                                         -----------  ---------
<S>                                                                      <C>          <C>
Land and land improvements.............................................   $  23,667   $  22,181
Building and improvements..............................................      16,110      16,363
Construction in progress...............................................         520          20
Deferred rents.........................................................         547         606
Deferred leasing costs, net............................................         346         417
                                                                         -----------  ---------
                                                                             41,190      39,587
 
Accumulated depreciation...............................................      (4,641)     (4,968)
Provision for asset impairments:
  Unimproved land......................................................      (2,665)     (2,033)
  Properties with buildings............................................      (5,377)     (5,377)
                                                                         -----------  ---------
                                                                             (8,042)     (7,410)
                                                                         -----------  ---------
                                                                          $  28,507   $  27,209
                                                                         -----------  ---------
                                                                         -----------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-10
<PAGE>
                                PRICESMART, INC.
 
               NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
       (INFORMATION FOR THE FORTY WEEKS ENDED JUNE 9, 1996 IS UNAUDITED)
 
NOTE 3--PROPERTY HELD FOR SALE (CONTINUED)
    Because the properties are held for sale, the net results of the real estate
operations are presented on the combined statement of operations, and consist of
the following (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     YEARS ENDED AUGUST     FORTY WEEKS ENDED
                                                            31,           ----------------------
                                                    --------------------                JUNE 8,
                                                      1995       1996                    1997
                                                    ---------  ---------    JUNE 9,    ---------
                                                                             1996
                                                                          -----------
                                                                          (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                 <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>
Rental income.....................................  $   2,868  $   2,798   $   2,207   $   2,236
Gains on sales of real estate.....................         24        240         240          67
                                                    ---------  ---------  -----------  ---------
  Total revenue...................................      2,892      3,038       2,447       2,303
 
Operating, maintenance and administrative.........      1,427      1,724       1,079       1,004
Property taxes....................................        884        857         660         599
Depreciation and amortization.....................      1,219        774         586         407
Provision for asset impairments...................      1,600      8,042         620      --
                                                    ---------  ---------  -----------  ---------
  Total expenses..................................      5,130     11,397       2,945       2,010
                                                    ---------  ---------  -----------  ---------
Real estate operations, net.......................  $  (2,238) $  (8,359)  $    (498)  $     293
                                                    ---------  ---------  -----------  ---------
                                                    ---------  ---------  -----------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
    Provision for asset impairments represent noncash charges taken to
write-down the carrying value of real estate properties which are being held for
sale or redevelopment, and which are expected to generate net sales proceeds
below their book values. In 1995, the provision for asset impairments was
directly written off against the related properties held for sale.
 
    The Company determines the estimated carrying value of properties held for
sale based upon the expected net sales proceeds to be received, taking into
consideration existing sales contracts, past and current sales negotiations and
relevant market data.
 
    Certain properties held for sale generate future minimum rental income of
approximately $1.8 million per year. These properties are leased under
noncancelable leases with remaining terms ranging from less than one year to 17
years.
 
NOTE 4--NOTES RECEIVABLE
 
    The City Notes include amounts loaned to municipalities and agencies to
facilitate real property acquisition and improvements and carry interest rates
which range from 7% to 10%. Repayment of the majority of these notes is
generally based on that municipality's allocation of sales tax revenues
generated by retail businesses located on a particular property associated with
such City Note. City Note repayments are calculated in accordance with specific
revenue sharing agreements; and, under the terms of most City Notes, the unpaid
balance of the note is forgiven on its maturity date. The carrying values of
these notes was established when PEI was spun out from Costco. The carrying
values are evaluated by the Company in accordance with Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 114, "Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of
a Loan." Interest income is recognized based upon the stated interest rates of
the various notes and amounted to $2.7 million and $2.5 million for the years
ended August 31, 1995 and 1996, respectively, and $1.9 million and $1.6 million
for the forty weeks ended June 9, 1996 and June 8, 1997, respectively.
 
                                      F-11
<PAGE>
                                PRICESMART, INC.
 
               NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
       (INFORMATION FOR THE FORTY WEEKS ENDED JUNE 9, 1996 IS UNAUDITED)
 
NOTE 4--NOTES RECEIVABLE (CONTINUED)
    At August 31, 1996 and June 8, 1997, the aggregate stated principal value
plus compounded interest amounted to $71 million and $67 million, respectively.
As a result, the total carrying value of the City Notes is less than the stated
principal value and interest by $42 million and $43 million, respectively. As of
June 8, 1997, thirteen City Notes were outstanding with maturity dates ranging
from 1999-2028.
 
NOTE 5--PROFIT SHARING AND 401(K) PLAN
 
    Substantially all of the employees of the Company are participants in PEI's
defined contribution profit sharing and 401(k) plan. Profit sharing
contributions, if any, are based on a discretionary amount determined by the
Board of Directors and are allocated to each participant based on the relative
compensation of the participant, subject to certain limitations, to the
compensation of all participants. The Company makes a matching 401(k)
contribution equal to 50% of the participant's contribution up to an annual
maximum matching contribution of $250.
 
    Profit sharing contributions of approximately $504,000, $158,000 and
$406,000 were made for the benefit of PriceSmart plan participants during fiscal
1995, 1996, and 1997, respectively. Employer contributions to the 401(k) plan
were approximately $31,000, $31,000 and $24,000 during fiscal 1995, 1996 and
1997, respectively.
 
NOTE 6--STOCK OPTION PLANS
 
    Certain directors and employees of the Company participated in PEI stock
option plans. Upon the consummation of the Distribution, certain PEI stock
options held by Company directors and employees will be cancelled and the
Company intends to issue PriceSmart stock options to such participants.
 
NOTE 7--INCOME TAXES
 
    The benefit (provision) for income taxes consist of the following (in
thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               YEARS ENDED AUGUST
                                                                      31,            FORTY WEEKS
                                                              --------------------  ENDED JUNE 8,
                                                                1995       1996         1997
                                                              ---------  ---------  -------------
<S>                                                           <C>        <C>        <C>
Current:
  Federal...................................................  $     161  $   3,431   $     3,510
  State.....................................................        262        807       --
                                                              ---------  ---------  -------------
                                                                    423      4,238         3,510
Deferred:
  Federal...................................................      3,513      1,935       (20,852)
  State.....................................................        (48)       563          (661)
                                                              ---------  ---------  -------------
                                                                  3,465      2,498       (21,513)
                                                              ---------  ---------  -------------
Total benefit (provision)...................................  $   3,888  $   6,736   $   (18,003)
                                                              ---------  ---------  -------------
                                                              ---------  ---------  -------------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-12
<PAGE>
                                PRICESMART, INC.
 
               NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
       (INFORMATION FOR THE FORTY WEEKS ENDED JUNE 9, 1996 IS UNAUDITED)
 
NOTE 7--INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
    A reconciliation between the Federal statutory rate and the effective tax
rate follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              YEARS ENDED AUGUST
                                                                     31,            FORTY WEEKS
                                                             --------------------  ENDED JUNE 8,
                                                               1995       1996         1997
                                                             ---------  ---------  -------------
<S>                                                          <C>        <C>        <C>
Federal taxes (benefit) at the statutory rate..............  $   5,742  $   6,355   $     1,815
State taxes, net of federal benefit........................        638      1,091           312
Tax losses of 51% owned subsidiaries.......................     (1,538)      (708)      --
Valuation allowance........................................     --         --           (20,130)
Price Club Mexico operations...............................       (893)    --           --
All other, net.............................................        (61)        (2)      --
                                                             ---------  ---------  -------------
    Total benefit (provision)..............................  $   3,888  $   6,736   $   (18,003)
                                                             ---------  ---------  -------------
                                                             ---------  ---------  -------------
</TABLE>
 
    The significant components of deferred income taxes are attributable to the
following temporary differences (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        AUGUST 31,     JUNE 8,
                                                                           1996         1997
                                                                        -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                     <C>          <C>
Deferred tax assets:
  Real estate properties..............................................   $  10,217    $   8,999
  City notes receivable...............................................      11,756       11,756
  Net operating losses................................................       5,437        5,437
  International revenues and expenses.................................         241          369
  Inventory and equipment reserves....................................         304       --
  All other, net......................................................         470        1,034
                                                                        -----------  -----------
    Total deferred tax assets.........................................      28,425       27,595
 
Deferred tax liabilities:
  Deferred rental income..............................................        (214)      (1,428)
  Deferred state income taxes.........................................      (1,261)        (600)
                                                                        -----------  -----------
    Total deferred tax liabilities....................................      (1,475)      (2,028)
Valuation allowance...................................................      (5,437)     (25,567)
                                                                        -----------  -----------
    Net deferred tax assets...........................................   $  21,513    $  --
                                                                        -----------  -----------
                                                                        -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
    As a result of the Distribution, the Company will no longer be a member of
the PEI consolidated or combined group for Federal or state income tax purposes.
As such, realization of deferred tax assets is no longer more likely than not
and therefore a valuation allowance was established for the net amount of
deferred tax assets at June 8, 1997. For the forty weeks ended June 8, 1997
there was a decrease in the net deferred tax asset of approximately $1.4 million
prior to the adjustment for an increase in the valuation allowance.
 
    At August 31, 1996, the Company had combined net operating loss (NOL)
carryforwards of approximately $13.7 million for Federal income tax purposes
which may be applied against future taxable income.
 
                                      F-13
<PAGE>
                                PRICESMART, INC.
 
               NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
       (INFORMATION FOR THE FORTY WEEKS ENDED JUNE 9, 1996 IS UNAUDITED)
 
NOTE 7--INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
A valuation allowance was established for potential tax benefit of these NOL
carryforwards as the certainty of their ultimate utilization is not sufficient
to allow for deferred tax assets to be recorded. These NOL carryforwards will
expire in 2009 unless previously utilized.
 
    During fiscal 1996, deferred tax assets of $351,000, representing Costco's
interest in such assets, was offset against Costco's minority interest in Price
Quest, L.L.C. In addition, a short-term deferred tax asset of $1.3 million is
included in current assets at August 31, 1996.
 
NOTE 8--SALE OF INTEREST IN MEXICO JOINT VENTURE
 
    In April 1995, the Company completed the sale of its interest in the Mexico
joint venture in return for cash of $4.0 million and cancellation of debt of
$30.5 million. The sale of the interest in the Mexico joint venture resulted in
a $2.6 million loss ($2.1 million after-tax) which is included in losses from
Mexico joint venture in fiscal 1995.
 
    The investment by PEI at August 31, 1994 is net of a charge of $1.7 million
for the accumulated foreign currency translation related to the Company's
investment in the Mexico joint venture.
 
NOTE 9--COMMITMENTS
 
    The Company leases one former warehouse club property. This lease expires in
2002. Future minimum payments, net of sublease income of approximately $385,000
per year, are $132,500 per year through fiscal 2001 and $22,000 in fiscal 2002.
 
    Rent expense for the years ended August 31, 1995 and 1996 was $112,000 and
$115,000, net of sublease income of $389,000 and $385,000, respectively. Rent
expense for the forty week periods ended June 9, 1996 and June 8, 1997 was
$86,000 and $96,000, net of sublease income of $289,000 and $289,000,
respectively.
 
                                      F-14
<PAGE>
                                PRICESMART, INC.
 
               NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
       (INFORMATION FOR THE FORTY WEEKS ENDED JUNE 9, 1996 IS UNAUDITED)
 
NOTE 10--GEOGRAPHIC AREAS AND MAJOR CUSTOMERS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  FORTY WEEKS
                                                                                 ENDED JUNE 8,
                                                                                     1997
                                                                                 -------------
                                                                                      (IN
                                                                                  THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                              <C>
Revenues:
  United States................................................................    $  41,703
  Latin America................................................................       15,956
                                                                                 -------------
                                                                                   $  57,659
                                                                                 -------------
                                                                                 -------------
Operating income (loss):
  United States................................................................    $  (7,657)
  Latin America................................................................          149
                                                                                 -------------
                                                                                   $  (7,508)
                                                                                 -------------
                                                                                 -------------
Identifiable assets............................................................
  United States................................................................    $  68,028
  Latin America................................................................       12,035
                                                                                 -------------
                                                                                   $  80,063
                                                                                 -------------
                                                                                 -------------
</TABLE>
 
    Foreign operations were not significant in fiscal 1995 and 1996. The Latin
American operations consist of a 51% interest in a joint venture in Panama whose
currency is the U.S. dollar.
 
    Export sales were approximately $39.3 million and $25.5 million for the
years ended August 31, 1995 and 1996, respectively and $45.3 million for the
forty weeks ended June 8, 1997. Approximately 27% of revenues in the year ended
August 31, 1995, 48% of revenues in the year ended August 31, 1996 and 39% of
revenues in the forty weeks ended June 8, 1997 were from a single customer.
 
                                      F-15
<PAGE>
                                                                     SCHEDULE II
 
                                PRICESMART, INC.
                       VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                ADDITIONS
                                                               ------------
                                                  BALANCE AT    CHARGED TO
                                                 BEGINNING OF   COSTS AND                   BALANCE AT END
PROVISION FOR ASSET IMPAIRMENTS                     PERIOD       EXPENSES     DEDUCTIONS      OF PERIOD
- -----------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------------  --------------
<S>                                              <C>           <C>           <C>            <C>
Year ended August 31, 1995.....................  $    --       $  1,600,000  $  (1,600,000 (1)  $    --
Year ended August 31, 1996.....................       --          8,042,000       --            8,042,000
Forty weeks ended June 8, 1997.................     8,042,000       --            (632,000 (2)     7,410,000
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
(1) Provision for asset impairments was directly written off against the related
    properties held for sale.
 
(2) Provision for asset impairments related to the sale of a portion of one
    property.
 
                                      S-1
<PAGE>
                                   SIGNATURE
 
    Pursuant to the requirements of Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, the Registrant has duly caused amendment no. 2 to this registration
statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized.
 
                                PRICESMART, INC.
Dated: August 13, 1997
 
                                By              /s/ ROBERT E. PRICE
                                     -----------------------------------------
                                                  Robert E. Price
                                      CHAIRMAN, PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE
                                                      OFFICER
<PAGE>
                                    ANNEX I
                              AMENDED AND RESTATED
                          CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
                                       OF
                                PRICESMART, INC.
 
    PRICESMART, INC., a corporation organized and existing under and by virtue
of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the "Corporation"),
DOES HEREBY CERTIFY:
 
        1.  The Corporation's original Certificate of Incorporation was filed on
    August 17, 1994. An amendment to said Certificate of Incorporation was filed
    on November 27, 1995 changing the name of the Corporation to PQI, Inc. A
    further amendment to said Certificate of Incorporation was filed on June 30,
    1997 changing the name of the Corporation to PriceSmart, Inc.
 
        2.  That by action taken by unanimous written consent of the Board of
    Directors on         , 1997, resolutions were duly adopted setting forth a
    proposed amendment and restatement of the Certificate of Incorporation of
    the Corporation, declaring said amendment and restatement to be advisable
    and directing its officers to submit said amendment and restatement to the
    sole stockholder of the Corporation for consideration thereof. The
    resolution setting forth the proposed amendment and restatement is as
    follows:
 
        "THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Certificate of Incorporation of the
    Corporation is hereby amended to read in its entirety as follows, subject to
    the required consent of the sole stockholder of the corporation:
 
        FIRST:  The name of the Corporation is PriceSmart, Inc. (hereinafter the
    "Corporation").
 
        SECOND:  The address of the registered office of the Corporation in the
    State of Delaware is 1209 Orange Street, in the City of Wilmington, County
    of New Castle. The name of its registered agent at that address is The
    Corporation Trust Company.
 
        THIRD:  The purpose of the Corporation is to engage in any lawful act or
    activity for which a corporation may be organized under the General
    Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the "GCL").
 
        FOURTH:  The total number of shares of stock which the Corporation shall
    have the authority to issue is 17,000,000, which shall consist of 15,000,000
    shares of Common Stock, each having a par value of $.0001 (the "Common
    Stock") and 2,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, each having a par value of
    $.0001 (the "Preferred Stock").
 
        The Board of Directors is hereby authorized from time to time to provide
    by resolution for the issuance of shares of preferred stock in one of more
    series not exceeding in the aggregate the number of shares of Preferred
    Stock authorized by this Certificate of Incorporation, as amended from time
    to time; and to determine with respect to each such series the voting
    powers, if any (which voting powers, if granted, may be full or limited),
    designations, preference and relative, participating, optional or other
    special rights, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions relating
    thereto, including without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the
    voting rights relating to shares of Preferred Stock of any series (which may
    be one of more votes per share or a fraction of a vote per share, which may
    vary over time and which may be applicable generally or only upon the
    happening and continuance of stated events or conditions), the rate of
    dividend to which holders of Preferred Stock of any series may be entitled
    (which may be cumulative or noncumulative), the rights of holders of
    Preferred Stock of any series in the event of liquidation, dissolution or
    winding up of the affairs of the Corporation, the rights, if any, of holders
    of Preferred Stock of any series to convert or exchange such shares of
    Preferred Stock of such series for shares of any other class or series of
    capital stock or for any other securities, property or assets of the
    Corporation or any subsidiary (including the determination of the
 
                                      I-1
<PAGE>
    price or prices or the rate or rates applicable to such rights to convert or
    exchange and the adjustment thereof, the time or times during which the
    right to convert or exchange shall be applicable and the time or times
    during which a particular price or rate shall be applicable), whether or not
    the shares of that series shall be redeemable, and, if so, the terms and
    conditions of such redemption, including the date or dates upon or after
    which they shall be redeemable, and the amount per share payable in case of
    redemption, which amount may vary under different conditions and at
    different redemption dates, and whether any shares of that series shall be
    redeemed pursuant to a retirement or sinking fund or otherwise and the terms
    and conditions of such obligation.
 
        Before the Corporation shall issue any shares of Preferred Stock of any
    series, a certificate setting forth a copy of the resolution or resolutions
    of the Board of Directors, fixing the voting powers, designations,
    preferences, the relative, participating, optional or other rights, if any,
    and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions, if any, relating to
    the shares of Preferred Stock of such series, and the number of shares of
    Preferred Stock of such series authorized by the Board of Directors to be
    issued shall be made under seal of the Corporation and signed by and shall
    be filed and a copy thereof recorded in the manner prescribed by the GCL.
    The Board of Directors is further authorized to increase or decrease (but
    not below the number of such shares of such series then outstanding) the
    number of shares of any series subsequent to the issuance of shares of that
    series.
 
        FIFTH:  The following provisions are inserted for the management of the
    business and the conduct of the affairs of the Corporation, and for further
    definition, limitation and regulation of the powers of the Corporation and
    of its directors and stockholders:
 
           (a) The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by
       or under the direction of the Board of Directors.
 
           (b) The directors shall have concurrent power with the stockholders
       to make, alter, amend, change, add to or repeal the Bylaws of the
       Corporation.
 
           (c) The number of directors of the Corporation shall be as from time
       to time fixed by, or in the manner provided in, the Bylaws of the
       Corporation. The election of directors need not be by written ballot
       unless the Bylaws so provide.
 
           (d) In addition to the powers and authority hereinbefore or by
       statute expressly conferred upon them, the directors are hereby empowered
       to exercise all such powers and do all such acts and things as may be
       exercised or done by the Corporation, subject, nevertheless, to the
       provisions of the GCL, this Certificate of Incorporation, and any Bylaws
       adopted by the stockholders; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that no Bylaws hereafter
       adopted by the stockholders shall invalidate any prior act of the
       directors which would have been valid if such Bylaws had not been
       adopted.
 
        SIXTH:  Meetings of stockholders may be held within or without the State
    of Delaware, as the Bylaws may provide. The books of the Corporation may be
    kept (subject to any provision contained in the GCL) outside the State of
    Delaware at such place or places as may be designated from time to time by
    the Board of Directors or in the Bylaws of the Corporation.
 
        SEVENTH:  The Corporation reserves the right to amend, alter, change or
    repeal any provision contained in this Certificate of Corporation in the
    manner now or hereafter prescribed by statute, and all rights conferred upon
    stockholders herein are granted subject to this reservation.
 
        EIGHTH:  (a) Subject to Article EIGHTH (c), the Corporation shall
    indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a
    party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding,
    whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an
    action by or in the right of the Corporation) by reason of the fact that he
    is or was a director or officer of the Corporation, or is or was serving at
    the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or
 
                                      I-2
<PAGE>
    agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee
    benefit plan or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys'
    fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and
    reasonably incurred by him in connection with such action, suit or
    proceeding if he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed
    to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, and, with
    respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to
    believe his conduct was unlawful. The termination of any action, suit or
    proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of
    nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a
    presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner which
    he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the
    Corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had
    reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful.
 
           (b) Subject to Article EIGHTH (c), the Corporation shall indemnify
       any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to
       any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of
       the Corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact
       that he is or was a director or officer of the Corporation, or is or was
       serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer,
       employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture,
       trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise against expenses
       (including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably incurred by him in
       connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if he
       acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or
       not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation; except that no
       indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as
       to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the
       Corporation unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery or
       the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon
       application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of
       all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably
       entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Court of Chancery or
       such other court shall deem proper.
 
           (c) Any indemnification under this Article EIGHTH (unless ordered by
       a court) shall be made by the Corporation only as authorized in the
       specific case upon a determination that indemnification of the director
       or officer is proper in the circumstances because he has met the
       applicable standard of conduct set forth in Article EIGHTH (a) or Article
       EIGHTH (b), as the case may be. Such determination shall be made (i) by
       the Board of Directors by a majority vote of a quorum consisting of
       directors who were not parties to such action, suit or proceeding, or
       (ii) if such a quorum is not obtainable, or, even if obtainable, a quorum
       of disinterested directors so directs, by independent legal counsel in a
       written opinion, or (iii) by the stockholders. To the extent, however,
       that a present or former director or officer of the Corporation has been
       successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action, suit or
       proceeding referred to in Article EIGHTH (a) or Article EIGHTH (b), or in
       defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, he shall be indemnified
       against expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably
       incurred by him in connection therewith, without the necessity of
       authorization in the specific case.
 
           (d) Notwithstanding any contrary determination in the specific case
       under Article EIGHTH (c), and notwithstanding the absence of any
       determination thereunder, any present or former director or officer of
       the Corporation may apply to any court of competent jurisdiction in the
       State of Delaware for indemnification to the extent otherwise permissible
       under Article EIGHTH (a) and Article EIGHTH (b). The basis of such
       indemnification by a court shall be a determination by such court that
       indemnification of such person is proper in the circumstances because he
       has met the applicable standards of conduct set forth in Article EIGHTH
       (a) or Article EIGHTH (b), as the case may be. Neither a contrary
       determination in the specific case under Article EIGHTH (c) nor the
       absence of any determination thereunder shall be a defense
 
                                      I-3
<PAGE>
       to such application or create a presumption that such person seeking
       indemnification has not met any applicable standard of conduct. Notice of
       any application for indemnification pursuant to this Article EIGHTH (d)
       shall be given to the Corporation promptly upon the filing of such
       application. If successful, in whole or in part, such person seeking
       indemnification shall also be entitled to be paid the expense of
       prosecuting such application.
 
           (e) Expenses incurred by a person who is or was a director or officer
       of the Corporation in defending or investigating a threatened or pending
       action, suit or proceeding shall be paid by the Corporation in advance of
       the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of
       an undertaking by or on behalf of such person to repay such amount if it
       shall ultimately be determined that he is not entitled to be indemnified
       by the Corporation as authorized in this Article EIGHTH.
 
           (f) The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by or
       granted pursuant to this Article EIGHTH shall not be deemed exclusive of
       any other rights to which those seeking indemnification or advancement of
       expenses may be entitled under any Bylaw, agreement, contract, vote of
       stockholders or disinterested directors or pursuant to the direction
       (howsoever embodied) of any court of competent jurisdiction or otherwise,
       both as to action in his official capacity and as to action in another
       capacity while holding such office, it being the policy of the
       Corporation that indemnification of the persons specified in Article
       EIGHTH (a) and Article EIGHTH (b) shall be made to the fullest extent
       permitted by law. The provisions of this Article EIGHTH shall not be
       deemed to preclude the indemnification of any person who is not specified
       in Article EIGHTH (a) or Article EIGHTH (b) but whom the Corporation has
       the power or obligation to indemnify under the provisions of the GCL, or
       otherwise.
 
           (g) The Corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of
       any person who is or was a director or officer of the Corporation, or is
       or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer,
       employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture,
       trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise against any liability
       asserted against him and incurred by him in any such capacity, or arising
       out of his status as such, whether or not the Corporation would have the
       power or the obligation to indemnify him against such liability under the
       provisions of this Article EIGHTH or Section 145 of the GCL.
 
           (h) For purposes of this Article EIGHTH, references to "the
       Corporation" shall include, in addition to the resulting corporation, any
       constituent corporation (including any constituent of a constituent)
       absorbed in a consolidation or merger which, if its separate existence
       had continued, would have had power and authority to indemnify its
       directors or officers, so that any person who is or was a director or
       officer of such constituent corporation, or is or was serving at the
       request of such constituent corporation as a director, officer, employee
       or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust,
       employee benefit plan or other enterprise, shall stand in the same
       position under the provisions of this Article EIGHTH with respect to the
       resulting or surviving corporation as he would have with respect to such
       constituent corporation if its separate existence had continued. For
       purposes of this Article EIGHTH, references to "fines" shall include any
       excise taxes assessed on a person with respect to an employee benefit
       plan; and references to "serving at the request of the Corporation" shall
       include any service as a director, officer, employee or agent of the
       Corporation which imposes duties on, or involves services by, such person
       with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants or
       beneficiaries; and a person who acted in good faith and in a manner he
       reasonably believed to be in the interest of the participants and
       beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan shall be deemed to have acted
       in a manner "not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation" as
       referred to in this Article EIGHTH. For purposes of any determination
       under Article EIGHTH (c), a person shall be deemed to have acted in good
       faith in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the
       best interests of the Corporation, or, with respect to any criminal
       action or proceeding, to
 
                                      I-4
<PAGE>
       have had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful, if his
       action is based on the records or books of account of the Corporation or
       another enterprise, or on information supplied to him by the officers of
       the Corporation or another enterprise in the course of their duties, or
       on the advice of legal counsel for the Corporation or another enterprise
       or on information or records given or reports made to the Corporation or
       another enterprise by an independent certified public accountant or by an
       appraiser or other expert selected with reasonable care by the
       Corporation or another enterprise. The term "another enterprise" is used
       in this Article EIGHTH (h) shall mean any other corporation or any
       partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other
       enterprise of which such person is or was serving at the request of the
       Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent. The provisions of
       this Article EIGHTH (h) shall not be deemed to be exclusive or to limit
       in any way the circumstances in which a person may be deemed to have met
       the applicable standard of conduct set forth in Article EIGHTH (a) or
       (b), as the case may be.
 
           (i) The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or
       granted pursuant to, this Article EIGHTH shall, unless otherwise provided
       when authorized or ratified, continue as to a person who has ceased to be
       a director or officer of the Corporation and shall inure to the benefit
       of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person.
 
           (j) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Article EIGHTH to the
       contrary, except for proceedings to enforce rights to indemnification
       (which shall be governed by Article EIGHTH (d)), the Corporation shall
       not be obligated to indemnify any person in connection with a proceeding
       (or part, thereof) initiated by such person unless such proceeding (or
       part thereof) was authorized or consented to by the Board of Directors of
       the Corporation.
 
           (k) The Corporation may, to the extent authorized from time to time
       by the Board of Directors, provide rights to indemnification and to the
       advancement of expenses to employees and agents of the Corporation
       similar to those conferred in this Article EIGHTH to directors and
       officers of the Corporation.
 
        NINTH:  No director shall be personally liable to the Corporation or any
    of its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a
    director, except for liability (i) for any breach of the director's duty of
    loyalty to the Corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions
    not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing
    violation of law, (iii) pursuant to Section 174 of the GCL, or (iv) for any
    transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.
    Any repeal or modification of this Article NINTH by the stockholders of the
    Corporation shall not adversely affect any right or protection of a director
    of the Corporation existing at the time of such repeal or modification with
    respect to acts or omissions occurring prior to such repeal or
    modification."
 
    3.  That thereafter, by consent of the sole stockholder of all of the issued
and outstanding shares of stock of the Corporation in accordance with Section
228 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, all of the shares
of the Corporation were voted in favor of the amendment.
 
    4.  That said Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation was duly
adopted in accordance with the provisions of Sections 242 and 245 of the General
Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.
 
                                      I-5
<PAGE>
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, PRICESMART, INC. has caused this Certificate to be
signed by                    , its President and                    , its
Secretary, this    day of         , 1997.
 
                                          PRICESMART, INC.
 
                                          a Delaware corporation
 
                                          By: ____________________________
 
                                          Name:
 
                                          Title:  President
 
ATTEST
 
Name:
 
Title:  Secretary
 
                                      I-6
<PAGE>
                                    ANNEX II
                              AMENDED AND RESTATED
                                   BYLAWS OF
                                PRICESMART, INC.
                     (HEREINAFTER CALLED THE "CORPORATION")
                                   ARTICLE I
                                    OFFICES
 
    SECTION 1.  REGISTERED OFFICE.  The registered office of the Corporation
shall be established and maintained in the City of Wilmington, County of New
Castle, State of Delaware.
 
    SECTION 2.  OTHER OFFICES.  The Corporation may also have offices at such
other places both within and without the State of Delaware as the Board of
Directors may from time to time determine.
 
                                   ARTICLE II
                            MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS
 
    SECTION 1.  PLACE OF MEETINGS.  Meetings of the stockholders for the
election of directors or for any other purpose shall be held at such time and
place, either within or without the State of Delaware, as shall be designated
from time to time by the Board of Directors and stated in the notice of the
meeting or in a duly executed waiver of notice thereof.
 
    SECTION 2.  ANNUAL MEETINGS.  The Annual Meetings of Stockholders shall be
held on such date and at such time as shall be designated from time to time by
the Board of Directors and stated in the notice of the meeting, at which meeting
the stockholders shall elect Directors in the manner provided in the Certificate
of Incorporation and in the Bylaws, and transact such other business as may
properly be brought before the meeting. Written notice of the Annual Meeting
stating the place, date and hour of the meeting shall be given to each
stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting not less than ten nor more than
sixty days before the date of the meeting.
 
    SECTION 3.  SPECIAL MEETINGS.  Unless otherwise prescribed by law or by the
Certificate of Incorporation, Special Meetings of Stockholders, for any purpose
or purposes may be called by either (i) the Chairman, (ii) the Vice Chairman,
(iii) the President, (iv) any Vice President, (v) the Secretary or (vi) any
Assistant Secretary, if there be one, and shall be called by any such officer at
the request in writing by a majority of the entire Board of Directors, or at the
request in writing of stockholders owning a majority of the capital stock of the
Corporation issued and outstanding and entitled to vote. Such request ball state
the purpose or purposes of the proposed meeting. Written notice of a Special
Meeting stating the place, date and hour of the meeting and the purpose or
purposes for which the meeting is called shall be given not less than ten nor
more than sixty days before the date of the meeting to each stockholder entitled
to vote at such meeting.
 
    SECTION 4.  QUORUM.  Except as otherwise provided by law or by the
Certificate of Incorporation, the holders of a majority of the capital stock
issued and outstanding and entitled to vote thereat, present in person or
represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at all meetings of the
stockholders for the transaction of business. A quorum, once established, shall
not be broken by the withdrawal of enough votes to leave less than a quorum and
the votes present may continue to transact business until adjournment. If,
however, such quorum shall not be present or represented at any meeting of the
stockholders, the stockholders entitled to vote thereat, present in person or
represented by proxy, shall have power to adjourn the meeting from time to time,
without notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum shall be
present or represented. At such adjourned meeting at which a quorum shall be
present or represented, any business may be transacted which might have been
transacted at the meeting as originally noticed. If the adjournment is for more
than thirty days, or if after the adjournment a new record date is
 
                                      II-1
<PAGE>
fixed for the adjourned meeting, a notice of the adjourned meeting shall be
given to each stockholder entitled to vote at the meeting.
 
    SECTION 5.  VOTING.  Unless otherwise required by law, the Certificate of
Incorporation or these Bylaws, any question brought before any meeting of
stockholders shall be decided by the vote of the holders of a majority of the
stock represented and entitled to vote thereat. Each stockholder represented at
a meeting of stockholders shall be entitled to cast one vote for each share of
the capital stock entitled to vote thereat held by such stockholder. Such votes
may be cast in person or by proxy but no proxy shall be voted on or after three
years from its date, unless such proxy provides for a longer period. The Board
of Directors, in its discretion, or the officer of the Corporation presiding at
a meeting of stockholders, in his discretion, may require that any votes cast at
such meeting shall be cast by written ballot.
 
    SECTION 6.  CONSENT OF STOCKHOLDERS IN LIEU OF MEETING.  Unless otherwise
provided in the Certificate of Incorporation, any action required or permitted
to be taken at any Annual or Special Meeting of Stockholders of the Corporation,
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.
 
    SECTION 7.  LIST OF STOCKHOLDERS ENTITLED TO VOTE.  The officer of the
Corporation 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 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. 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 of the Corporation who is
present.
 
    SECTION 8.  STOCK LEDGER.  The stock ledger of the Corporation shall be the
only evidence as to who are the stockholders entitled to examine the stock
ledger, the list required by Section 7 of this Article II or the books of the
Corporation, or to vote in person or by proxy at any meeting of stockholders.
 
                                  ARTICLE III
                                   DIRECTORS
 
    SECTION 1.  NUMBER AND ELECTION OF DIRECTORS.  The Board of Directors shall
consist of three or more members, the exact number of which shall be fixed from
time to time by the Board of Directors. Except as provided in Section 2 of this
Article, directors shall be elected by a plurality of the votes cast at Annual
Meetings of Stockholders, and each director so elected shall hold office until
the Annual Meeting in which his term expires and until his successor is duly
elected and qualified, or until his earlier resignation or removal. Any director
may resign at any time upon written notice to the Corporation. Directors need
not be stockholders.
 
    SECTION 2.  VACANCIES.  Vacancies, and newly created directorships resulting
from any increase in the authorized number of directors, may be filled by a
majority of the directors then in office, though less than a quorum, or by a
sole remaining director. The directors so chosen shall hold office until the
next annual election of directors and until their successors are duly elected
and qualified, or until their earlier resignation or removal. If there are no
directors in office, then an election of directors may be held in the manner
provided by statute.
 
                                      II-2
<PAGE>
    SECTION 3.  DUTIES AND POWERS.  The business of the Corporation shall be
managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors which may exercise
all such powers of the Corporation and do all such lawful acts and things as are
not by statute or by the Certificate of Incorporation or by these Bylaws
directed or required to be exercised or done by the stockholders.
 
    SECTION 4.  MEETINGS.  The Board of Directors of the Corporation may hold
meetings, both regular and special, either within or without the State of
Delaware. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors may be held without notice
at such time and at such place as may from time to time be determined by the
Board of Directors. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by
the Chairman, the Vice Chairman, the President, or any director. Notice thereof
stating the place, date and hour of the meeting shall be given to each director
either by mail, telephone, facsimile or telegram not less than forty-eight (48)
hours before the date of the meeting.
 
    SECTION 5.  QUORUM.  Except as may be otherwise specifically provided by
law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, at all meetings of the
Board of Directors a majority of the entire Board of Directors shall constitute
a quorum for the transaction of business. The act of a majority of the directors
present at any meeting at which there is a quorum shall be the act of the Board
of Directors. If a quorum shall not be present at any meeting of the Board of
Directors, the directors present thereat may adjourn the meeting from time to
time without notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum shall
be present.
 
    SECTION 6.  ACTIONS OF BOARD.  Unless otherwise provided by the Certificate
of Incorporation or these Bylaws, 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 the members of the Board of Directors 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 of Directors or
committee.
 
    SECTION 7.  MEETINGS BY MEANS OF CONFERENCE TELEPHONE.  Unless otherwise
provided by the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, members of the
Board of Directors of the Corporation, or any committee designated by the Board
of Directors, may participate in a meeting of the Board of Directors or such
committee by means of a 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.  COMMITTEES.  The Board of Directors may, by resolution passed by
a majority of the entire Board of Directors, designate one or more committees,
each committee to consist of one or more of the Directors of the Corporation.
The Board of Directors may designate one or more directors as alternate members
of any committee, who may replace any absent or disqualified member at any
meeting of any such committee. Any committee, to the extent allowed by law and
provided in these Bylaws or the resolution establishing such committee, shall
have and may exercise all the powers and authority of the Board of Directors in
the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation; but no committee
shall have the power or authority in reference to amending the Certificate of
Incorporation, adopting an agreement of merger or consolidation, recommending to
the stockholders the sale, lease or exchange of all or substantially all of the
Corporation's property and assets, recommending to the stockholders a
dissolution of the Corporation or a revocation of a dissolution, or amending the
Bylaws of the Corporation; and, unless the resolution or the Certificate of
Incorporation expressly so provides, no committee shall have the power or
authority to declare a dividend or to authorize the issuance of stock. Each
committee shall keep regular minutes and report to the Board of Directors when
required.
 
    SECTION 9.  COMPENSATION.  The directors may be paid their expenses, if any,
of attendance at each meeting of the Board of Directors and may be paid a fixed
sum for attendance at each meeting of the Board of Directors or a stated salary
as director. No such payment shall preclude any director from serving the
Corporation in any other capacity and receiving compensation therefor. Members
of special or standing committees may be allowed like compensation for attending
committee meetings.
 
                                      II-3
<PAGE>
    SECTION 10.  INTERESTED DIRECTORS.  No contract or transaction between the
Corporation and one or more of its directors or officers, or between the
Corporation and any other corporation, partnership, association, or other
organization in which one or more of its directors or officers are directors or
officers, or have a financial interest, shall be void or voidable solely for
that reason, or solely because the director or officer is present at or
participates in the meeting of the Board of Directors or committee thereof which
authorizes the contract or transaction, or solely because his or their votes are
counted for such purpose if (i) the material facts as to his or their
relationship or interest and as to the contract or transaction are disclosed or
are known to the Board of Directors or the committee, and the Board of Directors
or committee in good faith authorizes the contract or transaction by the
affirmative votes of a majority of the disinterested directors, even though the
disinterested directors be less than a quorum; or (ii) the material facts as to
his or their relationship or interest and as to the contract or transaction are
disclosed or are known to the stockholders entitled to vote thereon and the
contract or transaction is specifically approved in good faith by vote of the
stockholders; or (iii) the contract or transaction is fair as to the Corporation
as of the time it is authorized, approved or ratified by the Board of Directors,
a committee thereof or the stockholders. Common or interested directors may be
counted in determining the presence of a quorum at a meeting of the Board of
Directors or of a committee which authorizes the contract or transaction. Any
such contract or transaction shall be made on commercially reasonable terms
substantially equivalent to terms available from third parties in an
arm's-length transaction in the competitive marketplace.
 
                                   ARTICLE IV
                                    OFFICERS
 
    SECTION 1.  GENERAL.  The executive officers of the Corporation shall be
chosen by the Board of Directors and shall include a Chairman of the Board of
Directors, a President and Chief Executive Officer, a Secretary and a Chief
Financial Officer. The Board of Directors, in its discretion, may also choose
one or more Executive Vice Presidents (each of whom shall also be an executive
officer), a Treasurer (who shall also be an executive officer) and Vice
Presidents, Assistant Secretaries, Assistant Treasurers and other officers. Any
number of offices may be held by the same person, unless otherwise prohibited by
law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws. The officers of the
Corporation need not be stockholders of the Corporation nor, except in the case
of the Chairman of the Board of Directors and the Vice Chairman of the Board of
Directors, need such officers be directors of the Corporation.
 
    SECTION 2.  ELECTION.  The Board of Directors at its first meeting held
after each Annual Meeting of Stockholders shall elect the officers of the
Corporation who shall hold their offices for such terms and shall exercise such
powers and perform such duties as shall be determined from time to time by the
Board of Directors; and all officers of the Corporation shall hold office until
their successors are chosen and qualified, or until their earlier resignation or
removal. Any officer elected by the Board of Directors may be removed at any
time by the affirmative vote of a majority of the entire Board of Directors. Any
vacancy occurring in any office of the Corporation shall be filled by a majority
of the entire Board of Directors. The salaries of all executive officers of the
Corporation shall be fixed by the Board of Directors.
 
    SECTION 3.  CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.  The Chairman of the Board
of Directors shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders and of the Board
of Directors. Except where by law the signature of the President is required,
the Chairman of the Board of Directors shall possess the same power as the
President to sign all contracts, certificates and other instruments of the
Corporation which may be authorized by the Board of Directors. During the
absence or disability of the President, the Chairman of the Board of Directors
shall exercise all the powers and discharge all the duties of the President. The
Chairman of the Board of Directors shall also perform such other duties and may
exercise such other powers as from time to time may be assigned to him by these
Bylaws or by the Board of Directors. The Chairman of the Board of Directors may
only be appointed or removed by a majority of the entire Board of Directors.
 
                                      II-4
<PAGE>
    SECTION 4.  VICE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.  The Vice Chairman of
the Board of Directors shall, in the absence or disability of the Chairman of
the Board of Directors, preside at meetings of the stockholders and the Board of
Directors. The Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors shall also perform such
other duties and may exercise such other powers as from time to time may be
assigned to him by these Bylaws or by the Board of Directors.
 
    SECTION 5.  PRESIDENT.  The President shall, subject to the control of the
Board of Directors, have general supervision of the business of the Corporation
and shall see that all orders and resolutions of the Board of Directors are
carried into effect. He shall execute all bonds, mortgages, contracts and other
instruments of the Corporation requiring a seal, under the seal of the
Corporation, except where required or permitted by law to be otherwise signed
and executed and except that the other officers of the Corporation may sign and
execute documents when so authorized by these Bylaws, the Board of Directors or
the President. In the absence or disability of the Chairman of the Board of
Directors or the Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, or if there be none,
the President shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders and the Board of
Directors. The President shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the
Corporation. The President shall also perform such other duties and may exercise
such other powers as from time to time may be assigned to him by these Bylaws or
by the Board of Directors. The President may only be appointed or removed by a
majority of the entire Board of Directors.
 
    SECTION 6.  EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENTS AND VICE PRESIDENTS.  At the request
of the President or in his absence or in the event of his inability or refusal
to act (and if there be no Chairman of the Board of Directors), the Senior
Executive Vice President, and then the Executive Vice President or the Executive
Vice Presidents if there is more than one (in the order designated by the Board
of Directors) shall perform the duties of the President, and when so acting,
shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the
President. Each Vice President (including Senior Executive and Executive Vice
Presidents) shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as the
Board of Directors from time to time may prescribe. If there be no Chairman of
the Board of Directors and no Vice President, the Board of Directors shall
designate the officer of the Corporation who, in the absence of the President or
in the event of the inability or refusal of the President to act, shall perform
the duties of the President, and when so acting, shall have all the powers of
and be subject to all the restrictions upon the President.
 
    SECTION 7.  SECRETARY.  The Secretary shall attend all meetings of the Board
of Directors and all meetings of stockholders and record all the proceedings
thereat in a book or books to be kept for that purpose; the Secretary shall also
perform like duties for the standing committees when required. The Secretary
shall give, or cause to be given, notice of all meetings of the stockholders and
special meetings of the Board of Directors, and shall perform such other duties
as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors or President, under whose
supervision he or she shall be. If the Secretary shall be unable or shall refuse
to cause to be given notice of all meetings of the stockholders and special
meetings of the Board of Directors, and if there be no Assistant Secretary, then
either the Board of Directors or the President may choose another officer to
cause such notice to be given. The Secretary shall have custody of the seal of
the Corporation and the Secretary or any Assistant Secretary, if there be one,
shall have authority to affix the same to any instrument requiring it and when
so affixed, it may be attested by the signature of the Secretary or by the
signature of any such Assistant Secretary. The Board of Directors may give
general authority to any other officer to affix the seal of the Corporation and
to attest the affixing by his signature. The Secretary shall see that all books,
reports, statements, certificates and other documents and records required by
law to be kept or filed are properly kept or filed, as the case may be.
 
    SECTION 8.  CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER.  The Chief Financial Officer shall also
serve as the Treasurer unless Treasurer shall be separately appointed by the
Board of Directors and shall have the custody of the corporate funds and
securities and shall keep full and accurate accounts of receipts and
disbursements in books belonging to the Corporation and shall deposit all moneys
and other valuable effects in the name and to the credit of the Corporation in
such depositories as may be designated by the Board of Directors. The Chief
Financial Officer shall disburse the funds of the Corporation as may be ordered
by the Board of
 
                                      II-5
<PAGE>
Directors, taking proper vouchers for such disbursements, and shall render to
the President and the Board of Directors, at its regular meetings, or when the
Board of Directors so requires, an account of all his transactions as Chief
Financial Officer and of the financial condition of the Corporation.
 
    SECTION 9.  ASSISTANT SECRETARIES.  Except as may be otherwise provided in
these Bylaws, Assistant Secretaries, if there be any, shall perform such duties
and have such powers as from time to time may be assigned to them by the Board
of Directors, the President, any Vice President, if there be one, or the
Secretary, and in the absence of the Secretary or in the event of his disability
or refusal to act, shall perform the duties of the Secretary, and when so
acting, shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon
the Secretary.
 
    SECTION 10.  ASSISTANT TREASURERS.  Assistant Treasurers, if there be any,
shall perform such duties and have such powers as from time to time may be
assigned to them by the Board of Directors, the President, any Vice President if
there be one, or the Treasurer, and in the absence of the Treasurer or in the
event of his disability or refusal to act, shall perform the duties of the
Treasurer, and when so acting, shall have all the powers of and be subject to
all the restrictions upon the Treasurer.
 
    SECTION 11.  OTHER OFFICERS.  Such other officers as the Board of Directors
may choose shall perform such duties and have such powers as from time to time
may be assigned to them by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may
delegate to any other officer of the Corporation the power to choose such other
officers and to prescribe their respective duties and powers.
 
                                   ARTICLE V
                                     STOCK
 
    SECTION 1.  FORM OF CERTIFICATES.  Every holder of stock in the Corporation
shall be entitled to have a certificate signed, in the name of the Corporation
(i) by the Chairman or Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, or the President
or a Vice President and (ii) by the Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer, or the
Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Corporation, certifying the number of
shares owned by him in the Corporation. If the Corporation shall be authorized
to issue more than one class of stock or more than one series of any class, the
designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special
rights of each class of stock or series thereof and the qualifications,
limitations, or restrictions of such preferences and/or rights shall be set
forth in full or summarized on the face or back of the certificate which the
Corporation shall issue to represent such class or series of stock, provided
that, except as otherwise provided in section 202 of the General Corporation Law
of Delaware, in lieu of the foregoing requirements, there may be set forth on
the face or back of the certificate which the Corporation shall issue to
represent such class or series of stock, a statement that the Corporation will
furnish without charge to each stockholder who so requests the powers,
designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special
rights of each class of stock or series thereof and the qualifications,
limitations or restrictions of such preferences and/or rights.
 
    SECTION 2.  SIGNATURES.  Where a certificate is countersigned by (i) a
transfer agent other than the Corporation or its employee, or (ii) a registrar
other than the Corporation or its employee, any other signature on the
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.
 
    SECTION 3.  LOST CERTIFICATES.  The Board of Directors may direct a new
certificate to be issued in place of any certificate theretofore issued by the
Corporation alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed, upon the making of
an affidavit of that fact by the person claiming the certificate of stock to be
lost stolen or destroyed (unless otherwise authorized by the Board). When
authorizing such issue of a new certificate, the Board of Directors may, in its
discretion and as a condition precedent to the issuance
 
                                      II-6
<PAGE>
thereof, require the owner of such lost, stolen or destroyed certificate, or his
legal representative, to advertise the same in such manner as the Board of
Directors shall require and/or to give the Corporation a bond in such sum as it
may direct as indemnity against any claim that may be made against the
Corporation with respect to the certificate alleged to have been lost, stolen or
destroyed.
 
    SECTION 4.  TRANSFERS.  Stock of the Corporation shall be transferable in
the manner prescribed by law and in these Bylaws. Transfers of stock shall be
made on the books of the Corporation only by the person named in the certificate
or by his attorney lawfully constituted in writing and upon the surrender of the
certificate therefor, which shall be cancelled before a new certificate shall be
issued.
 
    SECTION 5.  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 entitled 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 any 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, in advance,
a record date, which shall not be more than sixty days nor less than ten days
before the date of such meeting, nor more than sixty days prior to any other
action. 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 6.  BENEFICIAL OWNERS.  The Corporation shall be entitled to
recognize the exclusive right of a person registered on its books as the owner
of shares to receive dividends, and to vote as such owner, and to hold liable
for calls and assessments a person registered on its books as the owner of
shares, and shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or
interest in such share or shares on the part of any other person, whether or not
it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise provided by
law.
 
                                   ARTICLE VI
                                    NOTICES
 
    SECTION 1.  NOTICES.  Whenever written notice is required by law, the
Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, to be given to any director,
member of a committee or stockholder, such notice may be given by mail,
addressed to such director, member of a committee or stockholder, at his address
as it appears on the records of the Corporation, with postage thereon prepaid,
and such notice shall be deemed to be given at the time when the same shall be
deposited in the United States mail. Written notice may also be given personally
or by telegram, telex, facsimile or cable, in which event notice shall be deemed
given upon receipt.
 
    SECTION 2.  WAIVERS OF NOTICE.  Whenever any notice is required by law, the
Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, to be given to any director,
member of a committee or stockholder, a waiver thereof in writing, signed, by
the person or persons entitled to said notice, whether before or after the time
stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent thereto. Neither the business
transacted or to be transacted at, nor the purpose of any meeting need be
specified in any written waiver of notice thereof.
 
                                  ARTICLE VII
                               GENERAL PROVISIONS
 
    SECTION 1.  DIVIDENDS.  Dividends upon the capital stock of the Corporation,
subject to the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation, if any, may be
declared by the Board of Directors at any regular or special meeting, and may be
paid in cash, in property, or in shares of the capital stock. Before payment of
any dividend, there may be set aside out of any funds of the Corporation
available for dividends such sum or sums as the Board of Directors from time to
time, in its absolute discretion, deems
 
                                      II-7
<PAGE>
proper as a reserve or reserves to meet contingencies, or for equalizing
dividends, or for repairing or maintaining any property of the Corporation, or
for any proper purpose, and the Board of Directors may modify or abolish any
such reserve.
 
    SECTION 2.  DISBURSEMENTS.  All checks or demands for money and notes of the
Corporation shall be signed by such officer or officers or such other person or
persons as the Board of Directors may from time to time designate.
 
    SECTION 3.  FISCAL YEAR.  The fiscal year of the Corporation shall be fixed
by resolution of the Board of Directors.
 
    SECTION 4.  CORPORATE SEAL.  The corporate seal shall have inscribed thereon
the name of the Corporation, the year of its organization and the words
"Corporate Seal, Delaware." The seal may be used by causing it or a facsimile
thereof to be impressed or affixed or reproduced or otherwise.
 
                                  ARTICLE VIII
                                INDEMNIFICATION
 
    The power, right and obligation of the Corporation to indemnify any director
or officer of the Corporation and employees and agents of the Corporation shall
be as set forth in Article EIGHTH of the Certificate of Incorporation. All
directors and officers of the Corporation shall be entitled to indemnification
as set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation.
 
                                   ARTICLE IX
                                   AMENDMENTS
 
    SECTION 1.  These Bylaws may be altered, amended or repealed, in whole or in
part, or new Bylaws may be adopted by the stockholders or by the Board of
Directors; provided, however, that notice of such alteration, amendment, repeal
or adoption of new Bylaws be contained in the notice of such meeting of
stockholders or Board of Directors as the case may be. All such amendments must
be approved by either the holders of a majority of the outstanding capital stock
entitled to vote thereon or by a majority of the entire Board of Directors.
 
                                      II-8
<PAGE>
                                   ANNEX III
                           THE 1997 STOCK OPTION PLAN
                                       OF
                                PRICESMART, INC.
 
    PriceSmart, Inc., a Delaware corporation, has adopted The 1997 Stock Option
Plan of PriceSmart, Inc. (this "Plan"), effective               , 1997, for the
benefit of its eligible employees, consultants and directors.
 
    The purposes of this Plan are as follows:
 
    (1) To provide an additional incentive for directors, key Employees and
consultants to further the growth, development and financial success of the
Company by personally benefiting through the ownership of Company stock which
recognizes such growth, development and financial success.
 
    (2) To enable the Company to obtain and retain the services of directors,
key Employees and consultants considered essential to the long range success of
the Company by offering them an opportunity to own stock in the Company which
will reflect the growth, development and financial success of the Company.
 
                                   ARTICLE I
                                  DEFINITIONS
 
    1.1  GENERAL.  Wherever the following terms are used in this Plan they shall
have the meanings specified below, unless the context clearly indicates
otherwise.
 
    1.2  AWARD LIMIT.  "Award Limit" shall mean 125,000 shares of Common Stock,
as adjusted pursuant to Section 7.3.
 
    1.3  BOARD.  "Board" shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.
 
    1.4  CODE.  "Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
 
    1.5  COMMITTEE.  "Committee" shall mean the Compensation Committee of the
Board, or another committee or subcommittee of the Board, appointed as provided
in Section 6.1.
 
    1.6  COMMON STOCK.  "Common Stock" shall mean the common stock of the
Company, par value $.0001 per share.
 
    1.7  COMPANY.  "Company" shall mean PriceSmart, Inc., a Delaware
corporation.
 
    1.8  CORPORATE TRANSACTION.  "Corporate Transaction" shall mean any of the
following stockholder-approved transactions to which the Company is a party:
 
        (a) a merger or consolidation in which the Company is not the surviving
    entity, except for a transaction the principal purpose of which is to change
    the State in which the Company is incorporated, form a holding company or
    effect a similar reorganization as to form whereupon this Plan and all
    Options are assumed by the successor entity;
 
        (b) the sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition of all or
    substantially all of the assets of the Company, in complete liquidation or
    dissolution of the Company in a transaction not covered by the exceptions to
    clause (a), above; or
 
        (c) any reverse merger in which the Company is the surviving entity but
    in which securities possessing more than fifty percent (50%) of the total
    combined voting power of the Company's outstanding securities are
    transferred or issued to a person or persons different from those who held
    such securities immediately prior to such merger.
 
                                     III-1
<PAGE>
    1.9   DIRECTOR.  "Director" shall mean a member of the Board.
 
    1.10  DISTRIBUTION.  "Distribution" shall mean the distribution of Common
Stock to the stockholders of Price Enterprises, Inc.
 
    1.11  EMPLOYEE.  "Employee" shall mean any officer or other employee (as
defined in accordance with Section 3401(c) of the Code) of the Company, or of
any corporation which is a Subsidiary.
 
    1.12  EXCHANGE ACT.  "Exchange Act" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended.
 
    1.13  FAIR MARKET VALUE.  "Fair Market Value" of a share of Common Stock as
of a given date shall be (i) the closing price of a share of Common Stock on the
principal exchange on which shares of Common Stock are then trading, if any (or
as reported on any composite index which includes such principal exchange), on
the trading day previous to such date, or if shares were not traded on the
trading day previous to such date, then on the next preceding date on which a
trade occurred, or (ii) if Common Stock is not traded on an exchange but is
quoted on Nasdaq or a successor quotation system, the closing price of a share
of Common Stock on the trading day previous to such date as reported by Nasdaq
or such successor quotation system; or (iii) if Common Stock is not publicly
traded on an exchange and not quoted on Nasdaq or a successor quotation system,
the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock as established by the Committee
(or the Board, in the case of Options granted to Independent Directors) acting
in good faith.
 
    1.14  INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION.  "Incentive Stock Option" shall mean an option
which conforms to the applicable provisions of Section 422 of the Code and which
is designated as an Incentive Stock Option by the Committee.
 
    1.15  INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR.  "Independent Director" shall mean a member of
the Board who is not an Employee of the Company.
 
    1.16  NON-QUALIFIED STOCK OPTION.  "Non-Qualified Stock Option" shall mean
an Option which is not designated as an Incentive Stock Option by the Committee.
 
    1.17  OPTION.  "Option" shall mean a stock option granted under Article III
of this Plan. An Option granted under this Plan shall, as determined by the
Committee, be either a Non-Qualified Stock Option or an Incentive Stock Option;
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that Options granted to Independent Directors and consultants
shall be Non-Qualified Stock Options.
 
    1.18  OPTIONEE.  "Optionee" shall mean an Employee, consultant or
Independent Director granted an Option under this Plan.
 
    1.19  PLAN.  "Plan" shall mean The 1997 Stock Option Plan of PriceSmart,
Inc.
 
    1.20  QDRO.  "QDRO" shall mean a qualified domestic relations order as
defined by the Code or Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
1974, as amended, or the rules thereunder.
 
    1.21  RULE 16B-3.  "Rule 16b-3" shall mean that certain Rule 16b-3 under the
Exchange Act, as such Rule may be amended from time to time.
 
    1.22  SECTION 162(M) PARTICIPANT.  "Section 162(m) Participant" shall mean
any key Employee designated by the Committee as a key Employee whose
compensation for the fiscal year in which the key Employee is so designated or a
future fiscal year may be subject to the limit on deductible compensation
imposed by Section 162(m) of the Code.
 
    1.23  SUBSIDIARY.  "Subsidiary" shall mean any corporation in an unbroken
chain of corporations beginning with the Company if each of the corporations
other than the last corporation in the unbroken chain then owns stock possessing
50 percent or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in
one of the other corporations in such chain.
 
                                     III-2
<PAGE>
    1.24  TERMINATION OF CONSULTANCY.  "Termination of Consultancy" shall mean
the time when the engagement of an Optionee as a consultant to the Company or a
Subsidiary is terminated for any reason, with or without cause, including, but
not by way of limitation, by resignation, discharge, death or retirement; but
excluding terminations where there is a simultaneous commencement of employment
with the Company or any Subsidiary. The Committee, in its absolute discretion,
shall determine the effect of all matters and questions relating to Termination
of Consultancy, including, but not by way of limitation, the question of whether
a Termination of Consultancy resulted from a discharge for good cause, and all
questions of whether a particular leave of absence constitutes a Termination of
Consultancy. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan, the Company or
any Subsidiary has an absolute and unrestricted right to terminate a
consultant's service at any time for any reason whatsoever, with or without
cause, except to the extent expressly provided otherwise in writing.
 
    1.25  TERMINATION OF DIRECTORSHIP.  "Termination of Directorship" shall mean
the time when an Optionee who is an Independent Director ceases to be a Director
for any reason, including, but not by way of limitation, a termination by
resignation, failure to be elected, death or retirement. The Board, in its sole
and absolute discretion, shall determine the effect of all matters and questions
relating to Termination of Directorship with respect to Independent Directors.
 
    1.26  TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT.  "Termination of Employment" shall mean the
time when the employee-employer relationship between an Optionee and the Company
or any Subsidiary is terminated for any reason, with or without cause,
including, but not by way of limitation, a termination by resignation,
discharge, death, disability or retirement; but excluding (i) terminations where
there is a simultaneous reemployment or continuing employment of an Optionee by
the Company or any Subsidiary, (ii) at the discretion of the Committee,
terminations which result in a temporary severance of the employee-employer
relationship, and (iii) at the discretion of the Committee, terminations which
are followed by the simultaneous establishment of a consulting relationship by
the Company or a Subsidiary with the former employee. The Committee, in its
absolute discretion, shall determine the effect of all matters and questions
relating to Termination of Employment, including, but not by way of limitation,
the question of whether a Termination of Employment resulted from a discharge
for good cause, and all questions of whether a particular leave of absence
constitutes a Termination of Employment; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that, unless
otherwise determined by the Committee in its discretion, a leave of absence,
change in status from an employee to an independent contractor or other change
in the employee-employer relationship shall constitute a Termination of
Employment if, and to the extent that with respect to Incentive Stock Options,
such leave of absence, change in status or other change interrupts employment
for the purposes of Section 422(a)(2) of the Code and the then applicable
regulations and revenue rulings under said Section. Notwithstanding any other
provision of this Plan, the Company or any Subsidiary has an absolute and
unrestricted right to terminate an Employee's employment at any time for any
reason whatsoever, with or without cause, except to the extent expressly
provided otherwise in writing.
 
                                   ARTICLE II
                             SHARES SUBJECT TO PLAN
 
    2.1  SHARES SUBJECT TO PLAN.
 
    (a) The shares of stock subject to Options shall be Common Stock. The
aggregate number of such shares which may be issued upon exercise of such
Options or rights or upon any such awards under the Plan shall not exceed
700,000. The shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of such Options may
be either previously authorized but unissued shares or treasury shares.
 
    (b) The maximum number of shares which may be subject to Options granted
under the Plan to any individual in any fiscal year shall not exceed the Award
Limit. To the extent required by Section 162(m) of the Code, shares subject to
Options which are canceled continue to be counted against the Award Limit
 
                                     III-3
<PAGE>
and if, after grant of an Option, the price of shares subject to such Option is
reduced, the transaction is treated as a cancellation of the Option and a grant
of a new Option and both the Option deemed to be canceled and the Option deemed
to be granted are counted against the Award Limit.
 
    2.2  ADD-BACK OF OPTIONS.  If any Option to acquire shares of Common Stock
under this Plan expires or is canceled without having been fully exercised, or
is exercised in whole or in part for cash as permitted by this Plan, the number
of shares subject to such Option but as to which such Option was not exercised
prior to its expiration, cancellation or exercise may again be optioned
hereunder, subject to the limitations of Section 2.1. Furthermore, any shares
subject to Options which are adjusted pursuant to Section 7.3 and become
exercisable with respect to shares of stock of another corporation shall be
considered cancelled and may again be optioned hereunder, subject to the
limitations of Section 2.1. Shares of Common Stock which are delivered by the
Optionee or withheld by the Company upon the exercise of any Option under this
Plan, in payment of the exercise price thereof, may again be optioned hereunder,
subject to the limitations of Section 2.1. Notwithstanding the provisions of
this Section 2.2, no shares of Common Stock may again be optioned if such action
would cause an Incentive Stock Option to fail to qualify as an incentive stock
option under Section 422 of the Code.
 
                                  ARTICLE III
                              GRANTING OF OPTIONS
 
    3.1  ELIGIBILITY.  Any Employee or consultant selected by the Committee
pursuant to Section 3.4(a)(i) shall be eligible to be granted an Option. Each
Independent Director of the Company shall be eligible to be granted Options at
the times and in the manner set forth in Section 3.4(d).
 
    3.2  DISQUALIFICATION FOR STOCK OWNERSHIP.  No person may be granted an
Incentive Stock Option under this Plan if such person, at the time the Incentive
Stock Option is granted, owns stock possessing more than ten percent (10%) of
the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any
then existing Subsidiary or parent corporation (within the meaning of Section
422 of the Code) unless such Incentive Stock Option conforms to the applicable
provisions of Section 422 of the Code.
 
    3.3  QUALIFICATION OF INCENTIVE STOCK OPTIONS.  No Incentive Stock Option
shall be granted to any person who is not an Employee.
 
    3.4  GRANTING OF OPTIONS
 
    (a) The Committee shall from time to time, in its absolute discretion, and
subject to applicable limitations of this Plan:
 
        (i) Determine which Employees are key Employees and select from among
    the key Employees or consultants (including Employees or consultants who
    have previously received Options under this Plan) such of them as in its
    opinion should be granted Options;
 
        (ii) Subject to the Award Limit, determine the number of shares to be
    subject to such Options granted to the selected key Employees or
    consultants;
 
       (iii) Subject to Section 3.3, determine whether such Options are to be
    Incentive Stock Options or Non-Qualified Stock Options and whether such
    Options are to qualify as performance-based compensation as described in
    Section 162(m)(4)(C) of the Code; and
 
        (iv) Determine the terms and conditions of such Options, consistent with
    this Plan; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the terms and conditions of Options
    intended to qualify as performance-based compensation as described in
    Section 162(m)(4)(C) of the Code shall include, but not be limited to, such
    terms and conditions as may be necessary to meet the applicable provisions
    of Section 162(m) of the Code.
 
                                     III-4
<PAGE>
    (b) Upon the selection of a key Employee or consultant to be granted an
Option, the Committee shall instruct the Chief Executive Officer of the Company
to issue the Option and may impose such conditions on the grant of the Option as
it deems appropriate. Without limiting the generality of the preceding sentence,
the Committee may, in its discretion and on such terms as it deems appropriate,
require as a condition on the grant of an Option to an Employee or consultant
that the Employee or consultant surrender for cancellation some or all of the
unexercised Options or other rights which have been previously granted to him
under this Plan or otherwise. An Option, the grant of which is conditioned upon
such surrender, may have an Option price lower (or higher) than the exercise
price of such surrendered Option or other award, may cover the same (or a lesser
or greater) number of shares as such surrendered Option or other award, may
contain such other terms as the Committee deems appropriate, and shall be
exercisable in accordance with its terms, without regard to the number of
shares, price, exercise period or any other term or condition of such
surrendered Option or other award.
 
    (c) Any Incentive Stock Option granted under this Plan may be modified by
the Committee to disqualify such option from treatment as an "incentive stock
option" under Section 422 of the Code.
 
    (d) During the term of the Plan, each person who is an Independent Director
as of the date of the the Distribution automatically shall be granted (i) an
Option to purchase three thousand (3,000) shares of Common Stock (subject to
adjustment as provided in Section 7.3) on the 26th day after the Distribution
and (ii) an Option to purchase one thousand (1,000) shares of Common Stock
(subject to adjustment as provided in Section 7.3) on the date of each annual
meeting of stockholders after such Distribution at which the Independent
Director is reelected to the Board. During the term of the Plan, a person who is
initially elected to the Board after the consummation of the Distribution and
who is an Independent Director at the time of such initial election
automatically shall be granted (i) an Option to purchase three thousand (3,000)
shares of Common Stock (subject to adjustment as provided in Section 7.3) on the
date of such initial election and (ii) an Option to purchase one thousand
(1,000) shares of Common Stock (subject to adjustment as provided in Section
7.3) on the date of each annual meeting of stockholders after such initial
election at which the Independent Director is reelected to the Board. In
addition, the Board shall grant Options ("Replacement Options") to each
Independent Director who is a member of the Board of Directors of Price
Enterprises, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("PEI"), and whose PEI stock options
terminate unexercised as a result of the Independent Director's resignation from
such Board of Directors in order to become a member of the Board, in an amount
and upon terms and conditions which provide the Independent Director with
Replacement Options with a value which is comparable to the value of the
terminated PEI options, as determined by the Board. Members of the Board who are
employees of the Company who subsequently retire from the Company and remain on
the Board will not receive an initial Option grant pursuant to clause (i) of the
preceding sentence, but to the extent that they are otherwise eligible, will
receive, after retirement from employment with the Company, Options as described
in clause (ii) of the preceding sentence.
 
                                   ARTICLE IV
                                TERMS OF OPTIONS
 
    4.1  OPTION AGREEMENT.  Each Option shall be evidenced by a written Stock
Option Agreement, which shall be executed by the Optionee and an authorized
officer of the Company and which shall contain such terms and conditions as the
Committee (or the Board, in the case of Options granted to Independent
Directors) shall determine, consistent with this Plan. Stock Option Agreements
evidencing Options intended to qualify as performance-based compensation as
described in Section 162(m)(4)(C) of the Code shall contain such terms and
conditions as may be necessary to meet the applicable provisions of Section
162(m) of the Code. Stock Option Agreements evidencing Incentive Stock Options
shall contain such terms and conditions as may be necessary to meet the
applicable provisions of Section 422 of the Code.
 
                                     III-5
<PAGE>
    4.2  OPTION PRICE.  The price per share of the shares subject to each Option
shall be set by the Committee; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that such price shall be no
less than the par value of a share of Common Stock, unless otherwise permitted
by applicable state law, and (i) in the case of Options intended to qualify as
performance-based compensation as described in Section 162(m)(4)(C) of the Code,
such price shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of a share of
Common Stock on the date the Option is granted; (ii) in the case of Incentive
Stock Options such price shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of
a share of Common Stock on the date the Option is granted (or the date the
Option is modified, extended or renewed for purposes of Section 424(h) of the
Code); (iii) in the case of Incentive Stock Options granted to an individual
then owning (within the meaning of Section 424(d) of the Code) more than 10% of
the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any
Subsidiary or parent corporation thereof (within the meaning of Section 422 of
the Code), such price shall not be less than 110% of the Fair Market Value of a
share of Common Stock on the date the Option is granted (or the date the Option
is modified, extended or renewed for purposes of Section 424(h) of the Code);
and (iv) in the case of Options granted to Independent Directors, such price
shall equal 100% of the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date
the Option is granted; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the price of each share subject
to each Option granted to Independent Directors on the date of the Distribution
shall equal the average of the trading price for the Common Stock for the twenty
days commencing on the sixth day after the effective date of the Distribution.
 
    4.3  OPTION TERM.  The term of an Option shall be set by the Committee in
its discretion; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that, (i) in the case of Options granted to
Independent Directors, the term shall be ten (10) years from the date the Option
is granted, without variation or acceleration hereunder, but subject to Section
5.6, and (ii) in the case of Incentive Stock Options, the term shall not be more
than ten (10) years from the date the Incentive Stock Option is granted, or five
(5) years from such date if the Incentive Stock Option is granted to an
individual then owning (within the meaning of Section 424(d) of the Code) more
than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the
Company or any Subsidiary or parent corporation thereof (within the meaning of
Section 422 of the Code). Except as limited by requirements of Section 422 of
the Code and regulations and rulings thereunder applicable to Incentive Stock
Options, the Committee may extend the term of any outstanding Option in
connection with any Termination of Employment or Termination of Consultancy of
the Optionee, or amend any other term or condition of such Option relating to
such a termination.
 
    4.4  OPTION VESTING
 
    (a) The period during which the right to exercise an Option in whole or in
part vests in the Optionee shall be set by the Committee and the Committee may
determine that an Option may not be exercised in whole or in part for a
specified period after it is granted; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that, unless the
Committee otherwise provides in the terms of the Option or otherwise, no Option
shall be exercisable by any Optionee who is then subject to Section 16 of the
Exchange Act within the period ending six months and one day after the date the
Option is granted; and PROVIDED, FURTHER, that Options granted to Independent
Directors, other than Replacement Options, shall become exercisable in
cumulative annual installments of 25% on each of the first, second, third and
fourth anniversaries of the date of Option grant, without variation or
acceleration hereunder except as provided in Section 7.3(b). At any time after
grant of an Option, the Committee may, in its sole and absolute discretion and
subject to whatever terms and conditions it selects, accelerate the period
during which an Option (except an Option granted to an Independent Director)
vests.
 
    (b) No portion of an Option which is unexercisable at Termination of
Employment, Termination of Directorship or Termination of Consultancy, as
applicable, shall thereafter become exercisable, except as may be otherwise
provided by the Committee in the case of Options granted to Employees or
consultants either in the Stock Option Agreement or by action of the Committee
following the grant of the Option.
 
                                     III-6
<PAGE>
    (c) To the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value of stock with respect
to which "incentive stock options" (within the meaning of Section 422 of the
Code, but without regard to Section 422(d) of the Code) are exercisable for the
first time by an Optionee during any calendar year (under the Plan and all other
incentive stock option plans of the Company and any parent or subsidiary
corporation (within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code) of the Company)
exceeds $100,000, such Options shall be treated as Non-Qualified Options to the
extent required by Section 422 of the Code. The rule set forth in the preceding
sentence shall be applied by taking Options into account in the order in which
they were granted. For purposes of this Section 4.4(c), the Fair Market Value of
stock shall be determined as of the time the Option with respect to such stock
is granted.
 
    4.5  CONSIDERATION.  In consideration of the granting of an Option, the
Optionee shall agree, in the written Stock Option Agreement, to remain in the
employ of (or to consult for or to serve as an Independent Director of, as
applicable) the Company or any Subsidiary for a period of at least six months
(or such shorter period as may be fixed in the Stock Option Agreement or by
action of the Committee following grant of the Option) after the Option is
granted (or, in the case of an Independent Director, until the next annual
meeting of stockholders of the Company). Nothing in this Plan or in any Stock
Option Agreement hereunder shall confer upon any Optionee any right to continue
in the employ of, or as a consultant for, the Company or any Subsidiary, or as a
director of the Company, or shall interfere with or restrict in any way the
rights of the Company and any Subsidiary, which are hereby expressly reserved,
to discharge any Optionee at any time for any reason whatsoever, with or without
good cause.
 
                                   ARTICLE V
                              EXERCISE OF OPTIONS
 
    5.1  PARTIAL EXERCISE.  An exercisable Option may be exercised in whole or
in part. However, an Option shall not be exercisable with respect to fractional
shares and the Committee (or the Board, in the case of Options granted to
Independent Directors) may require that, by the terms of the Option, a partial
exercise be with respect to a minimum number of shares.
 
    5.2  MANNER OF EXERCISE.  All or a portion of an exercisable Option shall be
deemed exercised upon delivery of all of the following to the Secretary of the
Company or his office:
 
    (a) A written notice complying with the applicable rules established by the
Committee (or the Board, in the case of Options granted to Independent
Directors) stating that the Option, or a portion thereof, is exercised. The
notice shall be signed by the Optionee or other person then entitled to exercise
the Option or such portion of the Option;
 
    (b) Such representations and documents as the Committee (or the Board, in
the case of Options granted to Independent Directors), in its absolute
discretion, deems necessary or advisable to effect compliance with all
appli-cable provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any other
federal or state securities laws or regulations. The Committee or Board may, in
its absolute discretion, also take whatever additional actions it deems
appropriate to effect such compliance including, without limitation, placing
legends on share certificates and issuing stop-transfer notices to agents and
registrars;
 
    (c) In the event that the Option shall be exercised pursuant to Section 7.1
by any person or persons other than the Optionee, appropriate proof of the right
of such person or persons to exercise the Option; and
 
    (d) Full cash payment to the Secretary of the Company for the shares with
respect to which the Option, or portion thereof, is exercised. However, the
Committee (or the Board, in the case of Options granted to Independent
Directors), may in its discretion (i) allow a delay in payment up to thirty (30)
days from the date the Option, or portion thereof, is exercised; (ii) allow
payment, in whole or in part, through the delivery of shares of Common Stock
owned by the Optionee, duly endorsed for transfer to the
 
                                     III-7
<PAGE>
Company with a Fair Market Value on the date of delivery equal to the aggregate
exercise price of the Option or exercised portion thereof; (iii) allow payment,
in whole or in part, through the surrender of shares of Common Stock then
issuable upon exercise of the Option having a Fair Market Value on the date of
Option exercise equal to the aggregate exercise price of the Option or exercised
portion thereof; (iv) allow payment, in whole or in part, through the delivery
of property of any kind which constitutes good and valuable consideration; (v)
allow payment, in whole or in part, through the delivery of a full recourse
promissory note bearing interest (at no less than such rate as shall then
preclude the imputation of interest under the Code) and payable upon such terms
as may be prescribed by the Committee or the Board; (vi) allow payment, in whole
or in part, through the delivery of a notice that the Optionee has placed a
market sell order with a broker with respect to shares of Common Stock then
issuable upon exercise of the Option, and that the broker has been directed to
pay a sufficient portion of the net proceeds of the sale to the Company in
satisfaction of the Option exercise price; or (vii) allow payment through any
combination of the consideration provided in the foregoing subparagraphs (ii),
(iii), (iv), (v) and (vi). In the case of a promissory note, the Committee (or
the Board, in the case of Options granted to Independent Directors) may also
prescribe the form of such note and the security to be given for such note. The
Option may not be exercised, however, by delivery of a promissory note or by a
loan from the Company when or where such loan or other extension of credit is
prohibited by law.
 
    5.3  CONDITIONS TO ISSUANCE OF STOCK CERTIFICATES.  The Company shall not be
required to issue or deliver any certificate or certificates for shares of stock
purchased upon the exercise of any Option or portion thereof prior to
fulfillment of all of the following conditions, any one of which may be issued
by the Company, in its discretion:
 
    (a) The admission of such shares to listing on all stock exchanges on which
such class of stock is then listed;
 
    (b) The completion of any registration or other qualification of such shares
under any state or federal law, or under the rulings or regulations of the
Securities and Exchange Commission or any other governmental regulatory body
which the Committee or Board shall, in its absolute discretion, deem necessary
or advisable;
 
    (c) The obtaining of any approval or other clearance from any state or
federal governmental agency which the Committee (or Board, in the case of
Options granted to Independent Directors) shall, in its absolute discretion,
determine to be necessary or advisable;
 
    (d) The lapse of such reasonable period of time following the exercise of
the Option as the Committee (or Board, in the case of Options granted to
Independent Directors) may establish from time to time for reasons of
administrative convenience; and
 
    (e) Subject to Section 5.2(d), the receipt by the Company of full payment
for such shares, including payment of any applicable withholding tax.
 
    5.4  RIGHTS AS STOCKHOLDERS.  The holders of Options shall not be, nor have
any of the rights or privileges of, stockholders of the Company in respect of
any shares purchasable upon the exercise of any part of an Option unless and
until certificates representing such shares have been issued by the Company to
such holders.
 
    5.5  OWNERSHIP AND TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS.  The Committee (or Board, in the
case of Options granted to Independent Directors), in its absolute discretion,
may impose such restrictions on the ownership and transferability of the shares
purchasable upon the exercise of an Option as it deems appropriate. Any such
restriction shall be set forth in the respective Stock Option Agreement and may
be referred to on the certificates evidencing such shares. The Committee may
require the Employee to give the Company prompt notice of any disposition of
shares of Common Stock acquired by exercise of an Incentive Stock Option within
(i) two years from the date of granting (including the date the Option is
modified, extended or renewed for purposes of Section 424(h) of the Code) such
Option to such Employee or (ii) one year
 
                                     III-8
<PAGE>
after the transfer of such shares to such Employee. The Committee may direct
that the certificates evidencing shares acquired by exercise of an Option refer
to such requirement to give prompt notice of disposition.
 
    5.6  LIMITATIONS ON EXERCISE OF OPTIONS GRANTED TO INDEPENDENT
DIRECTORS.  No Option granted to an Independent Director may be exercised to any
extent by anyone after the first to occur of the following events:
 
    (a) The expiration of twelve (12) months from the date of the Optionee's
death;
 
    (b) the expiration of twelve (12) months from the date of the Optionee's
Termination of Directorship by reason of his permanent and total disability
(within the meaning of Section 22(e)(3) of the Code);
 
    (c) the expiration of three (3) months from the date of the Optionee's
Termination of Directorship for any reason other than such Optionee's death or
his permanent and total disability, unless the Optionee dies within said
three-month period; or
 
    (d) The expiration of ten years from the date the Option was granted.
 
                                   ARTICLE VI
                                 ADMINISTRATION
 
    6.1  COMPENSATION COMMITTEE.  The Compensation Committee (or another
committee or a subcommittee of the Board assuming the functions of the Committee
under this Plan) shall consist solely of two or more Independent Directors
appointed by and holding office at the pleasure of the Board, each of whom is
both a "non-employee director" as defined by Rule 16b-3 and an "outside
director" for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Code. Appointment of Committee
members shall be effective upon acceptance of appointment. Committee members may
resign at any time by delivering written notice to the Board. Vacancies in the
Committee may be filled by the Board.
 
    6.2  DUTIES AND POWERS OF COMMITTEE.  It shall be the duty of the Committee
to conduct the general administration of this Plan in accordance with its
provisions. The Committee shall have the power to interpret this Plan and the
agreements pursuant to which Options are granted or awarded, and to adopt such
rules for the administration, interpretation, and application of this Plan as
are consistent therewith and to interpret, amend or revoke any such rules.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the full Board, acting by a majority of its
members in office, shall conduct the general administration of the Plan with
respect to Options granted to Independent Directors. Any such grant or award
under this Plan need not be the same with respect to each Optionee. Any such
interpretations and rules with respect to Incentive Stock Options shall be
consistent with the provisions of Section 422 of the Code. In its absolute
discretion, the Board may at any time and from time to time exercise any and all
rights and duties of the Committee under this Plan except with respect to
matters which under Rule 16b-3 or Section 162(m) of the Code, or any regulations
or rules issued thereunder, are required to be determined in the sole discretion
of the Committee.
 
    6.3  MAJORITY RULE; UNANIMOUS WRITTEN CONSENT.  The Committee shall act by a
majority of its members in attendance at a meeting at which a quorum is present
or by a memorandum or other written instrument signed by all members of the
Committee.
 
    6.4  COMPENSATION; PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE; GOOD FAITH ACTIONS.  Members of
the Committee shall receive such compensation, if any, for their services as
members as may be determined by the Board. All expenses and liabilities which
members of the Committee incur in connection with the administration of this
Plan shall be borne by the Company. The Committee may, with the approval of the
Board, employ attorneys, consultants, accountants, appraisers, brokers, or other
persons. The Committee, the Company and the Company's officers and Directors
shall be entitled to rely upon the advice, opinions or valuations of any such
persons. All actions taken and all interpretations and determinations made by
the Committee
 
                                     III-9
<PAGE>
or the Board in good faith shall be final and binding upon all Optionees, the
Company and all other interested persons. No members of the Committee or Board
shall be personally liable for any action, determination or interpretation made
in good faith with respect to this Plan or Options, and all members of the
Committee and the Board shall be fully protected by the Company in respect of
any such action, determination or interpretation.
 
                                  ARTICLE VII
                            MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
 
    7.1  NOT TRANSFERABLE.  Options under this Plan may not be sold, pledged,
assigned, or transferred in any manner other than by will or the laws of descent
and distribution or pursuant to a QDRO, unless and until such options have been
exercised, or the shares underlying such options have been issued, and all
restrictions applicable to such shares have lapsed. No Option or interest or
right therein shall be liable for the debts, contracts or engagements of the
Optionee or his successors in interest or shall be subject to disposition by
transfer, alienation, anticipation, pledge, encumbrance, assignment or any other
means whether such disposition be voluntary or involuntary or by operation of
law by judgment, levy, attachment, garnishment or any other legal or equitable
proceedings (including bankruptcy), and any attempted disposition thereof shall
be null and void and of no effect, except to the extent that such disposition is
permitted by the preceding sentence.
 
    During the lifetime of the Optionee, only he may exercise an Option (or any
portion thereof) granted to him under the Plan, unless it has been disposed of
pursuant to a QDRO. After the death of the Optionee, any exercisable portion of
an Option may, prior to the time when such portion becomes unexercisable under
the Plan or the applicable Stock Option Agreement or other agreement, be
exercised by his personal representative or by any person empowered to do so
under the deceased Optionee's will or under the then applicable laws of descent
and distribution.
 
    7.2  AMENDMENT, SUSPENSION OR TERMINATION OF THIS PLAN.  Except as otherwise
provided in this Section 7.2, this Plan may be wholly or partially amended or
otherwise modified, suspended or terminated at any time or from time to time by
the Board or the Committee. However, without approval of the Company's
stockholders given within twelve months before or after the action by the Board
or the Committee, no action of the Board or the Committee may, except as
provided in Section 7.3, increase the limits imposed in Section 2.1 on the
maximum number of shares which may be issued under this Plan, and no action of
the Board or the Committee may be taken that would otherwise require stockholder
approval as a matter of applicable law, regulation or rule. Furthermore, no
modification of the Award Limit shall be effective prior to the approval of the
Company's stockholders. No amendment, suspension or termination of this Plan
shall, without the consent of the holder of Options, alter or impair any rights
or obligations under any Options theretofore granted or awarded, unless the
award itself otherwise expressly so provides. No Options may be granted or
awarded during any period of suspension or after termination of this Plan, and
in no event may any Incentive Stock Option be granted under this Plan after the
first to occur of the following events:
 
    (a) The expiration of ten years from the date the Plan is adopted by the
Board; or
 
    (b) The expiration of ten years from the date the Plan is approved by the
Company's stockholders under Section 7.4.
 
    7.3  CHANGES IN COMMON STOCK OR ASSETS OF THE COMPANY, ACQUISITION OR
LIQUIDATION OF THE COMPANY AND OTHER CORPORATE EVENTS.
 
    (a) Subject to Section 7.3(d), in the event that the Committee (or the
Board, in the case of Options granted to Independent Directors) determines that
any dividend or other distribution (whether in the form of cash, Common Stock,
other securities, or other property), recapitalization, reclassification, stock
split,
 
                                     III-10
<PAGE>
reverse stock split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off,
combination, repurchase, liquidation, dissolution, or sale, transfer, exchange
or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company
(including, but not limited to, a Corporate Transaction), or exchange of Common
Stock or other securities of the Company, issuance of warrants or other rights
to purchase Common Stock or other securities of the Company, or other similar
corporate transaction or event, in the Committee's sole discretion (or in the
case of Options granted to Independent Directors, the Board's sole discretion),
affects the Common Stock such that an adjustment is determined by the Committee
to be appropriate in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits or
potential benefits intended to be made available under the Plan or with respect
to an Option, then the Committee (or the Board, in the case of Options granted
to Independent Directors) shall, in such manner as it may deem equitable, adjust
any or all of
 
        (i) the number and kind of shares of Common Stock (or other securities
    or property) with respect to which Options may be granted under the Plan,
    (including, but not limited to, adjustments of the limitations in Section
    2.1 on the maximum number and kind of shares which may be issued and
    adjustments of the Award Limit),
 
        (ii) the number and kind of shares of Common Stock (or other securities
    or property) subject to outstanding Options, and
 
       (iii) the grant or exercise price with respect to any Option.
 
    (b) Subject to Section 7.3(d), in the event of any Corporate Transaction or
other transaction or event described in Section 7.3(a) or any unusual or
nonrecurring transactions or events affecting the Company, any affiliate of the
Company, or the financial statements of the Company or any affiliate, or of
changes in applicable laws, regulations, or accounting principles, the Committee
(or the Board, in the case of Options granted to Independent Directors) in its
discretion is hereby authorized to take any one or more of the following actions
whenever the Committee (or the Board, in the case of Options granted to
Independent Directors) determines that such action is appropriate in order to
prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended
to be made available under the Plan or with respect to any option under this
Plan, to facilitate such transactions or events or to give effect to such
changes in laws, regulations or principles:
 
        (i) In its sole and absolute discretion, and on such terms and
    conditions as it deems appropriate, the Committee (or the Board, in the case
    of Options granted to Independent Directors) may provide, either by the
    terms of the agreement or by action taken prior to the occurrence of such
    transaction or event and either automatically or upon the optionee's
    request, for either the purchase of any such Option for an amount of cash
    equal to the positive difference, if any, between the amount that could have
    been obtained upon the exercise of such Option and the exercise price of
    such Option, or realization of the optionee's rights had such Option been
    currently exercisable or payable or fully vested or the replacement of such
    Option with other rights or property selected by the Committee (or the
    Board, in the case of Options granted to Independent Directors) in its sole
    discretion;
 
        (ii) In its sole and absolute discretion, and on such terms and
    conditions as it deems appropriate, the Committee (or the Board, in the case
    of Options granted to Independent Directors) may provide, either by the
    terms of such Option or by action taken prior to the occurrence of such
    transaction or event, that for a specified period of time prior to such
    transaction or event, such Option shall be exercisable as to all shares
    covered thereby, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in (i) Section 4.4
    or (ii) the provisions of such Option;
 
       (iii) In its sole and absolute discretion, and on such terms and
    conditions as it deems appropriate, the Committee (or the Board, in the case
    of Options granted to Independent Directors) may provide, either by the
    terms of such Option or by action taken prior to the occurrence of such
    transaction or event, that upon such event, such Option be assumed by the
    successor or survivor corporation, or a
 
                                     III-11
<PAGE>
    parent or subsidiary thereof, or shall be substituted for by similar Options
    covering the stock of the successor or survivor corporation, or a parent or
    subsidiary thereof, with appropriate adjustments as to the number and kind
    of shares and prices; and
 
        (v) In its sole and absolute discretion, and on such terms and
    conditions as it deems appropriate, the Committee (or the Board, in the case
    of Options granted to Independent Directors) may make adjustments in the
    number and type of shares of Common Stock (or other securities or property)
    subject to outstanding Options and/or in the terms and conditions of
    (including the grant or exercise price), and the criteria included in,
    outstanding Options and Options which may be granted in the future.
 
    (c) Subject to Section 7.3(d) and 7.8, the Committee (or the Board, in the
case of Options granted to Independent Directors) may, in its discretion,
include such further provisions and limitations in any Option as it may deem
equitable and in the best interests of the Company.
 
    (d) With respect to Options which are granted to Section 162(m) Participants
and are intended to qualify as performance-based compensation under Section
162(m)(4)(C), no adjustment or action described in this Section 7.3 or in any
other provision of the Plan shall be authorized to the extent that such
adjustment or action would cause the Plan to violate Section 422(b)(1) of the
Code or would cause such option to fail to so qualify under Section
162(m)(4)(C), as the case may be, or any successor provisions thereto.
Furthermore, no such adjustment or action shall be authorized to the extent such
adjustment or action would result in short-swing profits liability under Section
16 or violate the exemptive conditions of Rule 16b-3 unless the Committee (or
the Board, in the case of Options granted to Independent Directors) determines
that the option is not to comply with such exemptive conditions. The number of
shares of Common Stock subject to any option shall always be rounded to the next
whole number.
 
    7.4  APPROVAL OF PLAN BY STOCKHOLDERS.  This Plan will be submitted for the
approval of the Company's stockholders within twelve months after the date of
the Board's initial adoption of this Plan. Options may be granted prior to such
stockholder approval, provided that such Options shall not be exercisable prior
to the time when this Plan is approved by the stockholders, and provided further
that if such approval has not been obtained at the end of said twelve-month
period, all Options previously granted under this Plan shall thereupon be
canceled and become null and void.
 
    7.5  TAX WITHHOLDING.  The Company shall be entitled to require payment in
cash or deduction from other compensation payable to each Optionee of any sums
required by federal, state or local tax law to be withheld with respect to the
issuance, vesting, exercise or payment of any Option. The Committee (or the
Board, in the case of Options granted to Independent Directors) may in its
discretion and in satisfaction of the foregoing requirement allow such Optionee
to elect to have the Company withhold shares of Common Stock otherwise issuable
under such Option (or allow the return of shares of Common Stock) having a Fair
Market Value equal to the sums required to be withheld.
 
    7.6  LOANS.  The Committee may, in its discretion, extend one or more loans
to key Employees in connection with the exercise or receipt of an Option granted
under this Plan. The terms and conditions of any such loan shall be set by the
Committee.
 
    7.7  FORFEITURE PROVISIONS.  Pursuant to its general authority to determine
the terms and conditions applicable to awards under the Plan, the Committee (or
the Board, in the case of Options granted to Independent Directors) shall have
the right (to the extent consistent with the applicable exemptive conditions of
Rule 16b-3) to provide, in the terms of Options made under the Plan, or to
require the recipient to agree by separate written instrument, that (i) any
proceeds, gains or other economic benefit actually or constructively received by
the recipient upon any receipt or exercise of an Option, or upon the receipt or
resale of any Common Stock underlying such Option, must be paid to the Company,
and (ii) the Option shall terminate and any unexercised portion of such Option
(whether or not vested) shall be forfeited, if (a) a Termination of Employment,
Termination of Consultancy or Termination of Directorship
 
                                     III-12
<PAGE>
occurs prior to a specified date, or within a specified time period following
receipt or exercise of the Option, or (b) the recipient at any time, or during a
specified time period, engages in any activity in competition with the Company,
or which is inimical, contrary or harmful to the interests of the Company, as
further defined by the Committee (or the Board, as applicable).
 
    7.8  LIMITATIONS APPLICABLE TO SECTION 16 PERSONS AND PERFORMANCE-BASED
COMPENSATION.  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan, this Plan, and
any Option granted to any individual who is then subject to Section 16 of the
Exchange Act, shall be subject to any additional limitations set forth in any
applicable exemptive rule under Section 16 of the Exchange Act (including any
amendment to Rule 16b-3) that are requirements for the application of such
exemptive rule. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Plan and Options
granted hereunder shall be deemed amended to the extent necessary to conform to
such applicable exemptive rule. Furthermore, notwithstanding any other provision
of this Plan, any Option which is granted to a Section 162(m) Participant and is
intended to qualify as performance-based compensation as described in Section
162(m)(4)(C) of the Code shall be subject to any additional limitations set
forth in Section 162(m) of the Code (including any amendment to Section 162(m)
of the Code) or any regulations or rulings issued thereunder that are
requirements for qualification as performance-based compensation as described in
Section 162(m)(4)(C) of the Code, and this Plan shall be deemed amended to the
extent necessary to conform to such requirements.
 
    7.9  EFFECT OF PLAN UPON OPTIONS AND COMPENSATION PLANS.  The adoption of
this Plan shall not affect any other compensation or incentive plans in effect
for the Company or any Subsidiary. Nothing in this Plan shall be construed to
limit the right of the Company (i) to establish any other forms of incentives or
compensation for Employees, Directors or Consultants of the Company or any
Subsidiary or (ii) to grant or assume options or other rights otherwise than
under this Plan in connection with any proper corporate purpose including but
not by way of limitation, the grant or assumption of options in connection with
the acquisition by purchase, lease, merger, consolidation or otherwise, of the
business, stock or assets of any corporation, partnership, limited liability
company, firm or association.
 
    7.10  COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS.  This Plan, the granting and vesting of Options
under this Plan and the issuance and delivery of shares of Common Stock and the
payment of money under this Plan or under Options granted hereunder are subject
to compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations
(including but not limited to state and federal securities law and federal
margin requirements) and to such approvals by any listing, regulatory or
governmental authority as may, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, be
necessary or advisable in connection therewith. Any securities delivered under
this Plan shall be subject to such restrictions, and the person acquiring such
securities shall, if requested by the Company, provide such assurances and
representations to the Company as the Company may deem necessary or desirable to
assure compliance with all applicable legal requirements. To the extent
permitted by applicable law, the Plan and Options granted or awarded hereunder
shall be deemed amended to the extent necessary to conform to such laws, rules
and regulations.
 
    7.11  TITLES.  Titles are provided herein for convenience only and are not
to serve as a basis for interpretation or construction of this Plan.
 
    7.12  GOVERNING LAW.  This Plan and any agreements hereunder shall be
administered, interpreted and enforced under the internal laws of the State of
Delaware without regard to conflicts of laws thereof.
 
                                     * * *
 
    I hereby certify that the foregoing Plan was duly adopted by the Board of
Directors of PriceSmart, Inc. on               , 1997.
 
    Executed on this   day of             , 1997.
 
                                          --------------------------------------
 
                                                        Secretary
 
                                     III-13

<PAGE>

                     EMPLOYEE BENEFITS & OTHER EMPLOYMENT MATTERS
                                 ALLOCATION AGREEMENT

    THIS EMPLOYEE BENEFITS & OTHER EMPLOYMENT MATTERS ALLOCATION AGREEMENT
("Agreement") is made and entered into as of August __, 1997, by and between
PRICE ENTERPRISES, INC., a Delaware corporation ("PEI"), and PRICESMART, INC., a
Delaware corporation ("PriceSmart," and collectively with PEI, the "Parties"),
effective as of the Distribution Date (as hereinafter defined).

                                   R E C I T A L S

    WHEREAS, subject to certain conditions, PEI intends to spin-off its
merchandising businesses and certain other assets by distributing to PEI
stockholders a special dividend of one share of PriceSmart Common Stock for
every four shares of PEI Common Stock held as of the close of business on the
Record Date (the "Distribution"); and

    WHEREAS, in connection with such spin-off, PEI and PriceSmart have entered
into a Distribution Agreement of even date herewith (the "Distribution
Agreement"); and

    WHEREAS, pursuant to the aforesaid Distribution Agreement, PEI and
PriceSmart have agreed to enter into an agreement allocating responsibilities
with respect to employee compensation, benefits, labor and certain other
employment matters pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth herein.

    NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein,
and other valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are
hereby acknowledged, PEI and PriceSmart agree as follows:

                                      ARTICLE I

                                     DEFINITIONS

    Section 1.01 Definitions.  As used in this Agreement, the following terms
shall have the meanings indicated below:

    Aggregate Spread:  the number of shares covered by a PEI Stock Option
remaining unexercised on the Distribution Date (after giving effect to the
Distribution) multiplied by the positive difference between (i) the sum of
(x) the Post-Distribution Stock Price for a share of PEI Common Stock and
(y) one-fourth of the Post-Distribution Stock Price for a share of PriceSmart
Common Stock and (ii) the exercise price of such PEI Stock Option.

    COBRA:  Code Section 4980B and ERISA Sections 601 through 608, establishing
employer requirements for continuation of health care benefits for the benefit
of certain current and former employees or dependents thereof.

    Code:  the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or any successor
legislation.
<PAGE>

    Collective Bargaining Agreement:  any collective bargaining agreement or
other labor agreement to which PEI or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates was
a party on or before the Distribution Date.

    Combined Profit Sharing Plan:  The PEI Profit Sharing and 401(k) Plan after
PriceSmart has become a sponsor thereunder pursuant to Section 2.02(a).

    Commission:  the Securities and Exchange Commission.

    Cut-Off Date:  the date requested by either Party as the Cut-Off Date in a
written notice to the other Party; provided that the date requested shall not be
sooner than 30 days after the date such notice is received.

    Distribution:  the spin-off of PriceSmart pursuant to the Distribution
Agreement.

    Distribution Agreement:  the agreement described in the second recital of
this Agreement.

    Distribution Date:  the date on which the Distribution occurs.

    Employee:  any individual who is in one of the following categories:  a PEI
Employee, a PEI Terminee, a PriceSmart Employee, a Transferred Employee or a
Retained Employee.

    Employer:  PEI or PriceSmart, as the context indicates.

    Employer Common Stock:  PEI Common Stock in the case of Retained Employees
and PEI Terminees and PriceSmart Common Stock in the case of PriceSmart
Employees.

    Employer Stock Option Plan:  a plan which provides for awards of additional
compensation to eligible Employees in the form of nonqualified or incentive
options to purchase Employer Common Stock, including without limitation, the PEI
Director Option Plan, the PEI Stock Option Plan and the PriceSmart Stock Option
Plan.

    ERISA:  the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, or
any successor legislation.

    HMO:  any health maintenance organization organized under 42 U.S.C. Sec.
300e-9, or a state health maintenance organization statute that provides medical
services for Retained Individuals or PriceSmart Individuals under any Plan.

    IRS:  the Internal Revenue Service.

    Medical/Dental Plan:  a Welfare Plan providing health benefits to Employees
and their dependents.

    Nasdaq National Market:  The Nasdaq Stock Market's National Market System.

    PEI:  Price Enterprises, Inc., a Delaware corporation, or any of its direct
or indirect subsidiaries.


                                          2
<PAGE>

    PEI Common Stock:  the common stock, par value $.0001 per share, of Price
Enterprises, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

    PEI Director Option:  an option to purchase PEI Common Stock pursuant to
the PEI Director Option Plan.

    PEI Director Option Plan:  The Price Enterprises Directors' 1995 Stock
Option Plan to be continued by PEI following the Distribution pursuant to
Section 2.03(b).

    PEI Employee:  any individual who is an employee or director of PEI.

    PEI Individual:  any individual who is (i) a PEI Employee, (ii) a PEI
Terminee, or (iii) a dependent or beneficiary of any individual specified in
clause (i) or (ii).

    PEI Medical/Dental Plans:  any Medical/Dental Plans maintained for or
providing benefits to PEI Individuals.

    PEI Profit Sharing Plan:  Prior to the Distribution Date, the PEI Profit
Sharing and 401(k) Plan, and from and after the Cut-Off Date, the Profit 
Sharing Plan maintained for PEI Individuals.

    PEI Qualified Beneficiary:  a Qualified Beneficiary who, immediately
following the Distribution, is not a PriceSmart Qualified Beneficiary and who,
immediately prior to the Distribution, was a Qualified Beneficiary under any PEI
Medical/Dental Plan.

    PEI Stock Option:  an option to purchase PEI Common Stock pursuant to the
PEI Stock Option Plan.

    PEI Stock Option Plan:  The Price Enterprises 1995 Combined Stock Grant and
Stock Option Plan to be continued by PEI following the Distribution pursuant to
Section 2.03(a).

    PEI Terminee:  any individual who was formerly employed by PEI who
terminated such employment prior to the Distribution Date.

    Plan:  any plan, policy, arrangement, contract or agreement providing
compensation benefits for any group of Employees or former Employees or
individual Employee or former Employee, or the dependents or beneficiaries of
any such Employee or former Employee, whether formal or informal or written or
unwritten, and including, without limitation, any means, whether or not legally
required, pursuant to which any benefit is provided by an Employer to any
Employee or former Employee or the beneficiaries of any such Employee or former
Employee, adopted or entered into by a Party prior to, or upon the Distribution.
The term "Plan" as used in this Agreement does not include any contract,
agreement or understanding entered into by PEI or PriceSmart relating to
settlement of actual or potential Employee related litigation claims.

    Post-Distribution Stock Price:  the average of the per share closing sales
prices of PriceSmart Common Stock or PEI Common Stock, as the context indicates,
on the Nasdaq National Market during the twenty-trading day period commencing on
the sixth trading day following the Distribution Date.


                                          3
<PAGE>

    PriceSmart:  PriceSmart, Inc., a Delaware corporation, or any of its direct
or indirect subsidiaries.

    PriceSmart Common Stock:  the common stock, par value $.0001 per share, of
PriceSmart, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

    PriceSmart Employee:  any individual who is (a) a Transferred Employee, or
(b) not a Transferred Employee but becomes an employee of PriceSmart on or after
the Distribution Date.

    PriceSmart Individual:  any individual who (i) is a Transferred Employee,
or (ii) a PriceSmart Employee, or (iii) is a dependent or beneficiary of any
individual described in clause (i) or (ii).

    PriceSmart Medical/Dental Plans:  the Medical/Dental Plans to be
established by PriceSmart in accordance with Section 2.06(a).

    PriceSmart Profit Sharing Plan:  From and after the Cut-Off Date, the
Profit Sharing Plan maintained for PriceSmart Individuals.

    PriceSmart Qualified Beneficiary:  any Transferred Individual (or dependent
thereof) who, on or before the Distribution Date, was a Qualified Beneficiary
under any PEI Medical/Dental Plan.

    PriceSmart Stock Option:  an option to purchase PriceSmart Common Stock
pursuant to the PriceSmart Stock Option Plan.

    PriceSmart Stock Option Plan:  the 1997 Stock Option Plan of PriceSmart,
Inc., as established by PriceSmart pursuant to Section 2.03(c).

    Profit Sharing Plan:  (i) during the period from the Distribution Date to
the Cut-Off Date, the Combined Profit Sharing Plan and (ii) after the Cut-Off
Date, the PEI Profit Sharing Plan or the PriceSmart Profit Sharing Plan.

    Qualified Beneficiary:  an individual (or dependent thereof) who either (1)
experiences a "qualifying event" (as that term is defined in Code Section
4980B(f)(3) and ERISA Section 603) while a participant in any Medical/Dental
Plan, or (2) becomes a "qualified beneficiary" (as that term is defined in Code
Section 4980B(g)(1) and ERISA 607(3)) under any Medical/Dental Plan.

    Record Date:  August 15, 1997.

    Retained Business:  any business or operation of PEI or its subsidiaries
which is, pursuant to the Distribution Agreement, to be conducted by PEI
following the Distribution.

    Retained Employee:  any individual who immediately prior to the
Distribution was a PEI Employee and who is an employee or director of PEI
immediately following the Distribution.

    Retained Individual:  any individual who (i) is a Retained Employee, or
(ii) is, as of the Distribution Date, a PEI Terminee whose last employment with
PEI or subsidiary of PEI was with a Retained Business, or (iii) is a dependent
or beneficiary of any individual described in clause (i) or (ii).


                                          4
<PAGE>

    Service Credit:  the period taken into account under any Plan for purposes
of determining length of service or plan participation to satisfy eligibility,
vesting, benefit accrual and similar requirements under such Plan.

    Stock Option:  a nonqualified or incentive option to purchase Employer
Common Stock under an Employer Stock Option Plan.

    Transferred Business:  any business or operation of PEI or its subsidiaries
which is, pursuant to the Distribution Agreement, to be conducted by PriceSmart
immediately following the Distribution.

    Transferred Employee:  any individual whose employment with PEI is
terminated immediately prior to the Distribution pursuant to the Distribution
Agreement and who becomes, immediately after the Distribution, an employee of
PriceSmart.  It also includes any director of PEI who resigns from the PEI Board
of Directors before the Distribution and concurrently or within 90 days
thereof is elected to the PriceSmart Board of Directors.

    Transferred Individual:  any individual who (i) is a Transferred Employee
or (ii) is, as of the Distribution Date, a PEI Terminee whose last employment
with PEI or a subsidiary of PEI was with a Transferred Business, or (iii) is a
dependent or beneficiary of any individual described in clause (i) or (ii).

    Welfare Plan:  any Plan which provides medical, health, disability,
accident, life insurance, death, dental or any other welfare benefit, including,
without limitation, any post-employment benefit, but excluding vacation benefits
covered under Section 2.07.

    Section 1.02 Other Terms.  Any capitalized terms used herein but not
defined herein shall have the meaning set forth in the Distribution Agreement.

    Section 1.03 Certain Constructions.  References to the singular in this
Agreement shall refer to the plural and vice-versa and references to the
masculine shall refer to the feminine and vice-versa.

    Section 1.04 Sections.  References to a "Section" are, unless otherwise
specified, to one of the Sections of this Agreement.

    Section 1.05 Survival.  Obligations described in this Agreement shall
remain in full force and effect and shall survive the Distribution Date.

                                      ARTICLE II

                                  EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

    Section 2.01 Employment.

         (a)  Allocation of Responsibilities on Distribution Date.  On the
Distribution Date, except to the extent retained or assumed by PEI under this
Agreement or any other agreement relating to the Distribution, PriceSmart shall
retain or assume, as the case may be, responsibility as employer for the
Transferred Employees.  On the Distribution Date, except to the extent retained
or assumed by


                                          5
<PAGE>

PriceSmart under this Agreement or any other agreement relating to the
Distribution, PEI shall retain or assume, as the case may be, responsibility as
employer for the Retained Employees.  The assumption or retention of
responsibility as employer by PEI or PriceSmart described in this Section 2.01
shall not, of itself, constitute a severance or a termination of employment
under any Plan which provides for severance benefits and is maintained by PEI
nor shall it constitute a change of control of PEI for purposes of any Plan.

         (b)  Assumption of Liabilities on Distribution Date:  Except as
specifically provided in this Agreement, or as otherwise agreed by the Parties:

              (i)  Except as provided in Section 2.01(b)(ii), immediately
following the Distribution, PriceSmart shall assume or retain, as the case may
be, all benefit obligations and all related rights in connection with any Plan
with respect to the all Employees and PEI Terminees and PEI shall have no
further liability with respect thereto.

              (ii) PEI shall assume or retain, as the case may be, all benefit
obligations and all related rights which accrue after the Distribution Date in
connection with any Plan and with respect to the Retained Employees, and
PriceSmart shall have no further liability with respect thereto; provided,
however, that with respect to such Retained Employees who become employed by
PriceSmart after the Distribution, any benefit obligations and all related
rights in connection with any Plan with respect to such employment with
PriceSmart shall be assumed by PriceSmart.

         (c)  Service Credits.

              (i)  Distribution Date Service Credits.  In connection with the
Distribution and for purposes of determining Service Credits under any Plans,
PEI shall credit each Retained Employee and PriceSmart shall credit each
PriceSmart Employee with such Employee's Service Credits and original hire date
as reflected in the PEI records as of the Distribution Date.  Such Service
Credits and hire date shall continue to be maintained as described herein for as
long as the Employee does not terminate employment or as otherwise may be
required by applicable law or any applicable Plan.

              (ii) Post-Distribution Date Terminations.  Subject to the
provisions of applicable law and to Sections 2.01(d) and 2.07(c) herein
(governing post-Distribution transfers through December 31, 1998),
(x) PriceSmart may, in the case of Transferred Employees, in its sole
discretion, make such decisions as it deems appropriate with respect to
determining Service Credits accrued after the Distribution Date, and (y) PEI
may, in the case of Retained Employees, in its sole discretion, make such
decisions as it deems appropriate with respect to determining Service Credits
accrued after the Distribution Date.

         (d)  Post-Distribution Date Transfers.  Notwithstanding any provision
of this Agreement to the contrary, except to the extent prohibited by applicable
law or any applicable agreement, where an Employee leaves the service of one
Party to immediately begin employment with the other Party at any time on or
before December 31, 1998, such Employee's accrued benefits, account balances, or
other rights or interests, to the extent transferable, under any Plan maintained
by the former Employer may be transferred to the applicable Plan of the new
Employer.  The Parties hereby agree to amend any Plan to the extent necessary to
comply with the preceding sentence of this Section 2.01(d).  This Section


                                          6
<PAGE>

2.01(d) shall not apply to any benefits, balances, rights or interests of such
Employees in any Employer Stock Option Plan.

    Section 2.02 Profit Sharing and 401(k) Plans.

         (a)  Establishment of Combined Profit Sharing Plan.  On or prior to
the Distribution Date, PEI and PriceSmart shall take, or cause to be taken, all
action necessary and appropriate to permit PriceSmart to become a sponsor of and
to permit the PriceSmart Employees to participate in the PEI Profit Sharing
Plan, and from and after the Distribution Date and until the Cut-Off Date this
Plan shall be the Combined Profit Sharing Plan.

         (b)  Establishment of Separate Profit Sharing Plan.  Effective as of
the Cut-Off Date, either PriceSmart or PEI (as decided by PriceSmart and PEI at
such time) shall take, or cause to be taken, all action necessary and
appropriate to establish and administer a Profit Sharing Plan separate from the
Combined Profit Sharing Plan.  This new Profit Sharing Plan shall contain
substantially the same terms and conditions as the Combined Profit Sharing Plan.
This new Profit Sharing shall be a split up of that portion of the Combined
Profit Sharing Plan which is attributable to PriceSmart Individuals or the PEI
Individuals, as the case may be.  PriceSmart or PEI, as the case may be, shall
provide benefits under such new Profit Sharing Plan after the Cut-Off Date for
all such its Employees (and its Employees admitted to participation in such Plan
after the Cut-Off Date) subject to the terms and provisions of such Plan.  This
new Profit Sharing Plan shall be intended to qualify for tax-favored treatment
under Sections 401(a) and 401(k) of the Code and to comply with the requirements
of ERISA.

         (c)  Matching and Profit Sharing Contributions.  Matching and 
Discretionary Profit Sharing Contributions (i) under the PEI Profit Sharing 
Plan and the Combined Profit Sharing Plan with respect to PEI Individuals 
will be at the sole determination of the PEI Chief Executive Officer or as 
otherwise provided in such Plans and (ii) under the PriceSmart Profit Sharing 
Plan and the Combined Profit Sharing Plan with respect to PriceSmart 
Individuals will be at the sole determination of the PriceSmart Chief 
Executive Officer or as otherwise provided in such Plans.

         (d)  Transfer and Acceptance of Account Balances.  As soon as
practicable after the Cut-Off Date, PEI and PriceSmart shall cause the trustees
of the Combined Profit Sharing Plan to transfer to the trustees or other funding
agent of the PriceSmart Profit Sharing Plan or the PEI Profit Sharing Plan, as
the case may be, the amounts (in cash, securities, other property or a
combination thereof) representing the account balances of all PriceSmart
Individuals or PEI individuals, as the case may be, said amounts to be
established as account balances or accrued benefits of such individuals under
the PriceSmart Profit Sharing Plan or the PEI Profit Sharing Plan, as the case
may be.  Each such transfer shall comply with Section 414(1) of the Code and the
requirements of ERISA and the regulations promulgated thereunder.  PriceSmart or
PEI, as the case may be, shall cause the trustees or other funding agent of the
PriceSmart Profit Sharing Plan or the PEI Profit Sharing Plan, as the case may
be, to accept the plan-to-plan transfer from the Combined Profit Sharing Plan
trustees, and to credit the accounts of such Transferred Employees (or Retained
Employees) under the PriceSmart Profit Sharing Plan (or the PEI Profit Sharing
Plan) with amounts transferred on their behalf.

         (e)  PEI to Provide Information.  PEI shall provide PriceSmart, as
soon as practicable after the Distribution Date (with the cooperation of
PriceSmart to the extent that relevant information is in the possession of
PriceSmart, and in accordance with Section 5.02), with a list of Transferred


                                          7
<PAGE>

Employees who, to the best knowledge of PEI, were participants in or otherwise
entitled to benefits under the PEI Profit Sharing Plan on the Distribution Date,
together with a listing of each participant's Service Credits under such Plan
and a listing of each such Transferred Employee's account balance thereunder,
and each Transferred Employee's investment election and beneficiary designation.
PEI shall, as soon as practicable after the Distribution Date and in accordance
with Section 5.02, provide PriceSmart with such additional information in the
possession of PEI (and not already in the possession of PriceSmart) as may be
reasonably requested by PriceSmart and necessary for PriceSmart to administer
effectively its portion of the Combined Profit Sharing Plan and the PriceSmart
Profit Sharing Plan.

         (f)  Regulatory Filings.  PriceSmart and PEI shall, in connection with
the plan-to-plan transfer described in Section 2.02(d), cooperate in making any
and all appropriate filings required by the Commission or the IRS, or required
under the Code or ERISA or any applicable securities laws and the regulations
thereunder, and take all such action as may be necessary and appropriate to
cause such plan-to-plan transfer to take place as soon as practicable after the
Cut-Off Date or otherwise when required by law.  Further, PriceSmart or PEI, as
the case may be, shall seek a favorable IRS determination letter that the
PriceSmart Profit Sharing Plan or the PEI Profit Sharing Plan, as the case may
be, as organized, satisfies all qualification requirements under Section 401(a)
of the Code.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, such plan-to-plan transfers shall
take place pending issuance of such favorable determination letter.  PriceSmart
and PEI shall each make any necessary amendments on a retroactive basis to the
Combined Profit Sharing Plan, the PriceSmart Profit Sharing Plan or the PEI
Profit Sharing Plan, respectively, as required by the IRS to issue the favorable
determination letter described above.

         (g)  Account Balances of Retained Employees.  Except as provided in 
Section 2.02(b) and Section 2.02(c), on the Distribution Date, PriceSmart 
shall assume or retain, as the case may be, sole responsibility for all 
liabilities and obligations existing as of the Distribution Date under the 
PEI Profit Sharing Plan (including, but not limited to, liabilities and 
obligations to PEI Terminees), and PEI shall have no liability or obligation 
with respect thereto. PEI shall assume or retain, as the case may be, sole 
responsibility for all liabilities and obligations arising after the 
Distribution Date under the Combined Profit Sharing Plan and/or under the PEI 
Profit Sharing Plan with respect to Retained Employees, and PriceSmart shall 
have no liability or obligation with respect thereto.

    Section 2.03 Stock Plans.

         (a)  PEI Stock Option Plan.  PEI shall continue the PEI Stock Option
Plan.  All options granted under the PEI Stock Option Plan will continue to be
denominated in PEI Common Stock.  PEI shall continue to reserve those shares
already reserved under the PEI Stock Option Plan.  Additionally, PEI, after the
Distribution Date, will cause to be reserved any additional shares identified
for reservation thereunder to the extent authorized by the stockholders of PEI.

         (b)  PEI Director Option Plan.  PEI shall continue the PEI Director
Option Plan.  All options granted under the PEI Director Option Plan will
continue to be denominated in PEI Common Stock.  PEI shall continue to reserve
those shares already reserved under the PEI Director Option Plan.  Additionally,
PEI, after the Distribution, will cause to be reserved any additional shares
identified for reservation thereunder to the extent authorized by the
stockholders.

         (c)  PriceSmart Stock Option Plan.  On or prior to the Distribution 
Date, PriceSmart shall take, or cause to be taken, all action necessary and 
appropriate to approve the adoption of the PriceSmart Stock Option Plan. As 
soon as practicable after the Distribution Date, PriceSmart shall take, or 
cause to be taken, all action necessary and appropriate to approve grants of 
PriceSmart Stock Options for PriceSmart Individuals, in accordance with 
Section 2.03(d)(iii).  All awards under the PriceSmart Stock Option Plan will 
be denominated in PriceSmart Common Stock.  PriceSmart will reserve 700,000 
shares of PriceSmart

                                          8
<PAGE>

Common Stock for issuance under the PriceSmart Stock Option Plan, to the extent
authorized by PEI, its sole stockholder, prior to the Distribution Date.  Any
such shares not used to adjust outstanding PEI Stock Options pursuant to Section
2.03(d) will be available for future awards to PriceSmart Employees.

         (d)  Effect of the Distribution on Awards Made Prior to the
Distribution Date.

              (i)  Exercise and Cancellation of Vested PEI Options Held By
Transferred Employees:  All Transferred Employees holding vested PEI Stock
Options or PEI Director Options shall be required to exercise such Stock Options
prior to the date 90 days after the Distribution Date.  All PEI Stock Options
and PEI Director Options held by Transferred Employees shall be cancelled in
accordance with their terms (except in case of death or disability) on the date
90 days after the Distribution Date.

              (ii)  Treatment of PEI Options Held By Retained Employees:  PEI
Stock Options and PEI Director Options, whether vested or unvested, held by
Retained Employees shall remain in effect following the Distribution and shall
be equitably adjusted in accordance with Section 2.03(d)(iv) to reflect the
Distribution.  Retained Employees shall not be required to exercise such PEI
Stock Options or PEI Director Options within 90 days after the Distribution
Date.

              (iii)  Substitution of Stock Options:  As soon as practicable 
after the Distribution Date, each Transferred Employee that is a grantee of 
PEI Stock Options that have not yet vested in accordance with their terms 
shall receive for each such PEI Stock Options, in substitution therefor, 
PriceSmart Stock Options.  Each such PriceSmart Stock Option shall contain 
substantially equivalent terms as the PEI Stock Option to be cancelled and 
replaced, except (i) to the extent modified by PriceSmart, in its sole 
discretion and (ii) the exercise price of and number of shares covered by the 
PriceSmart Stock Option will be set to preserve the Aggregate Spread in value 
attributed to the existing unvested PEI Stock Options held by such 
Transferred Employee.

              (iv)  Adjustment of Option Price for PEI Stock Options:  For
purposes of determining the adjusted option price of PEI Stock Options and PEI
Director Options, the formula set forth in Exhibit A to this Agreement shall be
used to maintain each optionee's Aggregate Spread on each outstanding grant of
PEI Stock Options and PEI Director Options.

              (v) Limitation on Adjustments:  To the extent that any adjustment
or limitations of this Section 2.03(d) is inconsistent with the PEI Stock Option
Plan, the PEI Director Plan and the PriceSmart Stock Option Plan or the intended
tax or accounting treatment of the Distribution or any option, it shall not
apply, and PEI and PriceSmart shall mutually agree on an alternative adjustment.

    Section 2.04 Combined Medical/Dental Plans.  On or prior to the
Distribution Date, PEI and PriceSmart shall take, or cause to be taken, all
action necessary and appropriate to permit PriceSmart Employees to participate
in the PEI Medical/Dental Plans.

    Section 2.05 PEI Medical/Dental Plans.

         (a)  Liability for Claims.

              (i) Except as otherwise provided herein, as of the Distribution
Date, PEI shall assume or retain and shall be responsible for, or cause its
insurance carriers or HMOs to be responsible


                                          9
<PAGE>

for, all liabilities and obligations related to claims asserted or incurred or
premiums owed after the Distribution Date in respect of any Retained Employee
(or any dependent or beneficiary thereof) under any PEI Medical/Dental Plan and
claims asserted or incurred or premiums due after the Distribution Date in
respect of any Retained Employee (or any dependent or beneficiary thereof) under
any PEI Medical/Dental Plan, and PriceSmart shall have no liability or
obligation with respect thereto.

              (ii) Except as otherwise provided herein, as of the Distribution
Date, PriceSmart shall assume or retain and shall be responsible for, or cause
its insurance carriers or HMOs to be responsible for, all liabilities and
obligations related to claims asserted or incurred or premiums owed as of the
Distribution Date with respect to all Employees and after the Distribution Date
in respect of any Transferred Employee (or any dependent or beneficiary thereof)
or PEI Terminee (or any dependent or beneficiary thereof) under any PEI
Medical/Dental Plan and claims asserted or incurred or premiums due after the
Distribution Date in respect of any Transferred Employee (or any dependent or
beneficiary thereof) or PEI Terminee (or any dependent or beneficiary thereof)
under any PEI Medical/Dental Plan, and PEI shall have no liability or obligation
with respect thereto.

         (b)  Continuation Coverage Administration.  As of the Distribution
Date, PriceSmart shall assume or retain and shall be solely responsible for, or
cause its insurance carriers or HMOs to be responsible for, providing and
administering the continuation coverage required by COBRA as it relates to any
Qualified Beneficiary, except as provided in Section 2.05(d), and PEI shall have
no liability or obligation with respect thereto.

         (c)  Continuation Coverage Claims.  As of the Distribution Date,
PriceSmart shall assume or retain and shall be responsible for, or cause its
insurance carriers or HMOs to be responsible for, all liabilities and
obligations in connection with claims asserted or incurred or premiums owed
through the Distribution Date under any PEI Medical/Dental Plan in respect of
any Qualified Beneficiary and claims asserted or incurred or premiums owed after
the Distribution Date under any PEI Medical/Dental Plan in respect of any
Qualified Beneficiary, and PEI shall have no liability or obligation with
respect thereto.

         (c)  Liability for Claims.  As of the Distribution Date, PEI shall
assume and shall be responsible for, or cause its insurance carriers or HMOs to
be responsible for, all liabilities and obligations in connection with claims
asserted or incurred or premiums due after the Distribution Date in respect of
any Retained Employee (or any dependent or beneficiary thereof) under any PEI
Medical/Dental Plan and PriceSmart shall have no liability or obligation with
respect thereto.

    Section 2.06 PriceSmart Medical/Dental Plans.

         (a)  Establishment of PriceSmart Medical/Dental Plans.  On or prior to
December 31, 1997, PriceSmart shall take, or cause to be taken, all action
necessary and appropriate to establish and administer (or continue to
administer) the PriceSmart Medical/Dental Plans and to provide benefits
thereunder for all Transferred Individuals (and any dependents or beneficiaries
thereof), and PriceSmart Qualified Beneficiaries (with respect to continuation
coverage under COBRA only) who, immediately prior to December 31, 1997 were
participants in or otherwise entitled to benefits under the PEI Medical/Dental
Plans.  Each such individual shall, to the extent applicable, for all purposes
under the new PriceSmart Medical/Dental Plans (i) have coverage which is
substantially comparable to that provided immediately prior to December 31,
1997, (ii) have no preexisting condition limitation imposed other than


                                          10
<PAGE>

that which is or was already imposed under the applicable existing Plan, and
(iii) be credited with or otherwise have taken into account, to the extent
applicable, Service Credits, any expenses incurred towards deductibles,
out-of-pocket limits, maximum benefit payments, and any benefit usage towards
plan limits credited to such individual as of the Distribution Date under the
terms of the applicable existing Plan as if such service had been rendered to
PriceSmart and as if such expenses and usage had originally been credited to
such individual under the PriceSmart Medical/Dental Plans.

         (b)  PEI to Provide Information.  As soon as practicable after the
Distribution Date, PEI shall provide PriceSmart (with the cooperation of
PriceSmart to the extent that relevant information is in the possession of
PriceSmart, and in accordance with Section 5.02), with a list of individuals
(and dependents thereof) employed by PriceSmart who were, to the best knowledge
of PEI, participants in or otherwise entitled to benefits under the PEI
Medical/Dental Plans immediately prior to the Distribution Date, together with a
listing of each such individual's Service Credit under such Plans and a listing
of each such individual's expenses incurred towards deductibles, out-of-pocket
limits, maximum benefit payments, and any benefit usage towards plan limits
thereunder.  PEI shall, as soon as practicable after the Distribution Date, in
accordance with Section 5.02 provide PriceSmart with such additional information
in the possession of PEI (and not already in the possession of PriceSmart) as
may be reasonably requested by PriceSmart and necessary for PriceSmart to
establish and administer effectively any PriceSmart Medical/Dental Plan.

    Section 2.07 Vacation and Sick Pay Liabilities.

         (a)  Division of Liabilities.  Effective on the Distribution Date,
PriceSmart shall assume all accrued liabilities (whether vested or unvested, and
whether funded or unfunded) for vacation and sick leave in respect of all
Employees as of the Distribution Date.  PriceSmart shall be solely responsible
for the payment to PriceSmart Employees of vacation or sick leave accrued after
the Distribution Date, and PEI shall be solely responsible for the payment to
Retained Employees of vacation or sick leave accrued after the Distribution
Date.

         (b)  Post-Distribution Transfers.  Through December 31, 1998, an 
Employee who leaves the service of one Party to immediately begin employment 
with the other Party (i.e., leaving PEI employment to work for PriceSmart, or 
leaving PriceSmart employment to work for PEI) shall be provided by the 
successor employer with the same balance of vested and unvested vacation and 
sick leave hours as had been accrued by the former Employer through such 
termination date.  The former Employer shall promptly notify the successor 
Employer in writing of the occurrence of any termination subject to the 
provisions of this Section 2.07(b), and subject to the provisions of Section 
3.04(b), the former Employer shall make a payment to the successor Employer 
within thirty (30) days of the aforesaid termination date in an amount equal 
to the value of the terminating Employee's vested balance of vacation leave 
and sick leave accrued by the former Employer through such termination date, 
based on the Employee's final rate of pay with the former Employer.  No 
payment shall be made by the former Employer to the successor Employer for 
any unvested sick leave or vacation leave balance relating to any 
post-Distribution transfer.

    Section 2.08 Preservation of Right To Amend or Terminate Plans.  Except as
otherwise expressly provided in this Article II, no provisions of this
Agreement, including, without limitation, the agreement of PEI or PriceSmart to
make a contribution or payment to or under any Plan herein referred to for any
period, shall be construed as a limitation on the right of PEI or PriceSmart to
amend such Plan or terminate its participation therein which PEI or PriceSmart
would otherwise have under the terms of such


                                          11
<PAGE>

Plan or otherwise, and no provision of this Agreement shall be construed to
create a right in any employee or former employee, or dependent or beneficiary
of such employee or former employee under a Plan which such person would not
otherwise have under the terms of the Plan itself; provided, however, that
neither Party shall amend any Plan to the extent that such amendment would have
the effect of increasing the liabilities of the other Party under any Plan of
the other Party, without such other Party's consent.

    Section 2.09 Reimbursement.  PEI and PriceSmart acknowledge that PEI, on
the one hand, and PriceSmart, on the other hand, may incur costs and expenses,
including, but not limited to, contributions to Plans and the payment of
insurance premiums arising from or related to any of the Plans which are, as set
forth in this Agreement, the responsibility of the other Party hereto.
Accordingly, PEI and PriceSmart shall reimburse each other, as soon as
practicable, but in any event within thirty (30) days of receipt from the other
Party of appropriate verification, for all such costs and expenses.

    Section 2.10 Payroll Reporting and Withholding.

         (a)  Form W-2 Reporting.  PriceSmart and PEI may adopt the
"alternative procedure" for preparing and filing IRS Forms W-2 (Wage and Tax
Statements), as described in Section 5 of Revenue Procedure 84-77, 1984-2 IRS
Cumulative Bulletin 753 ("Rev. Proc. 84-77").  Under this procedure PriceSmart
as the successor employer shall provide all required Forms W-2 to all
Transferred Employees reflecting all wages paid and taxes withheld by both PEI
as the predecessor and PriceSmart as the successor employer for the entire year
during which the Distribution takes place.  PEI shall provide all required Forms
W-2 to all Retained Employees reflecting all wages and taxes paid and withheld
by PEI before and after the Distribution Date.

         In connection with the aforesaid agreement under Rev. Proc. 84-77,
each business unit or business operation of PEI shall be assigned to either PEI
or PriceSmart, depending upon whether it is a Retained Business or a Transferred
Business, and each Retained Employee or Transferred Employee associated with
such business unit or business operation shall be assigned for payroll reporting
purposes to PEI or PriceSmart, as the case may be.  PEI and PriceSmart shall be
responsible for filing IRS Forms 941 for their respective Employees.

         (b)  Forms W-4 and W-5.  PriceSmart and PEI may adopt the alternative
procedure of Rev. Proc. 84-77 for purposes of filing IRS Forms W-4 (Employee's
Withholding Allowance Certificate) and W-5 (Earned Income Credit Advance Payment
Certificate).  Under this procedure PEI shall provide to PriceSmart as the
successor employer all IRS Forms W-4 and W-5 on file with respect to each
Transferred Employee, and PriceSmart will honor these forms until such time, if
any, that such Transferred Employee submits a revised form.

         (c)  Garnishments, Tax Levies, Child Support Orders, and Wage
Assignments.  With respect to Employees with garnishments, tax levies, child
support orders, and wage assignments in effect with PEI on the Distribution
Date, PriceSmart as the successor employer with respect to each Transferred
Employee shall honor such payroll deduction authorizations and will continue to
make payroll deductions and payments to the authorized payee, as specified by
the court or governmental order which was filed with PEI.


                                          12
<PAGE>

         (d)  Authorizations for Payroll Deductions.  Unless otherwise
prohibited by this or another agreement entered into in connection with the
Distribution, or by a Plan document, with respect to Transferred Employees with
authorizations for payroll deductions in effect with PEI on the Distribution
Date, PriceSmart as the successor employer will honor such payroll deduction
authorizations relating to each Transferred Employee, and shall not require that
such Transferred Employee submit a new authorization to the extent that the type
of deduction by PriceSmart does not differ from that made by PEI.  Such
deduction types include, without limitation, contributions to any Plan;
scheduled loan repayments to the relevant Profit Sharing Plan or to an employee
credit union; and direct deposit of payroll, bonus advances, union dues,
employee relocation loans, and other types of authorized company receivables
usually collectible through payroll deductions.

                                     ARTICLE III

                             LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT MATTERS

    Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement or any other
Agreement between PriceSmart and PEI to the contrary, PriceSmart and PEI
understand and agree that:

    Section 3.01 Separate Employers.  On and after the Distribution Date and
the separation of Employees into their respective companies, PriceSmart and PEI
will be separate and independent employers.

    Section 3.02 Employment Policies and Practices.  Subject to the provisions
of ERISA and Sections 2.01(b) and 2.07(c) governing post-Distribution transfers,
and except as limited by applicable law or agreement, PriceSmart and PEI may
adopt, continue, modify or terminate such employment policies, compensation
practices, retirement plans, welfare benefit plans, and other employee benefit
plans of any kind or description, as each may determine, in its sole discretion,
are necessary or appropriate.

    Section 3.03 Collective Bargaining Agreements.  With regard to Employees
covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement on the Distribution Date who become
PriceSmart Employees or Retained Employees, PriceSmart and PEI promise and
covenant to each other not to take any action which disrupts or otherwise
negatively impacts the labor relations of the other.  PriceSmart and PEI will
diligently work to substitute the appropriate employer for PEI in Collective
Bargaining Agreements.

    Section 3.04 Special Matters.

         (a)  Administrative Services in Connection with the Combined Profit
Sharing Plan.  It is agreed that PriceSmart will provide administrative services
to the Combined Profit Sharing Plan from the Distribution Date through the
Cut-Off Date at a reasonable fee to be agreed upon by PEI and PriceSmart, which
fee shall comply with ERISA and other applicable law.  Such services will be
substantially similar to the services provided by PEI employees to the Combined
Profit Sharing Plan.

         (b)  Payments to PEI.  To the extent that PEI makes any payment for,
or takes responsibility for future payment of, any liability or obligation which
exists as of the Distribution Date and is assumed by PriceSmart pursuant to this
Agreement (any such payment, a "Liability Payment"), not later than thirty (30)
days after receipt of an invoice from PEI of such Liability Payment, PriceSmart
shall make a payment to PEI equal to the amount of such Liability Payment.


                                          13
<PAGE>

    Section 3.05 Notice of Claims.  Without limitation to the scope and
application to each Party in the performance of its duties under Sections 3.03
and 3.04 herein, each Party will notify in writing and consult with the other
Party prior to making any settlement of an employee claim, for the purpose of
avoiding any prejudice to such other Party arising from the settlement.

    Section 3.06 Assumption of Unemployment Tax Rates.  Changes in state
unemployment tax experience from that of PEI as of the Distribution Date shall
be handled as follows.  In the event an option exists to allocate state
unemployment tax experience of PEI, the PEI experience shall be transferred to
PriceSmart if this results in the lowest aggregate unemployment tax costs for
both PEI and PriceSmart combined, and the PEI experience shall be retained by
PEI if this results in the lowest aggregate unemployment tax costs for PEI and
PriceSmart combined.

    Section 3.07 Employees on Leave of Absence.  After the Distribution Date,
PriceSmart shall assume responsibility, if any, as employer for all Employees
returning from an approved leave of absence who prior to the Distribution Date
were employed in a Transferred Business.  After the Distribution Date, PEI shall
assume responsibility, if any, as employer for all Employees returning from an
approved leave of absence who prior to the Distribution Date were not employed
in a Transferred Business.

    Section 3.08 No Third Party Beneficiary Rights.

         (a)  Neither this Agreement nor any other intercompany agreement
between PriceSmart and PEI is intended to nor does it create any third party
contractual or other common law rights.  No person shall be deemed a third-party
beneficiary of the agreements between PriceSmart and PEI.

         (b)  Nothing contained in this Agreement shall confer upon any
Employee any right with respect to continuance of employment by either Party,
nor shall anything herein interfere with the right of either party to terminate
the employment of any Employee at any time, with or without cause, or restrict a
Party in the exercise of its independent business judgment in modifying any of
the terms and conditions of the employment of an Employee, except as provided by
applicable law.

         (c)  No provision of this Agreement shall create any third party
beneficiary rights in any Employee, any beneficiary or dependent thereof, or any
collective bargaining representative thereof, with respect to the compensation,
terms and conditions of employment and benefits that may be provided to any
Employee by either Party or under any benefit plan which a Party may maintain.

    Section 3.09 Attorney/Client Privilege.  The provisions herein requiring
either Party to this Agreement to cooperate shall not be deemed to be a waiver
of the attorney/client privilege for either Party nor shall it require either
Party to waive its attorney/client privilege.

                                      ARTICLE IV

                                       DEFAULT

    Section 4.01 Default.  If either Party materially defaults hereunder, the
non-defaulting Party shall be entitled to all remedies provided by law or equity
(including reasonable attorneys' fees and costs of suit incurred).


                                          14
<PAGE>

    Section 4.02 Force Majeure.  PriceSmart and PEI shall incur no liability to
each other due to a default under the terms and conditions of this Agreement
resulting from fire, flood, war, strike, lock-out, work stoppage or slow-down,
labor disturbances, power failure, major equipment breakdowns, construction
delays, accident, riots, acts of God, acts of United States' enemies, laws,
orders or at the insistence or result of any governmental authority or any other
delay beyond each other's reasonable control.

                                      ARTICLE V

                                    MISCELLANEOUS

    Section 5.01 Relationship of Parties.  Nothing in this Agreement shall be
deemed or construed by the Parties or any third party as creating the
relationship of principal and agent, partnership or joint venture between the
Parties, it being understood and agreed that no provision contained herein, and
no act of the Parties, shall be deemed to create any relationship between the
Parties other than the relationship set forth herein.

    Section 5.02 Access to Information; Cooperation.  PEI and PriceSmart and
their authorized agents shall be given reasonable access to and may take copies
of all information relating to the subjects of this Agreement (to the extent
permitted by federal and state confidentiality laws) in the custody of the other
Party, including any agent, contractor, subcontractor, agent or any other person
or entity under the contract of such Party.  The Parties shall provide one
another with such information within the scope of this Agreement as is
reasonably necessary to administer each Party's Plans.  The Parties shall
cooperate with each other to minimize the disruption caused by any such access
and providing of information.

    Section 5.03 Assignment.  Neither Party shall, without the prior written
consent of the other, have the right to assign any rights or delegate any
obligations under this Agreement.

    Section 5.04 Headings.  The headings used in this Agreement are inserted
only for the purpose of convenience and reference, and in no way define or limit
the scope or intent of any provision or part hereof.

    Section 5.05 Severability of Provisions.  Neither PEI nor PriceSmart intend
to violate statutory or common law by executing this Agreement.  If any section,
sentence, paragraph, clause or combination of provisions in this Agreement is in
violation of any law, such sections, sentences, paragraphs, clauses or
combinations shall be inoperative and the remainder of this Agreement shall
remain in full force and effect and shall be binding upon the Parties.

    Section 5.06 Parties Bound.  This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of
and be binding upon the Parties hereto and their respective successors and
permitted assigns.  Nothing herein, expressed or implied, shall be construed to
give any other person any legal or equitable rights hereunder.

    Section 5.07 Notices.  All notices, consents, approvals and other
communications given or made pursuant hereto shall be in writing and shall be
deemed to have been duly given when delivered personally or by overnight courier
or three days after being mailed by registered or certified mail (postage
prepaid, return receipt requested) to the named representatives of the Parties
at the following addresses


                                          15
<PAGE>

for at such other address for a Party as shall be specified by like notice,
except that notices of changes of address shall be effective upon receipt):

         (a)  if to PEI:

              Price Enterprises, Inc.
              4649 Morena Blvd.
              San Diego, CA 92117
              fax:
              Attention: Jack McGrory

         (b)  if to PriceSmart:

              PriceSmart, Inc.
              4649 Morena Blvd.
              San Diego, CA 92117
              fax:
              Attention: Robert M. Gans

PriceSmart and PEI agree that, upon the request of either Party, the requested
Party will give copies of all of its notices, consents, approvals and other
communications hereunder to any lender to the requesting Party or other person
specified by such requesting Party.

    Section 5.08 Further Action.  PriceSmart and PEI each shall cooperate in
good faith and take such steps and execute such papers as may be reasonably
requested by the other Party to implement the terms and provisions of this
Agreement.

    Section 5.09 Waiver.  PriceSmart and PEI each agree that the waiver of any
default under any term or condition of this Agreement shall not constitute a
waiver of any subsequent default or nullify the effectiveness of that term or
condition.

    Section 5.10 Governing Law.  All controversies and disputes arising out of
or under this Agreement shall be determined pursuant to the laws of the State of
California, regardless of the laws that might be applied under applicable
principles of conflicts of laws.

    Section 5.11 Entire Agreement.  This Agreement and the Distribution
Agreement constitute the entire understanding between the Parties hereto, and
supersede all prior written or oral communications, relating to the subject
matter covered by said agreements.  To the extent that the terms of this
Agreement and similar terms of the Distribution Agreement are in conflict, the
interpretation given to the conflicting terms of the Distribution Agreement
shall govern the interpretation and performance of this Agreement.  No
amendment, modification, extension or failure to enforce any condition of this
Agreement by either Party shall be deemed a waiver of any of its rights herein.
This Agreement shall not be amended except by a writing executed by the Parties.

    Section 5.12 Dispute Resolution.  Any dispute arising under this Agreement
shall be resolved by binding arbitration in the manner contemplated by Section
9.13 of the Distribution Agreement, including the attorneys fees provisions
referred to therein.


                                          16
<PAGE>

    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement as of the date
first above written.

                             PRICE ENTERPRISES, INC., a Delaware corporation



                             By:
                                  -----------------------------------
                                  Name:
                                         ----------------------------
                                  Title:
                                         ----------------------------


                             PRICESMART, INC., a Delaware corporation



                             By:
                                  -----------------------------------
                                  Name:
                                         ----------------------------
                                  Title:
                                         ----------------------------


                                          17

<PAGE>

                                TAX SHARING AGREEMENT


         TAX SHARING AGREEMENT, dated as of August __, 1997, between Price
Enterprises, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("PEI"), and PriceSmart, Inc., a
Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of PEI ("PriceSmart").

         WHEREAS, PEI is the parent corporation of an affiliated group of
corporations  that join in filing consolidated federal Income Tax Returns and
certain consolidated, combined or unitary state Income Tax Returns;

         WHEREAS, PriceSmart is a wholly-owned subsidiary of PEI and a member
of the PEI Group;

         WHEREAS, pursuant to the Distribution Agreement (as hereinafter
defined), PEI presently intends to distribute all the common stock of PriceSmart
to its stockholders (the "Distribution"); and

         WHEREAS, PEI and PriceSmart desire on behalf of themselves, their
subsidiaries and their successors to set forth their respective rights and
obligations with respect to Taxes (as hereinafter defined).

         NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of their mutual promises, the parties
hereby agree as follows:

         1.   DEFINITIONS.

         When used herein the following terms shall have the following
meanings:

         "CODE" -- the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or any
successor thereto, as in effect for the taxable year in question.

         "DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT" -- the Distribution Agreement dated
__________, 1997 between PEI and PriceSmart.

         "INCOME TAX(ES)" -- with respect to any corporation or group of
corporations, any and all Taxes to the extent based upon or measured by net
income (regardless of whether denominated as an "income tax," a "franchise tax"
or otherwise), imposed by any Taxing Authority, together with any related
interest, penalties or other additions thereto.

         "IRS" -- the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.

         "OTHER TAXES" -- Taxes other than Income Taxes.
<PAGE>

         "OVERDUE RATE" -- a rate of interest per annum that fluctuates with
the federal short-term rate established from time to time pursuant to Code
Section 6621(b).

         "PEI ASSETS" -- the 27 retail properties and other assets (together
with any related liabilities) retained by PEI pursuant to the Distribution
Agreement.

         "PEI GROUP" --  for any taxable year or period, PEI and each
corporation filing a consolidated federal Income Tax Return with PEI as the
parent corporation.

         "PRICESMART GROUP" -- PriceSmart and each corporation filing a
consolidated federal Income Tax Return with PriceSmart as the parent
corporation.

         "TAX(ES)" -- any net income, gross income, gross receipts, sales, use,
excise, franchise, transfer, payroll, premium, property or windfall profits tax,
alternative or add-on minimum tax, or other tax, fee or assessment, together
with any interest and any penalty, addition to tax or other additional amount
imposed by any Taxing Authority, whether any such tax is imposed directly or
through withholding.

         "TAXING AUTHORITY" -- the IRS and any other domestic or foreign
governmental authority responsible for the administration of any Tax.

         "TAX RETURN(S)" -- all returns, reports, estimates, information
statements, declarations and other filings relating to, or required to be filed
by any taxpayer in connection with, its liability for, or its payment or receipt
of any refund of, any Tax.

         2.   PREPARATION AND FILING OF TAX RETURNS; PAYMENT OF TAXES

              a.   PEI shall prepare and timely file, or cause to be prepared
and timely filed, with the appropriate Taxing Authorities (i) all federal and
state Income and Other Tax Returns of the PEI Group and any member or members
thereof for all taxable years and periods ending on or before August 31, 1997;
and (ii) all federal and state Income and Other Tax Returns of PEI for all
taxable years and periods beginning after August 31, 1997.  PEI shall pay, or
cause to be paid, all Taxes due with respect to Tax Returns described in this
subsection (a) and shall be entitled to all Tax refunds received or receivable
with respect to taxable years and periods covered by such Tax Returns.

              b.   PriceSmart shall prepare and timely file, or cause to be
prepared and timely filed, with the appropriate Taxing Authorities, all federal
and state Income and Other Tax Returns of the PriceSmart Group and any member or
members thereof for taxable years and periods beginning after August 31, 1997.
PriceSmart shall pay, or cause to be paid, all Taxes due with respect to Tax
Returns described in this subsection (b) and shall be entitled to all Tax
refunds received or receivable with respect to taxable years and periods covered
by such Tax Returns.


                                          2
<PAGE>

         3.   PAYMENTS.

              a.   METHOD.  Unless the parties otherwise agree, all payments
made by a party pursuant to this Agreement shall be made by wire transfer to a
bank account designated from time to time by the other party. The paying party
shall also provide a notice of payment to the recipient.

              b.   INTEREST.  If any payment is not timely paid, interest shall
accrue on the unpaid amount at the Overdue Rate.  A payment will be deemed to be
timely paid only if actually received by the payee within five (5) days of the
receipt of notice from the other party that such payment is due.

              c.   CHARACTERIZATION.  Any payment (other than interest thereon)
made hereunder shall be treated by all parties for all purposes as a nontaxable
intercompany settlement of liabilities existing immediately before the
Distribution or, to the extent appropriate, as a non-taxable dividend
distribution or capital contribution.

         4.   CONTESTS AND AUDITS; INDEMNIFICATION.

              a.   NOTICE.  Upon the receipt by PEI or PriceSmart, as the case
may be, of notice of any pending or threatened Tax audit or assessment which may
affect the liability for Taxes that are subject to indemnification hereunder,
PEI or PriceSmart, as the case may be, shall promptly notify the other in
writing of the receipt of such notice.

              b.   CONTROL AND SETTLEMENT.  From and after the Closing Date,
PEI shall have full control over, and the right to represent the interests of,
PEI and all other corporations involved in or affected by any Tax audit or
administrative, judicial or other proceeding relating, in whole or in part, to
Taxes that are subject to indemnification by PEI hereunder.  PEI shall have the
right to employ counsel of its choice at its expense, and shall have the
ultimate control of the contest and any settlement or other resolution thereof.
Any liability for Taxes established pursuant to such proceeding shall be
allocated and paid in accordance with Section 2 of this Agreement.

              c.   AMENDMENT OF TAX RETURNS.  PEI shall have sole control over
the preparation and filing of any and all amendments to Tax Returns described in
Section 2(a).

              d.   INDEMNIFICATION.  PEI shall indemnify and hold harmless
PriceSmart and the PriceSmart Group against any and all Income and Other Taxes
specifically attributable to the PEI Assets for all taxable years and periods
ending on or before August 31, 1997.  PriceSmart shall indemnify and hold
harmless PEI against any and all Income and Other Taxes, other than Income and
Other Taxes specifically attributable to the PEI Assets, for all taxable years
and periods ending on or before August 31, 1997.


                                          3
<PAGE>

         5.   COOPERATION; DOCUMENT RETENTION; CONFIDENTIALITY.

              a.   COOPERATION.  Upon reasonable request, PEI and PriceSmart
shall promptly provide (and shall cause their respective affiliates to provide)
the requesting party with such cooperation and assistance, documents, and other
information, without charge, as may be necessary or reasonably helpful in
connection with (i) the preparation and filing of any original or amended Tax
Return, (ii) the conduct of any audit, appeal, protest or other examination or
any judicial or administrative proceeding involving to any extent Taxes or Tax
Returns within the scope of this Agreement, or (iii) the verification by a party
of an amount payable hereunder to, or receivable hereunder from, another party.
Such cooperation and assistance shall include, without limitation: (a) the
provision on demand of books, records, Tax Returns, documentation or other
information relating to any relevant Tax Return; (b) the execution of any
document that may be necessary or reasonably helpful in connection with the
filing of any Tax Return, or in connection with any audit, appeal, protest,
proceeding, suit or action of the type generally referred to in the preceding
sentence, including, without limitation, the execution of powers of attorney and
extensions of applicable statutes of limitations; (c) the prompt and timely
filing of appropriate claims for refund; and (d) the use of reasonable best
efforts to obtain any documentation from a governmental authority or a third
party that may be necessary or helpful in connection with the foregoing.  Each
party shall make its employees and facilities available on a mutually convenient
basis to facilitate such cooperation.

              b.   RETENTION. PEI and PriceSmart shall retain or cause to be
retained all Tax Returns, and all books, records, schedules, workpapers, and
other documents relating thereto, which Tax Returns and other materials are
within the scope of this Agreement, until the expiration of the later of (i) all
applicable statutes of limitations (including any waivers or extensions
thereof), and (ii) any retention period required by law or pursuant to any
record retention agreement.  The parties hereto shall notify each other in
writing of any waivers, extensions or expirations of applicable statutes of
limitations, and shall provide at least thirty (30) days prior written notice of
any intended destruction of the documents referred to in the preceding sentence.
A party giving such a notification shall not dispose of any of the foregoing
materials without first allowing the other party a reasonable opportunity to
copy them at such other party's expense.

              c.   CONFIDENTIALITY.  Except as required by law or with the
prior written consent of the other party, all Tax Returns, documents, schedules,
work papers and similar items and all information contained therein, which Tax
Returns and other materials are within the scope of this Agreement, shall be
kept confidential by the parties hereto and their representatives, shall not be
disclosed to any other person or entity and shall be used only for the purposes
provided herein.


                                          4
<PAGE>

         6.   MISCELLANEOUS.

              a.   EFFECTIVENESS.  This Agreement shall be effective from and
after the Closing Date and shall survive until the expiration of all applicable
statutes of limitations with respect to taxable years and periods ending on or
before or including the Closing Date.

              b.   ENTIRE AGREEMENT.  This Agreement contains the entire
agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof.
This Agreement cancels and supersedes, as of the Closing Date, any and all other
agreements with respect to Taxes between PEI and PriceSmart.

              c.   SEVERABILITY.  In case any one or more of the provisions
contained in this Agreement should be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the
enforceability of the remaining provisions hereof shall not in any way be
affected or impaired thereby.  In the event that any such provision is hereafter
held to be invalid, void or unenforceable, the parties hereto agree to use their
reasonable best efforts to find and employ an alternate means to achieve the
same or substantially the same result as that contemplated by such provision.

              d.   INDULGENCES, ETC.  Neither the failure nor any delay on the
part of any party hereto to exercise any right under this Agreement shall
operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any
right preclude any other or further exercise of the same or any other right, nor
shall any waiver of any right with respect to any occurrence be construed as a
waiver of such right with respect to any other occurrence.

              e.   GOVERNING LAW.  This Agreement shall be governed by and
construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of California
without regard to the conflict of law principles thereof, except with respect to
matters of law concerning the internal corporate affairs of any corporate entity
which is a party to or subject of this Agreement, and as to those matters the
law of the jurisdiction under which the respective entity derives its powers
shall govern.

              f.   NOTICES.  All notices, requests, demands, statements, bills
and other communications under this Agreement shall be delivered in accordance
with Section 9.04 of the Distribution Agreement.

              g.   MODIFICATION OR AMENDMENT.  This Agreement may be amended at
any time by written agreement executed and delivered by duly authorized officers
of PriceSmart and PEI.

              h.   SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS.  Except by operation of law or in
connection with the sale of all or substantially all the assets of a party
hereto, a party's rights and obligations under this Agreement may not be
assigned without the prior written consent of the other party.  All of the
provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of
the parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns.


                                          5
<PAGE>

              i.   THIRD-PARTY BENEFICIARIES.  This Agreement is solely for the
benefit of the parties hereto and shall not be deemed to confer upon third
parties any remedy, claim, liability, reimbursement, claim of action or other
right in excess of those existing without this Agreement.

              j.   OTHER.  This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts, each such counterpart being deemed to be an original instrument,
and all of such counterparts shall together constitute one and the same
instrument.  The section numbers and captions herein are for convenience of
reference only, do not constitute part of this Agreement and shall not be deemed
to limit or otherwise affect any of the provisions hereof.

              k.   PREDECESSORS AND SUCCESSORS.  To the extent necessary to
give effect to the purposes of this Agreement, any reference to any corporation
shall also include any predecessor or successor thereto, by operation of law or
otherwise.

              l.   TAX ELECTIONS.  Nothing in this Agreement is intended to
change or otherwise affect any previous tax election made by or on behalf of the
PEI Group, and PEI shall have sole discretion to make or change any and all
elections affecting the PEI Group or any member or members thereof for all
taxable years and periods ending on or before August 31, 1997.

              m.   COSTS AND EXPENSES.  Unless otherwise specifically provided
herein, each party agrees to pay its own costs and expenses resulting from the
fulfillment of its respective obligations hereunder.

              n.   DISPUTES.  Any dispute between the parties hereunder shall
be resolved in accordance with Section 9.13 of the Distribution Agreement.


                                          6
<PAGE>

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as
of the day and year first above written.

                             PRICE ENTERPRISES, INC.


                             By:
                                -----------------------------------
                             Name:
                                  ---------------------------------
                             Title:
                                   --------------------------------



                             PRICESMART, INC.

                             By:
                                -----------------------------------
                             Name:
                                  ---------------------------------
                             Title:
                                   --------------------------------


                                          7

<PAGE>
                               ASSET MANAGEMENT
                                       
                                      AND
                                       
                             DISPOSITION AGREEMENT


     This Asset Management and  Disposition Agreement (the "Agreement") is made
this _____ day of _____________, 1997, between PRICESMART, INC., a Delaware
corporation (the "Owner") and PRICE ENTERPRISES, INC., a Delaware corporation
(the "Agent").

                                   RECITALS

A)   Owner owns certain real property (the "Property or Properties") listed on
Exhibit A attached hereto.

B)   Owner and  Agent wish to agree with respect to management and other
services to be provided by the Agent with respect to  the Properties.

NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:

                                   ARTICLE I
                                       
                         GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1.01 TERM OF AGREEMENT.

     This Agreement shall be for a term (the "Term") commencing September 1,
1997 and terminating August 31, 1999, however, either party may terminate this
Agreement  upon at least sixty (60) days prior written notice to the other
party.

1.02 AGENTS - PROPERTY MANAGEMENT DUTIES AND AUTHORITY.

     A)   Agent shall take all reasonable actions to perform the following
duties in connection with management of the Properties:

          1.   Enforce the terms of tenant leases with respect to the
Properties, including, but not limited to collection of rents and other charges
payable by tenants, subject to Section 1.02 E.

          2.   Seek prospective tenants, negotiate the lease of vacant space 
and prepare appropriate lease documentation; however, all terms and 
conditions of a lease are subject to the approval of Owner and Owner shall 
execute all leases.

                                       1

<PAGE>

          3.   Settle disputes with tenants.

          4.   Pay all real estate taxes and assessments, personal property
taxes and other fees imposed upon or due with respect to the Properties.

          5.   Obtain casualty and liability insurance with respect to the
Properties with such coverage, deductibles and insurance companies approved by
the Owner, in accordance with Section 1.03.

          6.   Pay all casualty and liability insurance premiums with respect
to the Properties.

          7.   Pay all utility bills and other operating expenses of the
Properties not otherwise required to be paid by tenants.

          8.   Maintain and repair the Properties in a good and safe condition
to the extent not otherwise required to be maintained and repaired by the
tenants.

          9.   Supervise on-site personnel.

          10.  Maintain books and records of collections of rent and other sums
paid to Agent in connection with Agent's management of the Properties  and of
expenditures made by Agent in carrying out its duties and responsibilities
under this Section 1.02, and deliver monthly financial statements to Owner.

          11.  Hire brokers in connection with the sale or lease of properties
and enter into broker agreements, subject to Section 1.05 and 1.06.

          12.  Negotiate Purchase and Sale Agreements with respect to
Properties which Owner chooses to sell.  However, all terms and conditions of a
purchase and sale agreement are subject to the approval of the Owner and the
Owner shall execute all such agreements.

          13.  Take such other actions normally performed by a property
manager, for the orderly management of properties.

     B)   In carrying out its duties under paragraph A) above, the Agent is
authorized to:

          1.   Engage necessary professional services, including, but not
limited to accountants and attorneys, at the expense of the Owner.

          2.   Open one or more separate bank accounts (the "Agency
Account(s)"), into which all receipts will be deposited and from which all
disbursements will be made.

                                       2

<PAGE>

          3.   Enter into such contracts on behalf of Owner as Agent deems
appropriate in connection with carrying out its duties and exercising its
authority under this Article I.

     C)   All costs and expenses incurred by the Agent in carrying out its
duties under Section 1.02 (but not including Agent's normal overhead and
operating expenses or salaries of Agent's employees, for which Owner shall have
no responsibility) shall be paid from the Agency Account.  If the Agency
Account does not have sufficient funds to pay for an expenditure, the Owner
shall deposit into the Agency Account, an amount equal to such deficiency.
Under no circumstances whatsoever shall the Agent be required to advance its
own funds for any cost or expense.  In the event a single expenditure is
estimated to exceed Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000), the Agent shall obtain the
Owner's prior written approval for such expenditure.

     D)   Any "on-site" property manager or other personnel shall be employees
of the Owner and not the Agent.

     E)   No litigation (including administrative proceedings, arbitration or
court proceedings) concerning the Properties or Agent's management thereof
shall be commenced on behalf of Owner or Agent without Owner's prior written
consent.

1.03 INSURANCE.

     A)   The Agent shall maintain casualty (including earthquake) and
comprehensive general liability insurance on the Properties in the same form
and monetary levels that were in place on August 31, 1997.

     B)   Agent and Owner shall be named as co-insureds on all insurance
policies, as their interests may appear and there shall be cross-liability
endorsements.

1.04 INDEMNITY.

     A)   The Owner agrees to indemnify and save the Agent completely harmless
from any and all costs, expenses, attorneys' fees, suits, liabilities, damages
or claim for damages, including, but not limited to those arising out of any
injury or death to any person or persons or damage to any property of any kind
whatsoever and to whomever belonging, including Owner, in any way relating to
the management of the Properties by the Agent or the performance or exercise of
any of the duties, obligations, powers or authorities herein or hereafter
granted to the Agent, except for the negligence or willful misconduct of the
Agent or its employees and except for the Agent's breach of its covenants under
this Agreement.

     B)   The Agent agrees to indemnify and save the Owner completely harmless
from any and all costs, expenses, attorneys' fees, suits, liabilities, damages
or claim for damages, including, but not limited to those arising out of any
injury or death to any person or persons or damage to any property of any kind
whatsoever and to whomever

                                       3

<PAGE>

belonging, including Agent, caused by the negligence, or willful misconduct 
of the Agent or its employees in the performance or exercise of any of the 
duties, obligations, powers or authorities under this Agreement or hereafter 
granted to the Agent or caused by the Agent's breach of its covenants under 
this Agreement, except for the negligence or willful misconduct of the Owner 
or its employees or due to the Owner's breach of its covenants under this 
Agreement.  The Agent shall not be liable for any error of judgment or for 
any mistake of fact or law, or for anything which it may do or refrain from 
doing, except in cases of willful misconduct or negligence.

     C)   The provisions of paragraph A) and B) above shall not apply to the
extent the amount of the indemnity involved is covered by insurance.

1.05 COMPENSATION OF AGENT - PROPERTY MANAGEMENT.

     Owner shall pay Agent a management fee for each Property as follows:

     A)   Each Property with a minimum annual rent greater than Two Hundred
Thousand Dollars ($200,000) - fee equal to three percent (3%) of annual minimum
rent.

     B)   Each Property which is unimproved land - Two Thousand Four Hundred
Dollars ($2,400) per year.

     C)   Each Property not covered by A) or B) above - Six Thousand Dollars
($6,000) per year.

     Such compensation shall be payable in monthly installments in arrears for
each Property on the first day of each calendar month during the Term.

1.06 COMPENSATION OF AGENT - LEASING.

     In the event a lease is entered into to lease space in any of the
Properties and such lease is fully executed during the Term or within sixty
(60) days after the expiration of the Term, the Owner shall pay the Agent as
compensation with respect to such lease as follows:

          A)   On leases other than ground leases covered by paragraph B)
below, the fee shall be based upon the gross leasable floor area of the leased
premises as follows:

               1)   50,000 s.f. or more           $.50 per square foot
               2)   25,000 - 49,999 s.f.          $.75 per square foot
               3)   10,000 - 24,999 s.f.          $1.00 per square foot
               4)   Up to 9,999 s.f.              $1.25 per square foot

          B)   On ground leases, the fee shall be two percent (2%) multiplied
by the average fixed annual rent during the first five (5) lease years
beginning on the Rent Commencement Date, multiplied by the number of years
during the lease term, but not

                                       4

<PAGE>

more than ten (10) lease years, subject to the following:  Fixed annual rent 
shall NOT include taxes, utilities, insurance, maintenance, alterations, 
repairs, and other expenses paid by a tenant in connection with the premises, 
and shall not include cost of living increases or percentage rent.

          C)   The compensation due Agent under this Section 1.06 shall be due
and payable within ten (10) days after:

               (i)  Tenant has paid the first month's rent; and

               (ii) the Tenant has opened for business or the Tenant has paid
the first six (6) months rent.

          D)   Any agreements to pay commissions to any and all brokers shall
be approved, in advance, by Owner.  Broker fees are to be paid by Owner.

1.07 COMPENSATION OF AGENT - SALES.

     A)   In the event a purchase and sale agreement is entered into to sell
any portion or all of any Property and such agreement is fully executed during
the Term or within sixty (60) days after the expiration of the Term, then if
and when escrow closes, Owner shall pay the Agent, as compensation with respect
to such sale, an amount computed as follows:

          1)   Unimproved land - Two percent (2%) of the Purchase Price.

          2)   Milwaukee - Flat fee of Fifteen Thousand Dollars ($15,000) if
lease termination is negotiated prior to expiration of the lease term.

          3)   All other Properties - One and one-half percent (1.5%) of the
Purchase Price.

     B)   Any agreements to pay commissions to any and all brokers shall be
approved in advance by Owner.  Brokers fees are to be paid by Owner.

     C)   Notwithstanding the aforementioned, no compensation under this
Section 1.08 will be due to agent for properties that close prior to September
30, 1997.

                                  ARTICLE II
                                       
                             REAL ESTATE DEVELOPER
                                       
                                       
     2.01 PROJECT DEVELOPER.

          In the event the Owner and the Agent agree that the Agent is to be
the "Developer" of any of the Properties, then the provisions of this Article
II shall apply

                                       5

<PAGE>

(subject to modification and/or additional terms to be negotiated, as may be 
relevant to the particular Property or development which is involved), and 
the Agent will supervise and implement all development functions in 
connection with the development property from the initial planning stages 
through actual completion of construction.

          Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if at any time the
Owner wishes to terminate the Agent (whether or not due to cause), the Agent
shall be terminated as the developer solely at the Owner's election.

     2.02 COMPENSATION.

          A)   The Agent's total compensation for services rendered to as the
Developer ("Development Fee") shall be an amount equal to three percent (3%) of
all "Construction Costs" as defined below for each project developed by Agent
as provided herein.  In the event the Agent is terminated as the Developer
before a project is completed, the Agent shall be entitled to a Development Fee
based upon the amount of "Construction Costs" incurred as of the date of
termination.

          B)   The Development Fee for each project shall be paid as follows:
The Agent shall estimate the total Construction Costs as defined herein for the
project and the total number of months to complete the development of the
project from start to finish (the "Development Period").  The Owner shall pay
to the Agent, each month during the Development Period, an amount equal to the
product of the estimated total Construction Costs multiplied by three percent
(3%), divided by the number of months estimated to complete the Project.  Upon
completion of the Project, if the actual Construction Costs exceed the
estimated Construction Costs, then the Owner shall pay the Agent such
additional amount due for the Development Fee; or if, upon completion of the
Project,  the estimated Construction Costs exceed actual Construction Costs,
then the Developer shall refund to the Owner any excess Development Fee
received by the Agent.  For example, if Construction Costs are estimated to be
$100,000.00, and it is estimated that it will take one (1) year to complete the
Project, then the Agent would be paid $3,000.00 at the rate of Two Hundred
Fifty Dollars ($250.00) per month for twelve (12) months (or until completion
of the Project, whichever occurs first).  If the actual Construction Costs were
$200,000.00 and the estimated payments actually paid were $3,000.00, then the
Owner would pay the Agent an additional $3,000.00 ($200,000 x 3% = $6,000 -
$3,000) upon completion of the Project.  However, if the actual Construction
Costs were only $50,000.00, then the Agent would reimburse the Owner $1,500.00
upon completion of the Project.

          C)   The term "Construction Costs" shall mean:  The actual direct
cost of all work, labor, architectural and engineering fees, services and
materials consumed in the planning and construction of project improvements;
excluding, however:  work and labor performed by employees of Agent or any
related entity, overhead expenses of Agent or any related entity, development
permit fees and other similar fees paid to any governmental body, agency, or
utility company, interest, and marketing expenses.

                                       8

<PAGE>

     2.03 PLANS.

          A)   After the Agent and Owner have agreed that the Agent is to be
the Developer for a Property, Developer shall cause to be prepared and
submitted to the Owner, for its approval, an Overall Development Plan setting
forth in outline form the projected development of the real estate.  The
Overall Development Plan shall set forth the description of all major
buildings, streets, utilities, and other improvements to be made in the
development of the land and, to the extent possible, shall set forth the
separate Projects (as hereinafter defined) of the development, and shall
contain an estimate of the total cost thereof.

          B)   Within a reasonable time after the Overall Development Plan has
been approved by the Owner, Agent shall cause to be prepared and submitted to
the Owner, for its approval, a Project Development Plan for the Project to be
constructed.  As used herein the term "Project" shall mean and refer to an
individual building or complex of buildings which are developed as a unit,
along with the central or common facilities appurtenant in whole or in part
thereto.  Central or common facilities may be a part of one or more Projects.
The Project Development Plan for each Project shall set forth the following:

               (1)  Amount and location of the land to be used in the Project
("Project Land");

               (2)  Amount and location of the land, if any, to be used in the
construction of central or common facilities or site improvements in connection
with the Project ("Common Land");

               (3)  Description of buildings and other improvements to be
placed on the Project Land ("Project Improvements");

               (4)  Description of buildings and other improvements to be
placed on the Common Land ("Common Improvements");

               (5)  Anticipated use of the Project Improvements and the
estimated revenues therefrom;

               (6)  Estimated cost of constructing the Project Improvements,
including all on and off-site costs and all charges ordinarily classified as a
part of the construction costs of the building;

               (7)  Estimated cost of constructing the Common Improvements and
all charges ordinarily classified as a part of the construction costs of such
improvements;

                                       7

<PAGE>

               (8)  Cash flow projections for the Project; and

               (9)  All other information relative to the Project desired by
the Owner.

     2.04 CONSTRUCTION OF PROJECT.

          Within a reasonable time after the Project Development Plan for a
Project has been approved by the Owner, the Agent shall:

               A)   Cause to be prepared and submitted to the Owner, for its
approval, the detailed plans and specifications ("Plans and Specifications")
for such Project, and

               B)   After the Plans and Specifications have been approved by
the Owner, submit the Plans and Specifications to not less than three (3)
reputable independent contractors qualified to construct the Project
Improvements and Common Improvements for the Project for review and bidding,
and then

               C)   After approved by the Owner, accept the lowest and best bid
made by such contractors or resubmit the Plans and Specifications for re-
bidding until an acceptable bid is made, and then

               D)   Negotiate a construction contract with the successful
contractor and, when approved by the Owner, execute such contract on behalf of
the Owner and enforce the obligations of the contractor thereunder.

                                  ARTICLE III
                                       
                                 MISCELLANEOUS

     3.01 ARBITRATION OF DISPUTES.

          (A)  Any controversy or claim arising out of this Agreement, or any
breach of this Agreement, shall be settled by arbitration in accordance with
the Rules of the American Arbitration Association then in effect, as modified
by this Section 3.01 or by the further written agreement of the parties.

          (B)  Such arbitration shall be conducted in San Diego, California.

          (C)  Any judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrators may be
entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.  The arbitrators shall not,
under any circumstances, have any authority to award punitive, exemplary or
similar damages, and may not, in any event, make any ruling, finding or award
that does not conform to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

                                       8

<PAGE>

          (D)  Nothing contained in this Section 3.01 shall limit or restrict
in any way the right or power of a party at any time to seek injunctive relief
in any court and to litigate the issues relevant to such request for injunctive
relief before such court (i) to restrain the other party from breaching this
Agreement or (ii) for specific enforcement of this Section 3.01.  The parties
agree that any legal remedy available to a party with respect to a breach of
this Section 3.01 will not be adequate and that, in addition to all other legal
remedies, each party is entitled to an order specifically enforcing this
Section 3.01.

          (E)  The parties hereby consent to the jurisdiction of the federal
courts located in San Diego, California for all purposes under this Agreement.

          (F)  Neither party nor the arbitrators may disclose the existence or
results of any arbitration under this Agreement or any evidence presented
during the course of the arbitration without the prior written consent of both
parties, except as required to fulfill applicable disclosure and reporting
obligations, or as otherwise required by law.

          (G)  Each party shall bear its own expenses incurred in the
arbitration.  If either party refuses to submit to arbitration any dispute
required to be submitted to arbitration pursuant to this Section 3.01, and
instead commences any other proceeding, including, without limitation,
litigation, then the party who seeks enforcement of the obligation to arbitrate
shall be entitled to its attorneys' fees and costs incurred in any such
proceeding.

     3.02 INTEGRATION.

          This Agreement and the exhibits attached hereto shall constitute the
entire Agreement between Landlord and Tenant and supersede any and all prior
written or oral agreements, representations, and warranties between and among
the parties and their agents, with regard to the matters covered by this
Agreement.

     3.03 MODIFICATION.

          No modification, waiver, amendment, discharge, or change of this
Agreement shall be valid unless the same is in writing and signed by the party
against which the enforcement of such modification, waiver, amendment,
discharge, or change is or may be sought.

     3.04 SEVERABILITY.

          In the event any term, covenant, condition, provision, or agreement
contained herein is held to be invalid, void, or otherwise unenforceable, by
any court of competent jurisdiction, such holding shall in no way affect the
validity or enforceability of any other term, covenant, condition, provision,
or agreement contained herein.

                                       9

<PAGE>

     3.05 GOVERNING LAW.

          This Agreement and the obligation of the parties hereunder shall be
interpreted, construed, and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State
of California.

     3.06 TERMINOLOGY.

          All personal pronouns used in this Agreement, whether used in the
masculine, feminine, or neuter gender, shall include all other genders; the
singular shall include the plural and vice versa. "Business Day" means other
than Saturday, Sunday, or holiday. In the event that the time for performance
of an act under this  Agreement falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, the
date for performance of such act shall be extended to the next business day.

     3.07 BINDING EFFECT.

          Except as otherwise herein provided, this Agreement shall be binding
upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto, and their respective
successors and assigns.

     3.08 CAPTIONS.

          Article and section titles or captions contained herein are inserted
as a matter of convenience and for reference, and in no way define, limit,
extend, or describe the scope of this Agreement or any provisions hereof. All
reference to section numbers herein shall mean the sections of this Agreement.


       Executed  as of the date first written above.


AGENT                                        OWNER

PRICE ENTERPRISES, INC.                      PRICESMART, INC.


BY:_______________________                   BY:________________________


ITS:_______________________                  ITS:________________________


                                       10


<PAGE>

                           TRANSITIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT


    This Transitional Services Agreement (this "Agreement") is made as of this
___ day of August 1997 between Price Enterprises, Inc., a Delaware corporation
("PEI"), and PriceSmart, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("PriceSmart").

                                       RECITALS

    WHEREAS, pursuant to a Distribution Agreement dated as of August __, 1997,
(the "Distribution Agreement") between PEI and PriceSmart, PEI will separate its
real estate business and its merchandising businesses (the "Spin-off") by way of
(i) transfers of the merchandising businesses operated through PEI's
subsidiaries (the "Merchandising Businesses"), certain real properties held for
sale (the "Unsold Properties"), notes receivable from various municipalities and
agencies (the "City Notes") and secured notes receivable from buyers of
properties formerly owned by PEI (the "Other Notes," and together with the Other
Notes, the "Notes"), all cash balances of PEI, except for approximately $40
million in cash, and all other assets and liabilities of PEI not specifically
associated with PEI's core real estate business (collectively, the "PriceSmart
Business") to PriceSmart; (ii) a distribution by PriceSmart of all of the
outstanding shares of common stock, par value $.0001 per share, of PriceSmart
(the "PriceSmart Common Stock") to PEI; and (iii) a special dividend by PEI to
the stockholders of record of PEI's common stock, consisting of the distribution
on a one-for-four basis, of all of the outstanding shares of PriceSmart Common
Stock (the "Distribution"); and

         WHEREAS, a condition of the closing of the transactions contemplated
by the Distribution Agreement is that PEI and PriceSmart enter into, among other
things, a transitional services agreement pursuant to which PEI shall provide
certain services to PriceSmart and PriceSmart shall provide certain services to
PEI.

                                      AGREEMENT

    NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises and the mutual
covenants hereinafter set forth, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the
parties agree as follows:

    1. SERVICES.  PEI and PriceSmart hereby agree, subject to Section 6 below,
to cause their respective employees and to use their respective assets to
provide certain services to the other, including without limitation cash
management services, certain accounting services, litigation management and any
other similar services that PEI or PriceSmart may request.  Notwithstanding the
foregoing, all real estate services to be provided hereafter by PEI to
PriceSmart pursuant to a separate Asset Management and Disposition Agreement of
even date herewith shall be subject to the terms of such separate agreement and
not to this Agreement.  Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to restrict
either party to this Agreement from procuring any of the services to be provided
hereunder from outside vendors or from developing an in-house capability to
provide such services internally.

    2. CHARGES FOR SERVICES.  The charge for each service to be provided
hereunder shall be equal to the cost (which shall include indirect costs as well
as direct out of pocket expenses) of providing such service.  The cost of
providing a service shall be determined in good faith by the party to provide
such service (the "providing party").  Prior to providing a service, the
providing party shall give an estimate of the cost thereof to the other party,
so that the other party shall have the opportunity to decide whether to accept
such service before it is performed.
<PAGE>

    3. INVOICE AND PAYMENT.  Each party shall invoice the other once each month
for the services performed during the prior month and each party shall pay the
other for such services not later than ten (10) days from the receipt of
invoice.

    4. OUTSIDE SERVICES.  In the event that the providing party is required to
retain outside consultant/contractor assistance to perform any of the services
hereunder, the providing party shall first obtain the consent of the other party
to such retention and the other party shall pay directly the fees of such
consultant/contractor.  The providing party shall not be held responsible for
the performance of such consultant/contractor services and the other party
assumes the risk thereof.

    5. CONTRACTUAL RELATIONSHIP.  The relationship between PEI and PriceSmart
under this Agreement shall be that of principal and agent in respect of the
services to be performed hereunder.  In no event is the relationship of the
parties intended to be that of employer and employee and in no event is either
party to be deemed or purported to be the partner or joint venturer of the other
for any purpose whatsoever.

    6. TERM.  The term of this Agreement shall expire on December 31, 1997;
provided, however, that each party shall have the right, upon fourteen (14) days
advance notice to the other, to terminate all or part of the services it
performs hereunder.  Upon the termination of all services, payment therefor and
payment of all consultants/contractors, this Agreement shall terminate.

    7. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY.  Neither party shall have any liability
whatsoever to the other party or to any third party for any loss, liability,
damage, cost or deficiency (collectively, "Losses"), or for any claim for
Losses, including, without limitation, Losses or claims for personal injury,
death or property damage, warranty, tort or products liability, resulting from,
caused by or arising out of a party's performance under this Agreement except
for claims arising out of the negligence or willful default or breach of such
party hereunder.  In no event shall any party have liability to the other party
or to any third party for indirect, special or consequential damages or loss of
profits (except with respect to its willful default or breach), or for punitive
damages for any reason whatsoever.

    8. NOTICES.  All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in
writing and shall be delivered by hand or mailed by registered or certified mail
(return receipt requested) to the parties at the following addresses (or at such
other addresses for a party as shall be specified by like notice) and shall be
deemed given on the date on which such notice is received:

         To PriceSmart:

              PriceSmart, Inc.
              4649 Morena Boulevard
              San Diego, California  92117
              Attention: Robert M. Gans


                                          2
<PAGE>

         To PEI:

              Price Enterprises, Inc.
              4649 Morena Boulevard
              San Diego, California 92117
              Attention: Jack McGrory

    9. ASSIGNMENT.  This Agreement and all of the provisions hereof shall be
binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective
successors and permitted assigns but neither this Agreement nor any of the
rights, interests or obligations hereunder shall be assigned by any party hereto
without the prior written consent of the other party (other than to an
affiliate).  Any purported assignment in violation of the provisions hereof
shall be void.

    10. GOVERNING LAW.  This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the
State of California (regardless of the laws that might otherwise govern under
applicable California conflict of laws principles) as to all matters, including
but not limited to matters of validity, construction, effect, performance and
remedies.

    11. COUNTERPARTS.  This Agreement may be executed in two or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which
together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

    12. INTERPRETATION.  The article and section headings contained in this
Agreement are solely for the purpose of reference, are not part of the agreement
of the parties and shall not in any way affect the meaning or interpretation of
this Agreement.

    13. SEVERANCE.  In the event that any provision of this Agreement is
declared illegal, invalid or unenforceable or contrary to law, it shall not
affect any other provision in the Agreement.

    14. ENTIRE AGREEMENT.  This Agreement embodies the entire agreement and
understanding of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter hereof.
This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings between the
parties with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby.

    15. DISPUTES.  Any disputes arising under this Agreement shall be resolved
by binding arbitration in the manner contemplated by Section 9.13 of the
Distribution Agreement, including the attorneys' fees provision referenced
therein.


                                          3
<PAGE>

    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of PEI and PriceSmart has caused this Agreement to
be executed by its duly authorized officer as of the date first above written.


                                       PRICE ENTERPRISES, INC.


                                       By:
                                              -----------------------------
                                       Name:
                                              -----------------------------
                                       Title:
                                              -----------------------------




                                       PRICESMART, INC.



                                       By:
                                              -----------------------------
                                       Name:
                                              -----------------------------
                                       Title:
                                              -----------------------------


                                          4

<PAGE>

                                                                 EXHIBIT 21.1

LIST OF SUBSIDIARIES

    The following table sets forth a list of the Company's subsidiaries as of 
the Distribution Date:

                              JURISDICTION OF
NAME                          INCORPORATION/ORGANIZATION          DBA
- ----                          --------------------------          ---
Ventures Services Inc.       Delaware                            PriceSmart
                                                                  PriceCostco

PriceCosto de Panama, S.A.    Panama                              PriceCostco

P.B. Real Estate, S.A.        Panama     


<PAGE>

                                                            EXHBIT 23.1


               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Amendment No. 2 to Form 10 
of our report dated July 2, 1997, with respect to the combined financial 
statements and schedule of PriceSmart, Inc. appearing in this Information 
Statement dated August 13, 1997.

Our audits also included the financial statement schedule of PriceSmart, Inc.
listed in Item 15(a).  This schedule is the responsibility of PriceSmart, 
Inc.'s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion based on our 
audits. In our opinion, the financial statement schedule referred to above, when
considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole,
presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.




                                             ERNST & YOUNG LLP


San Diego, California
August 13, 1997


 

<PAGE>

                                                                  EXHIBIT 23.2


                        [LATHAM & WATKINS LETTERHEAD]


                               August 13, 1997


     We hereby consent to the use of our name in the registration statement 
on Form 10 (the "Registration Statement") filed by PriceSmart, Inc., a 
Delaware corporation (the "Company"), with the Securities and Exchange 
Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, for the 
registration of shares of its Common Stock, $.0001 par value per share, under 
the caption "THE DISTRIBUTION--Material Federal Income Tax Consequences of 
the Distribution."

                                       Very truly yours,


                                       /s/ LATHAM & WATKINS
                                       --------------------
                                       Latham & Watkins




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